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1. Best Scope For S 26w 500 Sq
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3. Best Scope For S 26w 500 Watt

When binoculars just won’t cut it, what you need is one of the best spotting scopes for birding. In this article, we look at the top spotting scopes on the market for those who enjoy birdwatching. Our spotting scope reviews will look at the top-quality spotting scopes on the market for different budgets and lifestyles. So, strap in and come find out which scope is the best for you in 2020.

As we get into the meat of this article, we’ll give you additional detail about the different types of scopes, information about point of view, and offer help with magnification options. However, all of our recommendations are based on quality, value for the money, and how well received each of these scopes has been in the birdwatching community.

The Vortex Optics Diamondback. The cortex optics diamondback is built for performance. Finally, it is the last part of our review for the best scope for M&P 15-22. The only thing that is left to do is declare our choice for the best scope for M&P 15-22. The best scope for M&P 15-22 based on our review is the Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-22 BDC Rimfire Reticle Riflescope with Target Turrets. Rifle Scope 101 - How to Choose a Rifle Scope? We aren’t going to waste time convincing you that. Best 7mm Rem Mag Scopes of 2020 – For The Money, Plus More! For example, at 500 yards, the 7mm Rem has a 29.14 inches drop, which is one of the flattest trajectories of centerfire loads. Similarly, the round has a muzzle velocity of 3200 fps, which only drops to 2264fps at 500 yards, plus a muzzle energy of 3250 ft-lbs drops. The scope hit Marc Amos with such force that his ears rippled from the impact. This was our first test shot from a Thompson/Center Pro Hunter fitted with a Smith & Wesson.500 Magnum Katahdin barrel. Before judging the recoil too harshly, though, know that Amos—a 47-year-old gun nut from Columbus, Miss.—did fail to grab the forearm of the rifle prior to squeezing the trigger.

Here are the best spotting scopes for birding 2020:

1. Kowa TSN-883

Our top pick for birdwatching scope in 2020

This spotting scope for birdwatching is made of lightweight, strong materials and offers a high-performance 88mm spotting scope. It is filled with dry nitrogen gas to prevent lens fogging and offers JIS class 7 waterproof protection. The concave lens of ultra-low dispersion pure fluorite crystal ensures sharp images without image fuzziness or color fringing.

• Features a dual focus mechanism for both fine and quick focus.
• The manufacturer offers a lifetime product warranty.
• Offers a rugged construction with high-end specifications.

• Price for the birdwatching scope may be too high for some.

Our verdict is that this scope is the best you can get on the market today. The fact that it has dual focus and comes with three eyepieces sets it above all other scopes you could purchase. It is the best scope you can buy.

2. Swarovski Optik ATS 80 HD

Secondary pick for best birdwatching scope overall

This spotting scope is one of the pricier options on the market, but there’s a good reason for that. It offers a high-definition aluminum spotting scope with an 80mm objective lens diameter. Even in low light and at high magnifications, you can expect to enjoy excellent light transmission. The scope includes 20x to 60x eyepieces with eyecups that can easily be twisted in.

• Features a high-quality multi-coated lens.
• Is waterproof, fog proof, and shock-resistant.
• Offers a lightweight aluminum housing with an armored rubber casing.

• Might be a bit too expensive for most of the birdwatchers out there.

Our verdict is that if you have extra money to burn, you couldn’t do much better than choosing this scope. It has all the extras you want when you need the best possible optics in the field.

3. Athlon Optics Ares UHD 20-60×85

Third best bird spotting scope for 2020

Designed to offer a weatherproof design and bright images, the Ares UHD 20-60×85 is ideal for any conditions. It offers extra-low dispersion glass, advanced fully multi-coatings, and BaK4 prisms. The chassis of the spotting scope is waterproof and filled with argon gas to create better thermal stability and prevent fogging. It also comes in three sizes, so users can select the one that works best for them.

• Offers fully multi-coated lenses for the top color and brightness.
• Resistant to oil and dirt and stands up to adverse weather conditions.
• Features ED glass for a sharp and clear image.

