Best Rifle Scope Reviews of 2024 & Buying Guide

Description

Carl Zeiss is the Mercedes-Benz of rifle scopes. As such, you do not expect the Germany-based company to be making cheap low-quality scopes; after all, they do have a reputation to maintain.

Best Selling Scopes of Zeiss -

One of the company’s best-selling scopes is the Carl Zeiss Optical Conquest HD5 5-25x50 Rapid-Z 1000 Rifle Scope. Weighing a meager 1.7 pounds, this Carl Zeiss premium scope is extremely compact and is shorter than many of its competitors. Surprisingly, this rifle scope has a magnification of 5X to 25X and a 50 mm wide objective lens, not what I was expecting from such a compact and lightweight scope.

And the surprises do not end with the magnification; designed for long range viewing; the scope boasts of HD lenses with a T coating. Thus, you are assured HD image clarity and brightness. Overall, I was blown away by the performance of this Carl Zeiss masterpiece.

Specifications

Who is it for?

Given that this model is one of the best rifle scopes for the money, its price tag puts it out of the reach of some people. So who is it for?

First, this riflescope is ideal for long range shooters particularly if you use a .308 caliber rifle. Also, this rifle scope is the perfect scope for people looking for the best scopes on the market and who are not afraid to splash money on the acquisition of a scope.

Overview

One of the Carl Zeiss Conquest’s closest competitors is the Burris XTR II Riflescope 8-40X 50 mm scope. Weighing two pounds, this Burris rifle scope has all the markings of a premium high-end rifle scope.

What's Inside ?

Inside the gray box that my Burris XTR came in was a manual and little wrench for adjusting the zero stop. After taking the Burris XTR out of its box, I could not help but be impressed by its matte black finish that gave it a serious tactical look.

I was also impressed by the scope’s magnification ring that is sufficiently textured for easy turning even with gloved hands. Speaking of magnification, this riflescope features a powerful 8X to 40X magnification.

Thus, with this scope, you can hit targets as far away as 1000 yards. Personally, with my XTR mounted on to my Remington 700, I managed to hit targets from a distance of 600 meters. The illuminated reticle worked superbly, and I was thoroughly impressed by the scope’s image quality, which was courtesy of the fully multicoated optics

Specifications

Who is it for?

The Burris XTR II is not the cheapest rifle scope out there, which begs the question is it the right scope for you?

Well, it all depends on what you want. If you are a long range shooter who excels at hitting targets beyond the 1000 yard mark, then this is the right scope for you. Thus, this Burris scope is recommended for professional shooters who are experienced in the art of long range shooting. Overall, the Burris is arguably one of the best rifle scope for the money.

A Short Overview

There are rifle scopes, and then there is the Nightforce NXS 5.5X-22X 56mm rifle scope. Arguably one of the best riflescope for long range shooting, this Nightforce creation is marvel that inspires awe and admiration from all those who have used it, myself included.

The 5.5X to 22X magnification of this scope means that you can easily hit targets at 2000 yards as easily as you can hit targets at 60 yards. And it gets better: this rifle scope’s 33 mm body is crafted from high-quality aluminum making the scope virtually indestructible.

Though the scope is larger than its competitors, it fingers adjustable turrets are easy to turn even with gloved hands. Also, it is not the lightest scope out there; however, its razor sharp optics more than makeup for its size and weight.

Specifications

Who is it for?

Nightforce is a company known for making high-quality devices for professionals. That being said, this nightforce rifle scope is for professional hunters.

This is the kind of scope you buy when your budget is unlimited, and you want the best that the market has to offer. In conclusion, due to its sophistication, this rifle scope I would recommend this to professional and experienced hunters. In my opinion, it is the best rifle scope for 1000 yards.

Overview

It is hard to imagine that the ATN X-sight II 5-20 Smart Riflescope is not up there with the Conquest HD and the Nightforce NXS.

Everything HD!

With a futuristic design, this X-Sight scope has HD everything, HD lenses, HD sensors, and even an HD display. As such, all images are displayed in crystal clear 1080p HD quality.

Night vision and Rangefinding Capability

The icing on the cake is the scope’s night vision capabilities. With this scope, there is no time of day you cannot hunt. Also included in this smart riflescope is a gyro rangefinder, which I found to be easy to use. As if that is not enticing enough, this scope is both Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi enabled. Thus you can share pictures and videos of your hunt on social media and even with friends. Also, you can connect it to your smartphone or tablet.

Specifications

Who is it for?

