Selecting the best scopes for Savage MSR15 Recon involves navigating a variety of factors to enhance the precision and performance of this versatile rifle.
The Savage MSR 15 Recon, known for its accuracy and reliability, requires a scope that complements its capabilities, catering to diverse shooting needs—from tactical applications to long-range precision.
The choice of scope for your MSR heavily depends on how you plan to utilize it, dictating everything from the scope’s size, durability, and cost to the type of reticle, magnification level, and extra functionalities needed.
There isn’t a universally perfect scope that suits every MSR owner’s needs due to the varied specifications and shooting preferences.
Given that we can’t anticipate your specific intentions or preferences, we’ve compiled a range of scopes and sights for you to explore. Your choice will ultimately depend on what scope or sight aligns best with your requirements and resonates with your shooting style.
Below are the best scopes for Savage MSR15 Recon.
Top 10 Best Scopes for Savage MSR15 Recon
- Trijicon ACOG TA02 4x32mm Rifle Scope
- Trijicon VCOG 1-6X24 – Best Overall
- Vortex Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6X24
- Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6X24 – Best Value
- Steiner P4Xi 1-4X24 – Best 1-4X
- Primary Arms Gen III 1-6X24 SFP ACSS – Best 1-6X for the Money
- EOTech Vudu 1-6×24 FFP – Best High-End LPVO
- Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18X40 – Best Budget Option
- Zeiss Conquest V4 3-12×56 – Best Under $1000
- Burris XTR II 5-25×50 – Best for Long Range
Trijicon ACOG TA02 4x32mm Rifle Scope (Best Scope for Savage MSR15 Recon)
The Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) TA02 4x32mm Rifle Scope holds an iconic status, widely embraced by the U.S. military for over a decade.
While personally, any purchase over $1000 feels steep, Trijicon’s reputation for quality craftsmanship justifies its higher price point.
The TA31F reticle features a red chevron and BDC crosshair for convenient holdovers up to 800 meters. Its simplicity and clarity make it distinctive and user-friendly.
Powered without batteries, the illuminated reticle’s brightness might concern some users. While it’s not as vivid as battery-operated illumination, some have resorted to taping to dim it, indicating possible challenges in extremely bright conditions.
The fiber optics provide daytime illumination, adapting intensity based on ambient light. However, direct sunlight is usually necessary to maintain optimal brightness, impacting contrast on black targets when the reticle becomes black itself.
For low-light or night use, the tritium component emits a soft glow without disrupting night vision or excessively brightening the sight picture.
Despite the limitations compared to red dots, the ACOG excels during dawn or dusk when moderate illumination is required, a feature not all red dots can accommodate.
Its dual-eye open capability allows quick Close Quarter Battle (CQB) use, although adjusting to the 4x power may require practice, and its 1.5″ eye relief could be a challenge during fast-paced movements.
The ACOG TA31F, equipped with the TA51 mount, has garnered lasting popularity as a tactical gunsight. Its transition from military to civilian use speaks volumes about its reliability and functionality in various shooting scenarios.
Pros
- Battery-free illumination
- Chevron & BDC reticles
- Durability
- Built like a tank
- Dual-eye open capability
- Crystal clear glass
- Great illumination
Cons
- Price
Trijicon VCOG 1-6X24
The Trijicon VCOG 1-6X24 stands as a fusion of the renowned ACOG’s reliability and variable power, crafting the Variable Combat Optical Gunsight. Yet, delving into the realm of top-tier performance and quality necessitates a generous budget.
Trijicon’s reputation for crafting nearly indestructible scopes remains evident in the VCOG, constructed from forged aluminum alloy, ensuring durability against the rigors of hunting, duty, and competitive use.
Sporting a Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO) design, its 1x power excels in Close Quarter Battle (CQB) scenarios, accompanied by first focal plane (FFP) illuminated reticles.
The array of reticle options available for the VCOG caters to diverse preferences, offering caliber-specific reticles and various designs.
The integrated fin throw lever simplifies transitioning between magnification ranges, facilitating swift adjustments from close-range to extended views.
