In today’s guide, we will explore some of the best Leupold AR-15 scopes. Leupold is a household name in the world of optics. Leupold hunting accessories including riflescopes, binos and spotting scopes are among the finest in the market.
The best Leupold AR-15 scopes are renowned for their durability, reliability, and accuracy. These scopes feature the legendary Leupold ruggedness so you can take them anywhere you want.
They are also highly versatile and great for multiple shooting applications among them hunting, tactical shooting, and competition shooting. Are you looking for an excellent pair of glasses to complement your AR-15 rifle? But first things first, let’s look at the important attributes of great AR-15 scopes.
Essential Features to Look in an AR-15 Scope
Whether you are buying the first AR-15 scope or looking for an upgrade, the scope should have a decent magnification depending on what you intend to use it for. It should be durably made to withstand harsh outdoor environments.
When it comes to optical performance, the scope should have a high-quality lens coating to provide bright and clear images even in low light conditions.
What makes a great Leupold AR-15 Scope?
Leupold AR-15 scopes are made differently. So, what works for a certain shooter might work for you as well. When shopping for the best Leupold AR-15 scope, make sure that it offers a decent magnification depending on the shooting activity you intend to engage in.
The scope should also be durable, reliable and easy to use. For hunters, the scope should provide bright and clear image views even in low light conditions.
What Magnification Do You Need?
This will depend on the distance and the shooting activity. In most cases, the AR-15 rifle excels in the close and mid-range shooting. For close-range targets up to 150 yards, a scope with 1-4x magnification will do.
For medium-range hunting from 150 yards to 400 yards, a scope with 5-9x magnification will suffice. Lastly, for long-range shooting which is 400 yards and above, you’ll need a scope with 9x magnification and more.
8 Best Leupold AR-15 Scopes
Pairing your AR-15 rifle with a Leupold scope enhances your long-range accuracy and improves your performance in different shooting applications. If you are looking for a good scope for your AR-15, we have made a list of the best Leupold AR-15 scopes to help you make the right buying decision. Without wasting any more time, let’s take a look.
#1) Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Riflescope
Topping our list of the best Leupold AR-15 scopes if the Mark 5HD. The Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm is a high-end riflescope suitable for the AR-15 rifle. The scope features a versatile 5-25x magnification ideal suitable for mid to long-range shooting.
The first focal plane reticle increases with an increase in magnification, making it easier for you to estimate the range at different magnification settings. The scope is made to last.
It is made with high-quality aluminum to ensure many years of use. It’s fully waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. You can take it out in wet conditions and it will still perform.
Besides, the shockproof property makes it the ideal scope for rugged outdoor environments. Weighing about 30 oz, the scope is fairly light and easy to carry around. The decent eye relief provides comfortable image viewing and keeps your eyes safe from the mild recoil of AR-15.
Better yet, the scope has a Twilight Max HD Light Management system which provides edge-to-edge image clarity even in twilight conditions. It also adds up to 30 minutes of light when shooting in low-light conditions. Overall, as one of the best Leupold AR-15 scopes, the riflescope is durable, reliable, and worth the high-end price.
Features
- Twilight Max HD Light Management system
- First Focal Plane Reticle
- Fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Sturdy and durable aluminum construction
- Low profile 1/10 Mil per click dials
- Decent eye relief
- Versatile 5:1 zoom ratio
Pros
- Scratch proof lenses
- Bright, clear, and clean images
- Rugged reliability
- Multipurpose application
Cons
- Expensive
#2) Leupold VX-6HD 4-24x52mm Side Focus Riflescope
When it comes to reliability and versatility, it’s hard to beat the Leupold VX-6HD 4-24x52mm Side Focus Riflescope. The scope is 100% waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, so you can take it anywhere you want. You can pair it with your AR-15 rifle and use it for hunting, target shooting, and range shooting.
