What Are The Best Rifle Scopes in 2023? Reviews and Ratings

There are a lot of rifle scopes to choose from, which makes it difficult to find the right one, so we have gone through a lot of rifle scope reviews, and have made a list of the five best rifle scopes, which should make it easier for you to pick the right one for you.

In a Hurry? The Best Rifle Scope for 2023 Is…

What to look for in a Rifle Scope

Before deciding to buy a rifle scope, you want to consider the following factors if you are to end up with a quality product:

• Light Transfer

Light transfer refers to the ability of your scope to maintain the level of light captured on the lens and deliver it to the eye. Generally speaking, the more lenses you have in your scope, the lower the light transfer will be. The amount of light transferred is very crucial, especially if you are shooting in a lowly lit area.

A low light transfer won’t get you a clear view of the target. The objective lens, which is the front lens on a scope, plays a crucial part in determining the light amount that your scope captures. It further aids in terms of clarity and distortion. Usually, you’ll get a better light transfer with a larger objective lens.

• Eye Relief

This is the distance from the scope your eye should be to enable you to get a full view of the target. High powered scopes tend to have a narrow eye relief, which makes them difficult to use. Normally, the eye relief is listed in inches on a scope. This is the distance to be maintained from your scope if you want your target to be in full view.

• Field of View

This simply means what you can see from your scope from a distance of around 100 yards. Having a wider field of view implies that your scope is easier to target with. Meanwhile, a high-power scope will normally have a limited field of view. 

If you are still new to the trade, you should opt for a large field of view scope until your shooting becomes more accurate and precise. When you are finally hitting the target consistently, you can then move on to a more powerful scope. The difference will be clear to you once you use to a scope with 9X magnification.

• Reticle

This refers to the crosshairs of the scope. They come in a range of styles to match the shooter’s preferences. You always want to look for a reticle that you’ll be comfortable with; it should not be too thick that it conceals your target. Rather, it should be highly visible in the lowest light conditions. 

If you will be shooting at long-distant targets, it may be a good idea to acquire tactical-reticles. These come with mil-dots to assist you to mark the minutes of angle to the target, as well as other useful calibrations for any trained sniper.  

A dual reticle is another great alternative for a novice hunter as it offers thick outer lines and thin inner lines. Additionally, there are electronic and glowing reticles that you might be interested in. These provide you with the highest visibility, although they may need batteries or charging. 

• Manufacturer

The brand you are purchasing is always a consideration that you’ll have to make. Most people make the mistake of opting for the cheapest model they can find, which exposes you to swindlers who will offer you a scope that is well below par.

Remember that there are numerous retailers online competing to sell their offerings. To avoid getting caught up in the middle of all this mess, it would be wise to choose a reputable manufacturer when shopping for a rifle scope. This will guarantee you top-level of performance from the product.

And if it doesn’t live up to the promise, at least you’ll have a warranty that allows you to return the scope for exchange, repairs, or a refund. While it is highly likely that you’ll cough out more for a reputable brand, you can rest easy that you are getting a quality optic that will serve you for a lifetime. 

• Weather Protection

A good rifle scope is a huge investment that you will want to protect at all times. Remember that you’ll be carrying this precious piece of equipment to the field and exposing elements. If it will be exposed to extreme temperatures and rain, then it should be shielded from such situations.

You can get rifle scopes that are water-resistant and weather-resistant. Furthermore, some models will be argon or nitrogen purged to prevent fog formation inside the lenses. These are all great features that will safeguard your valuable scope. 

• Magnification

When shopping around for a rifle scope, your first consideration should always be the magnification level. In most cases, long-range snipers tend to go for very powerful scopes; more powerful than they need. This is a desire that you need to learn to moderate. 

Magnification isn’t the only feature on a scope that determines how best the optic serves you. Some scopes have fixed power whereas others are variable. When selecting a maximum power for your scope, be sure to consider the intended purpose for the optic.

Normally, the higher the magnification on a scope, the lower the field of view and vice versa. This means you may not be best placed to go for a high-power scope if you are a novice and still working on your shooting accuracy. It is better to go for a choice that will give you a view of a target you are most comfortable with. 

