We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Rifle Scope For Hunting 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

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.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9x50 Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescope - Straight-Wall BDC Reticle

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,460
Eye Relief
Magnification

Most important from
13626 reviews

Eye Relief
Generous eye relief and a wide, clear sight picture eliminate the 'soda straw' effect, offering comfortable and quick target acquisition.
Magnification
Its clarity and brightness are perfect for hunters with aging eyesight, maintaining sharpness across the magnification range.

The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x50 is a solid choice for hunters looking for a versatile riflescope. Its 3-9x magnification range is great for typical hunting distances, allowing both close and moderate range shots. The large 50mm objective lens helps bring in plenty of light, making it easier to see in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. The straight-wall BDC reticle is designed specifically for certain calibers, which can help with quick holdovers when shooting at varying distances, though it may be less flexible if you use different ammo types.

Eye relief is generous, meaning you can comfortably see the full sight picture without your eye needing to be super close to the scope, reducing the chance of recoil injury. The field of view at 32 feet is decent, giving a good balance between seeing enough area and zooming in on your target. The product does not include an adjustable parallax feature, which might affect precision at longer ranges.

Durability-wise, this scope stands out. Its aircraft-grade aluminum tube makes it strong and shockproof, while O-ring sealing and nitrogen purging ensure it’s waterproof and fogproof — key for hunting in wet or cold weather. The fully multi-coated lenses improve clarity and reduce glare, supporting better target acquisition. The fast-focus eyepiece is handy for quick reticle adjustments in the field. The Crossfire II comes with a lifetime warranty, reflecting the brand’s confidence in its build quality. While the reticle style and lack of parallax adjustment may be limiting for specialized hunting needs, it remains a reliable, clear, and durable scope at a reasonable price for most hunters.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,460
Eye Relief
Magnification

Most important from
13626 reviews

Eye Relief
Generous eye relief and a wide, clear sight picture eliminate the 'soda straw' effect, offering comfortable and quick target acquisition.
Magnification
Its clarity and brightness are perfect for hunters with aging eyesight, maintaining sharpness across the magnification range.
#2

Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50mm 8X Zoom Range F1 Illuminated Mil-C Reticle Ultra-Compact Rugged Black Matte Hunting Scope (C623)

Rating
9.7
Reticle
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
36 reviews

Reticle
The illumination is meant for low light and is pretty dim for daytime, but the clarity and crispness make it unnecessary during the day.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Midnight and you can still see clearly.

The Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50mm hunting scope is a solid choice for hunters looking for a versatile and rugged optic. One of its standout features is the impressive 8X magnification range, which allows for quick transitions between close and long-range shots. The 50mm objective lens is optimized for light transmission, making it effective in low-light conditions, and the parallax adjustment capability enhances accuracy at various distances, starting as close as 11 yards.

The MIL-C F1 reticle is designed for simplicity, providing a fine aiming point that remains effective under stress, which is valuable in hunting scenarios. The ZeroStop elevation adjustment feature adds convenience, ensuring you can quickly return to your original zero after making adjustments for distance.

Durability is another strong suit of the NX8; it is built to withstand extreme conditions, from harsh weather to rough handling. The inclusion of flip-up covers and a cleaning kit is a thoughtful addition for maintaining the scope in the field. There are some considerations to keep in mind. Weighing in at 1.8 pounds, it may feel a bit bulky for hunters who prefer lighter setups. Additionally, it is not equipped for night vision, which might limit its use for those looking for nighttime hunting solutions. This scope suits serious hunters who require a reliable and adaptable optic for diverse shooting scenarios, provided they're comfortable with the weight and are not in need of night vision capabilities.

Rating
9.7
Reticle
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
36 reviews

Reticle
The illumination is meant for low light and is pretty dim for daytime, but the clarity and crispness make it unnecessary during the day.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Midnight and you can still see clearly.
#3

Vortex Optics CF2-31015 Vortex Crossfire 2 4-12x44 Riflescope Deadhold BDC MOA , Black

Rating
9.1
Magnification
Eye Relief
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
13626 reviews

Magnification
The adjustable objective and clear reticle at 12x magnification make it suitable for precise shooting when used on a stable platform.
Eye Relief
It offers great eye relief of about 4 inches and a wide, full image view without the 'soda straw' effect, ensuring comfortable and easy target acquisition.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Turrets are capped and functional but not designed for precise MOA dialing, reflecting its status as a budget-friendly hunting scope.

The Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44 rifle scope is a solid choice for hunters looking for flexible magnification and clear optics. With a zoom range from 4x to 12x, it allows you to easily switch from close to longer-range shots, which is great for varying hunting situations. The 44mm objective lens helps gather enough light to provide bright and clear images, even in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk.

Its Dead-Hold BDC reticle is designed to help estimate bullet drop at different distances, making it easier to aim accurately without guessing holdover. Eye relief measures about 4.5 inches, which means you can position your eye comfortably and safely behind the scope without recoil interference. The field of view at 4x magnification is wide enough to help track moving targets.

The scope is built tough with a single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube, making it shockproof and durable in rough outdoor conditions. It’s fully sealed and nitrogen-purged, so it won’t fog up or let water in, which is important for hunting in wet or humid environments. While it lacks an adjustable parallax feature, this is common for scopes in this price range and magnification class. The fast-focus eyepiece lets you quickly adjust the reticle sharpness, helping you get a clear sight picture fast. It doesn’t support night vision, but for daylight and low-light hunting, it performs well. Plus, Vortex’s lifetime warranty adds peace of mind by covering repairs or replacements, which is a nice bonus. This makes the Crossfire II 4-12x44 a reliable, user-friendly scope that suits most hunting needs without complicated features. Its quality optics, durable design, and helpful reticle make it a dependable companion for both new and experienced hunters, though those needing advanced parallax controls might look elsewhere.

Rating
9.1
Magnification
Eye Relief
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
13626 reviews

Magnification
The adjustable objective and clear reticle at 12x magnification make it suitable for precise shooting when used on a stable platform.
Eye Relief
It offers great eye relief of about 4 inches and a wide, full image view without the 'soda straw' effect, ensuring comfortable and easy target acquisition.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Turrets are capped and functional but not designed for precise MOA dialing, reflecting its status as a budget-friendly hunting scope.

Buying Guide for the Best Rifle Scope For Hunting

Choosing the right rifle scope for hunting is crucial to ensure accuracy, precision, and a successful hunting experience. A good rifle scope can make a significant difference in your ability to spot and hit your target, especially in varying environmental conditions. When selecting a rifle scope, it's important to consider several key specifications that will affect your performance and suitability for different hunting scenarios. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and find the best fit for your needs.
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 different distances. Scopes typically have fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes are simpler and more durable, while variable magnification scopes offer flexibility for different ranges. For close to mid-range hunting (up to 200 yards), a magnification of 1-4x is usually sufficient. For mid to long-range hunting (200-500 yards), 4-12x magnification is more appropriate. For long-range hunting (beyond 500 yards), you may need 12x or higher. 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 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 objective lenses (40mm and above) allow more light, which is beneficial in low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk. However, larger lenses can also make the scope heavier and bulkier. For general hunting purposes, an objective lens diameter of 40-50mm is a good balance between light transmission and portability. If you often hunt in low-light conditions, consider a larger diameter.
ReticleThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle designs serve different purposes. Simple duplex reticles are easy to use and suitable for most hunting situations. BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticles help estimate bullet drop at various distances, which is useful for long-range shooting. Mil-dot reticles allow for range estimation and windage adjustments. Choose a reticle based on your hunting style and the distances you typically shoot. For general hunting, a duplex reticle is often sufficient. For long-range or precision shooting, consider a BDC or mil-dot reticle.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope at which you can see the full field of view. This is important for comfort and safety, especially when using high-recoil rifles. Scopes with longer eye relief (3-4 inches or more) are preferable as they reduce the risk of the scope hitting your eye during recoil. If you use a high-recoil rifle, prioritize scopes with longer eye relief. For lower recoil rifles, standard eye relief (around 3 inches) is usually adequate.
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 helpful for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. Lower magnification scopes generally offer a wider FOV. For hunting in dense forests or areas with a lot of movement, a wider FOV is beneficial. For long-range hunting where precision is more critical, a narrower FOV may be acceptable.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment is a feature that allows you to correct parallax error, which occurs when the reticle appears to move relative to the target when you shift your head. This is important for maintaining accuracy at different distances. Scopes with parallax adjustment are particularly useful for long-range shooting. If you primarily hunt at shorter ranges, parallax adjustment may not be necessary. For long-range hunting, consider a scope with this feature to ensure precise aiming.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance are crucial for a hunting scope, as it will be exposed to various environmental conditions. Look for scopes that are waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof to ensure they can withstand rain, humidity, and rough handling. Scopes with robust construction and high-quality materials will last longer and perform better in the field. If you hunt in harsh conditions, prioritize scopes with strong durability and weather resistance features.

FAQ