Color fidelity and unmatched light-gathering abilities cement VX-6HD’s position among the best Leupold AR-15 scopes. The scope comes with an illuminated reticle for shooting in low-light conditions. The professional-grade optical system provides excellent light transmission for bright and clear images.
Thanks to guard-ion hydrophobic lens coating, the exterior lenses are scratch-resistant and dirt, water, and fingerprints-free. The hallmark of the VX-6HD is unmatched light transmission even in the most unfavorable lighting conditions.
The versatile 4-24x magnification is ideal for shooting both close and long-range targets. If you are into hunting, you’ll find this magnification very handy. Additionally, the scope has a CDS-ZL2 zero lock elevation dial which simplifies long-range shots by eradicating the need for holdovers and ballistic calculations.
For those looking forward to an epic adventure, the VX-6HD is one of the best Leupold AR-15 scopes to make that happen.
Features
- CDS-ZL2 zero lock elevation dial
- 100% waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
- Illuminated reticle
- Matte finish
- Durable construction
- Versatile 4-24 magnification
- High-grade optical system
Pros
- Fairy light and easy to carry
- Wide zoom range
- Very clear optics
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Practical and versatile
Cons
- None at the moment
#3) Leupold VX-Freedom 6-18x40mm Side focus Riflescope
If you are an avid hunter, the Leupold VX-Freedom 6-18x40mm riflescope will take your hunting skills to the next level. The versatile 6-18x magnification is ideal for both small and large game hunting.
You can use the 6x magnification to take out the small, close-range game and advance up to 18x for the large game at long distances. Due to its versatility, the Leupold VX- Freedom riflescope is one of the best Leupold AR-15 scopes.
Thanks to the ultra-light design, the scope is easy to carry while on the field. Better yet, the riflescope is fully waterproof and fogproof. If the rains catch up with you while still on the field, you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged. The riflescope is built for anything and the rugged design supports relentless performance.
The high-quality lenses deliver the best optical performance for bright, clear, and sharp images. If you prefer to hunt at dawn or dusk, the advanced optical system provides extended glassing sessions.
The lenses feature extreme military standard scratchproof coating for added protection. Overall, this is a high-quality rifle suitable for the AR-15 rifle. It provides unbeatable accuracy and a wide range of reticles.
Features
- 100% waterproof and fogproof
- Sturdy and shockproof construction
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- 30mm main tube
- Quick-grip power selector
- Second Focal Plane reticle
Pros
- Ultra-light design
- Unbeatable accuracy
- Bright and clear images
Cons
- None
#4) Leupold Mark 3HD 3-9x40mm Riflescope
The Leupold Mark 3HD 3-9x40mm is a 30mm scope suitable for the AR-15 rifle. The scope features an illuminated FireDot reticle with 7 different illumination settings.
The different illumination settings help you get on target quickly, even in broad daylight. Known for precision and repeatability, the Mark 3HD is a front-runner among the best Leupold AR-15 scopes.
Like any other Leupold scope, this scope is made to perform for life. It is made with high-quality aluminum which enhances its durability while keeping light at a minimum.
The scope is also tested and verified to provide superior ruggedness. Additionally, the Leupold Mark 3HD 3-9x40mm is fully waterproof and fogproof for all-weather reliability.
The versatile 3-9x magnification is suitable for shooting close and mid-range targets. Thanks to the easy-to-grip power selector, you can easily change the magnification settings depending on the shooting condition.
The HD lenses enhance light transmission for bright and clear images even in low light conditions. The Elite optical system provides greater image resolution and glare reduction for all-day performance.
Features
- HD lenses
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Motion Sensor Technology extends battery life
- Sturdy and durable construction
- FireDot illuminated reticle
- 30mm main tube
- 3:1 zoom ratio
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Elite optical system
Pros
- Lightweight construction
- Ergonomic power selector
- Guaranteed for life
- Multiple reticle options
- Generous eye relief
Cons
- None
#5) Leupold Mark 3HD 4-12x40mm Riflescope
Here is another top-notch Leupold scope suitable for hunting with an AR-15. The scope has a versatile 4-12x magnification suitable for mid to long-range shots. This makes it the ideal scope for hunting different games regardless of their range.