Best Rifle Scopes-Review

Before we get started..

Before we take a closer look into the rifle scopes, check out the Top 5 Rifle Scopes of 2023

9. Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II

Vortex produces a wide range of scopes, but people don’t realize the level of quality that individual models offer. The Razor series is one of the best they have been able to produce. These are optically superior, more durable, and are taken through superior quality control to stave off any issues down the line.

The Razor HD II allows you to shoot extremely long-range target; more than 1000 yards. The model is fitted with their amazing ED Prime glass, which is among the clearest you can find. And to improve the image quality, then lenses are exposed to a full multi-coat treatment which also features scratch-resistant Armoteck finish. 

The reticle on this scope are all a version of Mill Radian or MOA, which is ideal for hitting the target from longer distances. This, alongside their locking L-TEC turret system, allow you to dial in precisely on your target. This is what makes this scope ideal for newbies as well as professional marksmen.

If you are worried about durability, the Razor HD II has you covered. It comes sealed and argon-purged to protect the lens from any fog formation. It is also shock-resistant up to .50 caliber and its exterior is hard-coat anodized over a single piece scope tube, adding rigidity and durability to keep everything aligned. 

8. Nightforce Optics 5-20×56 SHV Riflescope

This is a great budget-friendly option from Nightforce. It has a lot in common with its costlier sibling, NXS, but has been scaled down in some few areas to save you a little change. While it may not be the best that Nightforce has to offer, it surely gives other models out there a run for their money.

The 5-20×56 SHV features a MOAR reticle just like in the NXS, only that it has been changed to a 2nd focal plane scope. It comes as a 5-20x scope and offers impressive optical quality. The lenses are quite close together and its multi-coat is identical. 

The turrets on this scope match the reticle and feature the same zero-reset feature. While their internal travel is a little less, it is still enough to get you to around 800 yards with most rifles. The reticle is also illuminated at the central point for shooting in low light and comes with MOA hash marks for the perfect shot placement. 

As far as durability is concerned, you won’t get what is offered by the top-level Nightforce models. The walls aren’t as thicker and the quality control isn’t as strict. Luckily, there is a warranty you get when you purchase from Nightforce that ensures you can always return the scope for an exchange or refund in case of any manufacturer’s flaws. 

7. Leupold VX 2

Leupold is a respected name in the world on long-range hunting scope manufacture. The company has carved a niche in this area and there are a few brands that can rival them in terms of quality and reputation. The Leupold VX 2 is a good example of the level of performance you can expect from the brand.

This is among the most powerful scopes we have listed, with a max magnification of 12x. Even though the lenses aren’t multi-coated, the quality of the Leupold glass will easily blow away many other multi-coat scopes in the market. It features a 40mm objective lens that is still quite bright for this price range. The image produced is also clearer and crisper for any hunter to be comfortable with. 

This scope is also waterproof and purged to protect it from moisture, which also increases its durability. Not to mention that it is shockproof so firing the rifle won’t affect it. With some basic maintenance, this amazing scope will serve you diligently for years. 

If you are searching for a long-distance scope for your 270 or 308 calibers, the Leupold VX 2 would make a nice choice.

6. Bushnell Engage Riflescope

This quintessential hunting scope ensures that you will hit the target with your first round without the need for all the extra adjustments as is the case for long-range precision scopes. It comes with a 1-inch main tube to provide you with more than sufficient room to adjust your zero, given that the elevation and windage knobs are covered with caps.

The scope offers parallax adjustment to aid in focusing on the target. This also corrects minor point of aim shifts brought about by differences in the shooter’s view, which may happen as the hunter shifts to find the ideal position.

The glass is among the best that the company has produced, providing crisp and clear images to the shooter. Another nice touch that you may easily overlook is that when making elevation and windage adjustments, you won’t require any tools.

The reticle offers graduations in minutes of angles and given that it’s in the second focal plane, the accuracy of these measurements will only be realized in the maximum magnification. This is what many hunters will have zoomed to before pulling the trigger.

