The Best Rifle Scopes in 2023

Few things fill a person with pride like being out in the wild, looking down-range at a target, and hitting that target at an impressive range, but wowee there’s a massive variety to choose from. Prices, options, sizes, and features vary greatly – but they’re generally all designed with one goal: hitting the target.

That said, depending on the price point, you’ll find a tremendous gap in performance, features, and applications.

Scopes designed for long-range or competitive shooters will demand the clearest glass, specific kinds of reticules, and turrets to dial in every conceivable variable so you can hit targets much, much further than lesser scopes.

Mid-range scopes will give you dependable performance for various applications – hunting, non-competitive target shooting, and as a scout scope. Budget scopes are ideal for upgrading beyond iron sights, for an initial upgrade on a new rifle, or a child’s rifle — but may not cut the mustard on long-range targets.

They’re not as reliable as mid-range scopes (and you won’t get close to hitting a target at 1,000 yards), but they’re a basic improvement to any non-sighted rifle and can be fairly dependable.

How we structured this guide

We broke our recommendations out by grouped price points as that’s generally the first criteria for product selection — if you’re a competitive shooter, you’re not in the market for a budget scope — and if you only have $200 to spend on a rifle scope you’ll probably skip the $2,000 options.

To come up with these expert picks, we considered use cases, features, construction, materials and overall value.

If there’s a rifle scope you love that we haven’t mentioned, drop us a line, and we’ll do our best to review it when we update this guide.

Below is my list of the best rifle scopes. I list the best choices in terms of value, performance, reliability, and cost.

Click on the name to head to the product page, read reviews and check prices or skip ahead to the list of scopes.

1. Maven RS.4 Riflescope

In my field testing, the RS.4 riflescope surprised me with both super smooth adjustments and incredibly clear glass. It’s a high-quality, versatile rifle scope that’s not cheap but is much less expensive than products that offer a similar level of quality.

The first focal plane MOA-based reticle and 5-30×56 magnification made it easy to spot targets clearly and make quick one-hand adjustments on the fly.

It’s about as good a scope as you could want for under $2,000 if you’re looking for perfect long-range glass or competing in NRL22 competitions.

My current 5-25 FFP magnification scope used for NRL22 competition was surpassed in every way by the RS.4, which offered edge-to-edge clarity well beyond my expectations throughout all magnifications. Tossing it into my Warne Scope Mount made for a slick setup that would be at home on any lightweight mountain rifle.

The Maven RS.4 riflescope’s locking turrets are not just a fancy nice-to-have. They prevent unintentional adjustments, a feature born out of the frustrations of many marksmen whose scopes lost zero in the heat of the moment.

The visual rotation indicator, on the other hand, provides instant feedback on turret position, ensuring that the shooter is always aware of the scope’s settings.

When it comes to high-end glass focused on long-range shooting, the Maven RS.4 tops our list. If you’re curious about Maven’s products we ran through a lot of them in our hands-on review.

2. Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II

Who it’s for: The Vortex Optics Razor HD II is a great choice if you need a full-featured, long-range rifle scope that’s proven and allows for nearly unlimited tweaks to any variable – from windage, graduation, travel per rotation, infinite zero and more.

The Vortex Optics Razor HD II isn’t small, but if you have aspirations (and the rifle) to hit a target at 1,500 yards the Vortex is tough to beat.

Why it’s great: The Vortex Optics Razor HD II won our testers over with its premium build quality, unbelievably clear glass, turret feel, and huge 56mm lens.

It can be difficult to split hairs with scopes of this quality, but the Vortex hits the sweet spot of premium pricing without being over the top (scopes of this quality can be $4,000 or more) and truly feeling like it’s built like a tank.

It’s one of the first rifle scopes we tested that made you feel like there was no limit to how far you could push your shots.

It comes in six models and each offers premium, aircraft-grade single piece aluminium body tubes, which are o-ring sealed and argon purged – offering a shockproof, fog-proof, waterproof package that will allow you to take your distance shooting to the next level.

