Are you in the hunt for the best scope for Ruger AR-556? You have come to the right place. We have created this buying buying guide to shed a light on the top-performing scopes for Ruger AR-556. Irrespective of what kind of scope you are after, you will find it here.
The Ruger AR-556 is a semiautomatic AR-15 style rifle whose multifunctionality is second to none. It was initially designed for military and law enforcement use, but has grown to become a popular firearm for civilian shooters. It is good for a wide range of applications which include home defense and long-range hunting and shooting.
The versatility of the Ruger AR-556 makes it very easy to customize. One of the most indispensable accessories you should have in your accessory kit is a scope. But with the sea of models out there, it becomes a chore to know which to pick. To help, we have narrowed down seven of the very best scopes for Ruger AR-556 for you to choose from.
But first things first, let’s begin by looking at the attributes that make a great scope for Ruger AR-556.
Attributes of a Great Scope for Ruger AR-556
There are plenty of features that make a great scope for Ruger AR-556 and the first one is premium build quality. The Ruger AR-556 is a firearm that scatters a considerable amount of recoil. As such it is important to invest in a scope that is well-built to handle the recoil, rough use and regular use.
Moreover, the scope should have a large objective lens to ensure that more light is collected inside. In addition to that, the lenses should be fully coated to maximize light transmission.
The other essential features that the best scope for Ruger AR-556 should have include:
- High performance glass elements
- An eye relief that is sufficient to ensure comfortable glassing
- Lightweight construction
- Adjustable parallax
- A reticle that is accurate and easy to use
Best Scopes for Ruger AR-556 – Top Picks
When choosing a scope for Ruger AR-556, it is important to consider you shooting habits and needs before settling on any product. We have put together a list of the best-rated models that pair really well with this firearm and are ideal for a ton of shooting needs.
Without any further delays, let’s get started.
1) Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm is by far the best scope for Ruger AR-556. It is specifically designed for use on AR platforms and comes with a wide range of impressive features to help you make the most from this rifle.
The selling point of this rifle scope is durability. Built on a 30mm body tube, it offers outstanding performance even in unforgiving environments. The ruggedized construction is then complemented by fog proof, shockproof and IPX7 waterproof design for use in all weather conditions.
Furthermore, the scope has fully multi-coated optics that are responsible for ensuring high levels of light transfer. The fast focus eyepiece aids in quick reticle focusing, while the Drop Zone 223 reticle provides accurate holdovers out to 500 yards. The reticle is non-illuminated but designed in a way that it provides outstanding low-image light performance.
In addition to everything else, the Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm rifle scope has a generous 3.5” eye relief and a lightweight design of 18oz only for easy portability.
Features
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- 6 MRAD per revolution
- Second focal plane reticle
- Exposed, non-locking turrets
- 30mm body tube
- 1-4x magnification
Pros
- Crisp clear optics
- Lightweight design
- Good eye relief
- Budget friendly
Cons
- Non illuminated
2) Vortex Razor Gen II-E 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
If you want a scope that will help you push the boundaries of what the Ruger AR-556 is designed for, the Vortex Razor Gen II-E 1-6x24mm is your ideal choice. This is a multifunctional scope ideal for hunting and punching holes on paper among other applications.
The scope is made with the most durable materials to guarantee unmatched strength and rigidity. The entire housing is hard anodized for added protection from scratches and corrosion. Additionally, the 30mm main tube has waterproof and fog proof protection.
Another remarkable feature of this rifle scope is the APO system that yields spectacular optical performance. It includes optically indexed lenses that work together with HD glass elements to maximize resolution and color fidelity. The scope also has XR plus fully multi-coated lenses to boost light transmission.
Furthermore, the scope brings to the table a fast focus eyepiece and a long 4-inch eye relief that makes it eyeglass friendly. The other noteworthy features included are LED illuminated reticle, large diameter turrets and locking side illumination.
Features
- 1-6x magnification
- HD glass elements
- Aircraft grade aluminum housing
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Hard anodized finish
- Second focal plane reticle
- Fast focus eyepiece
- XR plus fully multi-coated lenses
- 30mm body tube
Pros
- Versatile
- Quality glass
- Lightweight and durable
- Great eye box
- Illuminated reticle
Cons
- Pricey
3) Hawke Sport Optics Frontier 30 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
To boost your vision when using the Ruger AR-556, you need a quality sighting tool like the Hawke Optics Frontier 30 1-6x24mm. Hawke designed this low power variable scope to greatly enhance accuracy in the range or hunting fields.
