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AR-15 Optic Buyer’s Guide: Best Optics For Every Budget
Everyone has an idea of how they want to build their AR-15, but many times, you’ll find that shooters either don’t take the capabilities of their rifles into account or determine their intended use.
For example, an LPVO on a 10.5-inch pistol, or a high-powered scope on a home defense rifle, doesn’t make much sense.
An AR build with an EOTech and magnifier handles both close-quarters and medium distances well. Source
Furthermore, each specific optic has its advantages and disadvantages. Some may have excessive parallax, some have a reticle that isn’t ideal for those with astigmatism, and some can be complex and difficult to use.
The goal here is to give you the confidence to choose and purchase the best optic for your build, one that won’t leave you wishing you had bought something else.
What To Consider When Buying An Optic For Your AR-15
Purpose
The most important thing to consider before choosing an optic is what you’ll use the rifle for.
Home defense? Hunting? Precision shooting? SHTF?
The right scope can make or break your hunt. Source
Not sure of how close or far you’ll be shooting? Consider an LPVO or red dot and magnifier combo, which will thrive on battle rifle builds where the distances can vary.
So, start with figuring out the purpose of your build.
Price
Good optics aren’t cheap to begin with, and become even more expensive as their quality and notoriety increase. For example, a Night Force LPVO will cost far more than one from Primary Arms.
While you may be tempted to spend a lot of money on your optics, you should also be realistic about what you need from your sight. A Night Force LPVO or Aimpoint T2 is likely overkill for a home defense rifle.
If you have the money to spend, of course, I recommend going with the best. But that isn’t the case for every shooter.
Barrel Length (Range)
As mentioned earlier, the type of optic you need will largely depend on how far you want to shoot, which is often relative to the barrel length of your rifle.
It’s all about how you’re building your rifle. A 10.5-12.5-inch barrel with a solid red dot is great for home defense, but a 16-inch barrel and an LPVO are a force to be reckoned with.
However, thanks to magnifiers, almost every optic can be used in different roles. You can use a red dot and push it out with a 3x magnifier, which will provide decent mid-range capabilities similar to your LPVO.
Choose wisely. Each has its drawbacks.
Different length barrels for different purposes. Source
Durability
Before purchasing your optic, it’s essential to understand what you’ll need in terms of durability. If you’re building a battle rifle that you want to run reliably in an SHTF-type situation, then you’re going to need a proven optic that won’t fall short when you need it. But if you’re building a fun range gun for the weekend or training, you have more room for “error” since durability won’t be tested often. The cheapest optic you can find will probably still disappoint you even for those roles, but you don’t have to break the bank.
Brand Reputation
One of the most fail-safe ways to ensure you are getting a good optic is to choose one from a reputable company. Buying off-brand optics is sure to lead you down the wrong path.
Well-known manufacturers also have more reviews and opinions to base your decision on. This way, you know what you’re getting yourself into, and if it doesn’t work out, they often have better warranties and service departments that can help turn your experience around.
Best LPVOs
Best LPVO Overall – NightForce ATACR
Everything you could want in an LPVO. Source
The ATACR from Night Force is the end-all of low-powered variable optics. The professionals and hard hitters use it when they require the best.
Crystal clear glass, daylight bright reticle illumination that even has night vision compatibility, and bomb-proof reliability are what Night Force aimed for when manufacturing the ATACR…and they succeeded.
The ATACR is easy on the eyes, too. Source
If you’re looking to build the ultimate SHTF rifle, you’d be hard pressed to find a more purpose-driven LPVO. It’ll cost you, but it can be the last optic you ever buy for your build.
Best Budget LPVO – Primary Arms SLx 1×6
It has basic aesthetics but delivers big performance. Source
Don’t let the low price fool you. The Primary Arms SLx 1×6 is well known as one of today’s most underrated optics.
The SLx features glass reserved for optics five times the price, and the new illuminated ACSS reticle offers everything you could want, from moving target leads to range estimation and bullet drop compensation.
It is a steal for an optic under $400, and each one comes with a lifetime warranty, scope caps, and a CR2032 battery so you’re ready to go out of the box!
Best Mid-Range Optics
Best Mid-Range Optic Overall – EOTech EXPS3
You’ve almost certainly seen one in movies or video games. Source
EOTech has a proven history of reliability and has been used by military personnel for decades in the most demanding areas.
The EXPS3 is built like a tank with the ultimate durability in mind. It can still show the reticle even when the glass is broken, which is the benefit of holographic sights. The reticle is extremely user-friendly and features a 68-MOA ring with a 1-MOA dot in the center, which can work well for varying distances.
The EXPS3 features 30 brightness settings (10 of which are compatible with night vision), is water-resistant down to 33 feet, and is made right here in the USA. There isn’t much else to ask for!
Best Budget Mid-Range Optic – Primary Arms SLx 5X MicroPrism
The SLx 3x and its included mount. Source
Back to the SLx line from Primary Arms, we have the 3X Microprism. It’s compact, lightweight, and delivers superior durability.
Thanks to its etched reticle, you will always have an aiming source, even when batteries die. It boasts several brightness settings (three of which are night vision compatible) and features AutoLive on/off technology to help conserve battery life. Users report fantastic eye relief, and when paired with the wide field of view, it’s an ideal optic for close to medium-range engagements.
It also comes with a rugged mounting system that can be set for eight different mounting heights right out of the box. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better quality optic for the price.
Best Red Dot Sights
Best Red Dot Overall – Aimpoint Micro T2
Pairing the Micro T-2 with a BCM rifle would make a great SHTF setup. Source
If you’ve done any searching for a red dot on Google or in forums like Reddit, odds are you’re familiar with the Aimpoint T1. It’s been the standard for battle red dots for some time, and now there’s a new and improved version.
The Aimpoint Micro T2 comes with a range of enhancements. It features a better reticle and glass, is more compatible with a 3X magnifier, and includes flip-up lens covers.
The adjustment knobs are far easier to manipulate, and it’s everything you’d need for a close-quarters rifle build with the durability to back it up.
Best Budget Red Dot – Sig Sauer Romeo 5
Small but mighty. Source
Sig Sauer has been cranking out robust sights for quite some time. Its LPVOs have consistently ranked among the top five in numerous tests and lists, and the Romeo 5 red dot has been the go-to choice for many budget close-quarters builds.
The Romeo 5 features a crisp 2 MOA dot with 10 illumination settings (two of which are compatible with night vision), Motion Activated Illumination (MOTAC) technology, and an IPX7 rating. It even comes with a M1913 Picatinny low mount riser and a co-witness riser mount.
Any home defense rifle is enhanced by it, and the price makes it even easier to justify the purchase.
Conclusion
Each of these optics has been chosen for a reason, but there are many other quality options available. Now that you have a better idea of what makes a good optic, you’ll have an easier time choosing your next one.
Remember to start by determining your rifle’s intended use(s), factor in things such as barrel length, and, of course, stay within your budget.
Be good and take care.
