The 8 Best Scopes for Ruger AR 556 in 2021
Photo: texasguntalk.com
The Ruger AR 556 is a semi-automatic rifle that was first introduced in 2009. Since it is relatively modern, the rifle is designed to fire .223 Rem ammo, as well as 5.56 NATO rounds, which are very hot and have quite a long-range.
As such, you need a scope with a relatively long-range and high magnification so as to utilize the gun’s full potential. With that in mind, we have compiled a list of the best scopes for the Ruger AR 556 that meet this description.
8 Best Scopes for Ruger AR 556 – Review
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1. UUQ Tactical Rifle Scope (Best Overall) |
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2. Simmons 510519 (Best Budget) |
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3. Monstrum Rifle Scope (Scope & Range Finder in One) |
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4. UTG Rifle Scope (Has Mil-Dot Reticle) |
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5. Primary Arms SLX (Has ACSS Reticle) |
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6. Bushnell AR93940 (Durable Constructions) |
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7. Vortex Optics Diamondback (Argon-Purged Scope) |
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8. Barska AC10832 (Has Multi-Coated Optics) |
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PRODUCT |
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1. UUQ Tactical Rifle Scope (Best Overall) |
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2. Simmons 510519 (Best Budget) |
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3. Monstrum Rifle Scope (Scope & Range Finder in One) |
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4. UTG Rifle Scope (Has Mil-Dot Reticle) |
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5. Primary Arms SLX (Has ACSS Reticle) |
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6. Bushnell AR93940 (Durable Construction) |
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7. Vortex Optics Diamondback (Argon-Purged Scope) |
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8. Barska AC10832 (Has Multi-Coated Optics) |
1. UUQ Tactical Rifle Scope – Best Overall
Photo: UUQ
- Magnification: 4-16x
- Objective Lens: 50mm
- Scope Range: 547 yds
With its illuminated range finder reticle, UUQ’s tactical rifle scope stands out as the overall best because it enables you to determine the target’s distance for accurate shooting.
Additionally, green laser light with a laser distance of 300-500 meters (328-547 yds) is included and it has windage and elevation adjustments. This makes it ideal for long-range shooting.
You also get a holographic red dot sight that actually has red and green dots, as well as 4 reticle patterns. This piece has a magnification of 1x and 5 brightness adjustment settings to help you visually see the reticle in different lighting conditions.
Back to the scope and this one has a magnification range of 4-16x, which is ideal for long-range targeting with the AR 556.
It also has a large 50mm objective lens that allows as much light to pass through as possible for clear imaging and 22mm rails for easy mounting on Picatinny or Weaver rails.
Other features include a camouflaged matte black finish, a 100% waterproof and shockproof design and fingertip turrets with 1/4 MOA audible clicks.
The only problem is that the included green laser is only ideal for long-range shooting. However, there is a red laser light option that can be bought separately, and this one has a range of 50-300 meters (57-328 yds) for short-range shooting.
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2. Simmons 510519 – Best Budget
Photo: Simmons
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens: 50mm
- Eye Relief: 3.75 in.
- Scope Range: 100 yds
If you are a bit short on cash, Simmons 510519 is the most affordable scope for the Ruger AR 556 to consider. Despite this, the unit is still well equipped for the job. For instance, it has a large 50mm objective lens, which allows more light to pass through to create a clear field of view.
This is further enhanced by fully coated optics, which eliminate glares so as to create a high contrast image for easy spotting of the target. On the view is a Truplex reticle that has 8 points for multiple aiming points.
You also get SureGrip audible-click windage and elevation turrets with 1/4 MOA adjustments, a generous 3.75 in. field of view, a quick target acquisition eyepiece and a waterproof, fog proof and shockproof build.
On the downside, the reticle is not illuminated for easy night time viewing and no mounting accessories are included in the set.
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3. Monstrum Rifle Scope – Scope & Range Finder in One
Photo: Monstrum
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens: 32mm
- Eye Relief: 3.5-3.8 in.
- Scope Range: 300+ yds
Just like the UUQ Tactical Rifle Scope , this unit has a range finder reticle that has markings for estimating the range by compensating for the bullet drop at longer distances.
This reticle is adjustable and illuminated in both red and green for better visibility in low light conditions. The reticle also has 5 brightness levels for adjusting to different low light environments.
Other than that, you get a magnification of 3-9x that is ideal for viewing a target 300 yards out, a sturdy aircraft-grade aluminum construction, nitrogen-filled optics for fog proof use, a sealed tube for waterproof use.
