The Ruger LC Carbine is a versatile and reliable firearm, making it an excellent choice for various shooting activities, from target practice to self-defense. However, to maximize its potential, pairing it with the right scope is essential. After extensive research and personal experience, I've compiled a list of the top scopes for the Ruger LC Carbine. Each review includes specifications, features, pros and cons, user experience, and customer comments to help you make an informed decision.
Top 6 Best Scopes for Ruger LC Carbine on the Market
Note: The following advice comes from my personal perspective. What works for me might not work for you, but hopefully it sparks some ideas!
1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire
Specifications
Magnification: 2-7x
Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
Eye Relief: 3.9 inches
Field of View: 42-12.6 ft at 100 yards
Tube Size: 1 inch
Adjustment Graduation: 1/4 MOA
Max Elevation Adjustment: 60 MOA
Length: 11.3 inches
Weight: 14.3 oz
Best Features
Fully Multi-Coated Lenses: Provides bright and clear images.
Second Focal Plane Reticle: Maintains the same ideally-sized appearance.
Durable Construction: Shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof.
Fast Focus Eyepiece: Ensures quick and easy reticle focusing.
Pros
Affordable price.
Clear and bright optics.
Easy to zero and holds zero well.
Sturdy and reliable build.
Cons
Limited magnification range for long-distance shooting.
Some users report issues with parallax at higher magnifications.
User Experience
Using the Vortex Crossfire II on my Ruger LC Carbine was a delightful experience. The clarity of the optics and the ease of use made it perfect for both novice and experienced shooters. The scope held zero after multiple shots, showcasing its reliability. It's also lightweight, adding minimal bulk to the carbine, making it a great fit for this firearm.
Customer Comments
Online discussions and reviews highlight the scope’s excellent value for money. Many users praise its durability and clarity, although a few mention parallax issues at higher magnifications.
The Leupold VX-Freedom delivered exceptional performance on my Ruger LC Carbine. The low-light performance was particularly impressive, making it ideal for dawn or dusk shooting. Its lightweight design didn’t add much weight to the firearm, maintaining its maneuverability.
Customer Comments
Customers frequently commend the scope’s clarity and light management system. It's praised for its ruggedness and reliability, although some wish it had a side parallax adjustment.
One-Piece Tube Construction: Ensures durability and longevity.
Pros
Affordable and budget-friendly.
Good low-light performance.
Durable and weatherproof.
Easy to use and adjust.
Cons
Eye relief could be better.
Some users report issues with the adjustment knobs.
User Experience
The Bushnell Banner was a pleasant surprise on the Ruger LC Carbine. Its low-light capabilities were quite impressive for its price range. While the eye relief wasn’t as generous as some other models, it still provided a clear and bright image, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious shooters.
Customer Comments
Users appreciate the scope’s value for money and its performance in low-light conditions. However, some have noted issues with the adjustment knobs, requiring more effort to zero in.
Fully Multi-Coated Optical System: Ensures bright and clear images.
Spring-Loaded Instant Zero-Reset Turrets: Simplifies field adjustments.
Waterproof, Fogproof, and Shockproof: Built for all weather conditions.
Pros
Clear and bright optics.
Durable construction.
Easy to zero and adjust.
Reliable in various conditions.
Cons
Heavier than some other models.
No parallax adjustment.
User Experience
The Nikon P-Tactical scope performed admirably on the Ruger LC Carbine. The optics were crystal clear, and the zero-reset turrets made adjustments quick and easy. Its robust construction meant it could handle rough use, making it a reliable companion for the carbine.
Customer Comments
Customers are generally pleased with the Nikon P-Tactical, highlighting its clarity and durability. Some have mentioned its weight as a minor downside, but overall, it receives high marks for performance.
ACSS Reticle: Optimized for quick target acquisition.
Illuminated Reticle: Enhances visibility in various lighting conditions.
Durable Construction: Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
Pros
Versatile magnification range.
Clear and bright optics.
Easy target acquisition.
Sturdy and reliable build.
Cons
Slightly heavier than some other options.
Battery life for illumination could be better.
User Experience
The Primary Arms SLx scope was a versatile addition to my Ruger LC Carbine. The ACSS reticle made target acquisition fast and intuitive, and the illuminated reticle was a boon in low-light conditions. Despite its weight, it balanced well on the carbine and proved to be a reliable and robust option.
Customer Comments
Users rave about the Primary Arms SLx for its versatility and clear optics. The ACSS reticle is particularly praised for its quick target acquisition. Some users mention that the battery life for the illumination could be improved.
Fixed Magnification: Simplifies usage and enhances reliability.
Bindon Aiming Concept (BAC): Allows for both eyes open shooting.
Pros
Outstanding durability and reliability.
Clear, bright optics without reliance on batteries.
Excellent for quick target acquisition.
Proven military performance.
Cons
Expensive compared to other options.
Fixed magnification limits versatility.
User Experience
Using the Trijicon ACOG on my Ruger LC Carbine felt like a match made in heaven. The scope’s clarity and battery-free illumination were unparalleled. Its ruggedness meant it could withstand any environmental challenge, making it perfect for rigorous use. The fixed magnification was more than sufficient for my needs, and the BAC feature allowed for quick target acquisition.
Customer Comments
Customers are highly enthusiastic about the ACOG, often highlighting its reliability and the battery-free illumination. Some find the price steep but generally agree that its performance justifies the cost. The fixed magnification is noted as both a pro for simplicity and a con for those seeking versatility.
How to Choose the Best Scope for the Ruger LC Carbine
Selecting the right scope for your Ruger LC Carbine involves considering several factors to match your shooting needs and preferences. Here are the key aspects to keep in mind:
1. Magnification
Low Magnification (1-4x): Ideal for close to mid-range shooting, quick target acquisition.
Medium Magnification (3-9x): Versatile for various distances, suitable for hunting and target shooting.
High Magnification (10x and above): Best for long-range precision shooting.
2. Objective Lens Diameter
Larger objective lenses provide better light transmission, resulting in brighter images, but add weight and bulk.
3. Reticle Type
Duplex: Simple and easy to use.
BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator): Helps in estimating bullet drop over distance.
Mil-Dot: Useful for range estimation and windage adjustment.