Best Rifle Scopes in 2022


Are you looking for the best rifle scope for your hunting and shooting needs? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Rifle scopes are an essential piece of equipment for any serious hunter or shooter, as they allow you to more accurately and precisely target your prey. With a good rifle scope, you can make sure you hit your mark every time. But with so many different models and brands on the market, how do you choose the best rifle scope for you?

The first thing you need to consider when looking for the best rifle scope is your budget. There are a wide range of prices for rifle scopes, ranging from budget-friendly models to high-end, high-performance scopes. Decide how much you’re willing to spend and then start your search from there.

Next, consider the type of shooting you’ll be doing. Different scopes are better suited for different types of shooting. If you’re shooting long-range targets, for example, you’ll want to look for a scope with a higher zoom range and a larger objective lens, while if you’re shooting closer targets, you may want to look for a scope with less zoom and a smaller objective lens.

You’ll also want to consider the reticle design of the scope. Different reticles are better suited for different applications and can greatly affect your accuracy. Be sure to read up on the different reticle types and decide which one is best for you.

Finally, you should also consider the quality of the lenses on the scope. Higher quality lenses will provide a clearer, brighter image, allowing you to more accurately target your prey. Make sure you read customer reviews or take a look at the product in person before you buy to make sure you’re getting the highest quality possible.

By taking the time to consider all of these factors, you’ll be able to find the best rifle scope for your needs. With the right scope, you’ll be able to make the most of your hunting and shooting experiences!

1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescope - Dead-Hold BDC Reticle

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescope - Dead-Hold BDC Reticle

Informations:

Review:

decent scope for the money. When installing it on a Savage A17, the only problem I had was that I was using a Wheeler bubble level. The crosshairs were around 10 degrees out of alignment with the pistol after I was finished. I spoke with Vortex. They informed me that this was common. Instead of the scope's external frame, the adjustment turrets are calibrated to the crosshairs. They suggested using a plumb bob, so I followed their advice and the problem was remedied. The directions provided by Wheeler presumptively align the adjustment turrets with the crosshairs (reticle). It is plausible (maybe probable?) that they are not, at least in this context.UPDATE: After spending far too much time tinkering with this scope, I realized the issue wasn't the bubble levels but rather the reticle, which was totally separated from the scope body when it was first opened. I paid $28 to return the scope to Vortex, and they "repaired" it. In the interim, I bought a Leupold that was MADE IN THE USA, which worked perfectly and was of far greater quality. Although Vortex's customer service is ok (they twice offered me false explanations for why the scope couldn't be leveled, via phone and email), you are still required to pay shipping expenses, even if the defective item is brand new. The "MADE IN CHINA" small gold sticker on the bottom of the scope, in my opinion, is the problem.

2. Nikon Buckmasters II, 4-12x40mm, BDC, Riflescope

Nikon Buckmasters II, 4-12x40mm, BDC, Riflescope

Informations:

Please carefully read the delivery label.#

Review:

I've had most of my hunting rifles equipped with Vortex rifle scopes for years because I think they're great. These brand-new Buckmasters II scopes with BDC reticle were highly recommended by a friend, and for the price, these scopes are unbeatable! This scope (3-9 and 4-12, have both) will compete with (or surpass) the best of them in the majority of categories, unless you find an incredible discount on a Luepold VX line, Redfield, Weaver (true one, not the knockoffs), Burris, etc. Love it or hate it, clarity is excellent for the price point, field brightness is outstanding, eye relief is generous and consistent, holds zero, looks and feels fantastic. BDC reticle with accurate software and a trusted warranty service in case anything goes wrong. In my 7mm WSM and.308 hunting rifles, the BDC and spot-on app have shown to be incredibly accurate. Due to my restricted range, I haven't been able to reach out to absurdly long distances, but I can rely on these BDC reticles out to 300 yards and know I'm good (scope is capable of much more if I had space to shoot further).I'd like to know if there is a better hunting scope available for this pricing range.

3. Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40 BDC

Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40 BDC

Informations:

lenses with full multi-coating

generous and reliable eye relief

Exclusive BDC reticle

exceptionally vivid sight image

Fogproof, shockproof, and waterproof#

Review:

My third Buckmasters II scope is this one. This sight, which is better suited for the caliber, took the place of a much more expensive, ultra-long range scope mounted on my Mossberg MVP Predator 5.56mm bolt rifle. The glass is great and the low light collecting is excellent because the scope is a derivation of a Nikon.The scope zeroed promptly, and the dead-hold BDC dots were set up rapidly.I'm able to get pretty darn close with Nikon Spot-On using the dope I put into the system for the rifle and the unique loads I shoot, despite the fact that it's not designed for Bushmaster scopes.Together, Nikon and Bushmasters have created a line of scopes that are both practical and reasonably priced. Well done, guys!

4. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope

Informations:

Twilight Light Management System - Increases shooting light by up to 10 minutes and cuts glare for clear image quality.

Over the course of a lifetime of heavy use, precise 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments for elevation and wind speed guarantee the utmost repeatability and dependability.

Scratch-resistant lenses: Military standard high abrasion specification requires that lens surfaces be scratch-resistant.

VX Freedom 3-9x40mm with Duplex reticle and Matte finish, Leupold Model #174180

100% Shockproof, Waterproof, and Fogproof

Ideal for almost any situation is the 3: 1 zoom ratio.

American-made design, machining, and assemb

Review:

**EDIT** Just to be clear, I have absolutely NO concerns with the organization or the website itself. All of them were excellent; they merely aimed to simplify the purchasing process for people like me who occasionally neglect to read the descriptions in their entirety.I brought it outside to do some sighting through it, but I have not mounted out or sighted this yet. looks fantastic. Sharp and clear as glass. Not because of the goods itself or the shipping, which was quick and as promised, but rather because of the reticle. Be advised if you spotted this and decided to buy it based on the Leupold website before coming here. This is the common duplex reticle, NOT the Leupold sabot reticle. There are no holdovers and it is a conventional crosshair. The Leupold website provides the first attached image for this scope, and the second is what it includes. Duplex reticle is mentioned in the description, however I would suggest including a photo for clarification for those who may not have read the text well enough.

5. CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24x50 AOE Red and Green Illuminated Gun Scope with Free Mount

CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24x50 AOE Red and Green Illuminated Gun Scope with Free Mount

Informations:

Red and Green rifle scope illumination type

6-24x magnification

1/8 inch per click at 100 yards.

50 mm is the objective diameter.

28 feet of field of view at 100 yards#

Review:

A few individuals complained that the scope was hazy, which nearly prevented me from purchasing it. Yes, the image becomes hazy quickly when the zoom is changed, however by changing the focus, you can find the ideal setting for the distance you are viewing. On this scope, I have successfully had a clear view at both the farthest and closest settings. It was perfectly obvious! I've been able to correctly alter the zoom and focus at other arbitrary distances between the maximum and minimum. (As you can see in the photographs, I tried to hit a power tower that was at a distance of at least 400 yards. Three images were captured with my iPhone. One photo is simply an iPhone snapshot taken from my window without any zoom. The other two images were taken with the scope fully in and fully out. You'll be able to tell them apart!) The majority of rifle scopes I've used have merely had a zoom, with your eyes serving as the focusing lens. Maybe those who leave bad reviews are accustomed to turning a single knob? There are three knobs in all to modify this scope. One zoom and two focusing (your second focusing is the end that unscrews a little bit from your eye). It's true that focusing and zooming need more work, but getting a clear vision through the scope is not as difficult as some claim. It was difficult to notice, and that may be the reason for some other reviewers' foggy problems. I thought it was great that the red and green light function didn't have to be turned on in order to utilize the scope. The description did not make it obvious that. The scope is simply a standard scope with crosshairs; under some lighting circumstances, the lights simply reflect off of it to make it easier to see. No big deal if your battery dies, the scope still functions!The craftsmanship is also good. If you had given me this scope a week ago, before I knew anything about it, I would have estimated that it cost $300 to $400. It's a deal to acquire it for $50.00.Now, there are two other crucial variables that I have not yet examined with this scope:1) Can it withstand recoil? Are the crosshairs going to float and unstick? (I will only be use it with a Feather AT-9, a 9mm carbine rifle.) Not really much kick.) I recently purchased a Barska Plinker-22 scope for it, but the crosshairs inside the scope move around freely. Although the sight was designed for a 22, I didn't believe a 9mm round in a heavy rifle would damage it. It did.2) Does it retain zero? I have an extremely accurate 9mm carbine. It's a fun rifle to plink with. I want a decent scope on it so I can snipe potatoes easily and precisely. A extremely affordable, responsive, and biodegradable target is the potato. In my neighborhood grocery store, 10 pounds of potatoes cost $2.00. There's hours of enjoyment there.) Yes, I could spend more money on a scope, but I don't want to pay nearly as much for it as I would for my pistol.When I can test its ability to withstand recoil and maintain zero, I'll update my evaluation. Even if it doesn't, the spotting scope would still be fantastic at $50 thanks to the magnification feature. That level of magnification at that cost is nowhere to be found.

