Best 5 Top Rated Rifle Scopes – Reviews

Top Rated Rifle Scopes

If you search for the top rated rifle scopes online, you will find literally thousands of products which lay claim to that. So what does a rifle enthusiast do when confronted with so many products? Read reviews of course. 

However, you can’t possibly read all those reviews, and do they even provide the information you’re looking for? We understand how frustrating that can be, so we went online and did a comprehensive analysis of the best riflescopes we could find and wrote reviews of them here. 

We only chose 5 as we know you don’t have the time to go all over each one. As will be clear later on, each review is detailed and we also provide information abut how we wrote our assessments. 

Unless you have the best riflescope, it’s going to be difficult to acquire a target and shoot, that’s why you need a scope that is designed for your rifle.

Name

Magnification & OL

Reticle

FOV

Price

SWFA SS 3-15x42 Tactical Rifle Scope

3-15x42

Patented Mil-Quad Reticle

7.21ft - 34.78ft(@ 100yds)

Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope

3-9x40

German #4 Reticle

44.60 ft-17.80 ft(ft/100 yd)

Hammers Illuminated Riflescope

3-9x42

Mil-Dot Reticle

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LUCID 6-24x50 Rifle Scope

6-24x50

L5 Reticl

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Crossfire II 4 - 12x40mm AO Riflescope

4-12x40

Dead-Hold BDC (MOA)

24.7-8.4ft/100yd

Our Picks

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SWFA SS 3-15x42 Tactical Rifle Scope

Score: 5  Andrew Garfield

The SWFA is a versatile riflescope that’s suitable for long range shooting and game hunting. It comes with variable power and has a quick throw lever, first focal plane and 6m-infinite side focus, features you’d normally come across in high end scopes. 

The optics are really good, brighter and clearer than the average scope. Its parallax knob and the magnification ring function well, and the distance markings really helps. 

Adjusting the turrets is easy and it’s no problem to keep track of zero. Because set screws are used to secure the turrets, it’s a snap to center the zero. 

Windage and elevation adjustments are consistent and its Mil Quad Reticle takes out a lot of the frustrations when acquiring a target. 

Tracking is excellent and it is waterproof and fog proof. The rest of the scope is just as durable so it can handle extended use. The lens is fully coated for superior performance as well.

Features:

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    The SWFA has the proprietary Mil-Quad Reticle. This enables the shooter to acquire targets quickly.
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    A 30 mm tube is used for its construction. This ensures the scope is more capable of taking a lot of punishment.
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    It has a 7.21ft - 34.78ft field of view at 100 yards. This gives the shooter a good perspective of the target.
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    The eye relief is 4.2-3.8. It is better designed than those on other scopes, so you’ll remain comfortable even with prolonged use.
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    The scope uses 0.1 MRAD click adjustments. This allows you to set the scope at the level you like.

Pros

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    Bright optics
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    Responsive adjustment
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    Comfortable eye relief
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    Easy to mount
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    Waterproof

Cons

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    No locking turrets
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    Scope isn’t illuminated
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    Clicks not too crisp

The SWFA SS is a well-rounded scope, well suited for hunting, tactical and shooting. You’ve got excellent field of view and its optics are excellent. For the shooter who doesn’t want to compromise when it comes to accuracy, this is an excellent choice

Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope

Score: 4  Andrew Garfield

The VX rifle scope is built from one inch tubing and this means the scope is going to last longer than the typical model. Its lens coating has been enhanced so shooters will be able to see more. 

Even when the weather does not cooperate the scope is still effective. The scope is compatible with a lot of rifles, and the eye relief is properly implemented as well.   

The scope is of course waterproof and fog proof so fluctuating weather won’t slow you down. Windage and elevation adjustments are precise, and its magnification power is better than those used on other scopes. 

The adjustment tools allows you to use the scope in long and short distances. The unique lens edges also play an important role in improving performance as it improves the view so you’re able to see targets even from long range. 

The scope’s durable construction is another area where the Leupold does well. Even if you take your rifle out for hunting and tactical operations, the scope can withstand the pressure.

Features:

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    The VX has a 1/4 MOA finger click adjustment. This provides dependability and reliability for windage and elevation.
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    The scope is fog proof and waterproof. This means you can use the scope in all kinds of weather.
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    The scope has a 3:1 zoom ratio. This is built in the erector system so it’s suitable for various circumstances.
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    The VX has blackened lens edges. This minimizes light diffusion and enables more light to get to your eyes.
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    The VX series have DiamondCoat lens coatings. This prevents abrasion and keeps images clear.

