Best Handgun Scope & Top 10 Reviews

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Choosing the best handgun scope is not that easy when you compare it to rifle scopes. This is because there are many more challenges to handgun scopes compared to rifle scopes. There are fewer choices and good handgun scopes are a bit more complicated. There is just a lot more your handgun scope needs to do.

Our review focuses on the 10 best handgun scopes on the market. These are top-quality scopes specially designed for handgun use.

Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best Handgun Scope

Not every handgun scope will work for your handgun. You will need to consider various factors and narrow down your choices to the scope that best works for your handgun. Below are some of the basic things to consider:

Caliber And Action

First, you need to know the type of gun to use with the scope. You cannot choose a handgun scope without knowing the gun to use it on. In addition, you need to know the specific action of the gun and the gun caliber. These are crucial factors that will help you choose the right handgun scope.

Unlike rifles, handguns come with a different recoil pattern and mounting a scope on a handgun is quite different. In fact, the mounting process is a big limiting factor.

Secondly, you need to consider the caliber of the gun. Small calibers usually have small recoils as compared to bigger calibers. A good example is the .22lr and .22 Magnum which have small recoils.

Such calibers usually have minimal vibrations and require a different scope. The same cannot be said of big calibers with bigger recoils and more vibrations. Strong scopes are required for handguns with big calibers due to the extreme recoil.

Magnification

The magnification of a scope is another big factor to consider when choosing a handgun scope. First, you need to decide between the two types of magnifications. These are the variable and fixed magnification. Both magnifications usually come with pros and cons.

The variable magnification is very flexible and allows one to adjust to different shooting conditions. However, variable scopes are not as durable as fixed scopes. This is because of the many pieces and lenses. They are suitable scopes for both short and long-range shooting since they adjust with ease.

Fixed scopes on the other hand feature a fixed magnification. They are suitable for short-range shooting and are commonly used with most handguns. These scopes are extremely durable and can withstand tough conditions.

When considering the scope magnification, you need to ensure the field of view is wide enough. A bigger magnification might be ideal but end up giving you a pretty narrow field of view. A high-powered scope might also be difficult to shoot at short ranges of 100 yards or less.

Purpose: Target Shooting or Hunting

The reason for buying the scope is another important factor to consider. Why are you buying the scope in the first place?

A scope for target shooting is quite different for one used when hunting. The field of view is very important when looking for a scope for hunting. When hunting in the field, it might take longer to locate a target. In such situations, you need a scope with a wide field of view.

Eye Relief

When looking for a handgun scope, eye relief is very important. You need a scope that works at arm’s length. Most standard rifle scopes feature an eye relief of 2-4 inches. However, that changes drastically when using handgun scopes.

Most feature an eye relief of 20-35 inches. This gives a safe distance from the eye in case of heavy recoils. As mentioned above, the gun caliber and action play a crucial role in determining eye relief.

Type of Mount

The type of mount that comes with the handgun is another excellent feature to consider. Some of the best and most common types of mounts include the slide mount. It is simple and straightforward making mounting easy.

However, most slide mounts are not shockproof and can change the balance of your gun. This is quite common, especially when used with the most powerful calibers.

Size/Mass

The size and mass of the scope is another crucial factor to consider. Most handgun scopes usually feature one-inch tubes with a 20mm to 32mm objective lens. However, small diameter tubes must be avoided when working in low-light conditions.

Best Handgun Scope Reviews (Updated)

  1   Hammers Elite Compact Handgun Pistol Scope

Hammers Elite Compact Handgun Pistol Scope

Hammers make some of the most affordable and functional handgun scopes available today, which is why I included this 2×20 elite compact scope on our list.

It is lightweight and extremely easy to mount, but it doesn’t lose any quality or durability in its compact design. In addition, it is still shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof.

As far as performance goes, this Hammers handgun scope has extra long eye relief measured at 12 ½”. Some users have even gotten 24” eye relief, making it perfect for those times when your handgun is stretched out in front of you.

