AR 15 Scopes - Reviews & Comparison Chart
With the growing number of shooters who own an AR-15 style rifle, it only makes sense that the major scope manufactures would start building AR 15 Scopes. After the assault weapons ban expired in 2004 these high capacity rifles started to make a comeback; however, sales of these tactical rifles really skyrocketed after the 2008 presidential election, with many hunters and shooters fearing this might be there last chance to own an AR 15 style rifle. Sales of these rifles went completely through the roof as demand was extremely high. As a result, many firearms companies started offering their own version of this military style rifle to get a piece of the action. However, supply finally caught up and surpassed demand, and these rifles can now often be purchased at bargain prices.
AR 15 Scope Calibration
While originally not known for their accuracy the AR-15 platform has seen many changes in design, customization, and accessories that have made some of these AR-15's real tack drivers. However, as many new purchasers of these rifles found out, iron sights aren't the best for utilizing this accuracy. The scope manufactures realized that there were more and more shooters putting optics on their AR style rifles, and started designing scopes for these rifles or more specifically the cartridge most of these rifles fire. Most of these major optics makers designed and calibrated their AR 15;scopes around the 223 Rem/5.56 NATO round's ballistics. These AR-15 scopes make long range shots with this load a relatively simple process.
AR 15 Scope Versatility
The great thing about AR 15 scopes is that they are not only a perfect match for those shooting AR 15 style rifles, but are also a great match for varmint hunters who shoot any type of .223 Remington rifle with similar ballistics to the 5.56 NATO round. Update: Be sure to check out our new 1-4x24 and Red Dot Sight pages as these make excellent options for close to intermediate range work with an AR type rifle.
AR 15 Scopes Comparison Chart
| Model |
Trijicon ACOG |
Leupold HAMR |
Burris AR-332 |
Leupold Mark AR |
Nikon M-223 |
Nikon P-223 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picture |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Est. Price | $900 - $2600 | $1300 - $1600 | $320 | $280- $550 | $280 - $450 | $149 - $199 |
| Options |
1.5 x 16mm 1.5 x 24mm 2 x 20mm 3 x 24mm 3 x 30mm 3 x 32mm 4 x 32mm 5.5 x 50mm 6 x 48mm |
4x24 4x24 with DeltaPoint |
3x Prism Sight |
1.5-4 x 20mm 3-9 x 40mm 4-12 x 40mm 6-18 x 40mm |
1-4 x 20mm 2-8 x 32mm 3-12 x 42mm 4-16x42mm 2.5-10x40mm |
3 x 32mm 3-9 x 40mm |
AR-15 Scope Reviews
Trijicon ACOG - This hard use optic has long been a favorite among military and law enforcement AR-15/M-16 shooters. These AR15 scopes offer illuminated reticles that do not need batteries, and come in a wide variety of magnifications and reticle options to fit almost any situation an AR-15 shooter might find himself in. Some models even feature fiber optics to help contrast the reticle in bright daytime conditions.
Leupold HAMR - This new Leupold is a high quality combat optic built on a 4x24mm configuration; furthermore, it can easily be combined with a red dot sight such as the Leupold DeltaPoint (in fact some Leupold HAMR's are sold with a DeltaPoint already mounted). The combination of a 4x scope with a red dot sight makes for an extremely versatile optic that can be used to engage targets at ranges of a few feet to several hundred yards.
Leupold Mark AR - Is another Leupold entry into the AR-15 scope market. Most models (apparently all but the 1.5-4X20mm version) in this series have an elevation dial specifically matched to the 223 Rem/5.56 NATO cartridge. So you can use a standard reticle if you wish and just turn the specially made elevation dial to the desired distance and hold right on the target.
Nikon M-223 - Nikon also offers a AR 15 scopes, the higher magnification models can be had either with a custom calibrated elevation dial or a reticle with calibrated yardage dots for the 223/5.56 NATO round. With the elevation dial models you simply set the elevation dial to the distance you want to shoot and center the crosshair and pull the trigger. With the dot (actually circle in this case) reticle you simply put the circle that corresponds with the range you are shooting on the target and take the shot. Nikon also added a rangefinder scope model to this line in a 2.5-10x40mm configuration.
Nikon P-223 - (NEW) Nikon has just introduced a budget line of AR-15 scopes. Initially available in either a variable 3-9x40 model or a fixed 3x32 model the P-223 series follows in the footsteps of the Nikon M-223 series. New for the Nikon P-223 series is a BDC Carbine reticle featured on the 3x32 model, which still allows for aiming points out to 600 yards, but is designed around this 3x optic.
Burris AR-332 - While technically listed as a prism sight, it does fit well into this category so it was listed as well. Currently the AR-332 is available in a 3x magnification version. These AR 15 scopes also have a couple of colored reticle options that can be selected, red or green, and is equipped with ballistic dots for long range shooting out to 500+ yards.
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