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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

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

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,161
Reticle
Parallax Adjustment
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
340 reviews

Reticle
The reticle is not too busy, with only hashes on the horizontal, allowing for dialed elevation and held wind adjustments.
Parallax Adjustment
Turrets have a nice tactile click at 0.25 MOA per adjustment, with a side parallax adjustment ensuring the reticle doesn't shift across the target.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The glass is bright and clear, holding zero with no problem, making it essentially point and click at 100 yards.

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 rifle scope is tailored for hunting enthusiasts and other users needing precise long-range optics. One of its standout features is the magnification range of 3x to 15x, offering versatility for various shooting distances. The 44mm objective lens diameter ensures adequate light collection for clear images, which is further enhanced by Leupold’s high-definition lenses providing superior clarity across all magnification levels. The illuminated FireDot Duplex reticle aids in low-light conditions, making it easier to lock onto targets in dusk or dawn scenarios.

The eye relief is generous, allowing for comfortable extended use without strain. It also boasts a wide field of view, making it easier to track moving targets. The side focus parallax adjustment provides quick and precise focus adjustments, crucial for maintaining accuracy at longer ranges. Durability is a strong suit for this scope, as it is 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring reliable performance in various weather conditions. The ZeroLock 2 system prevents accidental adjustments, adding an extra layer of reliability.

This scope is on the heavier side at one pound, which might be a consideration for those looking for lightweight equipment. The price point may be higher compared to other models, but it is backed by Leupold’s full lifetime guarantee, emphasizing its quality and longevity. This scope is ideal for serious hunters and shooters who require robust performance, clear visuals, and reliable adjustments in any condition.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,161
Reticle
Parallax Adjustment
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
340 reviews

Reticle
The reticle is not too busy, with only hashes on the horizontal, allowing for dialed elevation and held wind adjustments.
Parallax Adjustment
Turrets have a nice tactile click at 0.25 MOA per adjustment, with a side parallax adjustment ensuring the reticle doesn't shift across the target.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The glass is bright and clear, holding zero with no problem, making it essentially point and click at 100 yards.
#2

ZEISS LRP S3 6-36x56 First Focal Plane MOA Riflescope with Illuminated Reticle

Rating
9.8
Magnification
Reticle
Eye Relief

Most important from
13 reviews

Magnification
I could easily see my missed shots at 800 yards without needing a spotter, unlike with cheaper scopes.
Reticle
Despite its overall well-built and beautiful design, issues with parallax adjustments and reticle alignment can affect precision.
Eye Relief
Glass is the best out of all of them, adjustments are precise, and the eye-relief/eye-box is forgiving and easy to get behind.
Parallax Adjustment
Despite its overall well-built and beautiful design, issues with parallax adjustments and reticle alignment can affect precision.

The ZEISS LRP S3 6-36x56 First Focal Plane MOA Riflescope is designed for long-range shooting and hunting, offering a range of impressive features. The magnification range of 6x to 36x provides versatility for various distances, while the 56mm objective lens diameter ensures excellent light gathering for clear images. The scope's first focal plane MOA reticle allows for accurate holdovers and range estimations at any magnification, which is beneficial for precision shooting.

The field of view is expected to be broad at lower magnifications, which helps in acquiring targets quickly. The parallax adjustment feature aids in maintaining focus on the target at different ranges, enhancing accuracy. Durability is another strong point, with a robust 34mm main tube and the ability to withstand significant shock forces. This scope is also built to endure harsh weather conditions, making it reliable in various environments.

However, it's quite heavy at 39.1 ounces, which might be a downside for users seeking a lighter setup. Additionally, the price point is likely on the higher side considering ZEISS's reputation and advanced features, which might not be suitable for budget-conscious buyers. The illuminated reticle, with selectable red or green illumination, enhances visibility in varying light conditions but may not be as useful for those who do not require this feature. The ZEISS LRP S3 is ideal for serious hunters and long-range shooters who prioritize quality and precision over weight and cost.

Rating
9.8
Magnification
Reticle
Eye Relief

Most important from
13 reviews

Magnification
I could easily see my missed shots at 800 yards without needing a spotter, unlike with cheaper scopes.
Reticle
Despite its overall well-built and beautiful design, issues with parallax adjustments and reticle alignment can affect precision.
Eye Relief
Glass is the best out of all of them, adjustments are precise, and the eye-relief/eye-box is forgiving and easy to get behind.
Parallax Adjustment
Despite its overall well-built and beautiful design, issues with parallax adjustments and reticle alignment can affect precision.
#3

Burris Optics Eliminator 6 Laser Rangerfinder Riflescope 4-20x52mm

The Burris Eliminator 6 is a high-tech riflescope designed primarily for hunters who want quick, accurate ranging and aiming assistance. It offers a versatile 4-20x magnification range paired with a large 52mm objective lens, providing bright and clear images at various distances. Its standout feature is a built-in laser rangefinder that can measure targets up to 2,000 yards away, along with a heads-up display that shows important ballistic data to help you make precise shots without guessing.

The scope’s unique X177 reticle uses tiny LEDs to create an illuminated aiming point that adjusts automatically with magnification, so aiming stays accurate whether zoomed in or out. It also has Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to customize ballistic profiles via an app and use a remote control for convenience. The side focus knob enables easy parallax adjustment, eliminating aiming errors at different ranges. With multi-coated HD glass, the view remains sharp and bright, enhancing target visibility in various light conditions. Eye relief is about 3.4 inches, which requires maintaining proper eye distance for comfort and safety.

Constructed from durable aluminum, the scope includes sensors like a thermometer and barometer to automatically adjust for altitude-related factors, improving shooting accuracy. Weighing 30 ounces, it is relatively heavy and might be bulkier compared to simpler scopes. This riflescope is best suited for hunters who want integrated technology to enhance long-range shooting and are comfortable using a digital interface. Those seeking a straightforward, no-frills scope might find it more complex or costly.

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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