Precision is one of the most important aspects of shooting as a lack of accuracy can spell disaster. With the right scope, you can transform your AR 15 into a monster of a machine. It took us some time, but after hours of research and field testing, we discovered 10 quality scopes you should check out.
We aimed to find not just quality scopes, but affordable ones as well. Our reviews, and the buyer’s guide that follows, should steer you in the right direction. Before you know it, you’ll find the AR 15 scopes under $200 to add to your gun.
Are you ready to save some money and get a quality add-on for your gun? Let’s get right into the reviews then.
Best Scopes for AR 15 under $200:
1. Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
The Vortex Optics Diamondback offers high performance in a low price range. Its adjustments are quick and easy to manage, while the fast-focus eyepiece is reliable.
Also, the solid construction helps it last through several different conditions. With an adjustable magnification, you’re given the chance to shoot at various ranges to diversify your use.
Many consumers feel this is the AR scope under $200 thanks to how well it’s built. It uses a one-piece, aluminum alloy construction that resists recoil well enough. The argon purging also adds good water and fog resistance.
Consumers also appreciate the fully multi-coated lens that offers clarity and brightness even under lower lighting situations. The customized BDC reticle helps take away the guesswork as well.
If there’s any issue, it’s with the eye relief. Some still feel that it’s a touch too small for use with an AR 15.
Features
- Magnification: 1.75-5×32
- Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC (MOA)
- Eye Relief: 3.5in
- Weatherproofing: Waterproof and fog-proof
Pros
- Bright, clear lens
- Solid construction
- Easy to dial in
Cons
- Eye relief seems short
2. Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sights
The Strikefire II Red Dot Sights is another quality AR scope under $200 from Vortex Optics. It’s a simple choice for those looking for a close-range, red-dot scope.
This versatile scope is durable as well thanks to the 30mm aluminum alloy chassis. Its construction grants the scope a higher recoil rating to help it withstand whatever your AR 15 puts it through.
There’s much praise seen in the scope’s overall design. Besides its withstanding recoil, the scope works well against wet and foggy conditions. It has rear-facing controls as well for easier adjustments of the dot light intensity, the power button, and more.
You can even select from night-vision compatible settings if needed. The reticle also allows you to shoot with both eyes open to increase peripheral vision.
There’s no magnification here, so it’s best used in close-range situations. As for the dot itself, some feel that it’s a touch too large and can distort when looking at closer targets
Features
- Magnification: 1x
- Reticle: Red/green dot
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- Weatherproofing: Waterproof and fog-proof
Pros
- Can brighten or dim red dot
- Holds well against recoil
- Clear glass
Cons
- The dot seems large and irregular in shape
3. UTG 4-16X44 30mm Scope, AO, 36-color Mil-dot, w/ Rings
UTG scopes are built with turrets that are resettable and lockable. This gives you great room to manipulate the scope according to your needs.
Also, with its 30mm main tube, you have a larger range to adjust elevation and windage. This versatile scope has different reticle illumination colors and levels of brightness to work with whatever shooting situation you’re in.
The flexibility of the wide magnification range is why many consumers see this as the tactical scope under $200. It has multi-coated lenses for higher clarity, and the scope is overall easy to adjust and use.
Other consumers enjoy the durable, shockproof build as well. This scope also holds up under rainy and foggy weather.
Some users said the mil-dots appear too small and difficult to detect.
Features
- Triband technology
- MyQ app-enabled
- Built-in wi-fi
- Lift Power System technology
- Smartphone-controlled
Pros
- Good weather protection
- Holds zero well
- Adjustment knobs are easy to turn
Cons
- Mil-dots seem too small
4. XOPin 4-16x50AO Rifle Scope Combo Dual Illuminated
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This Rifle Scope Combo is suitable for a range of shooting activities, but it does give off a tactical appearance thanks to the colored reticle and side flashlight.
There’s a range of brightness controls so you can use the scope under different environments and lighting conditions. Its 50mm objective diameter provides a good amount of clarity.
One of the top praises about this scope is the illumination mechanisms. The red and green dot is easy to use, and the green laser offers clear brightness even under daylight conditions. Some users also appreciate the flashlight option which can be useful for safety purposes.
Although the illumination is appreciated, users mention that it’s difficult for the laser adjustments to hold. This may require frequent readjustments while you’re using it.
With that said, many still view this as a good scope for AR 15 use against fast-moving targets at close range thanks to how quickly the target acquisition is.
Features
- Magnification: 4-16×50
- Reticle: Rangefinder
- Eye Relief: 3-3.4in.
- Weatherproofing: Fog-proof and waterproof
Pros
- Various illuminations
- Good brightness and clarity for daytime use
- Fast target acquisition
Cons
- Laser adjustments don’t hold well
5. UUQ 4-12×50 AO Rifle Scope Red/Green Illuminated Range Finder Reticle W/ Green Laser – Holographic Reflex Red Dot Sight
This UUQ Rifle Scope uses a red/green rangefinder reticle to improve your accuracy and range shooting. It has numerous add-ons such as a flashlight, green laser sight, an adjustable objective, and more.
