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5 Best Illuminated Reticle Rifle Scopes: Our Review

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Photo taken by Brian Holland

If you’ve been using rifles for a while, you have no doubt noticed the increase in the number of illuminated riflescopes. This is good news for many as these devices make target acquisition easier, but which of these can be called the best illuminated reticle rifle scope? 

An illuminated riflescope will complement your rifle, but if the scope is of low quality it will be more of a nuisance than anything else. That’s where these reviews can be of help.

If you have bought anything online before, you’ll know how valuable reviews can be. That also applies with scopes as quality directly affects performance. We prepared this review guide to help the rifle owner find a quality illuminated scope, and we did that by going through thousands of riflescopes.

We have also included other information that rifle owners should find useful. Whether you’re buying an illuminated scope for the first time or tenth, this guide can help.

Name	Magnification & OL	Reticle	FOV	Price
Weaver Kaspa 2.5-10X50 ILL Military Dot Tactical Scope	2.5-10X50	Mil-Dot Reticle	37.7-10.4/12.6-3.5(ft@100 yds/ m@100m)
Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 Rifle Scope	3-9×40	V-Brite Reticle	34.1-12.6 (ft /100 yd)
Bushnell Trophy Xtreme X30	2.5-15×50	DOA reticle	42/2.5@3x/7/2@15x(ft@100yds/m@100m)
TacFire 1-4 x 24mm Tactical Rifle Scope	1-4 x 24	Dot Reticle	112′ at 1X -25.5′ at 4X
Trophy Ridge Speed Comp XV525IR Crossbow Scope	1.5-5X32x25	20-100 yard reticle	—

Our Picks

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Weaver Kaspa 2.5-10X50 ILL Military Dot Tactical Scope

Score: 4.7  Andrew Garfield

The Weaver Kaspa is an all-purpose riflescope, suited for competition shooting and hunting. Made from a 30 mm one piece tube, the scope is durable enough to withstand heavy duty use.

It is also fog proof and waterproof so different temperatures won’t affect performance. Nitrogen purging is common, but implementation is better here.

The scope has 1/4 MOA adjustments so you can set the windage and elevation properly. Adjustments are crisp and audible as well. The matte finish keeps the scope smooth and scratch resistant, and the lens are multicoated. Thanks to the coating, the scope has excellent light transmission, contrast and sharpness.

The scope is compatible with a lot of rifles and it is also one of the most secure. Once you’ve gotten the scope on your rifle, you’ll see the difference when it comes to accuracy. The reticle also comes with flip up lens to protect it from damage.

Features:

• lightbulb-oThe scope is equipped with 2.5-10×50 power. By adjusting the magnification you’ll be able to zoom in and get a clear shot.
• lightbulb-oThe scope has multi coated lens. For the shooter it means greater clarity even in dark locations.
• lightbulb-oThe scope has a mil dot illuminated reticle. This enables the shooter to acquire targets even in low lit areas.
• lightbulb-oThe Kaspa construction is 30 mm tube, one piece. This makes the Kaspa more durable than the average scope, and it improves alignment as well.
• lightbulb-oThe Kaspa is waterproof and fog proof. This allows you to use the scope in different locations and times.

Pros

• checkExcellent adjustment
• checkAccurate targeting
• checkHigh quality illumination
• checkScratch resistant finish
• checkSolid construction

Cons

• exclamation-triangleShort eye relief
• exclamation-triangleSome blurring at maximum magnification
• exclamation-triangleInstructions are not too clear

The Weaver Kaspa is an excellent scope. Its brightness is exceptionally good, and the optics are clear. If you’re after a dependable riflescope for hunting and pinpoint shooting, the Weaver Kaspa is an excellent option.

Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 Rifle Scope

Score: 4.3  Andrew Garfield

The Crossfire was a popular riflescope, and the Crossfire II ups the ante in terms of features and capabilities. Built from a one piece, one inch tube, the Crossfire II has a 3-9x magnification so you’ll be able to take a closer look and hit that target from far away.

The scope is O ring sealed and is nitrogen purged so it’s waterproof and fog proof. You can never tell when the temperature will change, so it’s good to have a riflescope that can handle it.

The multicoated lens do an excellent job of transmitting light so images come out clear and crisp. The Crossfire II has long eye relief so its more forgiving than other riflescopes, and you can reset the MOA turrets for superior performance.

The scope is made of aircraft grade aluminum, a testament to its built. Its reticle illumination is higher compared to other scopes so you’ll be able to use it extensively.

Features:

• lightbulb-oThe Crossfire II is constructed from a single, one inch tube. This makes the scope more balanced and resistant to wear and tear.
• lightbulb-oIt is equipped with a V-Brite illuminated reticle. The reticle utilizes the V Plex format for better illumination.
• lightbulb-oThe scope comes with state of the art electronics. These battery powered components are responsible for enhanced low light performance.
• lightbulb-oIts MOA turrets can be reset. This means the shooter can adjust the turrets until it’s satisfactory.
• lightbulb-oThe scope’s lenses are fully coated. As a shooter this means you don’t have to worry about glare and aiming.

