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10 Best Rifle Scopes 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,121
Reticle
Parallax Adjustment
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
324 reviews

Reticle
The reticle is not too busy, with only hashes on the horizontal, allowing for dialed elevation and held wind adjustments.
Parallax Adjustment
Turrets have a nice tactile click at 0.25 MOA per adjustment, with a side parallax adjustment ensuring the reticle doesn't shift across the target.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The glass is bright and clear, holding zero with no problem, making it essentially point and click at 100 yards.

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 rifle scope is tailored for hunting enthusiasts and other users needing precise long-range optics. One of its standout features is the magnification range of 3x to 15x, offering versatility for various shooting distances. The 44mm objective lens diameter ensures adequate light collection for clear images, which is further enhanced by Leupold’s high-definition lenses providing superior clarity across all magnification levels. The illuminated FireDot Duplex reticle aids in low-light conditions, making it easier to lock onto targets in dusk or dawn scenarios.

The eye relief is generous, allowing for comfortable extended use without strain. It also boasts a wide field of view, making it easier to track moving targets. The side focus parallax adjustment provides quick and precise focus adjustments, crucial for maintaining accuracy at longer ranges. Durability is a strong suit for this scope, as it is 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring reliable performance in various weather conditions. The ZeroLock 2 system prevents accidental adjustments, adding an extra layer of reliability.

This scope is on the heavier side at one pound, which might be a consideration for those looking for lightweight equipment. The price point may be higher compared to other models, but it is backed by Leupold’s full lifetime guarantee, emphasizing its quality and longevity. This scope is ideal for serious hunters and shooters who require robust performance, clear visuals, and reliable adjustments in any condition.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,121
Reticle
Parallax Adjustment
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
324 reviews

Reticle
The reticle is not too busy, with only hashes on the horizontal, allowing for dialed elevation and held wind adjustments.
Parallax Adjustment
Turrets have a nice tactile click at 0.25 MOA per adjustment, with a side parallax adjustment ensuring the reticle doesn't shift across the target.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The glass is bright and clear, holding zero with no problem, making it essentially point and click at 100 yards.
#2

Nightforce NX8 4-32x50mm F1 30mm Tube Illuminated ZeroSet Parallax Adjustable First Focal Plane Hunting Gun Scope, Moar F1 (C624)

The Nightforce NX8 4-32x50mm F1 rifle scope offers an impressive magnification range from 4x to 32x, making it highly versatile for both close-range and long-distance shooting. The 50mm objective lens ensures good light transmission, which is essential for clear and bright images. The first focal plane (F1) reticle, specifically the MOAR F1, provides a precise aiming point and is excellent for precision shooting, thanks to the detailed elevation and windage markings. The scope's eye relief of 3.5 inches provides a comfortable viewing experience, although it might be a bit short for some users who prefer more distance between their eye and the scope.

With a field of view of 26.1 feet at 100 yards on the minimum magnification, you get a broad perspective, but this narrows significantly at maximum magnification. The parallax adjustment from 11 yards to infinity is a great feature for eliminating parallax error at varying distances. Durability is another strong point, with the scope being made from robust aluminum and designed to withstand harsh conditions. However, the scope is relatively heavy at 1.79 pounds, which might be a drawback for hunters covering long distances on foot.

Included accessories such as lens covers, a cleaning cloth, and a multi-tool add value to the package. This scope is an excellent choice for avid hunters and precision shooters looking for a reliable and versatile optic.

#3

Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56mm F1 34mm Tube Precise Illuminated First Focal Plane Black Hunting Gun Scope, MIL-R F1, C570

Rating
9.9
Reticle
Parallax Adjustment
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
29 reviews

Reticle
Offers the best image clarity among scopes, with a reticle that is exceptionally clear and adjustable in brightness.
Parallax Adjustment
One criticism is the inability to zero the parallax to a known distance due to the design of the parallax knob.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Exceptional quality, rugged construction, and highly accurate performance make this scope stand out.

The Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56mm F1 rifle scope is designed for serious long-range shooting and hunting. With a magnification range of 7x to 35x, it offers significant flexibility for various distances. The large 56mm objective lens ensures excellent light transmission, which is crucial for low light conditions. The MIL-R reticle in the first focal plane allows precise targeting, and the reticle's illumination further aids in accuracy during dim conditions. The eye relief of 3.6 inches is adequate for most users, providing a comfortable viewing experience without straining the eyes.

Field of view ranges from 15 feet at 7x magnification to 3.4 feet at 35x, making it easier to spot and track targets at different ranges. The parallax adjustment can be set from 10 meters to infinity, enhancing precision for both short and long-distance shots. Additionally, the scope is built with durability in mind, featuring a robust aluminum construction that can withstand harsh weather conditions, which is essential for outdoor hunting.

However, the scope is quite heavy at 39.3 ounces, which might be cumbersome for extended use or carrying around. Also, its price point might be high for casual hunters. The included components such as flip-up covers, cleaning fob, and multi-tool add convenience but do not significantly affect performance. This scope is best suited for dedicated hunters and shooting enthusiasts who need reliable performance over long distances.

Rating
9.9
Reticle
Parallax Adjustment
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
29 reviews

Reticle
Offers the best image clarity among scopes, with a reticle that is exceptionally clear and adjustable in brightness.
Parallax Adjustment
One criticism is the inability to zero the parallax to a known distance due to the design of the parallax knob.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Exceptional quality, rugged construction, and highly accurate performance make this scope stand out.

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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