What scope do I use on my AR15? What’s the best AR 15 optic? What about the AR-10? I answer questions about AR 15 glass (scopes), red dot, and iron sight options and recommend several good low cost, entry level tactical scope options in the 1-4×24 and 1-6×24 range in a buyer’s guide. Many of these scopes are between $250 – $400. I also compare several offset scope mount options that are fairly low cost and provide mini reviews of things I own or have used.
This video is an review / comparison of several mid entry “assault rifle” AR 15 scopes with a few recommendations, some cheap and some more expensive. Low power 1-4x or 1-6x optics are a great addition at any AR-15 build and this should help you find the best scope for you. This scope comparison covers all major scope types in 2016. Tons of product links are below.
The Vortex Strike eagle is probably the best scope to buy for $300, although I haven’t been able to use or review it yet. The Burris MTAC 1-4×24 with the updated reticle is also a great option. If you have a little more money, the Vortex PST 1-4×24 is also a great option. I use a Vortex Viper PST 1-4×24 low magnification rifle scope with capped turrets on my AR15. These scopes should also work great on an AR10 (AR 10).
Amazon (Affiliate) Links:
Burris MTAC 1-4×24 Scopes
Ballistic CQ Reticle:
Ballistic AR Reticle:
MTAC Throw Lever:
MTAC with Fast fire:
Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x TMCQ:
Vortex PST Viper 1-4×24 Scopes
MRAD – Uncapped:
MOA – Uncapped:
MOA – Capped:
PST Throw Lever:
Vortex Razor HD Gen II 1-6×24 Scopes
JM-1 BDC (MOA):
VMR-2 MOA:
VMR-2 MRAD:
Vortex Switchview Throw Lever:
Eotech Holographic Sights
512 (AA Battery):
G33 3x Magnifier:
EXPS3-4 & G33 3x Magnifier Combo:
Trijicon ACOG TA31F 4x:
Scope Mounts (2″ or 3″ Offset)
Burris PEPR – 1”:
Burris PEPR – 30mm:
Vortex 1” Tube, 2” Offset:
Vortex 1” Tube, 3” Offset:
Vortex 30mm Tube, 2” Offset:
Vortex 30mm Tube, 3” Offset:
45 degree mounts
Rail only:
45 With iron sights:
My Vortex Viper PST 1-4×24 Scope Review:
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Crowd Hammer Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
A GREAT video! Thanks for all the great info, much appreciated.
A Great AR-15 build If you want to shoot 200-1000yards and hit target after target, barrel length, twist rate, optics, with a SJC Titan Compensator?
What's the optic on the thumbnail?
these are way too expensive. i got a vortex crossfire ii for 120 dollars on sale. i cant afford all this shit…the cantilever mount i got on amazon for $16, works!
Awesome video sir. Appreciate you sharing some knowledge. I'm subbing
a flip to side magnifier & a red dot combo is what the two together you see most of the time…
I am not in a war zone either but I put all reasonable effort to build battle-ready rifles. I haven't been able to find much information on torture tests of these variable power scopes like there are on red dots.
Where did you get that throw lever which allows you to switch between magnifications rapidly? I desperately need something like this!
Excellent information!
Good review format. This is the most helpful video on scopes I've seen.
Great video for beginners. Thank you.
You need to check out FFP optics like the Athlon Argos. Its the same glass as a Leupold VX-R or Vortex PST Viper but has First Focal Plane reticle MOA or MRAD only $300. Full lifetime warranty. Open turrets are fine in the field. If you envision yourself engaging targets past 300 yards on a regular basis open turrets are best. While Hold Overs / Unders are used by both capped and open turrets, open turrets give you the option to adjust in seconds while capped do not. If your turret gets bumped it will not matter as much for close range and if a long range shot is needed you are going to look at your setting beforehand anyway. Worrying about the turret moving is sorta foolish when you actually get down to using them. Look for zero-stop and locked ones, or understand how to modify them to zero stop as in the Argos line which you use a washer to set your zero-stop. This works as long as you dont change ammo, which would require a lower zero setting at times.
don't forget guys vortex and leupold offer a military discount,also law enforcement.
As a daily pundit reviewing Tube broadcast I see a lot of start up channels as well as favorites getting attention.
Must t give you a 4/5 star for your effort. If you would invest in a chroma Key background it would jazz up your visual shots.
If you continue to provide the detailed clear commentary your going to be a huge hit .
Well done and thank you!
I enjoy your videos. I like the nerdy, smart feel you give off. it's refreshing to see normal people into firearms rather than maxed out mall ninjas.
You forgot to mention the Nikon "M", and "P" series offset mounts.
Took a cheap 4x fixed scope off a 22LR and put it on my AR 15 and I am good out to 100 yards with a great FOV. My friends laughed until I started shooting 1-2 MOA groups. No need to spend a ton on optics. My red dot is a $20 Field Sport Red Dot I bought on Amazon. At 75 yards I shoot 2-3 inch groups all with Russian steel cased ammo. It ain't the arrow it's the Indian lol. Yes I know the long term "Battle" reliability isn't on a par with Eotech but I shoot at a range not in Iraq.
I built my AR with a SS 1/7 barrel and a nickle plated competition trigger all for $470 and I'll put it up against any $1,000 AR from Colt or anyone else.
I wish I had come across this video a few months ago when I was in the market for a scope. The wealth of information here is impressive but it's nice you have some actual experience with some of these products. A different kind of review for sure.
I ended up with the Strike Eagle and I think the illuminated in the reticle is fairly good, however it can wash out during a bright day however can still see it on most targets. The glass was a lot better than I had expected.
Thanks for the video, earned a subscriber
The word "cheap" should not be in the title of your video. Misleading. Have you noticed the economy?
For persons who don't know 25mm is around an inch so 30mm is about the difference of the diameter of your projectile
Great video that covers a wealth of different information for scope basics. I'm like most people and live life on a budget so any optic and mount combo for $500 or less gets my attention, especially considering my use (as most others) is simply range and target use.
Vortex comes from the Same scope factory as the Primary Arms 1-6x.. the Primary Arms ACSS reticle was developed by USMC and Army snipers.I hit spot on out to 800 and only paid $279
Here is a link to the optic i picked up. Not good at doing reviews but here it is….
Thank you so much for the information, covered 'everything' I wanted to know. I'm a Vortex fan so I'm going with that brand since I have a Vortex Venom Sight on my Glock 41 MOS.