10 Best AR 15 scopes 2025 in the United States

The ATN Thor LTV is a thermal scope designed primarily for hunting and shooting in low-light or no-light conditions. It offers a useful magnification range of 5x to 15x, which covers most general hunting scenarios. The 160x120 thermal sensor with a 12-micron pixel size delivers clear thermal images, enhanced further by SharpIR technology for sharper, more detailed views. This is especially helpful for spotting animals in dense cover or total darkness. Eye relief is generous at 90mm, providing comfortable viewing without straining your eye, and the scope weighs about 1.4 pounds, making it light enough to mount on most rifles without affecting balance.

Multiple reticle types are included, which can suit different shooting preferences, and the One Shot Zero feature simplifies sighting in by calibrating the scope quickly to your first shot. Additionally, the built-in HD video recorder lets you capture your hunts, which is a nice bonus for those who want to document their experience. Adjustments are made easy with standard Weaver mounts and typical turret controls. On the downside, the product dimensions are somewhat bulky compared to traditional scopes, which might affect handling on smaller rifles. Also, the thermal sensor resolution, while good, isn’t the highest available on the market, so for users wanting extreme detail, there may be better options. Battery life is solid at over 10 hours, but users will need to manage charging for longer outings.

This scope is well suited for hunters and shooters seeking thermal imaging combined with decent magnification and video capabilities, without adding too much weight.

The ATN Thor 5 LRF is a high-tech thermal scope designed to enhance shooting performance in low visibility conditions such as night or fog. It features a 4-16x magnification range suitable for various distances, and a 320x240 sensor resolution paired with a bright OLED display provides clear, detailed images with rich colors, making target spotting easier in any light. The built-in laser rangefinder (LRF) allows quick distance measurement to targets, improving shooting accuracy.

A notable feature is the advanced ballistic calculator that automatically adjusts aiming points based on environmental data, helping shooters achieve more precise shots without manual calculations. Users can customize and share reticles, adding both functionality and personalization. The scope also records HD video of hunts for later review or sharing.

However, the scope weighs over 2 pounds and is larger than typical AR-15 scopes, which may affect balance and handling on lighter rifles. The price and technical complexity might exceed the needs of casual shooters, and export restrictions limit its availability. For serious users focused on thermal imaging and precision shooting with an AR-15, the Thor 5 LRF provides advanced capabilities, while newcomers or budget-conscious users might find it more than necessary.

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 CDS-ZL2 is a high-quality riflescope well suited for AR-15 owners who want versatility from close to longer-range shooting. Its magnification range of 3 to 15x allows for flexibility, making it good for both quick target acquisition and more precise shots. The 44mm objective lens, combined with Leupold’s high-definition lenses and Guard-ion coating, offers clear and bright images even in challenging weather, which is helpful for hunting or outdoor use.

The Impact-29 MOA reticle is placed in the second focal plane, meaning the reticle stays the same size as you zoom, which some shooters prefer for clarity but may require adjustments when estimating range at different magnifications. Eye relief is generous and the side focus parallax adjustment makes it easier to keep your target sharp from various shooting positions. A standout feature here is the CDS-ZL2 turret system, which provides two full revolutions of elevation adjustment and includes a push-button ZeroLock to prevent accidental changes. This customization, combined with Leupold’s option for laser-marked bullet-drop dials tailored to your specific ballistics, is great for serious shooters who want precision without fuss.

The scope is built tough with waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction, and backed by Leupold’s lifetime warranty, ensuring it can handle rough conditions and last for years. It weighs about 2 pounds, which might be a bit heavy for those looking for a lightweight option on their AR-15. Also, being a second focal plane scope, the reticle’s use at varying magnifications might not suit everyone. This scope is ideal for AR-15 users who value clear optics, ruggedness, and customizable elevation settings, especially for hunting or tactical use, but those wanting a lighter or first focal plane scope might consider other options.