Also included are lens covers and a 3V battery to power the reticle but no mounting rings or rails are included for quick installation.
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4. UTG Rifle Scope – With a Mil-Dot Reticle
Photo: UTG
- Magnification: 3-12x
- Objective Lens: 44mm
- Eye Relief: 3.4 in.
This unit is a tactical range estimating scope because it is equipped with an 11-point mil-dot reticle, which is highly accurate and estimating the target’s distance.
Additionally, this reticle features a patented Illumination Enhancing (IE) technology, which operates in up to 36 colors. This allows you to handle any low light environment, as well as all weather conditions.
Another benefit of this piece is that it offers a parallax-free view from as close as 10 yds up to infinity, making it very practical.
Other features include premium zero resetting and zero-locking turrets that remain unmoved after heavy recoil, an angled front sunshade, flip-open lens caps and multi-emerald coated lenses that allow as much light to pass through while eliminating glares for clear viewing.
The only problem is that the required mounting accessories are not included in the set.
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5. Primary Arms SLX – With an ACSS Reticle
Photo: Primary Arms
- Magnification: 1-8x
- Objective Lens: 24mm
- Eye Relief: 3.3-3.5 in.
- Scope Range: 800 yds
Primary Arms’ SLX has arguably the most sophisticated ACSS reticle because it combines BDC (bullet drop compensation), wind holds and moving target leads into one.
Despite all that, this second focal plane reticle is very easy to use and has partial red illumination with 12 brightness adjustment settings for easy viewing in different low light environments.
Though it has a relatively low magnification of up to 8x, this reticle makes it very precise at a range of 300-800 yds, and also very fast and instinctive at low range from 0-300 yds.
Other features include a 3V coin battery, flip-up lens covers, a cleaning cloth, nitrogen-purged optics for fog proof use and a sturdy 6063 aluminum body with a durable black anodized finish.
The only problem is that the scope is very expensive and it has a very small 24mm objective lens diameter, which limits the amount of light that passes through.
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6. Bushnell AR93940 – Durable Scope
Photo: Bushnell
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens: 40mm
- Eye Relief: 3.7 in.
- Scope Range: 500 yds
Due to its aluminum alloy construction, Bushnell’s AR93940 is very sturdy and highly durable. This is topped off by a black anodized finish, which improves the overall durability of the piece, while sealed openings ensure waterproof performance.
Other than that, you get a Drop Zone BDC reticle that is calibrated for the AR 556’s .223 caliber and 5.56 NATO rounds. This reticle has 4 points below the intersection of the crosshairs that aim out to a maximum distance of 500 yds.
You also get a 40mm objective lens with multicoated optics for clarity, precise 1/4 MOA click adjustments, a fast-focus eyepiece and side focus parallax adjustment for tuning the long-range precision capabilities.
However, the reticle is not illuminated for enhanced low light use.
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7. Vortex Optics Diamondback – Argon-purged Scope
Photo: Vortex
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens: 40mm
- Eye Relief: 3.3 in.
Vortex Optics’ Diamondback rifle scope is characterized by argon-purged optics, which ensures fog-proof performance for the lifetime of the product. Argon is very inert and this setup means no weather conditions or temperature changes can cause fog inside.
Other than that, the entire optics are sealed in via O-rings, which prevent the argon gas from escaping, while also keeping water from seeping through. This helps to ensure waterproof performance.
More features include metal on metal precision turrets with zero reset ability after sighting, a solid single-piece tube with a durable anodized finish, a Dead-Hold BDC reticle with 9 aiming points and fully multi-coated lenses.
On the downside, the scope is quite costly and it lacks mounting accessories in the set.
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8. Barska AC10832 – With Multi-coated Optics
Photo: Barska
- Magnification: 4-16x
- Objective Lens: 40mm
- Eye Relief: 3.3 in.
This rifle scope from Barska is equipped with multicoated optics plus a relatively large 40mm objective lens. Combined, these two create a clear, high contrast field of view, thereby enabling you to easily spot the target.
That said, the objective lens is adjustable so as to correct the parallax error for enhanced accuracy. You also get a simple, uncluttered 30/30 reticle that is perfect for hunting while windage and elevation turrets provide 1/8 MOA click adjustments on this reticle.
There are also other options available, which include 10-40x 50mm mil-dot , 6-24x 42mm mil-dot , 6-24x 50mm mil-dot , and 6.5-20x 50mm fine crosshair scopes, all of which have slightly different features that suit different hunting rifles and applications.
