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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

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,206
Magnification
Reticle
Eye Relief

Most important from
13628 reviews

Magnification
This riflescope offers versatile magnification suitable for various hunting distances, making it adaptable for different shooting scenarios.
Reticle
The BDC reticle works well for bullet drop compensation up to 500 yards when paired with a ballistic calculator and stable shooting setup.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is generous and comfortable, allowing quick target acquisition without the typical black ring effect.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durability is solid with a sturdy build that holds up well in the field, making it a reliable choice for budget-conscious hunters.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9x50 riflescope is a solid choice for hunters and shooters looking for a versatile scope with good brightness and clarity. Its 3-9x magnification range is suitable for a variety of shooting distances, making it adaptable for different hunting situations. The large 50mm objective lens helps gather more light, which improves visibility in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. The Straight-Wall BDC reticle is designed for popular straight-wall cartridges, helping with bullet drop compensation at various ranges, though it might not suit all calibers. Eye relief is comfortable and forgiving, allowing quick target acquisition without straining your eye. The field of view is reasonably wide at 32 feet, enabling easier tracking of moving targets.

On the durability side, the aircraft-grade aluminum tube is sturdy and shockproof, and the scope is both waterproof and fogproof thanks to O-ring seals and nitrogen purging—great for all-weather hunting. The fully multi-coated lenses reduce glare and reflections, offering clear images. This Vortex model comes with a reliable, lifetime warranty and performs well in various conditions, especially when paired with straight-wall cartridges. If you need reticles tailored for other bullet types, you might want to explore other options.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,206
Magnification
Reticle
Eye Relief

Most important from
13628 reviews

Magnification
This riflescope offers versatile magnification suitable for various hunting distances, making it adaptable for different shooting scenarios.
Reticle
The BDC reticle works well for bullet drop compensation up to 500 yards when paired with a ballistic calculator and stable shooting setup.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is generous and comfortable, allowing quick target acquisition without the typical black ring effect.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durability is solid with a sturdy build that holds up well in the field, making it a reliable choice for budget-conscious hunters.
#2

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44 AO SFP Riflescope Dead-Hold BDC MOA

Rating
10.0
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle

Most important from
13629 reviews

Magnification
This scope delivers clear and bright optics, providing a crisp sight picture even at higher magnifications.
Objective Lens Diameter
While not a high-end precision scope, it excels as a practical hunting optic with a bright 44mm objective lens for low-light scenarios.
Reticle
Adjustable Objective and Dead-Hold BDC reticle work well for mid to long-range shooting, especially up to 500 yards with proper load matching.
Eye Relief
The generous eye relief makes target acquisition quick and comfortable, reducing the risk of scope shadowing.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durable construction from aircraft-grade aluminum ensures it withstands tough outdoor conditions without adding excessive weight.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44 AO riflescope is a solid choice for hunters who need a versatile scope that works well at various distances. Its magnification range from 6x to 18x allows for both mid-range and longer-range shooting, giving good flexibility. The 44mm objective lens is large enough to gather plenty of light, resulting in bright, clear images especially in low-light conditions. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is designed to help with estimating bullet drop, which is handy if you often shoot at different ranges and want to avoid guesswork.

The adjustable objective (AO) feature allows you to fine-tune focus and parallax, which means you can get a sharp sight picture without image distortion—important for precision shooting. Eye relief is long and forgiving, making it comfortable and quick to acquire your target even if your eye isn't perfectly aligned. The field of view is decent, so you can keep track of your target and surroundings more easily. Durability is a strong point here. The scope is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, making it lightweight but tough. It's sealed and nitrogen-purged to keep out water and fog, so it should handle rough weather conditions without issues. The turrets are finger-adjustable with easy-to-use MOA clicks that reset to zero, helping you maintain accuracy after sighting in.

On the downside, the riflescope does not have night vision capabilities, so it’s less suitable for very low-light or night hunting. Being a second focal plane (SFP) scope means the reticle size does not change with magnification, which might be a drawback for some precision shooters who prefer first focal plane scopes. Also, while it comes with lens covers and a sunshade, it weighs about 2 pounds, which is moderate and might feel a bit heavy for lightweight hunting setups. This scope suits hunters looking for a reliable, weather-resistant option with good magnification and helpful reticle features. It is user-friendly, balances quality optics with durability, and is backed by a lifetime warranty, making it a trustworthy investment for outdoor use.

Rating
10.0
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle

Most important from
13629 reviews

Magnification
This scope delivers clear and bright optics, providing a crisp sight picture even at higher magnifications.
Objective Lens Diameter
While not a high-end precision scope, it excels as a practical hunting optic with a bright 44mm objective lens for low-light scenarios.
Reticle
Adjustable Objective and Dead-Hold BDC reticle work well for mid to long-range shooting, especially up to 500 yards with proper load matching.
Eye Relief
The generous eye relief makes target acquisition quick and comfortable, reducing the risk of scope shadowing.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durable construction from aircraft-grade aluminum ensures it withstands tough outdoor conditions without adding excessive weight.
#3

BURRIS Eliminator 6 4-20x52mm, X177, Black (200177)

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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