Flaws worth noting: Vortex makes great products but their customer service – while happy to resolve problems whenever they arise – can be a little difficult to get ahold of from time to time. We have also seen a few reports of internal condensation, which is an indication of a leak or flawed housing.

Their military discount – while steep and appreciated – will put you in line to receive your product once the quantities they allocate to MIL users are ready for market, which can take months. It’s also pretty heavy at 48 oz – or about 3 pounds of scope.

Pros

• Amazing optical clarity
• Easily adjustable & configurable
• Built like a tank
• Durable material
• Fog proof, waterproof & shock proof

Cons

• CS can be difficult to get ahold of
• MIL discounts put you at the back of the line
• Heavy

2. Burris Xtreme Tactical XTR II

Who it’s for:Burris Optics XTR II Rifle Scope

It has a 34mm main tube, which yields crisp views of targets at any range, and provides sufficient power to introduce you to 1,000-yard shot ranges.

Smooth, precise adjustments

This rifle scope makes it easy to identify your targets with smooth windage and elevation adjustments and tactical-appropriate reticles with fantastic resolution and glass clarity.

Instead of fumbling through the learning curve of unnecessary features, the Burris offers a 5x zoom system. Target acquisition at longer ranges is quick and prevents unnecessary adjustments as you’re sighting your target.

You can align and focus your scope on down-range objects with just a few clicks. The illuminated reticle makes it easy to focus – plus its brightness adjustments ensure you have the right level of contrast for your environment.

Unlike other Burris Optics competitors, the zoom, windage, and elevation adjustments worked flawlessly in our tests, offering responsive micro-adjustments with the scope’s turrets.

The XTR II weighs 32.10 oz – or just a blip over 2 pounds, which is light relative to other high-end scopes out there, so you should have no problem lugging it through the woods mounted to your favorite hunting rifle.

Pros

• Clear, premium glass
• Solidly durable
• 5x zoom & illuminated reticle
• Lighter than other options

Cons

• Can be fickle without signature Burris mounting rings

4. Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56mm Scope

Pros

• Incredibly well-engineered
• Durable
• Precise

Cons

• Expensive

5. Maven RS.2 Ultralight Riflescope

The lightweight RS.2 comes in at just 12 ounces, and the 2-10×38 second focal plane riflescope is an ideal all-purpose scope that can handle a variety of game and mid-range shooting and would make a versatile hunting scope.

It’s approachable for new shooters, all-purpose hunters, and range enthusiasts alike — plus, it’s less than half the price of other Maven optics.

Available with Duplex MOA or SHR MOA reticles, the RS.2 is waterproof and fog-proof, features the extra-low dispersion ED glass, and is anodized for maximum durability.

For those uninterested in dropping a grand on new glass or want something that would make sense on a lightweight hunting rifle, the RS.2 is our top choice.

6. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II

What makes the Viper PST Gen II one of the most popular tactical scopes around? For starters, the reticle. A lot of long-range shooting and using scopes, in general, involves informing your shot with the features of the reticule.

The PST has a highly functional, intuitive reticule with detailed hold points, but it really shined with its lack of clutter and super clear glass. It gave us really useful visibility for both long-distance shooting and distance ranging.

Smooth target transitions

Transitioning between targets and adjusting from shot to shot was quick and easy with the PST.

It also transmits light very effectively – many rifle scopes may have difficulty mustering the light needed to brighten the distant object you’re trying to target.

Another challenge is the inverse of this situation, when you’re aiming into dark, dense vegetation, a situation in which you need all the brightness your scope can give you.

The Viper PST Gen II performed well on both fronts. For example, several other scope models we tested would not allow us to differentiate target sizing beyond 200 yards – especially when contrasted in different light conditions – with a very bright or very dark background.

With the Viper PST Gen II, targets with bright backgrounds (such as bright open fields) were easy to see – as were targets in dark foliage and shadow, making for a great hunting scope.

