Top 10 Best Rifle Scope For Target Shooting – Reviews
Have you been looking for the best rifle scope for target shooting? Buyers put emphasis on the rifle, but without an efficient scope it’s going to be difficult to hit that target.
Long-range or short-range precision target shooting demand task-specific and serious precision instruments. Target shooters favor the first-plane reticles featuring fine cross-hairs and aiming systems with (or without) a central dot.
For windage and elevation adjustment you will usually need scopes which have1/4″ or preferably 1/8″ MOA movement per click.
Since the top competition riflescopes are designed for benchrest shooters who are reaching out a mile or more, they feature much more magnification than the average 3-9x hunting scopes.
The optics of choice among these marksmen are sophisticated target models starting with fixed lenses of 35x up to 60x magnification. Therefore, these competition style scopes are optimized for defined shooting challenges and dedicated rifles.
While most of these gargantuan scopes are built on 30mm and 34mm tubes, with weight often exceeding more than 2 pounds, luckily there is the choice of lightweight 1-inch target riflescopes for every shooter.
As buying a cheap 40-power target scope is not an option, we are recommending optics with optimum performance for target shooting such as target-style turrets and caliber-specific reticles with a reasonable price tag.
While the main trust of this guide are the reviews, we have also added other information that you may find useful such as who these scopes are for.
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Name |
Magnification & OL |
Reticle |
FOV |
Price |
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Nikon 4-12x40mm 16451 Active Target Special BDC Riflescope |
4-12x40mm |
BDC Predator |
7.9 – 23.6 ft @ 100 yds |
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Leupold Rifleman 3-9X50mm Matte Wide Duplex 58160 |
3-9X50Mm |
Wide Duplex® reticle |
13.1 to 33 feet @ 100 yards |
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Leupold 110816 VX-2 6-18X40mm Riflescope |
6-18X40mm |
Fine Duplex |
15.20-6.70/4.90-2.10(ft/100 yd & m/100 m) |
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Vortex Optics Viper HS 4-16×44 Long Range Riflescope with Dead-Hold BDC (MOA) Reticle, Black (VHS-4305-LR |
4-16×44 |
BDC (MOA) Reticle |
27.4-7.4 feet/100 yards |
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Primary Arms 4-14×44 FFP |
4-14 X 44 |
ACSS HUD/DMR reticle |
27.20 ft / High: 7.85 ft |
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Tasco Target Varmint 6-24x42mm Rifle Scope |
6-24×42 |
Mil-Dot reticle |
13′-3.7’/4.3-1.2(ft.@100yds./m@100m) |
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Monstrum Tactical 4×30 Ultra-Compact Rifle Scope |
4×30 |
Range Finder Reticle |
26.5 feet(@100 yards) |
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Nikon Prostaff Target EFR 3-9×40 AO Precision Reticle |
3-9×40 |
Matte Precision Reticle |
16.9 Feet(@100 yards) |
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BARSKA 6.5-20×50 AO Varmint Target Dot Riflescope |
6.5-20×50 |
Mil-Dot Reticle |
16/[email protected], 5.7/1.9@20x(ft@100yds/m@100m) |
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Mueller Tactical 8-32×44 Side Focus Mil Dot Reticle |
8-32×44 |
Mil Dot Reticle |
9.3feet(8×)–2.5feet(32×)at100yards |
Our Picks
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Nikon 4-12x40mm 16451 Active Target Special BDC Riflescope |
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Score: 5 Andrew Garfield
Along with 3-9×40, a riflescope 4-12x40mm belongs to the Nikon Active Target Special family and both are available in black, Realtree MAX-1 and Mossy Oak Brush finish. The Nikon 4-12x model is a typical example that target and varmint scopes are probably, the closest relatives in the riflescope world.
The best confirmation of that relation is the Nikon’s BDC Active Target Reticle, which utilizes SFP fine crosshair with ballistic circles for the drop compensation. While preventing their target from being obscured, these 3 inner circles within the scope also allow for quicker distant setting to the target.
Actually, the BDC Predator reticle offers you the exact aiming points at various yardages for your specific ammunition and loads (.223Rem and .22-250Rem) and makes shots at moving targets easier.
