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10 Best Rifle Scopes 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

BURRIS Eliminator 6 4-20x52mm, X177, Black (200177)

The Burris Eliminator 6 is a high-tech riflescope designed primarily for hunters who want quick, accurate ranging and aiming assistance. It offers a versatile 4-20x magnification range paired with a large 52mm objective lens, providing bright and clear images at various distances. Its standout feature is a built-in laser rangefinder that can measure targets up to 2,000 yards away, along with a heads-up display that shows important ballistic data to help you make precise shots without guessing.

The scope’s unique X177 reticle uses tiny LEDs to create an illuminated aiming point that adjusts automatically with magnification, so aiming stays accurate whether zoomed in or out. It also has Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to customize ballistic profiles via an app and use a remote control for convenience. The side focus knob enables easy parallax adjustment, eliminating aiming errors at different ranges. With multi-coated HD glass, the view remains sharp and bright, enhancing target visibility in various light conditions. Eye relief is about 3.4 inches, which requires maintaining proper eye distance for comfort and safety.

Constructed from durable aluminum, the scope includes sensors like a thermometer and barometer to automatically adjust for altitude-related factors, improving shooting accuracy. Weighing 30 ounces, it is relatively heavy and might be bulkier compared to simpler scopes. This riflescope is best suited for hunters who want integrated technology to enhance long-range shooting and are comfortable using a digital interface. Those seeking a straightforward, no-frills scope might find it more complex or costly.

#2

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

Rating
9.4
Reticle
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
30 reviews

Reticle
The illuminated reticle enhances visibility in low-light conditions, making it easier to acquire targets quickly.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Its rugged and sturdy construction stands up to tough outdoor environments without compromise.

The Nightforce ATACR 5-25x56mm scope is designed for serious hunters and shooters who need precision and reliability. It offers a wide magnification range from 5x to 25x, allowing you to easily zoom in on targets at various distances. The large 56mm objective lens helps gather plenty of light, which means clear and bright images even when lighting isn’t ideal, like early morning or late evening. Its first focal plane reticle keeps measurement markings accurate no matter the zoom level, making holdover and windage adjustments straightforward and dependable in the field.

The MOA-XT reticle provides detailed yet easy-to-read aiming points, which is great for quick target acquisition under pressure. Eye relief is a comfortable 3.5 inches, helping prevent recoil hits while maintaining a good sight picture. The field of view is decent for both low and high magnifications, giving a nice balance between wide viewing and detailed zoom.

Built tough with durable materials, this scope is waterproof and fogproof, ready to handle harsh weather and rough conditions, which is essential for outdoor use. The 34mm tube diameter allows for a wide range of adjustments without adding excessive bulk. It is somewhat heavier at about 2.35 pounds (37.6 ounces), which might add noticeable weight to a lightweight rifle setup. While it does not include night vision capabilities, it remains a high-quality, versatile scope excelling in clarity, durability, and precise shooting at various ranges—ideal for hunters and tactical shooters who demand top performance.

Rating
9.4
Reticle
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
30 reviews

Reticle
The illuminated reticle enhances visibility in low-light conditions, making it easier to acquire targets quickly.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Its rugged and sturdy construction stands up to tough outdoor environments without compromise.
#3

Leupold VX-5HD 4-20x52 (34mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Duplex Reticle Riflescope

Rating
9.4
Magnification
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
32 reviews

Magnification
This scope delivers exceptional optical clarity with sharp, clear images from edge to edge.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Built with high-quality materials, it feels robust yet surprisingly lightweight for its class.

The Leupold VX-5HD 4-20x52 is a versatile riflescope well-suited for hunters needing a wide magnification range from 4x to 20x, allowing for both close and long-distance shooting. Its large 52mm objective lens helps gather plenty of light, improving visibility in low-light conditions. The scope’s Duplex reticle is simple and easy to use, and it features illumination for better sighting in dim settings. Eye relief and field of view are comfortable for most users, making target acquisition easier across the zoom range.

A standout feature is the CDS-ZL2 (Custom Dial System with ZeroLock 2), enabling precise bullet-drop compensation and preventing accidental dial changes, which is very helpful for accurate long-range shooting. The side focus parallax adjustment offers quick, on-the-fly correction to sharpen the target image from different distances. Durability is a strong point here—the scope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, built from robust aluminum and made in the USA. The Guard-ion lens coating repels water and dirt, reducing maintenance while keeping the image crisp.

It weighs about 1.5 pounds, which might feel a bit heavy for extended carry. Also, it lacks night vision compatibility, so it’s less ideal for nighttime hunting. Although it isn’t the cheapest option, the lifetime warranty and Leupold’s reputation for quality make this a reliable choice for serious hunters seeking dependable performance and precision.

Rating
9.4
Magnification
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
32 reviews

Magnification
This scope delivers exceptional optical clarity with sharp, clear images from edge to edge.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Built with high-quality materials, it feels robust yet surprisingly lightweight for its class.

Buying Guide for the Best Rifle Scopes

Choosing the right rifle scope can significantly enhance your shooting experience, whether you're hunting, target shooting, or engaging in tactical operations. 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 have 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, a lower magnification (1-4x) is sufficient. For medium-range, consider 5-9x, and for long-range shooting, 10x or higher is ideal. 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 image brightness and clarity. Larger diameters (40mm and above) allow more light, which is beneficial in low-light conditions but can make the scope heavier and bulkier. 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 great 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, while long-range shooters might benefit from a more detailed design.
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 or more) is better for high-recoil firearms to prevent the scope from hitting your face. Shorter eye relief (around 3 inches) can be acceptable for low-recoil rifles. Consider the type of rifle you are using and your comfort level when choosing the appropriate 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. Higher magnification typically reduces FOV. If you need to track fast-moving targets or require a broad view of your surroundings, 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 eliminate the parallax error, which occurs when the reticle appears to move against the target when you move your head. This is important for accuracy, especially at longer distances. Scopes with parallax adjustment allow you to fine-tune the focus for different ranges, ensuring the reticle stays on target. If you are shooting at varying distances or require high precision, a scope with parallax adjustment is beneficial. For fixed-distance shooting, this feature may be less critical.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance are crucial for ensuring 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 remains functional in various weather conditions and can handle the recoil of your rifle. If you plan to use your rifle in challenging environments, prioritize scopes with robust construction and reliable weatherproofing.

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