You can turn the turrets on the side and top of the scope when adjusting for windage or elevation. One click is ¼ MOA per 100 yards, so you can easily and precisely adjust your shot for any wind and elevation.

For less than $100, it’s a great handgun scope that doesn’t lack any features or quality.


  2   BSI 2-7X32 EDGE SERIES PISTOL SCOPE 

BSI 2-7X32 EDGE SERIES PISTOL SCOPE

The BSA is another excellent choice handgun to consider buying. It is a quality scope with 2-7X variable magnification that allows for easy adjustment and focus. It is a very versatile scope that works for both long-range and short-range shooting.

This is a 1-inch tube scope with sturdy and durable construction. Moreover, the scope features a long eye relief protecting your eyes from recoil. It is a solid one-piece scope with excellent features that will withstand harsh weather elements.


  3   NCSTAR 2-7X32 PISTOL SCOPE 

NCSTAR 2-7X32 PISTOL SCOPE 

This is another top-quality handgun scope with fixed magnification power. It is a highly rated scope with multi-coated lenses and delivers bright and clear images for precise shooting.

In addition, the scope features extended eye relief. This gives the user extended mounting capability. Another important feature is this scopes non-illuminated reticle. This makes it a suitable choice for use during the day when there is enough light. Overall, this is a quality scope with Aluminum Weaver-style rings and lens caps.


  4   NcStar 2-7x32E Illuminated Pistol Scope

NcStar 2-7x32E Illuminated Pistol Scope

The NcStar illuminated pistol scope is a great scope to have on hand if you think you might also want a scope to mount onto your rifle as well. This NcStar can withstand recoil without becoming damaged or defective, and for the price, it’s hard to beat.

It has extremely long eye relief, which is exactly what you want in a handgun scope. It also has a large 32mm objective lens, giving you a large field of view when looking through the scope.

You can adjust for windage and elevation using the turrets on the top and side of the scope. Each click accounts for ½ MOA per 100 yards.


  5   BURRIS 200261 BALLISTIC PLEX 2-7X32MM

BURRIS 200261 BALLISTIC PLEX 2-7X32MM Pistol Scope

This is a premium quality Burris scope and a perfect choice for shotguns as well as handguns. The scope features adjustable steel on steel system for easy use and makes audible clicks for ease and precise zeroing.

In addition, the scope features a double internal spring force. The spring system ensures you securely and firmly lock the target in position. Moreover, the scope is waterproof, fogproof and shockproof and able to withstand harsh weather elements.

Overall, this is a solid scope with faster target acquisition with both eyes and multi-coated lenses delivering bright and clear images. It is a perfect hunting scope to buy with confidence.


  6   Leupold VX-3 2.5-8×32 Handgun Scope

Leupold VX-3 2.5-8x32 Handgun Scope

One of the pricier options you can choose is the Leupold VS-3 2.5-8×32 handgun scope. If you know anything about Leupold scopes, then you know why I’ve included it on our list.

Leupold makes arguably the best handgun scope on the market. If you’re lucky to catch one on sale like this one, you better snag it while you can.

The duplex reticle makes it easier than ever to focus and sight your target, especially if you’re shooting long distances. It also has an extra-long eye relief at 15”.

In addition, Leupold uses its Twilight Light Management System to balance light transmission and create brightness and balance contrast while shooting in lowlight conditions.

It is shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof, as well as impact tested. It can withstand extreme temperatures as cold as -40°F and as hot as 160°F. You can even use this scope on rifles up to .308 caliber.

While it’s a relatively pricy scope, it’s arguably one of the best on the market.


  7   BURRIS HANDGUN 2-7X32 BALLISTIC PLEX RETICLE PISTOL SCOPE

BURRIS HANDGUN 2-7X32 BALLISTIC PLEX RETICLE PISTOL SCOPE

This is a top-rated Burris handgun scope and one of the best picks in the industry. It is a quality scope with a variable 2-7X magnification. The scope features a large 32mm objective lens for clear and bright images with a 1-inch main tube and a black matte finish.

