Scope for AR-15

So I use to laugh at some of my friend who spent crazy dollars on golf clubs, shoes and other such equipment…. And always denied I might have a similar … ummm how to say this… impulse issue ?

Well, I started building an AR-15 , RR upper and lower, Hogue grip, RR stock kit and a D-Tech 18’’ barrel, medium contour – fluted , 1:8 twist, 4 ratchet groves and a 3lb single stage Timney trigger… yes - I went overboard… I have built bolt action rifles and honestly building an AR was fun.

So now I am looking at scopes and trying to keep it sane – don’t want a $1,000 scope. This was supposed to be a 200yrd rifle with a little stretch to it… for hogs and predators… I like Leopold and have looked at Meopta… I am fine with mil or MOA… so for those with AR experience , what would you recommend ?

I've been on this research project lately. I decided that my 16" carbine needs to be used as a carbine, 300 yards to 10 yards. So I am wanting a 1-6X. What is looking pretty nice are Bushnell Elite, and CCoker recommended the Burris. The SS 1-6 is just more than I can spend on the project. All available with a Mil reticle.

If you want more magnification the Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10X is an option. Of course it is available in FFP, but (abnormally for me) I will say it is not unreasonable to get the SFP model to save some money. If you're going to use the reticle you're most likely going to be turned up to 10X anyway.

The SS 3-15 X is a good blend of features but the glass quality left some to be desired in my opinion.

Check out tacticalgunreview.com. Several carbine scopes have been reviewed and documented on the site.

Best wishes on the project!

MTAC 1-4

MTAC 1-4. Very fast acquisition with that reticle and shooting out to 200yds on 1x is very doable. I bought one second hand and love it. It was supposed to be a scope until I bought the Strike Eagle, but I think it's going to stay on my AR

I just picked up a couple of the Bushnell Elite 1-6.5x24 scopes when Natchez had them from $499. Seem to be pretty solid. Also have a SWFA 1-4x24, also a great optic.

I put a Leupold Mark AR 3-9x with Firedot on my AR15, great scope, but the 3-9 is overkill unless you are using it for hunting, IMO

I don't really understand the small variable unless you know for sure you'll be shooting very close a lot of the time. For 3 gun, sure, but why not buy at least a 2-7, 3-9, or even bigger? Or a fixed 4x or 6x?

I put the Vortex PST FFP 2.5-10x32 on my RRA, OP. If I'd thought about it I might have saved $200 and used the 2.5-10x44 SFP since, as FJG pointed out, if I'm using the reticle I'm likely at 10x.

1-4 for 200 yards

2.5-10 vortex if you want to go further...

A fixed 4 gains nothing over the 1-4 in performance. The 1-4 is basically the most versatile scope, and covers 99% of what ARs get used for.

It's the ability to shoot at 50 yards. The 2.5 is limited in that regard.


I went ffp because the glass is better from a number of reviewers

I have a leupold ar mod 1 and I love it. Affordable and you can order a custom dial specifically for your bullet. Can shoot up to 600 yards.

Trijicon Accupoint, with the triangle post reticle.

I mentioned the fixed power scopes because they would be significantly cheaper than the variables and you'd never have to wonder or check where it's set on a quick shot. Also, if coin isn't an issue, a 1-6 or 1.1-8 would be more versatile than the 1-4. I think Swarovski now makes a 1.5-10? Since this is mainly a hunting gun for the OP he might need something that gathers light better than a scope with a 24mm objective and has a little more stretch on the top end.

I normally use a .243 for coyotes but sometimes use my AR. With the goal of wanting to reach out to three hundred yards on coyotes I bought a Leupold VX-R 2-7x33 with the FireDot 4 reticle. Works great for my needs. I have a Meopta MeoPro 3.5-10x44 that for my eyes is fantastic in low light light, better than the VX-3 I have. But it is too big for my taste on an AR. If I had the money I'd get a Meopta MeoStar R2 1-6x24 RD.

Leupold 3-9x40 VXR. Great glass for the price and the illumination comes in handy on the late night hog and predator hunts.

The vx r is a good one for an ar

VX-R 2-7x33 or VX-R 3-9x40

Since 200 yds was mentioned I would definitely go with 1-4 or 1-6 as that magnification is all you need 90+% of the time yet you keep 1x capability for close range. Very much the sweet spot ranges for the AR.

Also to add, I have the SWFA 1-6, Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6, Vortex PST 1-4 and have taken them all to 600 with 2 MOA targets. Just got the Bushy Tactical 1-6.5 from Natchez but have not tried it yet...clarity is impressive!

MTAC 1.5-6X40MM.
Primary Arms 1.5-6x with ACSS reticle for 223/5.56
Leupold VX-R 3-9

For general hunting with an AR the VXR 2-7 is a great fit..
My brother runs one on his 6.8 and he would have no problem getting something more expensive and I put one on my son's new 6.8 build.