The AR 15 rifle is often considered one of the most versatile rifles made. The AR 15 rifle has been described by some people as an everyman’s rifle. Since it is a multipurpose rifle, it is challenging to recommend just one or two scopes for it. So we have provided a list of our 5 recommendations for the best scope for ar15.

The question most often asked about the rifle is which is the best AR 15 scope for the money? Well to answer the question, you must first ask yourself, “what type of shooting will I be doing with the rifle?” Will you use the rifle and scope combination for short range or long range shooting?

The scope you buy will actually determine which type of shooting will work best with your rifle and scope combination. There are so many different scopes on the market today that selecting the right one for you can be a difficult and frustrating process.

Whether you need a scope for hunting, for home defense or for tactical shooting, you are in luck because we have done the work for you. We have thoroughly evaluated many of the best ar 15 scopes and now have put together a one-stop-shop list that will help you quickly determine which scope will be the best hunting scope for your situation and needs.

1. The Leupold Mark AR MOD 1 3-9x40mm P5 Dial riflescope

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope, Rimfire MOA Reticle, Matte Finish
  • Outer lens surfaces are scratch resistant to military...
  • 1/4 MOA precision finger click adjustments for windage and...
  • Versatile 3:1 zoom ratio erector system is ideal for...
  • Waterproof, fogproof and shockproof
  • Durable 1"; main tube constructed from aircraft quality...

This riflescope has many of the same features as the previous scope. It comes with a one inch maintube and like the other scope uses the quantum optical system. In additiona, this 3-9x40mm scope comes with the Multicoat 4 proprietary lens coating system that provides crystal clear images. The Leupold Mark AR MOD 1 3-9x40mm P5 Dial riflescope is available with a Fine Duplex Reticle, a Mil-Dot Reticle and a Firedot-G TMR (Illuminated) Reticle.

2. The Leupold Mark AR MOD 1 1.5-4x20mm P5 Dial scope

Sale
Leupold BX-1 McKenzie HD Binoculars, 8x42mm (181172)
  • Model #181172 - BX-1 McKenzie HD 8x42mm binoculars in Shadow...
  • 100% Waterproof and fogproof and backed by Leupold's...
  • Fully multi-coated lens system ensures maximum brightness...
  • BAK 4 Prisms deliver a perfectly round exit pupil with...
  • Open bridge, roof prism design - Extremely lightweight and...

This new tactical optic from Leupold gets every bit of accuracy potential from your MSR/AR or bolt action rifle. This scope was built for the most demanding shooters for any situation. This riflescope comes with the same Multicoat 4 proprietary lens coating system as the previous recommendations.

Leupold pioneered riflescope waterproofing and the waterproofing on this model exceeds the company’s own standards. The Leupold Mark AR MOD 1 1.5-4x20mm P5 Dial scope  is available with a Fine Duplex Reticle and a Firedot-G TMR (Illuminated) Reticle.

3. Nikon M-223 2.5-10x40 Laser IRT Black Matte Riflescope

Nikon M-223 2.5-10x40 Laser IRT Black Matte Riflescope (BDC 600)
  • Precise riflescope with 2.5 to 10x magnification and 40mm...
  • Immediate Ranging Technology ranges and displays distance to...
  • BDC 600 reticle gives shooters unique open circle aiming...
  • Generous 3.5 inches of eye relief; Ultra ClearCoat optical...
  • Zero-reset turret; low-profile mounting system; measures...

Nikon is another leader in hunting optics industry. The M-223 riflescope helps you to lock onto your target and take your shot in just seconds. You can achieve this all without lifting your cheek from the gun stock. The M-223 2.5-10×40 Laser scope is outfitted with Nikon’s Immediate Ranging Technology (IRT), which combines the speed and precision of a Nikon rangefinder with the accuracy potential of a standard M-223 scope.

