Deer hunting with AR-15 demands precision and accuracy, if you are in the market for the best AR 15 Deer Hunting Scope, you came to the right place.
Deer are incredibly sharp and exceptionally fast. To hunt them down, you need to ensure that you have the best scope for deer hunting. A good scope not only broadens your vision, but it will also make your hunting excursion more rewarding.
However, the market offers so many scopes for deer hunting that choosing the right model for your needs becomes overwhelming. If you use a AR 15 for deer hunting, here is our review of the best scopes for deer hunting that work well with AR 15 rifles.
These scopes will make hunting more competitive regardless of whether you are hunting deer in wide, open fields or thick woodlands.
Let’s take a look.
Best AR 15 Deer Hunting Scope-Top Picks
1) Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
The Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope is one of the best scopes for deer hunting with AR 15 for the price. It boasts an adjustable magnification from 1x to 4x ideal for hunting in close and mid-ranges and a massive field of view for simple target identification.
The scope has very clear optics which provide high-quality image views even in low-light settings. It also has fully multi-coated lenses that enhance light transmission for bright and vivid image production.
Furthermore, the scope brings to the table a fast-focus eyepiece for easy reticle focusing and resettable MOA turrets that are capped for added protection.
Another good thing about the scope is the sturdy housing. It has a single-piece tube that is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum for ultimate durability.
It also has a hard anodized finish that prevents corrosion that leads to the formation of rust when the scope is used in wet, humid environments.
To top it all, the scope has a waterproof and fog-proof construction for all-weather reliability.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle: V-Brite
- Magnification: 1 – 4 x
- Eye Relief: 4 in
- Exit Pupil: 6 – 24 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 24.1 – 96.1 ft at 100 yds
- Dimensions(LxWxH)-9×3.5×1.18 inches
- Weight: 16 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/2 MOA
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Parallax Setting: 100 yards
- Battery Type: CR2032
- Brightness Settings: 11
- Battery Life: 150 hours
Pros
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Second focal plane reticle
- Generous eye relief
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Hard anodized finish
- Precise and smooth controls
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Single-piece tube
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- Lightweight design
- Rugged construction
Cons
- Exposure to direct sunlight or hot conditions for a long time may damage the riflescope
2) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
If you are looking to improve your precision when hunting deer, you need a quality scope such as the Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope.
This scope has fully multi-coated optics and extra-low dispersion glass that provide brilliant sight pictures even in poor lighting conditions.
In addition to producing high-quality sight pictures, the scope is made for use in challenging environments and unfavorable terrains.
It is fully waterproof and fog-resistant so you can use it even in harsh and unfavorable weather conditions.
It is also shockproof to stand rough handling when you are hunting in unfamiliar terrains.
Furthermore, this scope has a second focal plane illuminated reticle which provides precise aiming in dismal environments.
Better yet, the reticle is etched between two layers of glass for maximum durability and reliability. The scope also features a fast-focus eyepiece for lightning-fast reticle focusing and a lightweight design so it will be easy to carry in the field.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
- Magnification: 1 – 6 x
- Exit Pupil: 4 – 24 m
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Weight: 18.5 oz
- Length: 10.5 in
- Exit Pupil: 4 – 24 mm
- Reticle: AR-BDC3
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Battery Type: CR2032
- Parallax: 100 yds
- IPX-7 water resistance level
- Field of View, Linear: 19.2 – 116.5 ft at 100 yds
- Brightness Settings: 11
- Adjustment Type: MOA
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- 1-6x adjustable magnification
- Anodized aluminum tube
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Glass-etched SFP reticle
- A fast-focus eyepiece
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- Aircraft Grade Aluminum construction
- Perfect for out to 600 yards
Cons
- None
3) ATN X-Sight-4K 3-14x Pro Smart Day/Night Hunting Rifle Scope
ATN makes high-quality night vision optical devices and this quality is maintained in their X-Sight-4K Pro Edition Smart Day/Night Hunting Rifle Scope.
The scope uses the latest technology to bring you exceptional performance day and night.
This scope looks and feels just like a traditional rifle scope. It has standard mounting rings that make it easy to mount and detach on your AR 15 rifle.
It also offers long eye relief for comfortable glassing and an ultra-low power profile that provides up to 18 hours of continuous runtime.
At night, the scope provides black and white images and full color during the day. It comes with an IR illuminator which broadens your vision even on dark, moonless nights.
Furthermore, the scope has a built-in smart rangefinder that shows you the distance of your targets and a ballistic calculator to help you hunt more responsibly.
