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Very few types of firearms capture the imagination and intrigue like scoped rifles. Besides the guns, purchasing an adequate scope is the most time-consuming affair and it will require you to answer some questions before deciding on any one scope.
Short on time? Check out our Best Picks for Rifle Scopes
- Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25X56
- Trijicon TR23 Accupoint 5-20×50
- NightForce 12-42x56mm
- Burris Scout Riflescope 2.75x20mm
- Leapers UTG Accushot 2-7X44
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
- Vortex Optics Diamondback
- Primary Arms 1-6x ACSS
- Swarovski Z8i 1-8×24
- Bushnell RXS100 Reflex Sight
- Burris Handgun 2-7X32
- Athlon Optics Neos 3-9x40mm
- Holosun HS503GU
- NightForce ATACR 5-25X56 F1
- NightForce NXS 5.5-22X56
There are two major rules of thumb for those new to the shooting world and particularly scoped rifles.
The first rule is related to the intended use and that is there is not a one-size-fits-all riflescope.
The second rule is associated with budget. While the old rule of thumb stated that you should spend at least half of what you spent on the firearm on the glass, I’m more inclined to spend 2x the cost of the rifle on the scope.
One of the elementary categorizations would be on magnification. The magnification can be either fixed or variable. A few decades ago, fixed magnification scopes were the prevalent type, but most are variable power today. However, the scopes with fixed magnification (4x, 6x, 10x or even 40x) are ideal for hunting stands, military applications and long-range shooting disciplines.
The second classification that I’ll focus on, but without going into too much detail, are these telescopic sights broken down into subcategories based on their purposes.
Although some say there’s no significant difference between the scopes designed for hunting, competition, or tactical application, I will break them down into several specific categories, arranged by scope purpose, type of weapon platform, and price class.
To better understand the potential uses of rifle scopes, it is best to break them down into categories. Though there are likely more specific categories than will be listed here, we are not looking for high-level detail. We want just enough for you to be able to determine the best scope for your intended purpose.
What We Will Cover
- Long-Range Scopes
- Scout Scopes
- Hunting Scopes
- 3-Gun Scopes
- Handgun Scopes
- Rimfire Scopes
- Home Defense Scopes
- Tactical Optics
- High-End Scopes
- Under $1000
- Under $500
- Under $100
- Night Vision Scopes
- Thermal Scopes
- Red Dot Sights
- Most Popular Scope Brands
- Other Features To Look For When Buying A Scope
- Our Review Articles
- Conclusion
Long-Range Scopes
Not all riflescopes are created equal, and the best test to find a quality one is precise distance shooting.
Although you can reach out targets past 500 yards with scopes coming from an average budget, the best long-range riflescopes are specific tools designed with high magnification power, a high-performance optics element, exacting reticle systems and wide elevation adjustment ranges.
All that means is that serious long-range shooting is impossible without a high-quality scope with a hefty price tag.
1 Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25X56
Designed for the elite military and civilian shooters, the Leupold Mark 5HD riflescope provides extreme low-light performance due to the Twilight Max HD Management System with superior edge-to-edge clarity.
The Mark 5HD combines a 5:1 zoom ratio and high-speed power selector with an integrated throw lever to allow you are putting accurate fire downrange faster, no matter whether you’re using it for hunting or combat shooting.
It uses versatile Combat Competition Hunter reticle and tactical turrets with M5C3 ZeroLock adjustments to max out the newest long-range rifles’ performance.
Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25X56 features a 35mm main tube and rugged reliability to ensure durability even in the harshest conditions.
2 Trijicon TR23 Accupoint 5-20×50
Along with battle-proven aiming systems, Trijicon also produces scopes with some serious magnification. Trijicon Tr23 Accupoint 5-20×50 is an immensely powerful optic with advanced fiber-optic/tritium aiming-point illumination.
The standard illuminated Mil-Dot reticle comes with a green dot/aiming-point that will automatically adjust the brightness to existing light conditions.
Combining a fully multicoated high-quality glass, the remarkable 50mm objective and a stunning magnification range, the TR23 is undoubtedly capable of 1,000-yard hits.
3 NightForce 12-42x56mm
This long-range riflescope is developed with bench rest shooters in mind and specialized for ultra-long-range firearms.
Nightforce 12-42x56mm Benchrest scope comes with high-power variable magnification and large, multicoated lenses to provide a resolution and optical performance in a class with only high-end spotting scopes.
Combining a Nightforce illuminated NP-R2 reticle with target turrets in .125 MOA (1/8 click) values, this NF long-range scope certainly has the capacity for precise and repeatable shot placement.
Scout Scopes
The scout scopes are intended to be mounted on compact, lightweight rifles to enable hunters and shooters rapid target acquisition and improved balance. Unlike traditional scopes, a scout scope will allow users to shoot with both eyes open while retaining peripheral vision during shooting situations. Since the scout scopes are mounted in front of the action, you will need at least 9 inches of eye relief.
