We’ll be showcasing the 6 Best Prism Scopes For AR15. One of the deadliest fighting situations you could face is close-quarters combat, and having a good optic is essential to winning the battle. These scopes are favored for their durable construction and clear optics. It provides a versatile illuminated reticle and a fast-focus eyepiece, making it ideal for both tactical and recreational use.
Speed and accuracy are the most important factors in close-quarters combat, hence conventional iron sights are inadequate. A skilled AR15 optic, on the other hand, can be rapid and accurate, enabling the shooter to quickly gather targets and fire bullets upon them.
The 6 Best Prism Scopes For AR15 ‘ lighting, etched glass, and excellent design have made them more and more popular among gun enthusiasts over time. They work well for close-to-medium-range combat shooting.
6 Best Prism Scopes For AR15
1. Vortex Optics Spitfire 3x Prism Scope
The Vortex Optics Spitfire 3x Prism Scope is a compact and versatile scope designed for close to medium-range shooting. With its 3x magnification, it provides a well-balanced field of view that is ideal for tactical applications, hunting, or range shooting.
The Spitfire 3x offers a fixed 3x magnification, which is a great choice for engagements within 300 yards, making it ideal for tactical rifles, AR-15s, and other firearms used in short- to mid-range shooting. The reticle is a Vortex’s AR-BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) style, which is designed for fast target acquisition and is particularly useful for quick, accurate shooting at varying distances. The reticle is illuminated, providing clear visibility in low-light situations.
The Spitfire 3x is built to withstand harsh environments. It features shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof construction. The solid aluminum housing ensures that it can endure recoil from powerful firearms and remain intact even in tough conditions. Its waterproof capabilities make it suitable for use in all weather conditions, whether you’re facing rain or fog.
The scope offers generous eye relief, allowing shooters to maintain a proper shooting stance while looking through the scope comfortably. The field of view is sufficiently wide at 38 feet at 100 yards, allowing for quick target tracking.
The Spitfire 3x features easy-to-use windage and elevation adjustments, with tactile clicks that help you make precise changes in the field. The adjustments are reliable and easy to reset to zero, which is crucial for maintaining accuracy during rapid shooting sessions.
Features & pros
- Simple modifications
- Twelve different lighting options
- two settings work with night vision.
- Fogproof, shockproof, and waterproof
- AR-BDC4 reticle
- sturdy construction
- Small and light
- Ideal for a range of 300 yards
- For the best protection, use a flip cap.
- An eyepiece with quick focus
Cons
- Reduced eye relief
2. Primary Arms SLX 3x32mm Gen III Prism Scope
The Primary Arms SLX 3x32mm Gen III Prism Scope is a compact designed for a variety of shooting applications, from tactical engagements to recreational target shooting. This prism scope is particularly suitable for those who value durability, accuracy, and ease of use in a fixed magnification optic.
The Primary Arms SLX 3x32mm offers the perfect mix of field of vision and range with a fixed 3x magnification. Whether you’re using it on a hunting rifle to control varmints or an AR-15 for tactical purposes, it’s ideal for medium-range shooting. Even in low light, the scope’s 32mm objective lens provides a bright and clear sight picture due to its strong light transmission capabilities. It is perfect for fast-paced shooting situations because of its tiny size, which makes it more agile than larger scopes.
This scope’s ACSS (Advanced Combined Sighting System) reticle is one of its most notable characteristics. This reticle is particularly useful for users who must make snap decisions in dynamic circumstances since it is made to facilitate speedy target acquisition and range calculation. Its adaptability is increased by the addition of elevation and windage markers, as well as a bullet drop compensator (BDC) for different calibers.
The SLX 3x32mm is parallax-free at 100 yards, which means that the reticle stays on target without shifting, providing a more accurate shot, especially at medium-range distances. This feature makes it highly user-friendly for those who prefer a fixed magnification without having to adjust parallax settings.
Features & pros
- Eleven light levels
- Several layers of coating
- Simple elevation and windage changes
- Fogproof, shockproof, and waterproof
- Finish that is hard anodized
- Small and light
- Has a lifetime warranty included.
- Enormous area of vision
- Ideal for targets that move
Cons
- Insufficient eye relief
3. Trijicon TA31RCO-M4 ACOG 4×32 USMC M4 Rifle Scope
The Trijicon TA31RCO-M4 features a 4x magnification and a 32mm objective lens, making it ideal for mid-range engagements. The 4x magnification allows for enhanced target acquisition at distances from 100 to 600 meters, which is optimal for the M4 Carbine’s effective range. The 32mm objective lens provides ample light transmission, ensuring a clear and bright sight picture even in low-light conditions.
