Scopes and Optics

7 Best Vortex Optics for AR-15

Vortex Optics for AR-15

Vortex Optics for AR-15

So, which Vortex optics for AR-15 can we say are the best?

Vortex is a scope brand that embodies versatility, dependability, affordability, and reliability. It is famous for manufacturing top-notch scopes that come with a lifetime warranty. Some of their models provide compatibility with the AR-15. The AR-15 is a widely known rifle due to its simplicity and reliability. It is also very  lightweight making it one of the favorites for the hunters. To narrow down your search, we have compiled the best seven Vortex optics perfect for this rifle.

Here is a quick list

Vortex Optics for AR-15 Table

PRODUCT IMAGE PRICE
1) Vortex Viper PST-Gen II 1-6x24mm Riflescope Vortex Viper PST-Gen II 1-6x24mm Riflescope
2) Vortex StrikeFire II Scope w/ 4 MOA Dot Vortex StrikeFire II Scope w/ 4 MOA Dot
3) Vortex Crossfire II 1x22mm 2 MOA Red Dot Sight Vortex Crossfire II 1x22mm 2 MOA Red Dot Sight
4) Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10x24mm Riflescope Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10x24mm Riflescope
5) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Riflescope Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Riflescope
6) Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Riflescope Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Riflescope
7) Vortex Razor Gen II-E 1-6x24mm Riflescope Vortex Razor Gen II-E 1-6x24mm Riflescope

 

Factors to Consider when Choosing Vortex Optics for AR-15

1. Image quality

The type of lens coatings and the glass quality has a significant impact on the image quality. The extra-low-dispersion glass used by Vortex produces clear images while reducing chromatic aberrations. Many Vortex riflescopes are equipped with anti-reflective lens coatings to improve light transmission while minimizing light reflection. Also coated for enhanced image clarity and brightness, even in low light conditions, are all air-to-glass surfaces.

2.Intended use

The best scope to choose depends greatly on what you plan to use it for. The AR-15 Vortex scope that meets your needs is the best. A riflescope that is lightweight and portable in outdoors is ideal if you need one for hunting. Additionally, the scope needs to be robust enough to withstand the tough terrain and numerous falls and bumps.

3.Construction

Get a riflescope with high-quality construction if you want it to last for many years. Scopes made of aircraft aluminum have a durable construction that can last longer and endure the conditions in the field. To guarantee consistent performance when the weather changes while you are in the field, ensure the scope you choose is waterproof and fog proof. It also needs to be shockproof.

 

Vortex Optics for AR-15 Reviews

#1) Vortex Viper PST-Gen II 1-6x24mm Riflescope

Vortex Viper PST-Gen II 1-6x24mm Riflescope

 

 

 

The 1-6x magnification of the Vortex Viper PST-Gen II makes it ideal for accurately hitting targets within close and medium ranges. A daylight-bright illuminated red dot with ten brightness settings is already built into the VMR- 2 MOA reticle. Even with moving objects, target acquisition is made simple by this and the wide field of vision. Target size won’t be an issue as you change magnifications because the reticle is etched onto the second focal plane.

Construction-wise, the scope has a single-piece tube constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum. A matte black finish keeps reflections at bay. The tactical scope’s argon-purged and O-ring sealed construction makes it water and fog-proof. The turrets are conveniently placed and have unique metrics. They include a grooved shape to make turning easier when wearing gloves or in wet conditions.

When it comes to optical clarity, the scope does not disappoint. Extra-low dispersion lenses, a Vortex exclusive, provide outstanding edge-to-edge clarity, and the Armortek coating protects it from scratches, dirt, and oil.

