5 Best Optics For Daniel Defense M4A1
There are so many optic choices out there, and here are the 5 best optics for Daniel Defense M4A1.
We picked these based on track record performance, reticle, durability and price.
Here they are:
Best Scopes For Daniel Defense M4A1
Disclosure: All products have affiliate links for earning commission to support the website when you purchase
EOTech EXPS3 HWS - Best Overall
The EOTech EXPS 3 is the best operator grade holographic sight to go with the M4A1. Many military and LE units are currently using. It's combat proven, good aesthetics and has great CQB aiming performance.
Best Passive Aiming Performance - Large window allows the shooter to easily acquire the target with both eyes open. This is extremely helpful while shooting on the move, over barricade and around corners.
CQB Holdover - Use the bottom of the 68 MOA ring for fast close range holdover to compensate CQB sight over bore offset.
Fast Target Ranging - Range a 5'8" tall human size target inside the 68 MOA reticle to quickly estimate relative target distance. In addition, use a magnifier behind the optic to engage up to 600 yards
Raised Height - The sight already sits at 1/3rd co-witness height for better cheek position for most AR15 shooters
- Magnification: 1X
- Objective Lens: 30 X 23 mm
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- Reticle Type: 68 MOA Ring + 2 MOA Center Dot
- Color: Black or FDE
- Battery: CR123A
- Battery Life: 1500 hours
- Turret : 0.5 MOA / Click
- Length: 3.88 inches
- Weight: 11.2 oz
Check out more EOTECH EXPS3 Pics & Review Here
Holosun 510C - Best For The Money
Why people love this one - Holosun 510C is a great entry level red dot sight that is very well made for most shooting applications without breaking the bank. On top of that, the 510C offers an unique look among other optics on the market.
3 Reticle Choices - Cycle through simple point and shoot dot or with a 65 MOA holdover for distance shooting.
Fast Target Acquisiton - Large CQB 65 MOA use for fast target acquisition and range estimation.
Solar Fail Safe - Solar panel extends the battery life longer to keep you in the fight longer even when the battery dies
Quick Detach - Mount and de-mount the optic without any tools in the field. QD lever locking is mechanism built in so it never just unhooks randomly on its own in the field
You’ll save a ton of money for other accessories.
- Magnification: 1X
- Objective Lens: 32 X 23 mm
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- Reticle Type: 65 MOA Ring + 2 MOA Center Dot
- Battery: CR123A
- Battery Life: 50,000 hours
- Turret : 0.5 MOA / Click
- Length: 3.3 inches
- Weight: 4.94 oz
See HS510C Review Here
Aimpoint Micro - Best Durability
Why Pros Use Aimpoint Micro - Aimpoint Micro is the best red dot sight on the market. It's the optic that sets the benchmark for every other small size red dots out there. Get this optic to make your M4A1 as operator grade as possible.
Point & Shoot - Shoot CQB targets fast with both eyes open even in improvised shooting positions. The window maybe small than EOTECH EXPS, but wider situational awareness
See Through Flip Covers - Just like the Aimpoint Pro, it protects the optic from dust, and no need to flip up the lens covers before aiming
Built Like A Tank - 7075 T6 aluminum to handle battle stress. Survives hard drops, holds zero and even near miss explosions
Simple 2 MOA Dot - Uncluttered POV for precise dot aiming at night & doesn't obscure the target like the 68 MOA EOTECH ring reticle (See more 2 MOA red dot sights here)
Ton Of Mounts Available - Uses any aftermarket Aimpoint Micro mounts you like with various height options
- Magnification: 1X
- Objective Lens: 20mm
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- Reticle Type: 2 MOA
- Battery: CR2032
- Battery Life: 50,000 hours
- Turret : 0.5 MOA / Click
- Length: 2.44 inches
- Weight: 3.74 oz
Vortex Spitfire AR - Best For Astigmatism
The Vortex Spitfire is by far the best for shooters with astigmatism, open division shooting competition, and for a truck rifle setup.
Illuminated DRT Reticle - See reticle in low light conditions like a red dot without worry about the battery life or the reticle disappearing.
Perfect For Astigmatism - See glass etched reticle clearly even if you have astigmatism (Not the same as looking at a dot reflected on the lens)
Better Reticle Centering - Eye box constraint forces the shooter to have consistent cheek position for precise long-distance shots up to 700 yards on 1X by reducing parallax offset
Works Without Battery - The glass etched reticle is always there even without battery power. Use illuminated reticle or non illuminated reticle
- Magnification: 1X
- Objective Lens: 25mm
- Eye Relief: 3.8"
- Reticle Type: DRT MOA
- Battery: AAA for illuminated reticle
- Battery Life: Unlimited if using glass etched reticle
- Turret : 0.5 MOA / Click
- Length: 4.3 inches
- Weight: 11.2 oz
Leupold Mark 6 1-6X20 - Best For Distance Shooting
The Leupold Mark 6 LPVO is the best 1-6X scope for this American made M4A1. The first focal plane reticle is much more accurate for target PID at longer distances.
Premium Grade Glass - Super crisp edge to edge glass clarity with minimum abrasion or bend (Better 1X). This is an unmatched light transmission performance to outperform in the most challenging lighting conditions like other high end 34mm scopes
5.56 Calibrated - Use the vertical auto ranging scale to quickly estimate known target size distance & moving target holdover to hit targets accurately
Fast 1 - 6X Transition - Very smooth magnification ring dial without any stiffness. Also accepts lever for better grip (Sold separately)
Zero Stop Locking Turrets - Never get lost or inadvertently adjust the turret to throw off the zero
Super Lightweight - 4 lbs lighter (~19% weight reduction) than the popular Vortex Razor & NightForce ATACR
- Magnification: 1-6X
- Objective Lens: 20mm
- Focal Plane: First Focal Plane
- Eye Relief: 3.7"
- Tube Size: 34mm
- Reticle Type: 5.56 CMR W Illuminated
- Battery: CR2032
- Turret : 0.2 Mil / Click M6C1
- Length: 10.0 inches
- Weight: 17.6 oz
If you like to stick with a red dot and also be able to shoot long distance, check out the magnifier scopes below:
Additional M4A1 Optic Accessories
Vortex Micro 3X Magnifier - Extends Range
The Vortex Micro 3X enables your Daniel Defense M4A1 to see targets much further away without getting into an LPVO.
Fast Sight Transition - Go between 1X and 3X in no time for better target acquisition
Much More Compact - Make your M4A1's red dot and magnifier setup much more compact without sacrificing eye relief distance
Better Zero - Greater degree of precision +/- 0.2 MOA on 3X than 1X when zeroing the red dot. Very helpful when zeroing a dot at night
Quick Detach - Mount & demount the magnifier off without any special tools
As the content creator of badassoptic.com, My background in the firearms industry and shooting sports gives me the experience to recommend tried and true products and keep away subpar ones.
