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10 Best Rifle Scope For 223 2026 in the United States

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#1

Winner

SIG SAUER Tango-MSR LPVO 1-6X24mm Waterproof Fog-Proof Rugged Tactical Hunting Rifle Scope | Second Focal Plane/F2 | Illuminated MSR BDC-6 Reticle, Coyote Tan

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,236
Magnification
Reticle
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
701 reviews

Magnification
The 1-6x magnification range delivers bright, clear images across all settings, enabling precise target acquisition from close quarters to longer distances.
Reticle
Illuminated reticle with ballistic drop marks is useful but requires study and familiarization to maximize effectiveness, as lower aiming points correspond to very long ranges.
Turrets and Adjustments
Installation and zeroing are straightforward, aided by clear leveling guides and intuitive adjustments.
Durability and Build Quality
Offers exceptional value with quality that rivals higher-end optics, making it a top choice for budget-conscious shooters.

The SIG SAUER Tango-MSR LPVO 1-6X24mm is a versatile rifle scope designed especially for tactical use and hunting with rifles chambered in .223. It offers a useful 1-6x magnification range, allowing quick target acquisition at close range with the ability to zoom in for more precise shots when needed. The 24mm objective lens is compact, contributing to a lightweight and manageable scope but may gather slightly less light compared to larger lenses, which can affect visibility in very low light conditions. One standout feature is its illuminated MSR BDC-6 reticle, which has 11 brightness levels to help you see the aiming points clearly in various lighting, from bright daylight to dusk. This reticle is in the second focal plane, meaning it stays the same size when you zoom, which some users prefer for consistent aiming.

Adjustments are user-friendly with tactile turrets and a quick throw lever for fast magnification changes, plus the scope includes parallax adjustment to sharpen your focus at different distances. The eye relief is generally comfortable for most shooters, helping prevent recoil impact on your eye. Built tough, the scope is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, with nitrogen-purged lenses and sealed housing to keep your view clear in bad weather. It also comes with flip-back lens covers and a sturdy aluminum cantilever mount for easy setup on MSR platform rifles.

Though it lacks night vision compatibility and the objective lens size limits extreme low-light performance, this scope is a solid choice for hunters and tactical shooters who want a rugged, reliable optic with bright, clear images and flexible magnification for .223 rifles.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,236
Magnification
Reticle
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
701 reviews

Magnification
The 1-6x magnification range delivers bright, clear images across all settings, enabling precise target acquisition from close quarters to longer distances.
Reticle
Illuminated reticle with ballistic drop marks is useful but requires study and familiarization to maximize effectiveness, as lower aiming points correspond to very long ranges.
Turrets and Adjustments
Installation and zeroing are straightforward, aided by clear leveling guides and intuitive adjustments.
Durability and Build Quality
Offers exceptional value with quality that rivals higher-end optics, making it a top choice for budget-conscious shooters.
#2

ATN X-Sight 5 Smart Day/Night Gen 5 Scope w/Ballistics Calc, 12MP Resolution, Video Record, Wi-Fi, 14hrs+ Battery

Rating
9.1
Reticle
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
3273 reviews

Reticle
The optics deliver crystal-clear, ultra HD images with precise reticles that maintain clarity in both day and night conditions.
Durability and Build Quality
The scope’s sturdy aluminum build and secure cantilever mount offer reliable durability and a solid feel on precision rifles.

The ATN X-Sight 5 is a high-tech rifle scope designed for shooters who want both day and night capabilities, making it a good fit for hunting or tactical use with a .223 rifle. It offers a 3-15x magnification range, which is versatile enough for close to mid-range shooting. The aluminum build feels sturdy, and it comes with a cantilever mount for secure attachment. One of its standout features is the ultra HD 4K+ resolution sensor providing clear, colorful images, which is especially helpful for spotting targets clearly. Night vision mode is enhanced, making low-light or nighttime hunting more reliable. The Mil Dot reticle suits precision shooting, and the included ballistic calculator helps with accurate aiming by adjusting for bullet drop and environmental factors.

Its digital turrets and smooth zoom via smartphone control add convenience, though this may be more complex for users new to smart scopes. The scope also includes video recording, Wi-Fi streaming, and recoil-activated video, which are great for capturing hunting moments but add to the weight at nearly 2 pounds. Battery life is strong, lasting over 14 hours, ideal for long outings. The digital and smart features mean it relies on batteries and electronics, which could be a drawback if you prefer simple, traditional scopes.

This scope is powerful for hunters or shooters who appreciate advanced technology and night vision capabilities, but it may be less suitable for those seeking a simple, lightweight optic without digital features.

