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10 Best Sniper 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 by1,221
Reticle
Turrets and Adjustments
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
349 reviews

Reticle
The reticle design is simple and effective, with hashes only on the horizontal, allowing for easy elevation dialing and wind holding.
Turrets and Adjustments
Turrets have a nice tactile click at 0.25 MOA per adjustment, ensuring precise control.
Parallax Adjustment
Side parallax adjustment prevents reticle shift across the target, maintaining accuracy.

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 Riflescope is a versatile and high-performance option for hunting enthusiasts. The standout feature is its 3-15x magnification range, which provides flexibility for different shooting distances. The 44mm objective lens diameter ensures good light transmission, contributing to clear and bright images. The illuminated FireDot Duplex reticle helps with quick target acquisition, especially in low-light conditions.

The CDS-ZL2 system allows for precise elevation adjustments and prevents accidental dial movement, enhancing accuracy and ease of use. The side focus parallax adjustment is also a valuable feature, making it easier to maintain focus from various shooting positions. Durability is another strong suit of this scope, as it is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring reliable performance in various weather conditions. The hydrophobic lens coating helps in maintaining a clear view by repelling dirt and water.

However, one potential downside could be its weight of 1 pound, which might be on the heavier side for some users. Additionally, the price point may be higher compared to other scopes, but this is often justified by its high-quality build and performance. The lifetime guarantee offered by Leupold adds significant value, providing peace of mind for potential buyers. This riflescope is particularly well-suited for serious hunters who need a reliable, durable, and precise optic for their rifle.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,221
Reticle
Turrets and Adjustments
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
349 reviews

Reticle
The reticle design is simple and effective, with hashes only on the horizontal, allowing for easy elevation dialing and wind holding.
Turrets and Adjustments
Turrets have a nice tactile click at 0.25 MOA per adjustment, ensuring precise control.
Parallax Adjustment
Side parallax adjustment prevents reticle shift across the target, maintaining accuracy.
#2

Vortex Optics Venom 5-25x56 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-7C (MOA) Reticle

Rating
9.7
Reticle
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
794 reviews

Reticle
The first focal plane reticle scales perfectly with the target, maintaining accurate proportional aiming at all magnifications.
Turrets and Adjustments
The scope's adjustability and quality make it suitable for fun matches and serious shooting alike, balancing performance and affordability.

The Vortex Optics Venom 5-25x56 is designed for long-range shooting and competition, featuring a wide magnification range from 5x to 25x that lets you zoom in closely on distant targets. Its large 56mm objective lens helps gather plenty of light, improving visibility in low-light conditions like early morning or late evening. The EBR-7C reticle is etched in the first focal plane, meaning the aiming marks stay accurate no matter the zoom level, which is great for precise measuring and ranging.

Adjustments are smooth and precise with a large 34mm tube allowing up to 85 MOA of turret travel, giving plenty of room to dial in your shots. Parallax can be quickly adjusted using the side knob, and the range markings stay visible while you adjust, making it user-friendly. The eye relief is about 3.6 inches, providing a comfortable distance between your eye and the scope to avoid recoil injury. Built tough, it’s nitrogen-purged and sealed to keep moisture and fog out, plus it has an Armortek coating to protect the lenses from scratches and oils. The 34mm aluminum tube is shockproof, adding to its durability in harsh conditions.

It weighs around 2.2 pounds, which is on the heavier side, so it may add some bulk to your rifle. It does not have night vision capabilities, so it’s not suited for very low light beyond what the lens size can help with. The included throw lever makes changing magnification faster, a handy feature in dynamic shooting situations. Backed by Vortex’s lifetime VIP warranty, this scope provides solid value for serious hunters and competitive shooters who need reliability, clear optics, and precise adjustments in a rugged package.

Rating
9.7
Reticle
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
794 reviews

Reticle
The first focal plane reticle scales perfectly with the target, maintaining accurate proportional aiming at all magnifications.
Turrets and Adjustments
The scope's adjustability and quality make it suitable for fun matches and serious shooting alike, balancing performance and affordability.
#3

Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56mm F1 34mm Tube Precise Illuminated First Focal Plane Black Hunting Gun Scope, MOA-XT, C650

Rating
9.1
Magnification
Reticle
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
41 reviews

Magnification
Ideal for PRS and NRL22, with adjustable eye relief and handy magnification when needed.
Reticle
Best image clarity of any scope, with an exceptionally clear reticle and adjustable illumination levels.
Turrets and Adjustments
The 'Zero Stop' feature allows customization of the elevation turret location for precise zero sight-in position.
Eye Relief
Ideal for PRS and NRL22, with adjustable eye relief and handy magnification when needed.

The Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56mm F1 scope is a high-end option for those serious about long-range precision shooting. Its impressive 7-35x magnification range allows for exceptional versatility, making it suitable for both mid-range and extreme long-range shooting. The 56mm objective lens diameter ensures ample light transmission, which is crucial for clear and bright images in varying light conditions.

The first focal plane (FFP) reticle is a significant advantage, as it maintains consistent reticle values across all magnification levels, which is essential for accuracy at long distances. The MOA-XT reticle is designed for quick and precise holds, with a floating center dot for fine aiming points and clear shooting references even in stressful situations. The ZeroStop feature and Digillum reticle illumination add to the high-performance capabilities, enabling rapid return to zero and user-friendly adjustments in low light conditions.

Additionally, the parallax adjustment down to 10 meters and 100 MOA elevation travel provide considerable flexibility and precision. At 39.3 ounces, it is relatively heavy, which could be a drawback for those concerned with the weight of their setup. The scope's durability and weather resistance are implied through its robust design and quality materials. The high price point may be a limiting factor for budget-conscious users. The Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56mm F1 is best suited for dedicated long-range shooters and hunters who prioritize performance and precision over cost and weight considerations.

Rating
9.1
Magnification
Reticle
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
41 reviews

Magnification
Ideal for PRS and NRL22, with adjustable eye relief and handy magnification when needed.
Reticle
Best image clarity of any scope, with an exceptionally clear reticle and adjustable illumination levels.
Turrets and Adjustments
The 'Zero Stop' feature allows customization of the elevation turret location for precise zero sight-in position.
Eye Relief
Ideal for PRS and NRL22, with adjustable eye relief and handy magnification when needed.

Buying Guide for the Best Sniper Rifle Scopes

Choosing the right sniper rifle scope is crucial for achieving accuracy and precision in your shooting. The right scope can make a significant difference in your shooting experience, whether you are a hunter, a competitive shooter, or a tactical operator. To make an informed decision, you need to understand the key specifications and how they align with your specific needs and preferences. Here are the essential specs to consider when selecting a sniper rifle scope.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because it determines how well you can see and aim at distant targets. Scopes typically have either fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes are simpler and more durable, while variable magnification scopes offer more flexibility. For long-range shooting, higher magnification (e.g., 10x or more) is beneficial, but for closer ranges or more versatile use, a lower or variable magnification (e.g., 3-9x) might be more suitable.
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 objective lenses (e.g., 50mm or more) allow more light, which is helpful in low-light conditions, but they also make the scope heavier and bulkier. Smaller objective lenses (e.g., 40mm or less) are lighter and more compact, making them easier to handle and mount on the rifle.
ReticleThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Reticles come in various designs, such as duplex, mil-dot, and BDC (bullet drop compensator). The choice of reticle depends on your shooting style and needs. Duplex reticles are simple and easy to use, ideal for general shooting. Mil-dot reticles are useful for range estimation and holdover adjustments, making them suitable for long-range shooting. BDC reticles help compensate for bullet drop at various distances, which is beneficial for hunting and tactical shooting.
Turrets and AdjustmentsTurrets are the knobs on the scope that allow you to adjust the point of impact for windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down). These adjustments are crucial for zeroing your scope and making precise shots at varying distances. Look for scopes with tactile and audible clicks for better feedback. Some scopes offer exposed turrets for quick adjustments, while others have capped turrets to prevent accidental changes. Consider your need for quick adjustments versus protection from accidental movements when choosing turret styles.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment helps ensure that the reticle remains in the same position relative to the target, regardless of your eye position. This is important for maintaining accuracy, especially at long ranges. Scopes with parallax adjustment allow you to fine-tune the focus for different distances, reducing aiming errors. If you plan to shoot at varying distances, a scope with adjustable parallax (often found on the side or as an adjustable objective) is beneficial. For fixed-distance shooting, parallax adjustment may be less critical.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope at which you can see the full image. This spec is important for comfort and safety, especially with high-recoil rifles. Longer eye relief (e.g., 3.5 inches or more) helps prevent scope eye injuries and allows for more flexible head positioning. Shorter eye relief may be acceptable for low-recoil rifles or if you prefer a more compact setup. Consider your rifle's recoil and your shooting stance when evaluating eye relief.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance are crucial for ensuring your scope can withstand harsh conditions and rough handling. Look for scopes made from high-quality materials, such as aircraft-grade aluminum, and those that are shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof. These features ensure that your scope remains reliable and functional in various environments. If you plan to use your rifle in extreme conditions, prioritize scopes with robust construction and comprehensive weather resistance.

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