Best Hunting Riflescopes

Do you need the best hunting riflescopes? There is no shortage of rifle scopes on the market.  With so many brands and models of rifle scopes with different features on the market today, it can be a little daunting to choose a rifle scope. We have researched some of the best hunting riflescopes and highlighted their characteristics to help you make an informed decision on the one best suited for you.

1.  CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24×50

The CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24×50 has a 6-24x magnification. Its objective diameter is 50mm, the field of view is 28 ft at 100 yards, and the click value of 1/8 inch at 100 yards. It features a red and green illuminated type of riflescope. This is one of the best hunting riflescopes available today.

This rifle scope gives you a sharper target image, the elimination of parallax, and range estimation with the adjustment of the adjustable objective lens. This can be done by the parallax dial at the end of the scope.

Image aberration with this rifle scope is eliminated by the adjustable eyepiece with a dioptric adjustment lens. You benefit from crisp, consistent, and precise windage and elevation adjustments thanks to well-designed and constructed turrets.

You benefit from more than 95% light transmission resulting in a high-contrast and color-accurate picture with its fully multi-coated lens. Its bonded coatings are built to last for the lifetime of the riflescope. To read about the best spotting scopes, click this link.

       What We Like:

• 6-24x Magnification
• The field of view is 28 ft at 100 yards
• Adjustable Objective Lens
• Adjustable Eyepiece
• Illuminated Reticle

2.  Vortex Optics Crossfire II Riflescope

As one of the best hunting riflescopes, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II Riflescope features a Dead-Hold BDC reticle which makes it good for hunting and shooting at different ranges in which holdover is a major sticking point.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II Riflescope is just one of the riflescopes in the Crossfire II line of rifle scopes. This riflescope has a long eye relief which helps you quickly get a picture and acquire your target. Additionally, you benefit from quick and easy reticle focusing with its fast-focus eyepiece.

You get bright and clear views because of the anti-reflective and fully multi-coated lenses. Its reset turrets are adjustable with MOA clicks. This riflescope ensures strength and shockproof performance because its single-piece tube is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum. It is waterproof and fog-proof as its o-rings are sealed and nitrogen purged.

       What We Like:

• Dead-Hold BDC Reticle
• Fast Focus Eyepiece
• Fully Multi-Coated Lenses (FMC)

3.  Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope

The Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope is a low-light riflescope with 3 – 9x magnification and a 40mm objective lens. It is ideal for early morning and late evening lights. It features dusk & dawn brightness (DDB) multicolored lenses for both clarity and brightness.

As the name implies, it is a multi-X reticle with 1/4 MOA fingertip windage and comes with elevation adjustments. It features 3.3 in eye relief and has fast focus eyepieces. This riflescope is waterproof and fog-proof. It is one of the best hunting riflescopes and is popular with many hunters.

      What We Like:

• Low Light Riflescope
• 3-9x Magnification
• 40mm Objective Lenses
• Multi X Reticle
• 1/4 MOA Fingertip Windage

4.  Vortex Optics Diamondback Riflescope

The Vortex Optics Diamondback Riflescope has 4-16x magnification and 44mm objective lenses. You benefit from crisp and bright images with its extra-low dispersion glass and fully multi-coated lenses.

Subtensions are kept accurate with the first focal plane, a glass-etched reticle. These rifle scopes provide smooth magnification under harsh conditions with its precision-glide erector system which uses superior components of the lens.

Long-distance precision shooting is made possible with tactical turrets and a side parallax knob. Its fast-focus eyepiece provides quick and easy reticle focusing. It is waterproof and fog-proof with its sealed o-rings which are nitrogen purged. This Vortex Optics Diamondback riflescope is also one of the best hunting riflescopes from Vortex.

       What We Like:

• 4-16x Magnification
• 44mm Objective Lenses
• Fully Multi-Coated Lenses (FMC)

5.  CVLIFE 4×32 Tactical Rifle Scope

As one of the best hunting riflescopes, the CVLIFE 4×32 Tactical Rifle Scope has a 4x magnification and 32mm objective lenses. Its field of view for 100 yards is 36.6. It features fiber-optic sight for quick and accurate acquisition. It has 3 levels of brightness settings for each color which gives shooters the option to find the perfect brightness needed for lighting and weather conditions.

