The best AR 15 tactical scopes are built for marksmen looking for a shooting solution that will take their aim seriously for the best shooting experience. These tactical scopes are packed with helpful features and a top-shelf optical system to boost accuracy at increased distances.
With the right tactical scope at hand, you will push your AR-15 to its full potential, getting the most out of your shooting expeditions. Besides, the scope will hone your shooting skills, bring you to targets quickly, and boost your overall shooting confidence irrespective of whether you are a beginner or not.
What Makes a Great Tactical Scope?
Tactical riflescopes are uniquely designed with special features to facilitate rapid adjustments in the heat of action. One of the defining features of a tactical rifle scope is exposed turrets which play a critical role when aiming at distant targets. The turrets allow the shooter to make quick elevation and windage adjustments for accurate shots every time. A
Another attribute of a tactical rifle scope is capped turrets. The caps prevent accidental dials to ensure your aim is consistent every time. Approach every situation with confidence with a reliable rifle scope.
Tactical rifle scopes have a rugged construction for enhanced durability. Tactical rifle scopes are used in harsh conditions and exposure needs a scope built to tolerate any abuse. A Glass-etched reticle is part and parcel of the rigid construction.
Reticle illumination is another feature you will find in a tactical scope. The benefit of an illuminated reticle is enhanced contrast so you don’t lose sight of the target. It also enhances performance in low-light conditions.
8 Best AR 15 Tactical Scopes
We have scanned the market for the best AR 15 tactical scopes and put up this roundup of the very best models for your shooting needs. These scopes are optimized for durability and performance to be a perfect companion for you.
Besides, the ability to fit in various shooting conditions makes these tactical scopes an important accessory for gun enthusiasts out there. Without any further ado, let’s get started.
1) Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm FFP Rifle Scope
The Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm is by far one of the best AR 15 tactical scopes available on the market today. Built with versatility in mind, it is the ultimate long-range optic for tactical applications, hunting, and recreational target shooting. It’s the ideal optical solution for enhancing the accuracy of your rifle.
This rifle scope comes with exposed turrets for unparalleled tracking performance. It has an advanced optical system comprising a 44mm objective lens and extra-low dispersion glass for optimal clarity even in low light. Furthermore, the lenses are multi-coated to create bright and high-resolution sight pictures.
Vortex optics are known for their rugged construction and this rifle scope is not any different. It is housed in a tough yet lightweight aluminum housing that is fully waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. The high construction quality makes it ideally suited for any occasion.
The other essential features included are a fast-focus eyepiece, a hard anodized finish, and a raised magnification rib. Mount this brilliant rifle scope on your AR-15 for the best shooting experience. Achieve precise shots every time with this high-quality tactical scope.
Features
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- First focal plane reticle placement
- Fully waterproof and fog-proof
- 30mm tube diameter
- XD glass elements
- Hard anodized finish
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Raised magnification rib
- Precision-force spring system
- Precision-glide erector system
- Fully multi-coated optics
Pros
- Ample eye relief
- Crisp clear glass
- True tracking
- Rock-solid construction
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
2) NightForce NX8 4-32x50mm Rifle Scope
If you want a scope that helps you spot targets at extreme distances with ease, the NightForce NX8 4-32x50mm rifle scope suits you. It is a high-powered rifle scope that will have you hitting your targets in no time no matter the distance.
The vast zoom range is offered in the first focal plane reticle and it is useful even at the highest settings. This is thanks to the oversized 50mm objective lens that draws in a large volume of light. Besides, this rifle scope utilizes top-tier glass elements that yield brilliantly clear-sight pictures.
In terms of construction, the scope is built in a 30mm tube for rigidity and strength. It is made from aluminum which is durable enough to withstand any abuse. What’s more, the rifle scope is fully protected from moisture and weather elements for operability in all environments.
Features
- First focal plane reticle
- Digillum illumination
- Aluminum housing
- 30mm tube diameter
- 4-32x variable magnification power
- Zerostop function
- Adjustable parallax
- 50mm objective lens
Pros
- Amazing clarity
- Excellent construction quality
- Lighted reticle
- Superior optics
Cons
- Cheap plastic covers
- Short eye relief
3) Steiner T6Xi 1-6x24mm FFP Tactical Rifle Scope
The Steiner T6Xi 1-6x24mm FFP Tactical rifle scope is the ideal solution for anyone looking for a powerful and compact AR-15 scope. This low-power variable optic comes with highly advanced features to take your AR-15 tactical shooting applications to the next high level.
