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10 Best Illuminated Reticles 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9x50 SFP Riflescope V-Brite Illuminated MOA, Crossfire II 3-9x50 V-Brite Illuminated, black

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,484
Reticle Design

Most important from
13365 reviews

Reticle Design
The glass is generally clearer and the reticle is crisp, making it a top choice for its price range.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9x50 SFP Riflescope is a solid choice for hunters looking for an illuminated reticle. One of its main strengths is the V-Brite reticle, which illuminates the center dot in low-light conditions, enhancing target visibility. The scope offers a range of brightness settings, allowing you to adjust the illumination based on your environment. The eye relief of 3.8 inches is generous, making it user-friendly for quick target acquisition, and the fast focus eyepiece helps in quickly adjusting the reticle for a clear view.

Durability is another significant advantage; it's made from aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring it withstands tough conditions. The O-ring sealed design and nitrogen purging provide waterproof and fogproof protection, which is essential for outdoor use. Plus, Vortex backs this product with a lifetime warranty, reflecting their confidence in its long-term performance.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. While the illuminated reticle is beneficial for low-light situations, it may not be as effective in bright daylight, where the illumination can sometimes wash out. The weight of the scope might also be a concern for some users who prefer lighter setups for extended carry during hunts. Additionally, the lack of night vision capability could be a limitation for those seeking to use the scope in very low light or darkness.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,484
Reticle Design

Most important from
13365 reviews

Reticle Design
The glass is generally clearer and the reticle is crisp, making it a top choice for its price range.
#2

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

Rating
9.6
Reticle Design

Most important from
324 reviews

Reticle Design
The reticle design is straightforward and efficient, with only horizontal hashes, allowing for dialing elevation and holding for wind.

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 Riflescope comes with an Illuminated FireDot Duplex Reticle, offering various features that make it a strong contender for hunting enthusiasts. The illumination of the reticle is a key highlight, offering bright and clear visibility in different lighting conditions, and the customization options for the brightness settings ensure adaptability in various environments. The FireDot Duplex design is intuitive, making target acquisition straightforward and efficient.

In terms of durability, this riflescope excels with a robust aluminum build and comprehensive weather resistance, including being waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. The Guard-ion lens coating further enhances its reliability by shedding dirt and water, ensuring a clear view without constant maintenance. The side focus parallax adjustment is an added advantage, allowing for quick and easy focusing adjustments from any shooting position.

Additionally, the Custom Dial System (CDS) with ZeroLock 2 feature is particularly useful for precision shooting, as it prevents accidental dial movement and allows for personalized adjustment based on specific ballistics. One area where the VX-5HD could improve is battery life, as illuminated reticles often require frequent battery changes, which might be inconvenient during extended outings. Also, while the riflescope is versatile, its price point may be a concern for budget-conscious users. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 Riflescope stands out for its high-quality optics, robust construction, and user-friendly features, making it an excellent choice for serious hunters looking for dependable performance in a variety of conditions.

Rating
9.6
Reticle Design

Most important from
324 reviews

Reticle Design
The reticle design is straightforward and efficient, with only horizontal hashes, allowing for dialing elevation and holding for wind.
#3

Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-7C Reticle (MRAD)

Rating
9.3
Brightness Settings
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
817 reviews

Brightness Settings
The off detent between illumination settings is a convenient feature, allowing quick access to preferred brightness levels.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The Viper is built like a tank, offering great durability and robustness.

The Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44 First Focal Plane Riflescope with EBR-7C Reticle excels in offering versatility for both close and long-range shooting scenarios. The reticle design is a standout feature, providing detailed yet uncluttered hold points which are highly functional and intuitive. Additionally, it features 10 intensity levels with off positions between each setting, giving users flexibility in brightness settings to adapt to various lighting conditions.

The build quality is notably robust, with a single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum construction ensuring excellent durability. It is also O-ring sealed and argon purged for waterproof and fogproof performance, making it highly reliable in various weather conditions. The XR fully multi-coated lenses and extra-low dispersion glass enhance resolution and light transmission, offering clear visuals.

Its fiber optic rotation indicator and laser-etched turrets for drop and wind compensation add to the user-friendly features. The weight of 1.8 pounds might be on the heavier side for some users. Nonetheless, the Vortex Viper PST Gen II is a solid choice for hunting and shooting enthusiasts looking for a durable, high-performance riflescope with a well-designed reticle.

Rating
9.3
Brightness Settings
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
817 reviews

Brightness Settings
The off detent between illumination settings is a convenient feature, allowing quick access to preferred brightness levels.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The Viper is built like a tank, offering great durability and robustness.

Buying Guide for the Best Illuminated Reticles

Choosing the right illuminated reticle for your scope can significantly enhance your shooting experience, especially in low-light conditions. An illuminated reticle is a feature in some scopes where the reticle (the crosshairs or aiming point) is lit up, making it easier to see against dark backgrounds. When selecting an illuminated reticle, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure it meets your needs and preferences. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and find the best fit for your shooting activities.
Brightness SettingsBrightness settings refer to the different levels of illumination that you can adjust on the reticle. This is important because it allows you to adapt the brightness to various lighting conditions, ensuring the reticle is visible without being too bright and causing glare. Typically, scopes offer multiple brightness levels, ranging from low to high. If you plan to use your scope in diverse environments, look for a model with a wide range of brightness settings. For general use, a scope with 5-10 brightness levels should suffice, while more advanced users might prefer scopes with finer adjustments.
Color OptionsColor options refer to the different colors available for the illuminated reticle, commonly red or green. The color of the reticle can affect visibility and contrast against various backgrounds. Red is often preferred for low-light conditions as it is less likely to cause night blindness, while green can be more visible in daylight. Some scopes offer both colors, allowing you to switch based on your environment. If you frequently shoot in varying light conditions, a scope with multiple color options might be beneficial. Otherwise, choose the color that best suits your typical shooting environment.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the illuminated reticle will function before the battery needs to be replaced or recharged. This is crucial for ensuring your reticle remains illuminated during extended use. Battery life can vary significantly between models, with some lasting a few hours and others lasting hundreds of hours. If you plan to use your scope for long hunting trips or extended shooting sessions, look for a model with a longer battery life. For occasional use, a shorter battery life may be acceptable, but always consider carrying spare batteries.
Reticle DesignReticle design refers to the pattern of the crosshairs or aiming points within the scope. Different designs can aid in various shooting activities, such as hunting, target shooting, or tactical use. Common designs include duplex, mil-dot, and BDC (bullet drop compensator). The design can affect how quickly you can acquire your target and how precise your aiming can be. Choose a reticle design that matches your primary shooting activity. For example, a duplex reticle is versatile and good for general use, while a mil-dot reticle is better for long-range shooting and estimating distances.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance refer to the scope's ability to withstand harsh conditions and rough handling. This is important for ensuring the longevity and reliability of your illuminated reticle. Look for scopes that are waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, as these features will protect the internal components and maintain performance in various environments. If you often shoot in challenging conditions, prioritize scopes with high durability and weather resistance. For more controlled environments, these features may be less critical but still beneficial for overall reliability.

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