1 Burris Scout Riflescope 2.75x20mm
This fixed power Burris is excellent for short to medium-range shooting. With a Heavy Plex reticle and the lengthened eye relief of 8.50″ to 14.00″ inches.
Built on a one-inch maintube, this scout scope is sleek and compact while fully multicoated lenses provide excellent brightness, light transmission, and low-light performance.
2 Leapers UTG Accushot 2-7X44
With 11″ – 9.5″ of extended eye relief, this one-piece, 30mm tube scope offers robustness and a glass-etched, illuminated TRE reticle for range estimation.
The UTG scope is also suitable for mounting on scout rifles as its package includes twist-lock medium Picatinny rings.
Hunting Scopes
Without a doubt, hunting scopes are the most widespread optical devices with a multitude of companies that produce this type of optics.
As the most common type of riflescope with many subcategories, there is certainly a significant crossover with optics from one subcategory that can be used in the other.
You can choose from those specialized for driven hunts, mountain hunting to that purpose-built for low-light and stalking. Still, all of these subcategories share some similar characteristics typical for hunting optics.
Main tube diameters of 1 inch and 30 mm are the most common. Scopes for hunters feature low-profile, capped elevation and windage turrets to prevent unwanted rotation. Most hunting optics come with a hunting-oriented reticle (Duplex or German No.4) located in the second focal plane.
At low powered hunting scopes, parallax is typically fixed at 100yds, whereas higher magnification scopes (12x or more) are usually equipped with an adjustable parallax setting.
There is no need to say that every decent scope intended for hunting use has to be weatherproof and shockproof but many are.
1 Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm features an aircraft aluminum tube that is waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof. It is made of scratch-resistant lenses with a tri-MOA that is perfect for hunting. It has crystal clear optics that are ideal for bright and lowlight conditions.
2 Vortex Optics Diamondback
Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40 is another versatile 3:1 zoom ratio hunting scope with fully multicoated lenses and capped reset turrets.
Featuring one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum construction and a classic V-plex (multiplex) reticle, this scope is ideal for a wide variety of hunting applications.
3 Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24×50 Riflescope
The Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24×50 riflescope is a high-end riflescope that magnifies between 6 and 24x and has a ZMOAi-T20 reticle designed specifically for hunting. It is designed with optic technology that gives you an extremely clear image every time, no matter how bright or how dark the conditions are in which you’re hunting. It is best for long-range hunting and boasts an unprecedented 80 MOA of elevation travel.
3-Gun Scopes
Scopes for 3-gun competitions should be flexible and work well in all kinds of scenarios, similar to real-world situations.
The 3-Gun shooting matches require the competitors to engage targets from close to mid-range, sometimes at a distance of up to 500 yards.
Along with a compact and sleek design, most 3-gun shooters prefer scopes with low-power magnification to avoid distortion when trying to shoot fast.
The reflex sights (red dots, prismatic and holographic) will undoubtedly enable quick close-up shots, but the Low Power Variable Scopes (LPVO) are more versatile.
1 Primary Arms 1-6x ACSS
The PA 1-6x24mm scope’s trademark is an illuminated ACSS reticle designed for close-up stuff, but also have some holdover ability for work at farther distances up to 200 yards.
PA 1-6x LPVO combines decent glass quality and a 30mm tube to provide a clear and bright sight picture.
2 Swarovski Z8i 1-8×24
Swarovski Z8i will take you to the next level in 3-gun competition, offering a super clear image and specialized illuminated reticle for quickly engaging near targets.
Of course, it comes with a hefty price tag.
3 Bushnell RXS100 Reflex Sight
The Bushnell RXS100 reflex red dot sight is the best sight for a 3-gun scope. It has a large 4 MOA red dot reticle with eight different brightness settings. It’s lightweight, easy to mount, and has windage and elevation adjustments included on the sight. Best of all, it’s affordable, making it a great option for rifles, shotguns, and handguns.
Handgun Scopes
Handgun scopes are known for their extended eye-box because you need optics that work at arm’s length. Though similar in other features to the riflescopes, handgun scopes come with an extended eye relief of somewhere between 20 and 35 inches.
While you can mount an optic on a semi-automatic pistol using the slide mount, scopes are most often mounted on the revolver’s barrel, right in front of the action using handgun-specific mounting rings.
Since the size and weight are the ultimate feature, most standard handgun scopes are built on one-inch main tubes with 20mm to 32mm objective lens.
1 Burris Handgun 2-7X32
The Burris Handgun scope offers quick target acquisition and provides a large field of view followed by 14″-21″ extended eye relief.
The solid, one-piece, 1″ tube can withstand recoil up to .50 BMG. This model has the Ballistic Plex reticle.
2 Leupold VX-3 2.5-8x32mm Handgun Scope
The Leupold VX-3 2.5-8x32mm handgun scope is lightweight, rugged, and has exceptional performance in both low light and bright conditions with the Leupold Twilight Light Management System. It has a substantial eye relief of 15 inches which is ideal for handguns. It will withstand the elements as well as extreme cold and heat.
