Choosing the right optic for your M4 is a critical decision for any serious hunter. The correct scope can mean the difference between a successful, ethical harvest and a missed opportunity. With a vast array of options on the market, from rugged long-range scopes to versatile low-power variable optics (LPVOs), finding the perfect match for your hunting style and environment can be a challenge.
This roundup simplifies your search by presenting ten of the top-rated M4 optics available. We have analyzed features, durability, and real-world performance to help you make an informed choice. Whether you are stalking through dense timber or taking aim across an open field, one of these scopes is ready to become a trusted partner on your next hunting adventure.
Our Top Picks for M4 Hunting Optics
- Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50mm F2 Illuminated Scope
- Leupold Mark 4 LR/T 4.5-14x50mm M1 TMR Scope
- Primary Arms SLX 3X MicroPrism with ACSS Reticle
- Trijicon Acog 4×32 Dual Illuminated Chevron Scope
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-4×24 V-Brite Scope
- Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24mm SFP Gen III Rifle Scope
- Trijicon ACOG 4×32 USMC Rifle Combat Optic
- HOLOSUN HS510C & HM3X Combo Reflex Sight
- Leupold Mark 3HD 1.5-4x20mm FireDot SPR Scope
- Sig Sauer TANGO-MSR 1-6x24mm LPVO Scope
Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50mm F2 Illuminated Scope
Built for the most demanding hunting conditions, the Nightforce NX8 is an ultra-compact powerhouse. It is engineered to perform reliably in extreme environments, from scorching heat and dust storms to freezing cold and heavy snow. The 8x zoom range provides incredible versatility, allowing for close-quarters shots at 2.5x magnification and precise long-range target identification at 20x.
Key features include the ZeroStop elevation adjustment, which ensures a rapid and consistent return to your zero setting after dialing for distance. The 50mm objective lens is optimized for superior light transmission and resolution, providing a bright, clear sight picture even in low-light conditions. The integrated Power Throw Lever allows for quick and easy magnification changes, a critical advantage when a target appears unexpectedly.
Leupold Mark 4 LR/T 4.5-14x50mm M1 TMR Scope
As a benchmark for American-made precision, the Leupold Mark 4 LR/T offers proven performance for the discerning hunter. This scope is machined and assembled in the USA, reflecting a commitment to quality and durability. It is built to be 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring it can handle the recoil of your M4 and the rigors of any weather you encounter in the field.
The 4.5-14x magnification range is well-suited for a variety of hunting scenarios, from medium-range woodland shots to longer-range engagements in open country. The TMR (Tactical Milling Reticle) provides a clean, uncluttered view with precise holdover points for accurate shooting at varying distances. Backed by Leupold’s legendary customer care and lifetime warranty, this is an optic you can trust for years to come.
Primary Arms SLX 3X MicroPrism with ACSS Reticle
For hunters who prefer a compact and lightweight optic with exceptional speed, the Primary Arms SLX 3X MicroPrism is an outstanding choice. Its fixed 3x magnification provides a good balance for close-to-medium range shots, while the green illuminated ACSS Raptor reticle offers a highly visible aiming point. The etched reticle means it will function perfectly even if the battery fails, a crucial reliability feature.
This scope incorporates AutoLive motion-sensing technology, which automatically powers the illumination on when it senses movement and shuts off to conserve battery life when not in use. With 13 illumination settings, including daylight-bright options, you can easily adjust the reticle to match any lighting condition. This makes it a fantastic option for fast-moving targets in thick cover.
Trijicon Acog 4×32 Dual Illuminated Chevron Scope
The Trijicon ACOG is a legendary optic known for its unparalleled toughness and battery-free operation. Its illumination is provided by a combination of tritium and fiber optics, which automatically adjusts the reticle brightness based on the ambient light. This ensures a perfectly illuminated chevron reticle from dawn until dusk without ever needing to change a battery.
Housed in a forged 7075-T6 aircraft-aluminum-alloy body, the ACOG is built to withstand extreme abuse and is trusted by military units worldwide. The “both eyes open” design allows you to maintain full situational awareness while shooting, utilizing the Bindon Aiming Concept for rapid target acquisition at close ranges while still providing a precise 4x magnified view for longer shots.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-4×24 V-Brite Scope
The Vortex Crossfire II is an excellent entry-point into the world of LPVO (Low Power Variable Optic) scopes, offering great value and performance. The 1-4x magnification range is ideal for a hunting M4, allowing for fast, both-eyes-open shooting at 1x and precise aiming out to a couple hundred yards at 4x. The illuminated V-Brite reticle features a bright center dot for quick acquisition.
