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10 Best AR scopes 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Vortex Optics CF2-31015 Vortex Crossfire 2 4-12x44 Riflescope Deadhold BDC MOA , Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,412
Magnification
Reticle
Field of View

Most important from
13657 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers clear and bright optics that remain sharp and detailed across the entire magnification range.
Reticle
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is effective for estimating bullet drop and supports accurate shots out to around 500 yards when paired with ballistic calculations.
Field of View
Ideal for mid-range shooting and varmint hunting, the scope balances magnification and field of view without adding bulk to lighter rifles.
Eye Relief
Generous eye relief provides a comfortable sight picture without the restrictive 'soda straw' effect, even at full zoom.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Its rugged construction and lifetime warranty make it a reliable choice for hunters and shooters who need durability in tough outdoor conditions.

The Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44 riflescope is a solid choice for AR owners who want versatility for mid-range shooting and hunting. Its 4-12x magnification range offers flexibility, letting you zoom in for detailed shots or zoom out for a wider view. The 44mm objective lens provides a good balance, gathering enough light to give clear, bright images without making the scope too bulky. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is designed to help estimate bullet drop at different distances, which is handy if you’re hunting or shooting at varying ranges without complex adjustments. With a field of view of about 24.7 feet at 100 yards, you get a decent sight picture that helps track moving targets. Eye relief is generous at over 115mm, making it comfortable and safe to use with rifles that have a bit more recoil or a heavier setup.

The scope’s construction is sturdy, using aircraft-grade aluminum with O-ring seals and nitrogen purging to keep water, dust, and fog out, so it can handle tough outdoor conditions well. One thing to keep in mind is that the reticle is not illuminated, and the scope doesn’t support night vision. Also, while it’s very durable and offers lifetime warranty coverage, the weight of around 17 ounces might be noticeable on lighter AR platforms.

This riflescope suits hunters and shooters who want a reliable, clear optic with useful range compensation features in a rugged package without extra high-tech complexity.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,412
Magnification
Reticle
Field of View

Most important from
13657 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers clear and bright optics that remain sharp and detailed across the entire magnification range.
Reticle
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is effective for estimating bullet drop and supports accurate shots out to around 500 yards when paired with ballistic calculations.
Field of View
Ideal for mid-range shooting and varmint hunting, the scope balances magnification and field of view without adding bulk to lighter rifles.
Eye Relief
Generous eye relief provides a comfortable sight picture without the restrictive 'soda straw' effect, even at full zoom.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Its rugged construction and lifetime warranty make it a reliable choice for hunters and shooters who need durability in tough outdoor conditions.
#2

Trijicon ACOG 4 x 32 Scope USMC Rifle Combat Optic for A4

Rating
9.7
Reticle
Eye Relief
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
85 reviews

Reticle
The reticle's brightness can be overwhelming in bright daylight, so it's advisable to tape up part of the fiber optic tube.
Eye Relief
Zeroing is straightforward, but be mindful of the eye relief; it's not like your typical hunting rifle scope.
Durability and Weather Resistance
It's incredibly durable and recruit-proof, so you don't have to handle it with kid gloves.

The Trijicon ACOG 4 x 32 Scope USMC Rifle Combat Optic for A4 is a highly durable and combat-proven AR scope. Its magnification ranges from 3x to 4x, offering versatility for different shooting distances. The reticle is illuminated without a battery using tritium and fiber optics, which automatically adjusts based on light conditions, ensuring visibility at all times. The objective lens diameter is 40mm, providing a clear and bright field of view.

The eye relief is somewhat limited at 1.5 inches, which might be less comfortable for certain shooters, especially those requiring glasses or wanting a safer distance from recoil, but still within acceptable range for many users. The scope's rugged aluminum-alloy housing makes it almost indestructible, suitable for harsh combat environments. The bullet drop compensating and ranging reticles are specifically designed for the USMC's M16A4 weapon system, making it highly specialized for this type of rifle.

While it is not equipped with night vision, the scope’s performance in low light conditions is commendable due to the illuminated reticle. Users looking for a robust and reliable scope for combat or hunting will benefit most from this product, though those needing longer eye relief might need to consider alternative options.

