Are you in the market searching for the best Leupold scopes for AR-15? The AR-15 has become the preferred rifle for shooters and hunters. AR-15 rifle has been rebranded as the American rifle and hunters have grown to love it because of its versatility and accuracy.
This semi-automatic rifle has customizable features that allow a tailored shooting experience. As the number of AR-15 rifles surges, the number of optics to complement the rifle has also boomed.
Currently, there are numerous riflescopes to pair with your AR-15. With so many options out there, telling apart the brands can be an overwhelming affair. Among the manufacturers making scopes with specific BDC reticles and turrets for AR-15 is Leupold.
What Magnification Do You Need?
Adequate power also makes a great AR-15 scope. With the right magnification power, one can engage targets at close quarters as well as from a distance. This versatility is important when hunting. If you acquired an AR-15 to hunt varmints, a riflescope with power between 4x to 14x will get the job done every time.
If you intend to hunt big game, a scope with 3-9x or 4-12x magnification power will suffice. The ideal magnification is dependent on your shooting activity.
4 Best Leupold Scopes for AR-15
If you are contemplating getting a riflescope, we have combed through the market for the best Leupold scopes for AR-15 to help you find the best fit for your hunting needs. Let’s have a look:
#1) Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Riflescope
This ruggedly built riflescope ranks top among the best Leupold scopes for AR-15. The scope is fitted with premium components to give an advantage in the field. A wide magnification range makes it suitable for different shooting applications.
Besides, this versatile magnification offers you the flexibility to extend the shooting distance of your AR-15 beyond 500 yards. This riflescope has a lightweight construction making it easier to carry when hunting prey that requires you to move frequently.
The other impressive feature that makes Mark 5HD a front-runner among the best Leupold scopes for AR-15 is the superior optical system. The optics have unrivaled light transmission resulting in the crispest target images.
Even when the lighting conditions are unfavorable, you capture bright images permitting accurate shots. Also, glare reduction helps maintain image clarity and resolution.
When shooting at different distances, parallax may obstruct your vision. Mark 5HD is fitted with a side focus for seamless to help with seamless parallax adjustment to make the reticle as clear as possible.
This is particularly useful when shooting targets from a distance. Low-profile zero lock dials maintain zero after sighting the target to allow accurate shot placement.
What more to like? The tough construction of the riflescope helps ensure reliable performance in all weather conditions. The tube is purged with gasses and completely sealed to keep off moisture, dirt, and other elements that may interfere with the performance of the scope. Shocks from rifle recoil and abuse in the field will not interfere with the integrity of the scope as it is shockproof.
Although pricey, the Leupold Mark 5HD is the ideal riflescope to extend the limits of your AR-15. The scopes deliver the accuracy and precision needed to take down big games from afar.
Weatherproof construction allows hunting in the harshest terrains and conditions while the Twilight HD light management system and lens coatings optimize light transmission resulting in vivid images in all lighting conditions. The quality aspects overwhelmingly augment the Mark 5HD name among the best Leupold scopes for AR-15.
Features
- The throw lever to facilitate instant power changes
- Large zoom ratio suitable for several shooting scenarios
- A side focus for parallax correction
- FFP reticle ideal for tactical shooting and range estimation for hunters
- Weatherproof construction enhances performance and durability
- The locking dial holds zero after sighting the target for accurate shots
- The wide adjustment range for long-range shooting
#2) Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10×50 CDS-ZL Duplex
Delivering Leupold’s legendary performance, the VX-3HD riflescope finds its mark among the best Leupold scopes for AR-15. Made to shine in low light, the VX-3HD scope has a superior optical system that doesn’t compromise when it comes to light transmission.
No matter the prevailing light conditions, the scope delivers bright and clear images. The large objective also optimizes light transmission through the scope further enhancing the clarity of the images.
The lens quality on this riflescope is impressive. First, the glass used is of the highest quality to ensure many years of use. Hardened glass coatings protect the lenses from scratches to ensure unobstructed views for many years to come.
Hunting scenarios change when in the fields and to stay on top of things, you need a scope that can handle different situations amicably. This scope does exactly that courtesy of its 3:1 zoom ratio which gives you the flexibility to handle both close-range and long-range shooting.
The tough construction is another attribute that makes VX-3HD one of the best Leupold scopes for AR-15. The build quality delivers outstanding performance even in the harshest weather conditions. Internally the tube is purged with gasses and completely sealed making it weatherproof. If you are worried about recoil damaging the scope, worry no more as the tube is shockproof.