3 BSA 2-7×32 Edge Series
The BSA 2-7×32 Edge Series scope comes with an extremely generous eye relief of 12″ to 20″ inches and a fixed parallax set at 50 yards.
The Edge features popular 30/30 Duplex reticle fully multicoated optics for brighter, higher-contrast images.
With 2-7x configuration and 1″ single-tube construction, this BSA pistol scope is ideal for mid-range shots, but also it can double as a scout scope.
Rimfire Scopes
As most .22lr rifles are compact guns with a weight that rarely exceeds 5 pounds, you should avoid a heavy optic because it will throw it off balance and affect its ease of handling, unless you are shooting in serious 50-yard Benchrest competitions.
If you are a weekend plinker, you can opt for a rimfire scope with lower magnification power in prices ranging from as little as $30 for standard makes.
If you have ambitions for competitive championships, then your rimfire should be equipped with mid to high-priced centerfire scopes with very high magnification.
In any case, the best .22-dedicated scopes come with 32mm to 42mm objective lenses and a 1-inch main tube.
Most rimfire riflescopes share a thin, non-illuminated reticle set in the second focal plane that provides a minimal obstruction of the target.
Although the .22lr’s accurate shooting distance is about 200 yards, the high-powered rimfire riflescopes designed for competition come with adjustable parallax to provide a more precise sight picture and make it easier to hit tiny targets.
1 Athlon Optics Neos 3-9x40mm
The Neos is a simple riflescope with a BDC22 reticle calibrated for the most common .22 rounds. This scope has fully multicoated glass and a single aircraft-grade aluminum tube construction.
2 Simmons 3-9X32 .22 Mag(R)
This Simmons .22 Mag rifle scope features fully coated optics with a HydroShield lens coating. It features the Truplex reticle, a TrueZero adjustment system, and a waterproof 1-inch maintube.
3 BSA Sweet 3-9×40 .22
Optimized for .22 LR rifles, this 3-9x BSA scope employs a 30/30 Duplex reticle and green-tinted fully coated lenses.
The 40mm objective lens offers great visibility and image brightness in low light conditions. The scope is shipped with 1″ rings and has three turrets calibrated for .22LR ammunition.
Home Defense Scopes
Choosing a home and self-defense scope demands an entirely different approach from hunting or shooting competition. There is no perfect answer, but the rule of thumb would be to use optic devices as simple as possible for that purpose.
When picking a home defense scope, consider your home’s limited space, other members of your family, low light conditions, and stress as major factors.
Most professionals suggest using any sort of red dot or reflex sight as the optimal solution for close-quarters combat since they offer a time and accuracy advantage when it comes to life or death.
For close-range combat indoors, you don’t want magnification, and long range scopes or lasers would be useless for the short ranges in home defense.
Red dot or holographic sights excels at close quarters combat due to their simplicity while maintaining your peripheral vision because they should be used with both eyes open.
1 Holosun HS503GU
The HS503GU micro red dot optic has a reticle in the form of a 2MOA dot and 65MOA ring to enable the engaging of close targets and targets at further ranges.
The sight is powered by one CR2032 battery with a lifetime of 50,000 hours. Low mount and 1/3 Co-witness mount included.
2 Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot
The Vortex Optics Strikefire II red dot gives you precision aiming with its large and bright 4 MOA red dot reticle, perfect for home defense. It’s durable, rugged, and night vision compatible. It has a large eye relief of 4 inches so that you can easily shoot with both eyes open. You can easily mount the Strikefire II red dot to your handgun using a Picatinny or Weaver rail mount.
3 Aimpoint ACRO C-1
The Aimpoint Acro C-1 (Advanced Compact Reflex Optic) belongs to the micro red dot category that can be mounted on handguns, rifles, and even shotguns.
Acro C-1 is powered by one CR1225 battery and its 3.5 MOA dot stays illuminated for 1.5 years.
Tactical Optics
Unlike long-range sniper scopes, a tactical riflescope’s defining characteristic will be the possibility of the first shot hitting the target, but not the consistent pinpoint accuracy.
Depending on your buying purposes, you’ll choose a tactical scope in which minimum magnification ranges from 1x to 6x and maximum magnification from 12x to 30x.
Usually, tactical optics come equipped with tactical-style reticles (Mil-Dot, etc.) in the first focal plane and tactical (uncapped) turrets with bigger click values (usually 1cm/100m).
Scope body size includes tubes of 30, 34, 35, 36 or 40mm.
1 NightForce ATACR 5-25X56 F1
This is the most prominent member on this list with the highest magnification range (5-25x) and heaviest price tag.
Nightforce ATACR 5-25×56 is made of a thick 34 mm tube body, housing a robust internal mechanism for an extremely wide 120 MOA elevation and 60 MOA windage adjustment travel.
The ATACR scope is equipped with multicoated ED glasses, ZeroStop, PTL (Power Throw Lever), and an FFP illuminated reticle with the MOAR style crosshairs.
