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10 Best sniper AR 15 scopes 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 Rifle Scope, V-Brite Reticle , black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,327
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle

Most important from
13567 reviews

Magnification
The magnification range provides a great field of view, avoiding the narrow 'soda straw' effect common in higher zoom scopes.
Objective Lens Diameter
Adjustable objective and clear reticle allow effective use of ballistic drop compensators when paired with proper handloads.
Reticle
The illuminated reticle improves target visibility in low light, enhancing shooting confidence during dawn or dusk.
Turrets
While the turrets function adequately, they are not suited for precise tactical adjustments at longer ranges.
Eye Relief
Generous eye relief and a wide eye box make quick target acquisition easy without perfect eye positioning.

The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 is a solid choice for an AR-15 sniper scope, especially for hunters and shooters who want a reliable and clear sighting tool. Its 3-9x magnification range offers good flexibility, allowing you to zoom in enough for precision at medium distances without losing the wider view needed for quick target acquisition. The 40mm objective lens balances brightness and size well, providing a clear image without making the scope too bulky. The V-Brite illuminated V-Plex reticle brightens the center dot with battery power, making it easier to spot your target in low light conditions.

Eye relief is generous, and the scope's forgiving eye box makes quick target alignment easy without the need for perfect eye positioning. The fast-focus eyepiece simplifies reticle crispness adjustments, which is convenient when switching between targets. While the turrets are functional, they may not offer the most precise tactical adjustments for windage and elevation on the fly. Similarly, the lack of parallax adjustment means this scope is best suited for medium-range shooting rather than long-range precision.

Constructed from strong aircraft-grade aluminum, the scope is durable and capable of withstanding rough outdoor conditions. Its waterproof and fogproof design ensures reliability in adverse weather. At just 15 ounces, it adds minimal weight to your rifle. Additionally, the lifetime VIP warranty provides added assurance. This scope is an excellent, straightforward, and durable option for typical AR-15 shooting distances with good clarity and illumination.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,327
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle

Most important from
13567 reviews

Magnification
The magnification range provides a great field of view, avoiding the narrow 'soda straw' effect common in higher zoom scopes.
Objective Lens Diameter
Adjustable objective and clear reticle allow effective use of ballistic drop compensators when paired with proper handloads.
Reticle
The illuminated reticle improves target visibility in low light, enhancing shooting confidence during dawn or dusk.
Turrets
While the turrets function adequately, they are not suited for precise tactical adjustments at longer ranges.
Eye Relief
Generous eye relief and a wide eye box make quick target acquisition easy without perfect eye positioning.
#3

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

Rating
9.7
Reticle
Turrets
Eye Relief

Most important from
13567 reviews

Reticle
The glass is impressively clear, and the reticle remains crisp, offering accurate and consistent adjustments.
Turrets
While the turrets lack an audible click, the adjustments are still easy to feel and make.
Eye Relief
Great eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box make for a comfortable shooting experience with a full image view.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC Reticle Riflescope, 3-9x40, is a versatile and reliable option for AR-15 snipers. With a magnification range of 3x to 9x and an objective lens diameter of 40mm, it offers flexibility for various hunting and shooting scenarios. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is particularly beneficial for estimating holdovers, which is crucial for accuracy at varying distances. One of the standout features is the long eye relief of 3.8 inches and an ultra-forgiving eye box, allowing quick target acquisition and a comfortable shooting experience.

The fast focus eyepiece also aids in swiftly adjusting the reticle focus for clear sight pictures. Additionally, the anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses ensure bright and clear views, which is essential for spotting targets in different lighting conditions. The scope's construction is robust, with a single-piece tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum, providing durability and shockproof performance. Its waterproof and fogproof capabilities, thanks to O-ring sealing and nitrogen purging, make it reliable in various weather conditions.