Pros

• Super useful reticule
• Incredible clear glass
• Bright and clear at a variety of magnifications
• Usable focal plane

Cons

• Some users wanted for more eye relief
• Windage set screws can be fickle

7. Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Scope

The Leupold VX-5HD is a lot like the Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II and Zeiss Carl Optical Conquest HD5 (our other two recommendations at this price point). Leupold Stevens makes quality glass, no doubt.

Twilight HD gives you more shooting time

Neither the Vortex nor the Zeiss model had a feature like the Twilight Max HD Light Management System the Leupold boasted.

This feature adds up to 30 minutes of shooting light beyond sun-down, and in our tests, it performed very well – giving our testers an average of about 25 minutes of useful shooting time. The glare reduction was as good as other scopes in this range.

The illuminated reticle was also useful in lowlight shooting and we really liked the Motion Sensor Technology – which automatically deactivates the reticule after 5 minutes of inactivity – but reactivates with movement. Our tests showed the reticule deactivated and reactivated as promised – which should do well to extend battery life.

The lens clarity on the Leupold was top notch

With incredibly sharp images even at maximum magnification – easily as bright as any other scope in this range – but we felt at times almost as if we had tunnel vision, likely because the field of view was around 15 percent narrower than that of the Vortex.

These field-of-view differences proved more noticeable when trying to maintain awareness when ranging, and there were a few times we couldn’t move from target to target as easily with the Leupold as the Vortex – which had otherwise excellent glass.

Pros

• Very clear glass
• Well designed
• Twilight feature is useful and adds up to 30 minutes more shooting time

Cons

• Slightly smaller field of view can create slight tunnel-vision

8. Zeiss Optics Conquest

Like the Vortex and Leupold, the Zeiss Carl Conquest HD5 scope was optically sharp (as you might expect from a company that’s well known for their glass), well constructed, and easy to focus quickly both near and at range.

Mid-tier but offers performance and savings

The primary difference between this Zeiss and our other recommendations is that the Conquest HD5 is technically a mid-tier scope with a listed maximum range of 800 yards, so it can be found for $300 less than the Vortex and Leupold.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly but still high-end scope (and aren’t interested in shooting beyond 800 yards) this may be the scope for you.

Stunningly clear glass

In terms of optics, the Conquest HD5 offers a view remarkably similar to that of the Leupold.

Both scopes have crystal-clear optics that stay sharp right up to the edges of the field of view even at maximum magnification. The Zeiss is a German product, and the build quality certainly shows with the HD5.

We also really liked the Rapid-Z 800 ballistic reticle, which is designed for magnum calibers and flat-shooting cartridges, so hunters will find a lot to like in this scope.

Pros

• Brilliant optics
• Clear up the edge of field of view
• Designed for hunters & magnum calibers

Cons

• Rated for 800 yards which is less than some competing scopes

9. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-24×50

Vortex’s Crossfire II line is their entry level lineup, and the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-24x50mm was one of the lighter scopes we tested, at 21 ounces (or a pound and a half), but it’s definitely on the large end of the spectrum at almost 15 inches long without the included 4-inch sunshade, which bumps this big boy up to almost 20 inches.

In addition to being lightweight, the Crossfire II offers excellent light-transmitting glass, which is both a hallmark of Vortex scope and crucial for getting clear on distant or obscured targets.

Of the three reticle options, my Crossfire II includes the Dead-Hold BDC reticle, which I find works well at both ends of the 6-24 spectrum.

Comfortable eye relief & clear glass

It also has nice long eye relief, a fast-focus eyepiece that makes getting on target quick and easy, and higher-end features like multi-coated lenses and resettable MOA turrets which are hidden beneath the included turrent covers. You get 1/4 MOA adjustments, which are nice and tactile, and a spare battery in the windage cover! Nice touch.

Rotating the zoom ring requires enough effort that your zoom should stay put even when on the move or with accidental bumps, but was easy enough with both gloves and bare hands.

Speaking of magnification, you do get some blur at the edge of the field of view, but it’s not something that was distracting in the least. Besides, you should be using the reticle when aiming rather than the edge of your FOV.

