Update: We still believe the Leupold VX-I is the best rifle scope for most hunters and marksmen. It is reasonably priced but delivers both clarity and accuracy that is on par with higher end models.
How do you improve your hunting accuracy without spending hours at the range?
A rifle scope might be the answer.
In our reviews below we reveal the best rifle scopes for the money. Not to mention, we help you avoid the cheap duds you’ll find at most hunting shops.
A high quality rifle scope is designed to magnify your target and more importantly, improve your shooting accuracy.
However, they are not to be confused with spotting scopes, holographic scopes or rangefinders. Each of these tools serves a very specific purpose to help you identify and hunt wildlife.
These scopes are mounted on top of a rifle and are to be used while aiming and firing a gun.
| Editor’s Choice | Best-Seller | Best Quality |
| Leupold VX-I Rifle Scope | Nikon P-223 Mate BDC 600 | Vortex Optics DBK-10019 Diamondback HP |
| 3-9×50 | 3-9×40 | 4-16×42 |
| See Price | See Price | See Price |
Why You Need a Rifle Scope
For the avid hunter, the benefits of a rifle scope far outweigh the potential cost. If you want to make the most of the limited hunting season each year, the simplest way is to improve your accuracy. When you get that perfect shot, you’ll need make sure you don’t miss.
Whether you are a young buck or an old pro, improved vision with a scope can help elevate your hunting skills to the next level. One of the benefits many hunters overlook is that a scope can help you hunt later in the day.
Having a hard time seeing during the last few minutes of legal hunting hours?
The light gathering benefits of a scope can help you make the most of daylight even 30 minutes after sunset. Now you can continue to chase that trophy buck while everyone else is packing up for the day.
What to Look For When Comparing Scopes
To be honest, shopping for scopes can be overwhelming and even confusing. Manufacturers love to use highly technical language to describe the specifications of their products.
This is great if you know what they’re talking about.
On the other hand, this jargon can make it difficult to find what you are looking for.
My goal here is to break down the most common rifle scope features into simple language anyone can understand.
Scope Magnification Explained
When looking at our top picks below, you’ll notice that each scope has a numbered code in their description. For example, 3-9×32, 4×32 or 4-16×42. What do these numbers mean and why are they important to you?
Well, let’s break it down using the 3-9×32 example. The “3-9” describes the magnification of the scope. That is, this scope will magnify the target from 3 to 9 times. The further the target, the more magnification you’ll need.
Finally, the last part of the number – “32” – is the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters. The objective lens is the lens nearest the front of your gun. The size of the objective lens will determine how much of the target you can see through the scope – also called “field of view.”.
The smaller the lens, the less you can see. On the other hand, the larger the lens the more light your eye can gather, the brighter your target will be.
You may also encounter fixed power scopes on your journey to find the best rifle scope on the market. These are described using just two numbers. For instance, 4×32 or 6×42. Unlike adjustable scopes, these have fixed magnification.
If you find yourself hunting out in the open at predictable distances, then a traditional fixed power scope may be a good option for you.
While a huge lens and extreme magnification may help you hit your target easier, you will still have to keep in mind the overall size of your scope.
Our Top Picks for the Best Rifle Scope
Narrowing down our top picks to just a few was a tough task. Not only are there hundreds of rifle scopes on the market, but nearly all the experts we talked to had a different favorite.
We do our best to identify the top picks based on magnification and helpful customer reviews.
Nikon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600
Want increased target visibility without spending a fortune? The Nikon P-223 is one of our top picks due to affordable pricing and usability right out of the box. And, we’re not the only ones that think so.
With over 400 reviews on Amazon, this scope delivers incredible accuracy for the price. According to one reviewer, after purchasing this scope they could spot a “flea on a squirrels ass from a 100 yards.” Who knows, maybe that could become Nikon’s new marketing slogan.
The scope has magnification from 3-9 times and an objective lens size of 40mm. While most lenses are available with only a 32mm field of view, this offers greater visibility over other top brands.
Click here to read moreUTG 3-9×32 Compact CQB Bug Buster AO RGB Scope
We chose the UTG Bug Buster due to it’s small size and high quality for the price. This scope is Nitrogen filled and boasts that it is shockproof, fogproof and rain proof.
If you hop over to Amazon to read the reviews don’t get distracted by concerns over the reticle. During 2012 and 2013 there was a defect that caused the reticle to unlevel. It appears this issue was resolved as there have been no recent complaints.
In the event that you do have a problem with this scope, have no fear. Amazon’s customer service will be sure to take care of you.
Overall the turrets are of very high quality and provide accurate settings every time.
Click here to learn moreVortex Optics DBK-10019 Diamondback HP 4-16×42 Riflescope
If glass clarity is important to you, then you don’t want to miss the Vortex Optics Diamondback. It offers magnification up to 16x and an extra large 42mm objective lens.
This is the only scope we found to get a unanimous 5-star reviews on Amazon. Unlike other popular scopes that get a wide range of negative reviews, the Diamondback delivers exactly what it promises.
In fact, for the price it has superior clarity compared to other scopes such as the Nikon Prostaff or Zeiss Terra.
Click here to learn moreLeupold VX-I Rifle Scope 3-9×50
This review can be summed up in one word: Leupold. However, my editor would probably be angry, so I’ll elaborate. Leupold and Stevens Inc. was founded in 1907 and is a family owned and operated company. Every year they manufacture high quality rifle scopes that outperform the competition.
If you think for even a second that all scopes are identical, let me stop you right there.
One reviewer on Amazon sums up the Leupold quality perfectly. He says, “This was my first quality scope I have ever purchased for one of my hunting rifles. Typically I would use a $50 or less Tasco or Bushnell on my guns. The difference in lens quality and clarity was amazing in comparison to my other scopes, which I now consider junk.”
According to this reviewer, anything other than Leupold is junk.
Click here to learn moreConclusion
As we covered, a rifle scope will not only help magnify your targets but it can also improve your accuracy. One benefit most hunters forget to take into account is that a high-quality scope can help you hunt longer into the evening.
In this article we showed you how to compare the magnification of scopes as well as their field of view. If you are still unsure of which power scope to choose, then give one of your hunting buddies a call. Ask them about the magnification and the field of view. What do they like or dislike about their model?
This is an important step because the amount of magnification you need will depend on the type of hunting you do. In addition, the terrain where you hunt will dictate whether you need a larger field of view or even a fixed power scope.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave message on our Facebook page at facebook.com/hcdmag
I’m sure many of you have your own opinions about rifle scopes that may differ from our research above. We want to hear from you. Share this post on Facebook with your comments to get the discussion started.
| Editor’s Choice | Best-Seller | Best Quality |
| Leupold VX-I Rifle Scope | Nikon P-223 Mate BDC 600 | Vortex Optics DBK-10019 Diamondback HP |
| 3-9×50 | 3-9×40 | 4-16×42 |
| See Price | See Price | See Price |