10 Best Riffle Scopes 2025 in the United States

The Nightforce NX8 4-32x50mm scope offers a wide magnification range—from 4x for quick close-range shots to 32x for long-distance precision. This versatility makes it suitable for hunters or shooters who need to handle different target distances without changing scopes. Its large 50mm objective lens delivers bright and clear images, which helps in low light conditions like dawn or dusk. The scope features the MOAR reticle in the first focal plane, meaning the reticle adjusts with magnification, allowing accurate holdovers and windage corrections at all zoom levels. Eye relief is about 3.5 inches, which is comfortable enough to prevent recoil injuries and maintain a good shooting position. Parallax is adjustable from 11 yards to infinity, helping keep your target sharp at any range.

The durable aluminum body is built to withstand tough weather and rough handling, adding reliability in the field. On the downside, the scope weighs nearly 1.8 pounds and is somewhat long (13.4 inches), which might feel bulky on lighter rifles. Also, while the illumination and ZeroStop features aid quick adjustments, beginners might need some practice to fully utilize these advanced options.

This scope represents a solid choice for serious hunters and precision shooters who want a robust, versatile optic that performs well in various conditions, although it may be more than needed for casual or beginner users.

The Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56mm F1 rifle scope is designed for serious long-range shooters, including hunters and competitive shooters. Its magnification range from 7x to a remarkable 35x allows for precise target acquisition at various distances, making it highly versatile. The 56mm objective lens ensures ample light transmission for clear images even in low-light conditions.

The first focal plane (FFP) reticle ensures that the reticle size adjusts with magnification, maintaining accuracy at any range. The MIL-XT reticle offers fine aiming points and quick reference under stressful conditions, which is beneficial for competitive shooting and hunting scenarios. The parallax adjustment down to 10 meters and 100 MOA elevation travel provide excellent precision for both short and long-range shooting. The ZeroStop feature is a convenient addition, allowing for a quick return to zero settings.

With an eye relief of 3.6 inches, the scope can be comfortably used with various rifles, maintaining safe distance from recoil. However, at 39.3 ounces, it is relatively heavy, which might be a drawback for users prioritizing lightweight gear. The scope's durability and weather resistance are top-notch, ensuring reliable performance in harsh conditions. It is also quite expensive, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. The Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56mm F1 is an excellent choice for those who need high performance and precision in long-range shooting, but its weight and price might be potential downsides for some users.

The Vortex Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC riflescope is designed mainly for hunters and shooters who need reliable performance at various distances. Its 3-9x magnification range and 40mm objective lens strike a good balance for both close and mid-range shooting, providing clear images with enough light. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle helps estimate bullet drop without complicated calculations, making it easier to aim at varying ranges.

With a field of view of about 34 feet at 100 yards and 3.8 inches of eye relief, it offers a comfortable and quick sight picture, which is helpful during fast target acquisition. While the scope does not include a dedicated parallax adjustment, it is best suited for typical hunting distances rather than precision long-range shooting. The single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube makes it durable and shock-resistant, and it is both waterproof and fogproof thanks to O-ring seals and nitrogen purging, so it performs well in rough weather.

Users will also appreciate the fully multi-coated lenses for bright, clear viewing and the fast-focus eyepiece that simplifies reticle adjustment. However, the lack of night vision compatibility and specialized parallax adjustment might limit use in extreme conditions or very long distances. This scope represents a solid, dependable choice for hunters or shooters looking for user-friendly features, good durability, and reliable optical performance without the complexity or price of high-end scopes.