The scope is made using a high-quality aluminum alloy that’s nitrogen-filled and shockproof. With fast target acquisition, the scope may be for faster-moving targets.
Consumers enjoy the versatility given by this scope. It has several helpful add-ons that can turn your game around, and all of them are easy to use and adjust accordingly.
The scope allows for precise shots as well, and the fog-proof and water-protection properties allow you to perform under different weather circumstances. Such a broad magnification range helps make this the long-distance scope for AR-15 shooting.
There does seem to be a problem with the weight though. Several users notice that with the additional accessories, the scope can weigh your gun down a bit.
Features
- Magnification: 4-16x
- Reticle: Red/green rangefinder
- Eye Relief: Unknown
- Weatherproofing: Waterproof and fog-proof
Pros
- Good accuracy
- Useful additional accessories
- Quality shockproof protection
Cons
- May be too heavy for some users
6. TRUGLO TRU-BRITE 30 Series Illuminated Tactical Rifle Scope
The TRUGLO TRU-Brite 30 Series combines speed with clarity and accuracy. It provides a wide field of view and a faster-sight picture.
You can even maintain your peripheral view as you can shoot with both eyes open and not sacrifice precision. This nitrogen-filled scope protects against the outside elements, and it provides generous eye relief for ultimate comfort.
Many consumers label this as the AR 15 sniper scope that provides precise reticle adjustments and ideal clarity. The adjustments for windage and elevation appear easy to handle as well.
The scope seems well made too since it’s designed for shock resistance.
Most negative comments stem from the illumination aspect of the scope. Many consumers feel as though it’s not as bright as it claims, so they don’t feel as though the illumination isn’t worth it.
Features
- Calibrated at 8x magnification
- Reticle: Red/green
- Eye Relief: 4-inch
- Weatherproofing: Waterproof and fog-proof
Pros
- Precise reticle adjustment
- No distortion is seen around the glass edges
- Clear optics
Cons
- Illumination seems poor
7. Monstrum G2 1-4×24 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope
The Monstrum G2 Rifle Scope is a tactical, high-precision scope that’s user-friendly. It features easy-to-read ranging information, which leads to a quicker estimation of range.
This scope is also made with a nitrogen-charged tube so that it’s water-resistant and fog-resistant. Also, the tube is constructed out of aircraft-grade aluminum for better durability.
As far as good optics for AR 15 go, consumers appreciate the generous eye relief with this scope. It’s comfortable and safe. Also, the scope is simple to read so you don’t have to guess concerning range.
The high-quality glass is another praised area. You can easily illuminate the black reticle either red or green to adapt to daytime and nighttime visibility.
A not-so-great aspect of this scope consumers noticed is the adjustability. The adjustment knobs for the magnification seem stiff and difficult to turn at times.
Features
- Magnification: 1-4×24
- Reticle: Illuminated BDC
- Eye Relief: 4-4.5in.
- Weatherproofing: Water and fog-resistant
Pros
- Good performance under low-light conditions
- Glass is high-quality and clear
- Generous eye relief
Cons
- Difficult to adjust the zoom
8. XOPin 4-16x50AO Rifle Scope Combo Dual Illuminated with Green Laser Sight 4 Holographic Reticle Red Dot
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XopingABC continues to create great scopes for AR 15 with their Hunting Rifle Scope Combo. This updated model features a quick install process so you can take the mount off and put it back on in seconds.
It has a fast-focus eyepiece, easy-to-adjust windage, and elevation settings, and it has both a red laser and a detachable green laser. These let you view under nighttime settings as well as you can during the day.
Consumers appreciate how simple it is to operate the reticle. The rugged build also makes the scope feel more reliable despite its low price range.
With laser sighting, you may have better performance in close-quarter tactical situations.
On the other hand, many consumers believe that the laser function isn’t as good as the rest of the scope. Some have reported issues getting it to work, while others mention it may point in the wrong direction and become difficult to adjust.
Features
- Magnification: 4-16x
- Reticle: Rangefinder
- Eye Relief: 3-3.4in
- Weatherproofing: Fog-proof and waterproof
Pros
- Quick to install
- Rugged aluminum build
- The red dot is easy to use
Cons
- Issues with the lasers
9. Primary Arms Classic Series 1-4×24 SFP Rifle Scope
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The Primary Arms Classic Series SFP Rifle Scope guides your eye to the center without getting in the way of the rest of your accuracy.
Even though it’s an entry-level optic, the scope still aims to give shooters clarity, precision, and ease of use. There’s a wide magnification range, and with 12 brightness levels, you can adapt from morning shooting to dusk.
Many budget-conscious consumers feel this is the AR scope for 100 yards thanks to the accuracy of your target acquisition and adjustments. It seems that the scope holds zero in too, so it may be easy to use as well.
The construction is reliable enough to know it’ll survive through frequent use. It doesn’t just have shockproof capabilities though. The scope is fog-proof and waterproof too.
