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Whether you are new to owning an AR 15 or have had one for several years, the type of rifle scope you put on the weapon affects everything from how you use it to the weapon’s style and effective range. While flip-up iron sights are a classic, easy option that are perfect for short-range endeavors and practicing with the weapon, if you want to take it hunting or make it more tactical for close-quarters practice, you’ll need an optic. From red dot sights to long-range rifle scopes, choosing the right one depends on your needs, budget, and style. Because let’s be honest, having a sleek-looking optic makes the whole package look cooler and more dignified. I’ve assembled a list of the top AR 15 optics that are in-stock right now to help you find the perfect one for your needs. Keep in mind, these are not ranked, as they suit different goals and purposes.
*Note: this information is current as of July 2022.
1. Vortex Strikefire II
Coming in first is a classic red dot sight that is the perfect choice for both beginners and experienced AR 15 owners. Vortex is one of the most popular optics brands, and for good reason. The Strikefire II is a 1x30mm red dot sight, and it provides excellent clarity and target acquisition for an affordable, accessible price of $179. Plus, every Vortex Red Dot is backed by their VIP warranty, which means they will replace it if it becomes damaged or defective for any reason.
Since it is a 1x scope, this means it does not magnify the sight picture at all. Instead, it provides a clear picture of what is in front of the weapon with a small red or green dot in the center. Without the obstruction of iron sights, this lets you switch between targets quickly and easily, making it the perfect option for both tactical drills and casual shooting at a range, as you have more vision of what is around you.
2. EOTech Transverse XPS2
For the shooter who wants their weapon to be as stylish as it is functional, you can’t go wrong with the EOTech Transverse XPS2. As an iconic holographic sight, it offers 1x magnification and a variety of reticle styles, so you can find one you like the best. The most common is a red or green 68 MOA circle with a 1 MOA dot in the center in a matching color. This gives you an easy way to see the middle and place the dot on your target.
A common addition to the XPS2 is a magnifier. The EOTech G33 Magnifier mounts on your Picatinny rail directly in front of the holographic sight, giving 3.25x magnification. The beauty of this combination is that the G33 has a switch-to-side (STS) mount that allows you to move it off to the side or in front of the red dot sight at will. This is perfect for transitioning between close and medium-range targets, giving you plenty of versatility.
3. Trijicon ACOG
Another iconic rifle scope, the Trijicon TA31 ACOG 4x32 optic is a high-quality option. While this is a bit of a higher-end rifle scope, you get unmatched precision at short and medium-range targets. With 4x magnification, the TA31 ACOG provides a 36.8 feet field of view at 100 yards, allowing you to make out small details even when the target isn’t immediately visible through iron sights.
Like all the optics on this list, the Trijicon TA31 mounts to a Picatinny rail. It is made of forged aluminum to give it durability without adding unnecessary weight, helping you maintain accuracy even if you are looking through the rifle scope for a long period. The ACOG is available in two unique reticle styles: the Donut and CHA Crosshair, with each one available in either red or green. The Crosshair is a classic style while the donut features a small, open circle at the top with 1/2 MOA lines descending beneath it. If you’re looking for a tactical mid-range optic, pick up the TA31 ACOG today.
4. TRYBE Optics 3-18x50mm HIPO FFP
Moving on to the long-range shooting options, the TRYBE Optics 3-18x50mm rifle scope is perfect for hunting and target shooting. With variable magnification, you can use this scope for both medium and long-range shots, as it switches between 3x and 18x magnification. It is also a first focal plane (FFP) rifle scope, which is often the easiest to see. An FFP optic means the reticle stays the same size, no matter what magnification you are using. This is optimal for new shooters, as they don’t have to make as many adjustments when shooting at different ranges.
Depending on your magnification, this optic provides a field of view between 5 and 33 feet at 100 yards, so you can get as detailed as you need to be to take down your target. This TRYBE Optics scope is available in both flat dark earth and black, so you can get one that matches your current setup. Plus, this rifle scope comes in at only $499, which is less than other comparable options, so you get a lot of bang for your buck.
5. ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition
This rifle scope has the highest ratings of all our offerings on OpticsPlanet, coming it at 4.8/5 stars with over 600 reviews. As a technical long-range rifle scope, the ATN X-Sight 4k Pro has some crazy benefits that suit a wide range of needs. For example, it offers both day and night vision, so it is perfect for all kinds of hunting, including predators. Plus, it has a powerful 4K sensor that allows you to record and stream 1080p video directly through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth from the optic while you’re using it. The recording software is even recoil-activated, so you don’t have to worry about pressing a button or changing settings while lining up the perfect shot.
One of the most significant advantages of this advanced rifle scope is that it doesn’t break the bank either. Night vision equipment is notoriously more expensive, but the ATN X-Sight comes in at $799, which is pretty low for all the capabilities. As a 5-20x magnification scope, it gives you plenty of options for both medium and long-range shooting, providing a 240-foot field of view at 1,000 yards. It mounts to a standard Picatinny rail and has up to an 18-hour battery life, so pick one up today if you’re looking for a serious upgrade to your long-range hunting setup.
Shop AR Rifle Scopes Today!
Whether you’re shopping for a red dot sight, holographic sight, or a long-range rifle scope, we have hundreds of options to suit your needs. We also have a wide variety of spotting scopes to help you with sighting in your new optic, as well as plenty of ammo to give you the competitive edge when shooting. Check out some of our most popular calibers, like .223 & 5.56, .308 & 7.62 NATO, and 6.5 Creedmoor.
