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10 Best Rifle Scopes 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Nightforce ATACR 5-25x56mm First Focal Plane (F1/FFP) 34mm Tube Durable Precise Waterproof Fogproof Hunting Gun Scope, 25 MOA DigIllum PTL MOA-XT Reticle

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,189
Reticle
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
30 reviews

Reticle
The illuminated reticle enhances visibility in low-light conditions, making it easier to acquire targets quickly.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Its rugged and sturdy construction stands up to tough outdoor environments without compromise.

The Nightforce ATACR 5-25x56mm scope is designed for serious hunters and shooters who need precision and reliability. It offers a wide magnification range from 5x to 25x, allowing you to easily zoom in on targets at various distances. The large 56mm objective lens helps gather plenty of light, which means clear and bright images even when lighting isn’t ideal, like early morning or late evening. Its first focal plane reticle keeps measurement markings accurate no matter the zoom level, making holdover and windage adjustments straightforward and dependable in the field.

The MOA-XT reticle provides detailed yet easy-to-read aiming points, which is great for quick target acquisition under pressure. Eye relief is a comfortable 3.5 inches, helping prevent recoil hits while maintaining a good sight picture. The field of view is decent for both low and high magnifications, giving a nice balance between wide viewing and detailed zoom.

Built tough with durable materials, this scope is waterproof and fogproof, ready to handle harsh weather and rough conditions, which is essential for outdoor use. The 34mm tube diameter allows for a wide range of adjustments without adding excessive bulk. It is somewhat heavier at about 2.35 pounds (37.6 ounces), which might add noticeable weight to a lightweight rifle setup. While it does not include night vision capabilities, it remains a high-quality, versatile scope excelling in clarity, durability, and precise shooting at various ranges—ideal for hunters and tactical shooters who demand top performance.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,189
Reticle
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
30 reviews

Reticle
The illuminated reticle enhances visibility in low-light conditions, making it easier to acquire targets quickly.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Its rugged and sturdy construction stands up to tough outdoor environments without compromise.
#2

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44 AO SFP Riflescope Dead-Hold BDC MOA

Rating
9.1
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle

Most important from
13632 reviews

Magnification
This scope delivers clear and bright optics, providing a crisp sight picture even at higher magnifications.
Objective Lens Diameter
While not a high-end precision scope, it excels as a practical hunting optic with a bright 44mm objective lens for low-light scenarios.
Reticle
Adjustable Objective and Dead-Hold BDC reticle work well for mid to long-range shooting, especially up to 500 yards with proper load matching.
Eye Relief
The generous eye relief makes target acquisition quick and comfortable, reducing the risk of scope shadowing.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durable construction from aircraft-grade aluminum ensures it withstands tough outdoor conditions without adding excessive weight.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44 AO riflescope is a solid choice for hunters who need a versatile scope that works well at various distances. Its magnification range from 6x to 18x allows for both mid-range and longer-range shooting, giving good flexibility. The 44mm objective lens is large enough to gather plenty of light, resulting in bright, clear images especially in low-light conditions. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is designed to help with estimating bullet drop, which is handy if you often shoot at different ranges and want to avoid guesswork.

The adjustable objective (AO) feature allows you to fine-tune focus and parallax, which means you can get a sharp sight picture without image distortion—important for precision shooting. Eye relief is long and forgiving, making it comfortable and quick to acquire your target even if your eye isn't perfectly aligned. The field of view is decent, so you can keep track of your target and surroundings more easily. Durability is a strong point here. The scope is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, making it lightweight but tough. It's sealed and nitrogen-purged to keep out water and fog, so it should handle rough weather conditions without issues. The turrets are finger-adjustable with easy-to-use MOA clicks that reset to zero, helping you maintain accuracy after sighting in.

On the downside, the riflescope does not have night vision capabilities, so it’s less suitable for very low-light or night hunting. Being a second focal plane (SFP) scope means the reticle size does not change with magnification, which might be a drawback for some precision shooters who prefer first focal plane scopes. Also, while it comes with lens covers and a sunshade, it weighs about 2 pounds, which is moderate and might feel a bit heavy for lightweight hunting setups. This scope suits hunters looking for a reliable, weather-resistant option with good magnification and helpful reticle features. It is user-friendly, balances quality optics with durability, and is backed by a lifetime warranty, making it a trustworthy investment for outdoor use.

