Best AR 15 Deer Hunting Scopes
In the world of deer hunting, precision and accuracy are supreme. The AR-15 rifle is proven to be a reliable and versatile choice for many hunters and in our article today, our focus will be on the best AR-15 deer hunting scope.
Whether you hunt deer recreationally or as a professional, you will want to have a successful hunt in every trip you take. This is where a quality scope comes in to play. A deer hunting scope goes a long way to help you find the deer with ease no matter the distance. It will also fine tune your accuracy and help you make an ethical kill in nearly all hunting conditions.
When choosing a deer hunting scope, it is vital that you consider durability, magnification and optical clarity. In this product roundup, we will take you through the design features of the top hunting scopes and then take a look at the very best models for the AR-15.
What Makes a Great AR 15 Deer Hunting Scope?
Several features make a great AR 15 deer hunting scope. These features include:
Weatherproof Construction
Firstly, a good scope for AR15 deer hunting should have a housing that is fully protected from water, fog and elements for use in all weather conditions.
Bright and Clear Optics
Furthermore, the scope should have a large objective lens to maximize light collection. It should also have premium lens coatings to deliver exceptional light transfer.
Lightweight Design
Deer hunting requires one to move around from one location to the other. Having a lightweight scope is therefore essential so as to minimize fatigue.
Crisp Reticle
The best AR 15 deer hunting scopes should have a crisp and precise reticle designed for rapid target acquisition.
Durable Make
It is also important for the scope to have a housing that is robust enough to withstand any punishment you subject it to.
Best AR 15 Deer Hunting Scopes
Here is our selection of the best performing AR-15 deer hunting scopes. Let’s have a look?
-
Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10x24mm Rifle Scope
First up, we have the Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10x24mm Rifle Scope. Built with the avid hunter in mind, this rifle scope is built with cutting edge technology and a multitude of high-end features that make it one of the best AR 15 deer hunting scopes.
The selling point of this scope is optical performance. It employs an APO system that ensures peak color accuracy and clarity across the whole 1-10x magnification. Additionally, the optics are fully multi-coated to ramp up light transmission and maximize optical clarity.
Cementing the superb optical performance, the scope features a 34mm tube for strength and rigidity. It is made from aircraft grade aluminum and has a hard anodized finish that makes it impervious to scratches. Moreover, the scope is fully protected from elements for all weather use.
For precise adjustments to the turret, the scope has L-Tec tool that is easily accessible from any angle. It also features a first focal plane reticle that is glass-etched and illuminated.
Features
- 34mm main tube
- XR fully multi-coated optics
- 11 brightness settings
- First focal plane glass-etched reticle
- Hard anodized finish
- IPX7 waterproof and scratch proof
- Index-matched lenses
- L-Tec tool
- Locking side illumination
Pros
- Great magnification range
- Clear glass
- Generous and consistent eye relief
- Reasonably lightweight
Cons
- Pricey
-
Firefield RapidStrike 1-6×24 Rifle Scope
Firefield RapidStrike 1-6×24 is a premium-quality rifle scope that is purpose-built for AR platforms. It has bullet drop compensation that is calibrated for 55-grain 5.56 NATO ammo, but it can also be zeroed in for other calibers including .308.
This versatile rifle scope has a variable 1-6x magnification for close and medium range hunting. It maintains a large field of view across the entire magnification to help you find and monitor the game as they move with ease. Furthermore, the scope is built with a circle dot reticle housed in the second focal plane.
In terms of construction, this rifle scope has a rugged aluminum housing that maximizes durability and longevity. The tube is fog proofed and waterproofed to outlast elements and perform in a reliable manner in temperatures ranging from -13 to 131℉.
Moreover, the Firefield RapidStrike 1-6×24 Rifle Scope has a generous eye relief of 4-inch to be eyeglass-friendly. It is also constructed with a throw lever which is essential for easy magnification adjustment.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- Aluminum housing
- Waterproof, fog proof and dust proof
- 6x optical system
- 60 MOA adjustment range
- Matte finish
- 30mm single-piece main tube
- Resettable turrets
- Pop-up locking turrets
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Nice and bright reticle
- Lightweight construction
- Good value for the price
Cons
- The quality of the glass could be better
-
Athlon Optics Talos BTR 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
Next up, we have the Athlon Optics Talos BTR 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope. As one of the best AR 15 deer hunting scopes, it provides outstanding optical performance in all hunting fields and is ideal for use at close to medium distances.
The scope is built in a large 30mm tube which promises superior strength and toughness. The tube is made from aircraft grade aluminum which enhances durability without the bulk. Furthermore, this rifle scope is 100% waterproof and nitrogen purged to keep the optics free of fog.
With a weight of 18oz only, the scope is remarkably light, portable and easy to shoot with. The lightweight construction coupled with the easily accessible knobs guarantee ease of use, even for the beginners. Other than that, this rifle scope maintains a generous eye relief across the 1-4x zoom for rapid target acquisition.
To top it all off, the Athlon Optics Talos BTR 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope has fully multi-coated lenses that work in tandem with the premium glass elements to optimize optical clarity.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- 30mm tube
- 40 Mil Rad adjustment range
- LED illumination
- Matte finish
- 11 brightness settings
- 1-4x total magnification
Pros
- Illuminated reticle
- Clear glass
- Inexpensive
- Excellent craftmanship
Cons
- Questionable control knobs
-
Steiner P4Xi 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
Steiner is a household name in the field of optics. It makes an array of high-quality optics rich in advanced technology and modern features, and the P4Xi 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope is not any different.
