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10 Best Rifle Scopes 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Vortex Optics Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC Reticle Riflescope, 3-9x40, Black (CF2-31007)

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC Reticle Riflescope is designed for versatility, making it a great choice for hunters who need a reliable scope for varying distances. With a magnification range of 3-9x and a 40mm objective lens diameter, it provides a clear sight picture that caters to both close and long-range shooting. One of its standout features is the Dead-Hold BDC reticle, which helps with holdover estimations, a significant advantage when targeting at different ranges.

The long eye relief (3.8 inches) and forgiving eye box make it user-friendly, allowing for quick target acquisition, especially in dynamic hunting situations. The anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses ensure bright and sharp views, which is essential for spotting game in various lighting conditions.

In terms of durability, the Crossfire II is built from aircraft-grade aluminum, making it robust and shockproof. Its O-ring sealed design and nitrogen purging offer excellent waterproof and fogproof capabilities, crucial for outdoor use in unpredictable weather. A great benefit is the unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty, which provides peace of mind regarding the product's longevity. However, it's important to note that this warranty does not cover loss or cosmetic damage.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Magnification
Great eye relief of about 4 inches and minimal scope black eye ring provide a full image view at both low and high power.
Objective Lens Diameter
It doesn't add much weight to the rifle and offers clear, bright views with minimal darkness.
Reticle
The glass is generally clearer and the reticle is crisp, making it a quality optic for its price range.
Eye Relief
Great eye relief of about 4 inches and minimal scope black eye ring provide a full image view at both low and high power.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The scope holds zero well even after shooting hundreds of rounds.
#2

SIG SAUER Tango-MSR LPVO 1-6X24mm Waterproof Fog-Proof Rugged Tactical Hunting Rifle Scope | Second Focal Plane/F2 | Illuminated MSR BDC-6 Reticle, Black

The SIG SAUER Tango-MSR LPVO 1-6X24mm rifle scope excels in providing high-quality imagery and reliable performance, making it a solid choice for tactical hunting. Its magnification range of 1x to 6x coupled with a 24mm objective lens allows for versatile usage from close to mid-range shooting. The illuminated MSR BDC-6 reticle with 11 brightness levels ensures visibility in various lighting conditions, enhancing shot accuracy.

Eye relief is comfortable, providing a good experience for extended periods of use. This scope also features impressive field of view and parallax adjustment capabilities, contributing to precise targeting. Durability is a strong suit as well, with the scope being both waterproof and fog-proof, thanks to nitrogen-purged internal optics and a sealed external housing. The aluminum construction enhances its ruggedness, able to withstand harsh environments.

However, some users might find the 24mm objective lens slightly limiting in low-light conditions compared to larger lenses. At 2 pounds, it is relatively lightweight, making it easy to handle and mount using the included cantilever mount. The SIG SAUER's reputation for quality is evident in this product. While not equipped with night vision, it remains a top contender for hunters and tactical shooters needing a reliable and clear optic solution.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Magnification
The zoom remains clear up to 6x, and the sight picture is excellent for hitting targets up to 300 yards.
Reticle
The glass clarity is impressive, and the reticle illumination works well, especially in lower brightness settings.
Field of View
The scope is very clear and bright, although there's some distortion at 1X.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Holds zero nicely even after hundreds of rounds, making it reliable for various rifles.
#3

Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Duplex Reticle Riflescope

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 riflescope is an excellent choice for hunting enthusiasts who need a versatile and durable scope. With a magnification range of 3x to 15x, it provides flexibility for both short and long-range shooting. The 40mm objective lens ensures good light transmission, offering clear and bright images.

The Fine Duplex reticle is simple and uncluttered, which can be advantageous for quick target acquisition in hunting situations. The eye relief is generous, which is important for comfort and safety, especially with high recoil rifles. Additionally, the side focus parallax adjustment allows for precise and easy focusing from any shooting position, enhancing accuracy. This scope is also built to be extremely durable; it is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, making it reliable in various weather conditions. The Guard-ion hydrophobic lens coating helps keep the lens clear of dirt and water.

One of the standout features is the CDS-ZL2 (ZeroLock 2) system, which provides two revolutions of elevation adjustment and prevents accidental dial movement, adding to the scope's precision and ease of use. The main drawback is its weight, at 1.2 pounds, which might be a bit heavy for some users. Also, it may be considered pricey, but it is backed by Leupold's full lifetime guarantee, ensuring long-term value. This riflescope is a solid investment for serious hunters who prioritize quality and performance.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Parallax Adjustment
Side parallax adjustment ensures the reticle stays put even if your head moves.
Reticle
The reticle is simple and uncluttered, with only horizontal hashes, perfect for dialing elevation and holding for wind.

Buying Guide for the Best Rifle Scopes

Choosing the right rifle scope can significantly enhance your shooting experience, whether you're hunting, target shooting, or engaging in tactical operations. The right scope will improve your accuracy, range, and overall performance. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your specific needs and preferences.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is crucial because it determines how well you can see your target at various distances. Scopes typically have fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes are simpler and more durable, while variable magnification scopes offer flexibility for different shooting scenarios. For close-range shooting, a lower magnification (1-4x) is sufficient. For medium-range, consider 5-9x, and for long-range shooting, 10x or higher is ideal. Choose based on the typical distance you will be shooting.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting image brightness and clarity. Larger diameters (40mm and above) allow more light, which is beneficial in low-light conditions but can make the scope heavier and bulkier. Smaller diameters (below 40mm) are lighter and more compact but may not perform as well in dim lighting. Consider where and when you will be shooting to determine the right size for you.
ReticleThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle designs serve different purposes. Simple crosshairs are great for general use, while more complex reticles with hash marks or dots can help with range estimation and bullet drop compensation. Illuminated reticles are useful in low-light conditions. Choose a reticle that matches your shooting style and needs. For example, hunters might prefer a simple reticle, while long-range shooters might benefit from a more detailed design.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope at which you can see the full image. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with high-recoil rifles. Longer eye relief (3.5 inches or more) is better for high-recoil firearms to prevent the scope from hitting your face. Shorter eye relief (around 3 inches) can be acceptable for low-recoil rifles. Consider the type of rifle you are using and your comfort level when choosing the appropriate eye relief.
Field of ViewField of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the scope at a specific distance, usually measured in feet at 100 yards. A wider FOV allows you to see more of the surrounding area, which is beneficial for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. Higher magnification typically reduces FOV. If you need to track fast-moving targets or require a broad view of your surroundings, opt for a scope with a wider FOV. For precision shooting at long distances, a narrower FOV may be acceptable.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment helps to eliminate the parallax error, which occurs when the reticle appears to move against the target when you move your head. This is important for accuracy, especially at longer distances. Scopes with parallax adjustment allow you to fine-tune the focus for different ranges, ensuring the reticle stays on target. If you are shooting at varying distances or require high precision, a scope with parallax adjustment is beneficial. For fixed-distance shooting, this feature may be less critical.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance are crucial for ensuring your scope can withstand harsh conditions and rough handling. Look for scopes that are waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. These features ensure that the scope remains functional in various weather conditions and can handle the recoil of your rifle. If you plan to use your rifle in challenging environments, prioritize scopes with robust construction and reliable weatherproofing.

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