In the last couple of years, riflescopes have been a complicated topic. Nowadays, modern optics come in different shapes and functions. The best thing is that you will find a specialized rifle scope out in the market that is perfect for your weapon and shooting application. The bad news is that there are numerous rifle scopes models to choose from. You will come across many internet articles and reviews that claim to help you find the best rifle scope, but this one is different.
At the end of this article, the rifle scope you choose will mainly depend on your personal preference. Here are the best rifle scopes in the market.
Related Buyer’s Guide:
- Best Biometric Gun Safes on the Market
- 10 Best AR Cases On The Market
- 10 Best Car Gun Safes
Review of the Best Rifle Scopes
Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Plane Riflescopes
If I were given a chance to pick one scope to recommend it to my favorite person, the crown would land on this rifle scope. It is one of the most popular optics in the market. Additionally, the manufacturer is known to make high quality rifle scopes that are in mid-range in terms of price.
The most amazing feature in this riflescope is the Dead Hold BDC reticle. This BDC reticle is good for any hunting or shooting at varying ages. It will even be more helpful where estimating is a major concern. Similar to other top rifle scopes in the market, the lenses in this scope are fully multi coated for crystal clear and bright images. When it comes to the fast focus eyepiece, it will allow quick and easy reticle targeting.
What is the function of metal on metal precision turrets? They offer the full ability to zero resets after sighting in. On the other hand, the glide erector ensures accurate tracking. This scope is made on a one piece tube. The tube features a hard anodized finish. This creates a shockproof scope and ensures that your scope is durable. Finally, the argon purged and O-rings will deliver a lifetime waterproof performance.
Pros
- The lenses in this riflescope are fully multicoated.
- The O-rings ensure waterproof performance.
Cons
- The glass is not very clear.
UTG 3-9*32 1 Bug Buster Scope
There are many affordable rifle scopes out in the market that you should avoid like the plague. However, this rifle scope is one of the best in this price range. Additionally, the highly regarded rifle scope offers a lot of quality features. Based on thousands of customer reviews, this rifle scope has a sterling reputation.
The most notable features in this rifle scope include mil-dot reticle. The mil-dot reticle has both red and green illumination. It joins other highly preferred rifle scopes that come with lockable and reset able turrets. Have you been searching for a durable rifle scope that is manufactured on a true strength platform? You are in the right place. The coatings are for maximum light transmission.
Pros
- It is an affordable rifle scope.
- This scope has a sterling reputation.
Cons
- You will often find yourself uncomfortable when shooting.
Athlon Optics Talos BTR 4-14*44 First Focal Plane Scope
The first focal plane reticle will stay valid at all power settings. This allows you to fully utilize the specially designed reticle. It is good to know that the reticle in this scope shrinks or grows along with your target. It is also important to note that the reticle is etched on the glass. This provides excellent backing support for complex reticle design. You should be guaranteed that this rifle scope is more durable and has much higher shock resistance to recoil.
You will love the greater visibility provided by the illuminated reticle during dusk and dawn. This means that you can use this rifle scope in a low light environment. Furthermore, the one piece of tube is heat treated. This makes it stronger when compared to multi piece tubes. It is said that the one piece of tube is better at keeping moisture out. The nitrogen purging will dramatically reduce the moisture inside the tube.
Pros
- The illuminated reticle provides greater visibility.
- The nitrogen purging reduces the moisture inside the tube.
Cons
- It is a bit expensive.
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
This rifle scope is defined by extreme speed and versatility. Additionally, the high magnification scope adapts to a wide range of scenarios. Also, it allows shooters to engage targets from point blank to extended ranges. Furthermore, the magnification in this reliable rifle scope has been updated. To make this scope compete with other products on the same price range, the manufacturer has included a thread in the throw lever. It is possible to see the magnification indicators without coming off the scope.
The illuminated reticle will focus the shooter eye to the target faster. This means that you can use it out to 650 yards for targets of known distance. The anti-reflective coatings are located on all air to glass surfaces. This provides increased light transmission for low light performance. Finally, one piece of tube is manufactured with durable aluminum material. It will resist shock and other common impacts.
Pros
- The magnification ring has been updated.
- This rifle scope is nitrogen purged.
Cons
- The adjustment is not very smooth.
Schmidt Bender PMII 5-25*56 Rifle Scope
This rifle scope has earned a good reputation as one of the best long range scopes in the market. Additionally, it is a popular rifle scope with police and military snipers and for all the good reasons. The highly preferred rifle scope has incredible and admirable clarity and brightness. Also, they provide users with serious magnification. People prefer this rifle scope since it features low profile target turrets.
Do you use a rifle as your primary home defense weapon? You should Consider choosing your rifle carefully. Are you aware that you will be engaging your targets at close range for home defense? This is the ideal choice in that case.