The optical performance of this scope is impressive. The HD lenses are fully coated to deliver elite light transmission and great glare reduction. This gives you bright and clear images even when you are hunting in broad daylight.
The matte black scope is made to last. It is crafted with 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum for rugged durability. You can take the scope anywhere you want and it is strong enough to withstand anything thrown at it. Besides, the scope is fully waterproof and fogproof to complement your outdoor adventures.
The 30mm main tube provides outstanding strength and an increased range of windage and elevation adjustment. The 4.9-inches eye relief is long enough to accommodate shooters who wear eyeglasses. It also makes shooting easy by providing comfortable target views.
Features
- 30mm main tube
- Twilight Light Management System
- Motion Sensor Technology
- Made with 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum
- Firedot illuminated reticle
- Fully waterproof and fogproof
- Matte finish
Pros
- Rugged reliability
- Impressive low-light performance
- Wide field of view
- Long eye relief
Cons
- Expensive but worth it
#6) Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Riflescope
The Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm is your ideal scope for mid to long-range shooting. The scope provides a wide field of view even at the highest magnification for easy target identification.
The reticle of this riflescope is on the first focal plane. It increases with an increase in magnification, so you can effortlessly estimate the range at all magnification settings. The riflescope is made to provide unmatched low-light performance.
The Twilight Max HD Light Management system provides up to 30 minutes of shooting light in low-light conditions such as dusk or dawn. It also provides the best glare reduction for bright, clear, and sharp images.
Weighing about 2 pounds, the riflescope is fairly light and easy to carry. You can mount it on your AR-15 rifle and carry them on the field with ease. The generous eye relief provides a comfortable shooting experience with or without eyeglasses.
When it comes to construction, the scope is built to stand up to the harsh outdoors. It is made with high-strength aluminum for rugged durability. It is also sealed to lock out moisture and prevent internal fogging caused by changes in temperature.
Features
- 5:1 zoom ratio
- Suitable for mid to long-range shooting
- 100% waterproof and fogproof
- First Focal Plane reticle
- Twilight Max HD Light Management system
- Sturdy and durable aluminum construction
- M5C3 turrets
Pros
- Smooth zoom
- Impressive low-light performance
- Fairy light
- Matte finish
Cons
- Pricey
#7) Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10×50 CDS-ZL Duplex
If you are in the market for a multi-purpose rifle scope for your AR-15, the Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10×50 CDS-ZL Duplex is your ideal option. This rifle scope provides remarkable performance and reliability in almost any scenario. It is easy to use and suitable for beginners and professionals alike.
Featuring Leupold’s Elite optical system, the scope provides unparalleled optical performance from dusk to dawn. This system reduces glare when hunting in harsh daylight and improves the image brightness and clarity in low-light conditions.
The versatile 3.5-10x magnification allows you to identify targets close to mid ranges with ease. The custom dial system (CDS) helps you customize your turret to your exact ballistics and environmental conditions. This results in better target acquisition.
For all-weather reliability, the scope is O-ring sealed and nitrogen-filled to provide reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance. It is also made with high-strength aluminum for long-lasting durability.
Features
- Duplex reticle
- Fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- ZeroLock CDS-ZL
- Leupold’s Elite optical system
- Versatile 3.5-10x magnification
- Matte finish
- Second focal plane reticle
Pros
- Long eye relief
- User-friendly
- Lightweight design
- Multipurpose application
Cons
- None at the moment
#8) Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x40mm Riflescope
Last but certainly not least is the Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x40mm Riflescope. Made with hunters in mind, this riflescope provides excellent image brightness and clarity even in low-light situations such as dusk or dawn.
The scope also features a Twilight Max Light Management system to make your target images more visible. The 4.5-14x magnification is best for hunters looking to take their hunting skills to a whole new level.