This is a premium handgun scope that shoots accurately at 100 yards and is made in the USA to the highest quality standards. Overall, this is a solid scope that resists heat damage well. It is a great scope for the .44magnum giving you excellent value for money.


  8   UTG 2-7X32 1” HANDGUN SCOPE

UTG 2-7X32 1” HANDGUN SCOPE

This is a premium quality handgun scope built to the highest quality standards. The scope is completely sealed and nitrogen-filled to withstand harsh weather elements.

Moreover, the scope is quite safe delivering up to 25-inch eye relief. This makes it a perfect choice for heavy handguns with big calibers.

In addition, the scope features excellent projectile drop compensation and the scope reticles support shooting at different ranges. This means you can shoot at both short and long ranges accurately.


  9   BSA2X20 EDGE SERIES PISTOL SCOPE

BSA2X20 EDGE SERIES PISTOL SCOPE

This is another top-quality handgun scope that will not break your bank. It is a fogproof scope to withstand harsh weather elements. The scope makes a perfect choice for .22 pistol giving precise and accurate crosshairs.

The scope features excellent eye relief making it safe with most handguns. You can enjoy crystal clear images at any range and the 2X magnification works perfectly for short-range hunting. The eyepiece is also adjustable giving users excellent focus and a perfect field of view.

Overall, this is a premium quality handgun scope with a black matte finish.


  10   BURRIS OPTICS HANDGUN SCOPE 2X

BURRIS OPTICS HANDGUN SCOPE 2X

The Burris Optics is an excellent scope choice to round off our list. It is a premium quality scope with 2X magnification and is a proven handgun scope that will easily hold zero for calibers like the .44 magnum.

This scope offers excellent eye relief for bench rest use and is an affordable choice with excellent clarity. It also features multi-coated optics for bright images with a 20mm objective lens.

A great looking scope with a sleek silver finish and overall, an excellent choice for a handgun scope to buy with confidence.


Scope Brands Worth Considering

Like most products in the market, there are leading handgun scope brands worth considering. Some of the top brands worth considering include the following:

Barska

This is a leading brand known for its affordable optics. You can be sure of spending less when buying a hunting or tactical scope. However, this does not mean they make low-quality scopes. In fact, most of their scopes come with features found in most high-end scopes. The brand has a global customer base and distributes its scopes to over 40 countries.

Burris

The Burris brand is another excellent choice with both affordable and low budget optics. You can be sure of getting the best scope for your budget. Burris are professionals in their field and make both hunting and sports shooting optics. They are best known for producing scopes with larger lens diameters.

Bushnell

This is an older rifle scope brand in the industry and one that has been on the market for over 65 years. The company produces high-quality products for the hunting market. Moreover, this brand is known to specialize in shotgun scopes.

Sightmark

This is a relatively new brand founded in 2007 but one that has gained popularity rapidly. The company is known to produce top-notch scopes that rank high in the market.

Leupold

This is a family-owned brand that has been in operation since 1907. It also produces some of the best rifle scopes. Some of their rifle scopes are used by the Navy Seals and United States Marine Corps. They are known for making incredibly powerful and adjustable scopes.

Nikon

This is a more known brand in the world of Sports Optics. However, they are also known to produce a wide range of scopes and other optics in the hunting industry. They announced in 2020 they would no longer be making rifle scopes although they would continue with their other optics products including rangefinders, spotting scopes, and binoculars.

Nightforce

This is another highly reputable optics brand with top-quality scopes. The company is known for its keen attention to detail and the highest quality scopes.

Other Brands To Consider

  • Redfield
  • Simmons
  • Swarovski
  • Vortex Optics

Final Thoughts

These are the best handgun scopes on the market right now in my opinion. They are top-rated and proven scopes to work with most handguns. Analyze each scope carefully and choose one that best fits your handgun.

I have been an avid outdoorsman all my life and have hunted and fished most of the Eastern United States for over three decades. During that time I’ve taken almost every North American game animal with either a rifle or bow. For the past 15 years, I have engaged heavily in shooting competitions in various disciplines including traditional archery, handgun, and long-range rifle.