6 Best Vortex Scopes for AR (AR 15 /AR 10)

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If you are looking for the best Vortex scope for AR, you are in the right place.

The AR is a rifle used by shooting enthusiasts, especially for long-range use. It has incredible shooting power making it a beast in long-range shooting.

You need a quality scope if you want to take your long-range shooting to the next level using an AR. This implies the scope should have top-notch features like adequate eye relief, an effortless reticle, clear optics, and many more.

With so many options available, knowing the proper scope can be overwhelming.

Luckily, some of the rifle scopes from Vortex are designed to suit this rifle. Here are the top six options to select from.

 

Here is a summary of the Best Vortex Scopes for AR

 

1) Vortex Viper PST GEN II 1-6x24mm Riflescope

Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope

 

  • Length:10.9 in
  • Weight: 22.7 oz
  • Reticle: VMR-2 MOA/VMR-2 MRAD
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm
  • Magnification: 1 – 6 x
  • Tube Diameter: 30mm

 

 

2) Vortex Razor Gen II-E 1-6x24mm Riflescope

Vortex Razor Gen II-E 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope

 

  • Length:10.1 in
  • Weight: 21.5 oz
  • Reticle: JM-1 BDC/VMR-2 MOA/VMR-2 MRAD
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm
  • Magnification: 1 – 6 x
  • Tube Diameter: 30mm

 

 

3) Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-12x40mm Riflescope

Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope

 

  • Length:10.9 in
  • Weight: 22.7 oz
  • Reticle: VMR-2 MOA/VMR-2 MRAD
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm
  • Magnification: 1 – 6 x
  • Tube Diameter: 30mm

 

 

4) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x50mm Riflescope

Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope

 

  • Length:12.7 in
  • Weight: 18.4 oz
  • Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC /V-Brite
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
  • Magnification: 3 – 9 x
  • Tube Diameter: 1 in

 

 

5) Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight

Vortex Strikefire II 1x30mm 4MOA Red Dot Sight

 

  • Length:5.6 in
  • Weight: 7.2 oz
  • Reticle: 4 MOA Bright Red Dot
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 30mm
  • Magnification: 1x

 

 

6) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Riflescope

Vortex OPMOD Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope

 

  • Length:10.5 in
  • Weight: 18.5 oz
  • Reticle: BDC3
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 30mm
  • Magnification: 1 – 6 x
  • Tube Diameter: 30mm

 

 

 

Best Vortex Scope for AR-Our Top Picks

 

1) Vortex Viper PST GEN II 1-6x24mm Riflescope

Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope

 

 

 

Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6x24mm Riflescope as one of the best Vortex Scopes features multicoated optics with anti-reflective properties for enhanced light transmission.

With extra-low dispersion glass, there is enhanced resolution and color fidelity, leading to sharp and clear images.

Speaking of construction, the scope is toughly built. In fact, it has an aircraft-grade aluminum construction that is highly durable.

It is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof for reliability and protection in all conditions to make it better. Armortek coating is used on the lenses to repel oil, dirt, and scratches.

It nonetheless has a hard-anodized finish that reduces glare and allows easy camouflage.

You will appreciate the fast-focus eyepiece present in this scope as it is helpful when shooting targets that are moving.

Another incredible feature of the Viper PST GEN II 1-6x24mm Riflescope has turrets and reticles that enable shooting at extended ranges with speed and accuracy.

Pros

  • Fast focus eyepiece
  • Highly durable aluminum construction
  • Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
  • Extra-low dispersion glass
  • Single-Piece Tube for enhanced alignment and improved accuracy
  • Optics are fully multi-coated
  • Scratch-resistant Armortek coating
  • Illuminated reticle for precise aiming under low-light conditions
  • Second focal plane reticle for the same ideally-sized appearance in all magnifications
  • Hard-anodized finish
  • 100 yds parallax
  • RED LED illumination
  • Precision-Force Spring System
  • Ring attachment
  • 3.8 in eye relief

Cons

  • Battery life ( 150 hours) could be better

 

 

2) Vortex Razor Gen II-E 1-6x24mm Riflescope

Vortex Razor Gen II-E 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope

 

 

 

Being one of the most powerful and versatile rifles for long-range shooting, the AR requires an excellent scope to maximize its potential fully.

Vortex Razor Gen II-E 1-6x24mm Riflescope is a scope that will improve its shooting ability and help you use its incredible functionality.

Constructed with aircraft-grade aluminum, the scope is resilient and rigid for rugged use.

A single-piece tube construction ensures resilience and optimizes alignment for enhanced accuracy and optimal visual performance.

It nonetheless has O-ring seals and argon purging, which implies a waterproof and fog-proof performance.

Further, it is shockproof due to its rugged construction. These triple features connote that the scope is made for relentless performance and will not disappoint in the most challenging conditions.

The scope also features a hard-anodized finish. Moreover, it has scratch-resistant Armortek coating on the lenses that shield it from oil and dirt. Thanks to the large diameter turrets, you can make easy and fast adjustments to the windage and elevation.

