5 Best AR Scopes [2023 update]
Last update: 2/2/2023 | 4 minute approximate read time
If you own an AR, you know how important its scope is. That’s why we’ll be going through some of the quality scopes available, to find the best AR scope. If you’re interested, keep reading.
Because there are so many options available, you can easily make the wrong purchase. This will limit your AR’s capabilities and flush your money down the drain.
Top 5 Best AR Scopes- 2024
In this section, we’ll be discussing the best of the best.
1. BUSHNELL AR OPTICS FFP ILLUMINATED BTR-1 BDC
This is known as the best AR scope by many customers. This is because of how well it performs. In the industry, Bushnell is a force to be reckoned with, which is a testament to this product’s quality.
If you purchase this scope, you can expect to see far into the distance, up to 500 yards with 14 x magnification, which a lot of scopes can’t provide.
Along with this, the Bushnell offers a crisp view in some of the lowest light environments. This is as the optical scopes are multi-coated, allowing for immense levels of clarity.
Its unique throw down capabilities allows the shooters to quickly change between fields of view as well.
Perfect vision is amplified because of the scope’s sealing. It’s sealed to a IPX7 standard so that moisture can’t enter and ruin the clarity.
This level of sealing along with its aluminum-alloy body allows the scope to last a very long time, even in the most rugged terrains.
+Pros:
- Crisp vision
- Beautiful matte black design
- Very durable
-Cons:
- Considerably heavy
2. UTG 30MM SWAT 3-12X44 COMPACT IE SCOPE
Along with Bushnell, UTG is known to provide some great scopes as well. And this is one of their best AR scopes.
Here’s why:
People say this is one of the most durable scopes on the market, and they’re right. This model from UTG is incredibly tough as it’s made on a true strength platform, coming with shock resistance, rain proofing, and fog proofing, being nitrogen sealed.
If you want great vision, the UTG offers a view almost as crisp as the Bushnell. This is because it uses an Illumination enhancing system with a multi colour mode, allowing you to see clearly in any environment.
Although it only offers 12x magnification, it can go up to 900 yards which is insane, even beating the Bushnell.
Even though it’s not multi sealed, the lens is emerald coated, giving you a clear view.
+Pros:
- Crisp view
- Extremely durable
- Good illumination
-Cons:
- Considerably heavy for its size
3. Predator V2 Reflex Sight
If you’re looking to shoot at dawn, dusk, the dark night or in the middle of a bright, sunny day, this scope has 4 adjustable reticle settings and 2 color settings (green and red).
This scope is made of quality materials befitting of more than double its price.
The scope is powered by 3 LR44 batteries, however, the Company (Tacticon) also provides buyers of this scope with 3 extra LR44 batteries which is a definite nice touch; something you’d expect from a Veteran owned company.
The mount is at 45 degrees and the scope is waterproof, fog proof, and has reflective protection. After sighting with it you’ll notice that it will hold true.
The light brightness is adjustable by clicking the button multiple times on to get from dim to bright. It does not seem to have a memory on what setting you leave it at.
What’s more, it comes with a lifetime warranty!
+Pros:
- Great field of view
- Crisp views
- Economic
-Cons:
- Reticle light brightness could be a bit stronger
4. NIKON PROSTAFF 3-9X40 BLACK MATTE RIFLE SCOPE BDC
The Nikon Prostaff is great because of its portable size. It is considerably compact, allowing you to carry it wherever you want. In terms of how small it is, it’s only 12 inches across and is made from aluminum, allowing for an easy grip.
The scope offers good illumination as it is specially coated, and allows light to be transferred up to 98%. When looking through the lens, though, won’t get as much magnification as its counterparts as it can only go up to 9x at 100 yards.
However, it is nitrogen and oxygen sealed, making it durable. This sealing makes it resistant to water and fog.
Similar to the #3 scope, the Prostaff comes with Nikon’s lifetime warranty.
+Pros:
- Very compact
- Clear view
-Cons:
- Scope can have trouble holding zero
5. BUSHNELL AR OPTICS DROP ZONE-223 BDC RETICLE RIFLE SCOPE
Although not as great as its sibling in the number one spot, this model does considerably well on its own. You can expect up to 500 yards with a zoom-in of 9x magnification.
The lens is multicoated, allowing for a clear picture. However, what it produces is not as clear as the other lenses on this list.
It’s made from aluminum with anodized finishings that makes it easy to grip and tough, with a rustproof exterior. However, this also contributes to its significantly heavy feel.
The scope is nitrogen and oxygen sealed, so you can expect it to be quite resistant.
+Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Great quality for its price
- Relatively clear view
-Cons:
- Unnecessarily heavy
- View is not that clear
Things To Know When Buying An AR Scope
Now that we’ve looked at some of the best scopes on the market, let’s talk about the main things you should know about when making a purchase.
The Main Features Of An AR Scope
Here we’ll be running through the features a good scope should have.
Range
If you’re a long-distance shooter, you a need scope that lets you see far into the distance, with great magnification.
Brightness
In terms of the clarity of the image, this will be determined by how much light is allowed into the lens. If it’s multicoated, you can expect a good transfer of light.
Weight
Some scopes can be very heavy which is not ideal since this will affect the accuracy of your shot.
Durability
As the scopes are exposed to the elements, they should be sealed with nitrogen; this will keep them shock resistant and waterproof.
Things to Look for When Buying An AR Scope
Below are some tips that will help you purchase a quality scope.
Good Brands
If you choose a well-known brand, your chances of getting a scope that is compromised straight out of the box are low.
Warranty
When buying a scope, consider looking at brands that offer warranties for their products. As scopes are exposed to the elements so much, they’re bound to get damaged over time.
In general, warranties are very important in the firearm industry. If you don’t have a warranty, you’d have to pay for it to be repaired, which can be expensive.
Price
The best scopes can be very expensive. That’s why a good way to save money is by purchasing them online as they’re cheaper this way.
Does It Look Nice?
Remember, you’ll be using the scope for hours on end so you should like how it looks.
Conclusion
The scopes on this list are some of the best on the market. They’re great for the price range but if you want to splurge on a premium product, the Bushnell AR Optics FFP Illuminated BTR-1 BDC is the scope for you.
If you’re on a budget, the Bushnell AR Optics Drop Zone-223 BDC Reticle Rifle Scope should be your next best option.