• The eyepiece may not fit everyone well and may cause trouble focusing.

When a bird watcher wants something that can handle it all, the Athlon Ares is an excellent choice. Our verdict is that this scope brings high-quality at a reasonable price compared to others on the market. It has a rugged design and exceptional color contrast.

4. Celestron Ultima 80

The best entry-level scope

This birding scope is one of the most recommended for those on a budget. It offers a refractor style scope with an 80mm lens and a zoom from 20x to 60x. For an entry-level scope, this is a choice you won’t regret. It comes in both angled and straight designs. The biggest drawback is that this budget option doesn’t come with an expensive glass to prevent blue fringing at a high magnification level.

• Super lightweight at only 3.6 pounds.
• Waterproof and includes multi-coated optics.
• Includes padded carrying case that doesn’t have to be removed for use.

• Can be blurred or grainy when birdwatching at far distances.

The verdict for this scope is that it does the job well for any beginner. However, it may not have all the bells and whistles for an experienced bird watcher.

5. Roxant Blackbird

Runner-up for best beginner’s birdwatching scope

Those who want a value-priced beginner’s bird scope are going to appreciate this option. It comes with the scope, tripod, lens cap, and a carrying case, so everything you need is available right away. The optics used Bak4 prism and are multi-coated for brightness and light transmission in all applications. On top of that, the spotting scope offers a lifetime replacement guarantee.

• Rubber armor construction is rugged and non-slip.
• Comes with additional accessories to start started fast.
• Offers high definition military-grade optics for the best viewing.

• Field of view might not be as good as more expensive models.

The verdict we’ve come to is that this is an excellent little scope, especially for someone on a budget. The birdwatching scope is easy to use and can be used with or without glasses.

6. Vortex Diamondback 20-60×80

The best value birding scope

Those who may want something more impressive than the beginner’s scope but don’t want to pay too much can enjoy the Diamondback Scope. The scope comes in angled and straight models with 60 and 80mm lens sizes. Some of the features included are scratch-resistant coating, multi-coated optics, and prism coatings for brightness.

• Nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed to prevent fog and avoid water.
• Dielectric prism coatings offer top brightness.
• Features ArmorTek coating for scratch resistance.

The verdict for this spotting scope is that it makes a good option for those on a budget who don’t mind not having every feature of a scope that is twice as expensive. It is an easy to use and convenient scope with a simple to use focus wheel and powerful zoom eyepiece.

7. Vanguard Endeavor HD 82A

Runner-up for best value birdwatching scope

For those who want to pay less than $500 but get an excellent birdwatching scope, this is an excellent choice. The scope offers a detachable eyepiece with 20x to 60x zoom with up to 20mm of eye relief. The dispersion glass used helps prevent color fringing while the multi-coated optical system provides a high light transmission rate. A digiscoping adapter is also available.

• Offers high resolution through phase-coated Bak4 prisms.
• Comes with a deluxe scope coat and eyepiece.
• Lightweight and durable with rubber armored magnesium housing.

• May be hard to focus and offers mediocre optics compared to others.

The verdict on this spotting scope is that it offers excellent value for those on a budget. It has a lot of top features that you might expect from more expensive versions.

8. Celestron Regal M2 80ED

Best mid-range birdwatching scope

Anyone looking for a birdwatching scope that has a few extra features will appreciate this birding scope. It offers an ED objective lens that offers accurate colors, high resolution and contrast, and minimizes chromatic aberration. It comes with a tripod mount that rotates for the best orientation of the eyepiece. The dual focus mechanism lets you focus on birds 2x quicker while the extra-low dispersion gives you the best resolution and contrast when birdwatching.

• Features a magnesium alloy body that is strong but lightweight.
• Proprietary XLT lens coating provides sharp, bright images.
• Comes with a T-adapter and T-ring for digiscoping purposes.

• Many experience the scope being heavy on the back end.

Our verdict here is that for a mid-range birdwatching scope, you can’t do much better. The new magnesium alloy body is also 14% less bulky when compared to the previous version.

