Best AR-15 Hunting Scope

This post is going to be about helping you select the best AR-15 hunting scope.

Whether you are using your AR to hunt coyotes or deer, the goal is to help you make a  decision you are happy with.

Make sure to read all of the recommendations.

There are a few different magnifications below and the one you choose will be based off how you plan to use your rifle.

Top Pick

The Top Rated AR-15 Hunting Scopes

While there is a lot of detail in the reviews below, I know that some of you are probably short on time. Here is a table that summarizes how the scopes I looked at compare.

Editor's Pick	Brand	Rating
Top Pick	Vortex Optics Strike Eagle	9.7
Best AR-15 Coyote Hunting Scope	Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical	9.6
Runner Up	Burris Fullfield II	9.1
Best Budget AR-15 Hunting Scope	Bushnell DZ 223	8.8
Budget Runner Up	UTG 3-12x44	8.5
Best Long Range AR Hunting Scope	Steiner T5Xi	9.7

Best AR-15 Deer Hunting Scope: Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6x

My favorite AR hunting scope for deer is the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x.

The scope tube is a lightweight, one-piece aluminum housing making it shockproof and durable to recoil.

The scope has a 24mm object which keeps the scope lightweight but still allows plenty of light in for a great image.

The 1x magnification is a true 1x, meaning that there is no change in magnification on this setting. This allows the rifle to be used in a wide variety of situations including short distances.

You can easily change the magnification with mag ring that features a throw lever that makes it quick and convenient to change mags.

The Strike Eagle has a newly designed illuminated BDC3 reticle that will have you on target quicker than a typical reticle.

Vortex manufactures the Strike Eagle by purging it with nitrogen and sealing it with an o-ring to prevent moisture, making it fog proof.

Pros

• Scope is high quality and well made
• Bright, crisp image
• Lightweight
• Throw lever makes changing magnification easy

Cons

• 6x magnification caps max distance to 650 yards but this is well beyond the effective range of an AR-15

Key Features:

• Magnification: 1-6x w/ Throw Lever
• Objective Diameter: 24mm
• Reticle: Illuminated BDC3
• Eye Relief: 3.5″
• Tube Size: 30mm
• Nitrogen Purged
• Weight: 1.2 lbs.
• Lifetime Warranty

Best AR-15 Coyote Hunting Scope: Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical

The Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-12×40 is the best AR coyote hunting scope.

Vortex Optics makes incredible rifle scopes and the Diamondback Tactical is no exception.

I think this is the best AR 15 scope for hunting coyotes if that is your focus.

Let’s look at why. It features:

Vortex uses multi-coated lenses to block unwanted light, leaving you with a bright, crisp image.

Another feature I really like are the turrets.

They are easy to adjust and have a nice tactile feel.

You can also easily reset the zero position.

The VMR-1 MOA reticle shown above has tons of markings to help you determine ranges, holdovers, windage etc.

And finally, Vortex Optics has pioneered the industry with their excellent lifetime warranty.

Pros

• Vortex has the best optical quality for scopes in this price range.
• Turrets are easy to use and have an excellent feel.
• Lifetime Warranty.

Cons

• Lowest magnification is 4x, I wish it was 3x.

Key Features

• Magnification: 4-12x
• Objective Diameter: 40mm
• Reticle: VMR-1 MOA
• Eye Relief: 3.9″
• Tube Size: 1″
• Nitrogen Purged
• Weight: 17.5 oz
• Lifetime Warranty

Runner Up: Burris Fullfield II

The Burris Fullfield 3-9×40 is a quality rifle scope at a bargain price.

For its price range, the clarity and quality of the optical glass is very good.

You will find that you are able to see your target well even in less than ideal light conditions. This is because Burris uses multiple coating on the glass to reflect unwanted stray light.

The tube is a single piece of aluminum, making it lightweight, durable and able to hold its zero over time.

All of the adjustment mechanisms are made of steel so the scope will repeat its accuracy no matter the conditions you use it in.

The scope is nitrogen-filled which prevents fogging and the scope is completely waterproof.

Burris also offers an excellent Forever Warranty. If there is accidental damage or if the scope is defective, they will replace it free of charge.

Since you are looking to use it as an AR-15 hunting scope, I recommend going with the 3x-9x magnification. This will work well for both deer hunting and coyote hunting.

All-in-all, you can expect a well performing scope that will work great on an AR that costs much less than most other options on the market.

Pros

• Great quality glass given the low price
• Will work well for both deer and coyotes

Cons

• Image not as crisp as the models above, but still good for the price.

Key Features

• Magnification: 3-9x
• Objective Diameter: 40mm
• Reticle: Ballistic Plex
• Eye Relief: 3.1-3.4″
• Tube Size: 1″
• Nitrogen Purged
• Weight: 13.0 oz
• Lifetime Warranty

Best Budget AR-15 Hunting Scope: Bushnell

Not everyone has unlimited money to spend on hunting gear, I myself am always looking for deals on hunting gear.

If you are on a tight budget in your search for the best AR 15 scope, I recommend you check the Bushnell 3x-12x with DZ 223 reticle.