Fully multi-coated lenses provide a bright and clear sight picture, while the long eye relief and forgiving eye box make it easy to get on target quickly. Capped reset turrets are finger-adjustable for sighting in, and the fast-focus eyepiece ensures your reticle is always sharp. It’s a reliable, no-fuss scope that gets the job done.
Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24mm SFP Gen III Rifle Scope
This Primary Arms SLx scope is a feature-packed LPVO that has earned a silver rating from the National Tactical Officers Association, a testament to its quality and performance. The 1-6x magnification range offers maximum versatility, making it suitable for everything from close-range brush shooting to more precise medium-range work. The included deluxe scope mount makes it ready to install on your rifle right out of the box.
Its standout feature is the illuminated ACSS reticle, which is specifically designed for the ballistic drop of 5.56, 5.45, and .308 cartridges. This reticle provides intuitive holdovers, windage leads, and range estimation marks, allowing for rapid and accurate shots without needing to dial the turrets. It’s a smart scope for hunters who want advanced functionality.
Trijicon ACOG 4×32 USMC Rifle Combat Optic
This is the specific ACOG model adopted by the United States Marine Corps, built to the most rigorous standards. Like its sibling, it operates without batteries, using a combination of tritium and fiber optics for reliable illumination in any light. Its legendary durability comes from the forged 7075-T6 aluminum housing, making it nearly indestructible under harsh conditions.
The reticle is calibrated for the 5.56mm cartridge, providing precise ballistic holdovers for the M4 platform. The “both eyes open” design is central to its functionality, enabling rapid threat engagement at close quarters while maintaining the benefits of 4x magnification for identified targets at distance. This is a combat-proven optic that brings ultimate reliability to the hunting field.
HOLOSUN HS510C & HM3X Combo Reflex Sight
This Holosun combo offers the ultimate in flexibility for your M4 hunting rifle. The HS510C is an open reflex sight that provides a wide, unobstructed field of view and ultra-fast target acquisition with a multi-reticle system (a 2 MOA dot with a 65 MOA circle). It features Shake Awake technology to conserve battery life, automatically powering on when movement is detected.
When you need magnification for a more precise shot, the HM3X 3x magnifier flips to the side. This allows you to instantly switch between a non-magnified red dot for close-range speed and a magnified optic for target identification and engagement at longer ranges. This two-in-one system is an excellent solution for hunters who encounter game at vastly different distances.
Leupold Mark 3HD 1.5-4x20mm FireDot SPR Scope
The Leupold Mark 3HD is a lightweight and robust LPVO designed for speed and accuracy. The 1.5-4x magnification range is perfectly suited for most hunting engagements with an M4, offering a wide field of view at the lower end and enough power to place shots carefully at the top end. The illuminated FireDot SPR reticle provides a bright red aiming point in the center for quick acquisition in low light.
It features the P5 dial with precise, repeatable 1/10th MIL adjustments for precise windage and elevation corrections. The lenses are protected by Leupold’s scratch-resistant coating, ensuring a clear view for the life of the scope. Built with the same waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof standards as all Leupold optics, it’s a dependable choice for the mobile hunter.
Sig Sauer TANGO-MSR 1-6x24mm LPVO Scope
Sig Sauer brings its renowned optics quality to an affordable LPVO with the TANGO-MSR. This 1-6x24mm scope is designed to be a capable all-around optic for the modern sporting rifle, including the M4 platform for hunting. It provides a true 1x setting for rapid, red-dot-like shooting and a 6x top end for making more precise shots at extended ranges.
The scope typically comes with an illuminated reticle that is easy to see in various lighting conditions. Built to withstand recoil and rough handling, it offers a solid glass clarity and reliable performance that belies its accessible price point. For hunters seeking a trusted brand name without a premium cost, the Sig Sauer TANGO-MSR represents significant value.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best M4 Scope for Hunting
When I’m looking for a new optic for my hunting rifle, the process can feel overwhelming. There are so many options, and a lot of them look similar on paper. But for a platform like an M4-style rifle, which is versatile and reliable, you need a scope that matches its capability. My first step is always to figure out my primary hunting environment. Am I in thick woods where shots are quick and close, or am I in open fields where I might need to reach out a bit? This single question dictates almost everything else.
