8 Best Scopes for Ruger AR 556

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Looking for a dedicated scope to pair with your Ruger AR 556? Look no further. We combed through the market and reviewed a top selection of the best scopes for Ruger AR 556.

Ruger is a brand of trust and Ruger AR-556 is a reliable, accurate, and most importantly affordable AR.

The best scope for Ruger 556 should complement your rifle by creating a practical shooting solution for self-defense. Riflescopes are designed differently and not all can be mounted on the Ruger AR-556.

Scopes for Ruger AR-556 should have the following attributes:

  • Long eye relief to allow both eyes open shooting.
  • The scope should check all durability boxes by having a rugged construction
  • Superb glass and lens coating to optimize light transmission
  • A reticle that promotes speedy target acquisition and fast execution
  • User-friendly controls for smooth power changes and adjustments

 

The AR 556 is used for a wide range of applications such as target shooting, varmint control, hunting, and recreational shooting. However, in order to enjoy the performance of your Ruger 556, you will need to look for a good quality scope.

If you are looking for the Best Scope for Ruger AR 556, we are here to help you choose the best, lets go.

 

Best Scope for Ruger AR 556-Our Top Picks

 

1) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24 Riflescope

Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24 Riflescope

 

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This rifle scope by Vortex is best described by its speed and versatility. The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24 scope allows you to adjust to a power of 6 when you need to engage long-range targets.

It features high-quality, fully multi-coated lenses and extra-low dispersion (XD) glass elements that provide clear, crisp sight images with increased light transmission.

The scope is made to withstand harsh conditions with an anodized aluminum tube that is lightweight yet rugged and resistant to weather elements. It is also Nitrogen purged and o-ring sealed for water and fog-proof performance

Pros

  • Waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof
  • Fast focus eyepiece ensures quick and easy reticle focusing
  • The second focal plane reticle maintains the same ideally-sized appearance.
  • An illuminated, glass-etched BDC reticle provides precise aiming under low-light conditions
  • Glass-etched reticle allows for intricate reticle design. It is protected between two layers of glass for optimum durability and reliability
  • The Reticle subtensions are for estimating range, holdover, and wind drift correction are accurate at the highest magnification
  • An extra battery can be stored in the windage cap and easily released
  • Side Illumination Control

Specifications

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
  • Magnification: 1 – 6 x
  • Reticle: AR-BDC3
  • Tube Diameter: 30 mm
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Field of View, Linear: 19.2 – 116.5 ft at 100 yds
  • Eye Relief: 3.5 in
  • Weight: 18.5 oz
  • Length: 10.5 in
  • Width: 3.38 in
  • Height: 3.75 in
  • Finish: Matte
  • Magnification Type: Variable

Cons

  • Only available in Second Focal Plane (SFP)

 

2) Bushnell AR Optics Riflescope 3-9x40mm

Bushnell AR Optics Riflescope 3-9x40mm

 

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This Bushnell AR Optics Riflescope delivers crisp images for mid-range shooting. The scope features a throw-down (PCL) power change lever that can be customized with two different heights. It also features BDC reticles for precise elevation holds for specific ammunition for clear sight images.

Featuring a side focus parallax that goes down to 10 yards, this riflescope lets you take the close shots as well as the long ones. The exposed target turrets allow you to dial for windage and elevation adjustments quickly and accurately.

Besides, it has fully multi-coated (FMC) lenses and waterproof construction that prevents fogging for crisp, clear images.

Pros

  • Waterproof Construction for use in rugged conditions
  • Fully-Multi Coated Optics deliver clear pictures of the target
  • Trusted 3-9x magnification range for mid-range shooting
  • Adjustable length throw lever offers fast magnification changes even while wearing gloves
  • Ballistic Drop Compensated reticle for easy hold overshooting to 600 yds.

Specifications

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
  • Magnification: 3 – 9 x
  • Reticle: Drop Zone-223
  • Tube Diameter: 1 in
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Exit Pupil: 4.44 – 13.33 mm
  • Field of View, Linear: 11 – 29 ft at 100 yds
  • Eye Relief: 3.5 in
  • Weight: 19 oz
  • Length: 12 in
  • Parallax: Side Focus
  • Optical Coating: Fully Multi-Coated
  • Magnification Type: Variable

Cons

  • Non-Illuminated

 

3) Nikon P-Tactical .223 3×32 Matte BDC Carbine

Nikon P-Tactical .223 3x32 Matte BDC Carbine (16526)

 

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This scope for Ruger AR 556 is made of fully multicoated optical systems housed in rugged, one-inch, aircraft-grade aluminum main tubes. This ensures bright, crisp images even in low light conditions.

