What are the Best Optics for an AR-15?

Introduction

Time to read: 12.5 minutes

Date: 05/08/23

Adding a high-quality optic is one of the best ways to enhance the accuracy and precision of your AR-15. With so many options on the market, it can take time to determine which optic is the best fit for your needs. In this article, we’ll look closer at the types of optics available for the AR-15, their benefits, and the factors to consider when choosing the best one.

AR-15 Optic Types

Red Dot Sights

These sights are incredible for close-range shooting and quick target acquisition. Red dot sights are the go-to for AR-15 owners looking for a quick and easy way to aim and fire their weapons. These sights use a simple red dot reticle superimposed onto the shooter’s field of view, making it easy to acquire targets and take shots quickly. 

Red dot sights are ideal for close-range shooting and situations where speed is critical. They’re user-friendly and a favorite among beginners. However, they do have their limitations when it comes to distance and precision shooting. They may not be as precise as other types of sights because they have a simpler reticle.

Holographic Sights

Holographic sights are identical to red dot sights but give a more accurate aiming point. These sights use a laser to project a reticle onto a holographic film, which is then reflected to the shooter’s eye. This gives you a more accurate shot placement, even at longer ranges. Holographic sights are incredible for shooters who want a more precise aiming point without a magnified scope’s added weight and bulk. However, they come with a higher price tag, so there might be better options if you’re on a budget.

Holographic sight pros: fast target acquisition and accuracy; their cons: limited range,  and expensive.

Magnified Scopes

Magnified scopes are the way to go for shooters who want the ultimate precision. These scopes use a series of lenses to magnify the target, allowing the shooter to see it in greater detail and make more accurate shots. They’re ideal for long-range shooting and precision targeting but can be heavy and less effective at close range. A magnified scope is the way to go if you’re looking for the best possible shot placement.

Prism Scopes

Prism scopes have an optic that uses a prism to reflect and magnify the image. They provide clear and bright vision, even in low-light conditions. Prism scopes are more compact and durable than traditional scopes and offer a range of magnification options. They’re ideal for medium to long-range shooting and precision targeting.If you’re looking for a balance between size and accuracy, Prism scopes might be just what you need. 

Reflex Sights

Reflex sights offer a combination of red dot and holographic sights, providing a wider field of view and quick target acquisition. These sights are ideal for close to medium-range shooting and are often used in tactical situations where speed and accuracy are critical. They’re an excellent choice for shooters who want the best of both worlds, and they’re a good compromise between red dot and holographic sights.

Iron Sights

These sights are the old faithful of the shooting world, and they’re reliable, low-cost, and perfect for beginners. However, they do have a limited range and are less accurate than other optics. Iron sights are usually mounted on the upper receiver of the AR-15 and don’t require batteries or electricity to function. While they don’t offer magnification, they help shoot at close to medium ranges. However, they can be challenging to use in low-light conditions or for shooters with poor eyesight.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Optics for an AR-15

Intended Use

Determine the primary purpose of your AR-15 to choose the right optic. A red dot or holographic sight may be the best choice if you plan to use your AR-15 for close-range shooting or home defense. 

Magnification

Choose an optic with the correct magnification for your intended use. For close-range shooting, a 1x magnification may be sufficient, and for longer ranges, a higher magnification may be necessary. Keep in mind that higher magnification also means a narrower field of view.

Durability

Optics should be durable enough to withstand recoil and harsh conditions. Look for optics with rugged construction, waterproofing, and shock resistance. This will ensure that your optic can withstand the rigors of shooting and last for years.

Budget

Optics can range from affordable to expensive, so choose one that fits your budget. Remember that more costly options often come with higher-quality optics, construction, and features, but you don’t need to break the bank to find a high-quality optic that meets your needs.

Popular Optics Brands for an AR-15

Trijicon ACOG

Known for their high-quality and durable optics, Trijicon offers a range of red dot sights and magnified scopes popular among military personnel and sports shooters.

Trijicon ACOG 

Magnification: The scope offers a fixed 4x magnification level that allows for quick target acquisition at medium to long-range distances while maintaining excellent situational awareness.

Objective Lens Diameter: The 32mm objective lens diameter ensures optimal light transmission for bright and clear images, even in low-light conditions.