Key Features

  • 8 inches of eye relief
  • More than 150 hours of battery life
  • Grooved windage and elevation turrets
  • Matte black finish
  • Single-piece tube
  • Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
  • VMR-2 MOA reticle with ten brightness levels

Pros

  • Sturdy build quality
  • Great eye relief
  • Fairly lightweight
  • Accurate turret settings
  • Multiple brightness settings

Cons

  • No mounting hardware is included
  • Turrets are not capped

 

 

 

 

#2) Vortex StrikeFire II Scope w/ 4 MOA Dot

Vortex StrikeFire II Scope w/ 4 MOA Dot

 

 

 

The most robust and long-lasting chassis designs for optics are frequently single-piece designs. The Strikefire II red dot is constructed this way. You have lenses and a prism, just like a prismatic scope. The sight is not submersible but is entirely water- and fog-proof. It is shockproof, hence will withstand recoil and impact.

The StrikeFire II is pretty easy to use. When at the range, you only need to fiddle with the brightness settings, which allows a really simple user experience.

The red dot is powered by a CR2 battery housed in a chamber at the top of the scope. The battery can operate at a brightness setting 6 for up to 80,000 hours.

Battery life for the red/green version ranges from 300 to 5000 hours, depending on use and settings.

There are ten brightness levels, the lower ones being compatible with night vision equipment.

Features

  • Fully multi-coated optics
  • Ten brightness settings
  • CR battery located at the top of the device
  • Single-piece body made of aircraft-grade aluminum
  • Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof

Pros

  • Excellent build quality
  • Easy to use
  • Reasonable price
  • Night vision compatible
  • Long battery life

Cons

  • Glare and light transmission loss

 

 

 

#3) Vortex Crossfire II 1x22mm 2 MOA Red Dot Sight

Vortex Crossfire II 1x22mm 2 MOA Red Dot Sight

 

 

Vortex Crossfire II 1x22mm 2 MOA is a no-nonsense red dot that is favored by many hunting and shooting buffs. All air-to-glass surfaces are fully multi-coated to increase light transmission across the optical path while minimizing reflections and glare. This means the red dot will suffice in poorly lit conditions.

The Crossfire features capped turrets with 1 MOA adjustments.  The metal caps are the tools required for adjustments. The sight tracks precisely, and the turrets are tactile.

In addition to tracking flawlessly and holding zero, the turrets’ standout feature is that they are not easy to move.

A CR2032 battery powers the Crossfire red dot sight, which has a 2 MOA dot and 11 brightness levels, including two that are compatible with night vision.  The battery life is about 50,000 hours on setting six.

With O-ring seals, the scope is completely waterproof and fogproof for dependable performance regardless of the weather condition.

Features

  • More than 50,000 hours of battery life
  • Multi-height mounting system
  • Fully multi-coated optics
  • Runs on CR2032 battery
  • Unlimited eye relief
  • Waterproof and fogproof

Pros

  • Holds zero well
  • Night vision compatible
  • Good optical quality
  • Price

Cons

  • Oversized illumination knob

 

 

 

#4) Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10x24mm Riflescope

 

Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10x24mm Riflescope

 

 

Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10x24mm Riflescope boasts a plethora of features; no wonder it qualifies as a candidate in our review. This high end scope is designed with a HD optical system that delivers exceptional color fidelity and sharpness. It has XR fully multi-coated optics for unmatched light transmission. The illuminated reticle comes in handy in low visibility conditions by ensuring rapid target acquisition.

Like is the norm in Vortex scopes, the HD Gen III is manufactured from aircraft-grade aluminum. It is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof for relentless performance no matter the conditions.

The lenses are well protected from external components by Armortek coating that keeps away scratches, dirt, and oil.

A lockable, easy-to-access illumination dial is on the left side of the turret housing. There are eleven illumination settings, each with an off position in between.

Features

  • Erector tube system
  • Hard anodized finish
  • XR fully multi-coated lenses
  • Lenses are covered with Armortek coating for more protection
  • Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
  • Glass-etched reticle
  • HD optical system

Pros

  • Great optical quality
  • High-quality construction
  • LED Reticle illumination
  • Generous eye relief
  • Exceptional accuracy and versatility

Cons

  • A bit costly

 

 

#5) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Riflescope

Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Riflescope

 

 

Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Riflescope allows you to take down targets that are both at close and extended distances. This is thanks to the 1-6x magnification.