2 Steiner T5Xi Tactical Rifle Scope
There are five different magnification ranges you can choose for the T5Xi. This one is the 1-5x with a 24mm objective lens which is efficient for tactical purposes. It is a one-piece tube that can be mounted to your rifle or handgun. It is designed with an illuminated reticle for precision aiming when shooting. It’s heavy-duty, durable, and waterproof up to 33 feet of water submersion.
3 Bushnell BT1040 Tactical Riflescope
The Bushnell BT1040 tactical riflescope is an affordable tactical scope for short to mid-range shooting. It has a maximum magnification of 10x with a large 40mm objective lens. You can easily adjust for windage and elevation using the turrets on the side and top of the scope when making long shots.
There are multiple layers of protective coatings on the lenses to make them scratch-resistant. Additionally, the lenses are coated with anti-reflective material that creates a crystal clear image when looking through the scope.
High-End Scopes
You do not need a lot of wisdom to conclude that the best thing you can do is get a high-end scope on a quality rifle.
Choosing among the high-end rifle scopes is not as confusing as buying standard scopes because the optics in this range represent a considerably smaller market than more affordable ones.
Whether you are an extreme long-range precision shooter or passionate about hunting, if you want a high-end scope, you should look for one with a robust design and construction, premium lenses, the availability of multiple reticles, different adjustment ranges, and a few extra perks for that big price tag.
1 NightForce NXS 5.5-22X56
The Nightforce NXS 5.5-22×56 is not only a high-end scope, but it’s also the ultimate long-range scope. Along with a 4x zoom ratio, this advanced field tactical scope has multi-coated lenses and convenient target turrets with a Zero Stop function at elevation turret.
As an extreme long-range scope, it offers 100 MOA of elevation travel per turret revolution and standard MOA illuminated reticle.
While NXS features a 30mm tube, its body is 2- 3x thicker than other scopes, making it recoil-proof up to 1250 G’s.
2 Schmidt & Bender PM II 5-25x56mm Riflescope
If you’re looking to shoot long distances, the Schmidt & Bender 5-25x is what you’ll need. It has a minimum magnification of 5x and a maximum magnification of 25x. It has an untouchable crystal clear view of the target you are viewing through the scope. It is made of corrosive-resistant and scratch-resistant materials and the tube is nitrogen-filled, making the lens fogproof and waterproof.
3 Zeiss Victory V8 2.8-20×56
This Victory V8 in 2.8-20x configuration belongs to the mid-range models of the Zeiss flagship line.
Combining a 36mm main tube for the sheer adjustment range, 56mm objective lens and Zeiss exclusive HT (High-Transmission) glass, this V8 is made for long-distance shots and exceptional low light performance.
The illuminated #60 fiber-optic reticle combined with ASV Long Range bullet drop compensator stands for ultimate long-range shooting ability.
Under $1000
While you can find high-end scopes priced well over $3,000, there are high-performing scopes with similar lenses and construction quality that require spending only double zero-digit sums.
Along with premium glass elements, as a wise shooter, you will consider the availability of different types of reticles, reset zero features, parallax adjustments and the quality and usability of turrets.
Like high-end scopes, versatile optics under $1,000 is suited for a variety of shooting applications since you’ll have crystal-clear image quality, mirror and phase-correction coatings, and perfect interior mechanisms.
1 Meopta Optika 3-18×56 Riflescope
The Meopta Optika riflescope leads the industry in light transmission. The ion-assisted multi-coated lenses allow an unprecedented 99.7% light transmission per lens surface, giving you a bright and extremely clear image when looking through the lens. It has an RD illuminated reticle with a bright red dot that is highly visible in both lowlight and bright conditions. It is extremely durable for heavy-duty use, especially for less than $1,000.
2 Vortex Viper HS LR 6-24×50
For hunters and shooters, the Vortex brand is a synonym of quality for a more affordable price, and their HS-LR (long-range) series of scopes isn’t an exception. Like a smaller model, the 6-24×50 version features 4 times zoom range and it’s built on an ultra-strong 30mm one-piece machined aluminum alloy tube.
The upgraded Viper HS-LR sports premium XD (extra-low dispersion) lenses and an XLR MOA reticle set in the first focal plane.
3 Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44mm #20 Z-Plex Reticle
The Zeiss Conquest V4 has a magnification range of 4x to 16x with a 44mm objective lens. Not only is the lens a large diameter, but it is also high-resolution allowing for 90% light transmission to give you a clear image of the target when looking through the scope.
Additionally, Zeiss lenses have a coating that puts them in a category of their own when it comes to weather conditions. The Zeiss Conquest V4 can be used in all weather types without losing any of the image’s quality or integrity.
You can easily adjust the magnification, windage, and elevation by using the dials located on the scope. They are made of knurled metal for you to easily grip and turn while focusing on your shot.
Under $500
The rifle scopes under $500 are probably the biggest category in the optics market, so picking the best one from this group would be a challenging mission and a daunting task.
For most hunters and intermediate shooters, a rifle scope in this price range is a favorite because it performs well, satisfies target shooting requirements, and remains accurate even after multiple hunting seasons.
