10 Best AR scopes 2025 in the United States

The ATN Thor 5 LRF Smart HD Thermal Scope is a strong contender in the thermal scope category, particularly suited for hunters who want advanced features. One of its standout strengths is the Ultra Sensitive Next Gen Thermal Sensor, paired with a high-resolution OLED display that offers rich colors and detailed visibility, making it easier to spot targets in varying light conditions.

Magnification ranges from 4x to 16x, providing flexibility for both close and long-range shots, while the built-in Laser Rangefinder is a valuable addition for those who want to ensure precision at any distance. The Advanced Ballistic Calculator helps users make informed decisions about their shots, enhancing accuracy and reducing guesswork.

The ability to create custom reticles is a fun and unique feature, allowing users to personalize their shooting experience. Moreover, the scope includes HD video recording capabilities, enabling hunters to capture their adventures in great detail, which is perfect for sharing with friends or reliving successful hunts. However, the size and weight of the scope (2.1 pounds) may be cumbersome for some users, particularly during extended outings. The scope is also ITAR restricted, meaning it cannot be exported, which might limit its accessibility for some users. Lastly, with a price point typically associated with high-end thermal scopes, it may not be suitable for budget-conscious hunters. The ATN Thor 5 LRF Smart HD Thermal Scope is a high-quality option for serious hunters seeking advanced technology and functionality, although potential users should weigh its size, weight, and price against their specific needs.

The Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44 riflescope is a solid choice for AR owners who want versatility for mid-range shooting and hunting. Its 4-12x magnification range offers flexibility, letting you zoom in for detailed shots or zoom out for a wider view. The 44mm objective lens provides a good balance, gathering enough light to give clear, bright images without making the scope too bulky. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is designed to help estimate bullet drop at different distances, which is handy if you’re hunting or shooting at varying ranges without complex adjustments. With a field of view of about 24.7 feet at 100 yards, you get a decent sight picture that helps track moving targets. Eye relief is generous at over 115mm, making it comfortable and safe to use with rifles that have a bit more recoil or a heavier setup.

The scope’s construction is sturdy, using aircraft-grade aluminum with O-ring seals and nitrogen purging to keep water, dust, and fog out, so it can handle tough outdoor conditions well. One thing to keep in mind is that the reticle is not illuminated, and the scope doesn’t support night vision. Also, while it’s very durable and offers lifetime warranty coverage, the weight of around 17 ounces might be noticeable on lighter AR platforms.

This riflescope suits hunters and shooters who want a reliable, clear optic with useful range compensation features in a rugged package without extra high-tech complexity.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9x40 riflescope is a solid choice for AR scope users who want flexibility for mid-range shooting or hunting. Its 3-9x magnification covers close to moderate distances well, and the Dead-Hold BDC reticle helps estimate bullet drop without extra adjustments, which is handy for varying range shots. The 40mm objective lens size lets in enough light to provide bright and clear images, enhanced further by fully multi-coated lenses that reduce glare. A 34.1-foot field of view at 100 yards is fairly wide, making it easier to quickly spot and track targets. Eye relief of 3.8 inches is comfortable and safe for most shooters, reducing the chance of scope ‘kick’ impact on your face. Durability is strong with an aircraft-grade aluminum tube, plus waterproof and fogproof features, so it can handle tough outdoor conditions. The scope’s weight of 16 ounces keeps it light enough for comfortable handling.

One drawback might be that it lacks night vision capability, so it’s not ideal for low-light hunting. Also, while the reticle is great for holdover, it might not suit those wanting a simple crosshair or illuminated reticle option. This scope serves hunters and shooters who need reliable, clear optics with practical reticle features and rugged build quality, especially for daylight use.