For close-range brush hunting, I prefer a low-magnification variable optic or a red dot sight, sometimes with a magnifier. A 1-4x or 1-6x scope is my go-to here. It gives me a wide field of view for fast target acquisition on a moving animal. If I’m planning for longer distances, say for pronghorn or mule deer, I’ll lean towards something with more power, like a 3-9x or even a 4-12x scope. The key is to be honest about the distances I’ll actually be shooting; I don’t need a massive 6-24x scope if my longest shot is 150 yards.
Next, I scrutinize the reticle. For hunting, I want something simple and uncluttered. A standard duplex reticle is fantastic because it’s fast and doesn’t obscure the target. If I’m considering longer shots, a reticle with holdover points, like a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator), can be very helpful. I just make sure to practice with it extensively so I know exactly where to hold at various distances. Illumination is another feature I consider, especially for those low-light moments at dawn and dusk when game is most active. A faint, illuminated center dot can make all the difference in seeing the crosshairs against a dark background.
Durability and optical clarity are non-negotiable. I look for scopes that are nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed to be fog-proof and waterproof. The lens quality is paramount; multi-coated lenses provide a brighter, clearer image, which is critical for making an ethical shot. Finally, I think about the mounting system. A great scope is useless if it’s not mounted securely. I invest in a quality one-piece mount and ensure it’s torqued to the manufacturer’s specifications. Getting the right scope isn’t about finding the most expensive one; it’s about matching the features to my specific hunting needs to choose the best M4 scope for my adventures.
FAQ
What magnification scope is best for hunting with an M4?
There isn’t a single “best” magnification; it depends entirely on what and where you’re hunting. For most of my whitetail hunting in wooded areas, I find a 1-6x or 1-8x low-power variable optic (LVPO) to be perfect. It allows for both-eyes-open shooting at close range and gives me enough magnification for a precise shot out to 200-300 yards. If I were hunting in more open terrain, I might step up to a 3-9x or 4-12x scope. The versatility of a variable-power scope makes it a great starting point for most hunters.
Is a first or second focal plane scope better for hunting?
For the vast majority of hunting situations, I prefer a second focal plane (SFP) scope. In an SFP scope, the reticle size stays the same as you change magnification. The holdover points (like on a BDC reticle) are only accurate at one magnification, usually the highest. This works fine for me because I’m not making rapid magnification changes while hunting. I set my scope to its highest power for a precise shot or leave it on a lower power for scanning. First focal plane (FFP) scopes, where the reticle grows and shrinks with magnification, are more complex and often more expensive, and I find them better suited for long-range precision shooting than fast-paced hunting.
Can I use a red dot sight for hunting?
Absolutely, a red dot sight is an excellent choice for certain types of hunting. I use one for fast-moving game in thick cover, like wild hogs or deer driving through dense woods. They are incredibly fast for target acquisition because you don’t have to worry about eye relief or perfect alignment. The main limitation is a lack of magnification, so they are best for shorter ranges, typically inside 100 yards. For more versatility, I sometimes pair a red dot with a magnifier that can flip to the side when I don’t need it.
How important is eye relief on a scope for an M4?
Eye relief is critically important, especially on a semi-automatic rifle like an M4. Eye relief is the distance your eye needs to be from the scope to see the full picture. A scope with generous eye relief, around 3.5 to 4 inches, is what I look for. This gives me a margin of safety and comfort, preventing the scope from hitting my eyebrow during recoil—a common issue known as “scope bite.” It also makes it easier to get a quick sight picture from an unorthodox shooting position.
What does “MOA” mean and why does it matter for my hunting scope?
MOA stands for Minute of Angle, and it’s a unit of measurement for the rifle’s and scope’s adjustment. One MOA is roughly one inch at 100 yards. So, if my scope adjustments are 1/4 MOA per click, one click will move the point of impact about 1/4 inch at 100 yards. For hunting, this matters for zeroing your rifle and making precise windage and elevation adjustments. You don’t need to be a math whiz, but understanding the basics helps you confidently dial in your rifle for an accurate shot. Choosing a scope with reliable, repeatable adjustments is key.