This scope is a standard 3x-12x product from Bushnell with a few enhancements.

First, Bushnell has added a ballistic drop compensated reticle that they refer to as Drop Zone (DZ). This reticle is designed to help you compensate for the drop of a .223 bullet for various target distances. The compensation dots are designed for use out to 600 yards.

The second addition is the magnification throw lever. The adjustable length throw lever makes it easier to quickly change magnifications on the fly without have to waste time fumbling with your scope while the deer or coyote takes off.

The optical glass quality is solid. Bushnell uses a combination of glass coatings to block unwanted light to deliver the hunter a clear image even in low light conditions.

While it may not be quite as nice as some of my top recommendations above, the Bushnell is still a great choice for you hunters looking to save some money.

Pros

• BDC reticle is a nice feature on a scope this price.
• Magnification throw lever makes changing zoom quick and easy.

Cons

• Quality scope for the price but I still prefer the Burris for those on a budget.

Key Features

• Magnification: 3-12x
• Objective Diameter: 40mm
• Reticle: BDC 600 Yard
• Eye Relief: 3.5″
• Tube Size: 1″
• IPX7 Waterproof
• Weight: 19.0 oz
• Lifetime Warranty

Budget Runner Up: UTG 3-12×44

The UTG 3-12×44 is another great choice for someone on a tighter budget.

The turrets work well and have a decent feel, although not as nice as a Vortex scope. You do need to make sure to tighten the locks on the turrets after you adjust them to prevent them from moving.

The eye relief feels natural and it is easy to get a good picture of the target through the scope.

Just like the other scopes recommended here, the body is a single aluminum tube making it nice and strong.

The reticle on the UTG is unique. It is a mil-dot reticle with an adjustable color illumination. Although 36 colors seems excessive, the ability to change the color depending on what target you are looking at is a pretty nice benefit.

Some users say the scope doesn’t hold its zero well past 500 yards. But if you are using this on an AR to hunt, this won’t be an issue. I would feel comfortable using this scope out to 300 yards or so.

The glass is clear, especially given how much it costs and it handles the illuminated reticle well.

Overall, you can’t go wrong with this scope for the price.

Pros

• Great quality for the price.
• The illuminated reticle is more useful than expected.

Cons

• Turrets aren’t as nice as the other scopes in this article.

Key Features

• Magnification: 3-12x
• Objective Diameter: 44mm
• Reticle: 36 Color EZ Tap
• Eye Relief: 3.0-3.4″
• Tube Size: 30mm
• Weight: 23.2 oz
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

Best Long Range AR Hunting Scope: Steiner T5Xi

Next up we have the Steiner T5Xi 3x-15x Tactical Rifle scope.

This is by far, the best long range hunting scope for an AR 15.

The Steiner is a popular choice in the long range shooting community.

Sure, you are going to pay more for it, but if you are willing to spend the money you will get a high-end rifle scope.

Let’s get into what makes this scope so great.

First off, the clarity of the image is excellent. This clarify of this scope ranks up there with the most expensive rifle scopes on the market.

If you have never had the chance to look through a scope with top-notch glass, you will quickly see why people are willing to spend so much money on a scope.

Next up is the reticle.

Steiner sells this scope with either an illuminated or non-illuminated reticle. Most hunters will be fine with the non-illuminated version but if you plan to specifically use it in low light situations it is worth considering the illuminated reticle.

The reticle is a first focal plane (FFP) reticle designed for use in competitions.

It has markings for hold-off, range estimation, and impact measurement that range from 1/10th mil to 1/2 mil.

The level of detail in the reticle and the fact that you can clearly see it is quite impressive. It is perfectly sharp at all magnification levels.

The tube on the Steiner is larger than most at 34mm. This probably explains why the image is so good since it allows more light through than other scopes.

Steiner offers what they call their Heritage Warranty. They will repair or replace a defective scope for the lifetime of the product.

Pros

• Optical quality is excellent, one of the nicest scopes I have looked through.
• The scope has many reticle markings for aim adjustment.
• Everything about the scope screams high quality.

Cons

• The price is the only real negative. Not everyone can afford to drop this much money on a scope.

Key Features

• Magnification: 3-15x
• Objective Diameter: 50mm
• Reticle: Special Competition Retical (SPR)
• Eye Relief: 3.5-4.3″
• Tube Size: 34mm
• Waterproof Submersible to 33 ft.
• Weight: 29.8 oz
• Lifetime Warranty

Why You Should Consider an AR-15 Hunting Scope

The AR-15 has become the most popular rifle platform in the United States. It is rapidly gaining popularity with hunters everywhere.

Part of the insane rise in popularity can be attributed an enormous selection of aftermarket companies offering every modification you can possibly think of. This means you have the ability to customize the AR-15 exactly to your liking.

The huge aftermarket also means that there are many companies developing parts and competing with each other. This is to your benefit because not only do you get a ton of great products to choose from, the prices for these aftermarket parts are generally competitive and affordable.

Choosing an AR-15 Deer Hunting Scope

While hunting deer with an AR-15 might not be the most effective choice, especially for beginners, there are many hunters out there having success with it. Before you go and purchase an AR for hunting deer, be sure you check with your state regulations to confirm it is a legal weapon to hunt deer with.

