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10 Best Vortex Optics Rifle Scopes 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen III 6-36x56 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-7D Reticle (MOA)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,184
Magnification
Eye Relief
Durability

Most important from
145 reviews

Magnification
This scope delivers remarkably clear glass and fast target acquisition at 1x, rivaling red dot speeds without the common fisheye distortion complaints.
Eye Relief
Despite its premium price, this optic stands out as a favorite for long-range precision with an excellent balance of magnification and eye relief.
Durability
This is the best low power variable optic available, combining rugged construction with exceptional optical performance.

The Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36x56 is a high-quality rifle scope well-suited for long-range shooting and hunting. It offers a versatile magnification range of 6 to 36 times, allowing clear identification of distant targets without losing field of view. The large 56mm objective lens enhances light transmission, which helps in low-light conditions. Its first focal plane design and illuminated EBR-7D reticle make range estimation and holdover corrections straightforward, offering practical utility for precision shooters.

The scope’s turret system is thoughtfully redesigned with the L-Tec+ Zero Stop and micro-adjustments, making it easy to zero quickly and return to zero reliably—a big plus if you often change shooting distances. Eye relief is about 3.5 inches, which is comfortable for most users, though it’s not the longest in the market. Parallax is adjustable, which is important for maintaining accuracy at various ranges.

Durability is impressive thanks to aircraft-grade aluminum construction, O-ring sealing, argon purging for waterproof and fogproof performance, and Armortek coatings that protect the lenses from scratches and dirt. The low-glare anodized finish helps reduce reflections that could give away your position. At 45 ounces, it’s somewhat heavy, so it might feel bulky on lighter rifles. Some users might find the price and weight higher than basic scopes, but the premium features and lifetime VIP warranty back up the investment. This scope is suited for serious shooters and hunters who demand clear optics, precise adjustments, and rugged reliability for long-range shooting.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,184
Magnification
Eye Relief
Durability

Most important from
145 reviews

Magnification
This scope delivers remarkably clear glass and fast target acquisition at 1x, rivaling red dot speeds without the common fisheye distortion complaints.
Eye Relief
Despite its premium price, this optic stands out as a favorite for long-range precision with an excellent balance of magnification and eye relief.
Durability
This is the best low power variable optic available, combining rugged construction with exceptional optical performance.
#2

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44 AO, 1-inch Tube, Second Focal Plane Riflescope - V-Brite Illuminated MOA, Model Number: CF2-31029

Rating
9.4
Reticle
Eye Relief
Turrets

Most important from
13834 reviews

Reticle
The glass delivers a noticeably clearer and crisper image with a sharp duplex dot reticle, offering a quality optic feel at a budget-friendly price.
Eye Relief
The scope provides excellent eye relief with a wide, bright sight picture and minimal black ring, making it comfortable and easy to acquire targets quickly.
Turrets
Adjustments are accurate and consistent, with turrets that offer tactile feedback even if the audible click isn’t very loud, ensuring precise zeroing.
Parallax Adjustment
The adjustable objective lens effectively removes parallax error, allowing for confident shots out to 500 yards and beyond when paired with proper ballistics.
Durability
This scope holds zero reliably through extensive use, provided it’s mounted properly, demonstrating dependable performance for rifles like AR-10 and .308 platforms.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44 AO is a solid choice for hunters seeking a versatile riflescope. Its 6 to 18 times magnification range allows you to zoom in well for distant targets, while the 44mm objective lens helps provide a bright, clear view even in lower light conditions. The V-Brite illuminated reticle is a helpful feature, making it easier to aim during dawn or dusk by lighting up the center dot. This illumination uses a battery-powered system, which is convenient but means you should keep spare batteries on hand.

The adjustable objective lens allows you to fine-tune the focus and removes parallax error, which helps ensure your aim stays accurate at different distances. The scope’s turrets are capped and have MOA clicks that can be reset to zero after sighting in, letting you make precise adjustments without tools. Eye relief is about 3.7 inches, which is comfortable and gives a forgiving eye box, so you can quickly get a clear sight picture without straining. Built from aircraft-grade aluminum, the scope is sturdy, shockproof, and sealed against water and fog, making it dependable in rough outdoor conditions. It also comes with a lifetime warranty, which is a reassuring promise of quality.

The 1-inch tube might limit light transmission compared to larger tubes, and the illuminated reticle relies on battery power, so it’s not entirely maintenance-free. It also doesn’t have night vision compatibility. This Crossfire II model is well suited for hunters wanting a reliable, medium to long-range scope with good durability and clear optics, especially if you appreciate an illuminated reticle for low-light shooting.