The TA31RCO-M4 features a BDC reticle specifically calibrated for the 5.56x45mm NATO round, which is the standard issue for the M4 Carbine. The reticle includes a range of aiming points to compensate for bullet drops over various distances, enhancing accuracy during longer-range shots. This makes it easier for the shooter to engage targets at extended ranges without needing to manually adjust the scope.
Built to withstand the harshest environments, the Trijicon TA31RCO-M4 is waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof. The housing is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring that the scope can handle the recoil from military-grade rifles. It is also designed to operate in extreme temperatures, from -50 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, making it reliable in all conditions.
Features & pros
- Features a 4x magnification
- 32mm objective lens
- Its dual-illumination system
- Fiber optics and a tritium light source
- Features a BDC reticle
- Waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof
- Eye relief of 1.5 inches
- Field of view of 36 feet at 100 yard
Cons
- Heavy
4. Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 3x Prism Scope
Compact, strong, and adaptable, the Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 3x Prism Scope is made for shooters that need quick target acquisition and clarity at medium range. Due to its effectiveness in close-to-medium range combat, this scope, which is a member of Vortex’s well-liked Spitfire line, is particularly preferred.
The Spitfire HD Gen II offers an impressive 3x magnification that is well-suited for a variety of shooting disciplines, including tactical, hunting, and competitive shooting. The optics are fully multi-coated to ensure superior light transmission, offering bright, sharp images with minimal distortion. The high-definition (HD) lenses deliver enhanced clarity and color accuracy, making it easier to spot targets in varying lighting conditions. The optical clarity and field of view are notable, with edge-to-edge sharpness.
The scope features a versatile EBR-556B reticle, designed to facilitate rapid engagement of targets. The reticle is etched directly onto the lens, so it remains visible even without illumination. For low-light conditions or when you need more contrast, the reticle features an illuminated center dot that offers 10 brightness settings. This feature is powered by a CR2032 battery, providing long-lasting performance.
Vortex is known for producing rugged optics, and the Spitfire HD Gen II 3x is no exception. The scope is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, providing a solid and lightweight platform. It is nitrogen-purged and o-ring sealed to make it waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring that it can withstand harsh environmental conditions. Whether you’re hunting in the rain or shooting in extreme temperatures, the Spitfire HD Gen II is built to handle it.
The Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II is designed to be user-friendly, with tactile windage and elevation controls that make adjustments quick and easy. The controls are precise and offer audible clicks for adjustments, ensuring you can fine-tune your shots. The 3x magnification is fixed, offering simplicity without the complexity of zoom adjustments, allowing shooters to focus on the fundamentals.
Features & pros
- Easy changes
- There are twelve distinct lighting settings.
- Night vision is compatible with two settings.
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- AR-BDC4 reticle
- Robust design
- Light and compact
- Perfect for a 300-yard range
- Make use of a flip cap for optimal protection.
- A fast-focusing eyepiece
Cons
- Relatively heavy
5. Swampfox Trihawk 3x30mm Prism Scope
The Swampfox Trihawk 3x30mm Prism Scope is a multitasking lens made for accurate shooting that provides a special fusion of strength, toughness, and clarity. It is perfect for close to medium-range applications because, being a prism scope, it uses a prismatic lens to produce a more compact form compared to other scopes. This site is particularly well-liked for use on rifles, such as AR-15s, and performs admirably in sporting or tactical settings where accuracy and speed are critical.
The Trihawk features a 3x magnification and a 30mm objective lens, making it perfect for medium-range engagements. The 3x power allows for quick target acquisition and situational awareness while still providing sufficient magnification for accurate shots.
The scope comes equipped with an etched reticle, which is visible even without illumination. This is beneficial in low-light conditions or when the battery runs out. The reticle features a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) design, allowing for more precise shots at varying distances.
The Trihawk offers red and green illumination with multiple brightness settings, allowing the shooter to adjust the reticle’s visibility according to the surrounding light conditions. This makes it a versatile tool in both bright daylight and low-light situations.
The fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick adjustments to the reticle, ensuring that the user can quickly adapt to changing conditions or range distances. This feature contributes to faster target acquisition and improved shooting efficiency.