Compared to cheaper scopes, a scope under $500 would have higher light transmission to provide clear and bright images at the top end of the magnification range.
The scopes at this price point feature robust and durable construction, so they can withstand the recoil on large caliber rifles better than the inexpensive scopes do.
1 Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24
The Strike Eagle wide-angle scope in 1-6×24 configuration is an extremely versatile model developed for hunting, law enforcement, 3-gun, and home defense.
With XD (extra-low dispersion) lens elements, Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x is a step-up optic from entry-level glasses.
It comes with capped, low-profile turrets and glass-etched AR-BDC2 reticle calibrated for standard 5.56mm loads.
2 Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10×40
When you get the chance to buy a Leupold scope under $500, you should always take it.
The Leupold VX-3HD has a Duplex CDS-ZL reticle which is great in twilight conditions, especially when paired with the Leupold Elite Optical System. The Elite Optical System puts the light transmission into a league of its own by reducing glare and increasing the image’s resolution through the reticle.
Leupold rifle scopes are 100% fogproof, shockproof, and waterproof, putting them at the top of the list as the most durable and reliable riflescope manufacturers on the market.
3 Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24×50
With a multi-functional scope, this Athlon 6-24×50 is appropriate for both novices and advanced users since it can be used for various applications.
This is a mid to long-range scope with an upgrade in high-quality glass, fully multicoated for both protection and a clear image.
Exposed turrets and the ATMR MOA illuminated reticle set in FFP enable long-range shots in many different scenarios.
The single-piece body is machined from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum tube and argon purged for waterproofing and thermal stability.
Under $100
Sometimes the best place to start is with the cheapest choice on the market. To avoid buying a piece of junk, you just need a quality guideline like this to filter out a decent and usable scope from a child’s toy.
If you are a beginner or strictly a budget conscious hunter that tries to pick their first-time buy from this price range, your focus should be more on the quality of the fundamental features.
These budget-friendly scopes should have a decent glass of an acceptable standard, solid construction with all-weather resistance features, and practical and accurate reticles.
It would generally help if you avoided cheap scope packages that come with a bunch of extra accessories.
1 Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 4-12x40mm
The affordable Banner riflescope series features glasses multicoated with Bushnell proprietary Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) coatings to increases low-light performance.
The one-piece housing is based on a 1-inch aluminum tube filled with dry nitrogen to ensure water and fogproof quality and shockproof for small caliber rifles.
The scope comes with Multi-X reticle and capped turrets with 60 MOA windage and elevation adjustment ranges. In addition, it boasts an Adjustable Objective for parallax adjustment.
2 Feyachi Falcon 3-12x40mm
Another viable option for a budget hunting setup is Feyachi Falcon 3-12x40mm scope with a BDC style reticle that provides bullet drop compensation up to 500 yards.
This 1-inch tube riflescope is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum and completely sealed to offer shockproof, as well as waterproofing and thermal stability.
Along with a nice 4″ eye relief, Falcon 3-12x40mm features multiple anti-reflective coating layers to maximize light transmission and provide optimum brightness and contrast.
3 Simmons 8 Point 3-9x50mm
Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm is an incredibly cheap but usable riflescope. With a huge 50mm objective lens and variable zoom, it is the perfect scope for beginners and youngsters.
Simmons Truplex reticle comes with a simple crosshair for accurate shot placement and low-profile, capped turrets.
This rock-solid scope is made of a 1-inch tube called O-ring sealed for waterproofing and nitrogen-filed to keep it fogproof.
Night Vision Scopes
Night Vision optics belong to the specialty scopes category as they are used for shooting at night or in low-light environments, giving you an unprecedented advantage in the field.
Night Vision Riflescopes can be differentiated according to the type of source light to produce a viewable image. The standard “active” and “passive” night vision devices use an image intensifier tube to transmit images to the viewer. They are classified into Generations, ranging from Gen 1 to Gen 3 Plus.
A more recent production is digital night vision scopes that use a camera sensor to convert ambient light into a digital image. The digital night vision scopes tend to be more affordable than classic IR devices and they also can be used in daylight.
1 Pulsar Digisight Ultra N455 Digital Night Vision Riflescope
The Digisight Ultra N455 NV 4.5-18x riflescope is designed for hunting hogs, predators, and varmints in twilight or nighttime, but it can also be used in daylight.
The Ultra N455 comes with a 4.5-18.0x variable magnification and has a nighttime detection range of up to 550 yards.
Besides 10 reticle options, Digisight Ultra N455 sports the picture-in-picture (PiP) functionality and a removable modular 940nm Invisible LED IR illuminator.
This Pulsar versatile device also features built-in video and sound recording and can easily stream your hunting adventures.
2 Sightmark Wraith HD Digital Night Vision Riflescope
The Sightmark Wraith HD is made for both day and night hunting. When using the scope during the day, you have a full-color view when looking through the optical lens. When using night vision mode, you can choose between black and white or classic green.
