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10 Best sniper AR 15 scopes 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Vortex Optics Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC Reticle Riflescope, 3-9x40, Black (CF2-31007)

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC Reticle Riflescope, 3-9x40, is a versatile and reliable option for AR-15 snipers. With a magnification range of 3x to 9x and an objective lens diameter of 40mm, it offers flexibility for various hunting and shooting scenarios. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is particularly beneficial for estimating holdovers, which is crucial for accuracy at varying distances. One of the standout features is the long eye relief of 3.8 inches and an ultra-forgiving eye box, allowing quick target acquisition and a comfortable shooting experience.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,270
Reticle
Turrets
Eye Relief

Most important from
13567 reviews

Reticle
The glass is impressively clear, and the reticle remains crisp, offering accurate and consistent adjustments.
Turrets
While the turrets lack an audible click, the adjustments are still easy to feel and make.
Eye Relief
Great eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box make for a comfortable shooting experience with a full image view.
#2
10.0 score

Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 Rifle Scope, V-Brite Reticle , black

The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 is a solid choice for an AR-15 sniper scope, especially for hunters and shooters who want a reliable and clear sighting tool. Its 3-9x magnification range offers good flexibility, allowing you to zoom in enough for precision at medium distances without losing the wider view needed for quick target acquisition. The 40mm objective lens balances brightness and size well, providing a clear image without making the scope too bulky. The V-Brite illuminated V-Plex reticle brightens the center dot with battery power, making it easier to spot your target in low light conditions.

Rating
10.0
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle

Most important from
13567 reviews

Magnification
The magnification range provides a great field of view, avoiding the narrow 'soda straw' effect common in higher zoom scopes.
Objective Lens Diameter
Adjustable objective and clear reticle allow effective use of ballistic drop compensators when paired with proper handloads.
Reticle
The illuminated reticle improves target visibility in low light, enhancing shooting confidence during dawn or dusk.
Turrets
While the turrets function adequately, they are not suited for precise tactical adjustments at longer ranges.
Eye Relief
Generous eye relief and a wide eye box make quick target acquisition easy without perfect eye positioning.
#3
9.4 score

ATN X-Sight 5 Smart Day/Night Gen 5 Scope w/Ballistics Calc, 12MP Resolution, Video Record, Wi-Fi, 14hrs+ Battery

The ATN X-Sight 5 is a digital smart scope designed for hunters and shooters seeking a combination of traditional magnification and modern technology. It offers a magnification range from 3x to 15x, suitable for many shooting distances including those common for AR-15 users. Featuring a high-definition 12MP sensor and Ultra HD 4K+ resolution, it provides very clear and vivid images both day and night through its enhanced night vision mode. This makes it especially effective for low-light or nighttime shooting where typical scopes might struggle.

Rating
9.4
Reticle

Most important from
3314 reviews

Reticle
The optics deliver crystal clear images with reticles that remain easy to use both day and night, ensuring precise aiming in various conditions.

Top 10 Best sniper AR 15 scopes 2025 in the United States

Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 Rifle Scope, V-Brite Reticle , black

Magnification: 3-9x
Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
Reticle: V-Brite illuminated V-Plex
Turrets: functional
Eye Relief: generous
Parallax Adjustment: none

Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Illum. FireDot Duplex Reticle Riflescope

Magnification: 3-15x
Objective Lens Diameter: 44mm
Reticle: Illuminated FireDot Duplex
Turrets: CDS-ZL2 turret with push-button lock
Parallax Adjustment: Side focus

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

Magnification: 3-15x
Objective Lens Diameter: 44mm
Reticle: EBR-7C (MRAD)
Turrets: Capped windage, exposed elevation
Eye Relief: 3.7 inches
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Buying Guide for the Best sniper AR 15 scopes

Choosing the right sniper scope for your AR-15 can significantly enhance your shooting accuracy and overall experience. The right scope will depend on your specific needs, such as the type of shooting you plan to do (e.g., hunting, target shooting, tactical use), the distances you will be shooting at, and your personal preferences. Understanding the key specifications of sniper scopes will help you make an informed decision and select the best fit for your AR-15.
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. Scopes typically have either fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes have a single magnification level, such as 4x, which means the target appears four times closer. Variable magnification scopes, like 3-9x, allow you to adjust the magnification within a range. For short to medium-range shooting (up to 300 yards), a lower magnification (1-4x) is sufficient. For longer ranges (300-600 yards), a medium magnification (4-12x) is ideal. For very long-range shooting (beyond 600 yards), higher magnification (12x and above) is necessary. Choose a magnification range based on the distances you plan to shoot and the level of detail you need to see.
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 the brightness and clarity of the image. Larger objective lenses (e.g., 50mm) allow more light to enter, providing a brighter image, especially in low-light conditions. However, they can also make the scope heavier and bulkier. Smaller objective lenses (e.g., 32mm) are lighter and more compact but may not perform as well in low-light situations. If you plan to shoot in various lighting conditions, a larger objective lens may be beneficial. For general use and better portability, a smaller objective lens might be more suitable.
ReticleThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle designs serve different purposes. Common types include duplex, mil-dot, and BDC (bullet drop compensator) reticles. Duplex reticles are simple and easy to use, making them ideal for general shooting and hunting. Mil-dot reticles have dots along the crosshairs that help estimate range and bullet drop, useful for long-range and tactical shooting. BDC reticles have markings that correspond to specific distances, allowing for quick adjustments without manual calculations. Choose a reticle based on your shooting style and the level of precision you need.
TurretsTurrets are the knobs on the scope that allow you to adjust the windage (horizontal) and elevation (vertical) settings. This is important for zeroing your scope and making precise adjustments based on shooting conditions. There are two main types of turrets: capped and exposed. Capped turrets are covered and protect the settings from being accidentally changed, suitable for hunting and general use. Exposed turrets are easier to adjust quickly and are preferred for tactical and long-range shooting where frequent adjustments are needed. Consider how often you will need to make adjustments and choose the turret type that best fits your needs.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope's eyepiece while still seeing the full field of view. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with high-recoil rifles. Longer eye relief (3-4 inches) provides more flexibility in positioning your eye and reduces the risk of scope eye (injury from the scope hitting your face). Shorter eye relief (less than 3 inches) may offer a wider field of view but requires more precise eye placement. For AR-15 rifles, which generally have moderate recoil, a medium to long eye relief is recommended for comfortable and safe shooting.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment allows you to correct the parallax error, which occurs when the reticle appears to move relative to the target when you shift your eye position. This is important for maintaining accuracy, especially at longer distances. Scopes with parallax adjustment have a side knob or an adjustable objective lens to fine-tune the focus at different ranges. For short to medium-range shooting, parallax adjustment may not be necessary. However, for long-range shooting (beyond 300 yards), having this feature can significantly improve accuracy. Choose a scope with parallax adjustment if you plan to shoot at varying distances and need precise aiming.

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