Okay, let's get the basics out of the way: whatever optic you use on your AR-15, you have to make sure it has good-quality clear glass, the turrets are audible and true, and the brightness is sufficient for low-light situations. 

The bigger picture is this: there are many kinds of rifle optics, all of which offer something different and can work well on your AR-15. Red dots are durable and reliable but work best in close range. LPVOs offer more variability, but would they be too complex for you? Fixed power optics are reliable, but are you really willing to go without variable magnification?

The question is: which type of optic will give you the best shooting experience?

As we shall see, finding the best LPVO for your AR-15 has more to do with your unique personality as a shooter than with the number of options available.

1. Red Dot Sights (RDS)

If you mostly shoot in close quarters (typically under 100 yards), a red dot is the best option for your AR-15. Pairing your AR-15 works best for fast target acquisition and home defense. 1x magnification means no magnification. With no magnification, a red dot is perfect at close range: it allows you to engage targets within 100 yards without the need to adjust the sight picture. 

What Makes Red Dots Ideal for AR-15s?

You Get Fast Target Acquisition

Red Dot sights have an illuminated dot, which is handy when you need to align your sight with the target for better accuracy quickly. Pairing your AR-15 with a red dot is the best option in high-pressure scenarios like home defense or close-quarter combat. 

You Can Shoot with Both Eyes Open

Most people prefer to shoot with open eyes because it guarantees the most situational awareness. With a red dot sight, you don’t need to close one eye. You can maintain situational awareness while shooting, and you get maximum situational awareness without sacrificing accuracy.

Red Dots can Be Quite Durable

High-quality red dot sights are often shockproof, fog-resistant, and waterproof. They can handle recoil from an AR-15 without losing zero.

Examples of Popular Red Dot Sights for AR-15

• The Aimpoint PRO is known for reliability and long battery life
• The EOTech EXPS3 offers a holographic reticle with a wide field of view

2. Low Power Variable Optics (LPVOs)

Where combining your AR-15 with a Red Dot sight gives you accuracy and consistency over a short range (100 yards and below), combining your AR-15 with an LPVO gives you versatility for shooting across short to medium ranges without sacrificing accuracy or consistency, typically between 300 and 500 yards. This versatility in more diverse scenarios is why many shooters say LPVOs are the best for AR-15s.

What Makes LPVOs Ideal for AR-15s?

True 1x Magnification

An LPVO features 1x magnification on the low end, which allows for fast target acquisition similar to a red dot, but you also have the option to zoom in (e.g., to 4x or 6x) to engage targets further away with greater precision. With a good quality LPVO optic, you get everything a Red Dot Sight offers, plus additional magnification for longer-range shooting.

Variable Magnification

The hallmark of an LPVO is its variable magnification, which typically ranges from 1-6x, 1-8x, and 1-10x. This means you can use them for close-range engagements at 1x and quickly dial in for longer-range shots (up to 300 yards or more) when you need them.

Illuminated Reticles

Modern LPVOs have illuminated reticles for better visibility in low-light or shaded areas. This may be of particular interest and benefit to hunters or tactical shooters. 

Getting an LPVO For Your AR-15

When buying an LPVO, you can choose between established brands like Vortex, Trijicon, Primary Arms, and many of these established brands or new brands like Gogunnr. 

Sometimes, the only difference between the new and established LPVO brands is the big name. With a new brand, you can easily find an LPVO with similar or better specifications at a more affordable price. This has been the overwhelming response to the newly launched Odin LPVOs from Goggunnr. 

Odin LPVOs From Gogunnr

Odin optics come in three models: the Odin 1-6x 28, Odin 1-8x 24 LPVO, and the Odin 1-10x 28 LPVO. Each of these models can pair exceptionally well with your AR-15 because of their versatile features and the design, which is deliberately compatible with the modularity of most ARs. 

The first reason you want an Odin LPVO for your AR-15 is that you can easily find a model that is the best match for the versatility of the AR-15. The three Odin scopes offer every possible magnification range within the capabilities of an LPVO. You have ranges like 1-6x or 1-8x, which are ideal for the AR-15's effective range of 100 to 300 yards.

Main Features

• Gogunnr’s Odin scopes are engineered to complement the ballistic profile of the AR-15. AR-15 rifles are commonly chambered in .223/5.56 NATO, which is probably the closest you can get to perfect accuracy, especially over medium range.
• With any of Gogunnrs Odin scopes, you will have zero difficulty mounting your optic or swapping rifles. Most AR-15s come with Picatinny rails, which are directly compatible with the cantilever mount that comes with Gunnr Odin scopes. This eliminates the need for additional adapters.
• Gogunnr Odin scopes feature Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) reticles, which account for the predictable trajectory of .223/5.56 rounds. Pair this with your AR-15, and you can compensate for bullet- drop at varying distances without even adjusting the scope's elevation turret.
• Gunnrs Odin scopes generally weigh about (about 4.8×1.65×2.44 inches in size), making them just as lightweight and maneuverable as AR-15s. 
• The exterior of each Gogunnrs Odin scope is made of 7075 aluminum alloy, the same hard material used for aircraft fittings and other aerospace and defense applications.
• These optics withstand recoil and maintain zero even after extended use. They are all tested to withstand 1,000 impacts at 1,000G and 2,000 live-fire rounds.
• They are also waterproof and fogproof. They are built to withstand temperatures from -59°F to 149°F and have an IP67 waterproofing rating.

3. Fixed Power Scopes

If you prefer simplicity and reliability, it is best for you to have simplicity, ruggedness, and reliability at mid-range (100-400 yards). Fixed power scopes have a single magnification (e.g., 3x, 4x). There’s no need to adjust zoom levels during a shot, which reduces complexity. The simplicity of these optics makes them easy to use, especially if you are new to rifle optics. 

What Makes Fixed Power Scopes Ideal for AR-15s?

They are Also Durable

Without magnification adjustment mechanisms, fixed power scopes are often more rugged. They're less prone to failure or damage under recoil, making them ideal for rough environments and field conditions.

Lightweight

These scopes are generally lighter than their variable counterparts, helping to keep your AR-15 more balanced and maneuverable.

Examples of Popular Fixed Power Scopes for AR-15

Trijicon ACOG (4x32)

Primary Arms 3x Prism Scope.

Conclusion

For a more detailed analysis of each optic, refer to some guidelines on deciding which LPVO best suits your needs. For more clarification, check out the official introduction to the Odin 1-10x 28 LPVO. Gogunnr also provides useful information on how to mount the optic and set the best zero, as well as other amazing safety tips for using your LPVO.