9. Vortex Razor HD 20-60×85

Runner-up for best mid-range birding scope

This angled spotting scope offers high-quality components for the best bird watching possible. It’s also excellent value for a scope in this price range. The spotter is fog-proof due to being argon gas purged and includes O-ring sealed optics to make the scope waterproof and keep out debris and dust. It offers ArmorTek hard coating lenses for protection.

• Reduces chromatic aberration using an apochromatic triplet lens.
• Offers color accurate, bright, clear images through dielectric prism coatings.
• Porro prism provides the best possible image quality and performance.

Our verdict is that this scope is one of the best for the money. It comes with a scope, eyepiece cap, lens cover, and carrying case. The scope is decently priced, simple to use, and offers a bright and clear view.

10. Gosky 20-60×80 Porro Prism

Top-rated waterproof birding scope

Those who are looking for a best-selling waterproof birdwatching scope will enjoy this one, which offers a multi-coated 80mm green film objective lends. The magnification can range from 20x to 60x, and there is a dynamic focusing system, so you can easily zoom in on a bird. The waterproof design keeps things sealed up to prevent moisture from getting inside of the scope.

• Features a dynamic lens focusing system and variable magnification.
• Offers rubber armor and a durable framework to withstand any weather.
• Comes with both a digiscoping adapter and a metal tablet tripod.

• Image may not be as crisp as expected and distance can be lacking.

The verdict for this top-rated birding scope is that it fits the bill for anyone who wants a waterproof option to take out in any conditions. It’s easy to set up and use even for a beginner.

Guide to Buying a Birdwatching Spotting Scope

Having visual aids can help you easier see birds from farther away. Anyone who has a love for birds is likely going to get a pair of binoculars pretty quickly. For those who just want to look at birds in a backyard or park, that may be all that you need. However, those who want to see waterfowl out across a lake, watch harks perched in precarious positions, or want to look at shorebirds on a mudflat are going to need more than binoculars.

A spotting scope can make it much simpler to enjoy and identify the birds around you. Not only will it allow you to identify birds easily, but it will also give you insight into details you otherwise would never see.

1. Understanding Scope Numbers

One of the numbers you will see on binoculars is something like “5x,” which explains the level of magnification. With a spotting scope, this isn’t always the case since magnification is related to the eyepiece you use. Most of the time, the major number you are going to see is the diameter of the front lens in millimeter form. Popular birding scopes on the market often have lenses of around 50 to 80mm. The larger the lens, the more light comes in. However, larger lenses also weight more and can be bulky.

2. Fixed vs. Zoom Eyepieces

In some cases, a scope comes with an eyepiece that is attached permanently, while others have eyepieces that are detachable to give you additional choices. If you choose to purchase a fixed eyepiece, you also shouldn’t assume that the higher magnifications are automatically better. In most cases, those looking for birds will find a 20x or 30x eyepiece is effective. Vibrations and heat shimmer can obscure the view when using higher magnifications.

A zoom eyepiece might be the best choice you can make. Some of the most popular include 20x to 40x, 20x to 60x, and 25x to 50x. The lowest power can be used to find and center on a bird before you zoom in to study it more closely.

3. Quality of Glass

The glass quality of a scope is very important since it determines the image quality that you get. You want to look at the manufacturer specifications to make sure you are getting an excellent lens for the price you pay. Any good lens on the market is going to be coated, and most of them are fully multi-coated, which is considered the highest standard for birdwatching scopes.

With typical ordinary glass, a certain amount of light is going to pass through it. With the newest lens coatings, light transmission is improved. That means more light gets through, and your image is going to be brighter.

A lens of low-quality is more likely to create chromatic aberrations. This means you might get a fringe of color around and object based on lens dispersion. What happens is that colors of various wavelengths pass through the glass in an unequal manner and focus on different points. The best optics use ED glass to prevent this, also called “extra-low dispersion.” When all of the colors are focused at the same point, this makes the image much sharper.

The problem is that not every optics maker is going to use the exact same terminology, so choosing glass can be challenging. For instance, some manufacturers call their low-dispersion lenses HD, while others call them APO or XD. You want to do a bit of research to determine what the brand uses as their term or speak with an optics dealer who can give you more information about the type of lenses that are used.