Pros

• checkExcellent illumination
• checkWaterproof
• checkSuitable for different temperatures
• checkClear optics
• checkEasy to adjust

Cons

• exclamation-trianglePlain reticle design
• exclamation-triangleMax brightness setting maybe too intense for some
• exclamation-triangleNo parallax adjustment

The Vortex Crossfire II is a versatile riflescope, as it is as much for the hunter as it is the shooter. While there are a lot of illuminated riflescopes in the market, the Crossfire II can take on them.

Bushnell Trophy Xtreme X30

Score: 4.6  Andrew Garfield

The Xtreme X30 is constructed from a single piece tube for durability and alignment. It is 100% waterproof, shockproof and fog proof so a shooter / hunter can use it in diverse environments without losing power or clarity.

Illumination is excellent and good enough to be seen in daylight. The scope is easy to adjust and its illumination functions well along with the side parallax adjustment. 20 yards is the minimum parallax and it works great for short and long range shooting.

With its MOA adjustments, you can set the X30 the way you want it. The scope is compatible with a lot of rifles, so mounting won’t be an issue. The X30 optics is also one of the best we’ve tried.

Light transmission is excellent, and because it is waterproof and fog proof you’ll be able to use the scope even if the temperature changes. Adjusting the brightness level is convenient too.

Features:

• lightbulb-oThe Xtreme X30 has 1/4 MOA fingertip adjustments from elevation and windage. Using this feature, a shooter can fine tune the scope until it’s at the setting you want.
• lightbulb-oThe scope’s construction is one piece tubing. This adds to the scope’s strength and keeps alignment steady.
• lightbulb-oThe scope comes with a fast focus eye piece. This is an integral part of the Xtreme X30 as it simplifies operations.
• lightbulb-oThe Xtreme30 is nitrogen filled and is waterproof. For the shooter, it is about getting more versatility.
• lightbulb-oThe scope has DOA LR600i reticle. The illumination level has been enhanced so the shooter can see more.

Pros

• checkSolid construction
• checkClear lens
• checkWaterproof
• checkLifetime warranty
• checkExcellent illumination

Cons

• exclamation-triangleSlight fishbowl effect at low zoom
• exclamation-triangleEye relief could be more forgiving
• exclamation-triangleAdjustments are stiff when first used

The Bushnell Trophy Xtreme X30 has one of the best reticle designs we have seen. It is as good for hunting as it is for competitive shooting so it’s an all-around scope. For performance and quality, the Xtreme X30 delivers.

TacFire 1-4 x 24mm Tactical Rifle Scope

Score: 4.6  Andrew Garfield

The TacFire rifle scope has all the features that hunters and competitive shooters will need. Its 1-4×24 mm zoom and lens provide a good combination of clarity and power.

Clarity level is also good, and zooming does not cause any blurring the way other scopes do. The TacFire is made out of T6 6061 aluminum. This is the same material used for aircraft, underscoring its efficiency.

The TacFire is O ring sealed and nitrogen purged for extra fortification, and its reticle has tri-illumination. By adjusting the brightness, you lower or increase the intensity as necessary. The TacFire is also one of the best when it comes to transmitting light, and it helps that the scope is easier to install and maintain than the typical scope.

Features:

• lightbulb-oThe TacFire has a laser etched, red//green/blue dot glass reticle. This reticle has been enhanced so you’ll be able to see in low lit environments.
• lightbulb-oThe scope is built out of high grade aluminum. This material is aircraft quality so the scope can withstand different temperatures.
• lightbulb-oThe TacFire is shock resistant and is nitrogen purged. This combination means the scope is fog proof.
• lightbulb-oThe multicoated lens is constructed for optimum performance. With the lens you’ll be able to see with clarity even if there’s limited light.
• lightbulb-oThe TacFire comes with a lens polishing cloth. This cloth is made from special material so you’re assured it won’t damage the scope.

Pros

• checkAccurate for short and long distances
• checkMade from durable materials
• checkWaterproof
• checkComes with flip up cover
• checkWorks fine with air rifles

Cons

• exclamation-triangleAdjustment knob is a little stiff
• exclamation-triangleThe scope is a bit heavy
• exclamation-triangleEye relief could be longer

The TacFire says it is built for different types of rifles and there is truth to this claim.  The scope’s brightness level is excellent and it is accurate from varying distances, which makes the TacFire a good hunting scope.

Trophy Ridge Speed Comp XV525IR Crossbow Scope

Score: 5  Andrew Garfield

The Trophy Ridge Crossbow Scope is for the hunter who wants optimum performance. It is made from the highest quality materials as befits a hunter.