Rating
9.4
Reticle
Eye Relief
Turrets

Most important from
13834 reviews

Reticle
The glass delivers a noticeably clearer and crisper image with a sharp duplex dot reticle, offering a quality optic feel at a budget-friendly price.
Eye Relief
The scope provides excellent eye relief with a wide, bright sight picture and minimal black ring, making it comfortable and easy to acquire targets quickly.
Turrets
Adjustments are accurate and consistent, with turrets that offer tactile feedback even if the audible click isn’t very loud, ensuring precise zeroing.
Parallax Adjustment
The adjustable objective lens effectively removes parallax error, allowing for confident shots out to 500 yards and beyond when paired with proper ballistics.
Durability
This scope holds zero reliably through extensive use, provided it’s mounted properly, demonstrating dependable performance for rifles like AR-10 and .308 platforms.
#3

Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-7C Reticle (MRAD) , black

Rating
8.8
Reticle
Turrets
Eye Relief

Most important from
863 reviews

Reticle
The illuminated reticle and high-quality glass make it stand out, providing clear and sharp images at any range.
Turrets
Smooth and sharp adjustments, along with the off detent between illumination settings, enhance usability.
Eye Relief
The Viper PST Gen II scope offers superior eye relief and more robust construction compared to the Vortex Venom.
Durability
This scope is built like a tank, offering great value for its feature set and quality.

The Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50 is a versatile riflescope designed for a range of shooting scenarios from close to long distances. Its magnification range of 5x to 25x provides flexibility for various shooting needs. The 50mm objective lens, combined with extra-low dispersion glass, ensures sharp image quality and color fidelity, enhanced by XR fully multi-coated lenses for increased light transmission. This makes it suitable for hunting and target shooting in different lighting conditions.

The EBR-7C reticle (MRAD) is well-detailed yet uncluttered, allowing for precise shots without obscuring the view. It also features 10 intensity levels with off positions in between, catering to different lighting environments. The turrets are laser etched for clear marking, with an easy-to-track fiber optic rotation indicator and RZR zero stop for quick reset to zero after adjustments. An adjustable parallax feature ensures that the target image remains sharp and in focus, which is particularly useful for long-range shooting. Eye relief of 3.4 inches provides a comfortable viewing experience, reducing eye strain during prolonged use.

Durability is a strong point, thanks to its single-piece, aircraft-grade aluminum construction. It is O-ring sealed and argon purged, offering waterproof and fogproof performance, making it reliable in harsh weather conditions. However, the scope is relatively heavy at 31.2 ounces, which may be a consideration for those who prefer lighter equipment. Additionally, night vision is not supported, which might be a drawback for those looking for an all-around solution. Despite these minor issues, the Viper PST Gen II comes with a lifetime warranty, demonstrating Vortex's confidence in their product's longevity and performance.

Rating
8.8
Reticle
Turrets
Eye Relief

Most important from
863 reviews

Reticle
The illuminated reticle and high-quality glass make it stand out, providing clear and sharp images at any range.
Turrets
Smooth and sharp adjustments, along with the off detent between illumination settings, enhance usability.
Eye Relief
The Viper PST Gen II scope offers superior eye relief and more robust construction compared to the Vortex Venom.
Durability
This scope is built like a tank, offering great value for its feature set and quality.

Buying Guide for the Best Vortex Optics Rifle Scopes

Choosing the right rifle scope is crucial for enhancing your shooting accuracy and overall experience. Vortex Optics offers a wide range of rifle scopes, each designed to meet different needs and preferences. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your shooting requirements. Here are the key specs you should consider when selecting a Vortex Optics rifle scope.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because it determines how well you can see your target at various distances. Lower magnification (1-4x) is suitable for close-range shooting and fast target acquisition, while medium magnification (5-12x) is ideal for mid-range shooting. Higher magnification (13x and above) is best for long-range precision shooting. Choose the magnification based on the typical distance you will be shooting.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens measured in millimeters. It affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting image brightness and clarity. Larger diameters (40-56mm) allow more light, which is beneficial in low-light conditions but can make the scope heavier. Smaller diameters (20-39mm) 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 objective lens size.
ReticleThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point within the scope. Different reticle designs serve various purposes. Simple duplex reticles are great for general hunting, while BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticles help with long-range shooting by accounting for bullet drop. Illuminated reticles are useful in low-light conditions. Choose a reticle that matches your shooting style and the conditions you expect to encounter.
TurretsTurrets are the knobs on the scope used to adjust windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down). They are important for fine-tuning your aim. Tactical turrets are exposed and allow for quick adjustments, suitable for dynamic shooting situations. Capped turrets are protected and prevent accidental adjustments, ideal for hunting. Consider how often you will need to make adjustments and choose accordingly.
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 crucial for long-range shooting where precision is key. Scopes with adjustable parallax allow you to fine-tune the focus at different distances. If you plan on shooting at varying ranges, a scope with parallax adjustment is beneficial.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope where 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, while shorter eye relief (around 3 inches) can be sufficient for low-recoil guns. Choose eye relief based on the type of rifle you are using and your comfort level.
DurabilityDurability refers to the scope's ability to withstand harsh conditions and rough handling. This includes being waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. A durable scope is essential for hunting in various weather conditions and for ensuring longevity. Look for scopes with robust construction and protective coatings if you expect to use them in challenging environments.

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