The Best AR-15 Optics at Every Price Point

July 09, 2013 By Keith Wood

In its various configurations, the AR-15 is arguably the most versatile rifle on the planet. With designs suited for fighting, plinking and hunting at distances from a few feet to a thousand yards, the AR's capabilities and applications run the gamut. Just as no rifle or carbine is right for every job, neither is every optic. Today's rifleman has such a wide variety of optics, the choices can be overwhelming. Let's take a look at the best AR-15 optics at every price point.

Simmons Predator Quest 4.5-18x44mm

We're starting to see more AR-15's set up for long-range varmint and predator hunting. If your rifle is a truck gun for taking shots at coyotes across the pasture, or a .204 that you run hot over prairie dog towns, the Simmons Predator Quest 4.5-18x44mm will serve you well without maxing out your credit card. This optic has a vast magnification range, a generous objective lens and a 30mm main tube, allowing it to transmit plenty of light. With turret adjustments for windage and elevation, and side-focus for parallax, this scope offers all the tools to make precision shots. Price: $152.95

Redfield CounterStrike Red Dot/Laser Optic

This unique sight from Redfield uses both a visible laser and a traditional illuminated dot optic to provide fast target acquisition at short to medium ranges. Zero magnification dot sights and lasers are without question the fastest sights available, and have been used extensively over the past decade by military special operations forces and SWAT teams. The CounterStrike gives operators the choice of a red or green 4 MOA dot with 11 different intensity settings for every lighting condition. It features ½ MOA adjustments, is waterproof/fogproof/shockproof and has a 5,000-hour battery life. Price: $179.99

Bushnell 1-4x24mm AR Optics

As the name implies, Bushnell's AR Optics line is designed from the ground up with black rifles in mind. The 1-4x24mm model offers a great deal of flexibility for distances ranging from a few feet to a few hundred yards. The Drop Zone-223 reticle provides precise aiming points designed to match the trajectory of the .223 Remington out to 500 yards. This is an ideal scope for a general use AR-15, and can be upgraded with an illuminated reticle for an additional $100. Price: $199.99

Leupold Mark AR 3-9x40mm

There's a reason why the most popular hunting scopes in America are 3-9x — it's a really useful power range. Leupold's Mark AR MOD 1 3-9x40mm is ideal when shots aren't expected to come at extremely close range, and a bit more magnification is needed at the top end. This would be a perfect optic for hunting deer or hogs, or even punching paper and steel at medium ranges. It's hard to beat Leupold's quality and outstanding customer service. Mil-dot and illuminated reticles are available at an additional cost. Price: $374.99

Nikon 4-16x42mm M-223 BDC 600

Just because the AR-15 wasn't designed to be a long-range rifle doesn't mean it hasn't evolved into one. Modern free-floated and fast-twist match barrels are capable of reaching way out there. The Nikon 4-16x42mm M-223 BDC 600 will help maximize that accuracy potential with a generous magnification range and side-focus parallax adjustment. This model features Nikon's BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle, which gives the shooter points of aim out to 600 yards. Clear, bright optics and ¼ MOA target-style adjustment knobs make this is a lot of glass for the money. Price: $499.95

Aimpoint Micro H-1

Aimpoint essentially owns the red dot marketplace for military, police and hunting use. The Swedish firm has produced hundreds of thousands of sights — which have been tested over and over in harsh combat conditions — for the U.S. military. The Micro H-1 is the smallest offering in the Aimpoint lineup and is a tremendous sight in a tiny package. Its 2 MOA dot offers more precision than most red dot sights, and does so without creating the tunnel vision effect of many optics. The Micro can be used with both eyes open to maximize the shooter's field of view, and is an outstanding choice for the fast action of self-defense and close range hunting situations. Price: $653.00

Zeiss 2.5-10x50mm Victory Diarange

Laser rangefinders have changed the world when it comes to long-range shooting, but unless you have a spotter, you need to come off the riflescope to dope the range — not so with the Zeiss 2.5-10x50mm Victory Diarange. This high-quality German optic has a laser rangefinder built in so you can range the target, dial your elevation and fire the shot without taking your eye off the target. With range information displayed in just a half-second, it's hard to imagine a faster optic for long-range shooting. The standard BDC dial provides for shots out to 600 yards, and custom dials can be ordered if longer shots are expected. To top it off, you get the crystal-clear European glass that has made Zeiss famous for decades. Price: $3,519.95