Pros

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    Powerful optics
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    Easy to use
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    Acquires target rapidly
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    All-weather use
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    Durable construction

Cons

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    The instructions are limited
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    The scope is a bulky
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    Works better in daylight

The Leupold VX is a dependable riflescope for hunting and general all purpose shooting. It’s also one of the easiest scopes to adjust and provides a high level of flexibility.

Hammers Illuminated Riflescope

Score: 4  Andrew Garfield

The Hammers riflescope makes our list for its versatility. It is compatible with a lot of rifles, and its bullet drop compensation dial is within easy reach. 

The scope is durably built thanks to the 1 inch body, and it also enhances alignment. The riflescope also has 37 mm rings for easy mounting, and once in position won’t break off while you’re using it. 

The scope’s mil dot reticle is also one of its strong points as you’ll have an easier time acquiring targets. Adjusting the brightness levels is easy so you can hone in on the target without difficulty. 

The Hammers riflescope also gets high marks for compatibility. You can use this scope on an AK47, SKS, the 300 Blackout, AR15 and other rifles, underscoring its efficiency and all around capabilities.

Features:

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    The Hammers scope is equipped with a 223 caliber BDC dial. This enables the shooter to focus on target acquisition.
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    Rings are included. The center height line is 37 mm, which is just right for Picatinny and Weaver rails as well as flat top rifles.
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    The scope has flip open lens caps. The caps are on both ends and makes it easier to aim and shoot from varying distances.
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    The Hammers riflescope is constructed from a one inch body. This gives the scope extra strength and improves alignment.
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    Its mil dot blue red illuminated reticle has 5 brightness levels. This gives the shooter the ability to control lighting depending on the situation.

Pros

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    Easy to operate
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    Adjustment knob is easy to access
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    Works with Picatinny and Weaver rails
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    Great reticle
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    Comes with rings

Cons

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    Slight blurring at 5x
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    Focusing takes some getting used to
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    End caps could be better

The Hammers Riflescope is one product that delivers on the hype. It is accurate, compatible with the most popular rifles so it’s ideal for the hunter and shooting enthusiast. The Hammers scope faces a lot of competition but it holds its own.

LUCID 6-24x50 Rifle Scope

Score: 4  Andrew Garfield

The Lucid riflescope is built with emphasis on durability and emphasis. The frame is made of one piece aluminum for heavy use and the scope is designed to work with different types of rifles while still being easy to operate. 

The reticle is well-designed and is usable under different weather conditions. The Lucid riflescope also has MOA windage and elevation adjustment that’s accurate and repeatable for greater accuracy. 

You can also lock the adjustments so re-zeroing the turrets is quick. Of course the bottom line is the image quality, and it’s crisp and clear. 

This can be attributed to the ocular diopter and side parallax adjustment, and its magnification range is also exceptional as well. 

The MOA adjustment is done in increments so it’s easy to fine tune, and the scope’s design allows you to shoot with greater accuracy from long distance. The scope can also withstand recoil better than others.

Features:

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    The scope is equipped with side parallax adjustment. Along with its Ocular Focus you will find this feature helpful.
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    The magnification range is 6x to 24x. By using this feature, a shooter can acquire targets more efficiently.
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    The scope has a 1/8 MOA lift adjust. This makes re-zeroing and windage and elevation adjustment easy.
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    The scope is fog proof, shockproof and waterproof. Even if you use the scope in rugged conditions, performance will still be consistent.
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    The Lucid scope was built via one inch construction. What this means is you’ll be able to use this for heavy duty operations.

Pros

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    Waterproof
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    Fog proof
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    Comes with side parallax adjustment
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    Easy to adjust
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    Excellent magnification

Cons

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    MOA adjustment could be easier
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    Clicks are a little soft
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    Works better in well lit locations

The Lucid riflescope is among the most versatile that the brand has produced. It is very easy to use and the adjustment options are well implemented. For short and long range shooting, this is a scope you can depend upon.

Crossfire II 4 - 12x40mm AO Riflescope

Score: 5  Andrew Garfield

The Crossfire II is built with emphasis on compatibility and versatility. You can set the scope on different types of rifles and accuracy will be consistent. 

The optics is clear and it’s easy to acquire a target. If the target is too far, just boost the magnification and your target will be clearer. The BDC accuracy is among the best we’ve come across, and it can handle different types of weather conditions. 