As one of the best Leupold scopes for AR-15, VX-3HD 3.5-10x50mm has a tough yet lightweight housing making it perfect for western mount hunting. Its incredible low-light performance makes it the right optic for dusk and dawn hunting.
Easily readable control dials support repeatability and make your hunting more thrilling. Everything in this riflescope is there to help you conquer. There is no better way to extend the capability of your AR-15 than with the VX-3HD.
Features
- A versatile 3:1 zoom ratio for handling different shooting scenarios
- Custom dial system allows customization of turrets to match your ballistics
- A zero-lock system helps avoid accidental dialing
- Lightweight and rugged housing of aluminum
- Lenses are protected by a scratch-resistant coating
- Shockproof, waterproof and fogproof
- Outstanding low-light performance
#3) Leupold VX-6HD 4-24x52mm Side Focus Riflescope
Are you looking forward to an epic adventure in the upcoming hunting season? The VX-6HD riflescope will make you realize your dreams in the field. Built to handle every shooting situation with utmost precision, the Leupold VX-6HD is one of the best Leupold scopes for AR-15.
The highlight of the scope is the large magnification range. This power accords you with the flexibility you need to take down targets at varying distances.
The riflescope uses an elite optical system that allows maximum light transmission resulting in sharp images. Furthermore, the lenses incorporate glare-reducing elements to maintain image sharpness in the light of the day.
The riflescope comes with an illuminated reticle to help with the speedy acquisition of targets in low light. Combining the large zoom ratio and outstanding low-light performance makes the VX-6HD 4-24×52 riflescope the ultimate optic for avid hunters.
This riflescope features quality workmanship that supports its relentless performance. The scope features a rugged design that can withstand shocks and rifle recoil. Internally, the tube is purged with internal gases and completely sealed to lock out moisture, dirt and other debris.
The weatherproof construction keeps the internal parts moisture-free and clear for life. The outstanding build quality guarantees durability.
Fitted on this scope are features that make long-range hunting a breeze. An electronic reticle flashes when the riflescope is uneven. This simplifies the mounting process and promotes accuracy when taking long-range shots. A side focus helps with parallax correction to make the reticle clearer when sighting in at different distances.
Although the riflescope is expensive, a multitude of incredible features make stand out among other Leupold scopes for AR-15. The scope is perfect for big game hunting, varmint hunting, tactical applications as well as target shooting. The versatility of the riflescope shouts and no doubt whatsoever that VX-6HD is a top contender among the best Leupold scopes for AR-15.
Features
- A versatile 6:1 zoom ratio best for mid-range and long-range shooting
- High-quality glass for excellent light transmission
- Guard-ion lens coating to keep dirt and water out
- An electronic reticle that flashes when the scope isn’t level eases the mounting process
- Illuminated reticle for dusk and dawn hunting
- A side focus for parallax removal
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof construction
- The lenses are protected by hardened surface coating
#4) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Riflescope
Are you searching for an excellent scope for AR-15 that will get the job done right? Look no further than the VX-Freedom 3-9×40 riflescope. It is one of the best Leupold scopes for AR-15 for those on a budget. The scope is equipped with easy-to-use components that makes hunting a breeze.
It features a 3:1 zoom ratio that is perfect for taking down targets at varying distances. For close-range encounters, you dial down the power, and for long-range encounters, your dial-up.
This highly reliable scope uses an advanced optical system to deliver crisp images. The lenses allow excellent light transmission for brighter images. Glare reduction comes in handy when shooting in broad daylight as it eliminated any glare to offer the best quality clear images. The lenses are protected by a hardened surface coating that protects them from scratches.
Leupold VX Freedom construction is tough to support durability and incredible performance. Crafted from aircraft aluminum, the tube is lightweight which is an incentive for those hunting in the woods and mountains where there is constantly moving.
To tolerate the shocks in the field, the scope’s rugged design keeps the internal components unaffected by abuse from outside. Internally the scope is purged with gasses and completely sealed to ensure weatherproof performance.
As one of the best Leupold scopes for AR-15, this scope is perfect for several hunting needs and avid hunters can attest to this. From big game hunting to varmint hunting, this is one of the best budget scopes to choose from.
The CDS is the main highlight of the riflescope. This feature lets you customize the turrets to fit the ballistics you are using and the environmental conditions. This is huge as it promotes accurate shot placement.