One downside many consumers mention is the lack of forgiveness in terms of eye relief.
Features
- Magnification: 1-4×24
- Reticle: Simple duplex dot
- Eye Relief: 3.5 inches to 4.9 inches
- Weatherproofing: Fog-proof and waterproof
Pros
- Reticle adjustments are accurate
- Robust construction
- Maintains zero
Cons
- Eye relief isn’t forgiving
10. Barska 1-4×28 IR Hunting Scope
The Barska Hunting Scope provides an advanced optics system designed to let you customize your view. You can select from the red and green reticles to illuminate according to your needs.
Not only that, but you can quickly adjust the impact point using the external elevation and windage turrets.
There’s no need to worry about dust building up thanks to the two flip-up scope caps. These are made ambidextrous too so anyone can access them with a simple touch of your thumb.
Consumers appreciate this scope as one of the affordable AR 15 optics. The lens is clear and features a glare-reduction design so you can get the best view possible. When combined with the versatile reticle, you can use the scope in both bright and low-light conditions.
It’s as easy to set up as it is to use as well. Zeroing intakes little time, and it seems to hold well.
Many users did report that the scope is heavy and might add a noticeable amount of weight to your gun.
Features
- Magnification: 1-4×28
- Reticle: Illuminated Mil-dot
- Eye Relief: 4.5in
- Weatherproofing: Waterproof and fog-proof
Pros
- Optics are clear
- Zeros in quickly
- Easy to install and uninstall
Cons
- Adds on noticeable weight
Factors to Consider
If you’re on a budget, that doesn’t mean you must sacrifice quality. Your add-on of choice should benefit your shooting, so as you shop for AR 15 scopes under $200, it’s best to keep certain features in mind. These features can draw the line between affordability and cheapness.
Reticle
If you have an idea about guns and scopes, then you know what a reticle is all about. Their purpose is to maximize your aim. However, reticles take on various forms, each one offering its benefits based on your intended shooting.
Plain crosshairs are a time-tested type that many marksmen opt for, but popularity grows for the duplex reticle style.
The duplex is a cross design that features thicker lines on the edges and thinner lines once you reach the intersection. It’s simple and provides you with faster target acquisition.
Beyond the duplex, many AR 15 scopes use a mil-dot reticle. It’s much like the duplex, but the mil-dot offers distance estimation as well. This makes it a top choice for long-distance shooting.
Not one reticle type is better than another. Your best bet to choose among them is to address the type of shooting you need to do.
Magnification
Many gun users choose too much or not enough magnification, and that decision may lead them to prematurely fault the scope itself.
Like the reticle, it’s less about what’s best and more about what your target’s going to be.
For instance, if you’re just shooting close range or less than 150 yards out, then there’s not much need to look beyond 1-4x power.
As for long-distance shooting beyond 400 yards, consider a magnification that’s around 9x or greater. That may be the only way you’ll make accurate and clear shots.
Additional Features
Once you move past the basics, you can check out some other aspects that make up a quality AR 15 rifle scope:
- Durability: Any add-on to your AR-15 should be as reliable as the gun itself. Consider traits like shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof as they indicate the scope can work under various conditions.
- User-Friendly: It should be straightforward to adjust the dials on the scope. Also, it helps if the scope holds with no trouble so you can focus more on shooting rather than constantly adjusting.
- Eye Relief: Long eye relief is always helpful when you risk recoil. Better relief gives you breathing room as you remain comfortable and safe. Also, it helps if the scope holds with no trouble so you can focus more on shooting rather than constantly adjusting.
- Clarity: Many high-end scopes have incredible optics, so it’s more important than ever to consider the lens on affordable scopes. Multi-coated ones are bright and clear for great clarity.
FAQ
What do the numbers on AR 15 scopes mean?
Numbers such as 6×32 and 5×32 simply denote the magnification power. For 6×32, the scope will magnify the image six times. Some scopes even have a range of 1-4×32, and that indicates the scope is more adjustable in terms of its magnification
How important is the mount?
The mount is as vital as the scope considering a scope can fail if it’s poorly mounted. Some scopes come with mounting hardware, while others require you to purchase one separately. You should ensure that everything screws in tight so there’s no risk of play in the scope due to the gun’s recoil.
What’s the benefit of a user-friendly design?
Many shooters may prefer a straightforward scope because it’s simpler to use. Consider scopes that are easy to dial in, have no trouble holding zero, and adjust quickly in other aspects such as windage and elevation.
Conclusion
You don’t have to break the bank to add a quality scope to your AR 15. Nowadays, quality isn’t diminished for the sake of affordability. From our review list, we feel the Vortex Optics Diamondback Riflescopes is the AR 15 scope under $200.
There’s good simplicity in the scope as it’s easy to dial in and does well at resisting recoil. The multi-coated lens is clear and bright, and the customized reticle removes much of the guesswork in range finding.
Do you feel like the Diamondback is for you? If not, feel free to check out the rest of the AR 15 scopes on our list, or you can use our buyer’s guide to find another one best for your gun.
