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10 Best Scopes With Gun Rifles 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

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

Magnification: 7-35x
Objective Lens Diameter: 56mm
Reticle: MOA-XT
Eye Relief: 3.6 Inches
Parallax Adjustment: 11 yards to infinity
Durability and Weather Resistance: 34mm tube, durable and weather resistant

Chosen by 1181 this week

Nightforce NX8 4-32x50mm F1 30mm Tube Illuminated ZeroSet Parallax Adjustable First Focal Plane Hunting Gun Scope, MIL-XT (C634)

Magnification: 4-32x
Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
Reticle: MIL-XT, first focal plane, illuminated
Field of View: 26.1 feet
Eye Relief: 3.5 inches
Parallax Adjustment: 11 yards to infinity
Durability and Weather Resistance: 30mm aluminum tube, weather-resistant

Nightforce ATACR 5-25x56mm First Focal Plane (F1/FFP) 34mm Tube Durable Precise Waterproof Fogproof Hunting Gun Scope, 250 MOA DigIllum PTL Moar Reticle

Magnification: 5-25x
Objective Lens Diameter: 56mm
Reticle: first focal plane MOAR
Field of View: 18.7 ft at 5x to 5 ft at 25x
Eye Relief: 3.5 inches
Parallax Adjustment: available
Durability and Weather Resistance: durable aluminum, weatherproof, fogproof

Trijicon SCO VCOG Rifle Scope w/Larue Tactical LT799 Mount, 1-8x28mm, 34mm Tube, VC18-C-2400012

Magnification: 1-8x
Objective Lens Diameter: 28 Millimeters
Reticle: Segmented Circle / Crosshair, illuminated
Durability and Weather Resistance: Built to military standards

ZEISS LRP S3 6-36x56 First Focal Plane MOA Riflescope with Illuminated Reticle

Magnification: 6-36x
Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
Reticle: Illuminated, first focal plane, red/green
Field of View: 20.4 feet
Durability and Weather Resistance: Metal, shock tested 1,500 g, recoil resistant

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44 AO, 1-inch Tube, Second Focal Plane Riflescope - V-Brite Illuminated MOA, Model Number: CF2-31029

Magnification: 6-18x
Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
Reticle: V-Brite illuminated
Field of View: 15.2
Parallax Adjustment: Adjustable objective lens
Durability and Weather Resistance: Aluminum; waterproof, fogproof, shockproof

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

Magnification: 5x to 25x
Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
Reticle: EBR-7C MOA, first focal plane
Parallax Adjustment: Side knob
Durability and Weather Resistance: Nitrogen purging, O-ring seals, Armortek

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
Field of View: 38.3 Feet
Parallax Adjustment: Side-focus
Durability and Weather Resistance: Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, aluminum
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,181
Magnification
Reticle
Eye Relief

Most important from
45 reviews

Magnification
You probably won't use full magnification every day, but it sure is handy when you need it.
Reticle
The reticle is exceptionally clear and can be illuminated at several brightness levels.
Eye Relief
Adjustable eye relief ensures comfort during extended use.

The Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56mm F1 is a high-end hunting rifle scope designed for those seeking maximum precision in long-range shooting. With its extensive magnification range of 7-35x, it caters well to both mid and extreme long-range engagements. The large 56mm objective lens ensures a bright and clear image, even in low light conditions. The MOA-XT reticle is versatile, providing fast, accurate holds, and the floating center dot helps in making precise shots.

The scope offers excellent eye relief of 3.6 inches, which is comfortable for extended use. It’s built with a robust 34mm tube, ensuring durability and weather resistance, making it suitable for use in various harsh conditions. The parallax adjustment from 11 yards to infinity and the 100 MOA of elevation travel allow for fine-tuning focus at different ranges, ensuring accuracy.

However, this scope is quite heavy at 2.46 pounds and might not be suitable for all rifles due to its weight and size. Additionally, its high performance and advanced features come at a premium price, which might be a drawback for budget-conscious users. This scope is best suited for serious hunters and shooters who demand top-tier performance and are willing to invest in superior quality optics.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,181
Magnification
Reticle
Eye Relief

Most important from
45 reviews

Magnification
You probably won't use full magnification every day, but it sure is handy when you need it.
Reticle
The reticle is exceptionally clear and can be illuminated at several brightness levels.
Eye Relief
Adjustable eye relief ensures comfort during extended use.
#2

Nightforce NX8 4-32x50mm F1 30mm Tube Illuminated ZeroSet Parallax Adjustable First Focal Plane Hunting Gun Scope, MIL-XT (C634)

The Nightforce NX8 4-32x50mm scope is a versatile and high-quality option for hunters and shooters who need a wide range of magnification. Its 4x minimum magnification allows quick target acquisition at close range or on moving targets, while the powerful 32x maximum magnification helps you see small targets clearly at long distances. The 50mm objective lens gathers plenty of light, which keeps the image bright and sharp, even at higher magnifications.

This scope uses a first focal plane reticle (MIL-XT), meaning the reticle scales with magnification, which is helpful for accurate holdovers at any zoom level. The reticle is illuminated, which is useful in low-light conditions. The parallax adjustment works from 11 yards to infinity, supporting crisp focus across a wide range of distances. With 3.5 inches of eye relief, the scope offers comfortable and safe viewing, reducing the chance of eye strain or 'scope bite.' The scope’s build features a strong 30mm aluminum tube, making it durable and weather-resistant for outdoor use. It also includes useful extras like flip-up lens covers and a power throw lever for quick magnification changes.