For target-shooters, it means the size of the first circle at 100 yards is slightly smaller than the typical bull’s eye at the target while the next circle down touched the bottom edge of the bull’s eye.
Features:
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– Designed as a budget dual use scope, the Active Target Special has surprisingly little flaws. Shooters criticize mainly Nikon`s unique BDC Active Target Reticle since it is a little harder to hold a group on the target as of the open circle reticle in the center.
Paired with Nikon’s spot on ballistics and the right cartridge loadings, a 4-12x40mm Active Target Special BDC Riflescope is easy to be dialed in for some long distance shots
Leupold Rifleman 3-9X50mm Matte Wide Duplex 58160 |
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Score: 4.2 Andrew Garfield
As you probably know the Leupold Rifleman Series is their entry-level scope, but we have included Rifleman 3-9X50 because its value is second to none, and it comes, like all Leupold scopes, with a lifetime guarantee.
Though an inexpensive scope, Rifleman 3-9x50mm is overburdened with features and overall Leupold quality. A well thought reticle matched with glass system combines brightness, clarity, and contrast needed for longer shots downrange as well as close dangerous game situations even in low-light conditions.
Apparently, the standard Wide Duplex reticle with a larger center gate is ideal for zeroing in on moving targets or for the situations where light is critical, but 3-9x magnification range is almost perfect for deer hunting.
Features:
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– There are some negative but “harmless” critics on short optics body and limited space for mounting rings, but a much more realistic comment would be where Leupold has skimped a bit to cut down on production costs.
– It is the glasses that are only fully coated, not multicoated or fully multicoated, which has the effect of lowering the ability of the scope to gather light.
As every compromise, this riflescope is not perfect but if you are looking for more features and less price tag loaded in a compact package from the renowned manufacturer, than a Leupold Rifleman 3-9x50mm scope is your choice.
Leupold 110816 VX-2 6-18X40mm Riflescope |
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Score: 4.4 Andrew Garfield
After a few dual-use scopes, we will make an overview of a pureblooded target shooting riflescope coming from the American company known for their decorative gold ring, Leupold.
The excellent but not overpriced, this VX-26-18x40mm Adjustable Objective Target Riflescope provides competition shooters for medium to long-range shooting with a set of features such as precision, accuracy, and dependability.
As Leupold boasts with a wide variable zoom range from 6x to 18x, it features an actual magnification of 6.4 to 17.2x, but it is already plenty of distance for both target and varmint shooting.
Though specialized for rigorous competition at all ranges, the VX-2`s crisp crosshairs matched with Leupold modified version of Ballistic Aiming System are also designed to help you to consistently make accurate, ethical, long-range shots in hunting.
Features:
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– As of very thin crosshairs, this scope would not be ideal for hunting in the woods at morning light or evening.
– Although it has a great eye relief of 4.8″ at low magnification, some shooters find inadequate changing of eye relief distance at highest power at only 3.7″.
Considering all above pros and cons, we believe that VX 2 is perfect to mount on small bore .22 caliber target rifles to benefit target shooters and occasionally varmint hunters.
Vortex Optics Viper HS 4-16×44 Long Range Riflescope with Dead-Hold BDC (MOA) Reticle, Black (VHS-4305-LR) |
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Score: 4.8 Andrew Garfield
Vortex Optics Viper HS (Hunting Shooting) series utilizes many of the best characteristics of Vortex’s popular Viper PST riflescopes though they are mainly meant for hunting.
Vortex Optics Viper HS 4-16×44 LR riflescope is designed to serve dual service as hunting and target scope for extending shooting distances where bullet drop and wind drift become critical. For those tasks the Viper HS specific reticle is responsible.
Dead-Hold BDC reticle is placed at SFP, and effortlessly enables engaging midrange to long-range targets. The reticle comes with very fine crosses that makes them ideal shot placement at longer ranges as they do not obscure the target. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is set in MOA with adjustment graduation of ¼ MOA per click.
Features:
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– While the Viper HS does not have an illuminated reticle, the reticle crosses are little on the thin side, and they are less useful at night or dim light, so we would not suggest it for a thicket/ dark timber rifle.
– The only thing we found wrong this scope is the reset procedure on the windage dials, due the turret does not appear to seat back down very smooth and you have to wiggle it a little.
