An AR-15 rifle is one of the most beloved rifles among our hunters and shooters because of the promising potential it offers. Couple this with a high-quality and reliable scope and rest assured you will easily reign on the field with great accuracy and heavy-duty performance. However, choosing among the best AR-15 long range scopes can be a little problematic considering the almost similar products that different brands releases.

This article intends to help you with that matter by providing you with high-quality yet affordable options for a scope. Let us start by reviewing some of the best scopes for your heavy-powered AR-15 rifles.

Best Long Range Scopes for AR-15 Reviews of 2022

Best Overall
Our Score 9.4 Out of 10
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Our Score 9.1 Out of 10
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Our Score 8.7 Out of 10
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Our Score 8.2 Out of 10
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Our Score 7.9 Out of 10
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Our Score 7.4 Out of 10
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Our Score 6.9 Out of 10
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UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope

Our Score 9.4 out of 10
UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope, AO, 36-color Mil-dot, Rings , Black
UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope, AO, 36-color Mil-dot, Rings , Black amazon.com Check price

30-millimeter SWAT 3-12X44 IE tactical range estimating scope with mil-dot, full 36-color EZ Tap reticle
30-Millimeter tube built on True Strength Platform: sealed and nitrogen filled, shockproof, ...

One of the features that easily makes the UTG 3-12×44 30mm compact scope a better scope compared to other brands is because of its range-estimating Mil-dot reticle. UTG long range optics for AR-15 developed and refined their reticles to give you different precise aiming points to enhance your accuracy and performance.

Another feature that the UTG 3-12×44 30mm compact scope that is uncommon for these kinds of scopes is its EZ-TAP illumination enhancing technology. This technology provides you with the red or green dual-color and multiple mode operation giving you different brightness settings for optimal performance under any lighting conditions.

The durability and longevity of the UTG 3-12×44 30mm compact scope are guaranteed. This scope is made from a high-grade construction platform for a sturdy scope. It is completely sealed and nitrogen-purged for a shockproof, fog proof and waterproof performance. This scope can be used and can withstand any outside weather conditions.

You will also like the lockable, resettable turrets that the UTG 3-12×44 30mm compact scope has. Windage and elevation adjustments can easily be done without much hassle whenever you need it to maximize your accuracy.

However, the downside of the UTG 3-12×44 30mm compact scope is that it does not hold zero well.

Pros
  • Range-estimating mil-dot reticle
  • EZ-TAP illumination enhancing technology
  • Rugged durability
  • Lockable and resettable turrets
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • Scope does not hold zero well

Overall, the UTG 3-12×44 30mm compact scope is a high-power scope for AR-15 with its dependability and guaranteed relentless performance. It is a great rifle scope considering its price point.

Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 3-18×44 SFP Riflescope

Our Score 9.2 out of 10
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 3-18x44 Second Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-4 Reticle (MOA)
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 3-18x44 Second Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-4 Reticle (MOA) amazon.com Check price

The Strike Eagle 3-18x44 is built to execute technical, short-to-long range shots while offering rock solid quality and repeatable performance.
Fully multi-coated lenses produce crisp, bright image...

What I like about the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 3-18×44 SFP riflescope is its great magnification power. This scope offers flexibility on the field with its magnification range. This scope is ideal for short to long-range shots at maximum accuracy on whatever magnification setting.

The fully multicoated objective lens of the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 3-18×44 SFP riflescope gives that bright and clear picture one needs. It is anti-reflective and offers great light transmission for guaranteed bright imaging even under low-light conditions.

The EBR-44 MOA reticle of the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 3-18×44 SFP riflescope is a great reticle. It is effective in determining ranges or windage adjustments so you can acquire and maintain focus on targets easily without fail. The second focal plane helps provide maximum clarity under any magnification setting.

You can also better control a tactical situation with the zero-resettable and tactical style turrets that the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 3-18×44 SFP riflescope has. You can adjust while in action without much hassle. The Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 3-18×44 SFP riflescope also offers longer service life with its rugged and sturdy construction.

However, for its downside, the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 3-18×44 SFP riflescope has an insufficient eye relief.

Pros
  • Fully multicoated lens
  • EBR-4 MOA reticle
  • Great magnification
  • Durable
  • Easily adjustable turrets
Cons
  • Insufficient eye relief

Despite that, the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 3-18×44 SFP riflescope is one of the best long range AR-15 scopes complete with amazing features and totally worth your money’s value.

Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18×40 DZ 6.5 Creed Riflescope

Our Score 8.6 out of 10
Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18x40mm Riflescope w/ Free S&H — 4 models
Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18x40mm Riflescope w/ Free S&H — 4 models opticsplanet.com Check price

Product Info for Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18x40 Riflescope
The Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18x40mm Riflescope is an excellent choice for your long range hunting or shooting excursions. These waterproof Ri...