An added advantage is the lifetime, unlimited, unconditional VIP warranty, which offers peace of mind against defects and damages, although it does not cover loss or cosmetic damage. Weighing 16 ounces, it is relatively lightweight, which is beneficial for maintaining a balanced rifle setup. However, the scope is not equipped with night vision, which might be a limitation for users needing this feature in low-light conditions. Additionally, while suitable for airsoft sports, it is specifically designed for rifles, limiting its versatility across different firearms. With high customer ratings and a strong presence in the market, this riflescope is a solid choice for both novice and experienced shooters looking for a dependable and high-performing optic for their AR-15.

Rating
9.7
Reticle
Turrets
Eye Relief

Most important from
13567 reviews

Reticle
The glass is impressively clear, and the reticle remains crisp, offering accurate and consistent adjustments.
Turrets
While the turrets lack an audible click, the adjustments are still easy to feel and make.
Eye Relief
Great eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box make for a comfortable shooting experience with a full image view.

Buying Guide for the Best sniper AR 15 scopes

Choosing the right sniper scope for your AR-15 can significantly enhance your shooting accuracy and overall experience. The right scope will depend on your specific needs, such as the type of shooting you plan to do (e.g., hunting, target shooting, tactical use), the distances you will be shooting at, and your personal preferences. Understanding the key specifications of sniper scopes will help you make an informed decision and select the best fit for your AR-15.
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. Scopes typically have either fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes have a single magnification level, such as 4x, which means the target appears four times closer. Variable magnification scopes, like 3-9x, allow you to adjust the magnification within a range. For short to medium-range shooting (up to 300 yards), a lower magnification (1-4x) is sufficient. For longer ranges (300-600 yards), a medium magnification (4-12x) is ideal. For very long-range shooting (beyond 600 yards), higher magnification (12x and above) is necessary. Choose a magnification range based on the distances you plan to shoot and the level of detail you need to see.
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 the brightness and clarity of the image. Larger objective lenses (e.g., 50mm) allow more light to enter, providing a brighter image, especially in low-light conditions. However, they can also make the scope heavier and bulkier. Smaller objective lenses (e.g., 32mm) are lighter and more compact but may not perform as well in low-light situations. If you plan to shoot in various lighting conditions, a larger objective lens may be beneficial. For general use and better portability, a smaller objective lens might be more suitable.
ReticleThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle designs serve different purposes. Common types include duplex, mil-dot, and BDC (bullet drop compensator) reticles. Duplex reticles are simple and easy to use, making them ideal for general shooting and hunting. Mil-dot reticles have dots along the crosshairs that help estimate range and bullet drop, useful for long-range and tactical shooting. BDC reticles have markings that correspond to specific distances, allowing for quick adjustments without manual calculations. Choose a reticle based on your shooting style and the level of precision you need.
TurretsTurrets are the knobs on the scope that allow you to adjust the windage (horizontal) and elevation (vertical) settings. This is important for zeroing your scope and making precise adjustments based on shooting conditions. There are two main types of turrets: capped and exposed. Capped turrets are covered and protect the settings from being accidentally changed, suitable for hunting and general use. Exposed turrets are easier to adjust quickly and are preferred for tactical and long-range shooting where frequent adjustments are needed. Consider how often you will need to make adjustments and choose the turret type that best fits your needs.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope's eyepiece while still seeing the full field of view. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with high-recoil rifles. Longer eye relief (3-4 inches) provides more flexibility in positioning your eye and reduces the risk of scope eye (injury from the scope hitting your face). Shorter eye relief (less than 3 inches) may offer a wider field of view but requires more precise eye placement. For AR-15 rifles, which generally have moderate recoil, a medium to long eye relief is recommended for comfortable and safe shooting.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment allows you to correct the parallax error, which occurs when the reticle appears to move relative to the target when you shift your eye position. This is important for maintaining accuracy, especially at longer distances. Scopes with parallax adjustment have a side knob or an adjustable objective lens to fine-tune the focus at different ranges. For short to medium-range shooting, parallax adjustment may not be necessary. However, for long-range shooting (beyond 300 yards), having this feature can significantly improve accuracy. Choose a scope with parallax adjustment if you plan to shoot at varying distances and need precise aiming.

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