Rating
9.7
Reticle
Eye Relief
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
85 reviews

Reticle
The reticle's brightness can be overwhelming in bright daylight, so it's advisable to tape up part of the fiber optic tube.
Eye Relief
Zeroing is straightforward, but be mindful of the eye relief; it's not like your typical hunting rifle scope.
Durability and Weather Resistance
It's incredibly durable and recruit-proof, so you don't have to handle it with kid gloves.
#3

ZEISS LRP S3 6-36x56 First Focal Plane MOA Riflescope with Illuminated Reticle

Rating
9.4
Eye Relief

Most important from
15 reviews

Eye Relief
The glass is the best out of all the scopes I've tried, with precise adjustments and forgiving eye-relief.

The ZEISS LRP S3 6-36x56 First Focal Plane MOA Riflescope is designed for those passionate about long-range shooting and hunting. With a magnification range from 6x to 36x, it provides versatility whether you're aiming close or far. The 56mm objective lens and advanced optics, featuring Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass and ZEISS T* multi-coated lenses, ensure a bright and clear view with impressive 90% light transmission. This means better performance in low light conditions, which is crucial for hunting at dawn or dusk.

The illuminated reticle, visible even in daylight, enhances accuracy with customizable red or green illumination options and five intensity levels, focusing on the center section for precision aiming. Additionally, the first focal plane design means that the reticle scales correctly with magnification, keeping your aim consistent at all ranges. One of the standout features is its total elevation travel of 110 MOA, making it excellent for extreme long-range adjustments. The Ballistic Stop provides a reliable return to zero, and the External Locking Windage Turret allows for quick and secure windage adjustments.

Durability is another strong point – with a 34mm main tube and a design that withstands up to 1,500 g-force shocks, it's built to last. However, weighing in at 39.1 ounces, it is on the heavier side, which might be a drawback for those looking to minimize added weight to their rifles. Despite the substantial investment, this riflescope offers a robust feature set for serious shooters and hunters.

Rating
9.4
Eye Relief

Most important from
15 reviews

Eye Relief
The glass is the best out of all the scopes I've tried, with precise adjustments and forgiving eye-relief.

Buying Guide for the Best AR scopes

Choosing the right AR (Augmented Reality) scope can significantly enhance your shooting experience by providing advanced targeting and situational awareness. When selecting an AR scope, it's important to consider various specifications that will impact its performance and suitability for your needs. Understanding these key specs will help you make an informed decision and ensure that you get the best fit for your specific requirements.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because it determines how well you can see and aim at distant targets. Magnification values are usually represented as a range, such as 1-4x or 3-9x. Lower magnification (1-4x) is suitable for close to mid-range shooting, providing a wider field of view and quicker target acquisition. Higher magnification (5-10x and above) is better for long-range shooting, allowing you to see distant targets more clearly. Choose the magnification based on the typical distance of your shooting activities.
ReticleThe reticle is the crosshair or aiming point you see when looking through the scope. It is crucial for accurate targeting. Reticles come in various designs, such as duplex, mil-dot, and BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator). A simple duplex reticle is easy to use and suitable for general shooting. A mil-dot reticle helps with range estimation and windage adjustments, making it ideal for tactical and long-range shooting. A BDC reticle is designed to compensate for bullet drop at different distances, useful for hunting and long-range shooting. Choose a reticle that matches your shooting style and needs.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting image brightness and clarity. Larger diameters (40mm and above) allow more light, providing a brighter image, especially in low-light conditions. However, larger lenses can make the scope heavier and bulkier. Smaller diameters (20-32mm) are more compact and lighter but may not perform as well in low light. Choose the objective lens size based on your need for brightness and portability.
Field of ViewField of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the scope at a specific distance, usually measured in feet at 100 yards. A wider FOV is important for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. Scopes with lower magnification typically offer a wider FOV, making them suitable for close-range and dynamic shooting scenarios. Higher magnification scopes have a narrower FOV, which is less ideal for moving targets but better for precise long-range shots. Consider your shooting environment and whether you need to track moving targets when choosing the FOV.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope's eyepiece where you can see the full image. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with high-recoil firearms. Longer eye relief (3-4 inches or more) provides a safer distance from the scope, reducing the risk of injury from recoil. Shorter eye relief (less than 3 inches) may be acceptable for low-recoil firearms but can be uncomfortable and risky with higher recoil. Choose a scope with adequate eye relief based on the recoil of your firearm and your comfort preferences.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance refer to the scope's ability to withstand harsh conditions and rough handling. This is important for ensuring the scope's longevity and reliability in various environments. Look for scopes that are shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof. These features ensure that the scope can handle impacts, resist water damage, and maintain clear visibility in humid or rainy conditions. Choose a scope with robust durability and weather resistance if you plan to use it in challenging outdoor conditions or for rugged activities.

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