5. BSA3 Sweet 17 Rifle Scope

This scope was designed specifically for the .17 HMR bullet, it was designed to work like the trajectory compensation scope that the military use. It comes with multi colored lenses that enable you to make accurate shots, because they compensate for factors such as the sun, eliminating the glare from your scope, while providing you with bright and clear images. The scope was constructed very well, and is extremely durable. It is nitrogen filled to provide you with waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof reliability. The scope has 3 to 12 times magnification, it has a 40mm objective diameter, and only weighs 19.5 ounces. This is a very effective scope, but the magnification ring can be a little difficult to turn.

4. Nikon ProStaff 3-9 x 40 Black Matte Riflescope

This is a compact scope that has 3 to 9 times magnification, with 40mm objective lens. It has a unique multicoated optical system that easily transmits about 98 percent of available light, which provides you with the most brightness, during the day and at night. The O ring is filled with nitrogen and sealed, to prevent it from fogging or retaining water when using. This is an excellent rifle scope, and it comes with a lifetime warranty.

3. Simmons 8-Point Truplex Reticle Riflescope, 3-9x40mm

This riflescope also has 3 to 9 times magnification, and is coated to give the user the optimal brightness, regardless of the time of day. The 8 point riflescope is fogproof, recoil proof, and waterproof, which allows for use under any condition, and it has SureGrip rubber surfaces that provide easier adjustments. It is a very reasonably priced riflescope, with features that are normally found in the more expensive scopes.

2. Ledsniper Riflescope 6-24×50 Aoe Red & Green & Blue Illuminated Mil-dot Adjustable Intensified Rifle Scope

This scope was designed with the professionals in mind, it is shock proof, fogproof, and waterproof, and it has a 40 millimeter tube that allows maximum light gathering, with five adjustable reticle brightness levels, for each color. This scope has 6 to 24 times magnification, which makes it great for long distance firing, and it provides between 2.5 and 4.25 inches of eye relief. It comes with a protective cap, and 2 rings for the Picatinny rail. It is a very good scope, and allows you to hit targets at far distances accurately.

1. Simmons Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32mm Riflescopes

This is one of the top rated riflescopes you can find, it has a high quality glass lens and multicoated optics that provides you with sharp and bright images. It also has a HydroShield coating on the lens, that keeps the sight picture clear, despite the weather. This scope also has SureGrip rubber surfaces that make it easier to handle and adjust at any time. The scope is very popular and it is easy to see why, because it provides users with a lot of features at a very reasonable price.

Conclusion

Long-range shooting can make for an exciting pastime, and it doesn’t get any better than when the hunting season comes around. However, you want to make sure that you are hitting the target when you set out to the field. This will surely be possible if you have the right optics with you.

In this review, we’ve compiled for you all the top rifle scopes you can find in the market today. The only thing you need to do is find a model that best fits your rifle and one that you’ll have no qualms spending on.

One more thing; remember to polish up your shooting so that you don’t end up blaming all the misses on the rifle scope! 

FAQ

How Do I clean my Riflescope?

As long as you buy your scope from a reputable manufacturer, proper care will see it serving you for a long time. However, you want to take extra caution when cleaning the lenses. You can use a soft brush or air blast to remove dirt or dust, while lubricants and fingerprints should be wiped off using eyeglass tissue and a mild soap solution. 

Can I store my mounted scope in the vehicle?

This may sound like a convenient thing to do, but it may end up being harmful to your scope. This is because vehicles retain a high level of heat when they are locked, and this intense heat may adversely affect the sealants and lubricants in your scope. The constant vibration also poses another risk as it can loosen your scope mounts and interfere with the zero-point of your optic.

What should I do to maintain my riflescope?

 There isn’t much that is needed to maintain your riflescope. With the appropriate care and mounting, it should last you a lifetime. The unique internal seals and lubricants on your scope maintain a dry gas atmosphere to keep any fog from forming on the lenses. No solvents or lubricants are needed to preserve the mechanical function. 

Last update on 2022-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API