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10 Best AR scopes 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

ATN Thor 5 LRF Smart HD Thermal Scope w/Ultra Sensative Gen 5 Sensor, Video Rec, Built in LRF, Ballistic Calculator, RAV

The ATN Thor 5 LRF Smart HD Thermal Scope is a strong contender in the thermal scope category, particularly suited for hunters who want advanced features. One of its standout strengths is the Ultra Sensitive Next Gen Thermal Sensor, paired with a high-resolution OLED display that offers rich colors and detailed visibility, making it easier to spot targets in varying light conditions.

#2
9.7 score

ATN X-Sight 5 Smart Day/Night Gen 5 Scope w/Ballistics Calc, 12MP Resolution, Video Record, Wi-Fi, 14hrs+ Battery

The ATN X-Sight 5 Smart Day/Night Gen 5 Scope offers several advanced features tailored for hunting enthusiasts. With a magnification range from 5x to 25x, it provides versatility for various shooting distances. The Ultra HD 4K resolution ensures clear and vivid images both during the day and night, aided by its enhanced night vision mode. The ballistic calculator is a significant asset, simplifying shot calculations for improved accuracy.

#3
9.7 score

Vortex Optics Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC Reticle Riflescope, 3-9x40, Black (CF2-31007)

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9x40 riflescope is a solid choice for AR scope users who want flexibility for mid-range shooting or hunting. Its 3-9x magnification covers close to moderate distances well, and the Dead-Hold BDC reticle helps estimate bullet drop without extra adjustments, which is handy for varying range shots. The 40mm objective lens size lets in enough light to provide bright and clear images, enhanced further by fully multi-coated lenses that reduce glare. A 34.1-foot field of view at 100 yards is fairly wide, making it easier to quickly spot and track targets. Eye relief of 3.8 inches is comfortable and safe for most shooters, reducing the chance of scope ‘kick’ impact on your face. Durability is strong with an aircraft-grade aluminum tube, plus waterproof and fogproof features, so it can handle tough outdoor conditions. The scope’s weight of 16 ounces keeps it light enough for comfortable handling.

Rating
9.7
Magnification
Reticle
Eye Relief

Most important from
13552 reviews

Magnification
While not suitable for precision dialing beyond mid-range distances, it performs reliably for hunting and general shooting needs within its magnification range.
Reticle
The glass delivers impressively clear images with a crisp, sharp reticle that enhances target acquisition.
Eye Relief
A generous eye relief around 4 inches provides a comfortable and full sight picture without the tunnel vision effect.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durability is proven in the field, and the robust warranty process ensures quick, hassle-free repairs or replacements even for user errors.

Top 10 Best AR scopes 2025 in the United States

Vortex Optics Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC Reticle Riflescope, 3-9x40, Black (CF2-31007)

Magnification: 3-9x
Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
Field of View: 34.1 ft
Eye Relief: 3.8 in
Durability and Weather Resistance: waterproof, fogproof, aluminum tube

Trijicon 4x32mm ACOG Dual Illumination Green Crosshair Reticle Flat Dark Earth Optics

Magnification: 4 x
Reticle: Green crosshair
Objective Lens Diameter: 32 Millimeters
Field of View: 7 Degrees
Eye Relief: 38.1 Millimeters
Durability and Weather Resistance: Aircraft-grade aluminum, weather resistant

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescope - Dead-Hold BDC Reticle

Magnification: 2-7x
Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
Eye Relief: 3.9 Inches
Durability and Weather Resistance: Durable, waterproof, fogproof

ZEISS LRP S3 6-36x56 First Focal Plane MOA Riflescope with Illuminated Reticle

Magnification: 6x to 36x
Reticle: Illum. ZF-MOAi Reticle - 34mm Tube
Objective Lens Diameter: 56mm
Durability and Weather Resistance: Withstands up to 1,500 g-force shocks
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Buying Guide for the Best AR scopes

Choosing the right AR (Augmented Reality) scope can significantly enhance your shooting experience by providing advanced targeting and situational awareness. When selecting an AR scope, it's important to consider various specifications that will impact its performance and suitability for your needs. Understanding these key specs will help you make an informed decision and ensure that you get the best fit for your specific requirements.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because it determines how well you can see and aim at distant targets. Magnification values are usually represented as a range, such as 1-4x or 3-9x. Lower magnification (1-4x) is suitable for close to mid-range shooting, providing a wider field of view and quicker target acquisition. Higher magnification (5-10x and above) is better for long-range shooting, allowing you to see distant targets more clearly. Choose the magnification based on the typical distance of your shooting activities.
ReticleThe reticle is the crosshair or aiming point you see when looking through the scope. It is crucial for accurate targeting. Reticles come in various designs, such as duplex, mil-dot, and BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator). A simple duplex reticle is easy to use and suitable for general shooting. A mil-dot reticle helps with range estimation and windage adjustments, making it ideal for tactical and long-range shooting. A BDC reticle is designed to compensate for bullet drop at different distances, useful for hunting and long-range shooting. Choose a reticle that matches your shooting style and needs.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting image brightness and clarity. Larger diameters (40mm and above) allow more light, providing a brighter image, especially in low-light conditions. However, larger lenses can make the scope heavier and bulkier. Smaller diameters (20-32mm) are more compact and lighter but may not perform as well in low light. Choose the objective lens size based on your need for brightness and portability.
Field of ViewField of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the scope at a specific distance, usually measured in feet at 100 yards. A wider FOV is important for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. Scopes with lower magnification typically offer a wider FOV, making them suitable for close-range and dynamic shooting scenarios. Higher magnification scopes have a narrower FOV, which is less ideal for moving targets but better for precise long-range shots. Consider your shooting environment and whether you need to track moving targets when choosing the FOV.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope's eyepiece where you can see the full image. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with high-recoil firearms. Longer eye relief (3-4 inches or more) provides a safer distance from the scope, reducing the risk of injury from recoil. Shorter eye relief (less than 3 inches) may be acceptable for low-recoil firearms but can be uncomfortable and risky with higher recoil. Choose a scope with adequate eye relief based on the recoil of your firearm and your comfort preferences.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance refer to the scope's ability to withstand harsh conditions and rough handling. This is important for ensuring the scope's longevity and reliability in various environments. Look for scopes that are shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof. These features ensure that the scope can handle impacts, resist water damage, and maintain clear visibility in humid or rainy conditions. Choose a scope with robust durability and weather resistance if you plan to use it in challenging outdoor conditions or for rugged activities.

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