All you have to do is put the reticle on your target, press the scope’s patented one-touch activator button, and select the proper ballistic circle on the BDC reticle. The one-touch laser technology will keep ranging and displaying the distance for 12 seconds, so you have plenty of time to line up your shot. The M-223 scope also includes a BDC 600 reticle.

4. Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x 24mm BTR-1 riflescope

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Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm Riflescope with FFP Drop Zone-223 BCD Reticle, Waterproof and...
  • The feature-packed Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24 gives you the...
  • Exposed turrets allow you to dial for windage and elevation...
  • Fully Multi Coated - Multiple layers of anti-reflective...
  • Features a Throw Down PCL power change lever that you can...
  • Bushnell Lifetime Ironclad Warranty. The Ironclad Warranty...

The Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x 24mm BTR-1 riflescope comes with an illuminated BTR reticle that provides superior low light performance and accurate holdovers out to 500 yards. Make lightning quick power changes with the Throw Down PCL lever.

All of the air-to-glass surfaces have multiple layers of anti-reflective coating on them. The multi-coated optical system delivers bright, high contrast images with minimal eye strain because only a small percentage of light is lost before it reaches the shooter’s eye.

This riflescope is comes with waterproof and fogproof protection. These models can be submerged in water and not be damaged. In addition, the interior optical surfaces won’t fog as a result of rapid changes in temperature or humidity.

What is the Best Scope for AR 15?

A riflescope is the most important piece of equipment needed to improve the accuracy of your shot whether you are hunting for wild game, using for self-defense or just out on the practice shooting at targets.  In every situation, top rifle scopes will help hit your target much easier than lining up your standard iron sights.

In the old days before technological advances made out lives so much easier, it would be necessary for shooters to line up the rear sight, front sight and then finally the target before even shooting their gun. With the best rifle scopes, all you have to do is to line up the target in the crosshairs and fire away. It is so much easier today than in the past.

Plus the best rifle scopes include a magnification feature which makes the target to appear closer than it really is to ensure the shot hits the target precisely on the bull’s eye.

1. Magnification

Several lenses are used to refract incoming light from the target which in turn provides a magnified image of the target. The main reason for using a scope is to be able to see your target better when the target may be far away. Magnification is the way the scope makes this happen.

There are two magnification types for rifle scopes. A riflescope can have either variable or fixed magnification. A scope that has a magnification range like 3x-9x meaning the scope has a variable magnification of 3x to 9x the naked eye is a variable magnification. A fixed magnification has only one setting and cannot be adjusted. Variable magnification is preferred over fixed because you can easily adjust the magnification as needed for target distance.

2. Objective Lens

The diameter of the objective lens is an important part of the best scope for ar15 rifles because it determines how much light can be gathered to form an image. When a scope’s magnification is increased, the field of view becomes smaller and the image of the target gets dimmer.
A large diameter lens is used to gather as much light as possible to compensate for the loss of light on the target. The typical lens diameter on most scopes are in the 30 – 40 mm range. However, you can find some scopes with a 50 mm lens diameter.

3. The Ultimate Riflescope Comparison Guide

The rifle scope reviews discussed above are just a small cross section of the gun scope reviews provided on this website. Take your time to read the reviews and discover which riflescope will best fit your needs.

Also, the Ultimate Riflescope Comparison Guide provides an extensive list of the gun scopes that can fit your needs. The guide provides an interactive list of features to help you find the right scope. Please visit that page for more information.

Now it’s Time to Make a Choice

Now that you have spent your valuable time learning about each scope’s features and reviewed our top picks, it’s time for you to choose the best scope that meets your needs and is within your budget to provide with the right equipment needed for a successful hunting season.

As you know, new models of riflescopes are being manufactured each year. Because of this reason, the comparison guide will be revised as new scopes are brought on the market for sale.

Featured Image: blog.cheaperthandirt.com

About the Author Anton Scharff

Anton is a hunting expert who respects nature. Ask him anything about large game. Lover of the great outdoors.

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