One of the reasons why the Bushnell AR Optics Creed riflescope is preferred by our hunters and shooters is because of its high-quality 6.5 Creedmoor compatible optics for hunting. This scope has fully multi-coated optics with optimal light transmission. It efficiently balances brightness, contrast and color for that high-definition imaging under any lighting conditions.

The magnification of the Bushnell AR Optics Creed riflescope is great considering the price tag. This scope offers maximum accuracy not only in long-range shootings but also in short and medium-range.

The scope is designed with a Drop Zone 223 reticle for 5.56/.223 rounds. This reticle is good for tactical shootings with precise aiming points. To help you achieve full control of the situation while in action the Bushnell AR Optics Creed riflescope is equipped with exposed turrets for easy windage and elevation adjustments as the situation so requires better accuracy.

You can never go wrong with the durability of the Bushnell AR Optics Creed riflescope. The scope is sturdy and compact but not too heavy. It is waterproof, shockproof and fog proof so you can fully enjoy yourself in your hunting and shooting pursuits under any outside weather conditions.

The downside of the Bushnell AR Optics Creed riflescope is that the crosshair is a bit thicker which obstructs your field of view at maximum range for an AR-15 scope.

Pros
  • Fully multicoated optics
  • Great magnification
  • Exposed turrets for easy adjustments
  • Rugged durability
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • Crosshair is a bit thick

Overall, the Bushnell AR Optics Creed riflescope is a good AR-15 scope for long and short range shooting. It is an affordable, durable and reliable scope.

Nikon M-Tactical .223 4-16X42SF Matte BDC600 Riflescope

Our Score 8.2 out of 10
Nikon M-Tactical .223 4-16X42SF Matte BDC600
Nikon M-Tactical .223 4-16X42SF Matte BDC600 amazon.com Check price

Engineered for the .223 Reminton/5.56 NATO round w/55 gr polymer tipped bullet at 3240 fps
30mm main body tube
Spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets with coarse knurling
BDC600 offers shooters u...

One of the great features that the Nikon M-Tactical riflescope has is its bright fully multicoated optical system. This scope has a high-quality glass with multicoating technology. It reduces glare and offers bright and clear images under the harshest lighting conditions.

To complement the great optics of the Nikon M-Tactical riflescope is Nikon’s BDC reticle developed specifically for the .223 REM 5.56 NATO trajectory. This scope offers improved accuracy with a reticle that has open circle aiming points and hash marks so you can shoot and aim at a target accurately without a hitch.

The fast-focus eyepiece of the Nikon M-Tactical riflescope is a plus. This allows you to easily and accurately acquire targets even at moving ones. The side focus parallax adjustment ensures you a clear field of view in different distances and magnification. With its generous eye relief, you can be more comfortable even in extended hours on the field.

You know you are getting your money’s value with the Nikon M-Tactical scope for AR-15 long range because of its sturdy and guaranteed longevity. This scope is made only from the best materials and is proven and tested to withstand recoil and impacts.

However, the downside of the Nikon M-Tactical riflescope is that it is a little bit heavy.

Pros
  • Fully multicoated optical system
  • BDC 600 reticle for
  • 223 caliber AR-15 rifles
  • Generous eye relief
  • Fast-focus eyepiece
  • Rugged durability
Cons
  • Scope is a little heavy

Overall, the Nikon M-Tactical riflescope is a top rated scope with amazing features and a stylish finish. It does its job well and guarantees accuracy and a high level of performance.

Primary Arms Classic Series 4-16x44mm SFP Rifle Scope

Our Score 7.7 out of 10
Primary Arms 4-16x44mm Riflescope - Illuminated Mil Dot 610054, Color: Black, Tube Diameter: 30 mm, $5.91 Off w/ Free S&H
Primary Arms 4-16x44mm Riflescope - Illuminated Mil Dot 610054, Color: Black, Tube Diameter: 30 mm, $5.91 Off w/ Free S&H opticsplanet.com Check price

The Primary Arms 4-16x44mm SFP Illuminated Riflescope is great for competition shooting when you need to be able to make adjustments quickly. These Riflescopes from Primary Arms are equipped with e...

One of the features that make the Primary Arms Classic Series riflescope an excellent choice for a long-range scope is its duplex dot illuminated reticle. This is ideal as a deer or varmint hunting scope. It has 12 brightness levels you can choose from for your convenience.

For bright and crisp images, the Primary Arms Classic Series riflescope is equipped with a fully multicoated lens. It offers the best light transmission so you can have bright images even under low-light conditions. With this scope, you can enjoy your craft from the morning until dusk.