The ATN X-Sight II 5-20 Smart Riflescope is one of the Best Rifle Scope Under $1000 on the market. Due to its plethora of sophisticated features, I would recommend this to professional hunters looking for a pocket-friendly yet high-quality scope.

Overview

At first sight, it is very easy to mistake the Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50 Riflescope for a high-end riflescope such as the Burris XTR. But believe it or not, this rifle scope costs less than $1000.

This riflescope is made from the same grade of aluminum used to make the NightForce NXS5. To make things more interesting, Vortex opted for high-quality extra-low dispersion lenses, which are standard in most top-tier scopes. With these lenses, the resolution is amazing and so is the color fidelity and clarity. The fully multicoated optics combined with the illuminated reticle guarantee precise aiming even in low light. I was pleased with the fact that the scope’s 30 mm tube is a single piece tube. Single piece tubes improve precision and visual accuracy.

Specifications

Who is it for?

At its price point, it is hard to find another riflescope that offers you the same features you get with the Vortex Viper PST 6-20X 50 mm rifle scope.

Thus, it is the perfect rifle scope for medium range shooting. If you are gun enthusiast looking for a good scope this scope is one I highly recommend, it gets the job done without being overly sophisticated. Thus it can also be used by a beginner.

Outline

The Bushnell Elite Tactical G2 FFP reticle rifle scope is a scope that is very dear to me and is one I use often. Having used it for some time now, I am more than familiar with the scope’s pros and cons. The scope has many pros, the most notable being its 6X to 24 X magnification. The latter is the kind of magnification I expected to find in a high-end model not a model in the Elite’s price range.

The 50 mm objective lens is coated with what Bushnell refers to Ultra Wide Band Coating. Thanks to this coating the lenses provide a consistent and razor sharp image quality. Thus, whether it is day or night, the image quality remains the same.

As its name suggests, this scope has a reticle dubbed the G2 FFP. With the FFP all my shots are stabilized regardless of weather conditions, which is something I love.

Specifications

Who is it for?

Bottom line: this rifle scope is a great scope for anyone looking for a tactical scope without having to spend heavily to buy one. This scope is designed for professional marksmen and will be a great addition to your arsenal of scopes if you in a shooting competition. This scope is right up there with the best long range rifle scopes out there.

Overview

Topping the list is a rifle scope that I believe is the best rifle scope under $500, the Vortex Optics Viper 6.5-20X 50 rifle scope. With a 50 mm objective lens fashioned from extra low dispersion glass, the color quality and resolution of this scope are second to none. The optics are fully multicoated with several layers of anti-reflective material. Thus, images appear bright and clear.

The magnification, on this scope, is a bit on the high end. The minimum magnification is 6.5 X while the maximum is 20X. Of worth noting is how well the zero-reset turret work. I was surprised at how easy it is to adjust the turret without any tools. Also, I was impressed with the quick focus eyepiece, which turns quickly and lets me focus on targets easily.

Specifications

Who is it for?

Considering what you are getting the Vortex Optics Viper is well priced. Thus, it is great rifle scope to buy.

However, it is important to note that it is not for everyone. Due to its relatively high magnification, this is not the best scope to use for short range shooting.

In essence, it is recommended for hunters who engage in medium to long range hunting. In conclusion, thanks to its long range magnification and wide objective lens, this is one of the best rifle scopes for elk hunting.

Overview

A favorite of many hunters the world over, the Nikon Monarch 3 BDC Riflescope is one of the best rifle scopes I own. Weighing 1.2 pounds, this Nikon Monarch is compact and lightweight.

One of the things I love about this scope is its optical quality. When using this scope, I always get crystal clear views of my target. Additionally, with the 4X to 16X magnification, I can hit targets at close range as well as from long range.

With this scope, I have hit targets from up to 400 yards. And it gets better: with the zero reset turrets, I can easily reset the turrets back to zero by just pulling the knobs. While there is a lot of debate as to which objective lens is better the 42 mm of this Monarch or the 50 mm lens, I have no complaints to make about the 42 mm lens

Specifications

Who is it for?

Having used this Nikon Monarch for quite some time now, I can confidently say that it is one of the best in Nikon’s Monarch line of rifle scopes. Hence, if you are looking for a scope that will improve your accuracy, this is the right scope for you. This, scope works best for marksmen and hunters who engage in medium range shooting.