Among the most exceptional rugged optics in the shooting industry, Viper HS 4-16×44 Long Range Riflescope can withstand extreme loads, which means it can be placed in the most powerful long-range rifles without the reticle going out of alignment.
The Viper HS is ideal for a wide range of shooting applications and one of the best riflescopes for the target shooting in midrange price class with the bonus of Vortex lifetime warranty.
Primary Arms 4-14×44 FFP |
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Score: 4.8 Andrew Garfield
As we know, the optics have changed over the last few years, and now some less expensive scopes are packed with features unthinkably recently for glasses bellow thousand dollars.
Primary Arms is a Houston, Texas-based company that imports riflescopes from a manufacturer in China but the secret is in better Quality Control and proven components.
The dominant feature on this PA scope is the first focal plane reticle, the functionality generally found on scopes costing 3x as much. The practicality of the FFP standard Mil-Dot reticle means that no matter what magnification you choose, the distance between the dots will remain the same relative to the target downrange.
Configured as dual-use scope, the Primary Arms Tactical 4-14x44mm is ideal for accurately ranging in the field or on the range.
Features:
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– However, there are some reviews that the turret adjustments are mushy and they do not track accurately.
A lot of knowledgeable gun enthusiasts purchase this scope for a “budget precision” rifle as part of an under $1000 bench rest/varmint build. Overall, this is a very good entry-level riflescope for long-range precision shooting as long as you understand what its limitations are.
Everything is a compromise to the price, but the PA has offered FFP scope at a price point that is affordable to those who don’t have thousands to lay out on a scope.
Tasco Target Varmint 6-24x42mm Rifle Scope |
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Score: 4.2 Andrew Garfield
The Tasco scope earns a spot on our list for its accuracy and overall high quality design. As the name suggests, this scope is useful both for target practice and shooting varmint.
What makes this possible is its multicoated optics. The scope mounts quickly on most rifles. It doesn’t look too different from others, but the image quality is clearer and in HD.
If you’re using this for varmint or hunting, the HD clarity makes all the difference. Its objective lens is bigger than on most scopes, giving you brighter images.
The extra brightness also comes in handy if you are target shooting or hunting in low lit areas. Do you need to fine tune the scope? No problem as the 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustments let you do just that.
The scope’s durability is right up there with the best scopes that Tasco has made. Overall it’s a reliable scope for shooting.
Features:
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The Tasco Target Varmint is a well-designed scope, aimed at mostly at beginners but also suited for long time shooters as well. For quality and performance are also superior to other similarly priced scopes.
Monstrum Tactical 4×30 Ultra-Compact Rifle Scope |
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Score: 4.2 Andrew Garfield
The Monstrum rifle scope may be compact but it’s not lacking in features and quality. Because of its compact size it doesn’t add a lot of weight to your rifle.
The optics are exceptionally good and provide clear, crisp images. The end result is the images are clear, with good contrast and sharpness. The reticle is a little thick but it’s not a deal breaker.
The illumination is good and helps you see the markings in low light. The turrets are well made and adjusting is easy. The scope mounts on Weaver or Picatinny rails and it holds up to extended use.
In spite of the compact size, the scope still provides a good FOV. If you’re into target shooting or hunting, the specs on the Monstrum will do just fine.
Features:
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The Monstrum Tactical offers good value for your money. It is a no-frills scope but it has all the essential features needed for precision target shooting. it’s also good for hunting and getting rid of varmint.
Nikon Prostaff Target EFR 3-9×40 AO Precision Reticle |
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Score: 4.7 Andrew Garfield
The Prostaff Target is made especially for the. .22 air rifles and similar firearms. The scope is at its most effective when used for long range focusing as it makes target acquisition easier.
If you’re having trouble hitting the target, the Prostaff can remedy that. You can adjust its objective lens and focus from 10 m and up. This scope is also equipped with an enhanced reticle plus a 50 yard parallax setting for precision.
This is the feature that makes it suitable for range shooting. It also helps that the lenses have been coated to prevent unwanted reflections and glare.
The scope is both shock proof and waterproof so you can use this in different situations. The durable design also means it is for those who do a lot of long distance shooting.
