So you finally pulled the trigger and got yourself the most popular firearm in the United States: the AR-15. Congratulations, and welcome to the club. Now what?
Once you learn its manual of arms (how it works), you’ll want to tailor it to your needs. Fortunately, the AR-15 is one of the most modular firearms on the market. That makes it easy to add everyone’s favorite accessory: an optic.
But not every optic is suitable for a beginner AR user. The options are many and the marketing BS is thick, but with a little know-how, you can find the one that works best for your needs.
Whether you’re after a red dot for quick, close-range shots, a low-power variable optic (LPVO) for shots a little farther away, or a full-on magnified optic for hunting and longer-range shooting, we’ve got you covered with options that fit any budget.
(Photo bySTNGR LLC onUnsplash)
What Is the Point of Your AR-15?
This is America. Does a gun really need a purpose?
Not really, but if you care enough to make a wise choice for an optic, the first step is to think about the purpose of your rifle. Different loadouts are suited for different tasks. Depending on what role it plays, one optic will be better suited for your firearm than others.
Will it be a hunting rig, a home defense gun, a plinker? All of the above? No matter what you plan on using your freedom dispenser for, the perfect optic exists.
Back in the day, we were limited to the fixed “carry handle” iron sights which weren’t great for precision shooting, and lacked magnification. This made getting accurate hits out to 500 yards a task only for true riflemen. Nowadays, anyone can ring steel at 500 and farther with the right optic.
That said, let’s dive in and see why your peepaw and his trusty irons could stand an upgrade.
Red Dot Sights for Your AR-15
Red dot sights (which are sometimes green) are probably the most common type of optic on AR-15s these days. They’re low-cost, easy to use, and greatly enhance your gun’s capability — even with pistols. Most are pretty robust, and some models under $100 stand up to a lot of abuse and still hold a zero (remain accurate).
Red dots are simple: they’re tubes inside a housing of (most often) aluminum or another metal. A red dot is projected onto a screen within the tube, which is then superimposed into your field of view (FOV) as you peer through the optic.
Brightness, windage, and elevation can all be adjusted to achieve a perfect zero, so when you put that dot on top of something and press that trigger, you score a hit almost every time. It feels like cheating the first time you use one.
How far can you shoot with a red dot? That, grasshopper, is entirely up to you. Noted wheelgun superstud Jerry Miculek hit a balloon at 1,000 yards with a .44 Magnum topped with a red dot, so you’ve really got no excuse.
In reality, red dots are great for close range to making hits (not shooting tiny groups) at 200-300 yards on man-sized targets. Yes, you can reach out farther, but beyond 300 or so, there are better options.
Eotech G33 3X Magnifier Sts Mnt
$629.00
Eotech
Prices accurate at time of writing
That said, the vast majority of shooters don’t shoot past 100 or so yards, which is why red dots are so popular. If you want more versatility and capability from your red dot at distance, snag a magnifier that flips to the side when not in use.
(Source: www.amazon.com)
SIG Sauer Romeo 5
Budget-friendly optics have grown in leaps and bounds the last few years. A $100-optic used to amount to legitimate trash that might work sometimes (but it wouldn't hold zero very long). Nowadays, $100 gets you an optic you don’t have to be ashamed of — diminishing returns and all.
The Sig Sauer Romeo 5 is about as good as it gets for a (ballpark) $100 red dot. It’s got a respectable waterproof rating, is night vision compatible, can handle shock from all reasonable rifle calibers, holds zero, has a crazy long battery life (50,000+ hours with a shake awake battery saving feature).
Specs
- Dimensions: 2.47" L x 1.5" W x 1.52" H
- Weight: 5.1 oz
- Material: Machined aluminum with black anodized finish
- Water Resistance: IPX-7 rated (waterproof up to 1 meter)
- Power Source: CR2032 battery
- Battery Life: 40,000 hours (~5,000 realistically)
- Magnification: 1x fixed
- Reticle Options: 2 MOA red dot (green dot available in XDR model)
- Country of Origin: China
Eotech Exps2 68 Moa Ring/1Moa Dot Qr
$679.00
Eotech
Prices accurate at time of writing
EoTech EXPS2
Admittedly, EoTech doesn’t make “red dot” sights per se, but their holographic nature is employed in the same way as red dots, so we’re including it in this list.