Overview

I got a chance to test the Millet 6-25X56 LRS-I illuminated riflescope some few days ago. My first impression of the scope is that it is huge. Measuring 22 inches long and with a 35 mm single tube, this is one of the longest scopes I have ever used.

However, do not let its size deceive you, as this scope weighs 1.2 pounds. The objective lens is also big as it has a 56 mm diameter. With such a wide objective lens, this scope can suck in huge amounts of light.

Thus, images are bright and razor-sharp, thanks to the fully multicoated optics. One of the things I loved about this scope is its focus knob, which is conveniently located on the left side. I was also pleased with the overall construction of the scope as well accuracy and range.

Specifications

Who is it for?

So is this rifle scope worth purchasing? Yes. Not only is it a great rifle scope, but it is also pocket-friendly. Thus, it is a great alternative to some of the pricier long range scopes on the market. Due to its magnification, this scope is not ideal for short range shooting. Thus, it is perfect for long range hunters as well as medium range hunters.

Overview

Vortex is a company that never disappoints. As such, do not expect the Vortex Optics Diamondback HP 4-16X42 Riflescope to be a disappointment. After all, this scope has the term HP, which stands for high performance, in its name. And true to its name, this Riflescope offers high performance at an affordable price.

I was pleased that vortex opted for high-quality extra-low dispersion glass in the making of the scope’s lenses. Some of the other scopes I have used in this price range do not have this kind of glasses. Capable of zooming from 4X to 16X, this riflescope performed exceptionally well in low light. Another great thing about this scope is that it is very well designed. The side parallax/focus adjustment knob is easily accessible, and the scope weighs 2 pounds, which is the standard weight of most scopes.

Specifications

Who is it for?

Due to its magnification, this is not the best scope for long range shooting. Thus, if you are long range shooter I recommend you look for another scope, probably in the under $500 region.

However, all things considered, this scope is an impressive piece of optical hardware designed for demanding hunters who do not want to spend more than $400 on the acquisition of a scope.

Overview

Nikon is one of the most trusted names in the rifle scope industry. Thus, it should come as no surprise that I own a couple of Nikon rifle scopes, one of which is the affordable Nikon PROSTAFF 5 BDC rifle scope. With a 3.5X to 14X magnification, this riflescope is versatile. Compared to some of my other rifle scopes, the field of view on this PROSTAFF scope is exceptionally wide.

But here’s the kicker;

The scope’s reticle features see-through ballistic circles, which give this scope its long range capabilities. This Nikon scope also features a quick focus eyepiece as well as easy to adjust zero turrets. I particularly loved the bullet drop compensator on this scope and its fully multicoated optics that deliver unrivaled light transmission and brightness.

Specifications

Who is it for?

The Nikon PROSTAFF 5 BDC rifle scope is a great scope for beginners as well as pro hunters and shooters. It has an excellent eye relief and is not as sophisticated as some of the other scopes I have reviewed above. Therefore, it is a great scope to purchase as a second rifle scope. In conclusion, this PROSTAFF has everything you will require from a gun scope.

Overview

The Leupold VX-3 was my Leupold scope of choice before I discovered the new Leupold VX-2 3-9X 40 mm rifle scope. Though both scopes are of the same dimensions, the VX-2 has the edge over its sibling when it comes to picture clarity and brightness. And with a 3 to 9X magnification, this scope proved to be a more than ideal scope for short range as well as long range shooting.

Apart from offering a better picture quality, the VX-2, in my opinion, had a better eye relief. In low light conditions, the VX-2 performed better than its cousin the VX-3. Additionally, weighing 11.2 ounces, this scope is super lightweight and compact.

Specifications

Who is it for?

The Leupold VX-2 might not be the best rifle scope Leupold has to offer, but for its price, it is well worth the money. Ideally, it is designed for hunters and shooters.

Specifically, this scope is ideal for newbie shooters who want to upgrade their shooting status but are not ready to invest a hefty amount of money on a rifle scope.

Overview

There is something about the Nikon P-223 3-9X40 riflescope that will make you dispute its price tag. Maybe it is its attractive matte black finish, or its easy to turn focus known and zero-reset turret.

Whatever it is, the Nikon P-223 is a real optical work of art. In fact, it is arguably the best 3 9x40 rifle scope, I have ever had the privilege of testing. I tested this scope on an AR 15 rifle and true to Nikon’s reputation; it performed brilliantly. The fast focus eye piece turns effortlessly while the fully multicoated optics delivers exceptional image quality.