With 21 layers of fully multi-coated optics, the scope creates bright, vivid sight pictures even in poor lighting conditions. On top of that, the reticle is illuminated with 6 levels of brightness to enhance visibility in the dismal environments.
When it comes to construction, this optic has a 30mm mono-tube chassis optimized for durability. It is tough enough to endure whatever punishment you subject it to. The scope is also waterproofed and fog proofed to be ready for anything Mother Nature might have in store for it.
Complementing the sturdy and durable build is a high-volume eye box that makes this scope eyeglass friendly. Aslo included is a fast focus eye bell with lock ring and low-profile turrets that are capped to prevent accidental adjustments.
Features
- Multi-LED high intensity reticle
- 21 layer fully multi-coated optics
- Removable throw lever
- Fast focus eye bell
- High grade, low dispersion glass
- 30mm single-tube chassis
- Capped low-profile turrets
- Waterproof and fog proof
Pros
- Wide angle field of view
- Illuminated reticle
- High volume eye relief
- Great value for the price
Cons
- Poor low light visibility
4) Athlon Optics 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
Fourth on our list of the best scope for Ruger AR-556 is the Athlon Optics 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope. From 3-gun competition to tactical shooting and close-range hunting, this rifle scope does it all.
A defining feature of this scope is ATSR2 SFP IR MOA reticle put on the second focal plane. It has hold over points for both bullet drop and wind compensation. On top of that, it is illuminated to remain visible even in the less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
Athlon optical devices are known for their durability and this model is not any different. It has a ruggedized 30mm body tube made from 6061-T6 aluminum. It is also shockproof to endure any abuse, and weatherproofed for operability in all weather conditions.
And that’s not all. The Athlon Optics 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope is built with extra-low dispersion glass and advanced fully multi-coated lenses. The two work together to yield stunningly clear and bright sight pictures from sunrise till sunset.
Features
- True zero stop
- 30mm body tube
- 1-6x magnification power
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- IPX7 waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Second focal plane reticle
- Advanced fully multi-coated lenses
- 6061-T6 aluminum housing
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Generous eye relief
- Solid and sturdy construction
- Reticle illumination
5) Shepherd Scopes Phantom 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
Shepherd Scopes Phantom 1-6x24mm is another multifunctional rifle scope that pairs well with the Ruger AR-556. No matter what environment you may bring or how severe the hunting conditions are, this rifle scope will be there for you when you need it the most.
It has a lightweight construction of 18oz to ensure ease of portability. Furthermore, the scope has a generous eye relief that is responsible for ensuring great glassing comfort during use. It also boasts an illuminated reticle that is housed on the first focal plane so it stays true through the whole 1-6x magnification power.
Optically, this rifle scope has fully multi-coated optics that limit glare and minimize internal light reflection. This guarantees bright and crisp clear image views even in the low light settings.
To top it all off, the scope is shockproof, waterproof and argon gas filled to provide a lifetime of reliable performance in all environments.
Features
- Fast focus eyepiece
- High transmission optics
- FFP reticle system
- Variable 1-6x magnification
- Instant range finding and BDC
- Fully shockproof, waterproof and fog proof
- 30mm body tube
Pros
- True BDC illuminated reticle
- Lightweight and durable
- Easy to use
- Good eye relief
Cons
- No throw lever included
6) SIG SAUER TANGO6T 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
Another best scope for Ruger AR-556 on our list is the SIG SAUER TANGO6T 1-6x24mm. Getting this rifle scope for your hunting/shooting expeditions will enhance your sighting experience and make you a better hunter/shooter.
It is built with HDX optics that guarantee stunning resolution and color accuracy. Over and above that, it employs high transmittance glass that makes it an ideal choice for use in low light environments. The reticle system is also illuminated to for better visibility in low light conditions.
Another remarkable feature of this scope is the fast focus eyepiece that aids in quick reticle focusing. Furthermore, the scope comes with laser engraved mounting line to ensure ease of alignment and a power selector ring throw lever that aids is quick and easy magnification adjustments.