This amazing scope guarantees relentless performance. The tube is sealed with O-rings to keep out any elements that can impede optimal performance and is purged with nitrogen gas to prevent internal fogging, which could compromise visual performance. Due to the high-quality construction, the scope is shockproof; thus, rifle recoil shouldn’t be an issue. Speaking of construction, the scope is crafted from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum that is durable and lightweight.

High-quality, multi-coated lenses that transmit light optimally are fitted on the riflescope. Even in low light conditions, this exceptional light transmission results in crystal clear images. The reticle is illuminated for precision aiming while hunting at dawn or dark for the best low-light performance.

Key Features

  • Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
  • Fully multi-coated optics
  • Constructed with premium aircraft-grade aluminum
  • A fast-focus eyepiece
  • Glass-etched reticle ensures durability and reliability.
  • Illuminated reticle for optimal low-light performance

Pros

  • Lifetime warranty
  • Budget-friendly
  • Adjustable diopter
  • Anti-reflective coatings for optimum light transmission
  • Robustly made for longevity

Cons

  • Glass clarity is not perfect at maximum magnification.

 

 

 

#6) Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Riflescope

Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Riflescope

 

 

 

Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Riflescope is priced reasonably yet delivers high performance that even high-priced counterparts don’t. Long eye relief and a fast-focus eyepiece work together to ensure that the shooter’s eye is not put under any strain when sighting the target.

The rugged construction is a worthy mention for the scope. With aircraft-grade aluminum housing, the scope is built to last. Thanks to the O-ring seals and nitrogen purging, the scope is entirely waterproof and fogproof.

In addition, there is a fast focus eyepiece for quick reticle focus to enable rapid acquiring of the target.

The rifle scope features an illuminated center dot for precise shot placement. With it, hunting during the magical hours will never be the same.

 Key Features

  • Capped reset turrets
  • 30mm tube
  • Waterproof and fogproof
  • High-quality aluminum construction
  • Second focal plane reticle
  • Fast focus eyepiece
  • Illuminated center dot

Pros

  • Affordable price
  • Robust design
  • It comes with the Vortex VIP warranty
  • Ideal for all weather conditions

Cons

  • Not ideal for long-range shooting

 

 

 

#7) Vortex Razor Gen II-E 1-6x24mm Riflescope

Vortex Razor Gen II-E 1-6x24mm Riflescope

 

 

 

Vortex Razor Gen II-E 1-6x24mm is perfect for AR platforms. The scope ticks all the boxes when it comes to durability and delivery. Besides being crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, the scope has a hard anodized matte finish. Even better, it is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof for reliability across all conditions. An Armortek coating keeps away dust, oil, and scratches from the lens.

Another highlight of this riflescope is the superior optics. They further the Razor Gen II reputation as one of the best Vortex optics for for AR-15 by ensuring the highest level of clarity, resolution, and color fidelity. The low-profile design and these optics coupled ensure the best possible visual performance.

A fast-focus eyepiece ensures a quick target acquisition. You don’t have to worry about recoil or eye strain as the scope is fitted with generous eye relief.

Features

  • Erector tube system
  • Optically indexed lenses
  • Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
  • Fast focus eyepiece
  • Hard anodized finish
  • Armortek coating on the lens

Pros

  • Lightweight design
  • Phenomenal optical clarity
  • Generous eye relief
  • Wide field of view
  • Illuminated center dot

Cons 

  • Price

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions: Vortex Optics for AR-15

1.What type of scope is ideal for my AR-15?

There are two options for reticle size; 2 and 4 MOA. the 2 MOA is best if you’re mounting your AR-15 because it’s still quite effective at close range but can be handy for further engagements. A superior mount that can hold zero better is also required for a great optic.

2.Between a red dot and a scope, which is more accurate?

A rifle scope is typically more accurate than a red dot unless your target is very close. This may boost your shooting confidence, which is a crucial aspect to consider when evaluating sport optics.

 

Conclusion

We hope you have found a Vortex scope for your AR-15 from the information above. All the scopes boast incredible features to deliver unmatched performance. They are worth investing in.