10 Best Sniper Scopes 2026 in the United States

The Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56mm F1 is a high-end sniper scope designed for serious hunters and long-range shooters who need top precision and flexibility. Its wide magnification range from 7x to 35x lets you zoom in closely for distant targets or keep a broader view when needed. The large 56mm objective lens gathers plenty of light, ensuring clear and bright images even in low-light conditions, which is great for dawn or dusk hunting. The MOAR F1 reticle is placed in the first focal plane, meaning its markings stay accurate at any zoom level, helping with precise aiming and range calculations. This reticle includes illuminated features to improve visibility in varying lighting.

Parallax adjustment can be fine-tuned from 11 yards to infinity, which reduces image distortion and helps maintain a sharp target focus at different distances. The scope’s field of view is wide enough at lower magnifications to spot targets quickly, but it narrows significantly at higher zoom levels, which is typical for scopes with high magnification. Eye relief is about 3.6 inches, offering enough comfort and safety from recoil for most shooters. The turrets support quick and accurate adjustments, with a ZeroStop feature allowing you to return swiftly to zero settings in the field.

This scope is robust and built from durable metal, though it is on the heavier side, which might affect handling during long hunts. Its price and features make it best suited for experienced users or those needing extreme long-range capability rather than casual shooters. The scope excels in precision, clarity, and advanced features, making it a strong choice for long-range hunting and tactical use, while potentially exceeding the needs of beginner or casual users.

The ATN Thor 5 Smart HD Thermal Scope is designed for hunters who want advanced technology to improve spotting and shooting accuracy, especially in low-light or nighttime conditions. Its magnification range of 3-12x offers flexibility for different distances, while the thermal sensor with a 320x240 resolution and 12-micron pixel size helps detect heat signatures clearly. The high-resolution OLED display enhances visibility with richer colors, which makes it easier to identify targets.

This scope includes a customizable reticle system, allowing you to create and share unique reticles, which is a fun and practical feature for tailoring your shooting experience. The built-in ballistic calculator helps you make more accurate shots by providing precise shooting data, reducing guesswork. It also features recoil-activated video recording (RAV) that automatically captures your shots in HD, so you can review your performance or share memorable moments. Additional perks include WiFi and smartphone app control, which modernize the scope’s usability and convenience.

The scope weighs about 1.93 pounds and is somewhat bulky, which might be heavy for some users during extended hunts. It does not have a built-in laser rangefinder (LRF), so you may need an external device for distance measurement. The ATN Thor 5 combines innovative features suitable for serious hunters seeking thermal imaging and smart capabilities, though it might be more than needed for casual users or those preferring simpler optics.

The Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50mm scope is a strong choice for hunters and precision shooters looking for a versatile, rugged optic. It offers an 8x zoom range from 2.5x to 20x magnification, allowing quick transitions from wide field views to detailed long-range shots. The 50mm objective lens helps gather plenty of light, improving clarity in low-light conditions. Its MOAR reticle is illuminated and designed for easy visibility in shadows and dark backgrounds, making it practical for varied lighting during hunting.

The scope includes parallax adjustment as close as 11 yards, helping maintain accuracy at different distances, and the eye relief of about 3 inches is comfortable for most shooters, reducing the risk of scope injury from recoil. The ZeroStop elevation turret is a great feature that lets you quickly return to your zeroed setting, enhancing shooting consistency. Construction-wise, it’s built tough to handle extreme weather and rough use, including dust, water, and temperature changes.

With a weight of about 1.77 pounds, the scope balances durability, optical quality, and adjustment features, making it well-suited for serious hunters or shooters needing a reliable, adaptable sniper scope.