Features
- Rugged construction to ensure durability
- Hardened surface coatings protect lenses from scratches and abrasions
- A versatile 3:1 zoom ratio
- The SFP reticle stays static across all magnification settings
- Suitable for low-light hunting
- Easily read adjustment markings
- Fairly priced and easy to use
- Made in the USA
See Also
Best Leupold Scopes for AR-15 Buying Guide
What Makes a Great AR-15 Scope?
When searching for a scope for your semi-automatic rifle, there are several attributes to look out for. Bear in mind, the AR-15 is a top performer and a great scope is one that complements the rifle and helps stretch the limits of your gun.
First, a great AR-15 scope is one with excellent optics. Riflescopes with high-quality glass and fully coated lenses transmit adequate light resulting in the brightest images. This helps you to improve your accuracy in the field.
In addition to lens coatings and quality glass, Leupold scopes for AR-15 feature glare reduction which helps maintain color fidelity in harsh light. Great optics also increase the resolution which helps to tell apart targets to prevent miss shots. Illuminated reticles are also a great incentive when hunting in low-light environments.
Having control in the field is paramount. A great AR-15 scope should have easily read windage and elevation turrets to help you make precise adjustments when it matters the most.
The best Leupold scopes for AR-15 have a custom dial system that helps enhance accuracy by customizing the scope’s elevation to match your ballistics, muzzle velocity, and conditions in the environment.
Lastly, quality construction is another attribute of great AR-15 scope. A tough construction supports the relentless performance and durability of the optics. Weatherproof construction helps hunters conquer when weather conditions aren’t favorable. Shockproof scopes can withstand accidental drops and rifle coils thus keeping internal components functioning properly for many years.
How to Choose the Best Leupold Scopes for AR-15
Glass Quality
The glass used to make the lenses in a riflescope should be of high quality for optimal accuracy. When buying a riflescope for AR-15, go for scopes with fully multi-coated optics. The lens coating enhances light transmission resulting in crisp images.
More so, glare-reducing elements help balance brightness and contrast to give the shooter vivid views when the ambient light is plenty. Also, check whether the glass has protective coatings. Scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant coating are important in enhancing the durability of the scope.
Type of Reticle
Numerous reticle options can be used together with an AR-15 rifle. Your style of shooting and skill level will be the determining factors when selecting the perfect reticle design. If you are a newbie, simple and easy to use will help kick start your hunting adventure.
For experienced hunters, riflescopes with advanced reticles that use MOA or MIL adjustments will help elevate their game, especially when taking down targets from far. The advanced reticles are insanely accurate and when used by the right hands, you can stretch the limits of your AR-15.
Hunting in low-lighting conditions will require an illuminated reticle. If you use your AR-15 to hunt varmints that are active in the early hours of the day or come out after sunset, go for a scope with an illuminated reticle.
If you hunt big game, scopes with Duplex reticles are ideal due to their precision. Duplex reticle is also suitable for hunting in thick bushes. If you use your AR-15 to shoot targets from a distance, the BDC reticle is your best option. This reticle offers an exact point of aim for the distance you are taking down the prey.
Performance Enhancing Features
We will summarize components that are added to the scope to better the performance as performance-enhancing features. The first feature is a fast-focus eyepiece. It helps hunters acquire the target easily and faster. Besides, it helps better the focus of the target for accurate shot placement.
Another key addition to a hunting scope is a side focus which is used to adjust the scope’s parallax making the reticle clearer when shooting from different distances.
A CDS dial is another addition that enhances the performance of a riflescope. It allows shooters to match the turrets with the ballistics and environmental conditions for precise bullet drop.
Type of Construction
If you want a riflescope to serve you for many years, you should get one that is of quality construction. Scopes crafted from aircraft aluminum boast a tough construction that can withstand elements in the field and offer service for longer. Make sure the scope you chose is waterproof and fog proof to ensure reliable performance when weather changes while in the field.
High-end models feature the best construction but may have features that you don’t need. Therefore, it is important to strike a balance between quality and price. Even on a budget, you can get a Leupold scope for your AR-15 that is made of quality materials to tolerate the harshest conditions.
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Conclusion
Which of the above Leupold scopes will you choose for your AR-15? We hope the information was helpful and you are better placed to make a wise purchase decision. All the Leupold scopes outline in this review are of high quality and harbor impressive features to give you a performance like no other. Before settling for a particular model, it is good to weigh and compare the options at your disposal well for the best results.