Pros
- It has earned a good reputation as one of the best long range scopes in the market.
- It provides users with serious magnification.
Cons
- They should improve on the reticles.
Steiner T5XI 3-15*50mm Tactical Rifle Scope
There is no doubt that you would want to have ultimate accuracy in your shooting career. This is the right time to rely on this amazing rifle scope. Additionally, it is designed to provide users with precision through its one piece tube. The oversized tube in this rifle scope will increase strength and reliability.
The special competition reticle is manufactured for competition use. It will provide you with an extended illumination area and holdover lines. On the other hand, the throw lever allows quick and easy magnification changes. The lenses cover has been included to protect the lenses from dust and moisture. If that is not yet enough, the mil indicators will change automatically after the first 120 clicks. This will prevent the shooter from getting lost on the dial.
The manufacturer is known to stand behind their amazing products. You are free to return the product for a full refund if it turns to be defective. You can see how they believe in the quality of their scopes. However, keep in mind that the warranty does not cover damage, loss or theft.
Pros
- It features a special competition reticle.
- Heritage warranty.
Cons
- Some people have been questioning whether this rifle scope can be used during the night.
Simmons 8 Point 3 9*50mm Rifle Scope With Truplex Reticle
This riflescope will provide robust features that are set for the price. Additionally, the coated optics will provide bright and high contrast images. As you can see, this rifle scope comes with more high quality features when compared to other rifle scopes in its price category. The eight points will deliver extra precision.
Pros
- It boasts of a triplex reticle.
- It is a high quality rifle scope for bright and high contrast images.
Cons
- It does not come with rings.
Bushnell Trophy TRS 25 Red Dot Riflescope
The Matte black rifle scope features a 3 MOA Dot reticle with eleven brightness settings. Additionally, you will have an easy time mounting this riflescope on rails. It is also compatible with pistols and muzzleloaders. The O ring sealed optics will stay dry inside even when totally immersed in water.
Furthermore, this rifle scope is built on withstanding bumps. Therefore, it will resist the drops and bangs environment of the field. Moreover, the nitrogen inside the scope ensures interior optical surfaces will not fog as a result of rapid temperature change.
Pros
- Shockproof Construction.
- The nitrogen inside the scope ensures that the optical surfaces won’t fog due to rapid temperature change.
Cons
- It is not bright enough to see in sunny conditions.
Cvlife 3-9*40 Optics R4 Reticle Crosshair Scope
The manufacturer aimed to come up with a reliable scope that would perform in any kind of environment. Additionally, this rifle scope can provide you with a 95% light transmission. It ensures that all your pictures stay visible by keeping fog and dirt off the lenses. Therefore, you will never miss a moment.
Furthermore, this rifle scope includes a special inner and outer structure. This controls the interaction between the inner and outer surfaces. The inner and outer structure also ensures that the reticle does not rotate when adjusting.
Pros
- This rifle scope includes a special inner and outer structure.
- It can provide 95% light transmission.
Cons
- It is not the best for a break barrel.
Pinty 3-9*40 Red Green Rangefinder Illuminated Rifle Scope
Besides the green and red illuminations, this rifle scope includes five level brightness. Additionally, the high magnification ensures that you get bright and high quality images. Away from that, the rangefinder reticle provides fast and simple aiming points for various short distances. The complementary scope rings can easily be mounted on the mount rails. Finally, the O-rings sealing and nitrogen filled reticle ensure outstanding waterproof performance.
Pros
- The reticle provides fast and simple aiming points.
- The O-ring sealing ensures outstanding waterproof performance.
Cons
- The interior features twist on large rifles.
Related Buyer’s Guide:
- 10 Best Rimfire Scopes
- 10 Best Thermal Scopes
- Top 10 Best Ar-15 Scopes
Things to Consider when purchasing the best rifle scopes in the market
There is nothing like a perfect rifle without a good scope. Can you imagine an instance where you are required to take prey from a long distance? Your efforts will be wasted unless you own a good scope. This is the right time to find the best rifle scope if you are a serious hunter.
There are numerous factors you will be required to put into Considerations when buying a rifle scope. You can agree with me that indeed most of the people nowadays will go for cheap rifle scopes thinking that they are the best rifle scopes. However, cheap is expensive. You will get what you have paid for.
It is not possible to pay a few dollars and expect the best rifle scope in the market. The specific rifle scope might be cheap since they are manufactured with low quality materials. Although the price is a factor to take into Consideration, the following factors will be helpful for you in the future.
Image quality
You can attest that the main role of the rifle scope is to help you have a better aim at the target. However, this will only be achieved if the image is made to appear clear to you. That is the main reason why image quality is Considered as a major factor. It should be given the top priority. A rifle scope with more light and magnification will ensure that you get high quality and clear images. It is advisable to focus on the quality of the lens. This is relevant for the production of a clear image.