EoTechs are some of the most proven short-range optics on the planet, thanks to their use in a multiple-decades war in the Middle East as well as loads of models riding shotgun in police cars. They’re rugged, simple, have a great circle-dot reticle (aka the Donut of Death) and also feature night vision compatibility. The only knock against them might also be considered a plus, which is the fact that many EoTechs use super common AA batteries, but they eat them up pretty quickly.
The EoTech EXPS2 sports a decent-sized viewing window that allows you to shoot with both eyes open. It also features user-friendly mounting features that make it easy to adjust how the optic sits on your gun. It’s a higher cost option, but you definitely get what you pay for.
Specs
- Dimensions: 3.8" L x 2.3" W x 2.9" H
- Weight: 11.2 oz (317.5g)
- Material: Aluminum
- Water Resistance: 10 ft (3 m) depth
- Power Source: 1 x CR123 battery
- Battery Life: 1,000 continuous hours at nominal setting 12 at room temperature
- Magnification: 1x (non-magnifying)
- Reticle Options: 68 MOA ring with 1 MOA center dot (most popular)
- Country of Origin: Made in USA
Trijicon Mro Hd Red Dot W/ Low Mount
$1,013.00
Trijicon
Prices accurate at time of writing
Trijicon MRO HD Red Dot
Speaking of combat proven, Trijicon’s MRO is a fantastic offering that is all business made for one job: performing without a hiccup in the harshest environments.
Trijicon’s success in making top-tier optics has earned the company scads of government contracts, but the same optics are available to us civilians — and we’re better off for it. The MRO has a huge sight window for fast target acquisition, night vision compatibility, extreme battery life (5 years), and a reputation that can’t be beat. It’s also waterproof, with a hard anodized forged 7075-T6 housing.
Yes, this red dot has a seriously high price point. But with the durability and features of this optic, it’s a worthwhile investment that will last a long time. Pro Armory offers this dot with a mount that’s perfect for AR-15s.
Specs
- Dimensions: 2.6" L x 1.7" W x 2" H
- Weight: 6.1 oz
- Material: 7075-T6 forged aluminum
- Water Resistance: Submersible to 100 ft (30 m)
- Power Source: CR2032 battery
- Battery Life: 2.5 years of continuous use at dot-only day setting "3" (Setting 5 of 8) at 70F (21C)
- Magnification: 1x fixed
- Reticle Options: 2.0 MOA red dot
- Country of Origin: Made in USA
LPVO (Low-Power Variable Optic)
LPVOs are relative newcomers to the optics scene. Sure, there have been lower-powered variable magnification optics, but these have a true 1x at the low end. Most others had 2x or 3x at the low end, which puts them in the magnified optics category. Those are all the traditional “hunting scopes,” which aren’t a no-go for ARs; they’re just different.
LPVOs differ from traditional optics in that they’re more ruggedized and made for the abuse that tactical training and environments can dish out. They also have more generous eye relief (the minimum distance from the scope to your eye in order to get a full, clear view of the reticle). This makes it easy to acquire the reticle under stress. Most LPVOs are 1x-4x, 1x-6x, 1x-8x, or 1x-10x. The 1x, of course, has no magnification. As a rule, the greater the range, the greater the price tag.
LPVOs are insanely useful and versatile, offering the snap-shooting benefits of a red dot on 1x, while you can dial up the magnification for longer shots or target identification. Like everything, they exist on a spectrum. You can get some cheaply made dog turd off Amazon, but save your money. You’ll only end up replacing it with something better. You can also spend more than an average mortgage payment, but beware of diminishing returns. We’ve picked out three solid, proven options for getting the most out of your new rifle.
(Source: www.sigsauer.com)
Sig Sauer Tango MSR 1-6
Yes, this “budget option” is a hair over $300, but trust us, you don’t want to cheap out when it comes to LPVOs (remember the aforementioned dog turd?).