It has green multi-layer coated lenses which allow it to shoot a target fast and precisely with high light transmission and resolution. These rifle scopes feature a glass-etched reticle with tri-illuminations (green/red/blue).

       What We Like:

• 4x Magnification
• 32mm Objective Lenses
• 3 Levels of Brightness

6.  Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 Riflescope

The Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 Riflescope has 4-12x magnification and 40mm objective lenses. It features a Dead-Hold BDC reticle which is ideal for hunting or shooting at different ranges where holdover is a sensitive issue.

It has fully multi-coated lenses which give clear and bright images at dawn and dusk. Its fast focus feature allows for quick and easy reticle focusing. The Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 Riflescope is well built for durability with its 1-in body.

You benefit from the ability to zero reset after sight-in with its metal-on-metal precision turrets. You also benefit from accurate tracking and repeatability with its precision glide erector system.

These rifle scopes have second focal plane (SFP) reticles which always keep the same appearance. Guesswork is taken out of the picture on holdover and windage corrections with its customized dot design.

The Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 Riflescope is a shockproof and durable riflescope because of its hard-anodized finish. It is waterproof and fog-proof with its sealed o-rings which are argon purged.

      What We Like:

• 4-12x Magnification
• 40mm Lenses
• Dead-Hold BDC Reticle
• Second Focal Plane

7.  Vortex Optics Viper HS-T Riflescopes

The Vortex Optics Viper HS-T Riflescopes feature superior resolution and color fidelity due to its fully multi-coated, extra-low dispersion lenses.  These rifle scopes feature enhanced light-gathering capability with its XR coatings while Armortek coating protects the lenses.

These rifle scopes feature a CRS zero stop which allows for a reliable return to zero capability after dialing temporary elevation corrections. It has exposed target-style turrets constructed for precise and repeatable finger-adjustable clicks.

The Vortex Optics Viper HS-T Riflescopes feature a 4x zoom which provides magnification flexibility while the side focus parallax adjustment provides optimal image focus and parallax removal. Its fast-focus eyepiece allows the shooter to adjust the reticle to your eye. It features a VMR-1 reticle (MOA) that is ideal for accurate holds at extended ranges. it is waterproof and fog-proof with its sealed O-rings.

     What We Like:

• XR Coatings
• VMR-1 Reticle (MOA)
• Armortek Coating
• 4x Zoom

8.  Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II Riflescope

The Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II Riflescopes are great for close to medium-range shooting. You keep track of your turret position with the fiber optic rotation indicator. These rifle scopes feature laser-etched turrets, adjustable parallax, and the RZR zero stop.

This riflescope reticle provides shooters with functional, intuitive, and detailed hold points but it remains uncluttered for optimal viewing and has 10 intensity levels with off positions between each setting.

Its extra-glass dispersion augments resolution and color fidelity. Light transmission is increased with its XR fully multi-coated lenses. Additionally, the lenses are protected from scratches, oil, and dirt with the Armortek coatings.

The Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II Riflescope is waterproof and fog-proof with its sealed o-rings which are argon purged. Its VMR-2 MOA reticle can be used to determine ranges, holdovers, windage corrections, and moving targets. This riflescope features second focal plane (SFP) reticles that keep the same size appearance.

It features the precision-force spring system which uses superior components in the erector-spring system to guarantee maximum repeatability and ease of adjustment and it also has the precision-glide erector system that uses premium components in the zoom lens mechanism to ensure smooth magnification changes with the harshest conditions.

      What We Like:

• XR Fully Multi-Coated Lenses
• VMR-2 MOA Reticle
• Second Focal Plane Reticles
• Precision-Force Spring System
• Precision-Glide Erector System

9.  CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e Red & Green Illuminated Scope

The CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e Red & Green Illuminated Scope has a 2.5-10x magnification and 40mm objective lenses. It features red and green illuminated modes. This riflescope features a field of view of 100 yards of 32.5′.

These rifle scopes feature precise elevation and windage adjustment. It has a unique design in which the scope and laser are built together to ensure precise shooting.

Most of the aberration is eliminated with the Kellner eyepiece with dioptric adjustment. It features an upgraded side-mounted laser. This riflescope has an eye relief of 4″ at 2.5x-3″ at 10x and an exit pupil at 0.53″ at 2.5x-0.17″ at 10x. Additionally, the field of view is 100 yards of 34.86′ at 2.5x – 11.53′ at 10. The reticle type of the CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e Red & Green Illuminated Scope is mil-dot.