Features
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- 6x super zoom
- Advanced optical system
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Dependable IPX-8 water resistance rating
- Power selector ring throw lever
- 30mm tube
- First focal plane reticle
Pros
- Night vision illuminated reticle
- Long eye relief
- Lightweight construction
Cons
- Cost
7) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 2-10x32mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 2-10x32mm Rifle Scope suits you if you need a scope that is able to cover targets seamlessly at close to long ranges. It is ideal for a wide range of shooting applications including hunting and tactical missions.
Built with a first focal plane reticle system, the scope guarantees precision at every zoom level. The reticle is illuminated for easy shooting in poor light settings. Moreover, the scope has its lenses fully-coated with multiple anti-reflective coatings for superior light transmission, clarity and color accuracy.
Construction-wise, this sighting tool is built from aircraft grade aluminum, a material that is lightweight but tough as nail. It also has a hard anodized finish that protects it from scratch, Armortek coatings on all exterior lenses and tactical style turrets that are very easy to use.
Furthermore, the scope has a fast focus eyepiece that aids in quick focusing of the reticle. It is also 100% waterproof, fog proof and shockproof to ensure unimpeded field use.
Features
- Precision-glide erector system
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Hard anodized finish
- Single-piece 30mm tube
- Glass-etched FFP reticle
- XD lens elements
- Tactical style turrets
- XR fully multi-coated optics
Pros
- Quality construction
- Built in accuracy features
- Sleek design
- Versatile
Cons
- Short eye relief
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What Magnification Do You Need?
Magnification is a very important part of every rifle scope. It varies from one scope to the other and generally, the distance you will using the scope for will determine how much magnification power you get. The kind of shooting that you will be doing also plays a role in determining the zoom power you get.
The effective range of the Ruger AR-556 is 400-600 yards. For this range, we recommend that you get a variable powered scope with about 10x magnification power. It is also important to get a scope with versatile zoom range if you plan to use it for shooting at varying ranges.
Criteria for Choosing a Scope for Ruger AR-556
Construction Quality
The construction quality of any scope determines how reliable it will be and how long it will be of service. For the best scope for Ruger AR-556, we recommend that you invest in a scope that is built for long term use.
The body tube should be made with premium quality materials like aluminum alloy or magnesium alloy. On top of that, the scope should be shockproof to endure any abuse you subject it to.
Lens Coatings
The quality of lens coatings a scope has can either make or break your hunting/shooting expedition with the Ruger AR-556. Scopes made with poor glass elements and cheap lens coatings yield blur image views. Avoid such scopes at all costs even if they come cheap.
To maximize the performance of your firearm, we recommend that you go for scope that is built with premium glass elements. The scope should also have anti-reflective lens coatings to enhance light transmission.
Weight
Irrespective of the kind of application you will be using the scope for, ensure that you pick a model that is built lightweight. Light scopes have the added advantage of being easy to use and carry from one point to the other. Additionally, a light scope is better at scattering recoil compared to a big, bulky one.
Eye Relief
Next consider the volume of eye relief the scope has. It is important to have ample eye relief when hunting/shooting with the Ruger AR-556. We recommend that you get a scope that has at least 3.5 inches eye relief.
Reticle
Another feature that can make or break your shooting/hunting experience with Ruger AR-556 is reticle. Scopes have different reticle systems suitable for different shooting applications.
For the best scope for Ruger AR-556, we recommend that you get a model that has an easy-to-use reticle. That way, you will have an easy time focusing and acquiring targets. It is also wise to get a scope with an illuminated reticle especially if you plan to it as your primary hunting scope.
Price
Last but not least, consider price. The best scopes for Ruger AR-556 vary in price depending on the brand and features included. Whether you are buying your first scope or looking for an upgrade, we recommend that you pick a unit that will offer you the best value for money.
FAQs
- What is the best scope for Ruger AR-556?
It depends on a number of things such as the kind of shooting you will be doing and your individual needs and shooting habits. When shopping for a Ruger AR-556 scope, we recommend that you look at the features, quality of construction and functionality each scope brings to the table and pick one that will work best for your needs.
- What is the best size scope for Ruger AR-556?
The best size scope for Ruger AR-556 depends on how far you will be shooting. For close to medium range use where it excels the most, a scope with up to 10x magnification will suffice.
Final Thoughts
Investing in the right scope is key to getting the absolute best shooting experience from the Ruger AR-556. So, identify the features that you need for your individual hunting/shooting expeditions and focus on finding the right scope for your needs. No matter the rifle scope that you end up purchasing, it is our hope that this article has helped steer you in the correct direction.