Other features include a high magnification power of up to 16x, which allows you to get close up to the target, and a quick access magnification zoom ring. The only issue is that the reticle is not illuminated, which limit’s the scope’s night time capabilities.
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How to Buy the Best Scope for Ruger AR 556
Photo: rugerforum.net
1. Magnification
Before buying a scope for the Ruger AR 556, the first thing to check is the magnification. Because the gun is quite powerful and fires long-range .223 Rem ammo and 5.56 NATO rounds, powerful magnification is recommended so as to view distant targets.
With that in mind, UUQ’s Tactical Rifle Scope and Barska’s AC10832 are better off due to their high 16x magnification. Additionally, their lowest is 4x and this wide range allows you to accurately fire at short, medium and long-range.
2. Objective Lens
With the objective lens, the first thing to check is their diameter. Given in mm, large lenses allow more light to pass through and this helps to create a brighter field of view. In this case, the 50mm size in UUQ’s Tactical Rifle Scope and Simmons’ 510519 is highly recommended.
Apart from size, you should also check the technology incorporated in the lens design. The most notable one is multi-coating, which basically prevents glares and unwanted reflections from obstructing your field of view.
This produces a high-contrast field of view for easy target spotting.
3. Eye Relief
Eye relief is basically the maximum distance from the rear ocular that you can position your eye and still have a clear sight of the field of view from the scope. This distance must be there for protection against recoil, which can cause damage to your eyebrow.
That said, a longer eye relief offers more protection because there is very little chance of even heavy recoil throwing the scope far back to make contact with your eye.
Therefore, Simmons’ 510519 and Monstrum’s Rifle Scope are highly recommended due to their generous 3.75 and 3.8 in. eye reliefs respectively.
4. Scope Range
A scope’s range is primarily determined by its magnification and reticle. The higher the magnification, the longer the range because you will be able to view distant objects.
Therefore, as explained above, UUQ’s Tactical Rifle Scope and Barska’s AC10832 are highly recommended.
On the other hand, if a reticle has range finding capabilities, then it will better off for longer range because it offers a higher chance of accurate hits. Both UUQ’s Tactical Rifle Scope and Monstrum’s Rifle Scope eature this type of reticle, which makes them stand out.
In fact, the former adds on laser guidance for improved chances of long-range accuracy.
Other than that, BDC reticles like the ones in Primary Arms’ SLX , Bushnell’s AR93940 and Vortex Optics’ Diamondback also help with long-range shooting by eliminating guesswork. These are also highly recommended.
5. Materials
With regard to material, you need to consider the scope’s overall build quality. Apart from having waterproof seals, this product should have a solid design, preferably made of metal.
For instance, with Bushnell’s AR93940 , you get a sturdy 1-piece aluminum alloy construction that is very durable. This is topped off by an anodized finish, which coats the aluminum to prevent rust/corrosion. Such construction materials are recommended for long-lasting use.
6. Gas Purging
Gas purging is necessary for fog proofing. Usually, inert gases are used to fill up the optics so as to keep them as uninterrupted as possible. That said, you need to look for nitrogen or argon purging.
For instance, Vortex Optics’ Diamondback is argon purged and completely sealed so as to prevent any leaks, as well as maintain waterproof performance throughout.
Conclusion
All in all, the 8 units above are all suitable for use with the Ruger AR 556 but UUQ’s Tactical Rifle Scope stands out as the overall best because it has an illuminated reticle, a green laser and a holographic red dot sight for enhancing accuracy at long range.
However, if you want a more tactical scope, UTG’s Rifle Scope is the best option because it has a tactical 11-point illuminated mil-dot reticle. If you are on a tight budget though, we recommend Simmons’ 510519 as the best scope for the Ruger AR 556.
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8 Best Scopes for Ruger AR 556 – Review
- 1. UUQ Tactical Rifle Scope – Best Overall
- 2. Simmons 510519 – Best Budget
- 3. Monstrum Rifle Scope – Scope & Range Finder in One
- 4. UTG Rifle Scope – With a Mil-Dot Reticle
- 5. Primary Arms SLX – With an ACSS Reticle
- 6. Bushnell AR93940 – Durable Scope
- 7. Vortex Optics Diamondback – Argon-purged Scope
- 8. Barska AC10832 – With Multi-coated Optics
- How to Buy the Best Scope for Ruger AR 556
- Conclusion