      What We Like:

• 2.5-10x Magnification
• 40mm Objective Lenses
• Field of View of 100 yards of 32.5′
• Reticle Type: Mil-dot

10.  CVLIFE 3-9×40 Optics R4 Reticle Crosshair Scope

The CVLIFE 3-9×40 Optics R4 Reticle Crosshair Scope has a 3-9x magnification. This riflescope features precise elevation and windage adjustment turrets. It has a field of view of 25′-14′ at 100 yards.

This riflescope has fully multi-coated glass which provides over 90% light transmission, great images, and superior color and contrast. Its exterior lenses are protected from oil and dirt by its scratch-resistant coating.

      What We Like:

• Magnification 3-9x
• Exit Pupil: 0.2
• Precise Elevation & Windage Adjustment Turrets
• Fully Multi-Coated Lenses

11.  Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope

The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope features a 3 MOA dot reticle that has 11 brightness settings. It mounts easily on Picatinny rails and is compatible with pistols, shotguns, rifles, and muzzleloaders.

The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope is shockproof. It is also waterproof and fog-proof. It will not fog up due to temperature changes as it is nitrogen purged. This Bushnell Trophy riflescope is a favorite of many hunters and one of the best hunting riflescopes on the market.

      What We Like:

• 11 Brightness Settings
• 3 MOA Dot Reticle
• Waterproof & Fogproof

12.  Pinty 2.5-10×40 Red Green Illuminated Mil-dot Tactical Rifle Scope

The Pinty 2.5-10×40 Red Green Illuminated Mil-dot Tactical Rifle Scope has a magnification of 2.5x-10x and an objective diameter of 40mm. Its exit pupil size is 16mm-4mm and the reticle type is mil-dot. Moreover, the field of view is 100 yards of 32.5′-8.9′ and eye relief is 101.6mm-76.2mm.

It features a multi-coated green objective lens which gives higher light transmission for clearer images. This riflescope has 5 brightness levels. It is waterproof and fog-proof due to o-sealed rings which are nitrogen purged.

       What We Like:

• 2.5x-10x Magnification
• 40mm Objective Diameter
• Brightness Control: Red: 5 Levels/Green: 5 Levels
• Exit Pupil: 16mm- 4mm
• Field of View: 100 yards of 32.5′-8.9′
• Eye Relief: 101.6mm-76.2mm
• Reticle Type: Mil-dot

What To Look For In The Best Hunting Riflescopes

1.  Fixed vs. Variable Scope

When choosing the best hunting riflescopes, you will have to determine if you want a fixed or variable scope. If the scope uses only one magnification, then, you guessed it right, it is a fixed scope like 3X32. On the other hand, if the scope uses more than one magnification, like 3-9×40, yes then it is variable scope.

You will usually see in the names of scopes the numbers and the letter x. The number(s) before the letter refers to the magnification. Hence, if you see 3×32, the 3 which comes before the x means the scope has a magnification of 3. It means the object will be magnified three times.

However, if the numbers are written like 3-9×40, it means that the magnification, which is the number that comes before the x, is 3-9. This means the magnification is a range. It varies from 3 to 9. This means the scope is variable scope.

2.  Magnification

Magnification is one of the important factors to consider when choosing the best hunting rifle scopes. It refers to how much closer the target appears than what is seen with the naked eye.

If the scope’s magnification is 4x, this means you can see four times closer than the naked eye. Many think that you need as much magnification as possible. This couldn’t be further from the truth. This is a quick guide to help you determine how much magnification you need based on how you will use your hunting rifle.

If you primarily use it to hunt small games up to 100 yards, then magnification of 1-4x is ok. If you will hunt large game up to 200 yards, or hunt in forests and mountains, then magnification of 5-8x will suffice. If you will be target shooting beyond 200 yards or in open landscapes like fields and deserts, then you want a magnification of 9-12x.

Usually, in the name of a scope, you will notice a number or number followed by the letter x. The number(s) before the x refers to the magnification. 3×40 means the scope has a magnification of 3. 3-9×40 means it has a magnification that varies in the range from 3 to 9. The number after the x refers to the objective lens which will be discussed later.