It has a high-definition sensor and can record in 1080p. It can zoom up to 16x and has 10 different reticle options with nine different reticle colors you can choose from.
3 ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20X
Like previous models, the ATN X-Sight is a day/night digital riflescope with an image detection range of between 250 to 300 yards and various reticle patterns.
Besides that, the X-Sight has a Ballistic Calculator, Smart Range Finder, and E-barometer.
Another highlight of this digital night vision riflescope is the One-Shot Zero feature, an IR850 Infra-red Illuminator, and Bluetooth and WiFi capability.
The aluminum housing features a 30mm maintube for compatibility with traditional mounting rings and base.
Thermal Scopes
Thermal imaging technology uses unique technology to allow you to see high-contrast black and white images on your screen.
Thermal imaging scopes display temperature information and can be used during the day, but they’re even more effective at night due to the greater temperature differences.
They are very expensive, and the best thermal scopes or thermographic cameras can operate in the 8,000-15,000nm part of the spectrum.
1 Trijicon IR Hunter MK3 Thermal Scope
One of the best and, for sure, most expansive thermal scopes is IR Hunter MK3 35mm from Trijicon Electro Optics Division.
The IRMK3-35 model is equipped with a 35 mm Germanium objective lens and has a choice of 8 reticles. This thermal device features an optical magnification of 2.5x coupled with digital 8x E-Zoom.
Due to the large variable magnification, IR Hunter MK3 has a detection range of 1,800 yards and an identification range of 400 yards.
2 Pulsar Thermion Thermal Riflescope
The Pulsar Thermion thermal riflescope can range shots up to 1,400 yards away. It has various features, including picture-in-picture, Wi-Fi capability, and built-in recording with recoil activation.
For thermal detection, it can detect targets up to 1,400 yards, putting it in a class of its own for thermal riflescopes. It has an instant startup that automatically turns on when it detects thermal heat and switches off when heat is no longer detected.
If you’re looking for a thermal riflescope that can range an exceptional distance and has a variety of customizable features, then look no further than the Pulsar Thermion.
3 ATN Thor HD 384 4.5-18x Thermal Scope
ATN Thor HD 384 4.5-18x thermal scope will provide some extra detection distances with the 4.5-18x magnification range.
The detection range of the human size target for this scope is 0.9 mile; at 650 yards, you will recognize your target, and at about 400 yards, you can identify it.
Like all digital scopes, ATN Thor HD 384 is capable of 1080p HD Video and Photo Recording while you can connect it to both WiFi and Bluetooth.
Similar to previous thermals, Thor HD 384 has an intelligent Ballistic calculator, GPS, and smart rangefinder.
Red Dot Sights
Since scope is really a shortened term for telescopic sight, it is somewhat controversial as to whether a red dot is truly a scope or not since they have little to no magnification. I would argue that they are scopes since their use and purpose are the same as longer-range optics. These are the most popular and often considered the best scopes for AR series rifles and are the most popular by far.
Normally, a red dot scope will have no magnification, instead they simply provide an illuminated reticle that makes engaging a target faster and more accurate. There are a few red dot scopes that magnify as much as 3x but those are rare and often more expensive.
So, the defining traits of red dot scopes are low to no magnification and a powered reticle that is often not appropriate for shooting longer ranges. The aiming reticle in a red dot is usually quite large and can obscure small targets at a distance. These are best reserved for close to medium range shots.
1 Vortex Optics Strikefire II
This high-quality tube-style red dot is available in either only red or selectable red/green model. A 4 MOA dot has ten brightness levels, including 2-night vision settings.
These StrikeFire 2 features are fully multicoated lenses and a 30mm tube, nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed.
The red dot is powered by one CR2 battery will provide 300-600 hours of running time.
2 Sightmark Ultra Shot Reflex Sight
The Sightmark red dot comes in the form of the HUD display reflex sight with dual layers of glass fused. The Sightmark is made of aluminum with a protective shield for the primary housing and an integrated Weaver mount.
While it can be mounted on any rifle, shotgun or handgun, the Sightmark Ultra Shot Red-dot Sight offers 4 different reticle patterns for further versatility.
A single CR123 battery provides life for 1,000 hours of continuous use.
Most Popular Scope Brands
There is a multitude of companies that produce rifle optics, not all of them are good but there are dozens of choices that are worthy of a place on your rifle. I won’t attempt to cover all of the possible brands here but I would like to highlight some that are worth noting because of quality and availability.
Leupold & Stevens
If you are looking for quality, Leupold is some of the highest out there. Their scopes are costly but worth every penny when it comes to proven ruggedness in the field and some of the best glass you can get. They started producing rifle scopes just after World War II when founder Markus Leupold missed a deer with an inferior scope and swore that he could make a better one.
We don’t know what scope he was using at the time but I am sure it doesn’t compare to the quality of Leupold. Now his scopes are some of the preferred and possibly even the .308 scope and larger caliber sport shooting scopes are some of the best.
