A Complete Guide To Rifle Scopes
Summary
This guide aims to assist hunters and shooters in identifying and selecting the most appropriate rifle scope based on application, budget and build quality.
Each section will include the type of scope, its primary use, and different options based on functionality, price, build quality and performance, and will begin from the most inexpensive entry-level rifle scopes to the most robust.
To make the guide as informative and transparent as possible, we’ll reference other sites, include youtube videos with reviews and seek professional opinions from industry experts.
Introduction
Rifle scopes are an essential tool for shooting enthusiasts and hunters. They help to improve accuracy and increase the distance at which a shot can be taken effectively. There are many different types of rifle scopes available, each with its own unique features and characteristics.
One important factor to consider when shopping for a rifle scope is the magnification. This determines how much the image will be magnified, allowing you to see distant objects more clearly. Higher magnification scopes are ideal for long-range shooting, while lower magnification scopes are better suited for close-range shooting.
The objective lens diameter is another important factor to consider. This is the size of the lens located at the front of the rifle scope and is measured in millimeters. A larger objective lens allows more light to enter the scope, resulting in a brighter and clearer image.
Eye relief is the distance between the eyepiece of the scope and the shooter's eye. It's important to have sufficient eye relief to prevent eye strain and ensure a comfortable shooting experience.
The field of view is the area that can be seen through the scope at a given distance. A wider field of view allows for a greater situational awareness and can make it easier to acquire targets.
Other important features to consider when shopping for a rifle scope include the tube size, turret style, and adjustment graduation. The tube size determines the diameter of the main tube and affects the overall size and weight of the rifle scope. The turret style refers to the design of the elevation and windage adjustment knobs, and the adjustment graduation refers to the increments at which the scope can be adjusted.
In addition to these features, it's also important to consider the parallax setting, which determines at what distance the scope is parallax-free, and the max elevation and windage adjustments, which determine the maximum amount the scope can be adjusted for elevation and windage.
Overall, there are many factors to consider when shopping for a rifle scope. It's important to carefully research and compare different models to find the best rifle scope for your needs and budget.
General Hunting Rifle Scopes
As a general rule, general rifle scopes have a standard 4-12x variable magnification. This magnification range is ideal because it provides a lower aspect ratio for a better field of view and a higher aspect for when the zoom is needed. Joe W Rhea has put together a handy YouTube video for the best general rifle scopes. Check it out below.
Best budget general hunting rifle scopes (under $300)
Jo’s Pick - The Hawke Vantage 4x32
According to Jo, Hawke rifle scopes are one of the best budget rifle scopes you can buy and with the HAWKE VANTAGE 4X32 just outside of the recommended “general hunting scope” range. It’s worth taking a bit more of a look. Check out this objective unboxing from The LowKey Airgunner
Hawke Vantage 4x32 Specs (Price $190 approx) Objective Lens
Our Similar General Hunting Rifle Scope - BEEMAN RIFLESCOPE W MOUNTS 4X32
This Beeman 4x32 rifle scope has a full 4-power magnification with bright and crisp optics and would be ideal for air rifles. The turret knobs adjust in 1/4” click for both windage and elevation.
- 4x Magnification
- 32mm Objective lens
- 1/4" Windage Adjustment
- 1/4" Elevation Adjustment
- The parallax is adjustable from 10 yards to infinity.
- 2 piece mounts for dovetail scope rails
Our Favorite General hunting rifle scope under $300 - VORTEX CROSSFIRE II RIFLESCOPE 2-7X32
Clearer. Tougher. Brighter. Our popular Crossfire riflescopes are completely redesigned and built to exceed the performance standards of similarly-priced riflescopes. Longer eye relief, a fast-focus eyepiece, fully multi-coated lenses, and improved, resettable MOA turrets ensure optimal performance in the field. The hard anodised one-piece aircraft-grade aluminium tube is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed for a lifetime of waterproof/fog proof performance. The Crossfires deliver and then some.
Check out this great review from firearms of America
VORTEX CROSSFIRE II RIFLESCOPE 2-7X32 Specs (Price $269)
- Magnification - 2-7X
- Objective Lens Diameter - 32mm
- Eye Relief - 3.9" - 4.7"
- Field of View - 42-12.6 feet/100 yards
- Tube Size - 1"
- Turret Style - Capped
- Adjustment Graduation - 1/4 MOA
- Travel per Rotation - 15 MOA
- Max Elevation Adjustment - 60 MOA
- Max Windage Adjustment - 60 MOA
- Parallax Setting - 100 yards (V-Plex and BDC) or 50 yards (Rimfire)
- Length - 11.3"
- Weight - 14.3oz
Best mid-level general hunting rifle scopes (under $500)
According to Joe, the Leupold Freedom takes the crown for mid-level rifle scope under $500. We've tracked down a great objective review from Ozzie Reviews for a VX-Freedom" Rimfire MOA 3-9x40mm. Check out the review below:
Lens diameter.
40mm
Min. exit pupil.
4.5mm
Max. exit pupil.
13.3mm
Min. field of view.
4.54m/100m
Max. field of view.
11.22m/100m
Min. eye relief.
93mm
Max. eye relief.
106mm
Our Similar Rifle Scope - VORTEX CROSSFIRE II RIFLESCOPE 3-9X40
With a One Inch, One Piece Tube that Maximizes alignment for improved accuracy and optimum visual performance as well as strength and water resistance, it’s easy to see why this Aircraft Grade Aluminium scope is valued for fatigue resistance.