If you are worried about visibility, you need to remember that the Razor Gen II has index-matched lenses that maximize image sharpness and brightness.

XR fully multi-coated lenses deliver the clearest and brightest images ever seen on an optic. Extra-low dispersion glass provides superior resolution and color fidelity, leading to high-definition images.

There is also a Plasma Tech, a coating application process that offers unmatched durability and performance.

Nevertheless, the illuminated center dot offers an accurate aiming point, regardless of the lighting condition.

Generous eye relief is another feature of the Razor Gen II-E and protects your eye and brows from kickback.

Pros

  • Variable 1-6x magnification
  • Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
  • Hard anodized finish
  • Ample eye relief of 4 inches
  • Scratch-resistant Armortek coating on lenses
  • Easy windage and elevation adjustments
  • Optically indexed lenses
  • XR Plus fully multi-coated lenses
  • Illuminated center dot
  • Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof performance
  • Fast focus eyepiece
  • 100 yds parallax
  • 11 brightness settings
  • XR Plus Fully Multi-Coated
  • Wide field of view (115.2 – 20.5 ft at 100 yds)
  • Illuminated Center Dot
  • Plasma Tech for impressive coating durability and performance

Pros

  • Does not come with a throw lever

 

3) Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-12x40mm Riflescope

Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope

 

 

 

The Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-12x40mm Riflescope is a perfect pair for AR.

It is made with a lot of detail. It is equipped with a 40mm objective lens that permits sufficient light into the scope. This objective lens does an excellent job of bringing more light for clear images.

The Vortex Diamondback stands out for its rugged design. It has a main tube that is crafted from 6061-T6 aluminum.

It also has an anodized finish. The scope will give a lifetime use with relentless performance with such construction.

With argon gas purging, the Diamondback is waterproof and fog proof. This makes it suffice no matter the weather conditions. This is in addition to being shockproof and recoil resistant.

Additionally, it has fully multi-coated lenses that ensure a quality target view. This makes it suitable for use in dismal lighting conditions.

The Diamondback nonetheless has a fast-focus eyepiece that allows a quick focusing of the reticle. This comes in handy when aiming at a target on the move.

Besides, Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm Riflescope has capped turrets that eliminate the possibility of unintended adjustments. The turrets further enable re-indexing to zero after sighting the rifle.

Pros

  • XR fully multi-coated lenses for bright views
  • Hard anodized finish
  • Fast focus eyepiece
  • Ring attachment
  • Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
  • Lenses are fully multi-coated
  • Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof construction
  • Hard anodized finish
  • Variable 4-12x magnification
  • 40mm objective lens diameter
  • Rugged shockproof construction

Cons

  • Non-Illuminated

 

4) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x50mm Riflescope

Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope

 

 

 

Vortex Diamondback 3-9x50mm Riflescope is a scope that is easy on your wallet yet has terrific features that make it great for your AR.

It comes with high-end features that deliver excellent shooting performance. To begin with, the scope has a dead-Hold BDC reticle.

This feature makes the Diamondback 3-9x50mm riflescope perfect for your rifle when indulging in outdoor adventures such as hunting. It is crucial when holdover approximation is a concern.

Thanks to the fully multi-coated optics combined with anti-reflective coatings, the Diamondback 3-9x50mm guarantees the brightest and clearest views ever seen on an optic.

The scope is durably made regarding construction, as it is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum. It has a single-piece tube that enhances accuracy and maximizes visual performance.

A one-inch diameter tube provides a flexible blend of adjustment, size, and weight for diverse shooting applications.

Best of all, the scope is made with the outdoors in mind. Since using your AR means exposing it to unpredictable weather conditions, the scope is made with waterproof and fog-proof construction.

This is due to the O-ring seals and argon-gas purging present. No matter how tough the weather becomes, you can rely on the scope to do the expected. Besides that, the Diamondback 3-9x50mm is shockproof and impact resistant.

Another great feature of the scope is its hard-anodized finish. This is essential as it ensures a low-glare matte surface that helps you conceal position without any hassle. There are capped reset turrets for quick re-indexing of the turret to zero after sighting in the riflescope.

For more convenience, the scope has a fast-focus eyepiece that makes focusing on the reticle quick and easy.

Nonetheless, there is a Precision-Glide Erector system that ensures a smooth and clean gliding of the components in the zoom lens mechanism, regardless of the magnification range.

Pros

  • Made with high-quality Aircraft Grade Aluminumoof performance
  • Hard anodized finish
  • Wide field of view (12.9 – 32 ft at 100 yds)
  • Ample eye relief (3.8 in)
  • Precision-Glide erector system
  • Fast focus eyepiece
  • Ring attachment
  • 100 yds to infinity focus range and parallax
  • 50mm objective lens diameter
  • 3-9x magnification range
  • Fully multi-coated optics
  • Capped reset turrets
  • Second focal plane reticle

Cons

  • None

 

5) Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight

Vortex Strikefire II 1x30mm 4MOA Red Dot Sight

 

 

 

 

Vortex Strikefire II Red Dot Sight is the best Vortex scope for AR for circumstances that require target acquisition in the shortest time possible.