While a good quality lens is going to increase the price of a scope, the investment is worth it. If you are looking at the difference between a higher power or a higher quality lens, you should always go with the better lens since it will create the clearest and sharpest images for the best experience.

4. Angled or Straight Scope Models

Many of the most popular scope models out there are going to be available in two different configurations: either angled or straight. For those who bird alone and who have a tall and sturdy tripod, a straight scope model might be the best choice. The tripod can place the scope at eye level, and long periods of scanning will be a breeze.

If you are someone who prefers to go birding with other people, an angled scope is the best option for sharing. The height can be set for the shortest person in a group, and taller individuals will just have to lean over a bit more. This type of eyepiece is also useful when looking at birds overhead.

5. Focusing and Close Focusing

In most cases, you turn a knob or ring on the barrel of the scope to focus it and create a sharper picture. There are some models with two-step focusing, which means one knob is used to shift from close-up to far away, and the other makes smaller adjustments to fine-tune the experience. It really depends on the person, whether a single or double knob is preferred.

While it might seem strange, the ability to focus on close up items can be crucial. You aren’t always going to be looking out at birds that are specks far away; sometimes, you might be looking for extra details on a bird nearby. A lot of the manufacturers now make it clear what the minimum focusing distance is in the specifications. You are likely going to want a scope that can focus at 20 feet or even closer.

6. Compact Versus Full-Size Models

You also want to be aware that spotting scopes come in many lengths and weights. A high-powered model can let you see farther, but that means more bulk and weight. Many find that compact versions of spotting scopes do the job just as well as a full-size model, and you don’t have to lug around as much weight from your home or car to your favorite birdwatching location.

7. Lens Caps and Cases

Most of the telescopes you’ll see come with a lens cap, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dig a bit deeper. The best lens caps are going to attach firmly and feel solid in your hand. What can be an issue is not losing these while you are outside looking at birds. One of the systems birders use is to put the lens cap in a pocket while it is not in use and then immediately putting it back on the scope when the session is over.

There are also many manufacturers out there who offer a heavy canvas cover to be used on the scope when it is not out and being used. In some cases, these cases can even be left on the scope while you are actually using it. The ends just open up, so you can continue use. This type of case can be useful since it protects the scope from random accidents or blowing dust in the wind.

8. Remember to Factor in a Tripod

When you are spending time considering your budget for a birdwatching scope, you want to remember that part of that cash should go into a high-quality tripod. While you don’t need a tripod quite as solid as one you would use for photography, you still want to be sure that the tripod you choose stays steady even when it’s windy outside. You also want to look at how far the tripod will extend to be sure that it’s at a comfortable height when you’re going to spend a long session watching birds.

Putting It All Together

Now that you know what the best spotting scopes through our birding scope reviews and how you are aware of how to look for the right one for you, you should be ready to go. You can go through your options and choose something that fits your specific needs. Before you know it, you will be ready to start homing in on all those birds you love and learning much more about them.

Whether you are a hunter, or you just enjoy shooting for sport, you know that choosing a scope for your rifle will be one of the biggest factors in determining how accurately you’ll be able to shoot. A scope allows you to zoom in on your target, and precisely lock in exactly where you want your shot to land.

There are many scopes on the market from many different reputable manufacturers, so choosing the best one is a daunting task. In the end, the scope you choose will largely come down to personal preference and your shooting needs. This guide will help you figure out what the best scope is to suit your (and your rifle’s) needs.

Table of Contents

My #1 Recommendation

If I had to pick one scope to recommend above all others, especially on a modest budget, the crown would go to theVortex Diamondback. Vortex is an incredibly popular brand of sporting optics, and for good reason. Their products are very high quality, and generally are in the mid range in terms of price. I like their 4-12×40 model scope personally, as it allows me to zoom in just far enough while still being able to make close up shots by cranking back the zoom. Click to see the price.

