For deer hunting with an AR-15, having the right scope can make all the difference. Whether you’re stalking through dense forests or scanning open fields, a quality scope can enhance your accuracy and improve your chances of success. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the Best AR 15 Scopes for Deer Hunting, highlighting their features and benefits to help you choose the perfect optic for your next hunt.
Plus, we’ll provide affiliate links so you can easily purchase the scope that best suits your needs, if you purchase through one of them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
So, let’s dive in and find the perfect scope to take your deer hunting to the next level!
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
- Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
- Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
- Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 mm Rifle Scope
- Bushnell AR Optics 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
- Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10x24mm Rifle Scope
What is The Best Rifle Scope Magnification for Deer Hunting?
For most deer hunting situations, a scope with a magnification range of 3-9x or 4-12x is ideal. But If you’re hunting in dense forests or thick brush where shots are typically taken at closer ranges, a lower magnification scope like a 2-7x or 1-4x can be more suitable.
On the other hand, if you’re hunting in open fields or areas where shots are often taken at longer distances, a higher magnification scope like a 4-16x or 6-24x may be more appropriate.
Is it Worth Putting a Scope on an AR-15?
Yes, putting a scope on an AR-15 can be worth it. Here are some reasons why you might consider adding a scope to your AR-15:
- Improved Accuracy: A scope can help improve your accuracy, especially at longer ranges. The magnification and reticle of a scope can help you see and aim at targets more precisely than with iron sights alone.
- Longer Range Shooting: If you plan to shoot at longer distances, a scope can be essential. It can help you see and hit targets that would be difficult to see with the naked eye or with iron sights.
- Hunting: For hunting, a scope can be very beneficial. It can help you see the game more clearly and make more ethical shots. The right scope can also help you compensate for bullet drop and wind drift, improving your chances of a clean kill.
- Tactical Applications: In tactical or self-defense situations, a scope can help you identify threats at longer distances and make accurate shots under pressure.
- Personal Preference: Some shooters simply prefer using a scope over iron sights for various reasons, such as improved sight pictures and easier target acquisition.
How to Choose The Best AR 15 Scopes for Deer Hunting
Here are some tips to help you select the right scope:
- Durability: Opt for a scope that is rugged and durable, capable of withstanding recoil and harsh hunting conditions. Features like shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof construction are important.
- Optical Quality: Consider the optical quality of the scope, including the clarity, brightness, and color accuracy of the image. Look for fully multi-coated lenses to ensure optimal light transmission.
- Eye Relief: Looking for a scope with adequate eye relief is important to prevent scope eye injuries, especially with the recoil of an AR-15. Look for a scope with at least 3-4 inches of eye relief.
- Adjustability: Make sure the scope has easy-to-use turrets for windage and elevation adjustments. A zero-reset feature can also be convenient.
- Size and Weight: Consider the size and weight of the scope, as you’ll want one that balances well with your AR-15 and is comfortable to carry and use in the field.
- Budget: Set a budget based on your needs and expectations. There are many excellent scopes available at various price points, so you should be able to find one that fits your budget.
Best AR 15 Scopes for Deer Hunting
1) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Benefits
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm rifle scope is a versatile and reliable optic designed for hunters and shooters who require a high-quality, mid-range magnification scope.
With a magnification range of 3x to 9x, it offers flexibility for various shooting scenarios, from close-range shots to mid-range targets.
Has a 40mm objective lens which provides a good balance between light transmission and size, allowing for a bright and clear sight picture.
Also features a range of reticle options, including the popular Duplex reticle, which provides a simple and intuitive aiming point.
Additionally, the scope Twilight Light Management System helps to improve light transmission, thus making it easier to see targets in low-light conditions. This feature is particularly beneficial for hunters who often find themselves shooting at dawn or dusk when visibility is limited.
Features
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4.7 mm
- Illumination Color: None
- Finish: Matte
- Field of View, Linear: 33.1 – 13.6 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 4.2 – 3.7 in
- Color: Black
- Weight: 12.2 oz
- Length: 12.39 in
- Adjustment Type: MOA
- Parallax: Fixed
2) Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
Benefits
The Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm rifle scope is a versatile and compact optic designed for close to mid-range shooting.
Features a magnification range of 1x to 4x, thus providing quick target acquisition at close range while still offering the ability to engage targets at moderate distances.
With the 24mm objective lens it balances size and light transmission, ensuring a clear and bright sight picture. Also built with a single-piece tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum, it is durable and able to withstand recoil and rough handling.
Has Vortex’s V-Brite illuminated reticle, which provides a bright, illuminated aiming point that is easy to see in low-light conditions. The reticle has adjustable brightness settings, allowing shooters to tailor the illumination to their preference and the ambient light conditions.
In addition, features a fast-focus eyepiece which allows for quick and easy reticle focusing, thus ensuring a sharp and clear sight picture. The capped turrets are finger-adjustable with MOA clicks, making it simple to make windage and elevation adjustments on the fly.