This little honey is loaded with quality. It comes with a lightweight mount that affixes right to your AR upper receiver, has a throw lever for instant magnification changes, a nice eye relief box, and a do-all reticle that acts as a bullet drop compensator, red dot, and accounts for wind drift — all in one.
The Sig Sauer Tango MSR 1-6 is the product of Sig’s continuing redefining of what good looks like in an LPVO. The company has reinvented its optics division with a focus on delivering quality optics for all consumers, and this is their idea of a budget offering. No one’s ever accused Sig of making cheap stuff, and the Tango 1-6 continues that tradition in an eminently useful and AR-specific package that’s ready to go right to work on your new AR.
Specs
- Weight: 18.5 ounces
- Material: Aluminum
- Water Resistance: Yes
- Power Source: CR2023 coin battery
- Battery Life: 100 hours at middle setting
- Magnification: 1x-6x
- Country of Origin: China
Us Optics 1-6X24 Ffp Ms2
$695.00
Us Optics
Prices accurate at time of writing
US Optics TS-6X
US Optics are known for their ultra high-end competition scopes, but they also carry a more budget-friendly line of glass that still features the company’s legendary quality and clarity. The TS-6x is a 1x-6x scope with capped windage and elevation turrets. It’s also got a 30mm body and a 24mm objective (the end you don’t look into) for great light transmission.
The TS-6x will run you about $700, but ruggedized construction makes it a safer investment than most higher priced optics. The reticle is ideal for tactical applications as well as hunting. Plus the whole thing can be illuminated, rather than just a single point.
Specs
- Weight: 17.9 ounces
- Material: Aluminum
- Water Resistance: Yes
- Power Source: 2032 coin battery
- Battery Life: 500 hours
- Magnification: 1x-6x
- Country of Origin: Unknown (likely China)
(Source: www.trijicon.com)
Trijicon Accupoint TR-25
Here’s Trijicon again. Why? Because they’ve made their name on rugged, combat-proven reliability and durability. The Trijicon Accupoint TR-25 is born of this dedication to quality. The TR-25 is a 1x-6x LPVO option that runs a shade north of $1,000. If you don't need that much magnification or cash outlay, the TR-24 is a 1x-4x model with many of the same features.
The TR-25 has amazing glass. It’s clear, transmits light better than your eye, and has a dual-powered reticle. That means it has both a tritium insert inside the scope as well as fiber optic backup for added brightness in sunlight. It’s cool because it automatically adjusts to the level of ambient light based on how much light the fiber optics pick up. You can also adjust how much light the fiber optics get by twisting a dial, making the reticle lighter or darker.
The TR-25 is absolutely bombproof, so it’s a tad heavy, but you get what you pay for. There are a couple of reticle options, but the most popular is the triangle post (which is literally just a triangle atop a post). It’s great for close-up shooting and you can use the tip of the post for precision at greater distances.
Specs
- Weight: 19.2 ounces
- Material: Aircraft-grade aluminum
- Water Resistance: Waterproof to 10 feet
- Power Source: Fiber optic/tritium. Tritium has a life of about 8-10 years, fiber optics will never “die.”
- Battery Life: Longer than you have on this Earth. Leave it in your will. It’ll still be kicking.
- Magnification: 1x-6x
- Country of Origin: Made in USA
Magnified Optics (Scopes)
These are your traditional scopes that adorn the average “deer rifle.” For the AR owner, magnified optics are a fine choice if you plan on target shooting from a bench or hunting at longer distances (when caliber selection becomes relevant).
As a rule, magnified optics don’t have the built-in ruggedness of LPVOs or red dots because of their larger objective lenses and longer length. But a larger objective is better for light gathering, which shines in low light. Hunters love it, and choosing a magnified scope doesn’t automatically relegate you to Boomer status. There are scopes with AR-savvy reticles that can be used in tactical applications.
(Source: www.primaryarms.com)
Primary Arms Classic Series
Primary Arms’ entry-level 3-9x44 doesn’t have all the frills that more expensive offerings boast, but it delivers the goods where it matters: nice, crisp glass, a simple reticle, reliable zero holding, and a big objective lens, all for about $100.