Illuminated Reticle: The ACOG features an illuminated reticle that automatically adjusts its brightness based on ambient lighting conditions using fiber optics during daylight hours or tritium phosphor lamps in low light or nighttime situations. This eliminates the need for batteries while providing easy-to-see aiming points under lighting conditions.

Rugged Construction: Built with aircraft-grade aluminum alloy housing, the Trijicon 4×32 ACOG is designed to withstand harsh environments and heavy recoil without losing zero or compromising performance.

Waterproof & Fog-proof: The scope is nitrogen-filled to prevent internal fogging due to temperature changes and sealed with O-rings to ensure waterproof performance up to depths of 100 feet ( Compensating Reticle: The reticle design incorporates bullet drop compensation marks calibrated precisely for .223/5.56 NATO adjustments quickly without manual calculations.

Bindon Aiming Concept (BAC): This feature lets both eyes open the shooting technique. Trijicon 4×32 ACOG has a TA51 Picatinny rail mount, making it easy to attach to any standard AR-15 flat-top receiver.

Compact Design: With an overall length of approximately 5.8 inches (147mm) and weight of around 9.9 ounces (280g), the ACOG is relatively compact and lightweight compared to other magnified optics in its class.

Aimpoint CompM5

Another top choice for red dot sights, the Aimpoint CompM5 is a high-performance red dot sight designed specifically for use with the AR-15 platform and other firearms. It is part of Aimpoint’s renowned Comp series, which has been trusted by military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters worldwide for its durability, reliability, and ease of use.

Aimpoint CompM5 

Optical Performance: The CompM5 features a 2 MOA (minute of angle) red dot reticle, providing quick target acquisition and accurate shooting at various distances. The site offers unlimited eye relief, allowing users to shoot with both eyes open for enhanced situational awareness.

Battery Life: One of the most notable features of the CompM5 is its exceptional battery life. Powered by a single AAA battery, it can provide continuous operation for up to 50,000 hours (over 5 years) on setting 7 out of 10 brightness settings.

Rugged Construction: Built to withstand harsh conditions and rough handling, the Aimpoint CompM5 boasts durable aluminum housing with a hard-anodized finish that resists corrosion and abrasion. It is also waterproof up to 45 meters (150 feet), making it suitable for use in various environments.

Night Vision Compatibility: The CompM5 offers compatibility with all generations of night vision devices (NVDs), ensuring optimal performance during low-light or nighttime operations.

Mounting Options: The sight has an integrated Picatinny/Weaver-style base that allows easy mounting on any standard rail system on AR-15 rifles or other firearm platforms.

User-friendly Controls: Adjusting windage and elevation settings on the Aimpoint CompM5 is simple thanks to its tactile adjustment turrets protected by removable caps. Additionally, ten brightness settings are available – four NVD-compatible and six daylight settings – controlled via an easy-to-use rotary switch.

Compact and Lightweight: The Aimpoint CompM5 is designed to be tight and lightweight, measuring just 3.3 inches in length and weighing only 5.2 ounces (including the battery). This makes it an ideal choice for shooters who want a minimalistic sight that won’t add unnecessary bulk or weight to their firearm.

Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm 

The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm is a versatile and high-performing scope designed specifically for use with the AR-15 platform. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to handle and maneuver in any shooting situation.

Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm 

The magnification range of the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm allows for both close-range engagements as well as mid-range targeting, making it ideal for hunting, tactical operations, or competition shooting. Its actual one-power magnification provides quick target acquisition at close ranges, while its six-power magnification offers precise aiming capabilities at longer distances.

The objective lens on this scope has a diameter of 24mm which ensures excellent light transmission even in low-light conditions. Additionally, the multi-coated lenses provide clear and bright images with sharp details throughout the entire zoom range.

One unique feature of the Vortex Strike Eagle is its illuminated reticle system. Depending on user preference and lighting conditions, the reticle can be illuminated in red or green. This allows for fast target acquisition regardless of lighting conditions.

Other notable features include an aircraft-grade aluminum construction that makes it durable enough to withstand rugged outdoor use, nitrogen-purged tubes preventing internal fogging during sudden temperature changes, and water-resistant seals protecting against moisture damage during wet weather conditions.

Overall, the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm is an effective option for anyone looking to enhance their AR-15 rifle’s accuracy over short-to-medium ranges by providing accurate shot placement every time.It is also an excellent option for anyone who wants to participate in competitions or use their rifle for tactical operations. The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm has a fast-focus eyepiece that allows quick and easy reticle focusing, even when wearing gloves.