Vortex Optics
Though Vortex has only been producing optics for about 15 years, they have taken over the budget optic market due to their exceptional quality at very fair prices. This American company is doing everything right and very little wrong with a wide range of optical devices. Nine times out of ten if you are looking for the best scope for the money, it’s a Vortex.
Their rifle scopes are known to be astoundingly rugged and made with the best components that Vortex can get. If you are interested in a Vortex scope, now is the time to get one. Their prices have been creeping up over the last few years as they increase the functionality of their products.
Nightforce Optics
Having been in business since 1992, I am constantly amazed that Nightforce has not garnered more fame for their products considering they are the hands down toughest optics on the planet. They are also one of the highest quality with outstanding glass quality and attention to detail.
Hopefully, this company sticks around, their products are getting harder to find so I assume business is good. I think a good Nightforce scope should be on everyone’s wish list for the day that cost and availability come together.
If you are a .22 competition shooter, the Nightforce NXS is perhaps the best scope for .22lr bench rest competitions ever made. Of course, this is also about the best scope for AR-10 rifles if you really want to reach out to 800+ yards. In my opinion, it’s really about the best scope for .308 or larger calibers of any make.
Bushell
While not the oldest optics company around, Bushnell just passed their 70th anniversary. During that time, they have developed quite a following with their budget-priced optics that may not be the greatest but are a far cry from being bad. Their Trophy series is one of the longest-running and most successful but new series like the Forged and Prime are making strong headway into the tactical optics market.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Bushnell has been on the rifles that have killed thousands of deer. They are dead-on accurate and of sufficient quality to make them very usable. The price point is pretty much perfect for what you get.
Nikon
Nikon started rolling out scopes over 90 years ago and has probably had more scopes on more rifles than any other company on this list. With the Monarch, Prostaff, and Buckmaster series all being immensely popular options, there are thousands and thousands of their optics still being shot today. Even their higher grade Black series scopes sell very well and for hunters who like a little range on a budget, these are about the best scope for 30-06 and other common hunting calibers.
Being of top-notch quality and ultra-clear glass, Nikon has earned its reputation as a maker of amazing optics. When you match that with reasonable pricing, you have a winning combination.
Nikon announced they are getting out of the riflescope market but there are still plenty on the market you can get your hands on.
Burris
Starting production in the 1970s, Burris is far from the new kid on the block. Especially when you consider that Don Burris was making optics for years before he started his own company. This has led to some great quality scopes if perhaps not the best on the market. There are a few companies that offer better glass or more rugged designs but those are also more expensive.
With the perfect blend of exceptional quality and modest price, Burris has always held its own in the market. The companies that have often done better were mostly due to military or government contracts though some police forces have used Burris scopes over the past 50 years.
Primary Arms
Primary Arms started producing optics around 2006 and has been fairly popular. Their scopes are a little bit of an anomaly, having features that usually cost far more but ignoring some of what people consider the basics. You may get a scope with a high dollar front focal plane but it may not be fully waterproof.
This has given them a special niche in which their scopes sell very well. The type of person who likes to get out to the range in fair weather would benefit greatly from a Primary Arms scope whereas the hunter who may be out in foul weather may prefer another. Primary Arms does have weather protection, just not the most robust.
Trijicon
Being best known for their ACOG red dot sight, Trijicon produces a range of optics in varying levels of magnification to suit different needs. They cater mostly to the military and tactical enthusiasts where they are considered the benchmark against which all optics should be measured. For those of a tactical persuasion, Trijicon makes about the best AR 15 scope platform on the planet as long as you don’t plan on shooting long distances.
Though they haven’t been the most popular, their low magnification optics are among the best scope for M1-A rifles if you want a good scout setup that works at the range or when hunting.
If you are in the market for a red dot and don’t care to spend the money, Trijicon is almost unbeatable. Their thermal scopes are also extremely popular. Their more traditional optics with more magnification haven’t gained the same level of support. Not that there is anything at all wrong with them, just that they are overshadowed by other brands.
Aimpoint
Aimpoint is the producer of some of the finest red dot optics on the planet but that is all they offer. Some have low levels of magnification, no more than 6x, and make fine scout scopes. Their general market has always been law enforcement and lovers of the best tactical gear. While mainly designed for AR platforms these are among the best scopes for Ruger 10/22 rifles if you want a fun little plinking gun.
If you are in the market for a red dot, this is where you start. If they cost more than you are willing to spend, you can start scaling back then. The CompM series and Patrol Rifle Optic are favorites with a great reputation for longevity and durability.
Other Features To Look For When Buying A Scope
Magnification
Choose the magnification that best fits how you shoot most of the time. So if you usually hunt deer in the woodlands and you rarely shoot past 150-200 yards then choose your magnification based on that. If you are strictly a competition shooter, or hunt out west with wide open areas of land, then choose your magnification for your current needs and how you most likely will be shooting most of the time.
Many times people choose way too much magnification because they think they will be shooting much further than they normally do. You need to know your scope magnification numbers.