Rating
9.1
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle

Most important from
13632 reviews

Magnification
This scope delivers clear and bright optics, providing a crisp sight picture even at higher magnifications.
Objective Lens Diameter
While not a high-end precision scope, it excels as a practical hunting optic with a bright 44mm objective lens for low-light scenarios.
Reticle
Adjustable Objective and Dead-Hold BDC reticle work well for mid to long-range shooting, especially up to 500 yards with proper load matching.
Eye Relief
The generous eye relief makes target acquisition quick and comfortable, reducing the risk of scope shadowing.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durable construction from aircraft-grade aluminum ensures it withstands tough outdoor conditions without adding excessive weight.
#3

Swarovski Optik 5-25x52 dS P Gen II Digital Riflescope (4A-I Illuminated Reticle)

The Swarovski dS Digital Riflescope 5-25x52 P GEN. II offers a blend of advanced technology and high-performance optics that cater to avid hunters and shooting enthusiasts. Its magnification range of 5x to 25x allows for flexibility in various shooting scenarios, while the 52mm objective lens diameter ensures bright and clear visuals even in low-light conditions. The illuminated holdover reticle, coupled with windage marks, helps in making precise shots by indicating holdover points and wind speeds, which is particularly useful for long-range shooting up to 1500 yards thanks to its built-in range indication feature.

The eye relief is sufficient for comfortable viewing, minimizing strain during extended use. The Swarovski dS riflescope is also equipped with an alignment indicator, ensuring that the rifle is perfectly level, which is crucial for accuracy. The scope's durability is reinforced by its titanium construction and weather-resistant design, making it suitable for harsh outdoor conditions. However, the weight of 2.4 pounds might be considered a drawback for users looking for a lighter option.

Additionally, the reliance on electronic components means users need to keep track of battery life, which could be inconvenient during prolonged outings. The dS Configurator App adds an extra layer of customization by connecting to the scope via Bluetooth, although some users might find the initial setup somewhat complex. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Swarovski dS Digital Riflescope stands out with its cutting-edge features and robust design, making it ideal for those who demand precision and reliability in their shooting gear.

Buying Guide for the Best Rifle Scopes

Choosing the right rifle scope can significantly enhance your shooting experience, whether you're hunting, target shooting, or engaging in tactical operations. The right scope will improve your accuracy, range, and overall performance. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your specific needs and preferences.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is crucial because it determines how well you can see your target at various distances. Scopes typically have fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes are simpler and more durable, while variable magnification scopes offer flexibility for different shooting scenarios. For close-range shooting, a lower magnification (1-4x) is sufficient. For medium-range, consider 5-9x, and for long-range shooting, 10x or higher is ideal. Choose based on the typical distance you will be shooting.
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 affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting image brightness and clarity. Larger diameters (40mm and above) allow more light, which is beneficial in low-light conditions but can make the scope heavier and bulkier. Smaller diameters (below 40mm) are lighter and more compact but may not perform as well in dim lighting. Consider where and when you will be shooting to determine the right size for you.
ReticleThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle designs serve different purposes. Simple crosshairs are great for general use, while more complex reticles with hash marks or dots can help with range estimation and bullet drop compensation. Illuminated reticles are useful in low-light conditions. Choose a reticle that matches your shooting style and needs. For example, hunters might prefer a simple reticle, while long-range shooters might benefit from a more detailed design.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope at which you can see the full image. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with high-recoil rifles. Longer eye relief (3.5 inches or more) is better for high-recoil firearms to prevent the scope from hitting your face. Shorter eye relief (around 3 inches) can be acceptable for low-recoil rifles. Consider the type of rifle you are using and your comfort level when choosing the appropriate eye relief.
Field of ViewField of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the scope at a specific distance, usually measured in feet at 100 yards. A wider FOV allows you to see more of the surrounding area, which is beneficial for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. Higher magnification typically reduces FOV. If you need to track fast-moving targets or require a broad view of your surroundings, opt for a scope with a wider FOV. For precision shooting at long distances, a narrower FOV may be acceptable.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment helps to eliminate the parallax error, which occurs when the reticle appears to move against the target when you move your head. This is important for accuracy, especially at longer distances. Scopes with parallax adjustment allow you to fine-tune the focus for different ranges, ensuring the reticle stays on target. If you are shooting at varying distances or require high precision, a scope with parallax adjustment is beneficial. For fixed-distance shooting, this feature may be less critical.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance are crucial for ensuring your scope can withstand harsh conditions and rough handling. Look for scopes that are waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. These features ensure that the scope remains functional in various weather conditions and can handle the recoil of your rifle. If you plan to use your rifle in challenging environments, prioritize scopes with robust construction and reliable weatherproofing.

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