Leupold Mark 8 1.1-8x24mm CQBSS

Designed with input from America's most elite units looking for one scope to do it all, the Leupold Mark 8 1.1-8x24mm CQBSS is the epitome of what today's optical technology is capable of. At 1.1x, this scope gives the user enough field of view to clear a building, yet allows the operator the ability to crank-up to 8x for long-range shots. This is a big, tough scope designed for the rigors of combat. If price is no object, this is the ideal scope for a fighting rifle. Price: $4,999.99

Trijicon VCOG 1-6x24mm

Though Trijicon's Accupoint scopes are both versatile and effective, the VCOG (Variable Combat Optical Gunsight) is the company's first low-range, variable-power optic designed specifically for military and tactical use. Available with a variety of LED-illuminated first focal plane reticle styles, this heavy-duty scope gives other high-end scopes a run for their money. Unlike most of its competitors, the VCOG features a rugged integral mount for attachment to Picatinny rails. Price: gallery=327,270.00

Leupold Mark 4 HAMR

When close- to mid-range targets require rapid engagement, operators rely on a sighting system with quick and clear acquisition. The Leupold Mark 4 High Accuracy Multi-Range Riflescope (HAMR) delivers in those tactical CQB and mid-range scenarios. When combined with a Leupold DeltaPoint reflex sight, the HAMR gives operators the ability to quickly transition between targets of varying distance. Price: [imo-slideshow gallery=327],939.99 (with DeltaPoint)

HIVIZ FastDot H3 Handgun Sights

Optics

HIVIZ FastDot H3 Handgun Sights

Blending the speed and simplicity of a red-dot optic with the reliability and small footprint of iron sights, the new FastDot H3 from HIVIZ might be the best all-purpose handgun sighting system designed to date.

Optics

Meprolight's M22 Dual-Illumination No Batteries Reflex Sight: Video Review

Optics

Meprolight's M22 Dual-Illumination No Batteries Reflex Sight: Video Review

What happens to electro-optics when batteries run out? With the Mepro M22 self-illuminated reflex sight, you won't need to think about batteries at all.

Other

Ballistic Advantage Continues Excellence in Barrel Design

Other

Ballistic Advantage Continues Excellence in Barrel Design

Eric Poole meets up with Adam Wainio, founder and president of Ballistic Advantage. His company is a premier barrel maker and provides top-quality pipes to both major gun manufacturers and small-shop gunsmiths. Ballistic Advantage has been a pioneer for profiled barrel blanks and experimenting with a barrel's mass and contours to wring out the best performance. Looking forward, Ballistic Advantage is working on its take on weight-saving carbon fiber barrels and is keeping ahead of new chamberings with interesting offerings like the 8.6 Blackout.

Rifles

Winchester Ranger Returns! Now In .22

Rifles

Winchester Ranger Returns! Now In .22

If Winchester is known for one thing in firearms, it's lever guns. Both the historic examples and modern renditions are held in high regard, and the centerfire models can command a premium price due to desirability. New for 2024, Winchester is lowering the barrier to entry and raising the fun factor with the return of the Ranger. Now, though, the iconic lever action is chambered for .22 Long Rifle. What's more fun than a rimfire rifle? Probably nothing, that's why Winchester has invested in the recent Wildcat semiauto, Xpert bolt action, and now the Range, all in .22. Eric Poole and Winchester's Rafe Neilson discuss the latest lever addition.

Rifles

Latest Name In Lever Guns: Aero Precision

Rifles

Latest Name In Lever Guns: Aero Precision

Aero Precision is a go-to source for rifle-building components including receivers, handguards, and all the necessaries. New this year is the M4E1 Pro kit, which offers ambidextrous controls: bolt catch/release, radial selector, and even the magazine release. Besides being lefty friendly, the M4E1 Pro also sports the new overbuilt Mod4 handguard designed specifically for professional users and shooters that are just plain hard on their gear. Stepping away from rifle parts, the company is also expanding its suppressor offerings with the new Tephra-22 rimfire can. Finally, the company is teasing the most talked about firearm at SHOT Show 2024: The Aero Precision Lever Action. Kirk Foreman of Aero Precision joins Eric Poole to talk shop from the show floor.

Rifles

SAKO 90 Quest Lightweight Hunting Rifle

Rifles

SAKO 90 Quest Lightweight Hunting Rifle

SAKO's new 90-series bolt-action rifles have finally hit the U.S. market. Guns & Ammo's Joe Kurtenbach was one of the first American sportsmen to take these guns afield. In pursuit of Colorado elk and mule deer, Kurtenbach takes a break from climbing mountains to describe the SAKO 90 Quest, a lightweight hunter that benefits from modern construction and precision-inspired features.