Best Rifle Scopes For the Money

Rifle scopes can range from $40 up to thousands of dollars depending on how much one is willing to spend. Depending on what the rifle scope is being used for, you can sometimes get away with or at least get the same results with a cheaper scope that you could do with a higher end one. You should always think about what is economically sound for you to spend on a scope, because a some scopes that are $100 might be all you need, and you can save money by purchasing these scopes instead of getting the highest quality scope that really doesn’t improve your chances anymore than the cheaper one. Below are just a few different scopes that are considered to be the best in their dollar range, but before choosing your scope, you should look at all the details in order to make sure it will provide you with a solution to all of your individual needs.

Best Rifle Scope Under $100

There are a lot of different rifle scopes that you can get for under $100, many of which you probably want to avoid. However the UTG 3-9×32 BugBuster Scope is one of, if not the best in this price range. It offers a lot of quality features, and has a sterling reputation with thousands of online reviews.

Features:

• Mildot reticle with both red and green illumination.
• Lockable and reset-able turret design.
• It comes with 3-9x magnification, and the objective lens is 32 millimeters.
• Included with the scope are a 2″ sun shade, quick release rings, and flip cap covers.

While it won’t compare to the Zeiss and Nightforce scopes at the end of this list in terms of optical clarity and quality, this budget scope is perfect for getting the job done with a minimal financial burden. Click to see the price.

Best Rifle Scope Under $200

There are a wide variety of scopes in this price range, including many from well known manufacturers, and it was Nikon that won here. For a price tag that is handily under the $200 mark, the Nikon P-Tactical .223 3-9x40mm is of exceptional quality. It is designed for rifles chambered in .223 (although it would work for many others as well), and it is made by Nikon, which is one of the best rifle scope brands on the market (as well as optics brands in general).

Features:

• This scope comes with 3-9x magnification, and it has a large 40 millimeter objective lens.
• 1/4 MOA tactical style hand adjustable turrets with reset functionality.
• BDC 600 reticle designed specifically for .223 caliber rounds.
• Nitrogen filled, water and fog proof design.

Also in this price range is the Vortex scope I recommended at the top of the article, which you should really consider (especially if you are shooting something other than .223). Click to see the price.

Best Rifle Scope Under $300

This scope price range was a little more difficult to narrow down, but in the end, the best rifle scope for under $300 came out to be the Athlon Optics Talos BTR 4-14×44. It offers a variety of different features that makes it stand out more so than the others in this particular price range.

Features:

• This rifle comes with 4-14x magnification, and it is equipped with a 44 millimeter objective lens.
• This scope makes any rifle superior at long range shooting thanks to Athlon’s APLR2 FFP IR MIL reticle, a super advanced reticle.
• The scope is waterproof and nitrogen purged.
• It has fully multicoated glass for excellent image quality

As stated earlier, Athlon is one of the top brands on the market for making high quality rifle scopes, and this particular rifle scope is just one of the mid price range examples of why they made it to the top brand list. Click to see the price.

Best Rifle Scope Under $500

This category was a hard choice to make. Out of all the different rifle scopes in this price range, I couldn’t narrow down to just one scope, but I was able to narrow it down to the top two rifle scopes for less than $500.

The Vortex Viper PA 30mm Tube Rifle Scope – Although this brand didn’t make it in the top rifle scope brands, this particular scope could not be overlooked. It is one of the top rifle scopes on the market today. It has a variety of different aspects that make it this way, and it will surely get the job done efficiently and effectively.

Features:

• It comes with a one-piece tube that is 30 millimeters, which makes it easier to store without having to worry about loosing any removable parts.
• It is actually made out of aircraft grade aluminum to guarantee it’s sturdiness.
• It comes equipped with tall turrets which allows the shooter using it to quickly and easily make any adjustments.
• There is also a side knob parallax adjustment for versatility. Click to see the price.

Nikon Monarch 3 4-16x50mm Side Focus Rifle Scope – Once again, Nikon makes the top! This variable scope is by far one of the top rifle scopes on the marketplace today price ranged under $500. Nikon does not disappoint with this scope as it has many of the features that Nikon is known for using on their high end scopes.