To top it all, the ATN X-Sight-4K has a video recording function that you can use to record your hunting trip and a recoil-activated video that makes a video recording a breeze.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-14x
- Field of view at 1000 yds: 460 ft (9°)
- Eye relief: 90 mm
- iOS & Android compatible
- Micro Display: 1280×720 HD Display
- Video Record Resolution: 1080p @ 30/60/120 fps
- 18 + hrs battery life
- Warranty: 2 years
- 4 to 64 Gb Micro SD
- Smart Mil Dot Value Range: 1.0-10.0
- Operating Temperature: -20°F to +120°F / -28°C to 48°C
- Dimensions: 13.8″x3″x3″/ 350x76x76 mm
- Weight: 2.1 lb / 0.94 kg
Pros
- Low light 4K sensor
- Long eye relief
- High-resolution and fast viewing
- Low power profile
- Powerful IR illuminator
- Smart rangefinder
- Recoil activated video
- Weather resistant
- 3D gyroscope and accelerometer
Cons
- Before operating the riflescope you must update the firmware to the latest version
4) Steiner P4Xi 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
This AR 15 Deer Hunting Scope packs a wide array of features in a small packable size that is not only durable but also eye-catching.
With the true 1x magnification, the scope allows you to aim with both eyes open which increases situational awareness. Furthermore, you can easily ramp up the magnification up to 4x for precision shooting out to 400 yards when you need to engage targets at a distance.
The scope also comes with an illuminated reticle with 11 different brightness settings for easy aiming in daylight, low light, and night vision.
When it comes to construction, the scope has an aircraft-grade aluminum tube that stands up to anything you throw at it.
It is also sealed to prevent the entry of moisture and dirt, and nitrogen filled to keep the lenses fog-resistant.
In addition to everything else, the scope has high-quality glass which provides a clear field of view for bright and vivid image generation.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Magnification: 1 – 4 x
- Weight: 17.3 oz
- Field of View, Linear: 30 – 121 ft at 100 yds
- Exit Pupil: 6 – 12 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Eye Relief: 3.5 – 4 in
- Battery Type: CR2032
- Diopter Adjustment Range: -3 – 2 DPT
- Parallax: Fixed
- Focus Range: 100 yds
- Operating Temperature: -13 – 145 Fahrenheit
Pros
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- Consistent eye relief
- Illuminated reticle with 11 brightness settings
- Low profile turrets
- True 2x magnification
- High-quality glass
Cons
- Slightly expensive
5) Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 Night Vision Digital Riflescope
Next on our list is the Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 Night Vision Digital Riflescope.
You can use this scope to hunt deer during the day or at night. At night it provides either black and white or classic green viewing and full-color viewing during the day.
Featuring a high-definition sensor, you are guaranteed high-resolution imaging with photo capturing and video recording in 1080p HD.
You also get to customize the scope with 10 different reticle patterns and 9 color options to suit your preference and the situation at hand.
Furthermore, the scope has a powerful and removable IR flashlight which provides a broader detection range of up to 200 yards at night.
It also has 5 different weapon profiles for use with different firearms and a Weaver rail where you can mount your additional accessories of choice and make your hunting expedition more effective.
Specifications
- Magnification: 4-32x
- Reticle: 10 pattern
- Objective lens: 50mm
- Camera resolution: 1920×1080
- NV detection range: 200yd / 183m
- LED IR illuminator
- 850nm IR wavelength
- Battery AA x4- 4.5 hours
- Dimensions 10.5×3 in
- Weight 36.3 oz
Pros
- Day and night mode
- 10 reticle patterns with 9 color options
- Video recorder
- Removable IR flashlight illuminator
- Simple menu button manipulation
- Removable eyecup
- High-definition sensor
- Video recording feature
- 5 different weapon profiles
Cons
- Battery life could be better
6) Athlon Optics 1-4 x 24mm Rifle Scope
If you are on the hunt for the best scope for deer hunting with AR 15 for the money, this is it.
It brings to the table several quality features at a remarkably low cost. It is also very simple to use so it’s an ideal choice for beginners.
What makes the scope stand out is the superior low-light performance. It has advanced multi-coated lenses for clarity and brightness in poor light settings.
This makes it a favorite scope among people who prefer to hunt deer early in the morning or late in the evening.
Furthermore, the scope has an illuminated reticle for greater visibility in low-light settings and a versatile 4x zoom suitable for hunting deer in dense forests or on wide, open ranges.
Another strength of the scope is that it is virtually indestructible. It has a heat-treated one-piece tube crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum.
