Out of the box, the Ruger AR-556 is great but to squeeze out all the juice it has to offer a scope is necessary. Today, we take a look at the best Ruger AR-556 scopes designed to ramp up your shooting prowess. Through the years we have seen brilliant scope brands come up and cement their place in the market.
Leupold, Vortex and Primary Arms are some of the brands that you will come across today. A good scope will give you access to viewing objects situated at far distances than regular eyesight can support.
Though fairly priced in comparison to other rifles, Ruger AR-556 bags as many points in the hunting field. The scopes on this list are the ultimate go-to option for all shooting needs.
Browser, impulse buyer, or indecisive patron whatever your shopper profile we have included a scope to fit every shooting need and style. We also take you through what makes a great scope for such a rifle and what to look for when getting one.
Allow us to give you the scoop on all matters best Ruger AR-556 scopes by answering a few questions first:
What Makes a Great Ruger AR-556 Scope?
Ruger AR-556 rifles are not long-range champions and have an effective range of about 300 yards. This however does not mean that their use is limited to that bracket. For a scope to be considered great for AR-556 it has to have variable magnification that allows use on different ranges.
It should also have a forgiving eye box to give sufficient access to target views without compromising safety from getting hit during recoils. A good lens with an optical coating to help with the fast acquisition of targets is also something that makes a scope stand out. A durable and quality build that combines strong metal such as aluminum and dry gas purging is essential for any scope to perform as expected.
What Magnification Do You Need?
The magnification power you choose to settle for should match the need, style, or skill set. Variable magnification is recommended for anyone that wants to use a scope in different shooting ranges. Short-distance operations will do well with a scope that has 1-4x magnification.
For medium-range, you might find 3-9x magnification comfortable while for longer ranges you may retain or go up in the settings to achieve a clean shot. Too much magnification and too little of it translates to a misguided shot so you want to tread carefully on this power path.
8 Best Ruger AR-556 Scopes
With that said, let’s dive into our top picks for the best Ruger AR-556 scopes:
#1) Monstrum 3-9×32 AO Rifle Scope
We begin our list of the best Ruger AR-556 scopes with Monstrum 3-9×32 AO Rifle Scope. This scope comes equipped with an Adjustable Objective to cater for parallax adjustment. AO helps align the target image with the plane of the reticle. Parallax adjustment is also instrumental in estimating range to reduce inaccuracy.
This Monstrum scope has a rangefinder reticle surrounded by red or green illumination visible in different brightness intensities. You can still view the reticle in the black when illumination is not provided. Illumination is supported by CR 1632A batteries. This makes this scope ideal for use in any light situation.
Magnification can be switched between 3 to 9 times to support close and mid-range shooting. A throw lever has been included on the scope for faster magnification changes. The objective lens is 32mm and contains a multi-layer coating to keep it scratch-resistant and indestructible by fog and debris.
Features
- Contains a rangefinder reticle
- Parallax adjustment is taken care of by the Adjustable Objective
- Red or green illumination available with numerous brightness settings
- 3-9x magnification
- 32mm objective lens diameter
- Compatible with Picatinny and Weaver rails
#2) UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope
UTG is a favorite brand for many shooters and here is yet another stellar scope they have crafted for use on Ruger AR-556 rifles. It also has an Adjustable Objective for parallax corrections.
Additionally, there is a Side Wheel Adjustable Turret (SWAT) that enhances parallax adjustment. To obtain maximum light transmission this 30mm tube has a multi emerald coating on its lenses. Integral sunshades featuring flip-open lens caps are part of the scope to keep the lens protected.
The scope is built around a true strength Platform which basically involves nitrogen purging and sealing rendering it shock, fog and rainproof. The reticle area is also eliminated through the EZ-TAP illumination enhancing system with dual-color choices is green and red. 36 color intensities are available. High-tech illumination memory keeps a record of the last brightness setting used so you can quickly go back to it.
The illumination control button is ergonomic for smooth operation. Special Zero reset turrets with zero lock systems are offered by this scope to adjust for windage and elevation.
They are reliable and give ¼ MOA in every click. UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope is fitted with 30mm Picatinny rings. As one of the best Ruger AR-556 scopes, this scope helps reach places where the rifle couldn’t on its own.
Features
- 3-12x magnification, 30mm objective lens diameter
- 30mm tube with synchronized inner-outer tube interaction
- Mil-dot reticle with green or red illumination that runs on batteries
- Easy-to-grip illumination button
- Parallax adjustment supported by SWAT and AO
- Angled sunshade plus flip-up lens covers to keep the lens protected
- Zero reset turrets with zero locking system
- ¼ MOA clicks
- Comes with 30mm Picatinny rings
#3) Bushnell Optics, Drop Zone Reticle Riflescope
Bushnell Optics, Drop Zone Reticle Riflescope is intent on sweeping away your shooting feet with its carefully selected combination of features. It has everything you would want to find in any Ruger AR556 scope. Let’s begin with the drop zone 223 BDC reticle located in the second focal plane. This reticle has the ability to hold out to 600 yards for precision and accuracy.
