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10 Best Rifle Scopes 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

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

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.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,264
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.
#2
9.8 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

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.

Rating
9.8
Magnification
Reticle
Field of View

Most important from
509 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.
#3
9.7 score

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

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.

Rating
9.7
Reticle
Parallax Adjustment
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
28 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.

Top 10 Best Rifle Scopes 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

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

Chosen by 1264 this week

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

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
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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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