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10 Best Tactical Rifle Scopes 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Vortex Optics Crossfire 2 3-9x50mm Riflescope with Deadhold BDC Reticle

The Vortex Optics Crossfire 2 3-9x50mm Riflescope is a versatile tool, particularly well-suited for hunting at various ranges. Its 3-9x magnification range allows for flexibility in different shooting scenarios, and the 50mm objective lens provides a clear and bright view, even in low-light conditions. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is designed to help with estimating holdover, making it easier to hit targets at varying distances.

With a long eye relief of 3.8 inches and an ultra-forgiving eye box, acquiring targets quickly and comfortably is a notable advantage. The fast focus eyepiece further simplifies reticle focusing, which is great for quick adjustments in the field. The fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission, ensuring a bright and clear sight picture. Durability is a strong point for this riflescope, as it is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, making it both shockproof and rugged.

Additionally, it is O-ring sealed and nitrogen-purged, providing reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance. These features ensure the scope can withstand various weather conditions and rough handling. The weight of 18 ounces might be on the heavier side for some users, but it adds to the overall sturdiness. One potential drawback is the lack of night vision capabilities, which could limit its use in complete darkness. However, the unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty offered by Vortex provides peace of mind, knowing that any defects or damages are covered. This riflescope is an excellent choice for hunters and tactical shooters who need a reliable and durable optic for varied conditions.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Reticle
The glass is exceptionally clear and the reticle is crisp, making it a quality optic for its price range.
Eye Relief
The eye relief is generous, around 4 inches, and provides a full image with minimal scope black eye ring.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Adjustments are accurate and consistent, making this scope highly functional for field use.
#2

AGM Global Vision RattlerV2 19-256 Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope |Thermal Scope with 950 Yards Detection Range and 2.5X Base Magnification, Thermal Vision riflescope Ideal for Hunting

The AGM Global Vision RattlerV2 19-256 Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope is a versatile thermal scope designed primarily for hunting. It features a strong 2.5x base magnification with a digital zoom range up to 20x, which should be sufficient for most mid to long-range shooting scenarios. The 19mm Germanium lens and 256x192 resolution thermal sensor provide clear thermal imaging, with a detection range of up to 950 yards, making it ideal for spotting game in various conditions. The 9.3° x 6.9° field of view (49 feet at 100 yards) offers a good balance between situational awareness and detail, which is crucial for hunting applications.

Additionally, the scope has a 50 Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth and lag-free imaging, even when tracking moving targets. The improved focus ring with a short throw enhances the ease of focusing quickly in the field. The device maintains a lightweight profile at just 6.34 ounces and is constructed from durable polycarbonate material, promoting ease of handling and robust usage in outdoor conditions. Despite some limitations, such as the 19mm objective lens diameter which may not gather as much light as larger lenses, the RattlerV2 comes with a 5-year manufacturer warranty. The inclusion of necessary accessories, such as a mount, USB cable, and lens cloth, further adds to its value.

The AGM Global Vision RattlerV2 19-256 Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope is a solid option for hunters seeking a reliable and effective thermal scope for various hunting conditions.

#3

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9x40 SFP Riflescope V-Plex MOA , black

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9x40 SFP Riflescope is designed for hunters and shooting enthusiasts who seek a reliable and versatile optic. Its 3-9x magnification range is suitable for various distances, making it a great all-purpose choice. The V-Plex reticle is user-friendly, which is particularly beneficial for beginners and seasoned hunters alike. With a 40mm objective lens, the scope ensures bright and clear images, thanks to its anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses.

One of the standout features is the long eye relief of 3.8 inches, paired with an ultra-forgiving eye box, making it easier to acquire targets quickly. The fast focus eyepiece allows for swift reticle adjustments, an advantage during dynamic shooting situations. Additionally, the solid construction from aircraft-grade aluminum enhances its durability, ensuring it withstands tough conditions.

While the Crossfire II performs well in many situations, some users might prefer a higher magnification scope for long-range shooting, as this model maxes out at 9x. Furthermore, the lack of night vision capabilities might limit its use in low-light conditions, which could be a drawback for hunters who often operate at dawn or dusk. The scope's weight of 14.8 ounces may be slightly cumbersome for some users looking for a lightweight option. Despite these points, the robust build quality and the unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty from Vortex provide peace of mind, making it a solid investment for anyone in need of a dependable tactical rifle scope.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Reticle
The glass is generally clearer and the reticle is crisp, making it a quality optic that stands out in its price range.
Eye Relief
Great eye relief and minimal scope black eye ring ensure a full image at both low and high power.
Field of View
The scope holds zero perfectly and offers a clear, bright view with next to no darkness, adding minimal weight to the rifle.

Buying Guide for the Best Tactical Rifle Scopes

Choosing the right tactical rifle scope can significantly enhance your shooting experience, whether you're a hunter, a competitive shooter, or someone who enjoys target practice. 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 come with 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 (up to 100 yards), a lower magnification (1-4x) is sufficient. For medium-range (100-300 yards), a medium magnification (4-9x) is ideal. For long-range shooting (beyond 300 yards), higher magnification (10x and above) is necessary. 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 the brightness and clarity of the image. Larger diameters (40mm and above) allow more light, which is beneficial in low-light conditions but can make the scope heavier. 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 good 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 for quick target acquisition, while long-range shooters might benefit from a more detailed reticle.
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 and above) is better for high-recoil firearms to prevent the scope from hitting your eye. Shorter eye relief (below 3.5 inches) can be acceptable for low-recoil rifles. Consider the type of rifle you are using and your comfort level when choosing the 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. Lower magnification scopes generally have a wider FOV, while higher magnification scopes have a narrower FOV. If you need to track moving targets or require a broader view, 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 ensure that the reticle remains on target even if your eye position changes slightly. This is particularly important for long-range shooting where even small errors can lead to missed shots. Scopes with parallax adjustment allow you to fine-tune the focus for different distances, improving accuracy. If you plan to shoot at varying distances or engage in long-range shooting, a scope with parallax adjustment is beneficial. For short to medium-range shooting, this feature may be less critical.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance are crucial for ensuring that 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 will perform reliably in various weather conditions and environments. If you plan to use your rifle in challenging conditions, prioritize scopes with robust construction and weather-resistant features. For more controlled environments, these features may be less critical but still beneficial.

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