Features:
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The Prostaff 3-9×40 is a cut above the rest in terms of quality. The optics are good and it’s as much for target shooting as hunting and is suitable for most shooters.
BARSKA 6.5-20×50 AO Varmint Target Dot Riflescope |
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Score: 4 Andrew Garfield
The Barska scope puts premium on precision, so it is appropriate for target shooting. Mounting on a rifle is easy and provides you with plenty of benefits in long range shooting.
Because its objective lens is 50 mm, it captures clearer, sharper images. The scope is equipped with an adjustable objective so it’s easier to adjust the parallax. The scope is not just for target practice but also hunting and getting rid of varmint.
If you do take this in the woods, the scope will hold up. It is shockproof waterproof and fog proof. Both the AO and magnification are easy to access, and the elevation and windage adjustments are intuitive.
It also has a target dot reticle for convenient use, and the optics provide a lot of light. Like other Barska products, this is backed up by a lifetime warranty.
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The Barska scope may be classified as an entry level or basic scope, but that doesn’t mean it’s cheap. It is an effective scope and should suit beginners just fine.
Mueller Tactical 8-32×44 Side Focus Mil Dot Reticle |
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Score: 4.1 Andrew Garfield
The Mueller 8-32×44 earned a spot in our list for its high quality design. Its glass is crisp, bright and clear. If you have used a low quality scope before, you will immediately see the difference in the image.
There are lots of ways to adjust the scope view, but it’s straightforward. The eye relief is just the right distance and the exit pupil is just the right size.
It’s a bit small when you set the magnification level to high, but that’s par for the course for most scopes. The scope is accurate even at 200 yards and out.
It’s easy to adjust the controls and the magnification provides a lot of details. The eye to scope and FOV distance are sensitive, but it’s not by much and is manageable. With a good rifle you’ll have no issues hitting up to 500 yards.
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The 8-32×44 is an all around target shooting scope. For those new to target shooting, it’s a great way to improve accuracy. Even seasoned users will find a lot to like here as well.
How We Wrote This Review
The question you’re probably asking is, why you should trust these reviews? We are aware there are a lot of rifle scope reviews online, but we differentiate ourselves by focusing exclusively on target shooting.
It may not seem like much but there is a difference and we took note of this. We also made sure the scopes were reviewed by experts and those who have done target shooting.
We also took into account the views of target shooting buffs who tried the ten scopes we have here. We then conducted a thorough assessment and comparison, listing the pros and cons as well.
Before settling on the ten here we had to go over several shooting scopes. We picked out the top products from the leading brands and filtered the list. From the dozens of target scopes that we looked at, we settled on these ten.
Target Shooting Without a Good Scope! Can You Imagine?
There are a lot of rifle scopes online, but these scopes provide a lot of advantages for both novice and seasoned shooters.
The scopes are tailor made for target shooting, so the adjustment controls, clarity, weight and other aspects take target shooting into consideration. These scopes also provide excellent optics. The clarity is HD and colors are produced properly so you can get a better shot.
These scopes are also meant for long term use. Many come in a solid one-piece design and made from heavy duty materials. They are also waterproof and fog proof so you don’t have to deal with condensation.
The bottom line is these scopes are more efficient than your regular optics. There’s a reason why they are made for target shooting and why it makes sense to get one. Now let’s take a look at them.
How We Choose the Best Rifle Scope for Target Shooting
These ten targeting scopes were chosen among many others using a strict criteria. The most important points we considered were:
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While a lot of factors need to be considered when buying a target scope, the criteria above helped us narrow the choices to these.
Who Should Buy These Scopes?
These scopes were chosen for the reasons cited above. If you’re not certain if these scopes are what you need, check if you belong to any of the following categories.
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Conclusion
By this time it should be clear how important it is to have a good scope for target shooting. At this point you’re probably asking which of these is most suited for target shooting.
The truth is they’re all effective. While we reviewed each one and can attest to the unique qualities of each one, only you can decide which is the right one.
When it comes to choosing a rifle scope you don’t want to settle for anything than second best. That is why we decided to review these and provide the information here.
If you are new to target shooting, then you’ll want to invest in a good scope to get the best possible results. A lot of problems with targeting can be resolved by investing in a good product. The same is true with the best rifle scope for target shooting, so it’s time you get one.
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