6. UTG 3-9X32 1" BugBuster Scope, AO, RGB Mil-dot, QD Rings

UTG 3-9X32 1" BugBuster Scope, AO, RGB Mil-dot, QD Rings

Informations:

WARNING: BEWARE OF FAKE GOODS SHIPPED DIRECTLY FROM CHINA

Range Estimating Mil-dot Reticle with Adjustable Objective from Three Yards to Infinity for Best Aiming and Shooting Performance

Includes a 2" sunshade, premium flip-open lens caps, and quickly detachable rings.

Shockproof, fogproof, and rainproof; Built on True Strength Platform; Completely Sealed and Nitrogen Filled

Premium Zero Lock

Review:

A few individuals complained that the scope was hazy, which nearly prevented me from purchasing it. Yes, the image becomes hazy quickly when the zoom is changed, however by changing the focus, you can find the ideal setting for the distance you are viewing. On this scope, I have successfully had a clear view at both the farthest and closest settings. It was perfectly obvious! I've been able to correctly alter the zoom and focus at other arbitrary distances between the maximum and minimum. (As you can see in the photographs, I tried to hit a power tower that was at a distance of at least 400 yards. Three images were captured with my iPhone. One photo is simply an iPhone snapshot taken from my window without any zoom. The other two images were taken with the scope fully in and fully out. You'll be able to tell them apart!) The majority of rifle scopes I've used have merely had a zoom, with your eyes serving as the focusing lens. Maybe those who leave bad reviews are accustomed to turning a single knob? There are three knobs in all to modify this scope. One zoom and two focusing (your second focusing is the end that unscrews a little bit from your eye). It's true that focusing and zooming need more work, but getting a clear vision through the scope is not as difficult as some claim. It was difficult to notice, and that may be the reason for some other reviewers' foggy problems. I thought it was great that the red and green light function didn't have to be turned on in order to utilize the scope. The description did not make it obvious that. The scope is simply a standard scope with crosshairs; under some lighting circumstances, the lights simply reflect off of it to make it easier to see. No big deal if your battery dies, the scope still functions!The craftsmanship is also good. If you had given me this scope a week ago, before I knew anything about it, I would have estimated that it cost $300 to $400. It's a deal to acquire it for $50.00.Now, there are two other crucial variables that I have not yet examined with this scope:1) Can it withstand recoil? Are the crosshairs going to float and unstick? (I will only be use it with a Feather AT-9, a 9mm carbine rifle.) Not really much kick.) I recently purchased a Barska Plinker-22 scope for it, but the crosshairs inside the scope move around freely. Although the sight was designed for a 22, I didn't believe a 9mm round in a heavy rifle would damage it. It did.2) Does it retain zero? I have an extremely accurate 9mm carbine. It's a fun rifle to plink with. I want a decent scope on it so I can snipe potatoes easily and precisely. A extremely affordable, responsive, and biodegradable target is the potato. In my neighborhood grocery store, 10 pounds of potatoes cost $2.00. There's hours of enjoyment there.) Yes, I could spend more money on a scope, but I don't want to pay nearly as much for it as I would for my pistol.When I can test its ability to withstand recoil and maintain zero, I'll update my evaluation. Even if it doesn't, the spotting scope would still be fantastic at $50 thanks to the magnification feature. That level of magnification at that cost is nowhere to be found.

7. Simmons 511039 3 - 9 x 32mm .22 Mag(R) Matte Black Riflescope

Simmons 511039 3 - 9 x 32mm .22 Mag(R) Matte Black Riflescope

Informations:

Rubber surfaces made of SureGrip make adjustments easier in any situation

Included are rimfire 3/8" dovetail mounting rings.

full-coated, premium-quality optical glass lenses

50-yard to infinity preset parallax correction

A crisp sight picture is ensured by the HydroShield lens coating.#

Review:

I purchased this to attach to my previous Winchester Model 190.With the included rings, mounting the scope was simple. As long as you keep in mind that it's for a.22, tightening the rings won't cause the scope body to deform. I just felt it tighter and didn't do anything scientific about it. To make sure the rectangle was level, I eyeballed it.Once on the range, it struck at 50 yards and was about a foot high. It works once I lowered the zero to match.a few cautions. I didn't take off the stars because they don't bother me.1. The eye relief varies significantly between 3x and 9x. When cranked to 9x, make sure you still have enough cheekrest to move your head forward.2. There is a slight tactile click from the turrets, but it is not very audible. Although they are difficult to move, it can be difficult to tell when you move the dial.3. The edges of the field of view have a little bit of distortion. Save your money for something else if you can't handle that.A good product all around. It's not fancy, but it's not necessary. helped me defeat my friend in the lunch-paying competition. Would advise.