The scope has capped turrets that can be easily adjusted without any tools, providing precise aiming capabilities. The turrets have audible clicks and are resettable to zero after sighting in the rifle.

Another feature of the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm is its eye relief of 3.5 inches which ensures comfortable shooting even during extended periods. Its field of view is generous at both low and high magnifications, making it easier to track moving targets.

EOTech holographic sight (HWS) 

Popular among law enforcement and military personnel, EOTech is known for its holographic sights that provide fast and accurate target acquisition.

EOTech holographic sight (HWS) 

– The EOTech HWS is a holographic sight that uses an electronic display to project a red dot sight onto the target. It provides a fast target acquisition and immediate target re-engagement. 

– It has a 5.0 MOA (minute of angle) dot that provides a large, open-sight picture for fast target engagement at varying ranges and target sizes. The large dot size helps reduce accuracy degradation from eye relief and parallax errors. 

– It uses advanced holographic optics technology to project the red dot sight onto the target. The holographic image is projected at a fixed focal plane, providing a parallax-free sight picture at any target distance. This allows for faster target acquisition and re-engagement.

– It has an LED (light emitting diode) for the red dot sight. The LED provides a highly durable and reliable view that is waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof. The LED also has a 50,000-hour battery life, and the battery can be easily replaced in the field.

– It features an automatic on/off illumination. When the rifle is shouldered, the sight automatically turns on. When the rifle is unshouldered, the sight automatically turns off to conserve battery life. This helps ensure it’s always on when needed. 

– It provides precise windage and elevation adjustments for zeroing the sight to the rifle. Each click of adjustment moves the point of impact 1/4 MOA. This allows for precisely dialing in the zero point of impact.

– It is nitrogen-purged and sealed to prevent internal fogging and moisture buildup. This ensures the holographic sight remains clear and the LED remains operational even in harsh, adverse conditions.

– It can mount on standard AR-15 Picatinny rails. The sight base can be mounted in multiple positions on the rail to suit different shooting positions and shooters’ preferences.

– The entire sight is made from aircraft-grade aluminum for maximum durability. It weighs a light 13.5 ounces for a compact and lightweight profile.

Leupold

Leupold offers a range of high-quality magnified scopes popular among hunters and sports shooters.

Leupold Mark AR Mod 1 3-9x40mm 

– 3-9x magnification range. This allows you to zoom in for medium to long-range shooting, while still having a wide enough field of view at the lower 3x power for closer range shooting.

– 40mm objective lens. This gathers a good amount of light for a scope of this size, and it works well in low-light dawn and dusk conditions. 

– Duplex reticle. This is Leupold’s standard reticle, simple crosshairs with thicker edges that make it easy to quickly locate the center of the scope picture. The reticle is non-illuminated.

– 1/2 MOA windage and elevation adjustments. This means each click of adjustment moves the point of impact by 1/2 inch at 100 yards. This allows for precise zeroing and adjustments. 

– Waterproof and fog proof. The scope is nitrogen filled and sealed to make it waterproof and prevent internal fogging.

– Durable aluminum alloy housing. The scope tube is made of a lightweight but strong aluminum alloy.

– AR-style turrets. The windage and elevation turrets are oversized to allow easy adjustments, even with gloved hands. They are also finger adjustable without tools.

– Matte black finish. The scope has a non-reflective matte black finish to prevent glare that could spook game animals or give away your position.

– Leupold lifetime warranty. Leupold stands behind this scope with their famous full lifetime warranty. 

– Weight: 12.2 ounces. A compact, lightweight scope that is well suited for the AR platform.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to finding the best optics for an AR-15, it comes down to personal preference and your specific needs. AR-15s can benefit from various optics depending on the purpose of your rifle, your budget, and the type of environment you plan to use it in. 

Popular brands like EOTech, Trijicon, and Aimpoint offer high-quality optics suitable for most shooting types. It’s essential to consider the pros and cons of each kind of optic before making a decision, and always refer to expert advice before installing any new optics. For further reference, be sure to check out the resources listed below. 

Choosing the right optics for your AR-15 can be daunting, but with some research and consideration, you can find the perfect option for your setup. Be sure to consider factors like budget, environment, and purpose before investing in something that you will be happy with in the future. 

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