10 Best Riffle Scopes 2025 in the United States

The Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56mm F1 rifle scope is designed for serious long-range shooters, including hunters and competitive shooters. Its magnification range from 7x to a remarkable 35x allows for precise target acquisition at various distances, making it highly versatile. The 56mm objective lens ensures ample light transmission for clear images even in low-light conditions.

The first focal plane (FFP) reticle ensures that the reticle size adjusts with magnification, maintaining accuracy at any range. The MIL-XT reticle offers fine aiming points and quick reference under stressful conditions, which is beneficial for competitive shooting and hunting scenarios. The parallax adjustment down to 10 meters and 100 MOA elevation travel provide excellent precision for both short and long-range shooting. The ZeroStop feature is a convenient addition, allowing for a quick return to zero settings.

With an eye relief of 3.6 inches, the scope can be comfortably used with various rifles, maintaining safe distance from recoil. However, at 39.3 ounces, it is relatively heavy, which might be a drawback for users prioritizing lightweight gear. The scope's durability and weather resistance are top-notch, ensuring reliable performance in harsh conditions. It is also quite expensive, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. The Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56mm F1 is an excellent choice for those who need high performance and precision in long-range shooting, but its weight and price might be potential downsides for some users.

The Vortex Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC riflescope is designed mainly for hunters and shooters who need reliable performance at various distances. Its 3-9x magnification range and 40mm objective lens strike a good balance for both close and mid-range shooting, providing clear images with enough light. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle helps estimate bullet drop without complicated calculations, making it easier to aim at varying ranges.

With a field of view of about 34 feet at 100 yards and 3.8 inches of eye relief, it offers a comfortable and quick sight picture, which is helpful during fast target acquisition. While the scope does not include a dedicated parallax adjustment, it is best suited for typical hunting distances rather than precision long-range shooting. The single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube makes it durable and shock-resistant, and it is both waterproof and fogproof thanks to O-ring seals and nitrogen purging, so it performs well in rough weather.

Users will also appreciate the fully multi-coated lenses for bright, clear viewing and the fast-focus eyepiece that simplifies reticle adjustment. However, the lack of night vision compatibility and specialized parallax adjustment might limit use in extreme conditions or very long distances. This scope represents a solid, dependable choice for hunters or shooters looking for user-friendly features, good durability, and reliable optical performance without the complexity or price of high-end scopes.

The Nightforce NX8 4-32x50mm F1 rifle scope is designed for versatile hunting, offering a broad magnification range from 4x to 32x. This feature allows users to target both close-up and distant objects with clarity. The 50mm objective lens ensures bright and clear images even in low light conditions. It comes with a MIL-XT reticle, which is ideal for competitive and field shooting, providing precise aiming points and easy reference marks for quick adjustments.

The first focal plane reticle maintains its proportions across various magnifications, aiding in accurate shot placement regardless of zoom level. The scope boasts a solid 3.5 inches of eye relief, ensuring comfortable use and protection from recoil. Its field of view ranges from 26.1 feet at 4x to 4.6 feet at 32x per 100 yards, catering to different hunting scenarios. A standout feature is its parallax adjustment from 11 yards to infinity, enhancing accuracy over varying distances.

Equipped with ZeroStop technology, users can swiftly return to their initial zero setting, making it highly reliable in different conditions. The inclusion of Digillum reticle illumination and a standard power throw lever enhances usability in low light environments and ease of magnification changes. However, it's important to note that the scope lacks night vision capability, which may limit its use in complete darkness. It is built with durability in mind, evidenced by its robust construction and weather-resistant properties. At 29 ounces, it is relatively heavy, which may impact handling and balance. The Nightforce NX8 comes with additional accessories like lens covers, a cleaning kit, and a multi-tool, making it a comprehensive package for hunters. This scope is well-suited for avid hunters looking for precision and versatility, although its weight and lack of night vision might be minor drawbacks to consider.