One potential downside is its weight at nearly 1.8 pounds, which may feel heavy on lighter rifles or during long treks. Also, while its advanced features suit serious hunters and precision shooters, beginners might find some settings like the Mil-Radian reticle markings a bit complex initially. However, the solid construction and wide magnification range make this scope a great all-around choice for those who want a reliable, clear sight picture from close range to extreme distances.

#3

Nightforce ATACR 5-25x56mm First Focal Plane (F1/FFP) 34mm Tube Durable Precise Waterproof Fogproof Hunting Gun Scope, 250 MOA DigIllum PTL Moar Reticle

Rating
7.6
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle

Most important from
31 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers stunning clarity, allowing precise target identification even at 1,200 yards with clear visibility of bullet impacts.
Objective Lens Diameter
The large 56mm objective lens significantly improves brightness and clarity in low-light conditions, enhancing overall shooting experience.
Reticle
Illuminated reticle and zero stop features enhance low-light shooting and quick, accurate adjustments under pressure.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Robust and sturdy construction ensures the scope withstands tough outdoor environments without compromising reliability.

The Nightforce ATACR 5-25x56mm is a high-quality rifle scope designed for hunters and precision shooters who need reliable performance in varied conditions. Its 5-25x magnification range covers both close and long-distance targets effectively, while the large 56mm objective lens helps gather plenty of light, which improves clarity and brightness, especially in low-light situations. The scope uses a first focal plane (FFP) MOAR reticle, meaning the aiming points stay accurate no matter the zoom level, a big plus for precision and quick adjustments during shooting. The reticle itself features clear holdover marks and bold posts that help with fast target acquisition and windage adjustments. Eye relief is about 3.5 inches, offering comfortable viewing without risking eye injury from recoil.

The field of view varies from around 18.7 feet at 5x to just under 5 feet at 25x, which is typical for scopes with high magnification but might feel a bit narrow at max zoom for some users. Parallax adjustment is available to ensure the reticle stays sharp and accurate at different distances, enhancing precision. Built tough with durable aluminum and weatherproof, fogproof sealing, this scope withstands rough outdoor use in different weather conditions. However, its weight and size may be on the heavier side for those wanting a very lightweight setup.

The price and the detailed features make it better suited for serious hunters and tactical shooters rather than casual users. This scope delivers excellent optical quality, ruggedness, and precise reticle functionality to meet demanding shooting needs.

Rating
7.6
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle

Most important from
31 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers stunning clarity, allowing precise target identification even at 1,200 yards with clear visibility of bullet impacts.
Objective Lens Diameter
The large 56mm objective lens significantly improves brightness and clarity in low-light conditions, enhancing overall shooting experience.
Reticle
Illuminated reticle and zero stop features enhance low-light shooting and quick, accurate adjustments under pressure.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Robust and sturdy construction ensures the scope withstands tough outdoor environments without compromising reliability.

Buying Guide for the Best Scopes With Gun Rifles

Choosing the right scope for your rifle can significantly enhance your shooting accuracy and overall experience. The right scope will depend on your specific needs, such as the type of shooting you plan to do (hunting, target shooting, etc.), the distances you will be shooting at, and your personal preferences. Understanding the key specifications of rifle scopes will help you make an informed decision and ensure you get the best fit for your needs.
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 your target at various distances. Scopes are often labeled with a range, such as 3-9x, where 3x is the minimum magnification and 9x is the maximum. For close-range shooting (up to 100 yards), lower magnification (1-4x) is sufficient. For medium-range (100-300 yards), a mid-range magnification (4-9x) is ideal. For long-range shooting (beyond 300 yards), higher magnification (9x and above) is necessary. Choose the magnification based on the typical distances 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 the brightness and clarity of the image. Larger diameters (40mm and above) allow more light, which is beneficial in low-light conditions but can make the scope heavier. Smaller diameters (below 40mm) are lighter and more compact but may not perform as well in dim lighting. Consider the lighting conditions you will be shooting in and balance it with the weight you are comfortable carrying.
ReticleThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle designs serve various purposes. Simple crosshairs are good 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, illuminated reticle for quick target acquisition, while long-range shooters might benefit from a more detailed reticle for precision.
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 helpful for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. Lower magnification scopes generally offer a wider 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.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope at which you can see the full image. This is crucial for comfort and safety, especially with high-recoil rifles. Longer eye relief (3.5 inches and above) is better for high-recoil firearms to prevent the scope from hitting your face. Shorter eye relief (below 3.5 inches) can be acceptable for low-recoil rifles. Ensure the eye relief is sufficient for your rifle's recoil and your shooting stance to avoid discomfort and potential injury.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment allows you to correct the parallax error, which occurs when the reticle appears to move relative to the target when you shift your eye position. This is important for maintaining accuracy, especially at longer distances. Scopes with parallax adjustment typically have a side knob or an adjustable objective lens. For shooting at varying distances, having parallax adjustment can be beneficial. If you primarily shoot at fixed distances, this feature may be less critical.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance are important for ensuring your scope can withstand the elements and rough handling. Look for scopes that are waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. These features are particularly important for hunting in various weather conditions and rugged environments. Consider the conditions you will be using the scope in and choose one that offers the necessary protection to ensure longevity and reliable performance.

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