AR-15 Scopes Reviews

Eugene Stoner designed the M-16, the fully automatic predecessor of the AR 15, and it got off to a rocky start in the Vietnam War. However, after many years of tweaking Stoner’s design has become one of the most popular and recognizable rifles in the world. The AR-15 is basically the civilian semi-automatic version of the M-16. The AR 15 market has seen an epic boom in the last several years, while there are numerous reasons for the rise in this rifles popularity, two stand out above the rest. First, was the repeal of the Assault Weapons Ban in 2004, which made more versions of the AR 15 with high capacity magazines legal again. Second, was the result of the last presidential election, which many feared would lead to stricter gun control. As a result of these and other factors, firearms manufactures increased production of their AR 15 style rifles, and firearms companies that previously had not offered these types of rifles began producing their own variations. What that meant was there were now a lot of these rifles on the civilian market, and while not originally known for their accuracy the AR-15 had evolved into an accurate firearm, with some varmit and tactical versions shooting under ½ inch groups at a hundred yards. The optics manufactures saw this trend and some of the major brands began producing scopes designed specifically for the 223 Rem./5.56NATO fired by the AR -15.

The Nikon M-223 riflescope is Nikon's entry into the AR optics category. These scope incorporate many of the same technologies Nikon uses in making its top of the line Monarch rifle scope series; probably none more important to shooters than the 95% light transmission. The M-223 is currently available in three models: 1-4 x 20mm, 2-8 x 32mm, and a 3-12 x 42mm. While all these scopes are calibrated for a 55gr 223Rem. fired at 3240 fps, the 1-4x model is designed for shots out to 200 yards and the two higher powered versions are made for shots out to 600 yards. The Nikon M-223 scopes have been well received and even won a 2010 Field & Stream “Best of the Best Award”.

The Leupold Mark AR series of rifle scope is also built for the AR 15 platform. This scope series uses Leupold’s Mulicoat 4 lens coating system used on some of Leupold’s higher end scopes, and is available in four models: 1.5-4 x 20mm, 3-9 x 40mm, 4-12 x 40mm, and 6-18 x 40. Like the Nikon M-223 it is calibrated for a 55gr. 223 Rem. load and can be used on any 223 Rem or 5.56NATO firearm firing that load.

The Burris AR-332 prism sight is also designed with the AR 15 in mind. Currently available in only one configuration, which is a 3x magnification model; the Burris AR-332 utilizes hold over dots for accurate aiming out to 500+ yards. While the standard reticle is black it has a feature allowing the user to select an illuminated green or red reticle for conditions where these colors would be more beneficial than standard black.