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10 Best Sniper Scopes 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC Reticle Riflescope is a popular choice for rifle enthusiasts, offering a versatile magnification range of 3-9x and a 40mm objective lens diameter. This scope is well-suited for hunting at various distances, thanks to its Dead-Hold BDC reticle, which helps with estimating holdover. One of its standout features is the long eye relief of 3.8 inches and an ultra-forgiving eye box, ensuring a quick and clear sight picture. The fast-focus eyepiece further enhances the ease of reticle focusing.

Users will appreciate the bright and clear views provided by the anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses. The riflescope is built to last, with a single-piece tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum, offering strength and shockproof performance. Additionally, it's waterproof and fogproof, thanks to the O-ring seals and nitrogen purging. While the Crossfire II does not have night vision capabilities, it is a solid option for daytime use. Weighing 16 ounces, it is relatively lightweight and easy to handle.

Vortex backs this product with an unlimited, unconditional, lifetime VIP warranty, which is a significant advantage for potential buyers. However, this warranty doesn't cover loss, theft, or cosmetic damage that doesn't affect performance. This product is ideal for hunters and outdoor sports enthusiasts looking for a reliable and durable riflescope with good optical performance and ease of use.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Magnification
The scope is ideal for hunting and target shooting up to 500 yards, offering reliable performance and excellent magnification for its price range.
Reticle
The scope offers exceptionally clear glass and a crisp reticle, making it a top choice among budget scopes under $300.
Eye Relief
With a great eye relief of about 4 inches, the scope provides a clear and full image without the 'soda straw' effect, even at high magnifications.
Turrets
Despite the turrets not having an audible click, they are still easy to adjust and reliable for most practical uses.
#2

Nightforce NX8 4-32x50mm F1 30mm Tube Illuminated ZeroSet Parallax Adjustable First Focal Plane Hunting Gun Scope, Moar F1 (C624)

The Nightforce NX8 4-32x50mm F1 scope is designed for serious shooters who need precision and versatility. With a magnification range from 4x to 32x, it allows users to target both close and distant objects effectively, making it suitable for various shooting situations whether you’re hunting or engaging in precision shooting. The first focal plane design ensures that the reticle scales with magnification, which is a great feature for accurate aiming and ranging at different distances.

One of the standout features is the ZeroStop capability, which helps return to your zero point quickly, a huge advantage in the field. The parallax adjustment range from 11 yards to infinity enhances its usability across distances. Its construction is robust, weighing 28.6 oz, which is manageable for most users, but might feel a bit heavy for extended use.

The MOAR F1 reticle enhances precision, especially with smaller targets. The bold markings offer quick visibility, but some users might find that the floating center crosshair takes some getting used to. Eye relief is decent at 3.5 inches, providing a safe distance from the recoil of high-caliber rifles, though longer eye relief could be beneficial in certain setups. The scope is not without drawbacks; it might be considered pricey for casual shooters or beginners. The complexity of features may also overwhelm those who are new to long-range shooting. Additionally, while it excels in clarity and performance, you’ll need a stable mounting base to maximize its capabilities.

The Nightforce NX8 is an excellent choice for dedicated hunters and precision shooters looking for a high-performance scope with a wide range of features, though it may be more than what a beginner or occasional shooter needs.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Turrets
Turrets track with precision, making adjustments easy and accurate.
#3

Nightforce ATACR 4-16x42mm First Focal Plane (F1/FFP) 34mm Tube Durable Precise Waterproof Fogproof Hunting Gun Scope, Horus TReMoR3 Reticle

The Nightforce ATACR 4-16x42mm First Focal Plane scope is a solid choice for hunters and precision shooters looking for reliable performance. Its magnification range of 4-16x is versatile enough for both short and longer shots, making it adaptable for various hunting situations. The objective lens diameter of 42mm ensures good light transmission, which is particularly beneficial in low-light conditions, helping you spot targets more clearly during dawn or dusk.

One standout feature is the use of Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass technology, which provides exceptional clarity and color fidelity. This means you'll see your target with a vibrant and detailed view, enhancing your accuracy. The Horus TReMoR3 reticle is designed for quick target acquisition, making it easier to make wind calls and mil targets accurately, which is invaluable for precision shooting.

The ZeroHold technology allows for easy adjustments without losing your zero, adding to the convenience during intense shooting scenarios. Additionally, this scope is built tough - it's waterproof and fogproof, ensuring it performs well in various weather conditions.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Reticle
Crystal clear view with a beautiful reticle and crisp clicks that enhance the shooting experience.
Field of View
Razor sharp optics that are superb from center to edges, easily allowing you to see .22 bullet holes at 100 yards.

Buying Guide for the Best Sniper Scopes

Choosing the right sniper scope can significantly enhance your shooting accuracy and overall experience. It's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your specific needs. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced shooter, knowing what to look for in a sniper scope will help you make an informed decision. Here are the key specs to consider when selecting a sniper scope and how to navigate them.
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 with lower magnification (1-4x) are suitable for short-range shooting, offering a wider field of view and easier target acquisition. Medium magnification (5-12x) is ideal for mid-range shooting, providing a balance between field of view and target detail. High magnification (12x and above) is best for long-range shooting, allowing you to see distant targets clearly but with a narrower field of view. Choose the magnification based on the typical distances you plan to shoot.
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 (40-56mm) allow more light, making them better for low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. However, they can also make the scope heavier and bulkier. Smaller diameters (20-40mm) are lighter and more compact but may not perform as well in low light. Consider where and when you'll be shooting to determine the right objective lens size for you.
ReticleThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle designs serve various purposes. Simple crosshairs are good for general shooting, while more complex designs like mil-dot or BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticles help with range estimation and bullet drop compensation. Illuminated reticles are useful in low-light conditions. Choose a reticle based on your shooting style and the level of precision you need.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment helps ensure that the reticle stays on target even if you move your eye slightly. This is important for long-range shooting where precision is critical. Scopes with adjustable parallax allow you to fine-tune the focus at different distances, reducing aiming errors. Fixed parallax scopes are simpler and sufficient for short to mid-range shooting. If you plan to shoot at varying distances, especially long-range, a scope with parallax adjustment is beneficial.
Field of ViewField of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the scope at a given distance, usually measured in feet at 100 yards. A wider FOV allows you to see more of the surroundings, making it easier to track moving targets and acquire new ones. Lower magnification scopes typically offer a wider FOV, while higher magnification scopes have a narrower FOV. Consider your need for situational awareness versus target detail when choosing the FOV.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope where you can see the full image. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with high-recoil rifles. Longer eye relief (3-4 inches) is better for high-recoil firearms, preventing the scope from hitting your eye. Shorter eye relief (1-3 inches) can be acceptable for low-recoil rifles. Choose eye relief based on the type of rifle you use and your comfort level.
TurretsTurrets are the knobs on the scope used to adjust windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down). Precise and easy-to-use turrets are crucial for making accurate adjustments, especially at long ranges. Some scopes have exposed turrets for quick adjustments, while others have capped turrets to prevent accidental changes. Consider how often you'll need to make adjustments and whether you prefer quick access or protection from accidental movements.

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