Features:

• The Nikon Monarch 3 comes with 4-16x magnification, and it also comes with a larger than normal objective lens. It’s lens is actually 50 millimeters.
• It is renowned because of its Ultra Clear Coat Optical System which allows up to 95% light transmission.
• It has a quick focus eyepiece that is meant to allow the shooter to instantly bring their reticle into focus.
• It’s best feature is the MONARCH 3 Eye Box Technology which allows for a 4 time zoom range. It also allows for a four inch eye relief.
• This scope is optimized to be used with the Nikon’s Spot On Ballistic Match Technology.
• Last but not least, it is easily adjusted thanks to its Spring Loaded Instant Zero Reset Turrets. Click to see the price.

Top Rifle Scopes For an Unlimited Budget

When money is no object, all the rules of the game completely change. A lot of the scopes over $1000 are made by brands that are not seen at the lower budget products. There is a simple answer as to why that is. When most people think of the best brands, they think about the brands that the majority of people who buy a product actually purchase. That is why the higher end rifle scope brands may vary from the over all best and most popular brands. Seeing as this category in finances is so broad, below are two different rifle scopes that can be considered the best rifle scope for those that have an unlimited budget. You should also consider looking at Schmidt & Bender and Swarovski.

Zeiss Conquest Rifle scopes 5-25×50 Black Rapid Z 1000 – On average, this particular scope runs around $1100. It has a lot of different features, and it is manufactured by Zeiss one of the more popular brands among those that enjoy the high end and expensive rifle scopes. Below are just a few of the many features that makes this rifle scope stick out among all of the other unlimited budget scopes on the market today.

Features:

• This scope comes with a 50 millimeter objective lens, and it comes with 5-25 magnification ability.
• It is used mainly for hunting anything at long range, including predators, big game, and varmints.
• It has a robust, one piece tube that is built to stand some of the worst recoils even on extremely demanding terrains.
• For the rifles that have a harsh recoil, this scope has a 3.5 inch eye relief in order to help protect the shooter’s face from the rifle’s recoil.
• The Zeiss Conquest rifle scope is one of the most ideal scopes for those that enjoy target shooting on the range.
• One of the things that helps this be an ideal scope for long range shooting, it offers precision aiming with accurate holdover and wind-corrected information.
• The lenses of this scope are MC multi-coated, and this help by achieving outstanding brightness regardless of low light situations that might arise on the hunt. Click to see the price.

Nightforce NXS Rifle Scope 30mm Tube 5.5-22x 56MM Hi-Speed– The Nightforce NXS Rifle Scope is a high speed scope that could not be ignored for the unlimited budget best category. Nightforce is one of the top brands for professional rifle scopes, and that is why it didn’t make the top brand list. Most Nightforce scopes cost way more than the average person would even think about paying for a sports scope for their rifle. This scope generally runs anywhere from $2,250 to $2,500. Generally, the price depends on where one purchases this scope. Below are just a few of the unique features that this scope has to offer someone.

Features:

• The NXS Rifle Scope comes with 5.5-22x magnification, and it also has a 56 millimeter objective lens.
• It has a 30 millimeter diameter tube.
• The eye relief for the NXS Rifle Scope is 3.9 inches.
• It has finger adjustable turrets and it has a click adjustment.
• The field of view for this scope at 5.5x magnification is 17.5′, and the field of view at 22x magnification is 4.7′ at 100 yards.
• The NXS Rifle Scope has a exit pupil diameter of 10.2 to 2.5 millimeters, and the scope weighs around 32 oz.
• This scope can be recommended for just about all types of weather, because it is shock proof, water proof, and fog proof. Click to see the price.

Want more options? See the current bestselling rifle scopes here.

Types of Scopes

There are a lot of different types of scopes, but they can practically all be placed in two categories. It is important to understand the different types of scopes and the pros and cons to each one before purchasing one. Below are three of the different types of scopes, and they are the most common scopes on the market.