Quick and precise adjustments are also made possible by the lockable and zero resettable turrets of the Primary Arms Classic Series high power scope for AR-15. You can make frequent adjustments when needed while you are in action. It has tactile and audible ¼ MOA click for your convenience.

The durability of the Primary Arms Classic Series riflescope can also be trusted. This scope is made from durable and high-quality materials for tough construction. It is shockproof, waterproof and fog proof for a durable scope that lasts after countless repeated use.

However, the Primary Arms Classic Series riflescope also has a downside. The quality of the glass in this scope can be better.

Pros
  • Duplex dot illuminated reticle
  • Fully multicoated lens
  • Lockable and zero resettable turrets
  • Durable construction
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • Quality of the glass can be better

Still, the Primary Arms Classic Series riflescope is one of the long range AR-15 scopes that you can find on the market today. It has great optics, has rugged durability and affordable.

Burris 4.5-14x42mm Fullfield II Ballistic Plex Riflescope

Our Score 7.3 out of 10
Burris 4.5-14x42 FullField Ballistic Plex Reticle Riflescope
Burris 4.5-14x42 FullField Ballistic Plex Reticle Riflescope opticsplanet.com Check price

The Burris 4.5-14x42mm Fullfield II PA Riflescope is lighter, better sealed, and has a relocated adjustment system compared to the original Fullfield. This Riflescopes has a one-piece main tube and...

One of the reasons why I like the Burris Fullfield II riflescope is because of its ballistic plex reticle. This reticle is known to be the simplest yet effective and likewise elegant trajectory-compensating reticle for scopes for better accuracy and precision in shooting at targets at various distances.

This scope ensures edge-to-edge clarity with its fully multicoated lenses. It catches lighter and offers you the bright and clear imaging you have always wanted. The parallax adjustment in this scope helps ensure accuracy even at long-distance shooting.

The Burris Fullfield II Ballistic Plex riflescope is also one of the more stylish scopes and coolest you can find on the market. I particularly like its elegant matte finish. With its beautiful appearance, one will not think that this scope is available at a low price.

You can also trust the durability of the Burris Fullfield II Ballistic Plex riflescope to last you for a long time. The 1-piece tube construction of this AR-15 scope long and short range is made from high-grade materials and is completely sealed and gas-purged so no external elements could enter your scope and compromise its quality.

However, this scope does not come with a lens cap.

Pros
  • Great optics
  • Fully multicoated lens
  • Stylish design
  • Affordable
  • Durable
Cons
  • Does not come with a lens cap

Despite that, the Burris Fullfield II Ballistic Plex riflescope is a great choice for a budget scope with its amazing features and quality. It is well-made and works well, worth its price.

Leupold Mark MOD 1 3-9x40mm Riflescope

Our Score 6.9 out of 10
Leupold Mark AR MOD 1 3-9x40mm P5 Dial Riflescope Similar Products
Leupold Mark AR MOD 1 3-9x40mm P5 Dial Riflescope Similar Products opticsplanet.com Check price

The Leupold Mark 6 Assault Rifle Riflescope has a one inch maintube and uses the quantum optical system. The Leupold Mark AR MOD 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope features a multicoat and tactile power selector...

One of the reasons why the Leupold Mark MOD 1 riflescope is a great choice for a long range scope for your AR-15 is because of its high-quality glass and optics. With its fully multi-coated lens, this scope offers optimal clarity and clear vision even in extreme low-light conditions.

The magnification power of the Leupold Mark MOD 1 riflescope is just enough for a clear field of view at short distances but at the same time lets you sight a little farther at maximum magnification with great clarity.

The tube construction of the Leupold Mark MOD 1 riflescope is made from aircraft-quality aluminum for rugged durability. It is also 1100% waterproof, fog proof and shockproof to guarantee a scope that you can use under any outside weather conditions and one that can last for many rounds.

But even with the rugged and sturdy construction of the Leupold Mark MOD 1 riflescope, this scope is still conveniently lightweight even after mounting so you can be more comfortable using it on the field without any hassle.

The matte finish on the Leupold Mark MOD 1 AR-15 long range rifle scopes also look simple yet beautiful. They can easily complement your firearm.

However, for its downside, the turret in the Leupold Mark MOD 1 riflescope is a bit hard to adjust to your desired setting.

Pros
  • High-quality glass and optics
  • Good magnification
  • Waterproof, shockproof and fog proof
  • Lightweight
  • Beautiful design
Cons
  • Turret is a bit hard to adjust

Overall, the Leupold Mark MOD 1 riflescope a well-made scope for AR-15 for long range shooting. It is reliable, durable and affordable.

What Makes a Great AR-15 Long Range Scope?

We have reviewed some of the best long range scopes for an AR-15 rifle. They offer relentless performance and dependability on the field. But what exactly makes them great?