Rating
9.1
Reticle
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
3273 reviews

Reticle
The optics deliver crystal-clear, ultra HD images with precise reticles that maintain clarity in both day and night conditions.
Durability and Build Quality
The scope’s sturdy aluminum build and secure cantilever mount offer reliable durability and a solid feel on precision rifles.
#3

Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56mm F1 34mm Tube Precise Illuminated First Focal Plane Dark Earth Hunting Gun Scope, Moar F1 Reticle, C689

Rating
8.5
Durability and Build Quality
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
7 reviews

Durability and Build Quality
Its build quality is very solid and durable, though this contributes to a heavier overall weight.
Turrets and Adjustments
The turrets are precise and reliable, enhancing the shooting experience with accurate adjustments.

The Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56mm F1 is a high-end rifle scope designed for precision shooting, especially suitable for long-range hunting with a .223 caliber rifle. It offers an impressive magnification range from 7x to 35x, allowing you to zoom in closely on distant targets or maintain a wider view for easier target acquisition. The large 56mm objective lens lets in plenty of light, enhancing clarity and brightness in various lighting conditions. The MOAR F1 reticle is in the first focal plane, meaning it scales with magnification, which helps with accurate holdoffs and range estimation at any zoom level. It also features illuminated reticle options for low-light situations.

This scope includes precise turrets with 0.25 MOA click adjustments and a robust parallax adjustment that works down to about 10 meters, which improves focus on targets at different distances. The ZeroStop feature allows shooters to quickly return to their zero setting, saving time in stressful moments. Eye relief is about 3.6 inches, which is comfortable for most shooters, though this is something to test in person if possible.

Built from durable aluminum and weighing nearly 40 ounces, it offers solid build quality to withstand rough field conditions. The Weaver mounting is standard and should fit most rifles easily. While this scope excels at long-range precision and has excellent clarity and adjustment features, its size and weight make it less ideal for those wanting a lightweight or compact setup. Moreover, the price point and advanced features may be more than casual shooters need. This Nightforce scope is an excellent choice for serious hunters and precision shooters who want a versatile optic that handles extreme ranges with accuracy and durability but may be overkill for beginners or those preferring a simpler, lighter setup.

Rating
8.5
Durability and Build Quality
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
7 reviews

Durability and Build Quality
Its build quality is very solid and durable, though this contributes to a heavier overall weight.
Turrets and Adjustments
The turrets are precise and reliable, enhancing the shooting experience with accurate adjustments.

Buying Guide for the Best Rifle Scope For 223

Choosing the right rifle scope for your .223 rifle can significantly enhance your shooting accuracy and overall experience. The right scope will depend on your specific needs, such as the type of shooting you plan to do (hunting, target shooting, etc.), the distances you will be shooting at, and your personal preferences. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a rifle scope for your .223 rifle, along with explanations to help you understand their importance and how to choose the best fit for you.
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 and aim at distant targets more clearly. Magnification is usually represented as a range (e.g., 3-9x). Lower magnifications (1-4x) are suitable for close-range shooting and fast target acquisition, while higher magnifications (9x and above) are better for long-range precision shooting. Choose a magnification range based on the typical distances you will be shooting at.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. A larger objective lens allows more light to enter the scope, which can provide a brighter and clearer image, especially in low-light conditions. However, larger lenses can also make the scope heavier and bulkier. For general use, an objective lens diameter of 40-50mm is a good balance between light transmission and size. If you plan to shoot in low-light conditions, consider a larger diameter.
ReticleThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. There are various types of reticles, including duplex, mil-dot, and BDC (bullet drop compensator). A duplex reticle is simple and easy to use, making it suitable for general shooting. A mil-dot reticle can help with range estimation and holdover for long-range shooting. A BDC reticle is designed to compensate for bullet drop at various distances, which can be useful for hunting. Choose a reticle based on your shooting style and needs.
Turrets and AdjustmentsTurrets are the knobs on the scope that allow you to adjust the point of impact for windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down). Precise and repeatable adjustments are crucial for accuracy. Look for scopes with turrets that have clear, audible clicks and are easy to adjust. Some scopes also offer zero-reset turrets, which allow you to quickly return to your original zero setting. Consider how often you will need to make adjustments and choose a scope with turrets that suit your needs.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment helps to eliminate the parallax error, which occurs when the reticle appears to move relative to the target when you shift your eye position. This is more noticeable at higher magnifications and longer distances. Scopes with parallax adjustment allow you to fine-tune the focus for different distances, ensuring that the reticle and target are on the same focal plane. If you plan to shoot at varying distances or use high magnification, a scope with parallax adjustment can be beneficial.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope at which you can see the full field of view. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with rifles that have significant recoil. Longer eye relief (3-4 inches) is generally better, as it allows you to maintain a safe distance from the scope. Consider the recoil of your .223 rifle and choose a scope with adequate eye relief to ensure a comfortable shooting experience.
Durability and Build QualityDurability and build quality are crucial for ensuring that your scope can withstand the rigors of shooting and outdoor conditions. Look for scopes made from high-quality materials, such as aircraft-grade aluminum, and those that are shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof. A well-built scope will provide reliable performance and longevity. Consider the environments in which you will be using the scope and choose one that can handle those conditions.

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