The red dot sight has a compact and lightweight single-piece chassis, which will not weigh you down.

It is made with durability in mind as it is sealed with O-ring seals and purged with nitrogen gas. As a result, it is waterproof and fog-proof to get the job done in all weather conditions.

Moreover, its rugged construction makes it shockproof. The sight has a durable hard-anodized finish and offers a low-glare matte surface.

In addition, Vortex Strikefire II Red Dot Sight has the best-in-class fully multi-coated lenses that improve light transmission, which is essential for bright and crisp images.

You will love the ten brightness levels present in the red dot sight. Best of all, the lowest two settings allow compatibility with night vision. Also, it has unlimited eye relief that is instrumental in fast acquiring the target.

Pros

  • Parallax free
  • Fully multi-coated
  • 10 brightness settings
  • Lightweight and compact design
  • Unlimited eye relief
  • Magnification: 1 x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 30 mm
  • Reticle: 4 MOA Bright Red Dot
  • Optical Coating: Fully Multi-Coated
  • Attachment/Mount Type: 1/3 Co-Witness Mount
  • Gun Make: AR Platform
  • Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
  • Hard anodized finish
  • Single-piece chassis

Cons

  • Fixed magnification

6) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Riflescope

Vortex OPMOD Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope

 

 

Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Riflescope has impressive features that guarantee visibility in all lighting situations.

Featuring fully multi-coated optics, the scope can deliver bright and clear images. Its reticle is illuminated for accurate aiming, no matter the lighting condition.

Regarding durability, the scope is made to withstand the most challenging conditions. It has a matte anodized finish that resists wear and corrosion and reduces glare.

It is constructed from highly durable aircraft-grade aluminum that provides strength for long-lasting use.

The scope nonetheless has a waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof design for relentless performance in all conditions. It also has scratch-resistant Armortek coating o n the lenses to repel oil and dirt.

It is good that the scope has a throw lever that facilitates seamless magnification modifications. A fast-focus eyepiece is also present and allows a quick focusing of the reticle.

Pros

  • Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
  • Features a Throw lever for easy magnification changes
  • Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
  • Wide field of view(19.2 – 116.5 ft at 100 yds)
  • Matte anodized finish
  • Scratch, dirt, and oil-resistant Armortek coating
  • A fast-focus eyepiece
  • Red LED illumination
  • Fully Multi-Coated optics
  • Glass-Etched and Illuminated reticle
  • Second focal plane reticle
  • 30mm tube size
  • 11 brightness settings
  • Ample 3.5 in eye relief

Cons

  • None

 

You May Also Like: 11 Best LPVO Scopes for AR15 /Hunting

 

Related

 

Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Vortex Scope for AR

  1. Magnification

The distant range you intend to fire and the target you want to shoot determine your ideal magnification power. A scope with an 8x magnification is perfect for long-range shooting as it will let you aim at a target with great accuracy.

Contrastingly, such a magnification would be too much for short ranges. In such a case, a 2x magnification power would suffice.

  1. Weather resistance

Using your AR outdoors means it is exposed to harsh weather. It thus needs to be resistant to such conditions. Ensure you settle for a scope with a waterproof and fog-proof design.

It is also best to have a scope with the ability to withstand recoil from your rifle. It should be shockproof for long-lasting use.

  1. Eye relief

A good scope should ensure a comfortable aiming. You will strain your eyes when aiming for extended periods with inadequate eye relief. So, ensure your scope has excellent eye relief for a more comfortable experience.

  1. Reticle

Check the reticle of your scope before buying. Large reticles are perfect for low-light shooting situations. Thinner reticles let you be more accurate but are hard to use in conditions with low light. Therefore, choosing a reliable scope with an excellent reticle to offer relentless performance would be best.

  1. Durability

The best Vortex scope for AR should be built from robust materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum to ensure long life. This makes it face harsh conditions and remain in good condition.

  6. Objective lens size

Your go-to choice should allow more light into the scope to deliver a brighter image. This lets you use the scope more effectively regardless of the lighting condition. It would help if you picked a model with a huge objective lens.

Vortex Scope for AR FAQs

  1. Is an AR10 good for hunting?

The AR10 is one of the best hunting rifles for long-range hunting, especially when it comes to elk and deer. However, it is not ideal for carrying long distances as it is pretty heavy.

  1. What magnification do I need for 1000 yards?

A long-range riflescope should have enough magnification to resolve targets out to 1000 yards. At the very least, you should have the ability to make a target out to 1000 yards appear as though it is not further than 100 yards. To do so, you need a 10x minimum magnification.

  1. Is a wider objective lens better?

A bigger objective lens implies more light-gathering capabilities. As a result, the images produced are brighter and clearer. However, large-diameter objective lenses lead to heavier and bulkier scopes.

Conclusion

The scopes shared in this Best Vortex Scope for AR review have high-quality features to deliver excellent results in all lighting situations. Investing in any of them is the best buying decision you could ever make. Their impressive features make them perfect for AR and will bring out the rifle’s power and versatility.