3.  Objective Lens

The objective lens is responsible for light transmission and is located at the end of the scope. The bigger the lens, the brighter and clearer the image will become. However, this doesn’t imply that a larger lens is always the right way to go.

The larger the lens, the heavier the scope will be. Moreover, a larger lens requires taller scope rings and this makes the scope more susceptible to sunlight reflection which might disclose your position to your target.

You should opt for an objective lens of 28mm or lower if your firearm has low recoil and you will use it in close-range hunting and it has a low-power scope. Go for an objective lens in the range of 30 – 44m if your rifle has a good bit of recoil and you are using it for low-light hunting. Choose an objective lens of 50mm and above if you are a long-range shooter or using high magnification in low light.

Usually, in the name of the riflescope or in the description, you will see a combination of numbers and letters like 3x40mm. The objective lens is the number after the x.

4.  Lens Coatings

Lens coatings reduce glare and enhance sight. Most scopes today are fully multi-coated. Moreover, there are four lens coatings types – coated, fully coated, multi-coated, and fully multi-coated.

5.  Scope Reticles

The reticle is the aiming point you see when you look through the riflescope. It can be mounted on the front or rear of the magnification lens. There are three types of reticles namely the duplex, mil-dot, and BDC.

6.  Focal Plane

There are two focal planes, the first focal plane (FFP) and the second focal plane (SFP). The first focal plane is where the reticle’s size adjusts as you change magnification while the second focal plane’s reticle size doesn’t change regardless of what magnification you use. Long-range shooters opt for FFP and all others opt for SFP.

7.  Windage And Elevation Turrets

Riflescope’s vertical and horizontal adjustments are done by knobs. The windage knob adjusts horizontally (left to right) while the elevation knob adjusts vertically.

Verify that the turrets on the riflescope you choose are reliable and produce a loud “click” sound. Additionally, some riflescopes might have a third knob called a parallax adjustment turret which helps eliminate parallax.

8.  Parallax

Parallax refers to the situation in which the reticle bobs around with your head movement. This isn’t good as it leads to blurriness and missed shots if left unchecked. Parallax can be solved in one of these three ways.

1. Some scopes have a parallax adjustment turret that adjusts parallax.

2. Some scopes have parallax adjustment built-in which is usually set at about 50 yards to 100 yards; this is a factory set.

3. Some scopes have a ring on them that can be twisted to eliminate parallax.

9.  MOA VS. MRAD

Minute of Angle (MOA) is a measurement of accuracy that measures 1″ per 100 yards while milliradian (MRAD) is another measurement of accuracy that measures 0.36” per 100 yards. Anyone will work; they are interchangeable.

10.  Eye Relief

Eye relief refers to the distance between your eye and the ocular lens. Inadequate eye relief can harm your eyes. You don’t want to get home from hunting with a bruised eye. The amount of eye relief you want for the riflescope all depends on the rifle’s recoil.

Go for eye relief in the range of 3 – 4 inches as the minimum. But generally, the higher the recoil, the more eye relief you will need.

Types of Hunting Riflescopes

1.  Fixed Scopes

Fixed scopes have a single magnification like 3×40.

2.  Variable Scopes

Variable scopes have more than one magnification like 3-9×40. This indicates that the magnification ranges from 3 to 9.

Hunting Riflescope Accessories

1.  Riflescope Sunshade

The riflescope sunshade prevents glare thereby protecting your eyes.

2.  Rifle Bag

The rifle bag stores the rifle and makes it easy to carry.

3.  Riflescope Lens Covers

The riflescope lens cover protects your lenses from dust and abrasion.

4.  Rest Pad Ammo Pouch

The rest pad ammo pouch stores your ammunition.

5.  Rifles Gun Socks

Rifle Gun Socks fit tactical rifles with pistol grips and large scopes.

6.  Riflescope Mounts

Riflescope mounts are used for mounting riflescopes.

Best Hunting Riflescopes

The Bottom Line

The best hunting riflescopes are very important for the modern-day hunter. They are only getting more powerful and accurate. The best hunting rifle scope for you will depend on the factors which are most important to you.

Our recommendation for a hunting riflescope is the Vortex Optics Crossfire II Riflescope. We hope these tactical scope reviews will be helpful in finding the best rifle scope for your outdoor adventures.