Mid-tier rifle scopes often don’t offer the light-transmitting ability of premium models, so for very long-distance shooting or lower light shooting situations, you’ll still want to consider a scope from a higher tier that can offer a brighter sight picture.

For most shooters, most of the time, a sub-$500 rifle scope can meet all your needs – and the Crossfire II is an exceptional value in this price range.

Pros

• Long eye relief
• Transmits light well
• Resettable turrets

Cons

• Struggles with longer distance performance
• Not a low light scope
• Better for smaller caliber/non-magnum

10. Nikon M-Tactical Scope

Almost got the top nod in this category

The optics on all the sub-$500 rifle scopes we tested are good quality; all have spring-loaded zero-reset turrets with some kind of coarse knurling so you can grip and adjust even with gloves on; most waterproof/fog-proof/shockproof, which means you can bump them around a bit, and (possibly) even drop your rifle with them mounted, and they won’t be knocked out of alignment.

Still, when the dust settled on the range time with this sub-$500 scope group, the testers were almost impressed enough with the Nikon M-Tactical to give it the top nod.

Not light but the quality is impressive

The M-Tactical isn’t exactly light compared to other scopes in this range at 20 ounces (although it is less than half the 48-ounce weight of the many Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II , our top premium pick).

Avoids tunnel vision

Many lower-tier scopes—in particular those offering higher magnification—can have “tunnel vision” due to a narrow field of view that makes locating targets difficult at range.

Optically, the Nikon M-Tactical offered a wider field of view than a number of the other scopes we tested, with target shapes, colors, and foreground/background balance appearing natural and easy to navigate even at higher magnifications.

Low contrast turret markings

A curious usability choice by Nikon was the low contrast turret markings – rather than using a clean white they used a kind of tan, which makes the turret settings very difficult to read, but maybe that’s the idea with a “tactical” product – subdued markings and no real logo give it a more tactical look.

Pros

• Light
• Good field of view
• Clear at higher magnifications

Cons

• Turrets markings are low contrast and hard to read

11. Leupold VX-3i Scope

If you want a mid-tier rifle scope that can provide the feel of a more premium scope but you don’t want to spend what it takes to get the absolute best light transmission or 1,000-yard range, the Leupold VX-3i is a high-quality option.

Benefits from Leupold’s engineering prowess

This Leupold model is one rung above their entry-level VX-Freedom scope, which means it’s the lowest-priced option that offers their Twilight Max light management system, which adds up to 30 minutes of additional shooting time (this is the same as on the much higher-end VX-5HD).

No HD glass, but you get a lifetime warranty

It also doesn’t offer the Leupold HD glass and is limited to 3:1 zoom ratio, but it offers quality glass, Leupold’s legendary lifetime warranty, and at just 12 oz, this was one of the lightest scopes in our mid-tier test group.

Pros

• Includes Twilight Max feature
• Good field of view
• Lifetime Warranty

Cons

• 3:1 zoom will limit usability options

12. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3×9

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3×9 is the best rifle scope you can get for under $250. It allows you to avoid sacrificing the kinds of features that you’ll really need at the range or in the field.

Fast target acquisition

This budget rifle scope made for the quickest downrange target acquisition in the price range thanks to the second focal plane configuration, bullet drop compensation (BDC) reticle, and some of the clearest full magnification visibility of all the scopes we tested under $250.

Vortex offers some truly high-end scopes, and some of that technology has trickled into the other products.

Higher-end features that add versatility

The Crossfire II features the adjustable objective and dead-hold reticle found in higher-end scopes, so it can give even higher-end scopes a run for their money.

We could see our shot placement clearly from 300 yards out, so up to 24 magnification, we had no issues with its performance. Beyond 24x there was some blurring around the edges of the glass, but otherwise, this scope is a true performer and would be ideal for range time or varmint hunting.