This durable construction makes the scope ideal for any hunting environment. Additionally, the scope is waterproof and fog proof for all-weather use and it has a glass-etched reticle for greater durability and higher shock and recoil resistance.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Length: 9.2 in
- Magnification: 1 – 4 x
- Exit Pupil: 22.8 – 6.6 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Reticle: AHSR 14 SFP IR-MIL
- Water Resistance Level: IPX-7
- Eye Relief: 4.5 – 3.5 in
- Battery Type: CR2032
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.2 Mil Rad
- Field of View, Linear: 110 – 26 ft at 100 yds
- Weight: 18 oz
- Parallax: 100 yds
- W/E Travel at 100 Yds: 40 Mil Rad
Pros
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Glass-etched reticle
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Shockproof mechanical system
- Heat-treated main tube
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- Illuminated reticle
- Versatile 4x zoom
Cons
- None
7) Firefield RapidStrike 1-6×24 Rifle Scope
The Firefield RapidStrike 1-6×24 Rifle Scopes are purpose-made for AR platforms.
It is a variable power scope with adjustable magnification from 1x to 6x.
With the 1x magnification, the scope allows for both-eye-open shooting which increases situational awareness.
The scope has a versatile SFP reticle which is well-suited for deer, varmint, and hog hunting. This reticle has red or green illumination for easy aiming in low-light settings.
Furthermore, this product comes with a throw lever that allows for quick magnification adjustment from 1x to 6x. It also has a cantilever mount which makes it ready to mount right out of the box.
In terms of construction, Fullfied makes this scope with rugged aluminum which maximizes durability while remaining lightweight.
Better yet, the scope has an IP67 waterproof rating and a housing that is both dustproof and fog proof.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
- Reticle: Circle Dot on SFP
- Magnification: 1 – 6 x
- Range of Detection: 2000 yds
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Exit Pupil: 4 – 24 mm
- Battery Type: CR2032
- Weight: 14.5 oz
- Field of View, Linear: 102 ft at 100 yds@ 6 degrees
- Diopter Adjustment Range: 2 – -2 DPT
- Length: 9.8 in
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/2 MOA
- Parallax: 100 yds
- Attachment/Mount Type: Cantilever Mount
Pros
- Resettable turrets
- 6x optical system
- Waterproof, fog proof, and dustproof
- Versatile SFP reticle with red or green illumination
- Pop-up locking turrets
- Lightweight design
- Durable aluminum housing
- Cantilever mount type
Cons
- Limited mounting styles
Related
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How to Choose the AR 15 Deer Hunting Scope
Whether you are in the market for your first deer hunting scope with AR 15 or looking for an upgrade, here are some factors that should help guide you in making the right buying decision.
Magnification
To have a successful deer hunting trip, you will need to hunt them from a distance. Getting too close will make them run away as soon as they see you.
A tip is to get a variable-power scope with at least 9x magnification. With such magnification, you will bring the distant game closer and enjoy rich detail even with maximum zoom.
Objective Lens
Whether you will be hunting deer in thick forests or in large, open fields, go for a scope that has a large lens. The larger the objective lens, the more light the scope collects for clearer and bright image views.
Also, a large lens provides a wide field of view for easy target location. The only drawback here is that scopes with larger objective lenses are heavier and more expensive.
Durability
A durable scope for deer hunting is a reliable scope. It is best to go for scopes that are made which high-quality materials like aluminum alloy or aircraft-grade aluminum. To add on that, ensure that you get a scope that is shockproof, recoil-resistant, and weatherproof.
Ease of Use
You will need a scope that is simple to use right out of the box. It should be easy to mount and have a lightweight design for easy carrying in the field. Additionally, you will need your scope to perform as needed without too many complicated adjustments.
Quality Lenses
The next important thing you should consider is the quality of the glass the scope has. For your rifle scope to perform from sunrise to sunset, it should have high-quality glass preferably HD or ED.
It should also have multi-coated lenses which will provide you with bright, clear, and sharp images regardless of the lighting conditions.
FAQs
- What magnification do you need?
When it comes to deer hunting, your ideal magnification will largely depend on your hunting distance and hunting environment. For hunting in thick forests and dense bushes, go for a scope with a low magnification. On the other hand, look for a scope that has at least 9x magnification for deer hunting in wide, open fields.
- What kind of scope should I get for my AR 15?
For general hunting and target shooting, you should get a scope with a moderate magnification power. You should also pick a scope that is durable, weatherproof, and simple to use right out of the box.
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Conclusion
The best scope for deer hunting with AR 15 will make your day in the field rewarding and worthwhile.
All scopes listed above make an excellent companion in every hunting trip. Grab any one of them and increase your odds of having a successful deer hunting trip this season.
Read Also: 7 Best Rifle Scopes for Deer Hunting under $500