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10 Best AR 15 scopes 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

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

The Trijicon ACOG 4 x 32 Scope is a versatile and robust choice for those needing a reliable AR-15 scope. It features a magnification range from 3x to 4x, which is suitable for mid-range shooting. The objective lens diameter of 40mm ensures clear and bright images. One of its standout features is the tritium/fiber optic illuminated reticle that adjusts brightness based on available light, making it advantageous for various lighting conditions without needing batteries. The red Chevron ranging reticle aids in bullet drop compensation up to 800 meters, enhancing long-range accuracy, particularly when paired with the USMC's M16A4 weapon system.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,250
Reticle Type
Eye Relief

Most important from
87 reviews

Reticle Type
The A4 reticle works exceptionally well for 55-grain projectiles at 3100fps in 100-yard increments.
Eye Relief
The scope is easy to zero, but the eye relief requires you to get close, which might be uncomfortable with body armor or a solid stock.
#2
8.8 score

EOTECH Holographic Weapon Sight EXPS3-0ODGRN

The EOTECH EXPS3-0ODGRN is a holographic weapon sight designed to fit well on AR-15 rifles, especially for those looking for quick target acquisition and compatibility with night vision gear. Unlike traditional scopes with magnification, this sight offers a 68 MOA ring combined with a 1 MOA dot reticle, providing a clear aiming point without zooming in. This makes it great for close to mid-range shooting where speed and accuracy are key. The sight has a generous eye relief, so you don’t have to position your head perfectly to see the reticle clearly, which adds to comfort and faster aiming.

Rating
8.8
Magnification
Reticle Type
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
1382 reviews

Magnification
The holographic design is especially effective for users with 20/20 vision, providing a sharp aiming point without magnification.
Reticle Type
This sight delivers clear and quick target acquisition with a crisp reticle that's easy to sight in.
Turrets and Adjustments
Its compatibility with night vision gear and adjustable brightness levels make it ideal for low-light tactical use.
#3
8.5 score

ATN Thor LTV Ultra Light Thermal Hunting Scope, 4K+ 4056x3040 Thermal Sensor, 4K Video Record, One Shot Zero, 10h+ Battery Power

The ATN Thor LTV is a thermal scope designed primarily for hunting and shooting in low-light or no-light conditions. It offers a useful magnification range of 5x to 15x, which covers most general hunting scenarios. The 160x120 thermal sensor with a 12-micron pixel size delivers clear thermal images, enhanced further by SharpIR technology for sharper, more detailed views. This is especially helpful for spotting animals in dense cover or total darkness. Eye relief is generous at 90mm, providing comfortable viewing without straining your eye, and the scope weighs about 1.4 pounds, making it light enough to mount on most rifles without affecting balance.

Rating
8.5
Reticle Type
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
78 reviews

Reticle Type
Multiple color reticle options enhance usability and customization for different shooting preferences.
Turrets and Adjustments
Setup is straightforward and quick, with features like One Shot Zero simplifying zeroing in on your target.

Top 10 Best AR 15 scopes 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

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

Magnification: 3x to 4x
Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
Reticle Type: Red Chevron reticle
Eye Relief: 1.5 Inches

Chosen by 1250 this week

Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 (30mm) Mil CDS-ZL2 Side Focus HTMR Reticle Riflescope

Magnification: 3-15x
Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
Reticle Type: Second Focal Plane, HTMR
Field of View: 38.3 Feet
Turrets and Adjustments: CDS-ZL2, ZeroLock, bullet-drop dial

Vortex Optics Venom 3-15x44 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-7C (MRAD) Reticle

Magnification: 3-15x
Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
Reticle Type: EBR-7C
Eye Relief: 3.7 Inches
Field of View: 8.4 Feet
Turrets and Adjustments: Capped windage, exposed elevation, RevStop Zero

Nightforce Competition 15-55x52mm ZeroStop .125 MOA FCR-1 Reticle Scope

Magnification: 15-55x
Objective Lens Diameter: 52 mm
Reticle Type: FCR-1
Turrets and Adjustments: ZeroStop, Hi-Speed, .125 MOA clicks
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Buying Guide for the Best AR 15 scopes

Choosing the right AR-15 scope can significantly enhance your shooting experience, whether you're into hunting, target shooting, or tactical applications. The right scope will improve your accuracy, range, and overall performance. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your specific needs and preferences.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is crucial because it determines how well you can see your target at various distances. Scopes typically come with fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes are simpler and more durable, while variable magnification scopes offer flexibility for different shooting scenarios. For close-range shooting (up to 100 yards), a 1-4x scope is sufficient. For medium-range (100-300 yards), a 4-9x scope works well. For long-range shooting (beyond 300 yards), consider a scope with 10x or higher magnification. Choose based on the typical distance you expect to shoot.
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 (e.g., 40mm or more) allow more light, which is beneficial in low-light conditions but can make the scope bulkier and heavier. Smaller diameters (e.g., 20-32mm) are lighter and more compact but may not perform as well in dim lighting. Consider where and when you'll be shooting to determine the right balance between light transmission and portability.
Reticle TypeThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle types serve different purposes. Simple duplex reticles are great for general use and hunting. Mil-dot and BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticles are useful for long-range shooting and estimating distance. Illuminated reticles help in low-light conditions. Choose a reticle based on your primary shooting activity: for general use, a duplex reticle is sufficient; for precision shooting, consider a mil-dot or BDC reticle; for low-light conditions, an illuminated reticle is beneficial.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope's eyepiece where you can see the full field of view. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with the recoil of an AR-15. Scopes with longer eye relief (3-4 inches or more) are more comfortable and safer, reducing the risk of 'scope eye' from recoil. Shorter eye relief (less than 3 inches) can be more challenging to use and may not be suitable for high-recoil situations. Consider your comfort and the recoil of your rifle when choosing eye relief.
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 allows you to see more of the target area, which is beneficial for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. Scopes with higher magnification typically have a narrower FOV. For close to medium-range shooting, a wider FOV (e.g., 30 feet or more at 100 yards) is advantageous. For long-range precision shooting, a narrower FOV is acceptable. Choose based on whether you need to track moving targets or focus on precise shots.
Turrets and AdjustmentsTurrets are the knobs on the scope that allow you to adjust the windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down) of the reticle. This is important for zeroing your scope and making precise adjustments based on shooting conditions. There are two main types: capped turrets, which are protected and less likely to be accidentally moved, and exposed turrets, which are easier to adjust quickly. For hunting and general use, capped turrets are usually sufficient. For tactical and long-range shooting, exposed turrets with precise, tactile clicks are preferable. Consider how often you'll need to make adjustments in the field.

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