It has a versatile 3x zoom ratio providing the field of view at the low end and the detail at the high end for great shooting performance.

The scope’s hash-marked MK1-MOA or MK1-MRAD reticles are matched to ergonomic turrets with directional indicators to make every come up or down, both simple and intuitive.

It is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged for fog proofing and shock proofing. The rugged structure ensures minimal recoil.

Pros

  • One inch body tube
  • Spring-loaded instant zero resets turrets
  • Bright, fully multicoated optics
  • Waterproof, fog proof, and Shockproof
  • Generous consistent eye relief
  • The BDC carbine reticle provides a 200-yard Crosshair with “hash marks” at 400 yards and 600 yards
  • Elevated windage and elevation turrets
  • Scope caps included

Specifications

  • Style 223 3x32mm BDC Carbine
  • Magnification-3x
  • Tube diameter- 1inch
  • Length-8.2 in
  • Sports Type- Hunting
  • Item Weight 1.13 Pounds
  • Objective Lens Diameter- 32 Millimeters

Cons

  • No power adjustment

 

4) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X40mm Riflescope

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X40mm Riflescope

 

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The Leupold VX-Freedom riflescope is the Best Scope for Ruger AR 556 from the Leupold brand, It is made with 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum with a duplex reticle and matte finish.

It has advanced features that provide quality and dependable performance as well as Twilight Light Management systems that offer the highest level of brightness and clarity through a balance of light transmission, glare management, and image contrast and resolution giving you good quality images in all lighting conditions.

The Leupold riflescope is designed to survive a minimum of 5,000 impacts on the Punisher, Leupold’s recoil simulation machine. It has precision 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments for windage and elevation that provide guaranteed repeatability and dependability over a lifetime of heavy use.

The lenses are coated for scratch and abrasion resistance of military standards for extra durability. It is tested to perform from -40ºF to 160ºF.

Pros

  • Lightweight, rugged performance
  • Twilight Light Management System
  • Unparalleled low light performance
  • 100% Waterproof and fog proof
  • Shockproof
  • Scratch and abrasion-resistant lenses
  • 3: 1 Zoom Ratio is ideal for virtually any situation

Specifications

  • Magnification Range: 3x-9x
  • Weight: 12.2 oz.
  • Length: 12.39 in.
  • Main tube Diameter: 1 inch
  • Eye Relief (in) – Low: 4.17
  • Eye Relief (in) – High: 3.66
  • Linear FOV (ft/100 yd) – Low: 33.7
  • Linear FOV (ft/100 yd) – High: 13.6

Cons

  • Not illuminated
  • No Adjustable Objective

 

5) Sig Sauer Bravo3 Battle Sight, 3X24mm

Sig Sauer Bravo3 Battle Sight, 3X24mm

 

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The Bravo 3 Sig Sauer is compact and lightweight, making it a perfect match for the Ruger AR-556’s design.

It is specially designed to offer a flat, distortion-free image, with aspherical lenses and extra-low dispersion (XD) glass for incredible edge-to-edge clarity.

The lenses are coated with Sig’s patented Lensarmor abrasion-resistant coatings for that extra protection in harsh shooting environments.

Pros

  • 40% wider field of view than current battle sights
  • Distortion-free image
  • Features an easy-to-use illuminated horseshoe dot reticle with BDC hash marks calibrated for standard 5.56 NATO loads
  • Designed for professionals and civilian MSR/AR shooters
  • Edge-to-edge clarity
  • Integrated Picatinny top rail for accessories

Specifications

  • Magnification- 3 x
  • Objective Lens Diameter -24 mm
  • Reticle -5.56/7.62 Horseshoe Dot Illuminated Reticle
  • Illumination Color -Red
  • Brightness Settings -10
  • Eye Relief- Unlimited
  • Adjustment Type- MOA, Click Value 0.5 MOA
  • Lens Material- Glass
  • Optical Coating- HDX
  • Attachment/Mount Type MIL-STD 1913
  • Battery Type CR2, Life 40000 hours
  • Operating Temperature -40 – 140 Fahrenheit
  • Magnification Type Fixed
  • W/E Travel at 100 Yds 100 MOA

Cons

  • Not fully waterproof

 

6) Steiner P4Xi 4-16x56mm Riflescope

Steiner P4Xi 4-16x56mm Riflescope

 

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Steiner P4Xi 4-16x56mm Riflescope is a medium-range scope designed for patrol and tactical operations. It has a compact design, 34mm tube, and high-grade aluminum stock construction to provide durable and lightweight responsiveness.