The duplex reticle is simple, uncluttered and the tube (the long, skinny part in the middle) is nitrogen purged for fog-free performance in all weather. The 44mm objective is a hair larger than average, allowing great light gathering at dawn and dusk. This offers no-frills performance and also serves as a capable target and hunting scope.
Specs
- Length: 12.4 inches
- Ocular Diameter (Outer): 39.4 (~1.55 inches)
- Objective Diameter (Outer): 51mm (~2 inches)
- Weight: 18.4 ounces
- Material: Aluminum body
- Water Resistance: Yes
- Power Source: None
- Battery Life: N/A
- Magnification: 3x-9x
- Reticle Options: Classic duplex
- Country of Origin: China
(Source: www.leupold.com)
Leupold VX-R
Here’s another line of scopes that have upgrades in glass, reticle, light transmission, and durability.
First let’s get the pronunciation out of the way. It’s LOO-pold. Not “lee-UH-pold,” you mouth breather.
Leupold has tons of military contracts and delivers combat-proven optics. The Leupold VX-R isn’t one of them, but it’s made with the same processes as the company’s high-end offerings, so it shares in a lot of the benefits. The VX-R might be considered the best blend of performance, with lightweight strength and value.
For example, they have multi-coated lenses for excellent light transmission and clarity along with water-repellent properties. The reticle is perfect for low light hunting (which is when most game is on the move); it’s a simple duplex with an illuminated red dot at the center point. Leupold calls it the FireDot reticle. It’s not great for shooting tiny groups, but it’s absolutely what you want for making hits on game at dawn and dusk.
Specs
- Dimensions: 12.7” long
- Ocular Diameter: 1.56 inches
- Objective Diameter: 1.56 inches
- Weight: 15.3 ounces
- Material: Aluminum
- Water Resistance: Yes
- Power Source: CR2032
- Battery Life: Years and years if you turn it off when not in use. We’ve seen some that are 4 years old still on its first battery.
- Magnification: 3x-9x
- Reticle Options: Leupold FireDot duplex
- Country of Origin: Made in USA
(Source: vortexoptics.com)
Vortex Razor
The high-dollar category can get out of hand in a hurry, so we went with an offering that does cost a lot, but damn it, it’s one of the best values for your dollar. The Razor line has all kinds of magnification levels and each is made with premium Japanese glass, tough-as-nails components, and innovative reticles that cover the needs of any rifleman or hunter.
The Razor line has everything from a 1-10x to 6-36x, so whether you’re looking for a short- to medium-range optic or a full-fledged extreme long-range scope, the Razor line has a top-of-the-line offering for every shooter. Fully coated HD glass, optically indexed lenses for complete edge-to-edge clarity (no shadow around the edges when you’re looking through it), and lightweight and strong aircraft aluminum construction mean you won’t get laughed off any firing line with a Razor.
Specifically, let’s look at the Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36x56 FFP, which is about as good as any model.
Specs
- Dimensions: 15.25”L x 1.8”H
- Ocular Diameter: 1.8 inches
- Objective Diameter: 2.56 inches
- Weight: 45.1 ounces (yikes!)
- Material: Aircraft aluminum
- Power Source: CR2032 coin battery
- Battery Life: 2,200 hours
- Magnification: 6x-36x
- Reticle Options: EBR-7D (MOA) — Once you get used to this kind of reticle, everything else seems childish.
- Country of Origin: Japan
Final Thoughts
There are so many options for AR scopes these days that we’re spoiled for choice. And the beauty of optics is that there’s one for just about any scenario you might encounter or plan for. Plus, there are models at all points of the budget spectrum. Also, like electronics, good glass these days is significantly cheaper than it used to be, and a lot of stuff that was premium in the 1980s and 90s is considered “low end” today.
There are more reticle options, illuminated choices, and more standard features than even a decade ago. Plus, with the host of Internet marketplaces, if you get something and it doesn’t work for you, you can always sell it. Or, sack up and do the patriotic thing: buy another optic and build another rifle for another purpose.
ARs have a habit of multiplying in your safe. Whatever stage of AR buying and modifying you find yourself at, Pro Armory has you covered for ammo, accessories, and more.
When you’re ready to swipe your man card, check out our wide variety of optics at great prices with fast shipping.
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