Scopes and Optics

Top 6 Best Scope for ar-15 Deer Hunting

Best Scope for ar-15 Deer Hunting

Best Scope for ar-15 Deer Hunting

Best Scope for ar-15 Deer Hunting. Deer hunting is a very popular activity among hunters. Deer can be quite fast and you need a scope for your ar-15 rifle to enable you to sight and make accurate shots on target. 

The scope market is full of scopes from a variety of brands all clamoring for your attention and subsequent purchase. This review brings you the best scopes you can use on your ar-15 for deer hunting. 

Here is a quick list

PRODUCT IMAGE PRICE
#1) Bushnell Optics, Drop Zone BDC Reticle Riflescope Bushnell Optics, Drop Zone BDC Reticle Riflescope  
#2) Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane  
#3) Nikon P-Tactical .223 3-9×40 Nikon P-Tactical .223 3-9x40  
#4) Bushnell FORGE 4.5-27×50  Bushnell 4.5-27x50   
#5) Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope  
#6) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Scope Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm  

 

Best Scope for ar-15 Deer Hunting Reviews

#1) Bushnell Optics, Drop Zone BDC Reticle Riflescope

Bushnell Optics, Drop Zone BDC Reticle Riflescope

 

 

 

 

Bushnell is among the most respected optical brands in the world.  Their scopes are very reliable and come highly recommended. This Drop Zone affords exemplary quality on image and also highly accurate target shooting.

It is equipped with side focus parallax adjustment and target turrets for accurate adjustments and adjustable long-range precision.  The 24mm objective lens diameter ensures enough light collection for bright and clear images. The fully multi-coated optics also help in making images crisp and bright.

This scope comes equipped with a fast-focus eyepiece to ensure high reliability and accuracy.  It is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to keep out the moisture and dust.

The high-quality aluminum alloy used to construct this scope and its anodized finish makes this scope is one of the best scope for ar-15 deer hunting. It is durable and reliable.

Features

  • Nitrogen purged and o-ring sealed.
  • Fast focus eyepiece.
  • Optics that are fully multi-coated.

 

 

#2) Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane

Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane

 

 

 

 

 

Deer hunting has never been this easy. With this Vortex scope, you can ethically put down a deer from a commendable distance. It comes fitted with fully multi-coated lenses that are also anti-reflective for the best and clearest views. Its turrets are capped and finger adjustable which can easily reset to zero. 

This scope comes with long eye relief and a forgiving eye box which means your eye is protected from getting a “scope eye” A fast-focus eyepiece is fitted so you can easily focus your reticle. 

The Vortex Optics Crossfire comes in different reticle types and sizes so you can comfortably choose the one you prefer. 

Features

  • Fashioned from aircraft-grade aluminum for durability
  • Waterproof and fog proof
  • Capped turrets
  • Fully multi-coated lenses
  • Generous eye relief 

 

 

 

#3) Nikon P-Tactical .223 3-9×40

Nikon P-Tactical .223 3-9x40

 

 

 

 

Fancy one of the best scope for ar-15 deer hunting? Then this scope is for you. Outfitted with fully multi-coated optics, images from this scope are clear, crisp, and of high quality.

The main tube is constructed with aircraft-grade aluminum alloy that enables use even in dismal environments.  This scope features instant zero-reset turrets that are spring-loaded for swift adjustments and simple references when making field adjustments. Elevation and windage turrets are marked clearly for fast adjustments.

This scope is nitrogen purged and o-ring sealed to guard the scope against moisture and shock. Its comfortable eye relief provides the safety of your brow from heavy recoil.

Features

  • Instant zero-reset turrets that are spring-loaded.
  • Generous eye relief.
  • Fast focus eyepiece.
  • Fully multi-coated optics.
  • Housed in aircraft-grade aluminum for durability.

 

#4) Bushnell FORGE 4.5-27×50 

Bushnell 4.5-27x50 

 

 

 

 

 

This is another scope that comes with the premium features that you need for a successful deer hunt.

This scope is equipped with the Revlimiter zero stop that is turret halting and quick to set with an assurance of getting to your zero quickly. The scope has tactile, fast turrets that are also looking for quick and precise dialing.  The side focus parallax adjustments allow you to focus precisely and quickly down to 25 yards.

With fully multi-coated optics, images are bright and have high contrast and resolution. Band coating that is ultra-wide and anti-reflective allow for high light transmission.

This scope is outfitted with the EXO barrier protection that repels water, dust, and oil and also prevents scratches.

