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10 Best Rifle Scope For Hunting 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

SIG SAUER Tango-MSR LPVO 1-6X24mm Waterproof Fog-Proof Rugged Tactical Hunting Rifle Scope | Second Focal Plane/F2 | Illuminated MSR BDC-6 Reticle, Coyote Tan

The SIG SAUER Tango-MSR LPVO 1-6X24mm hunting rifle scope stands out in several important areas. The magnification range of 1-6x provides versatility for various hunting situations, offering both close and mid-range targeting. Its 24mm objective lens benefits from high-performance, low dispersion glass, ensuring excellent light transmission and optical clarity. This is crucial for clear vision in different lighting conditions. The illuminated MSR BDC-6 reticle with 11 brightness levels enhances visibility, making target acquisition easier in varying light environments.

The eye relief is generous, providing comfort and safety during use, particularly with high-recoil rifles. The field of view is adequate for situational awareness while hunting. In terms of durability, the scope is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, supported by nitrogen-purged internal optics and a robust aluminum construction. This ensures reliable performance in various weather conditions, an essential feature for outdoor activities. The cantilever mount is factory-installed, simplifying the setup process. Weighing 2.29 pounds, it is relatively lightweight, adding minimal burden to the rifle.

This scope is ideal for hunters seeking a durable, weather-resistant, and clear optic with versatile magnification and an illuminated reticle.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Magnification
Zoom remains clear up to 6x, making it easy to hit targets at 300 yards.
Reticle
Easy to adjust and focus the eyepiece, with a nicely lit semi-horseshoe reticle.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Solid entry-level LPVO with high-end features, clear glass, and a sturdy build.
#2

Vortex Optics Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC Reticle Riflescope, 3-9x40, Black (CF2-31007)

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9x40 riflescope is an excellent choice for hunters looking for a reliable and versatile scope. With a magnification range of 3-9x and a 40mm objective lens, it strikes a good balance for most hunting scenarios, allowing users to engage targets at varying distances effectively. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is designed to help estimate holdover, which is particularly beneficial for hunting in diverse terrains where distances can vary significantly. This feature, combined with long eye relief of 3.8 inches and an ultra-forgiving eye box, ensures quick target acquisition, making it user-friendly for both novice and experienced hunters.

The scope's anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear images, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions, which can be crucial during dawn or dusk hunts. Durability is another strong point; the single-piece tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum adds strength, and the O-ring sealing along with nitrogen purging ensures it is waterproof and fogproof. This rugged construction means it can withstand the elements and rough handling in the field.

It’s important to consider some limitations. While the 3-9x magnification range is versatile, it might not satisfy those who seek higher magnifications for long-range shooting. Additionally, the scope lacks features like illuminated reticles or advanced parallax adjustment, which could be beneficial for some users. The warranty is a significant advantage, as Vortex offers an unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty, emphasizing their commitment to quality.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Magnification
Ideal for budget hunting setups, providing enough magnification for shooting up to 500 yards accurately.
Reticle
The glass is generally clearer and the reticle is crisp, making it a quality optic for its price range.
Eye Relief
Great eye relief of about 4 inches and minimal scope black eye ring in your sight picture, offering a full image at both low and high power.
Field of View
The view is clear with minimal darkness, providing a bright image that enhances shooting accuracy.
#3

Nightforce ATACR 5-25x56mm First Focal Plane (F1/FFP) 34mm Tube Durable Precise Waterproof Fogproof Hunting Gun Scope, 1 Mil-Radian DigIllum PTL Mil-XT Reticle

The Nightforce ATACR 5-25x56mm First Focal Plane rifle scope is designed for serious hunters seeking precision and reliability. One of its standout features is the exceptional optical performance, thanks to the high-quality ED glass, which delivers vivid images even in low light. This optical clarity is crucial for identifying targets in various conditions, making it a strong choice for hunting.

The first focal plane reticle is another significant advantage. It ensures that holdover points and subtensions remain accurate across the entire magnification range, which is especially beneficial in dynamic hunting scenarios where quick adjustments are often needed. The MIL-XT reticle, designed for competitive shooting, adds to this scope's versatility, providing detailed holdover markings that facilitate accurate shooting at varying distances.

Durability is a key consideration for any hunting scope, and the ATACR excels here as well. Constructed to endure harsh environments, it is both waterproof and fogproof, ensuring reliable performance in different weather conditions. The robust design is particularly appealing for hunters who frequently venture into challenging terrains. However, weighing 2.4 pounds, it may be heavier than some other scopes, which could be a factor for those concerned about carrying extra weight during long hunts. Additionally, while its advanced features cater to experienced users, beginners might find the array of options and settings a bit overwhelming at first. The Nightforce ATACR 5-25x56mm is an excellent choice for dedicated hunters looking for high precision, reliable performance, and durability, although its weight and complexity may pose challenges for novice users or those prioritizing lightweight gear.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Reticle
The illuminated reticle is particularly appreciated for low-light conditions.
Durability and Weather Resistance
This scope is incredibly sturdy and built to last, even in challenging environments.

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.

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