Features & pros
- 10 different lighting options
- ergonomic Power controllers
- A straightforward yet efficient reticle
- 15.4 ounces in weight
- The battery has a 40,000-hour lifespan.
- Fantastic design
- Optical clarity
- High magnification
- Aids in the quick acquisition of targets
Cons
- Weak eye relief
6. Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x Prism Scope
The Spitfire HD Gen II uses a prism-based design, which makes it more compact and rugged compared to traditional scopes. The prism design also helps with better light transmission and clarity, providing a sharper, brighter image, especially in low-light conditions. This allows for a more precise sight picture, making it suitable for both tactical operations and recreational shooting.
The Spitfire HD Gen II comes with a choice of reticles, including the Vortex’s standard 5x magnification reticle. These reticles are illuminated, offering the flexibility to adjust brightness levels to match ambient light conditions, ensuring optimal visibility in both bright and low-light settings.
At just over 10 ounces, the Spitfire HD Gen II 5x Prism Scope is relatively lightweight for its class. Its compact design makes it a great choice for tactical rifles, AR-15s, or even hunting rifles, offering both portability and performance without weighing down your gear.
Features & pros
- Sturdy aluminum housing
- Matte black hard anodized finish
- Fogproof, shockproof, and waterproof
- The flip cap protects against inclement weather.
- There are five illumination settings on the reticle.
- An eyepiece with quick focus
- The mount is movable.
- Completely multi-coated lenses
- Excellent image quality
- Perfect for situations with low light levels
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Factors to consider when choosing the 6 Best Prism Scopes For AR15
Magnification
In general, prism scopes provide fixed magnification, usually between 1x and 5x. The kind of shooting you’ll be conducting should determine the magnification you select. A 1x magnification might be the best option for close-quarters encounters (up to 100 yards). It is usually preferred to use a 3x or 4x magnification for medium-range targets (100-300 yards). Although it may decrease the field of view and speed at close range, a larger magnification, such as 5x, is helpful for longer distances.
Reticle Type
Prism scopes come with different reticle designs, including red-dot, BDC (bullet drop compensator), or MIL-dot reticles. The reticle style should be chosen based on your shooting needs. A red-dot reticle is great for quick target acquisition at close range, while a BDC or MIL-dot reticle can assist with more precise shooting at longer distances. Some models offer illuminated reticles for low-light conditions.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope where you can still see the full field of view. Larger eye relief is crucial for comfort, particularly for fast-paced shooting or when using high-recoil rounds. For an AR-15, look for a prism scope with at least 2.5 to 3.5 inches of eye relief to prevent any scope-related injuries during rapid fire.
Durability
The AR-15 is a versatile, often rugged rifle, so the prism scope you choose needs to be durable enough to withstand recoil, rough handling, and environmental factors. Opt for scopes made of high-quality, shockproof materials such as aluminum alloy. Also, ensure the scope is waterproof and fog-proof, especially if you plan to use the rifle in various weather conditions.
Field of View
A wider field of view (FOV) allows you to see more of your surroundings, which can be essential during close-quarters combat or when tracking fast-moving targets. Prism scopes generally offer a smaller FOV compared to red-dot sights, but some models are designed with a wider FOV for faster target engagement.
Weight and Size
The 6 Best Prism Scopes For AR15 are typically heavier than red-dot sights due to their optical components. However, the weight should not be so cumbersome that it affects the balance of your AR-15. Look for a compact and lightweight model that won’t unnecessarily add bulk.
6 Best Prism Scopes For AR15 FAQs
- Do prism scopes have no parallax?
Around 100 yards is the normal distance at which many prism scopes are parallax-free. Checking the specs of the individual model you’re thinking about is crucial, though.
- What is the ideal magnification for a prism scope for the AR-15?
A magnification range of 1x to 4x is usually enough for the majority of AR-15 applications, including medium-range and close-range shooting. For more accurate shots at greater ranges, a 3x or 4x magnification is best.
- Can I use a prism scope with both eyes open?
Yes, many prism scopes are designed to allow you to shoot with both eyes open, providing faster target acquisition and better situational awareness. However, the effectiveness of this feature will depend on the specific scope.
Conclusion
The 6 Best Prism Scopes For AR15 ultimately depends on whether you plan to use it for hunting, tactical, or leisure shooting. This scope, which has a small design with an illuminated reticle, is renowned for its remarkable clarity and endurance. It is excellent for shooting at short and medium ranges and provides quick target acquisition. I wish you luck on your next hunt.