It is suitable for mid to long-range hunting up to 1,000 yards. It also provides a large field of view for easy identification of fast-moving targets. Additionally, the scope has a Custom Dial System which simplifies long-range shots by eradicating the need for holdovers and ballistic calculations.
The scope comes with a 30mm main tube, made from aircraft aluminum. This gives it great strength and durability while keeping weight at a minimum. It is also covered in a matte black finish to camouflage your shooting position and provide an eye-catching look. Overall, the riflescope is durable, reliable, and worth the price.
Features
- 30mm main tube
- Precision 1/4 MOA finger click adjustment
- Twilight Max Light Management system
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Custom Dial System
- Matte finish
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Diamond Coat 2- ion assist lens coating
Pros
- Premium edge-to-edge image clarity
- Durable
- Lightweight design
- Long eye relief
- Consistent and simple-to-use turrets
Cons
- Pricey
See Also
- Best AR-15 Red Dots
- AR-15 Laser Sights
- Best Vortex AR-15 Scopes
- Scopes for Coyote Hunting
- Best Leupold Scopes for 223
Best Leupold AR-15 Scopes Buying Guide & FAQs
Consideration When Buying Best Leupold AR-15 Scopes
Magnification
AR-15 rifles are quite versatile but only suitable for close to mid-range targets. Therefore, when shopping for the best Leupold AR-15 scope, look for one with a not-so-high magnification power. A scope with a maximum of 9x to 10x magnification will be sufficient.
Weight
Weight is an important factor to consider especially if you want to use the scope for hunting. You’ll want the scope to be as light as possible, so it will be easier to carry on the field. Lightweight scopes are easy to use and more accurate to shoot.
Eye Relief
The other important factor to consider when choosing the best Leupold AR-15 scope is eye relief. Riflescopes with long and consistent eye relief are more comfortable to shoot with even with your eyeglasses on. They also keep your eyes safe in case you are using a heavy-recoil rifle. Try to look for a scope with at least 3.5-inches of eye relief.
Tube Diameter
Over the past few years, scopes with 30mm or 34mm tube bodies have revolutionized the world of optics. Though larger and bulkier, these scopes have bigger objective lenses which provide a better light transmission. However, if you don’t want a bulky scope mainly because your shooting activity involves moving from one location to the other, go for the 1-inch tube scope.
Read: Best Riflescopes for 6.5 Creedmoor
Why Choose Leupold Riflescopes
Leupold as a brand is renowned for its crystal-clear optics which have great accuracy and intuitive adjustments. Here are some of the benefits of owning a Leupold riflescope.
- Leupold scopes are made with aircraft-grade aluminum which is very durable
- All-weather reliability. All Leupold scopes are fully waterproof and fogproof
- Lightweight and easy to carry around
- Versatile magnification suitable for shooting at varying ranges
- Excellent low-light performance
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Best Leupold AR-15 Scopes FAQs
Q: Do I Need a Special Scope for AR-15?
A: Yes. AR-15 rifles are quite versatile but only suitable for close to mid-range targets. This calls for a scope with a magnification suitable for such a range. The scope should also be compatible with the rifle, so it will be easy to mount.
Q: Are Leupold Scopes Worth the Money?
A: Yes. Leupold scopes are well-made to ensure many years of use. They offer great accuracy, superb low-light performance, and unmatched reliability. They are also fully waterproof and fogproof for all-weather reliability.
Q: Does Leupold Make a Good Scope for AR-15?
A: Yes. The quality of glass in Leupold’s scope is better than that of similar scopes from other brands. The entry-level Leupold scopes provide less critical and better eye relief. You can also trust these scopes to get the job done regardless of the shooting environment or lighting conditions.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you have found this buying guide informative. All the scopes listed above offer the best glass quality for the best image views. You can use them for hunting, target shooting and range shooting. Grab any one of them and rest assured of great durability and reliability over a lifetime of use.