Windage and elevation adjustments are strategically placed for quick accurate changes. Magnification is 1-4x with a throw-down lever added to make magnification changes a breeze. The lever provides two height adjustments. The scope has IPX7 waterproof rating for reliable performance in all environments.
For easy identification of targets, all air-to-glass surfaces is coated with multiple layers of anti-reflective coating. The fast-focus eyepiece makes this scope your best bet for close-quarter combat.
Bushnell offers their customers a lifetime Ironclad warranty which is fully transferable. No matter how hard you punish this scope, it will not break thanks to its strong aluminum alloy construct that encompasses an anodized finish and is completely sealed the interior parts intact.
Features
- Has a Drop Zone BDC reticle located in SFP
- 90-23 feet field of view at 100 yards
- The multi-layer optical coating on all air-to-glass surfaces
- Strategically placed windage and elevation knobs
- 1-4x magnification supported by a throw lever for swift change between power settings
- Fast-focus eyepiece for accuracy
- Strong aluminum body with IPX7 waterproof rating
- Lifetime Ironclad lifetime warranty that is fully transferable
#4) Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight
If you find yourself at crossroads in deciding the best scope to mount on your Ruger AR 556 rifle, you might want to consider Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight.
Such a sight as is found on this Vortex scope helps the shooter with a point of aim through the use of a red illuminated dot. This scope has 11 brightness settings with the lowest two supporting night vision.
The red dot is CR2 battery powered and has been improved to last up to 80000 hours when the setting is at 6. An offset cantilever has been provided to allow movement of the red sot sight and it also helps with magnification adjustment.
It has a large objective lens size for a wide field of view. Light transmission is at an all-time high considering all air-to-glass surfaces are layered with multiple anti-reflective coatings.
Eye relief is unlimited in this scope. Turrets for windage are located right of the red dot sight and elevation at the top. Each click is ½ MOA. A closer look at the construction features you find that the scope is built ruggedly to withstand recoil. It is compact and lightweight to support a rapid movement that is needed for fast target acquisition.
Features
- Uses red dot sights to identify aiming points
- Has battery-powered illumination that supports night vision
- Offers a large field of view
- Contains lens with multicoat and antireflective power
- Unlimited eye relief
- Parallax-free setting inclusive
- Windage and elevation adjustment dials with ½ MOA clicks
- Ruggedly built to withstand recoil and other impacts
#5) Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 SFP Riflescope
This scope is yet another Vortex optic that is a great companion for Ruger AR556 rifles. It has a magnification that supports shooting from all ranges. The magnification ring is easy on your hand and with the introduction of a thread-in throw lever maneuvering between power, adjustments are quick. So, it is ideal for tactical shooting, hunting and three-gun competitions.
XD glass is used to make the lenses. For delivery of quality, images lens are fully multi-coated. This coating also promotes low-light performance. BDC3 reticle with illumination helps sighting targets quickly and works with the fast focus dial on the eyepiece to provide precise aim. The illuminated reticle also has great holdover capabilities that stretch 650 yards out.
This reticle gives sub-tensions that are helpful for range estimation and wind drift adjustments. For its protection and durability, the scope’s reticle is glass-etched.
The scope is made out of aluminum with nitrogen filling and O-ring seals that keep it water, shock and fog proof. To assist with camouflage and top-up on durability, the exterior surface has a hard-anodized finish.
Features
- XD lens construction for quality images
- Fully multicoated air to glass surfaces for maximized light transmissions
- Illuminated BDC3 reticle that is glass-etched
- Second focal plane houses the reticle for correct estimates on the range, holdovers and wind drift
- Fast focus dial for quick sighting of the target
- Capped turrets that require zero tools for resetting once sighting in is done
- Built like a tank for durability
#6) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Unquestionably one of the best Ruger AR556 scopes that you will come across, Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope is packed with stunning optic features to make every hunt count. It offers a 3:1 zoom ratio that gives you the freedom to power up to 9x for that long-range or go down up to 3x in shorter-range encounters.
Leupold takes a lot of pride in Advanced Optical System installation in their scopes that encompass light transmission for extended hours, reduced glare and consistent resolution clarity-resolution balance.
Efficiency in performance does not stop there and instead, you are met with a Custom Dial System that makes turrets customizable to fit your environment. The Second Focal Plane configuration is used for this Ruger556 scope so the reticle will grow or shrink relative to the magnification set.
For comfortable focus settings a traditional eye, a lock ring is added to the features. ZeroStop system assists in dialing settings back to zero to minimize errors when using the adjustment knobs.
The lens is hardened with surface coatings for scratch, debris, oil and water resistance. In addition to this, internal gases and sealing technology have been used to keep the scope impermeable to water and fog. The strong aluminum construct employed does not crumble when subjected to hard impact and recoil.