It is built in a 30mm tube to provide ample room for adjustments and reticle movement. The optical tube is built with high-quality materials to withstand wear and tear that comes with regular use. Furthermore, it is fully waterproof, fog-proof, dust-proof, and ideally suited for use in temperatures ranging from -13 to 145℉.
This rifle scope has a lightweight construction of 20oz. It is easy to mount and simple to shoot with. Besides that, it comes with low-profile never-lost turrets, a built-in throw lever, and a second rotation indicator.
Mounting the Steiner tactical rifle scope on your AR-15 will significantly enhance the quality of your shots. The LPVO is specially designed for quick target acquisition and precise execution of shots in every situation.
Features
- Front focal plane reticle placement
- 1-6x variable magnification
- Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
- 30mm main tube diameter
- LED illumination
- Low-profile turrets
- Second rotation indicator
- Built-in throw lever
Pros
- Lighted reticle
- True 1x magnification
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Lightweight
Cons
- Expensive
4) Hawke Sport Optic Frontier 30 4-20x50mm Rifle Scope
As one of the best AR 15 tactical scopes, the Hawke Sport Optic Frontier 30 4-20x50mm Rifle Scope offers superb value for money. It is well-built to withstand recoil from all rifle calibers and makes you a better shooter.
The selling point of this rifle scope is optical clarity. It has a large 50mm objective lens for collecting more light inside the optics. Moreover, the 21-layer anti-reflection fully multi-coated optics maximize light transmission and optical clarity from dawn till dusk.
Another highlight of this rifle scope is the reticle. It is developed specifically for first focal plane optical systems and comes with an additional 1/4 MRAD aim point on the center for greater precision. On top of that, the reticle is glass-etched for permanency and illuminated with six adjustable brightness levels.
In addition to all these features, the Hawke Sport Optic Frontier 30 4-20x50mm Rifle Scope has a lightweight and durable aluminum housing that is 100% waterproof and fog-proof.
Features
- 30mm one-piece main tube
- Front and rear flip-up lens covers
- Exposed, locking, zero-stop turrets
- Glass-etched reticle
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 4-20x zoom range
- Side focus parallax
- Aluminum housing
- Waterproof and nitrogen-filled
Pros
- All-caliber rated
- Compact and lightweight
- Illuminated reticle
- Generous eye relief
- Great glass clarity and quality
5) Athlon Optics Cronus BTR Gen II UHD APRS1 4.5-29x56mm Rifle Scope
The Athlon Optics Cronus BTR Gen II UHD APRS1 4.5-29x56mm Rifle Scope is a good option for long-range shooting and a series of competition shooting. It has a broad magnification range of up to 29x and a massive 56mm objective lens.
This rifle scope has a generous eye relief of 3.6-3.8”. It makes shooting safe and snug for all users, with or without eyeglasses. Besides, it has an illuminated reticle that is put on the front focal plane.
Construction-wise, the scope is built in a single-piece 34mm main tube. The large tube design provides adequate room for adjustments while ensuring great strength and toughness. Over and above that, this rifle scope is fully waterproof, fog-proof, and dustproof.
When it comes to the optical features, the Cronus BTR Gen II UHD APRS1 4.5-29x56mm Rifle Scope features advanced fully multi-coated optics that work in tandem with the UHD glass to provide bright, clear, and color-rich sight pictures.
Features
- Glass-etched FFP reticle
- High-precision erector system
- Exposed tactical direct dial
- Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
- 34mm single-piece main tube
- Locking turrets
- Precision zero stop
- XPL coating
- High-precision erector system
- Advanced fully multi-coated lenses
- Low reflective matte finish
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Great optics clarity
- Easy to use
- Outstanding durability
Cons
- Heavy
6) Trijicon Tenmile TM2550 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope
Trijicon Tenmile TM2550 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope is another high-powered rifle scope that comes with all the modern features you would expect. It is a 30mm tube rifle scope that brings out the full potential of your rifle in long ranges.
The scope features an easy-focus eyepiece for quick reticle adjustments. It also comes with a repositionable magnification lever that accommodates different shooting positions and rifle configurations.
In terms of construction, it is built with durability in mind to ensure reliability in all situations. The ruggedized construction is tested to military standards and fully protected from weather elements to ensure unimpeded field use.
What’s more, the scope has generous windage and elevation adjustment for maximum total travel. It also features an illuminated reticle which provides a clear aiming point in all light settings.
Features
- Fully multi-coated glass
- Ruggedized design
- 30mm tube diameter
- Ruggedized design
- Easy-focus eyepiece
- Repositionable magnification lever
- Second focal plane reticle
- LED reticle illumination
- Waterproof and water-resistant to 10ft
Pros
- Quick and easy adjustments
- Edge-to-edge clarity
- Rock-solid construction
- Lighted reticle
Cons
- Weight
7) Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope
Next in our list of the best AR 15 tactical scopes we have the Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope. this rifle scope is designed, machined, and assembled with high-quality components that guarantee a lifetime of reliable performance.
