Your AR-15 deserves better than just boring iron sights.
We take a look at what optics would be found on our favorite AR-15 rifle.
The modern AR-15 rifle is on top of the world in options and dependability. For hunting big game, nothing says stopping power as a .450 Bushmaster caliber upper on a well trusted and proven AR-15 style lower. For varmints, the standard .223 cartridge serves well and don’t forget a .22 long rifle conversion for small game and cheap practice. With more options, comes more need for better sights over the traditional military iron sights. Let’s take a look at some great optic options for your favorite AR.
Red dot sights are a big win for speed and visibility in low light conditions. Precision magnified optics, especially in higher powers, are perfect for long range accuracy. Then there are the thermal imaging scopes. Absolutely own the night with one of the quality units mounted to your AR style rifle. Let’s take a look at three categories, red dot, magnified scopes, and last but certainly not least thermal imaging scopes.
RED DOT SCOPE.
Bear Creek Arsenal AR-15 Red Dot Sight – Red/Green Reticle
Bear Creek Arsenal has quite a nice budget friendly red dot / green dot sight that I tested out. Here is how Bear Creek Arsenal describes their handy little sight:
High Quality BCA Branded Red Dot Sight. Switch between a Red or Green Reticle depending on your preference to greatly improve accuracy and performance. For any situation, this sight fits on any 20mm Mount Rails and comes with lens covers. No matter the occasion, this Bear Creek Arsenal Red Dot sight is the right choice.
Adjustment Type: 1/4″ Clicks
Red Dot Size: 4 MOA
Field of View: 60
Mount Rail Diameter: 20 mm
Lens Covers Included: Yes
- Red Dot/Green Dot
- Reticle Type: Mil-Dot
- Type: RIFLE
- Illuminated Type: Red and Green with 5 level brightness adjustment
- Magnification: 1 X
- Field Of View(@100yds): 60 degree
- Tube Diameter: 40mm
- Objective Diameter: 35mm
- Eye Relief: Flexible
- Exit Pupil Diameter: 80mm
- Length: 120mm
- Height: 3.03inch
- Weight: 475g
Package Includes:
1 X Cleaning Cloth
1 X Instruction Manual
*Battery not included*
Battery Type: 3 V/CR2032
I chose to test out the Bear Creek Arsenal Red Dot/Green Dot Sight on their small sized BC-15 AR-15 style handgun with brace. Big optics on a small AR style firearm would just be out of place. That is where a compact red dot/green dot sight is very handy.
Speed is the main selling point of any red dot style sight. This combination was a fast shooting fire breather! The Bear Creek Arsenal Red Dot/Green Dot Sight proved very capable and held zero during testing.
My personal thoughts on red dot/green dot sights are they rock at close to medium distances. Long range is not the place for these type of sights. Sometimes the illuminated dots block out small size targets. Other times the overall glare can be a problem with pin point precision. While they are also great for fast shooting in low light conditions they are best left to closer distances.
Traditional and Tactical Scope.
Maven RS.1 Riflescope
A great traditional style rifle scope that I had the pleasure of reviewing is the Maven RS.1. This is what the manufacturer says about it:
The RS.1 Riflescope, a scope designed specifically for hunters who require increased precision and flexibility to cover a variety of hunting situations. This purpose-built rifle scope features a first focal plane, a 2.5-15x zoom range, side parallax adjustment, and the freedom to dial optional custom-cut and MOA turrets. With a broad magnification range and precision dialing capabilities, the RS.1 is our recommended rifle scope for all eastern and western big game species.
Just like all rifle scopes in the RS Series, the RS.1 features crystal clear ED glass for tack-sharp clarity, a silky focus mechanism, precision-milled adjustments, solid click detents, and durable anodizing to resist heavy use.
The Maven RS Series represents our elite line of rifle scopes, designed to fit your specific needs, delivered for a fraction of the cost to comparable rifle scopes and stacks up with the most celebrated and expensive scopes in the world. Our modern sportsman inspired designs paired with the best available materials and state of the art technology create an uncompromising optic that meets the demands of the modern hunter.
Includes neoprene cover
HIGHLIGHTS
-Premium Model
-Size: 14.1 in.
-Weight: 24.5 oz.
