Scope for a Ruger AR 556

I myself have purchased one of these rifles. I can't tell if the cantalever mounts that are so popular will be high enough to clear the front sight.

Depends on how you use your rifle, but for just general range fun, this Nikon has been great for me.

http://www.nikonsportoptics.com/en/nikon-products//riflescopes/p-223-1.5-4.5x20-bdc-600.html

I bought the Bushnell AR 1-4x cheap on sale, seems to work great. A cantilever mount works fine, you only see the front sight at 1x power and it doesn’t obstruct just cowitnesses.

This will do all you need https://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Illuminated-Reticle-223-Riflescope-Turrets/dp/B00AU6EIIY

You will get a lot of different answers but you simply cannot go wrong with a Leupold and the VX-1 is tried and true and will last a lifetime. 2-7x33mm is a great all around scope for small caliber rifles and very affordable.

For general use not too far out I have the Nikon 3x P223. For the money it's tough to beat it. I happen to use one on my Ruger as well.

Jeff

I think you’ll enjoy using it as much as I have. Good luck.

For all around use I find a 1-4X20 scope the most versatile. Set on 1X they are extremely fast for picking up targets up close with both eyes open. I find them much faster than dots or iron sights. Set on 4X and there is enough magnification for 300-400 yards on deer size game or for personal protection. A scope is MUCH better for low light use than dots or irons too.

I use Leupold VX-1's that cost about $200-$220 on mine. But I'm not sure they are making those anymore. Weaver makes a 1-3X20 that I hear good things about. There are some good options in a 1-4X24 with a 30mm objective selling for $300-$400, but that may be over budget.

A 2-7X32 is my 2nd choice. Having 7X is nice for longer ranges and 2X is pretty good up close. But the difference up close between 1X and 2X is dramatic. I really like something that I can go down to 1X better. But there are lots of good options at or under $200 in a 2-7X32.

If you need more magnification for shooting targets, smaller varmints, or longer range a 3-9X40 is hard to beat for the money. At around $200 I like the Burris FF-II best.

jmr40 gives good advice. i have leupold vx1s in both 2-7 and 3-9 and at that price point i dont think you can get better glass.