8. Pinty 2.5-10x40 Red Green Illuminated Mil-dot Tactical Rifle Scope with Red Laser Combo - Green Lens Color

Pinty 2.5-10x40 Red Green Illuminated Mil-dot Tactical Rifle Scope with Red Laser Combo - Green Lens Color

Informations:

In comparison to blue objective lenses, MULTI-COATED GREEN OBJECTIVE LENSES have higher light transmittance for improved clarity performance.

A HIGH QUALITY COMPLETE SET OF LASER SCOPE, Quick and secure installation to all Picatinny or Weaver rails, Solid aluminum alloy construction.

FIELD OF VIEW: Magnification 2.5-10X with a 40mm objective, field of view at 100 yards is 32.5' at 2.5x and 8.9' at 10x, with a 100-yard laser range.

FOG PROOF, WATERPROOF, AND PERFORMANCE For waterproof, fog-proof performance, nitrogen is filled and an O-ring is sealed.

5 brightness levels, RED AND GREEN ILLUMINATED RETICLE, suitable for various lighting conditions.#

Review:

For value, I gave this five stars.It arrived in lovely packaging and with the two different battery kinds you require.It was really simple to mount on my Ten Point crossbow.I use bows and firearms a lot, but I think anyone could accomplish this.It sighted in quickly and accurately. Make sure the elevation dial is set to one, and then adjust with the "lever" underneath the screw-on cap.I wouldn't suggest using the glass for much further than 75-100 yards because it isn't great.I don't shoot my crossbow farther than 60 yards, therefore it is ideal for me.I've been using the crosshairs for almost two months now (approximately ten hours total). Furthermore, the batteries are still active.I strongly advise using crossbows and small caliber weapons at relatively close ranges (100 yards and less).

9. CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e Red & Green Illuminated Scope with 20mm Mount

CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e Red & Green Illuminated Scope with 20mm Mount

Informations:

In comparison to blue objective lenses, MULTI-COATED GREEN OBJECTIVE LENSES have higher light transmittance for improved clarity performance.

A HIGH QUALITY COMPLETE SET OF LASER SCOPE, Quick and secure installation to all Picatinny or Weaver rails, Solid aluminum alloy construction.

FIELD OF VIEW: Magnification 2.5-10X with a 40mm objective, field of view at 100 yards is 32.5' at 2.5x and 8.9' at 10x, with a 100-yard laser range.

FOG PROOF, WATERPROOF, AND PERFORMANCE For waterproof, fog-proof performance, nitrogen is filled and an O-ring is sealed.

5 brightness levels, RED AND GREEN ILLUMINATED RETICLE, suitable for various lighting conditions.#

Review:

Even though I only awarded this scope four stars, it wasn't for want of quality. This range is excellent. Installation and seeing are simple. In low light conditions, the red and green lighting cross hairs are simple to use and see. The bullet drop correction adjustment is excellent for maintaining aim at various ranges. A bonus feature that is little and out of the way is the laser on it. Although not well, the laser is bright enough to be seen throughout the day. fantastic for dim environments.The limited eye relief of this scope was the only drawback I could identify. It actually isn't a problem, but it might be if you wish to use this sight on a rifle with a bigger caliber. More recoil is often felt with larger calibers. The eye relief on this scope is between 2.5 and 3 inches. The scope may strike your face near your eyes if mounted on a large-caliber rifle with a lot of recoil. On other scopes, I have observed this to occur. Because of this, I believe that this scope is ideal for use with a 22 or Ar15 rifle (low recoil rifles). Just my humble opinion, of course.Overall, this scope is excellent. I like how it has a lot of magnification but is still small. Definitely worth the cost.

10. CVLIFE 3-9x40 / 3-9x40 AO Optics R4 Reticle Crosshair Scope with 20mm Free Mounts

CVLIFE 3-9x40 / 3-9x40 AO Optics R4 Reticle Crosshair Scope with 20mm Free Mounts

Informations:

Duration: 12.20"

1.57" Objective Diameter " (40mm)

Dimensions: 3-9x40

Pupil exit: 0.2–0.67"

3–9x magnification#

Review:

With this one, you get clean optics, a zero that holds like a rock, and excellent detail at all magnifications. I bought this to replace a 4x32 on a.177 Nitro Pellet Rifle since it worked well for 30- to 40-foot shots at garden pests. With its pinpoint consistency in accuracy out to 30–40 YARDS, this sight elevates my weapon to a whole new level. Waiting for the "cheap shots" up close is no longer necessary. Now I can shoot my gun at the ranges it was intended for. I did not purchase the sight for that reason because the included rings would not fit on my pellet rifle and would have been too high anyhow. This scope is built with the same quality, precision, and rigor as a scope that costs ten times as much. With this purchase, I could not be happier.

About Author

Matt Grabowsky

My name is Matt Grabowsky and for over two decades I have been observing technological and social trends, talking about them and explaining them in an accessible way.