Unlike most LPVOs that often require a separate mount purchase, the VCOG comes equipped with the TA51 quick-release mount, ensuring hassle-free installation with a hand-tightened rail grip, requiring only an additional half-turn using a flathead screwdriver.
Operating on a single AA battery, it delivers up to 700 hours of illumination at brightness level 4. Notably, the illumination knob features intermittent ‘off’ positions between brightness settings, enhancing convenience.
Despite the unconventional battery type, the VCOG’s design incorporates a dedicated compartment for the AA battery.
Pros
- Superior Trijicon craftsmanship
- Exceptional clarity of glass
- First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle
- Illuminated reticle
- Ample 4-inch eye relief
Cons
- High cost
Vortex Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6X24 rifle scope
The Vortex Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6X24 rifle scope stands as an ideal choice tailored for AR/MSR platforms, with the “E” signifying its enhanced features.
Offering a sought-after LPV power range of 1-6x, it serves as a versatile replacement for the conventional red dot and magnifier combo on MSR rifles.
Although it resides in the higher price bracket, the Razor Gen II-E 1-6x offers unparalleled performance within its range. It stands as a scope choice that assures buyers of a purchase without any subsequent regrets.
Crafted with a sturdy 30mm single-piece tube body, it boasts an impressive 150 MOA adjustment travel for both windage and elevation, featuring zero-resettable, wide-diameter turrets that facilitate seamless performance across various scenarios, making it suitable for professional, hunting, and competition applications.
Sporting a second focal plane (SFP) reticle, the crosshairs retain their size regardless of magnification.
The BDC reticle incorporates a center illuminated dot, albeit small at 0.5 MOA, aiding swift target acquisition by drawing focus to the center while enabling precise point of impact (POI) adjustments.
Boasting superior glass quality with advanced features such as the APO system, Optically Indexed Lenses, and HD Lens elements, the Razor HD promises an exceptionally crisp, bright, and clear sight picture.
Pros
- Top-notch clarity
- 30 mm tube construction
- Second focal plane (SFP) with illuminated reticle
- Durability
- Extensive adjustment range
- Lighter weight
- Great eye box
- Versatile Illumination
- Capped large-sized turrets
Cons
- Price
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6X24 – Best Value
The Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 Riflescope stands out as an incredibly adaptable optic suitable for a wide range of shooting scenarios.
Its genuine 1x magnification at the lowest setting is perfect for swift target acquisition, whether up close or at more extended distances.
Notable features include a throw lever integrated into the magnification ring for added convenience and visible magnification indicators.
Moreover, this scope is equipped with an illuminated BDC3 reticle, aiding rapid target acquisition and enabling holdovers, allowing effective targeting at distances up to 650 yards for known-distance targets.
Its exceptional glass quality delivers crystal-clear images with minimal distortion, courtesy of high-quality multi-coated optics.
Built to withstand tough conditions, this scope’s rugged construction ensures durability against harsh weather and the recoil of an AR-15, making it a reliable companion for various shooting environments.
Pros
- Illuminated BDC3 Reticle
- True 1x
- Fully Multi-Coated optics
- Affordable
- Easy to install
- Throw lever included
- Clear
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof
- Super durable
Cons
- A bit stiff to change the magnification
Steiner P4Xi 1-4X24 – Best 1-4X
The Steiner P4Xi 1-4X24 is an exceptional LPV optic, perfect for those seeking a high-quality scope for duty use or patrol scenarios.
It’s a gem offering a reasonable price, illuminated reticle, and true 1x magnification, making it an ideal choice for various applications.
Recognized as the Optic of the Year by a prestigious publication and awarded the Golden Bullseye Award by the NRA, the P4Xi has remained somewhat underrated in the LPVO market.
Despite being designed primarily for law enforcement purposes, it’s gaining traction among 3-gun competition enthusiasts.
The P3TR reticle with its center-dot illumination is a standout feature, striking a perfect balance by not obstructing the sight picture.
The illumination turret boasts “off” positions between each of its 11 intensities (5 daylight, 4 lowlight, and 2-night vision settings), ensuring adaptability across various lighting conditions.
