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10 Best Rifle Scopes 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

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

Magnification: 1x to 6x
Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
Reticle: Illuminated MSR BDC-6
Eye Relief: Comfortable
Field of View: Impressive
Parallax Adjustment: Yes
Durability and Weather Resistance: Waterproof and fog-proof

Chosen by 1138 this week

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

Magnification: 3-15x
Objective Lens Diameter: 44mm
Reticle: Illuminated FireDot Duplex
Eye Relief: generous
Field of View: 38.3 Feet
Parallax Adjustment: side focus
Durability and Weather Resistance: waterproof, fogproof, shockproof

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

Magnification: 4-32x
Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
Reticle: MOAR F1
Eye Relief: 3.5 Inches
Field of View: 26.1 ft at 100 yds
Parallax Adjustment: 11 yds to infinity
Durability and Weather Resistance: Robust aluminum, withstands harsh conditions

Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56mm F1 34mm Tube Precise Illuminated First Focal Plane Dark Earth Hunting Gun Scope, Moar F1 Reticle, C689

Magnification: 7-35x
Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
Reticle: MOAR F1 DigIllum PTL Mil-XT
Eye Relief: 3.6 Inches
Parallax Adjustment: 10 m to infinity
Durability and Weather Resistance: robust and weather resistant

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

Magnification: 7-35x
Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
Reticle: MIL-R
Eye Relief: 3.6 inches
Field of View: 15 ft at 7x, 3.4 ft at 35x
Parallax Adjustment: 10 m to infinity
Durability and Weather Resistance: Robust aluminum, withstands harsh weather

Leupold Mark 4HD 4.5-18x52 (34mm) M5C3 Side Focus FFP PR2-Mil Riflescope

Magnification: 4.5-18x
Objective Lens Diameter: 52 mm
Reticle: PR2-Mil
Parallax Adjustment: Side focus
Durability and Weather Resistance: Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,138
Magnification
Reticle
Field of View

Most important from
510 reviews

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.

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.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,138
Magnification
Reticle
Field of View

Most important from
510 reviews

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.
#2

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

Rating
9.8
Reticle
Parallax Adjustment
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
319 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
9.8
Reticle
Parallax Adjustment
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
319 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.
#3

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.

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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