10 Best Riffle Scopes 2025 in the United States

The Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56mm F1 rifle scope is designed for serious long-range shooters, including hunters and competitive shooters. Its magnification range from 7x to a remarkable 35x allows for precise target acquisition at various distances, making it highly versatile. The 56mm objective lens ensures ample light transmission for clear images even in low-light conditions.

The first focal plane (FFP) reticle ensures that the reticle size adjusts with magnification, maintaining accuracy at any range. The MIL-XT reticle offers fine aiming points and quick reference under stressful conditions, which is beneficial for competitive shooting and hunting scenarios. The parallax adjustment down to 10 meters and 100 MOA elevation travel provide excellent precision for both short and long-range shooting. The ZeroStop feature is a convenient addition, allowing for a quick return to zero settings.

With an eye relief of 3.6 inches, the scope can be comfortably used with various rifles, maintaining safe distance from recoil. However, at 39.3 ounces, it is relatively heavy, which might be a drawback for users prioritizing lightweight gear. The scope's durability and weather resistance are top-notch, ensuring reliable performance in harsh conditions. It is also quite expensive, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. The Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56mm F1 is an excellent choice for those who need high performance and precision in long-range shooting, but its weight and price might be potential downsides for some users.

The Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50mm scope is a high-quality, versatile option for hunting enthusiasts. Its 8x magnification range (2.5x to 20x) makes it suitable for both close-range and long-distance shots, enhancing its versatility. The 50mm objective lens ensures excellent light transmission and clarity, even in low-light conditions, which is vital for hunting. The MOAR-CF2 reticle provides clear and intuitive aiming points, adding to the precision of your shots.

The scope’s field of view and eye relief are well-balanced, ensuring comfort during extended use. Parallax adjustment is efficient, eliminating any parallax error and allowing for precise targeting at varying distances. This feature is particularly useful for hunters who need to make quick distance adjustments. The ZeroStop elevation adjustment feature is a standout, allowing users to quickly return to their zero settings after taking long-range shots, enhancing accuracy and reliability.

In terms of durability, the Nightforce NX8 is built to withstand extreme conditions. It operates reliably in various harsh environments, including dust, sand, and extreme temperatures, making it a robust choice for outdoor adventures. The scope’s construction is rugged and water-resistant, ensuring longevity. However, the scope is on the heavier side at 1.8 pounds, which might be a consideration for those looking for a lighter option. Additionally, the price point may be higher than other scopes, but considering its advanced features and durability, it offers good value for its cost. To sum up, the Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50mm scope is an excellent choice for serious hunters who need a reliable, versatile, and durable scope for various shooting conditions.

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 riflescope is a high-quality option designed for hunting enthusiasts. It offers a versatile magnification range from 3x to 15x, making it suitable for both short and long-range shooting. The 44mm objective lens diameter ensures good light transmission, contributing to clear and bright images, even in low light conditions. The illuminated FireDot Duplex Reticle aids in target acquisition, particularly in poor lighting, which is a significant advantage for hunters.

Additionally, the side focus parallax adjustment allows for quick and precise focusing from any shooting position, enhancing the shooting experience. The scope is built with durability in mind; it is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring it can withstand harsh environmental conditions. The Guard-ion lens coating is a notable feature that helps maintain a clear view by repelling dirt and water.

The Custom Dial System (CDS) with ZeroLock 2 is a unique feature that allows for easy, accurate elevation adjustments and prevents accidental dial movement. This is particularly beneficial for shooters who need to make quick adjustments in the field. However, it’s worth noting that the scope is relatively heavy at 1 pound, which might be a consideration for some users. Additionally, the price point may be higher compared to other models, making it an investment for serious shooters. The scope does not have night vision capabilities, which could be a drawback for those needing this feature.

In summary, the Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 riflescope is a robust and feature-rich option ideal for hunters seeking reliability and precision in a variety of conditions.