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10 Best Handgun Scope For Hunting 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight with QRP2 Mount and Spacer - 2 MOA - 12841

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,500
Reticle Type
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
1402 reviews

Reticle Type
The red dot scope excels in shooting performance with exceptional accuracy, even at long ranges.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The scope's waterproof nature offers peace of mind in rainy conditions, maintaining functionality without compromise.

The Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight is a versatile and robust choice for hunters looking for a reliable handgun scope. Featuring a 2 MOA red dot, it allows for precise aim and target engagement, which is crucial for hunting activities. The scope has a 1.0x magnification, making it ideal for close-range shooting. The 38mm objective lens diameter provides a decent field of view, which can be helpful in quickly acquiring targets.

One of its standout features is the impressive battery life, offering up to 30,000 hours of continuous use, ensuring you won’t be left without power during crucial hunting moments. Additionally, the 10 brightness settings, including an extra bright option for sunny conditions, add to its adaptability in various lighting environments. Constructed from durable aluminum, the scope is lightweight and designed to withstand the elements, which is essential for outdoor use.

The included front and rear flip cap lens covers protect the optics when not in use. However, a notable limitation is the lack of magnification adjustment, as it remains fixed at 1.0x, making it less suitable for long-range hunting. Despite this, the Aimpoint PRO remains a popular choice, evidenced by its high customer ratings and satisfaction. It is particularly well-suited for hunters who prioritize durability, battery life, and quick target acquisition in close-range scenarios.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,500
Reticle Type
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
1402 reviews

Reticle Type
The red dot scope excels in shooting performance with exceptional accuracy, even at long ranges.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The scope's waterproof nature offers peace of mind in rainy conditions, maintaining functionality without compromise.
#2

Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x50 (30mm) CDS-ZL Illum. FireDot Twilight Hunter Reticle Riflescope

Rating
9.1
Magnification
Eye Relief
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
30 reviews

Magnification
Using the optic with both eyes open at any magnification felt very comfortable.
Eye Relief
The optic has amazing clarity with no distortion around the edges and very generous eye relief.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The construction is solid, with sturdy turrets and no play in the adjustments.

The Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x50 Riflescope is a versatile and high-quality scope that is well-suited for hunting purposes. With a magnification range of 3.5x to 10x, this scope allows for flexible targeting, whether you're aiming at close or distant game. The 30mm objective lens diameter ensures a bright and clear image, which is crucial during dawn or dusk hunts. The illuminated FireDot Twilight Hunter reticle enhances visibility in low light conditions, making it easier to pinpoint your target.

Additionally, the scope offers 3 inches of eye relief, which is generally comfortable for users but might be a bit tight for those who prefer more distance from the scope to avoid recoil impact. The CDS-ZL (ZeroLock) system provides precise elevation adjustments and prevents accidental dial movements, adding to the accuracy and reliability of your shots. Its aluminum construction ensures durability, and the scope is fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, which means it can withstand harsh weather conditions and rough handling.

However, the scope does lack night vision capabilities, which can be a drawback for users who hunt in complete darkness. The motion sensor technology helps conserve battery life by deactivating the illuminated reticle when not in use. Leupold's Elite Optical System offers excellent light transmission and glare reduction, ensuring clarity and resolution. The riflescope is backed by Leupold's full lifetime guarantee, ensuring long-term support and peace of mind. This product is particularly beneficial for serious hunters who require a reliable, durable, and high-performing scope in various lighting conditions.

Rating
9.1
Magnification
Eye Relief
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
30 reviews

Magnification
Using the optic with both eyes open at any magnification felt very comfortable.
Eye Relief
The optic has amazing clarity with no distortion around the edges and very generous eye relief.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The construction is solid, with sturdy turrets and no play in the adjustments.
#3

BURRIS 2-7x32 Handgun Scope, Ballistic Plex Reticle, Matte Black, Posi-Lock (200299)

Rating
8.8
Eye Relief
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
330 reviews

Eye Relief
Quality construction paired with extended eye relief enhances comfort and usability.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Maintains zero reliably even with powerful calibers like the 500 Magnum.