Selecting and AR-15 deer hunting scope is similar to selecting a scope for any deer rifle. Most deer are shot from distances out to about 300 yards. On top of that, the effective range of a 5.56mm bullet on a deer is debatably less than that.

What this means is that you don’t need a scope with a large magnification. Something between 6-9x for the maximum mag should be more than enough for your longest shots.

Many of your shots will be closer, so a low magnification between 1-3x is best.

Choosing an AR-15 Coyote Hunting Scope

Hunting coyotes with an AR-15 is slightly different than using one to hunt deer. Since coyotes are quite a bit smaller than deer, the .223 bullet is effective out to further distances.

Coyotes are wyly. They are also quick to take off, even when spotted from a distance. This means you will often be taking longer, more difficult shots at them.

So, when selecting an AR-15 coyote hunting scope, consider buying something with a larger maximum magnification than you would for a deer. You will probably find something with at least 9x magnification to work best.

This also means you won’t be taking close shots as often. A low magnification of 3x-4x is a good choice for coyotes.

Features to Consider When Buying an AR-15 Scope

Before we dive into the features you should keep in mind, that’s go through a brief history of the AR-15 rifle.

The AR-15 is based off the M16 military rifle. The M16 was originally selected for use by the U.S. military during the Vietnam war.

The AR-15 has a lot of great things going for it. It:

• Is Accurate
• Has low recoil
• Is Lightweight

These great features help explained why it rapidly gained popularity with both the military and civilians.

Over the past decade or so, this popularity has been spreading over into hunting.

Magnification

This is probably the most important part of your decision.

Many hunters naturally assume that if you want to be accurate, you should get a high magnification scope.

But when you consider the distances you will be shooting at deer (10-200 yards) or coyotes (100-400 yards), you might not be best suited going with that 20x magnification scope.

So don’t make this mistake. Think about how you plan to use your AR.

For coyotes, go with something in the 3x-12x range.

For deer, opt for something with a little less magnification like 2x-9x.

Quality

When purchasing any product, especially something like a scope, we all want to get our money’s worth.

For most of us, hunting is something we get to do for a limited amount of time each year.

That is why it is critical that your gear performs like it should when you need it to.

All of the companies recommended above make quality, reputable products.

A rifle scope isn’t something you want to skimp out on. DO NOT go cheap here and opt for a cheap Chinese knock-off just to save a few bucks.

All of the manufacturers above have some sort of warranty. While I hope you never need to use it, it is nice to know that they stand by their products.

Reticle

Reticle choice really depends on your preference.

After magnification, this is probably your second most important feature to consider. After all, what you see when you look through the scope is why you buy a scope in the first place right?

A very popular choice with hunters is a bullet drop compensation (BDC) reticle. It might sound complicated, but it isn’t. Let me explain.

A BDC reticle just means the scope has marks in the reticle that correspond to certain target distances. It helps you compensate for the bullets drop, hence the name.

Instead of having to guess how much you need to adjust your aim for a given distance, you just use the dot on the reticle to adjust.

For example, say you spot a coyote at 400 yards. You simple use the 400 yard dot to aim and you have automatically compensated for the bullets drop over that 400 yard distance.

This can be especially helpful for hunters because you never know what distance your wild game will be at.

Warranty

Obviously any time a scope comes with a warranty that is a great benefit. Having the assurance know that if anything were to ever go wrong with your scope the manufacture would replace it does a lot to put your mind at ease when making an expensive purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

What magnification should I get?

This was covered in more detail under the sections above about deer and coyote hunting scopes. For deer you want something tailored for closer distances (1-6x). For a AR-15 coyote hunting scope, opt for something with higher magnification (3-9x or more).

How do I mount a hunting scope on an AR?

All of the scopes recommended in this article will be mounted the same way. You will want to use a scope mount that is specifically designed for an AR. All models of AR rifles have a picatinny rail which is a standard military rail interface designed for mounting accessories like scopes.

The scope mount will have features that mate up with the picatinny rail. The one thing you need to make sure you get right is that you purchase a mount made for the scope diameter you choose. So if you buy a scope with a 1″ tube, make sure you get a scope mount made for a 1″ scope tube.

Can’t I just hunt with open sights on an AR?

Well, you can but you will probably find your effective range to be much shorter. Open sights on an AR-15 are accurate out to 100-150 yards. When hunting, it is important to make an effort to take clean shots that result in ethical kills. You will be much more effective as a hunter if you use a scope on your AR.

Can I use a red dot scope?

While red dot scopes are commonly put on AR 15 rifles, they are not your best option for hunting game like deer and coyote. Red dot scopes are most effective for distances shorter than you will be hunting large game. A red dot scope can be great for hunting turkey. For deer, you are much better off with a traditional rifle scope.

Wrapping Up

I hope this article has helped you in your search for a hunting scope for your AR.

Picking a scope can be tough. There are so many different specs to consider.

My goal is to help you focus on the things that matter when using the scope for hunting.

If you are looking for more advice on selecting hunting gear, be sure to checkout my page on hunting gear guides.