The turrets are easy to adjust, and clicks are firm and gives you control when locking in a target. Sighting is quick and recoil from powerful rifles won’t cause the scope to lose track. The scope’s adjustments are also easy to modify.

Features:

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    The scope has a 4-12x magnification power. With this power you’ll be able to zoom in and hit targets with greater accuracy.
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    The Crossfire II has 40 mm objective lens. The lens have been specially treated so it transmits more light so images are clear and vivid.
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    The eye relief is 3.9 inches. This provides the shooter with the comfort necessary to aim and shoot with precision.
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    The scope’s FOV is 24.7-8.4 feet/100 yards. This is more than enough to meet the requirements of shooters and hunters that demand accuracy.

Pros

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    Excellent magnification
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    Good eye relief
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    Generous field of view
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    Quality optics
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    Works for short and long range

Cons

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    Does not come with sunshade
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    Instructions are not very comprehensive
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    A bit of blurring at max magnifying power

The Crossfire II is a worthy successor to the original. It is accurate, easy to zero in and compatible with most of the rifles used for hunting and shooting, While the Crossfire II has a lot to live up to, it does so and works great for the avid shooter.

How We Wrote This Review

These reviews have been written for everyone who wants the best scope for their rifle. We are aware there are a lot of other reviews online, but we are different from the rest for many reasons.

Before we wrote these 5 reviews, we conducted a thorough assessment of each riflescope. We checked out the features, the benefits and drawbacks. We also did a lot of research to ensure we knew what each feature is about and what it can really do.

We structured the reviews so they’re easy to understand. We list all the major features and explain how they’re going to benefit you. We also looked at the opinions and views of experts in the field and combined that with our knowledge.

Bottom line: we spared no expense in making sure that the reviews are detailed and helpful even if you’re new to rifles.

Why You Must Have a Top Rated Scope for Your Rifle

These scopes are not called the best for nothing. Yes, scopes have the same goal, but the efficiency varies from excellent to barely adequate. 

If you own a high quality riflescope, you’ll have a powerful objective lens that transmits light at optimum levels so you’ll see more targets. These scopes are not called the best for nothing. 

Yes, scopes have the same goal, but the efficiency varies from excellent to barely adequate. If you own a high quality riflescope, you’ll have a powerful objective lens that transmits light at optimum levels so you’ll see more targets. 

Compatibility is another area where these riflescopes have the edge over others. You can mount these scopes on different types of rifles so you don’t need to buy a separate one for each rifle you own. 

These riflescopes are also low maintenance and have comprehensive warranties.

How We Chose the Top 5

We based our selection on several factors, including compatibility, brand reputation and customer feedback. We also considered other factors such as the following.

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    Aiming accuracy: this is what separates the good riflescopes from the great ones. We chose only scopes that improve accuracy and target acquisition even in different conditions.
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    All-weather use: all the scopes in our selection can be used in different kinds of weather, fog, raindrops etc.
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    Clarity: how clear is your scope? How well can you see? How is the light transmission? We took these into consideration as well.
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    Ease of use: riflescopes are always adding more features, but we made sure only essential features are included in these scopes.

We can list other guidelines, but these are the most important. Some scopes managed to meet a few of these stipulations but missed out on others, but all the five meet these.

Who Should Buy These Scopes?

These scopes are for rifle enthusiasts who want the best riflescope. If you are not satisfied with the way your scope is functioning, you’ll like these scopes. They’re also for:

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    Those who want to upgrade their scopes.
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    Those who want a versatile scope.
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    Those who need a durable scope.

Conclusion

The Internet has changed the way people shop, and that applies to riflescopes. But the ease with which you can buy products should not be an excuse to be a lazy buyer. 

Instead you should use this opportunity to research and learn as much as you can. And hopefully that is something this guide was able to help you with. 

We often spend too much time on the rifle and ignore the riflescope, but that would be a mistake. After all it is the scope that determines how well you’ll be able to aim and hit the target. That’s why you should never think settle for a low quality riflescope. 

The purpose of this review guide is to help you find the proper scope. A lot of times we end up with low quality products and end up with unsatisfactory results. With the top rated rifle scopes you’re assured of quality.

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Andrew Garfield
 

Andrew is an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He has years of experience in hunting with expert knowledge in hunting tactics, rifle scopes and all types of hunting gear.

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