We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Rifle Scopes 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

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.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,358
Parallax Adjustment
Reticle

Most important from
345 reviews

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.

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.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,358
Parallax Adjustment
Reticle

Most important from
345 reviews

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.
#2

BURRIS Eliminator 6 4-20x52mm, X177, Black (200177)

The Burris Eliminator 6 is a high-tech riflescope designed primarily for hunters who want quick, accurate ranging and aiming assistance. It offers a versatile 4-20x magnification range paired with a large 52mm objective lens, providing bright and clear images at various distances. Its standout feature is a built-in laser rangefinder that can measure targets up to 2,000 yards away, along with a heads-up display that shows important ballistic data to help you make precise shots without guessing.

The scope’s unique X177 reticle uses tiny LEDs to create an illuminated aiming point that adjusts automatically with magnification, so aiming stays accurate whether zoomed in or out. It also has Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to customize ballistic profiles via an app and use a remote control for convenience. The side focus knob enables easy parallax adjustment, eliminating aiming errors at different ranges. With multi-coated HD glass, the view remains sharp and bright, enhancing target visibility in various light conditions. Eye relief is about 3.4 inches, which requires maintaining proper eye distance for comfort and safety.

Constructed from durable aluminum, the scope includes sensors like a thermometer and barometer to automatically adjust for altitude-related factors, improving shooting accuracy. Weighing 30 ounces, it is relatively heavy and might be bulkier compared to simpler scopes. This riflescope is best suited for hunters who want integrated technology to enhance long-range shooting and are comfortable using a digital interface. Those seeking a straightforward, no-frills scope might find it more complex or costly.

#3

Nightforce NX8 4-32x50mm F1 30mm Tube Illuminated ZeroSet First Focal Plane Dark Earth Hunting Gun Scope, MIL-XT Reticle (C667)

Rating
9.4
Magnification
Eye Relief
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
8 reviews

Magnification
Its wide magnification range lets you quickly adjust from close targets to long-distance precision shooting.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is comfortable and well-suited for extended use without strain.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The build quality and finish exude durability and premium craftsmanship, reflecting Nightforce's high standards.

The Nightforce NX8 4-32x50mm F1 rifle scope stands out for its incredible versatility, thanks to its wide magnification range from 4x to 32x. This means it’s just as effective for close, fast-moving targets as it is for long-distance precision shooting. The large 50mm objective lens lets in plenty of light, helping maintain clear and bright images even in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. Its MIL-XT reticle is designed for quick and accurate aiming, with detailed markings that help you hold steady on your shot, which is especially useful for competitive shooters or hunters who need precision under pressure. The first focal plane design means the reticle stays accurate regardless of zoom level. Eye relief of 3.5 inches provides comfortable viewing without straining your eyes, and the field of view ranges from a wide 26 feet at 4x to a more focused 4.6 feet at 32x, giving you a good balance between situational awareness and target detail.

Parallax can be adjusted from 11 yards to infinity, which is excellent for reducing aiming errors at various distances. This scope is built tough with a 30mm aluminum tube and features weather-resistant construction, making it reliable in harsh outdoor conditions. It also includes handy features like ZeroStop for quick return to your zeroed settings and comes with useful accessories like lens covers and a cleaning kit. The main drawback might be its weight at around 1.8 pounds and length of 13.4 inches, which could be a bit bulky for some users who prefer lighter or more compact setups. Additionally, it is designed primarily for handguns and rifles with Weaver mounts, so compatibility with other firearms may be limited.

This scope suits hunters and competitive shooters who want a high-quality, durable scope with excellent precision and versatility across various distances.

Rating
9.4
Magnification
Eye Relief
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
8 reviews

Magnification
Its wide magnification range lets you quickly adjust from close targets to long-distance precision shooting.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is comfortable and well-suited for extended use without strain.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The build quality and finish exude durability and premium craftsmanship, reflecting Nightforce's high standards.

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.

FAQ