Pros

• Very clear glass
• Holds zero nicely
• Fast target acquisition

Cons

• Can get blurred edges beyond 24 magnification

13. Monstrum G2 FFP Scope

The reasonably-priced Monstrum G2 is ideal for day shoots or traveling when you want good-quality optics but might not want to haul out your premium glass.

Solid & functional

Everything worked—the magnification was smooth and clear, an adjustable objective lens made honing in on down-range targets easy, and focusing was quick and surprisingly accurate at any magnification.

Of course, this is not the scope for serious, competitive, long-range shooting or any application requiring exceptional detail (plus, it was far and away the largest scope we tested). But if you want inexpensive, functional, 50 magnification affordable scope for under $200, this is the scope for you.

Pros

• Price
• Good glass
• Solidly clear through all magnification ranges
• AO lens

Cons

• Very large
• Light bleed with maximum brightness

14. Nikon P Tactical

If you prefer a slightly lighter scope, the Nikon P-Tactical (the down-market version of the higher-end M-Tactical) is a great choice if the Crossfire II is out of stock as it offers very similar performance.

Sharp visuals in a lighter package

The P-Tactical offers sharp visuals and is an easy-to-use choice. After the Crossfire II these our testers second favorite for 50-300 yard shots.

Like the Crossfire II, the P-Tactical features crystal-clear optics (even slightly better than the Crossfire II around the edges at maximum magnification) and predictable focusing with the turrets, all in an approachable package that can be found for $100 less than the Vortex.

Low contrast turret markings plague the Nikons

The one potential issue is the turret markings – which the P-Tactical shares with the higher-end M-Tactical – they’re low contrast and hard to read post-adjustment.

Pros

• Clear glass
• Light
• Shares features with higher-end Nikon models

Cons

• Turrets markings are low contrast and hard to read

Rifle scopes aren’t really optional – they’re one of the most performance-oriented additions you can make to any rifle with which you want to shoot at distance.

Plus any scope will be subject to a lot of stress by virtue of the firearm’s recoil. We found it helpful to establish some foundational rules to ensure you select the right scope for you.

Price point

Clearly, if you’re not in the market for a premium scope, there’s simply no reason to browse anything beyond your means (unless you simply want to drool over a premium long range scope that will cost you as much as a used car.)

Price point really establishes the basis for your available options, which is why we organized this guide with price point in mind. A night vision scope is going to be in a fundamentally different price range than one for rimfire rifles, so adjust your expectations accordingly.

Magnification Power

The magnification power you select depends on the shooting or hunting you will be doing. If you tend to hunt in close cover, low-power variable optics, or LPVOs, such as a 4X or a variable that starts at 3.5X or even lower, will give you the best field of view and fastest target acquisition.

You’ll want more magnification power if you’re a long-range target shooter or in the market for hunting rifle scopes. This will allow you to clearly see prey or your target at 400 yds or more from most hunting rifles.

Turret Systems

At a minimum, you’ll have 2 turret options – windage (the side turret) and elevation (the top turret).

You want turrets that are smooth to operate and actually adjust the windage and elevation to the degree the turrets indicate. A 3rd option would be parallax adjustment, which allows you to correct parallax misalignment at various ranges. Critical for long-distance precision shooting, many premium scopes will enable you to adjust parallax from 10 yards to infinity (maximum range).

Each of these rifle sights offers advantages for different users, but our top pick is the RS.4 riflescope. It offers unbelievable clarity, gave us tight groups at any yardage, and made us feel like better shooters all around. It also has all the features that we look for:

• Clear, high-quality glass
• Unbelievable stability
• Fantastic light transmission

There are quite a few options out in this category, but we hope this article steers you in the right direction.

If you have any questions or feedback, please drop us a line. If you’re in the market for optics, check out our long-range scope reviews, tips for selecting the best pistol red dot sight, selection of recommended rimfire scopes, and best budget AR-15 scopes.

1. Optics Planet, How to Choose a Rifle Scope
2. Richard Douglas, An Essential Guide to Selecting a Rifle Scope, November 13, 2019
3. David E. Petzal, Guide to Rifle Scopes, November 7, 2019