It is also O-ring sealed which ensures optics inside stay moisture-free. Warranty on this scope is not only a lifetime warranty but it is also transferrable.

Features

  • Fully multi-coated optics.
  • Locking turrets for quick and precise dialing.
  • Side focus parallax.
  • Anti-reflective ultra-wideband coating.

 

 

#5) Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope

Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope

 

 

 

 

 

 

As one of the best scope for ar-15 deer hunting, this scope helps you shoot a deer as far as 500 yards out. This scope is quite affordable and is outfitted with strong features.

For starters, it is waterproof and fog proof that allows you to hunt even in unfavorable weather conditions. This scopes’ comfortable eye relief protects your brow from heavy recoil. It features the QTA eyepiece and the true adjustment system.

For quality images, this scope comes with fully coated optics and a 50mm objective lens. This allows in more light increasing image brightness. With a 3-9x magnification, it is easy to sight a  clear deer image. The accurate eyepiece ensures a swift acquisition of the target.

The sure-grip surfaces are made of rubber that makes this scope very easy to adjust while shooting. The Truplex reticle is ideal for shooting deer even at short distances.

Features

  • Fully coated optics.
  • Water and fog proof.
  • 50mm objective lens.
  • 1/4 MOA  audible click windage and elevation adjustments.
  • Comfortable eye relief.

 

 

#6) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Scope

Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm

 

 

 

 

 

A Leupold scope is one of the best scope for ar-15 deer hunting you can get for yourself. This Leupold VX-Freedom comes with the famous lifetime warranty and it’s lightweight so it doesn’t make your rifle heavy.

This scope boasts of world-class features associated with the Leupold scopes. For starters, it comes with a 40mm objective lens that comes in handy during hunting at dusk or dawn. The DiamondCoat coating system is used to protect the lenses from abrasions.

This scope has a comfortable and generous eye relief that protects your brow from heavy recoil. Bright and sharp images are made possible by the index-matched lens system that enhances the transmission of light.

The field of view is wide allowing you to see your deer clearly.

Features

  • It is lightweight.
  • 40mm objective lens.
  • Generous eye relief.
  • Wide field of view.

 

 

 

 

What to consider when choosing the best scope for ar-15 deer hunting

A scope serves a very useful purpose to a hunter. You can accurately shoot a target at 400 yards with the help of a scope. Buying the best scope for ar-15 deer hunting can be a daunting task. The following are some of the factors that should guide you when making a scope purchase for deer hunting.

Magnification

Deer are very alert animals due to their sensitive hearing. Any slight noise and off they go. A scope with good magnification will help you zoom in without necessarily having to be very close to it. The ideal magnification for deer hunting is 9X and ensure that image clarity is not compromised when the scope is at its maximum magnification.

Durability

Most of the best scopes for deer hunting are not necessarily cheap. You want value for your money and getting a scope that will last long is the goal. Durable scopes are usually built with high-grade aluminum and waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof.

Lenses

A good lens lets in the maximum amount of light and minimizes light loss. Lens coatings are quantified as, coated lenses, fully coated lenses, multi-coated lenses, and fully multi-coated lenses.

Coated lenses mean at least one lens surface is coated with one layer of coating.

Fully coated lenses mean all lens and prism surfaces are coated with one layer of coating.

Multi-coated lenses mean at least one lens surface has multiple layers of coating.

Fully multi-coated lenses mean all lenses and prisms are covered in multiple layers of coating.

A good scope is ideally fully multi-coated for crisp and bright images even in unfavorable light conditions.

Objective lens

Larger lenses are always the go-to for deer hunting. Large objective lenses let in more light making images appear clearer. The major problem with a large objective lens is it is heavier compared to scopes with smaller objective lenses.

Eye relief. 

The best scope for ar-15 deer hunting should provide comfortable eye relief. This protects your eyes from heavy recoil. 3.5 mm of eye relief is recommended.

Reticle

An illuminated reticle comes highly recommended as it allows you to hunt even when light conditions are poor. In addition, in order to enhance shooting accuracy, your scope’s reticle should be quickly and easily resettable to zero.

Ease of use

The best scope is easy to mount and use and does not come with adjustments that are too complicated. 

Warranty

Like all other hunting equipment, your scope might need some repairs from the manufacturer. Get scopes from manufacturers who offer great warranty options.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the best scope for ar-15 deer hunting all boils down to your preference and needs. There are so many options in the market that you might feel overwhelmed about what scope to choose for your rifle. This review is to help you make a wise and informed decision. 

Happy hunting!