A great AR-15 long range scope is one with great optics. A scope with high-quality glass and fully coated optics easily helps improve your accuracy on the field by giving you that HD-quality imaging you have always wanted.

A good magnification power also makes a great AR-15 long range scope. An effective range of the AR-15 scope can make great accurate shots both at short and long distances. Couple this with a fast-focus eyepiece then acquiring and shooting at targets is easy and highly accurate. A parallax adjustment also helps give you optimal clarity especially for long-range shots.

To give you full control of any situation, a great AR-15 long range scope is one with easily adjustable windage and elevation turrets that allows you to make frequent and precise adjustments as the circumstance demands.

For maximum comfort, a great AR-15 long range scope should have a consistent and generous eye relief to avoid straining your eyes or injuring your brows. Rugged durability is also an important factor. A great scope is one that can withstand recoils and impacts after repeated and long hours on the field.

What Magnification Do You Need?

Magnification is an important consideration in choosing a scope. The magnification would depend on the needs and use you have for your rifle. Generally, the greater the magnification the better. This holds true especially for taking long-range shots.

Shooters have different shooting needs which require different magnification power. What you need is an adjustable magnification instead of a fixed one for better flexibility on the field. But for long-range shooting, you need a higher magnification so you can effectively sight and shoot at targets accurately.

For the magnification range of an AR-15, you can choose one with a magnification power of 3x to 9x. This gives you enough flexibility to effectively view targets at short distances and extends to longer distances. But you can always go for higher magnification such as 14x to 18x or even higher.

It is, however, important to note that the higher the magnification the higher is its price ranged. But if money is not the issue then go for the ones with a higher magnification. But if you think you will not be needing that much magnification anyway, you can go for the ones with a lower magnification range. This is more practical and saves you some money.

Factors to Consider when Buying the Long Range Scope for AR-15

The thousands of options for an AR-15 long range scope can be overwhelming and makes choosing a little difficult. We understand the difficulty in choosing the best long range scope for AR-15 rifles, so we intend to help you make your decision by giving some of the important factors that you need to consider before buying your scope.

Magnification power

As mentioned, generally the higher the magnification the better. Before choosing your scope to think about how you intend to use your rifle. If you intend to use it for taking long range shots then go for higher magnification. But if not, a lower magnification will do. Too little or too much magnification could be a waste of money.

High-quality glass and optics

For optimal accuracy, high-quality glass and optics are crucial. Go for a scope with a fully multicoated lens. This offers optimal light transmission, reduces glare, balances brightness and contrast to give you that high-definition imaging you need and want.

Illuminated reticle

You can choose a scope with an illuminated reticle. An illuminated reticle can give you extra shooting light so you can fully enjoy yourself until dusk. With an illuminated reticle, rest assured you will have a bright and clear field of view even under low lighting conditions.

Fast-focus eyepiece

A fast-focus eyepiece is important because this makes target acquisition faster and easier. It helps you maintain sight picture and focus on a target at various distances.

Generous eye relief

Consistent and generous eye relief is equally important. With generous eye relief, you can be more comfortable and avoid injuring or straining your hours even after long hours on the field.

Rugged durability

You can easily find a scope that is waterproof, shockproof and fog proof in the market. It should also be completely sealed and gas-purged for the full protection of your scope. With rugged durability, you can be confident that you are getting the best value of your money with a high-end product that lasts.

Accessories

Accessories that are included with your scope is also an important consideration. Some scope comes with a lens cap, lens cloth, sunshade and other accessories while others do not even have a lens cap. So, when choosing whether a budget scope focal plane, you must check for the accessories included for the most satisfying experience.

Reliable Customer service

Reliable and responsive customer service is always a lifesaver. Read from the reviews and look for a company that has reliable customer support so that if you encounter any issues or problems with your scope, you can confidently contact their customer service to help you resolve the issues.

Price

The price is an important consideration in making a purchase. As shown in the product reviews, you don’t always have to spend too much to have a high-quality scope with guaranteed performance. With technological advancements, great scopes are now made more affordable. Compare the prices and choose a scope that fits your budget.

With this list of noteworthy considerations, we hope that your decision would significantly be easier. Utilize this list to your advantage. Read reviews and descriptions for more information about a certain scope. Choose a scope that best fits your needs and your budget.

(Source: [1], [2], [3])

Conclusion

Good scope for an AR-15 depends upon other factors such as your ammunition and intended use for the rifle. We have provided you with some of the best AR-15 long range scopes and given you the factors to consider for choosing the best among the best.

Now that you have read everything, the choice is up to you. It is best to remember that you don’t need to spend way off your budget just to have a quality rifle scope, this is impractical and unnecessary. There are more affordable, very nice scopes available that offer almost the same performance. Enjoy and continue to flourish in your craft.

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