Although some assault rifles do come with a built-in riflescope, like Austria-made Steyr AUG, the majority ARs don’t. In fact, the world’s most-produced assault rifle, AK-47 typically comes without a scope. The same goes for other popular firearms, like the iconic M16 rifle, for example. Still, this doesn’t mean that assault rifles can’t feature a scope. In fact, the US Army has started replacing the scope-free M16 with a version of this rifle called M4 carbine, which features what’s probably the best AR scope ever made. In fact, that’s one of the reasons why M4 carbine is planned to replace its predecessor as the primary infantry weapon of US military.

Unfortunately to gun enthusiasts, owning an M4 assault rifle is permitted only under special circumstances. That is one of the reasons why M16 is still the preferred AR choice for Americans. When it was designed in 1957, the rifle had the name AR15. Over time, it became synonymous with all semi-automatic rifles available to civilians.

One of the best things about these rifles is that you can easily improve them by making certain modifications. If you like everything about M4, you can make its lookalike by putting an assault rifle scope onto your AR-15. To help you find the best one, we created the list of top 5 best AR scope you can find in the US at the moment. So, here they are!

1. Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-223 Reticle Riflescope – Affordable Scope with High Performances

Since it was established in 1948, Bushnell quickly became a leader in the world of optics. Bushnell riflescopes are synonymous with quality. What this implies is that you won’t make a bad choice if you choose the Drop Zone-223 scope for your assault rifle.

Features of the AR-15 Riflescope

The first thing that makes this riflescope amazing is its impressive field of view, which goes to up to 500-yards! Now that we’re on the subject of shooting range, this scope zeroes at 100 yards. Another great feature of this scope is its super-precise target turrets system, with a 0.1 mil click value.

Apart from the amazing performance, the scope is also good for its sturdy built. In fact, it’s virtually impossible to rust, not to mention that it’s nitrogen-purged which makes it waterproof and prevents fogging.

Pros

• Convenient size (9.1 inches)
• Drop Zone-223 Reticle, calibrated for 55-62 grain
• 500-yards field of view
• Multi-coated optics allow precise image even in low-light conditions
• Affordable price

Cons

• Some users complain that it can’t hold zero when shooting repeated shots

Recommendation

This scope is definitely a good value-for-money deal. But, the fact that its price is more than affordable doesn’t mean that its specs are not impressive. On the contrary, this is a fine scope that will meet your expectations!

2. Burris 300208 AR-332 3×32 Prism Sight – Superb Scope that Provides Impeccable Image

Burris is an American manufacturer of rifle optics based in Colorado. The company is praised by the users for the amazing quality of their products, as well as impressive customer service. If you’re looking for a quality AR scope that’s gonna serve you well for a long time, Burris 300208 AR-332 3×32 Prism Sight might be the perfect choice!

Features of the AR-15 Scope

One of the best things about this riflescope is that it has an amazing reticle, which will provide you with an impressive image even in low-light conditions. Furthermore, you can be sure that there won’t be glare if the sun is shining. This is because of a system of multi-coated lenses.

Apart from providing you with an amazing vision, the scope is also great for being very easy to use. Mounting it on any kind of assault rifles is easy. On top of that, the scope is very lightweight, yet incredibly sturdy. Not only is it almost impossible to break, but the riflescope is also waterproof.

Pros

• Superb precision at the range of between 50 and 100 yards
• Amazing image both at day and night
• No glare
• Easy to mount
• Sturdy and durable

Cons

• Requires batteries, which usually don’t come in the package

Recommendation

This is one of the best scopes for ARs you can find on the market today. It has all the features you may wish for; the only downside being that the battery is not included. The good news is that the CR2032 disc type battery is not expensive. Furthermore, the scope will work even without a battery, although not at top level.

3. UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope – A Super-Affordable Tactical Riflescope

Riflescopes manufactured by UTG have always been loved by the hunters. However, this company has in their offer all kinds of scopes, not only those meant for hunting rifles. They even have a couple of tactical-range scopes, ideal for any kind of assault rifle. If you want our recommendation, we advise you to go with the UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope.

Features of the Scope

This is a tactical-range scope, designed to provide you with a nice image, regardless of the light conditions. Still, the performance is not the thing that sets it apart from the competition. In fact, the main reason why this riflescope is on our list is its built quality.

Buying this scope means that you won’t need another one for a long time. The scope is durable and virtually impossible to break or even scratch. It’s also waterproof and doesn’t allow fogging. On top of everything, UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope is one of the cheapest AR scopes available in the United States.

Pros

• Provides good image, even in low-light conditions
• Sturdy and durable
• Waterproof
• Very cheap

Cons

• Not too impressive field of view

Recommendation

Although it’s not the best AR-15 scope you can find, UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope can do a pretty decent job. Considering that its price is under a hundred dollars, this product definitely deserves your attention!

4. Nikon 8496 P-223 3×32 Matte BDC Carbine – Easy to Mount, Even Easier to Use

One of the main reasons why this riflescope is on our list is that it’s easy to mount onto a number of different types of assault rifles. On top of that, the scope is lightweight and comfortable to use, due to a carefully designed eye relief. But, these are just some of its features. To really fall in love with this product, make sure to read the text below!

Features of the Riflescope

The BDC Carbine reticle features 200-yards crosshairs, as well as 400-200 yards hash marks, suggesting that the range of the scope is pretty impressive. Actually, that’s what the users find to be the strongest side of this riflescope.

On top of that, the scope is amazing for the fact that it provides a maximum brightness at any time of the day, due to the use of multi-coated lenses.

Pros

• Impressive image quality
• Precise at a very decent range
• Easy to mount
• Features a superb eye relief
• Waterproof, fogproof

Cons

• Not the cheapest scope you can find

Recommendation

Nikon 8496 P-223 3×32 seems as a perfect AR scope. Everything about it seems impressive, from being easy and comfortable to use to the fact that it provides amazing precision.

5. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope – The Cheapest Scope on the List

For the end of the reviews of best AR scope, we left another product manufactured by Bushnell. Same as any other Bushnell scope, this one too is built to last for a long time, providing you with impressive performances along the way.

Features of the AR Scope

The front lens is titled so that it reflects LED light, thus creating the red dot, which will help you with target acquisition in low-light conditions. The scope uses Amber-Bright™ technology, which utilizes high contrast lens coating to provide a better color distinction. The scope also features an unlimited eye relief, meaning that it can be easily used with either eye.

Pros

• Precision ensured with the red dot
• Good image
• Affordable price

Cons

• Not as good as other scopes on the list in terms of performances

Recommendation

Even though this scope is very cheap, it doesn’t mean it is poor quality. In fact, it will provide you with all you need for improving the performances of your assault rifle shooting. On top of that, because this is a Bushnell scope, you can be sure that it will serve you well for a long time.

Wrapping It Up

You can’t expect that a riflescope will enable you to hit the target that’s a thousand yards away with your AR. Assault rifles are not designed for such a long range. Still, with a proper scope, you will be able to improve your shooting performance significantly.

Of course, this is only true if you get yourself the very best AR scope. In order to find such a scope, all you got to do is pick one reviewed in the top 5 list above. We guarantee that regardless of which one you choose, you won’t get disappointed!