The scope is optimized for AR platforms. It features a variable 1-4x magnification designed to improve target recognition at close and medium distances. Additionally, the scope has a P3TR reticle that is calibrated from 5.56 and 7.62 rounds. This reticle has stadia that allows precision shooting to 600 yards and illumination for precision shooting in low light.
When it comes to construction, the housing of this rifle scope is from a single piece of aluminum. It is rigid enough to weather any abuse that comes its way. Besides, the housing is filled with nitrogen gas and waterproofed to ensure unimpeded field use.
The turrets in this rifle scope are capped to prevent accidental adjustment. Over and above that, it employs high-contrast optics which deliver vivid and bright images even in low light. The scope also comes with a throw lever that attaches directly to the eyepiece.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- 1-4x zoom magnification
- High-contrast optics
- Single-piece 30mm main tube
- Anodized aluminum housing
- Capped low profile turrets
- Waterproof and nitrogen filled
- 100 MOA windage and elevation adjustment
Pros
- Large field of view
- Lightweight and durable
- Excellent glass
Cons
- Mushy turrets
-
ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 3-14x50mm Smart HD Day/Night Rifle Scope
ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 3-14x50mm is a dual functionality rifle scope that is optimized for hunting. It works well in most hunting conditions during the day and in typical nighttime environments as well.
The scope is made with an extremely sensitive 4K ultra HD sensor with a dual core processor. This makes it easy to find game in any lighting condition. Besides, there is an added night vision mode to help you see the targets in high resolution even in pitch dark settings.
For added convenience, the scope features a one-shot zero function that makes it easy to sight in. Even better, it has a 30mm tube that is easy to mount with standard 30mm rings. The scope also features ultra-low power consumption and an 18-hour batter life for confident shooting all day or night.
Construction-wise, the scope is made from high strength aluminum and is fully protected from rain, dust and fog. This guarantees reliable performance season after season. The other essential features it comes with include smart rangefinder, ballistic laser and ballistic calculator.
Features
- 30mm tube diameter
- Auxiliary ballistic laser
- Recoil activated video
- Smart Mil Dot reticle
- Dual stream video
- One shot zero
- Ballistic calculator
- Waterproof and fog resistant
- Aluminum housing
- Built-in smart rangefinder
Pros
- Long batter life
- Easy to use
- Dual functionality
- Quality construction
-
SightMark Wraith HD 4-32x50mm Digital Rifle Scope
Sixth and last in our list of the best AR 15 deer hunting scopes is SightMark Wraith HD 4-32x50mm Digital Rifle Scope. The scope provides complete color clarity during the day and green or black and white viewing options in the dark.
At night, the scope provides a long detection range up to 200 yards. This is made possible by the removable 850nm IR illuminator. Other than that, the scope employs a digital night vision generation that guarantees superb resolution, even in dark, moon-less nights.
To be ready for outdoor use, this digital rifle scope is built from high strength aluminum. The hard-wearing material coupled with excellent craftmanship guarantees reliable performance in all environments. Further, the scope has a dependable IP55 water resistant rating and it is operable in temperatures ranging from 5-122 ℉.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- 1-inch tube diameter
- Full color image intensifier
- Day and night mode
- Removable IR illuminator
- High-definition sensor
- 8x digital zoom
- Customizable hunting and tactical reticles
- HD phot and video recording
Pros
- Easy zeroing
- Ease of operate
- Clear image
- Multi-platform friendly
Cons
- Heavy
You may also like:
How to Choose the Best AR 15 Deer Hunting Scopes
Here is the ultimate guide to choose a scope for AR 15 deer hunting scope,
Magnification Power
Magnification is the first thing to consider. If you want to zoom in every detail of the target, get a scope with a high magnification. On the other hand, get a scope with moderate magnification if you want to view everything around you.
Durability
You will want a scope that is made with durability in mind. Look at the nature of construction and type of materials used before settling on any product.
The best AR 15 deer hunting scopes are made with hard wearing materials like aircraft grade aluminum. The scope you choose to buy should also be shock proof, waterproof and fog proof as well for use in all weather conditions.
Glass Quality
The next important thing to consider is glass. You need a scope that is made with clean and clear glass elements. Such scopes are outstanding in picture quality and color accuracy. Also make sure that you buy a scope that boasts premium anti-reflective lens coatings. Lens coatings are vital for enhancing light transmission and limiting glare.
Eye Relief
The AR 15 is a rifle that recoils. If the scope had a short eye relief, it will be less comfortable to use during long hunting sessions and can even hit your eye when it recoils. To avoid that, we recommend that you find a product that has the longest eye relief possible.
Best AR 15 Deer Hunting Scopes FAQs
- What is the accuracy range of AR 15?
It depends on several things such as the rifle makeup, type of ammunition used and the skills of the shooter among others. But generally, it has an effective range of about 400-600 yards.
- What magnification is needed for AR-15 scopes?
The magnification you need for an AR-15 scopes depends on the task you will using it and how far you will be shooting. If you anticipate engaging targets at close and intermediate ranges up to 300 yards, a scope with up 10x should suffice.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you have found our article on the best AR 15 deer hunting scopes to be informative and of great help to you. Remember that having a worthy scope at hand can make a great impact in your hunting expedition and boost your odds of taking down deer in an ethical way. Whatever your hunting needs are, there is a scope out there for you.