Features
- 3-9x magnification
- Advanced Optical System for high-quality light transmission
- Eye lock ring for comfortable focus setting
- Surfaces hardened with coating for resistance against scratches, oil and debris
- Custom Dial System for customizable turret adjustments
- Internal gas fill and tight sealing for fog and waterproof performance
- Has duplex reticle in SFP
- 7-4.2 Eye relief
- Sturdy aluminum body with a matte finish
#7) Steiner P4Xi 4-16x56mm Riflescope
Here is another best Ruger AR556 scope this time from Steiner optics. For all tactical and patrol situations, this should be the scope you are looking for. It is made with the inclusion of their very own SCR reticle (Special Competition Reticle) to guide a shooter’s precision.
The reticle is illuminated and is characterized by ½-mil vertical crosshairs for holdover on distance with ½-mil horizontal and 2-10-mil crosshairs for wind drift corrections.
The reticle is located on the first focal plane therefore it does not vary in size when magnification is changed. Windage and elevation knobs are a great addition in any scope and on this one, you are offered a set of each in the form of clearly calibrated dials.
It is designed to be easy to carry around the tool with aluminum housing for strength and reliability. The scope comes with a lifetime warranty.
Features
- Ideal for tactical and patrol engagements
- Has an SCR reticle on the first focal plane
- Illumination of reticle gives easy-to-identify crosshairs for guidance on where to aim
- Clearly calibrated windage and elevation dials
- Lightweight for easy portability and installation
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
#8) Bushnell 3-9×40 Riflescope with DZ 223 Reticle
Bushnell 3-9×40 Riflescope with DZ 223 Reticle has exposed turrets for quick adjustments to acquire a target on the first shot. it also has a side focus parallax that is 10yards to infinity to eliminate discrepancies between the target position and reticle focus. Chromatic aberrations are dealt with by the scope’s multicoated lens that is 40mm wide.
The DZ 223 reticle is on the second focal plane and stretches in or out depending on where the magnification is set. Magnification is at a 3:1 zoom ratio with a throw-down lever put in place to allow quick power customization depending on where you are aiming at.
This Bushnell scope has an IPX7 waterproof rating, one of the criteria we focused on when selecting the best Ruger AR556 scopes. With such a rating performance remains unaffected even when the scope is submerged in water. This ensures durability and reliability.
Features
- Drop Zone reticle in SFP
- Side focus parallax of 10yards to infinity
- 3:1 zoom ratio
- 40mm wide objective lens with multicoating
- Exposed turret style
- IPX7 waterproof performance
- Lifetime warranty. Fully transferrable
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Factors to Consider when Buying Ruger AR-556 Scope
Understanding that the Ruger AR-556 is a lightweight rifle weapon that is easy to maneuver and is capable of versatile application will guide your decision when buying a scope. Here are some considerations to keep in mind
Objective Lens Diameter
Objective lens diameter determines how much light passes through to your eye. The bigger the size the more light it can let in. Hunters prefer having big diameter lens because they get access to brightly clear images of their target in the dawn and dusk hunts. The downside to that is that a larger diameter size will come in a bulky scope that weighs down your AR-556.
Eye Relief
Because getting scope bite is not a fun affair. Choose a scope that does not hold back when it comes to eye relief. 3.4-3.5 inches should be enough eye relief.
Parallax Adjustment
Any AR-556 scope should factor in parallax adjustment to maintain a consistent view of the target despite changes in any other adjustment settings. This way even when the target is constantly moving, the reticle does not waver around too much.
Intended Purpose
The scope chosen should match its intended use. The scope requirements for competitive shooting differ from those used for hunting. The best Ruger AR-556 should be easy to use. Accessible dials that are quickly responsive should be set in place. A simple installation process is also preferable.
Material & Build Quality
Without strong casing, the contents of any scope are as good as damaged in the face of recoils or rough combat. Ensure the material used to construct the scope is strong and likely to last a while. Aircraft-grade aluminum is the most common material you will find in scopes.
Gas Purging & Weatherproofing
Scope manufacturers commonly use nitrogen or argon to keep the tubes watertight. This helps when the rifle is going to be used in wet weather conditions. In others you find Argon being used to guarantee clarity of images despite prevailing weather.
Read: Best AR-15 Red Dots
Best Ruger AR-556 Scopes FAQs
Q: What ammo is recommended for Ruger AR-556?
With 5.56 NATO or .223 Rem ammunition, a Ruger AR-556 will result in an accurate shot. The difference between these two ammunitions is their pressure level and their throat size.
Q: Does Ruger AR 556 come with iron sights?
Iron sights are a non-telescopic addition to a firearm to assist with aiming and no, Ruger AR 556 comes without iron sights. However, you have the option to choose from the many offerings available.
Q: What size gas block do I need for Ruger AR 556?
AR 556 has an adjustable gas block to control the level of pressure being released. This determines the amount of recoil you get. Therefore, the gas block size is dependent on the weight of the buffer and spring used in the rifle. Heavier buffer will require a large gas block size to take in more pressure and match that increase in weight.
Conclusion
The Ruger AR 556 rifle is useful not only for fun activities but also as a handy defense weapon when things take a crazy turn. One way to customize a rifle is by mounting a scope on it to expand your options when shooting at the enemy. Use this guide to select the best scope for your rifle and watch your skill grow.