AR-15 is the name most people search for, so it is the name on this page — but the AR-pattern rifles in common civilian ownership in Great Britain are straight-pulls, .22LR rimfire semi-automatics built on the same pattern, and airsoft replicas. For anyone buying an optic that changes nothing about fitment. The flat-top upper, the Picatinny rail, the height over bore and the eye relief are all the same, so an optic sold for an AR-15 goes onto a straight-pull or an AR-pattern .22 without modification. What changes is how the rifle is used, and that is what should drive the choice.
This is the largest optics collection we hold: red dot sights, low power variable optics, holographic sights, prism scopes, ACOGs and magnifiers, all in UK stock. If your rifle is a straight-pull for Civilian Service Rifle or practical rifle, start at straight-pull rifle optics — the same catalogue, cut for known-distance shooting — and read the best optics for a straight-pull AR. If it is an AR-pattern .22, see rimfire and .22LR optics and the .22LR scope guide.
Shop by type: rifle red dot sights for speed, LPVO rifle scopes for versatility, holographic sights and prism scopes, plus magnifiers to extend a red dot's reach. Brands include Holosun, EOTech, Trijicon, SIG Sauer and Primary Arms. Don't forget a mount at the right height. On price, see red dot sights under £300 and rifle scopes under £800. Everything ships from UK stock with no import fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will an AR-15 optic fit my straight-pull?
Yes, provided the rifle is built on the AR pattern with a flat-top upper and a Picatinny rail, which the great majority are. Mounts, heights and eye relief all carry across unchanged — see straight-pull rifle optics.
Which optic for which discipline?
For Civilian Service Rifle and practical rifle at known distances, a 1-6x or 1-8x LPVO or a fixed prism scope. For close, fast work and for airsoft, a 1x red dot or holographic sight. For a rifle that has to do both, a red dot with a flip-to-side magnifier is hard to beat.
What mount height do I need on an AR-pattern rifle?
A lower-1/3 co-witness or a 1.93 in (49 mm) mount gives a comfortable heads-up cheek weld — see our red dot sight mounts.
Does the optic need to be on my certificate?
The rifle and the sight are treated differently. Our article on whether a rifle scope, red dot or torch needs a licence in the UK sets out the position, and buying optics in the UK covers import duty and registered firearms dealers.