Check out this demo from Vortex
VORTEX CROSSFIRE II RIFLESCOPE 3-9X40 Specs (Price $349)
- Magnification: 3-9X
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Eye Relief: 3.8 inches-4.4 inches
- Field of View: 34.1-12.6 feet/100 yards
- Tube Size: 1 inch
- Turret Style: Capped
- Adjustment Graduation: 1/4 MOA
- Travel per Rotation: 15 MOA
- Max Elevation Adjustment: 60 MOA
- Max Windage Adjustment: 60 MOA
- Parallax Setting: 100 yards
- Length: 12 inches
- Weight: 15 ounces
Our Favorite general hunting rifle scope under $500 - VORTEX DIAMONDBACK 1.75-5X32 BDC
This Rifle scope punches well and truly above its weight. It's the best scope for performance in a mid-level scope and has all the features you’d expect in a rifle scope twice the price. The high high-end build quality is obvious and the low-glare matte surface helps camouflage the shooter's position. Check out this review from Mark & Bob from Fire Outdoors
VORTEX DIAMONDBACK 1.75-5X32 BDC Specs (Price $485)
- Magnification: 1.75-5X
- Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
- Eye Relief: 3.5 inches
- Field of View: 68.3-23.1 ft/100 yds
- Tube Size: 1 inch
- Turret Style: Capped
- Adjustment Graduation: 1/4 MOA
- Travel Per Rotation: 15 MOA
- Max Elevation Adjustment: 125 MOA
- Max Windage Adjustment: 125 MOA
- Parallax Setting: 100 yards
- Length: 10.2 inches
- Weight: 12.8 oz
Best high-end general hunting rifle scopes ($1000+)
Jo’s Pick - Swarovski Z3 4-12x50
This is a great pick from Jooe and a scope that we will hopefully stock in the future,
check out the extensive review below from James Dansie for a rundown.
Our Similar Rifle Scope - VORTEX VIPER HS 4-16X44 BDC (MOA)(Price $1,099)
An evolutionary upgrade, the Vortex Viper HS riflescopes offer hunters and shooters an array of features that are sure to be well received. A new optical system highlighted by the wide availability of zoom range provides magnification versatility.
Man vs Deer gives this rifle scope a great wrap in the video below. Check it out.
- Magnification: 4-16X
- Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
- Eye Relief: 4.0 inches
- Field of View: 27.4-7.4 feet/100 yards
- Tube Size: 30 mm
- Turret Style: Capped
- Adjustment Graduation: 1/4 MOA
- Travel per Rotation: 12 MOA
- Max Elevation Adjustment: 50 MOA
- Max Windage Adjustment: 50 MOA
- Parallax Setting: 50 yards to Infinity
Our Favorite general hunting rifle scope $1000+ - VORTEX RAZOR® HD LHT™ 4.5-22X50 XLR-2 (MRAD) RETICLE (Price $2,399)
A stunning HD optical system and rugged build in a hunting scope that’s among the lightest in its class. Where the Razor® HD LHT™ 4.5-22x50 FFP distances itself by offering more magnification and a first focal plane reticle featuring the XLR-2 reticle system, which is intuitive, easy to use, and illuminated.
Check Out this video from Vortex Below:
- Magnification: 4.5-22x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Eye Relief: 4.0 inches
- Field of View: 23.5-4.7 ft/100yds
- Tube Size: 30 mm
- Elevation Turret Style: Locking - Exposed
- Windage Turret Style: Capped
- Elevation Adjustment Graduation: .1 MRAD
- Windage Adjustment Graduation: .1 MRAD
- Elevation Travel Per Rotation: 6 MRAD
- Windage Travel Per Rotation: 6 MRAD
- Max Elevation Adjustment: 22.4 MRAD
- Max Windage Adjustment: 12.7 MRAD
- Parallax Setting: 25 meters to infinity
- Length: 33.7 cm / 13.3 inches
- Weight: 615 grams / 21.7 oz
Competition Rifle Scopes
A competition rifle scope is a type of optics designed specifically for competitive shooting events. These events include long-range precision shooting, tactical shooting, and even hunting. Competition rifle scopes are built to provide the highest level of accuracy and precision, as well as exceptional durability and reliability. One of the key features of competition rifle scopes is their high magnification.
These scopes typically offer magnification levels of 10x or higher, allowing the shooter to see their target in great detail at long distances. This is especially important in precision shooting events, where accuracy is critical.
Our Best Competition rifle scopes
We recommend Vortex rifle scopes for competition use due to their ultra-clear glass and precision optics.
Tactical Rifle Scopes
A tactical rifle scope is a type of optics designed specifically for use in military, law enforcement, and other tactical shooting situations. These scopes are built to provide the highest level of accuracy and precision, as well as exceptional durability and reliability. One of the key features of tactical rifle scopes is their high magnification.
These scopes typically offer magnification levels of 10x or higher, allowing the shooter to see their target in great detail at long distances. This is especially important in tactical shooting situations, where accuracy is critical. Another important aspect of tactical rifle scopes is their reticles. These are the crosshairs or other markings to aim the rifle at the target. Tactical rifle scopes often have reticles specifically designed for long-range shooting, with markings that allow the shooter to make precise adjustments for windage and elevation.
Our best tactical scopes
Night Vision Rifle Scopes
A night vision rifle scope is a type of optics that allows the shooter to see in low light conditions. These scopes are often mounted on rifles and used by military, law enforcement, and other tactical shooters who need to engage targets in limited visibility.
Night vision rifle scopes amplify ambient light, such as moonlight or starlight, and convert it into a visible image. This allows the shooter to see their target and surroundings with a level of detail that would otherwise be impossible in complete darkness.