While some users note slightly fewer tactile turret adjustments (not as crisp as competitors like Vortex), the scope’s overall performance remains solid, especially when zeroed for accurate holds up to 600 yards.
Pros
- Fairly priced
- Illuminated reticle
- Low profile turrets
- Crystal clear glass
- 11 different brightness levels
- Build
- Lightweight
- Bright dot
Cons
- Slightly mushy turrets
Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24mm SFP ACSS – Best 1-6X for the Money
The Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24mm Riflescope offers a versatile magnification range spanning from 1x to 6x.
Suitable for various purposes such as hunting and range shooting, this scope is equipped with the ACSS Predator Hunting reticle.
This reticle integrates features like bullet drop compensation (BDC), wind holds, moving target leads, and range estimation, simplifying aiming accuracy for animals like coyotes and pigs by utilizing an auto-ranging mechanism based on a 10-inch circle.
Furthermore, this riflescope includes red illumination with adjustable brightness settings, powered by a standard CR2032 battery, ensuring visibility in different lighting conditions.
Boasting good glass clarity without any noticeable tints or hues, and featuring fully multi-coated lenses, this scope excels in maximizing light transmission, competing well with higher-priced scopes.
Despite offering a slightly tighter field of view compared to most LPVOs, it provides an eye relief of 3.3-3.5 inches.
Built to endure tough conditions, it features IP67 waterproofing and fog resistance, comprising a durable 6063 aluminum body with a matte black anodized finish.
Pros
- ACSS Predator reticle
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Good glass quality despite its low price.
- Holds zero
- Great budget optic
- Construction quality
- Smooth adjustment
- Illuminated reticle
Cons
- No throw lever
EOTech Vudu 1-6×24 FFP – Best High-End LPVO
This scope emerges as a top-tier LPVO in a market where these scopes dominate tactical carbines, particularly due to its versatile 1-6x magnification range ideal for CQB scenarios.
Backed by the NoBS Warranty, which doesn’t require proof of purchase and is transferable, this warranty is quite appealing considering the investment required for the Vudu scope.
Sporting exposed turrets on a 30mm tube, the Vudu offers substantial elevation and windage adjustments, yet lacks a locking feature—a notable absence, especially considering the price point, crucial for users in patrol and hunting scenarios. Despite this, the scope’s tactile adjustments are precise and reliable.
The Vudu’s robust construction, O-ring sealing for water resistance, nitrogen purging for fog proofing, and production in Japan ensure durability and optical performance.
Crafted with XC high-density, low-dispersion glass and coated for clarity, the optic delivers exceptional resolution.
Its FFP reticles are designed for speed and visibility, boasting minimalist markings for drop, and featuring EOTech’s speed ring, providing multiple options such as the SR1 for ranging, SR2 calibrated for the 7.62 round, and the SR3 calibrated for the 5.56 round.
Utilizing a CR2032 coin-cell battery for illumination, the Vudu manages to keep its weight at a reasonable 20.1 ounces.
Pros
- Clear and crisp
- Durable EOTech construction
- Quick throw lever
- Utilizes CR2032 battery
- A variety of reticle choices are available
- Manufactured in Japan
Cons
- Non-locking turrets
Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18X40 – Best Budget Option
The Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18X40 stands out among scopes tailored for MSR. Unlike numerous alternatives, this series is purpose-built for these firearms. Bushnell’s commitment to affordability further enhances its appeal and contributes to its widespread popularity.
Crafted with a robust one-inch main tube made from single-piece aluminum and equipped with high-quality Bushnell lens glass, this scope offers excellent value.
The Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18X40 provides 18 MIL of adjustment to zero at 100 yards and extends shooting distances to roughly 500-600 yards. Since the reticle sits in the SFP, adjusting power becomes necessary once the target is acquired.
Bushnell offers both short and long PCLs (Power Change Levers) in the package, and I prefer the long one for its ease and speed.
Despite featuring a BDC reticle for holdover compensation, the dots (approximately 1 MOA in size) could obstruct smaller targets at maximum ranges.