It employs a professional-grade optical system that maximizes optical clarity. On top of that, this rifle scope has a Twilight HD Light Management system that makes it ideal for use in kinds of lighting conditions.
To complement the optical finesse, the scope has a generous eye relief that makes it eyeglass-friendly. Besides that, it is built with a side focus parallax adjuster and a crisp clear reticle that is housed in the first focal plane.
The other noteworthy features included are scratch-resistant lenses, zero-lock adjustments, and a large 35mm single-piece body tube.
Features
- First focal plane reticle
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Waterproof and fog-proof
- Non-reflective matte finish
- 5-25x magnification power
- 6061-T6 aluminum housing
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- 35mm tube diameter
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Large turrets
- Clear glass
- Durable construction
Cons
- Expensive
8) Primary Arms GLx 4.5-27x56mm Rifle Scope
Finally, we have the Primary Arms GLx 4.5-27x56mm Rifle Scope. Primary Arms has a reputation for making high-quality optics and this rifle scope is not any different.
It is made utilizes hard-wearing materials to ensure that you get many years of use. The ruggedized design coupled with waterproof and fog-proof protection make this rifle scope ideal for use in all weather conditions.
This dependable and versatile scope employs a first focal plane reticle. The reticle provides a clear aiming point to ensure that you acquire targets accurately. Better yet, it is illuminated for confident aiming in low light.
To top off everything else, the Primary Arms GLx 4.5-27x56mm Rifle Scope brings to the table premium-grade glass that yields bright, crisp, and color-accurate sight pictures in all light settings.
Features
- Autolive illuminated reticle
- UML magnification levers
- 180 MOA elevation adjustment
- 56mm objective lens
- Premium-grade glass
- Patented turret mechanisms
- Locking turrets
- High-strength 34mm main tube
- Robust aluminum body
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Lighted reticle
- Good eye relief
- Premium-quality optics
Cons
- No drawbacks
Further Reading
How to Choose the Best AR 15 Tactical Scopes
Below are the things you should consider when looking to buy an AR 15 tactical scope.
Optical Quality
Optical quality is what separates the best AR 15 tactical scopes from the cheap ones. Opt for a model that is built with top-grade glass preferably ED glass. Such glass elements ensure that the sight pictures produced are not just bright, but also rich in detail.
Lens Coating
It is also important to pay attention to the quality of lens coatings the rifle scope employs. The best AR 15 tactical scopes have multiple layers of anti-reflective coatings put on all air-to-glass surfaces. The coatings fight glare and enhance the transmission of light for the production of bright and sharp image views.
Read: Best AR-15 Scopes for Coyote Hunting
Durability
The build quality of a riflescope determines its durability. So, look for an AR-15 tactical scope that is built with high-quality materials. With quality construction also comes reliable performance in less-than-ideal shooting scenarios.
Eye Relief
Eye relief shows how far your eye has to be from the scope as you shoot. It is measured in inches and varies from one tactical scope to the other. We recommend at least 3.5 inches of eye relief for the best AR 15 tactical scopes.
Read: Best AR-15 Scope Mounts
Reticle
It is also important to take a keen look at the reticle the scope comes with. For long-range tactical shooting, you need a reticle that is up to the task. BDC and Mil-Dot reticles are preferable for such applications. Some scopes also come with illuminated reticles for precision aiming in low-light settings.
Weight
A lightweight rifle scope is preferable for AR rifles. With the light construction, the scope disperses the recoil the rifle scatters with ease. Besides, lightweight and compact rifle scopes are easy to maneuver within the field without fatigue.
Read: Best Leupold AR-15 Scopes
What Magnification Do You Need?
Magnification power in AR 15 tactical scopes varies from one scope to the other. To choose the ideal magnification, you should consider how far you intend to shoot and the shooting environment.
For close and medium-range shooting applications, a variable-powered scope with 3-9x or 4-12x magnification will suffice. Such scopes offer the perfect balance between field of view and zoom power.
On the other hand, you will need a high-powered scope for medium and long-range shooting in the open fields. We recommend a model with at least 15x maximum magnification for such a shooting range.
Final Shot
Hopefully, this article has been of great help to you. Keep in mind that your shooting needs and habits play a big role in determining the rifle scope that you choose. So, look at the features and specs that make each rifle scope the right purchase and choose accordingly.