1. Variable Scopes – By far the most common, variable scopes are useful if magnification of the target is needed for a clean shot. With these types of scopes, the shooter can adjust the magnification of the target that they are looking at. These types of scopes come in a variety of magnification variables, and depending on what you are hunting, this could be extremely important. Sniper rifles often use variable scopes, because sniper rifles are used at a much farther distance than a normal hunting rifle.

2. Fixed Scopes – These scopes can be a little less complicated than variable scopes, but they are also only better if people know exactly the specs they need when shooting their gun. You cannot adjust the magnification on fixed scopes like you can on variables. Therefore, these scopes are only recommended in certain occasions and for certain types of firearms.

3. Night Vision Scopes – These are specialty scopes. They can be combined as a variable scope or a fixed scope. What makes these scopes different is the fact that they are used for shooting at night or at times of day when there is a small amount of light to naturally see the target. They are very expensive and bulky, so before choosing a night vision scope, make sure that you actually need to shoot during low light hours of the day.

How to Choose a Rifle Scope

The majority of rifle users want the best scope for their rifle in order to help with whatever it is they are hunting. In the past, the old metallic sights that were placed on rifles were a lot harder to aim with than the newer scopes on the market today. When using a rifle scope, one thing should come to mind: simplicity. The use of a rifle scope has made it a lot easier for the majority of people to be able to line up a kill shot on their target.

When using a rifle scope, all you have to do to get a kill on your target is line up your cross hairs or reticles on the target that you are aiming at. Learning to shoot with a rifle scope is an extremely useful skill. Not only is it easier to line up the gun to your target, but it also magnifies your target, making it easier to tell which part of the target you will actually hit. There are a large number of factors that need to go into thought when choosing the right rifle scope.

Is bigger and more expensive always better?

This can be a tricky question to answer when you are dealing with rifle scopes. The best way to answer this question is this. When you are going to look for your idle rifle scope, you should ask yourself what is it that you are going to be shooting at. In general, if you are a deer hunter, using anything over a 3-9x or 4-12x scope on your rifle would be overkill, and it could actually hinder you in the long run. Those are the average scope sizes for anyone wanting to go hunting, because they offer what is needed for the majority of rifle users.

You also need to figure in what kinds of shots you are planning on having to take. If you know that you are going to be shooting far away at your prey, then you will be using a different scope as opposed to shooting at something closer. This has a lot to deal with having the proper magnification on the scope that you choose in order to be able to perform the hunting that you wish to do.

What do the Numbers on a Scope tell me?

This is a good question to ask. Before you can properly choose a rifle scope, you need to know what the numbers on your scope actually mean. In order to help with this, I am going to reference you to a Nikon P-223 3-9×40 SF rifle scope in order to explain the importance of the numbers on a rifle scope. The numbers when choosing a scope that are important are the 3-9×40.

In this particular number, the 3 means that any image that you look at through this scope will appear three times closer to you than it would to the naked eye. The 9 means the same thing. If the scope that you choose has a 9 like this one it means that you can see your target 9 times closer through the scope than with the naked eye. The last number, in this case the 40, is the objective lens diameter in millimeters. If you see a number like this, these scopes are classified as variable scopes. Basically, you can choose if you want your target to be 3 times magnified up to 9 times magnified. In general, the larger the magnification range, the more that particular scope will cost. This is because the wider the range the more versatile that scope will be.

Why is eye relief and light transmission important when choosing a scope?

A shooter’s age can affect the dilation of their eyes. People who are older will experience smaller dilation than someone of a younger age. An exit pupil is extremely important when choosing your scope. Basically, an exit pupil can be determined by holding a scope out at arms length from you. The small circle of light that appears in the scopes eyepiece when doing this is the exit pupil. The exit pupil is extremely important when thinking about eye relief because the larger the exit pupil is the less important head positioning in relation to the scope becomes.

When talking about eye relief in regards to rifle scopes, eye relief is the distance that your eye can be away from the ocular lens of the scope and still provide a full and clear picture of your target. Currently, four inches is the largest eye relief available for any standard rifle scope. If you are using the rifle correctly, four inches in plenty of distance for your face to be out of the way of any recoil your rifle might do. You should always pay attention to the amount of eye relief and exit pupil that a scope offers before purchasing it.