Objective Lens
The number after the X in a scopes power designation is the size in millimeters of the objective lens. The 5-15x42mm scope above would have a 42mm objective lens. This is the lens that is farthest from the eye and is important for two reasons. The objective lens controls how much light the scope lets in and the size of the field of view.
The first is how much light is allowed into the scope and the second is what your field of view will be.
A brighter scope with a larger objective lens is preferable in almost every case. Companies usually don’t have objective lenses that are so large that they cause issues with mounting the scope but in some cases, you may have to have taller rings and mount the scope higher if you have an extremely large objective lens. This can make sighting in an issue but will be a rare situation.
The field of view is simply how much area you can see at a certain range, usually at 100 or 1000 yards when written. The larger the area, the easier it will be to spot your target and get it in your crosshairs. This is very valuable as a trait of an optic but you will sacrifice some magnification to get it.
The most important factor of the objective lens is to allow light into the scope. All things being equal, a large objective will be brighter overall but it is not the only factor that determines how clear images will be through your scope. We will cover some of the others below.
Lens Coatings
The most important quality a scope can have for image quality is lens coatings with treatments of various chemicals that help to correct issues like mirage and lens glare while controlling the light that enters the scope. A good coating will make the scope appear brighter for an overall crisper view while not affecting accuracy.
Lens coatings come in four different levels:
- Coated lenses use a single chemical to coat the lens
- Fully Coated lenses use the same single chemical but on all outside lens surfaces
- Multi-Coated lenses have a mixture or layers of different chemicals applied to just the objective lens.
- Fully multi-coated lenses use the multi-chemical treatment but to all lens surfaces.
As you step up this list the cost will go up but so will the overall image quality through the scope. Opting for the best coating you can get is preferable but not all companies use equivalent coatings. A scope by Leupold may be brighter than a scope by Bushnell even if they are both fully-multicoated.
The best bet is to use this as a guide but not as a set in stone rule. Use the overall quality and image of the optic as the final determining factor but in general, go for the multicoated glass when you can afford to. You will be much happier with your purchase overall.
Be warned that some cheaper companies use gimmicky multi-coat to cover up for what are poorly made scopes. If you have bad glass, the coating isn’t a magic fix. Be wary when a cheap optic offers multi-coating but is cheaper than most other non-coated scopes or you may feel cheated.
Reticle
You will see a number of different standardized reticles in the world of rifle scopes and some that are proprietary to the company that designed them. Picking what reticle would be most useful to you when there are dozens of options is a daunting process. Each has its own uses and advantages as well as sometimes being caliber specific.
These may range from plain crosshairs that you would find on a hunting rifle up to scopes that help you judge bullet drop specific to .308 or whatever caliber it was designed for. You could break these down into three classes for easy understanding:
Standard crosshairs are the typical cross design that are often depicted in TV shows. They are often very uncomplicated and uncluttered with additional lines, numbers, or strange shapes. This makes them quite easy to use.
Target Crosshairs are very similar to standard crosshairs but usually just add a circle or dot at the center to make aiming easier. You will usually find these on low powered scopes and red dots that are intended for close-range or low light environments. These can be problematic when shooting longer ranges where the size of the dot can obscure the target.
Bullet drop crosshairs make use of regular, measured markings to help in determining bullet drop and distance. These can take time to learn to use effectively but the process is rather rewarding. For those new to shooting longer ranges, these can be far too distracting and take away from the new shooters ability to learn.
Eye Relief
How far from the scope you must hold your eye to see a full, clear image is the eye relief. This could range anywhere from 3” to nearly a foot. For high-powered or magnum rifles, a long eye relief is a must to prevent injury. This is especially true for those who wear glasses.
Longer eye relief can make seeing through the scope harder but has been proven to be safer. If you are worried about the scope hitting you from the force of the recoil, get a scope with extended eye relief. For the most powerful scopes, a moderate to low eye relief is probably best to allow you to see clearly through the scope. Just be sure to match it to your rifle.
Protection
There are two types of protection to concern yourself with. The first is shock and recoil protection which should be handled well with most modern scopes as long as you stay away from the cheapest scopes on the market. Some more powerful firearms can actually displace the lenses if the scope is not made to deal with that stress.
The second type of protection is weather protection which includes condensation and fog inside the scope. Most scopes have some form of hard, anodized finished that will help protect them as well as keeping them free from corrosion or rust.
Most of the best scopes will be sealed with O-rings and purged with either nitrogen or argon gas to ensure there are no possible leaks and to keep all water and fog out. This is always the best choice but most expensive overall.
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Conclusion
While it is a complicated art to shoot long distance, the right tools are simple to use and can be quite affordable. No matter if you just want to tighten up your groups at 100 yards or you are looking to shoot out to 1000 yards or more, there are scopes that can make that possible. Just don’t get it in your head that a scope will make that happen for you all by itself.
Like any sight, you still have to do your part and at longer ranges, those basic skills of the marksman become even more important. A small error can equal a big miss. The best thing you can do is get a quality scope on a quality rifle and practice! The 1000 yard shot is a milestone that few shooters get to, maybe you will be one of them.