The scope has also been tested to work with different types of rifles, and the excellent fit so powerful rifles won’’t affect its accuracy.

The Trophy Ridge scope is constructed from high grade materials. Shooters who need a dependable scope will find this a dependable companion. The scope’s illumination level is excellent. You can adjust the intensity as you see fit and the scope is easy to adjust.

Sighting is quick from 20 yards, and tweaking the speed comp dial is quick and easy. We also have to add that this scope functions well at different temperatures, as fog and dampness don’t hamper its clarity.

Features:

• lightbulb-oThe scope has a 1.5-5X32x25 mm power. By adjusting the magnification a shooter will have a clearer image.
• lightbulb-oThe scope is equipped with a 9 position reticle. The illuminated reticle means you’ll have a quicker time in acquiring a target.
• lightbulb-oThe scope’s objective lens is designed for maximum light transmission. The optic’s brightness allows the shooter to aim with accuracy.
• lightbulb-oThe scope has a smooth finish. This adds to the aesthetic appeal while making it more durable than others.
• lightbulb-oThe scope’s mounting rings are included. It is also mounted so you can use the scope right away.

Pros

• checkVery clear glass
• checkWell-designed reticle
• checkExcellent magnification
• checkMount rings included
• checkFlip covers included

Cons

• exclamation-triangleHeavier than other riflescopes
• exclamation-triangleEye relief could be better
• exclamation-triangleRequires battery to run (included)

The Trophy Ridge is one of the better riflescopes that Bear Archery has released, with great clarity and magnification. Its reticle glass is very clear and the illumination should serve the shooter well.

How We Wrote This Review

We wrote these reviews with one objective in mind, to help you choose the proper illuminated riflescope. We conducted a thorough review of each riflescope in this guide, taking into consideration its features, pros, cons and performance.

We compared the scopes to others so that we could make a thorough assessment. The reviews have been written in plain language so anyone with basic knowledge of rifles and riflescopes will understand what we’re saying.

At the same time, we also cover all the essential information without being too technical. The reviews have been separated into sections and bullet points so you quickly go through the review.

We have taken note of all the major features and what their benefits are. What you’re going to read here is a detailed evaluation of each illuminated riflescope, and not merely a rehash of the product description you read elsewhere.

Benefits of the Best Illuminated Reticle Rifle Scope

The biggest benefit provided by these riflescopes is the illumination. If you have never used an illuminated scope before, the difference is just significant. Thanks to the enhanced brightness you’ll be able to acquire targets in low lit areas.

The best illuminated scopes also have multiple brightness levels. That is, you can reduce or increase the intensity as befits the situation. These scopes are also equipped with high quality optics for optimum light transmission.

What this means is you’ll be able to see with greater clarity even in less than ideal conditions. These riflescopes also have other features that make them stand out such as durability, scratch resistant finish and designed for different types of temperature.

The best scopes are fog proof, and waterproof as well. As we have show here, these riflescopes have many other features that raise them above the rest and make them suitable for hunting and shooting.

How We Chose the Top 5

Because there are so many illuminated riflescopes out there, we had to use a strict set of criteria so we could separate the top scopes from the mediocre ones.

• arrow-rightIntensity: how bright is the scope? Is it bright enough so you can see in low light?
• arrow-rightControls: how many brightness levels does the scope have? How easy it is to make adjustments without losing focus?
• arrow-rightVersatility: a well made riflescope is fog proof, waterproof and can be used at varying temperatures.
• arrow-rightCompatibility: the best riflescopes can be used with a wide array of riflescopes, and we consider that essential especially if you use a lot of rifles.
• arrow-rightAccuracy: the best riflescopes are known for their precision, and that is what the five riflescopes here provide.

These are the factors that were used to determine the scopes that would be used to pick the scopes.

Who Should Buy These Scopes?

These scopes are first and foremost for those who want an illuminated riflescope that you can depend on. However these products are also for:

• arrow-rightThose who hunt in low light environments
• arrow-rightIf you want a riflescope that’s easy to adjust
• arrow-rightYou need a scope which is compatible with various rifles
• arrow-rightYou require a durable riflescope for hunting and tactical use

Conclusion

There was a time when your riflescope choices were very limited, but not anymore. Nowadays you can buy these scopes online with a few taps or clicks.

However the number of options available might overwhelm especially if you’ve never bought any of these before. As was pointed out earlier, an illuminated riflescope provides a lot of benefits so it makes sense to get one.

When we prepared this guide, we decided to pick five so you don’t have to go over a lot of products. We did not choose a winner: all five made our list because of their excellent quality.  We also know that shooters have specific requirements so we’ll leave that up to you.

Anytime you look up the best illuminated reticle rifle scope, and you’re going to find a lot, all claiming to be the best. With any of the five here though, expect improvements in the results.

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