Optics

Warne Scope Mounts New Red Dot Risers

Optics

Warne Scope Mounts New Red Dot Risers

Warne Scope Mounts has unveiled several new red-dot sight riser mounts at the 2024 SHOT Show. One of the challenges of mounting a red dot to a long gun is getting the optimal height setting. These mounts feature included spacers to adjust the height setting to fit individual preference. Warne has also introduced a universal rib mount to easily attach red dots to shotgun ribs. Many turkey shotguns don't have a Pic rail, so this mount gives you access to the entire rib on a shotgun to mount a red dot. If you've never turkey hunted with a red-dot sight, it's a game changer!

Accessories

New Warne Scope Mounts Skyline Lite Bipods

Accessories

New Warne Scope Mounts Skyline Lite Bipods

Warne Scope Mounts has upgraded its popular line of Skyline bipods to the new Skyline lite, with three different options for ARCA, Pic rail and QD pic rail mounting options. The Skyline Lite bipods feature 13 micro adjustments to fine-tune rifle height, 0-, 45-, and 90-degree leg positions, and the universal-style head accepts multiple mounting configurations. Built from premium aluminum and steel, the Skyline Lite bipods have all the modern features we expect while keeping weight low.

Handguns

Smith & Wesson Response PCC: Now Taking SIG Mags

Handguns

Smith & Wesson Response PCC: Now Taking SIG Mags

Smith & Wesson's John Myles has been a regular on the New Product Premier, and he joins Joe Kurtenbach to run it back again at SHOT Show 2024. Last year the company introduced the Response pistol caliber carbine (PCC), an AR-styled platform designed to run off commonly available semiautomatic pistol magazines. A direct-blowback action powers the Response, but what sets the gun apart is its interchangeable magazine well. Mag wells are easy to swap for owners, and the Response comes with both an M&P mag option, as well as a mag well for Glock-pattern 9mm magazines. New for 2024 is a magazine well for SIG Sauer P320 mags. No matter what pistol platform you choose to shoot, Smith & Wesson wants you to rely on the Response for your PCC needs.

Optics

Mark 4HD Riflescopes: The Latest Tactical Line From Leupold

Optics

Mark 4HD Riflescopes: The Latest Tactical Line From Leupold

John Snodgrass from Leupold joins Joe Kurtenbach to discuss the latest edition to the company's tactical line of magnified optics: The Mark 4HD riflescope family. The new series utilizes a 4X zoom ratio across five magnification ranges: 1-4.5X, 2.5-10X, 4.5-18X, 6-24X, and 8-32X. Each magnification will include multiple scope variants offering first- or second-focal-plane reticles, as well as different reticle designs and illumination options. Like the Mark 5HD series, there is a Mark 4HD riflescope for nearly any ballistic pursuit, all build to Leupold's rigorous standard for reliability, durability, and optical performance.

Rifles

Show Stopper: Smith & Wesson 1854 Lever-Action Rifle

Rifles

Show Stopper: Smith & Wesson 1854 Lever-Action Rifle

Live from the show floor, Joe Kurtenbach visits Grant Dubuc at the Smith & Wesson booth to talk lever guns. The new Model 1854 in .44 Rem. Mag. was an absolute stunner at SHOT Show 2024, and Guns & Ammo was on hand to get all the details. Drawing inspiration from Horace Smith and Dan Wesson's Volcanic lever-action firearms, the Model 1854 combines classic lines with modern materials and design. To maximize utility, the gun's polymer furniture and stainless finish offer all-weather durability while the optics rail and flat-faced trigger account for modern tastes. The new platform from Smith & Wesson is going to fun to watch this year!

Suppressors

FN 509 Pistol Updates and New Suppressors!

Suppressors

FN 509 Pistol Updates and New Suppressors!

Its seems like every year is a busy year FN, and 2024 is no different. Joe Kurtenbach is joined by Chris Johnson and Rich Spalla at SHOT Show to learn about the company's latest offerings. For the FN 509 family, compensators are the biggest news. Not only are new models featuring compensators from the factory, FN is also going to sell barrel and compensator accessory packages so users can update their guns. On the suppressor front, the FN team is eager to talk tech, and the Rush Ti is packed full innovative design. Even better, there is now a .22 can — FN's new Catch 22 suppressor.