Features
- Magnification: 1 – 4 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 6 – 24 mm
- Illumination Color: Red
- Finish: Anodized
- Field of View, Linear: 24.1 – 96.1 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 4 in
- Weight: 16 oz
- Length: 9.8 in
3) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
Benefits
The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm rifle scope is a versatile optic designed for close to mid-range shooting.
With a magnification range of 1x to 6x, it provides quick target acquisition at close range while still offering the ability to engage targets at moderate distances. The
Has a 24mm objective lens which balances size and light transmission, ensuring a clear and bright sight picture.
Constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, also is rugged and durable, able to withstand recoil and rough handling.
Features Vortex’s illuminated AR-BDC reticle, which provides a clear and precise aiming point. The reticle has holdover points for quick and easy ranging and holdover adjustments, making it ideal for shooting at different distances.
Also has fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing, thus ensuring a sharp and clear sight picture. The capped turrets are finger-adjustable with MOA clicks, making it simple to make windage and elevation adjustments on the fly.
Features
- Magnification: 1 – 6 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
- Reticle: AR-BDC3
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4 – 24 mm
- Illumination Color: Red
- Field of View, Linear: 19.2 – 116.5 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
- Diopter Adjustment Range: -2 – 2 dpt
- Weight: 18.5 oz
- Length: 10.5 in
4) Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 mm Rifle Scope
Benefits
The Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm rifle scope is a versatile and reliable optic designed for hunters and shooters who require a high-quality, mid-range magnification scope.
Features a Ballistic Plex reticle, which provides a simple and intuitive aiming point with holdover lines for quick and easy ranging and holdover adjustments.
Additionally, it is equipped with Burris’ Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses, which help to improve light transmission and reduce glare, ensuring a clear and bright sight picture.
With a magnification range of 3x to 9x, it offers flexibility for various shooting scenarios, from close-range shots to mid-range targets.
The scope’s adjustments are precise and easy to use, thus allowing for quick and accurate zeroing. The windage and elevation turrets provide audible and tactile feedback, making it easy to make adjustments in the field.
Features
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Reticle: Ballistic Plex
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4.44 – 13.33 mm
- Illumination Color: None
- Finish: MatteField of View, Linear: 31 – 13 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.1 – 3.8 in
- Color: Black
- Weight: 13 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Length: 12.4 in
- Adjustment Type: MOA
- Parallax: Free
- Illumination Type: Non-Illuminated
- Battery Type: CR2025
5) Bushnell AR Optics 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Benefits
The Bushnell AR Optics 3-9x40mm rifle scope is a versatile and affordable optic designed for AR-style rifles and other firearms.
With a magnification range of 3x to 9x, this scope offers flexibility for various shooting scenarios, from close to mid-range targets.
Built with a rugged one-piece aluminum tube, the AR Optics scope is durable and able to withstand recoil and rough handling.
The AR Optics scope features a Drop Zone-223 BDC reticle, specifically designed for .223 caliber rifles. This reticle provides aiming points out to 500 yards, thus making it easy to compensate for bullet drops at longer ranges.
Features fast-focus eyepiece which allows for quick and easy reticle focusing, ensuring a sharp and clear sight picture. The turrets are capped to protect against accidental adjustments and can be easily reset to zero after sighting in.
Features
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Reticle: Drop Zone-223
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4.44 – 13.33 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 11 – 29 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
- Color: Black
- Weight: 19 oz
- Length: 12 in
6) Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10x24mm Rifle Scope
Benefits
The Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10x24mm rifle scope is a premium optic designed for long-range shooting and tactical applications.
Has a magnification range of 1x to 10x, thus offering a wide field of view at 1x for quick target acquisition, while still providing the ability to zoom in for precise shots at longer ranges.
One of the key features of the Razor HD Gen III is its first focal plane (FFP) reticle. Meaning that the reticle remains in proportion to the target at all magnification levels, allowing for accurate ranging and holdover corrections at any magnification setting
Turrets are designed for easy and precise adjustments, with audible and tactile clicks for each adjustment. They also feature a zero-stop mechanism, allowing shooters to quickly return to their zero after making adjustments.
Features
- Magnification: 1 – 10 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
- Tube Diameter: 34 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2.4 – 24 mm
- Illumination Color: Red
- Finish: Hard Anodized
- Field of View, Linear: 116 – 11.7 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.6 in
- Color: Stealth Shadow
- Weight: 21.5 oz
- Length: 10.1 in
- Parallax: 100 yds
FAQS
Q: Are illuminated reticles useful for deer hunting?
A: Illuminated reticles can be useful in low-light conditions, such as dawn or dusk hunting. They provide a clear aiming point that stands out against dark backgrounds.
Q: What is the best budget for a deer hunting scope for an AR-15?
A: There are many excellent scopes available at various price points, but a budget of $200 to $2000 is typically sufficient for a quality deer hunting scope for an AR-15.
Final Thoughts
We hope this guide has helped you narrow down your choices and find the perfect scope for your needs. Remember, each link in this article is an affiliate link, so if you purchase through one of them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps us continue to provide valuable hunting resources like this one.
Happy hunting, and may your next deer hunting season be filled with successful hunts and memorable moments in the great outdoors!
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