Thanks to its quality optics, respectable low-light performance, and side focus with a minimum distance of 10 yards, this AR Optics scope is remarkably versatile. I find it a top choice due to its accuracy, affordability, and perfect fit for your MSR/AR.
Featuring a user-friendly throw lever for swift magnification adjustments, this scope’s turret design offers open-high externals with ¼ inch MOA graduations, allowing for easy and precise adjustments.
The parallax knob is conveniently placed on the left side of the turret.
Pros
- Exposed turrets
- Affordable
- Precise and crisp turret clicks
- Clear and sharp imagery
- Side parallax adjustment
- Limited image brightness loss at a maximum 18x magnification
- Convenient quick throw lever
- Quality build and materials
Cons
- Slightly shorter eye relief
Zeiss Conquest V4 3-12x56mm
This emerges as a highly recommended hunting scope, often favored on bolt action rifles.
While renowned for their premium German glass and manufacturing, Zeiss opted to produce the Conquest series in Japan to maintain affordability without compromising quality. This might not sit well with die-hard loyalists, but Japan stands as a hub for numerous optics brands known for top-tier optical excellence.
Setting aside its production origin, finding flaws in the well-built and high-performing Conquest V4 scope is a challenge.
Sporting a 3-12x configuration and a sizable 56mm lens, it excels in low-light conditions, making it a standout performer in various shooting applications.
The scope offers both illuminated (Z-Plex #60) and non-illuminated (Z-Plex #20) reticles, and the illuminated option personally preferred, presents clean and straightforward crosshairs in the second focal plane.
These reticles strike a balance—bold enough to be visible in low light yet not too thick to obscure vital points. Featuring ¼ MOA adjustments and a total of 70 MOA for elevation and windage travel, the scope delivers precision in its turrets without adding excessive weight.
Zeiss has put this scope through rigorous testing, ensuring its durability against shock, corrosion, submersion, extreme temperatures, and continuous vibration.
Pros
- Ver clear glass
- Price
- Capped turrets
- SFP reticle
- 100 MOA elevation adjustments
- Lightweight
- LotuTec external lens coatings
Cons
- Cost
Burris XTR II 5-25×50 – Best for Long Range
The Burris XTR II 5-25×50 stands out as an excellent choice for tactical and long-range competition shooting.
Among its various models, the SCR-MIL and SCR-MOA illuminated reticles have remained popular and enduring over time.
The SCR reticles, standing for Special Competition Reticle, reside in the FFP, boasting simplicity, clarity, and user-friendliness. Both models feature XT-100 click knobs, providing either 0.1 mil or ¼ MOA adjustments and a Zero Click Stop for precise returns to zero.
The scope’s 34mm tube permits an extended adjustment range beyond 1000 yards, albeit necessitating 34mm rings, adding to the overall cost.
Illumination is powered by a CR2032 battery, yet the reticle remains visible without it, catering to different terrains and lighting conditions. The stiff side focus has a minimum focusing range of 50 yards, which reportedly becomes more manageable over time.
Its 11 brightness settings ensure commendable performance in low-light situations. Unlike certain Burris reticles with only the central dot illuminated, the SCR-MIL and SCR-MOA variants offer extended illumination across a well-balanced section of the crosshairs.
Pros
- 11 brightness settings
- FFP reticles
- Zero Click Stop adjustment knobs
- Crisp clear sight
- Solid turrets with good tactile feedback
- Fair price
Cons
- A bit on the heavy side
Final Say
As you gradually build and enhance your MSR over time, the evolution of your scope needs might parallel these changes. Not all scopes are universally suitable, and your approach should also adapt accordingly.
Considerations such as size, weight, weather resistance, and glass quality are pivotal and shouldn’t be overlooked when exploring scope options. The recommendations provided above are valuable, but it’s crucial to remember that a holistic approach is necessary.
The breadth of factors to consider might seem overwhelming, making it beneficial to personally test various scopes to find the perfect fit for your preferences and purchase.
Exploring and experiencing different options firsthand can greatly empower your decision-making process.