Among hunters and shooters, the AR-15 rifle is very popular. The fact that this rifle is very versatile makes it one of the top choices among outdoorsmen. The best AR scope out there makes using AR rifles even better. Personally, we favour brands like Nikon and Barska although there are some contenders out there making quality rifle scopes. You don’t just use your AR in game and deer hunting. You can also keep it handy for home defence or simply use it for any fun and adventure activity you have in mind.
But if your shots are not that great, finding the best optics for AR would be good for you. To start your scope hunting, read on our list of the best scopes for AR-15 rifles
First on our list is the Compact Scope by UTG – the best AR scope for the money you’ll find on this list. It’s a scope that feels solid and well-built in your hands. Mounting and setting the torque takes a quick five minutes. Zeroing on your target at 50 yards is pretty quick work, too.
We tested the Compact UTG scope up to 200 yards and it held up by hitting targets dead center. With a 12x zoom magnification, missing your target is next to impossible. The adjusting wheels also allow you to adjust your sights for a clearer view of your targets.
Given that our next rifle scope is from Nikon, you immediately know that this one deserves consideration. This one is our best AR scope under 200. The P-223 is one of Nikon’s new lines for best precision optics. So it’s no wonder that this AR scope provides a very good field of view and a very clear target image.
The eye relief is really generous, too. Despite it having only a 3x magnification, you don’t really need much with the BDC feature. This allows you to sight and lock in on your targets quick without missing. Every adjustments you make with the Nikon Carbine gives a solid “click” letting you know you did it right. Once you zero in, you can keep it there for a hundred rounds or more even when it’s bumpy.
Next on our list of the best AR scope is from Bushnell, another leader in the optics industry. It’s a bit heavier compared to other rifle scopes. But this also ensures that you get a scope that is solidly built. It’s from Bushnell so the quality-factor is a given.
The addition of the throw lever is very functional as well because it makes viewing adjustments easier than doing it manually. With a BDC reticle, you get sharp and clear images when you zero in on your target. However, the turrets are resettable to zero but are not lockable. It’s a good reason why they included the throw lever for more convenience.
If you’re looking for the best AR scope under $500, then the Spitfire Prism Scope would be for you. The Spitfire is equipped with good and clear optics. You can use it even in the dark, thanks to the etched reticles. It’s a good scope choice for target combinations. You can use this one for long range and close up shooting.
It’s a scope that is solidly built with lightweight and durable metal. But the rear covers come up whenever you start adjusting the focus. Not a big problem but something that you might want to know. Just put the covers back in and you’re good to go. It comes with a 3x zoom magnification which is standard for rifle scopes.
With extremely clear glass and a solid build, you’d think that the Bushnell Drop Zone-223 is the best AR scope for hunting. What makes the Drop Zone one of the best on the market is that it has a solid build and comes with excellent features. Once you zero in, it stays focused even when you have to adjust the magnification.
The turrets for elevation and windage are very precise as well to help locking in on your targets easily. Some customers even commented that the Drop Zone’s glass is far clearer than the higher-priced Vortex Viper. It’s a good scope to use until 200 yards. More than that and you might be straining your eyes a bit.
Conclusion
And we’re done with our review for the best AR scope!
I hope you found the right AR scope that fits your preferences best. Make sure that you also consider your shooting habits in making your choices. So what makes the best scopes for your AR rifle? Excellent optics and solid construction are definitely important! With an AR scope that takes care of those things well, you’re sure to hit a lot of your targets without missing. You’d enjoy using your scope for a long time, too.
Product Images Sourced From Amazon.com