What should I look for in a scope in regards to the objective lens size?

On most medium variable scopes, the standard object lens size is anywhere from 40 to 44 millimeters. There are objective lenses on the market that are larger, but in most cases these larger lenses are not necessary. As a matter of fact, the larger the objective lens on a rifle scope is, the harder it is to be able to hold your rifle properly. These larger lens also can cause your rifle to be a little less comfortable to shoot due to the fact they can make the rifle feel unbalanced, clumsier, and heavier.

Why is Field of View on a rifle scope so important?

When speaking about rifles, field of view is generally measure at every 100 yards. What this means is the field of view is the amount that you are actually able to see from right to left at a distance through your scope. When adjusting the magnification of your scope, your field of view will be adjusted. In general, if you decrease the magnification of your scope your field of view will actually increase. This is generally more important with variable scopes, because the difference in magnification can change the field of view drastically. For instance, if you are using a 3-12×42 scope, if the magnification is set to 3 then your field of view will be the full 100 yards. However, if your magnification was turned closer to 12, your field of view would actually decrease down to somewhere around 14 to 10 yards.

For more about choosing the top rifle scope, watch the below video:

Best Rifle Scope Brands

• Leupold
• Redfield
• Sightmark
• Burris
• Bushnell
• Barska
• Nikon

Just like any other product, there are a lot of different brands and companies that make rifle scopes, but just like with every other product, there are a number of brands that stick out in the market. Below are a list of the top six brands that make rifle scopes, and they all got on this list for a variety of reasons. Some have created special features that make their scopes better in certain aspects, and some brands have an all around aspect to their products that put them on top.

Leupold

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A family owned company since its founding in 1907, Leupold & Stevens is without one of the highest quality optic manufacturers in the world. It’s scopes are used by the United States Marine Corps and Navy SEALs, which definitely is a major vote of confidence in their design and manufacturing. They make everything from simple hunting scopes to the incredibly powerful and adjustable tactical designs used by the military.

Redfield

Redfield was purchased by Leupold & Stevens, Inc. back in April of 2008, but they did not acquire any of Redfield’s capability of repairing their products that were made prior to them buying the company. However, Redfield is still currently one of the top manufacturers of rifle scopes on the market. Their motto is “No Excuses”, and they offer a full lifetime warranty to their customers on all of their non-electronic products like their rifle scopes.

Sightmark

Sightmark was founded back in 2007, and they have steadily been growing in the modern shooting market thanks to their products and rifle scopes. Currently, they are operated out of Mansfield, Texas, and there motto is “Make Your Mark”. They offer a variety of different products that are ranked top of the market, and they are known for making Triple Duty, Ezekiel, and Pinnacle rifle scopes that excel in performance.

Burris

Burris considers themselves specialists when it comes to making rifle scopes. They vow that they only employ the most passionate and knowledgeable engineers to manufacture their products. Burris products are not only used by the occasional hunter or sports shooter, but some of their rifle scopes are used by professionals throughout the entire world. Burris is best known for their scopes having lenses with larger diameters than most of their competitors.

Bushnell

Bushnell is one of the older popular rifle scope manufacturers with their products still on the market. They have been in business for over 65 years, and they pride themselves on providing only the best quality to their customers. The majority of their products are some of the more reliable and affordable hunting products, like rifle scopes on the market to date. Their shotgun scopes are also among the best.

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Barska

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Barska is currently operated out of Pomona, California, which is on the southern end of California. Their priority products all deal with sport optics, and they are considered to be one of the top brands that puts out rifle scopes on the market today. They actually have a global customer base. They have over 40 countries that they distribute their products too outside of the United States. They even offer products that can be individualized for their corporate customers if needed.

Nikon

Nikon is one of the more well known Sports Optics companies in the world. They have a variety of different products that they create, and they are well known in the hunting industry for both their cutting edge hunting optic rifle scopes. Some of their company strengths include their commitment to innovation, quality, and the performance of their products.