The Burris 2-7x32 Handgun Scope is a versatile option for hunters who want flexibility in magnification. Its 2x to 7x zoom range lets you quickly find targets up close with a broad view, and then zoom in for more precise shots at longer handgun distances. The 32mm objective lens provides a good balance between light gathering and size, making it suitable for most hunting conditions. It features a Ballistic Plex reticle, which is helpful for estimating bullet drop, adding to your accuracy. The PosiLock system is a standout feature that locks your turret settings firmly, so you don't lose zero after movements or recoil—a real plus for reliability in the field.

The scope is built with aluminum, offering a lightweight yet sturdy design. Weighing around 1 pound, it’s not too heavy for a handgun setup. While it doesn’t support night vision, the matte black finish helps reduce glare. This scope is a solid choice for hunters who want a dependable, easy-to-use optic with good zoom flexibility and durable construction, but those needing advanced weather resistance or parallax features might want to consider other models.

Rating
8.8
Eye Relief
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
330 reviews

Eye Relief
Quality construction paired with extended eye relief enhances comfort and usability.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Maintains zero reliably even with powerful calibers like the 500 Magnum.

Buying Guide for the Best Handgun Scope For Hunting

Choosing the right handgun scope for hunting can significantly improve your accuracy and overall hunting experience. The right scope will help you see your target more clearly, especially in low-light conditions, and can make a big difference in your shooting performance. To find the best fit for you, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they relate to your specific needs and hunting conditions.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because it helps you see your target more clearly, especially at longer distances. Scopes typically have fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes are simpler and often more durable, while variable magnification scopes offer more flexibility. For handgun hunting, a magnification range of 2x to 8x is usually sufficient. If you hunt in dense woods or at shorter ranges, lower magnification (2x-4x) is ideal. For open fields or longer distances, higher magnification (6x-8x) may be more appropriate.
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 determines how much light the scope can gather, which affects image brightness and clarity. Larger objective lenses (28mm-32mm) gather more light, making them better for low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. However, they can also make the scope bulkier and heavier. For handgun hunting, a balance between light-gathering ability and portability is key. A diameter of 20mm-32mm is generally suitable.
Reticle TypeThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle types can suit different hunting needs. Simple crosshairs are easy to use and good for general hunting. More complex reticles, like those with bullet drop compensation (BDC) marks, can help with long-range shooting by indicating where the bullet will land at various distances. Choose a reticle that matches your hunting style and the distances you typically shoot. If you hunt in varied terrain, a BDC reticle might be beneficial. For straightforward, close-range hunting, a simple crosshair will suffice.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope at which you can see the full field of view. This is crucial for handguns due to their recoil. Longer eye relief (10-20 inches) helps prevent the scope from hitting your face when the gun recoils. For hunting handguns, look for scopes with at least 10 inches of eye relief to ensure safety and comfort. If you use a high-recoil handgun, prioritize scopes with the maximum eye relief available.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance are important because hunting often involves harsh conditions. A durable scope can withstand bumps, drops, and rough handling. Look for scopes made from high-quality materials like aircraft-grade aluminum. Weather resistance ensures the scope performs well in rain, fog, and varying temperatures. Features like waterproofing, fog-proofing, and shock resistance are essential. Choose a scope that can handle the specific environmental conditions you hunt in, ensuring it remains reliable and functional.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment helps ensure that the reticle stays on target even if your eye position changes slightly. This is important for accuracy, especially at longer distances. Some scopes come with fixed parallax, while others offer adjustable parallax. For handgun hunting, fixed parallax at a reasonable distance (50-100 yards) is often sufficient. If you plan to shoot at varying distances, an adjustable parallax feature can be beneficial. Consider your typical shooting range and choose accordingly.

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