Construction
Do you know that the size of the main tube is an important factor that you should never take lightly? Usually, the diameter of the main tube varies from one scope to another. You will come across rifle scopes with a diameter of 30mm and 25mm. You will have many advantages after you have purchased a rifle scope with a relatively large diameter.
You might be wondering why such types of rifle scopes are recommended. They increase the range of adjustment. Additionally, they provide more space for interior features. As a hunter, these factors will be very helpful more so if you love shooting from a long distance.
Mount
How easy is it to mount the rifle scope on your rifle? You should ask yourself this relevant question before making an informed decision. There are some rifle scopes in the market that makes it difficult for users to have clear targets. The reason behind this is that they are not properly mounted on the gun. Remember that the greatest rifle scopes are associated with great rifle scopes. This will make the task easier for users.
Adjustment capability
The best rifle scope for your needs will allow you to make the necessary adjustment. While some of the rifle scopes have good adjustment capability, some of them don’t have. The right rifle scope for your needs should have a reference point. This point should remain Constant. It should also make it easy for different shots.
Additionally, you should not forget to check on crucial things such as parallax error. This might interfere with your accuracy. Kindly know that most of the rifle scopes available in the market will hardly show any sign of this error. With that in mind, you should always be keen when purchasing one.
Magnification
You need to clearly define the purpose of the rifle scope before deciding on the right scope. Where will you be hunting? What will you be hunting? This will help you decide on the best rifle scope. Do you like shooting on long distance or short distance? It should be an important factor to Consider. You will be guided by the distance between you and the target. In turn, this will be influenced by the level of magnification of your shooting rifle.
Eye relief
Nowadays, the best rifle scopes in the market have an eye relief of about four inches. You will still find some brands that have been manufactured with lesser eye relief distance. Do you own high recoiling rifles? In that case, an eye relief fewer than four inches will be a very short distance. That being said, you should look for rifle scope with an eye relief of four and above inches.
The larger the eye relief the better. You will be able to spot your target more quickly. Moreover, there will be less chances of injuring the eye if the rifle recoils.
Waterproofing
The best rifle scopes in the market are manufactured to be waterproof. This protects them from an unexpected downpour. Kindly check on this feature when purchasing your preferred rifle scope.
Lens coating
The most reputable manufacturers make their products with special coatings. The main aim here is to reduce the amount of light lost. Typically, these coatings work by reducing the scattering and reflection of light. This means that more light will reach the eye. In the process, the sharpness and the contrast of the images will be increased. Usually, lenses are either multi coated, coated or fully multi coated. The fully multi coated is the most effective type if you want to reduce light loss. Unfortunately, they are very expensive.
Exit pupil
It is the aperture within the scope whereby all light must pass through the ocular lens. Do you know that only light rays that pass through the exit pupil can exit the system? Exit pupil is one of the main factors that play a significant role in low light performance. Rifle scopes with large objective lens diameter will have a larger exit pupil. How can you determine the size of the exit pupil? All that you need to do in that case is to divide the objective lens diameter with the magnification power of the specific scope.
Field of View
This is simply the amount of view. It is measured horizontally. It is also worth noting that the field of view is measured in feet at 100 yards. A relatively high number of yards will indicate a wider area. The field of view will decrease when the magnification is increased. Also, the field of view increases when magnification is decreased.
Reticle
These are the lines built into the eyepiece of a scope. This provides you with an aiming point. In other words, the visual markers are known as crosshairs. Typically, reticles come in different types. Each of these reticles is perfect for a particular shooting situation. Here are the most common reticle designs.
- Crosshair reticle. Despite being the first reticle to be designed for the riflescope, it is one of the most popular reticles in the market. It is the perfect choice for precise shooting. You should leave it behind if you want a good reticle for hunting.
- Duplex reticle. It is regarded as one of the most common reticles on the market. Many hunters and shooters prefer using this reticle. There is no doubt it is one of the best reticles. It features a combination of thick to thin lines. This allows you to quickly aim at a moving object.
- BDC Reticle. It is a modified form of the Duplex reticle. This type of reticle is manufactured in a special way to compensate for the effect of gravity. Additionally, it features extra marks that allow you to shot the bullet accurately.
Related Buyer’s Guide:
Final Verdict
There must always be a winner no matter how great each scope is. You must find a scope that has been made just for you regardless of what your budget is. Any rifle scope that has been featured on this list has proved to worth and durable. Be guaranteed that you will make the most out of your buck. We hope that this article will help you in making an informed decision.
We look forward to hearing from you. Happy Hunting!
Safetyhub.net