As with some of the other Nikon scopes I have used and tested, this scope comes with a bullet drop compensating reticle. The variable 3X to 9X magnification is sufficient for close and medium range takedowns.

Specifications

Who is it for?

Designed for the popular AR15 rifle, this Nikon Scope is one of the best rifle scopes for ar15 I have tested in a while. Its price tag combined with its features makes it a great scope for beginners as well as gun enthusiasts.

Due to its 9X magnification, this is not the best scope for long range shooting. Nevertheless, if you are a beginner, this scope will help you familiarize with the world of precision shooting.

Overview

There are not many rifle scopes in the under $200 that can compete with the Vortex Optics Diamondback 40-12X 40 scope. With a design that epitomizes elegance and functionality, this is a scope that will serve you for years. Also, the fully multicoated optics provide a crystal clear image of your target while its aluminum body makes it an ideal scope for outdoor activities.

The uniquely designed reticle of this scope helps you eliminate guesswork in regards to windage and hold-over corrections. Unlike other scopes, the zero-reset turret on this scope does not require a wrench to adjust. Thus you can easily adjust the turrets using your fingers.

Specifications

Who is it for?

If you are purchasing a rifle scope for the first time, this is one that I would highly recommend. It is not overly expensive, and neither is it of low quality. Thus you get value for your money. Needless, to say this scope is ideal for casual shooters and hunters.

Overview

Another company that is highly respected in the rifle scope industry is Bushnell. The latter company is behind some of the best scopes on the market including the Bushnell Optics Drop zone-223 BDC reticle scope.

When I first bought this scope, I was not sure I was getting good value for my money. But after using it for several years now, I am more than satisfied with its performance. Designed for the AR platform, this scope boasts of a 3 to 9X magnification. As such, it has a generous field of view and clarity and resolution is consistent across all zoom levels. The side focus knob is convenient to access especially when I am out hunting, while the fully multicoated optics gives me a clear view of my targets. In regards to weight, this scope weighs 1.3 pounds.

Specifications

Who is it for?

This scope is an inexpensive alternative to some of the pricier scopes available on the market. Therefore, it is the perfect scope for a newbie shooter or hunter looking for an affordable scope. However, it can also be used by professional hunters. The optical performance of this scope is surprising considering its price tag.

Overview

At first sight, the UTG 3-9X32 Bugbuster does not look like it belongs in the under $100 market. I was surprised that at its price tag, this scope is equipped with flip open lens caps. These caps are of a better quality than the caps of some other pricier scopes.

Though the scope is heavier than most of the scope’s I own, it is very well constructed and proved that it could handle anything you can throw at it. Another thing about this scope that surprised me was the red and green illumination. This kind of illumination is a rarity in this price tag. In low lighting, this scope performed surprisingly well. Moreover, thanks to the 3X to 9X magnification and the emerald coated lenses, images appear bright and with good resolution.

Specifications

Who is it for?

The UTG 3-9X32 1" BugBuster Scope is a scope that is worth more than the less than $100 that you are likely to pay for it. As such UTG should be commended for offering such a high-quality scope to the masses. In conclusion, this scope is ideal for first-time buyers who want to get a better understanding of how rifle scopes work.

Overview

As you probably have already figured out, I am a big fan of Bushnell optics. And one of the best Bushnell optics I have used is the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X reticle riflescope.

Do not let its long name bore you as there is nothing boring about this Bushnell scope. The multi-coated lenses offer a clear and bright viewing experience especially in low light, hence, the name Dusk & Dawn. In fact, this scope performed better than in low light than some other pricier models. The fast focus eye piece works exceptionally well while the 3 to 9X magnification is enough to help you make accurate and precise shots.

Specifications

Who is it for?

With its magnification and reticle, this scope is ideal for low light viewing. Thus, it is the perfect scope for anyone looking for an affordable scope to use for hunting at dawn or dusk. This scope has all the qualities of a great scope and as such should be considered an option when shopping for your next scope.

Overview

While rifle scopes are awesome, so are red dot sights. The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight is one of the best in the market. As with all other red dot sights, this Bushnell sight has a 1x magnification and an objective lens of 25 mm. The optics of this sight are designed for clarity and brightness. Thus, with this sight, you can easily distinguish trees from your prey. Despite its miniature size, this red dot sight offers an excellent eye relief, and you can use it with both eyes. Thanks to its small size, this sight consumes less power and is built to last.

Specifications

Who is it for?

The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight is a great red dot sight for those looking for something different and affordable. The sight is both reliable and durable and will last you for a long time.