This scope will give you clear images and a fast-action reticle to tackle continued use or sudden action. This scope features an illuminated front focal plane special competition reticle (SCR) and side parallax adjustment.

The tactical riflescope has windage and elevation knobs designed for precise adjustment. The dials are calibrated so that 1 click equals 1 cm @ 100 meters or .1 mRAD for the 4-16x. Definitely a great Scope for Ruger AR 556.

Pros

  • Rugged construction for greater strength and durability
  • Compact and lightweight
  • The illuminated reticle provides accurately engages targets at distances even in low light
  • Windage and elevation with precise windage and elevation knobs
  • Waterproof; submersible to 33 ft.
  • O-ring sealed, nitrogen-filled construction for moisture-free performance

Specifications

  • Magnification: 4-16x
  • Tube Diameter: 34 mm
  • Length: 14.6 in
  • Weight: 30 oz.

Cons

  • Submersible to 33 ft only

 

7) Aimpoint Pro Patrol Rifle Optic 1x30mm Red Dot Sight

Aimpoint Pro Patrol Rifle Optic 1x30mm Red Dot Sight ( 12841 )

 

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Designed to provide an unbeatable performance under harsh conditions, this Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight is strongly built with an included DL1/3N battery, which provides up to 30,000-hours (3 years) of continuous operation at setting 7 of 10.

The scope has 2 MOA dot with 4 Night and 6 Daylight brightness settings for quality images and accuracy.

Pros

  • Front and rear flip-up lens covers included
  • Compatible with all generations of NVD
  • Operationally parallax free
  • 2 MOA red dot for accuracy at all distances
  • In-service date and battery change date reminder decal included
  • Waterproof; submersible to 150 Feet
  • 4-night vision compatible settings, and 6 daylight settings
  • Threaded front lens opening allows for use with an optional screw-in anti-reflection device (ARD)
  • Absolute co-witness with iron sights

Specifications

  • Fabric/Material -Hard Anodized Aluminum Alloy
  • Magnification -1 x
  • Objective Lens Diameter- 38 mm
  • Reticle -2 MOA Dot
  • Illumination Color -Red
  • Eye Relief -Unlimited
  • Adjustment Click Value- 0.6 in at 100 yds
  • Optical Coating -Multi-Layer Anti-Reflex
  • Attachment/Mount Type- QRP2 Mount
  • Battery Type DL1/3N, Life 30,000 hours
  • Operating Temperature -49 – 160 Fahrenheit
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH -6.75 x 4.63 x 3.38 inches
  • Weight 11.6 oz
  • Magnification Type Fixed
  • Tube Diameter 30 mm

Cons

  • Not fully waterproof only up to 150 ft

 

8) ATN Thermal Rifle Scope w/10+hrs Battery & Ultra-Low Power Consumption

ATN Thermal Rifle Scope w/10+hrs Battery & Ultra-Low Power Consumption

 

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Magnification : 160 3-6x; 160 4-8x; 320 2-4x; 320 3-6x; 320 5-10x

ATN Thermal Rifle Scope comes in an affordable size but that does not mean that it is any less reliable. It is made with advanced heat detection sensors to allow you visibility even in total darkness, through dense fog, smoke, and heavy vegetation.

The scope is much lighter compared to an average scope, hence it is more balanced and makes you feel more agile.

Pros

  • Made of hardened aluminum alloy, recoil resistant to higher caliber weapons
  • Affordable price for a good quality
  • Traditional design with 30mm tube
  • Maximum performance with minimum power consumption (internal Li-Ion battery life 10+ hours).
  • Operating Temperature – 20°F to +120°F / -28°C to 48°C
  • One-Shot Zero function

Specifications

  • Sensor -160 x 120 px/17 µm 60 Hz; 320×240 px/12 μm 60 Hz
  • Field of view- degrees 11×8.3; 8.3×6.2; 11.6×8.7; 8.8×6.6; 11.6×8.7
  • Core ATN Obsidian Core LT
  • Microdisplay- 1280×720 HD Display
  • Eye relief- 90 mm
  • IP rating Weather resistant
  • Charging USB, type C
  • 3D Accelerometer
  • Color modes- White Hot / Black Hot
  • Reticles- Multiple Patterns
  • Mount- 30mm Standard Rings (not included)
  • Battery life (Li-ion) 10+ hrs
  • Weight 1.4 lb / 650 g

Cons

  • Quite expensive

 

Choosing the Best Scope for Ruger AR 556

Choosing the best scope for Ruger AR 556 can be a taxing affair especially when you aren’t aware of the things to look out for when comparing the available options. To help you find the best optic for your Ruger-556, here are some of the key considerations to keep in mind:

Magnification

Magnification is the cornerstone of every rifle scope. To engage targets at varying distances you need to have the right power at your disposal. The power of your scope will be determined by the intended use.