-First Focal Plane
-0.25 MOA/click
-2 Reticle Options: SHR-W and MOA-2
-Extra-Low Dispersion ED Glass
-Exceptionally Clear, Bright, High Contrast Image
-Excellent Color Fidelity
-Phase Correction Coating
-Waterproof and Fog Proof
-Lifetime Warranty
-Direct to Consumer / No Retail Markup
Below is the reticle view of both the 2.5 power to the full 15 power. As you can see the fine almost invisible reticle bars are in plain view at higher magnifications. The holdover points are quite clear at high magnification but out of the way at lower magnifications. Field of view was spot on from what I expect from a quality hunting riflescope and it certainly would work great for tactical applications too.
While testing out the Maven RS.1 I found the clarity to be exceptional. Power adjustments were easy and the hold over markings on the reticle were very helpful at longer distances. The zero held with no problems encountered. While the price on the Maven RS.1 might turn some shooters off, the quality of the Maven RS.1 is quite impressive. The old saying “you get what you pay for” rings true with this rifle scope.
Thermal Imaging Scope.
Armasight Contractor Contractor 320 3-12×25 Thermal Weapon Sight.
I personally had a chance to test this great addition to your AR rifle. Here is what to expect right out of the box:
The Contractor 3-12x25mm Thermal Weapon Sight is built around our proprietary ArmaCORE 12 Micron Sensor and combines image processing, wireless communication interface, GPS, and internal memory in a single housing that yields a 40% reduction in size and 25% reduction in weight. This translates to pixel size reduction and increased resolution. All combined, the ArmaCORE features represent a 35% reduction in power consumption, allowing the units to run continuously for up to four hours on two CR123 batteries.
The Contractor series also offers an intuitive turret system that enables users to navigate features, such as digital zoom, color pallet and reticles quickly and intuitively to adapt to changing conditions and environments. The units come equipped with a digital compass and inclinometer that help calculate distance, direction and angles. Like all Armasight products, the Contractor 3-12x25mm is MIL-STD compliant—allowing for reliable use in all weather conditions.
Key Features
- Multiple color palettes
- Intuitive menus with turret controls
- 8+ Reticle Types
- (ESP) Easy Sight in Process
- 4 hours runtime at 20° C
- Image Detail Enhancement
- 1/2MOA Boresight
- Standard Picatinny Mount Included
- Video Recording & Image Capture
- Shot-Activated Video Recording
- USB Video Stream
- Wi-Fi Video Stream
- Bluetooth 5.0 Capabilities
- Application on iOS / Android Devices
- USB-C Interface for External Devices
- Integrated Stadiametric Rangefinder
- Inclinometer
- Levelometer
- Graphic Compass
- Picture in Picture Mode
- Angle Cosine Indicator
- Reticle ON/OFF Selection
- Battery Status Indicator
- Alloy Metal Body and Ergonomic Design
Package Includes
- Contractor 320 3-12x25mm Thermal Weapon Sight
- Quick Detach Mount
- USB-C to USB-A cable
- Thermal Zeroing Target
- 2x CR123A Batteries
- Product Manual
- Lens Cloth
- Soft Case
First examining the Armasight Contractor 320 3-12 X 25 Thermal Weapon Sight you will notice how easy the weapon mounts are to use. Flip two switches on for attachment to your weapon rain or pop them off for quick off weapon use. Very handy and very sturdy!
While the Armasight Contractor 320 3-12 X 25 Thermal Weapon Sight can be used as a stand alone thermal imaging unit, it was also made to be mounted on a rifle. I chose a Ruger AR style rifle to mount it to and installation was very quick. Check out the fold down eyepiece for glasses wearers.
This is the Thermal Zeroing Target that was supplied. When mounted at a slight angle, it allows for easier viewing through the Armasight Contractor 320 3-12 X 25 Thermal Weapon Sight. Another old school trick for sighting in thermal imaging scopes is cheap disposable handwarmers. Remember thermal units work both night and day.
While not cheap in price, quality thermal imaging devices certainly give you an edge during predator hunting or defense. While I was a bit sad to send the Armasight Contractor 320 3-12 X 25 Thermal Weapon Sight back after testing, I was quite happy I had the opportunity to test out such a cutting edge product. If you are looking for a thermal imaging scope, I certainly can recommend the Armasight Contractor 320 3-12 X 25 Thermal Weapon Sight.
In summary the perfect optics for your AR is one that fits your personal needs and ultimately your budget. If you are in an area where distances are quite long, a quality high magnification scope is your best choice. If you are a night time varmint hunter or after hour tactical operator, thermal imaging would be hard to beat. For overall self defense use, a red dot/green dot sight would a very wise choice. The decision on optics is ultimately up to you. Do your research, maybe test a bunch out if possible before purchase.