If you plan on using your Ruger AR-556 for shooting at the range, you might want to consider a scope with fixed power. For self-defense, a low power variable scope of 1-4x or 1-6x will suffice. On the other hand, hunting requires variable power as the targets are constantly moving.

Adjustments

There are three main adjustments shooters make namely: windage, elevation, and parallax. Parallax adjustments help improve the sight after zeroing in the riflescope. This adjustment is important when focusing and shooting at long ranges. Elevation and windage adjustments help improve the precision of your shots.

 Durable Construction

A riflescope is an investment and any shooter out there wants to get an optic that will serve him/her for many years. The first indicator that your scope is durable is the type of construction. Optics made of high-quality materials like aircraft-grade aluminum are resilient and will remain in good form for many years.

Another aspect to factor in when filtering through the options is dry gas purging and advanced sealing methods. If a scope has its tube purged with argon or nitrogen it delivers weather-tight performance. Internal fogging will not impede your vision when focusing on harsh climatic conditions.

Some riflescopes have glass etched reticles. This also helps ensure durability. Even after firing many rounds, a glass-etched reticle will never lose its zero.

Functionality

For a beginner, the ease of use will a consideration when comparing Ruger AR-556 scopes. Before you familiarize yourself with the operations of a scope, you will want a scope with ease to use control to kick start your shooting career smoothly. Go for a scope that is easy to switch powers and has clearly marked turrets for making adjustments.

Price

Riflescopes’ prices range just like in other devices we use in our daily lives. As you scan through the market for options, it is important to set a budget first to prevent overspending in the process.

When working with a budget, you can narrow down your search to a certain price range. This way you will find a good optic for your rifle without breaking the bank.

Price alone shouldn’t be the determining factor when buying a rifle scope. Spend time reading reviews on what other shooters are saying about a particular scope. This will give you a clear picture of the device you were planning on buying to see if it is worth the investment.

Red Dot vs Scope for Ruger AR-556

The addition of an optic to your Ruger AR-556 goes a long way in enhancing your shooting. For this AR, you can either opt for a red dot sight or a magnified scope. Which of these optics is better for you? There is no definitive answer because it depends on your usage. In some applications, a red dot sight will be more suitable while in other cases you will need a rifle scope.

If you use your Ruger AR-556 for home defense and only shoot at close range (below 50 yards), a red dot is the best optic to attach to your AR. In close-quarter engagements, time is of the essence and red dot sights facilitate speedy target acquisition.

Besides, red dot sights allow shooting with both eyes open which promote situational awareness. Another benefit of using a red dot on your Ruger AR-556 is co-witnessing where you use an iron sight alongside the red dot sight.

When should you use a scope on your Ruger AR-556? When shooting for targets that are 100 yards and above away. Riflescopes are designed with more power, improved long-range accuracy, and advanced reticles that help you cover the distance and take down targets with utmost precision.

Low power variable scopes commonly referred to as LPVOs is the most ideal riflescopes for the Ruger AR-556. This is because they can handle both close-range and long-range shooting applications. Super convenient as you don’t need to invest in two different devices.

How Accurate is a Ruger AR-556?

When it comes to accuracy and reliability, the Ruger AR-556 delivers. Most people have embraced the Ruger AR-556 as their weapon of choice for home defense not only because of its affordability but because accuracy has played a significant role.

Typical to other carbines, Ruger AR-556 shines in close-range and medium-range engagements. In the range, Ruger AR-556 excels from 0 to 100 yards. In self-defense, it’s a matter of life and death and accuracy is of utmost importance. If you want to improve the accuracy of your AR, consider using a red dot or a scope for Ruger AR 556.

Scope for Ruger AR 556 FAQs

Q: Will 5.56 kill a Deer?

Yes, 5.56 is a perfect weapon for deer hunting. It is well known by deer hunters for the clean shots even over a long range.

Q: How far can a Ruger AR 556 shoot?

A Ruger 556 will shoot accurately up to 100 yards with a good shot behind the trigger.

Q: What Ammo is Recommended for Ruger AR 556?

The Ruger AR-556 has a 5.56 NATO chamber. This means that it will handle the more common ammo as well as the slightly hotter 5.56 NATO round.

Conclusion

The affordable, entry-level modern sporting rifle, the Ruger AR 556 is one of the favorite rifles among hunters. You can get the best out of it by finding a good quality scope.

The scope is bound to provide more clear images and more precision shooting. We hope our comprehensive Best Scope for Ruger AR 556 review will be of great help with your AR 556.

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