Riflescopes
Rifle scopes are sorted here by brand on the grid, but the faster way to choose is by magnification. A 3-9x40 still covers most whitetail hunting. A 1-6x or 1-8x low-power variable suits fast, close shots. Ranges like 4-16x, 6-24x and 5-25x are for open country and steel. Leupold, Athlon, Burris and Sig make up most of the shelf, with GPO, EOTech, Arken and others filling in.
Keep going
hunting optics · scope mounts and rings · 30mm scope rings · 1 inch scope rings · rifle bipods · hunting rangefinders · red dot sights · thermal scopes
Choosing rifle scopes by magnification
A scope name like 4-16x44 reads as minimum power, maximum power and objective lens diameter in millimeters. Most hunters spend most of their time at the low end of the dial, so pick a range whose bottom number suits your closest likely shot and whose top suits your farthest.
| Range | Where it fits | Examples on this shelf |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4x to 1-10x | Hogs, thick timber, AR-platform rifles, quick follow-ups | EOTech Vudu 1-6x and 1-10x, Athlon Cronus BTR 1-6x24, TruGlo Omnia 1-4x24, Sightmark Presidio 1-6x24 |
| 2-7x to 3-9x | Whitetails in the woods and field edges | Burris Droptine 3-9x40, Bushnell R3 and R5 3-9x40, Konus Wild 3-9x40, Riton 3 Primal 3-9x40 |
| 3-12x to 4-16x | Bean fields, pipelines, mixed open country | GPO Passion HDi 3-12x50, Leupold VX-4HD 4-16x50, Arken EPL4 4-16x44 |
| 5-25x and up | Long-range steel, varmints, western ridges | Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56, Sig Tango MSR 5-30x56, EOTech Vudu 8-32x50 |
Hunting scopes: first or second focal plane
Some names here carry FFP or SFP. In a first focal plane scope, the reticle grows and shrinks with magnification, so holdover marks stay accurate at any power. In a second focal plane scope, the reticle stays the same size and the holdover marks are only true at one power (usually the top). SFP is simpler and common on hunting scopes; FFP pays off for shooters who dial or hold at varying distances.
The reticle itself matters too. BDC reticles give you hash marks for set yardages. MOA and MIL reticles pair with turrets marked in the same unit, so pick one system and stay with it across your rangefinder data and dope card. Ranging the animal first, with a rangefinder, is what makes any holdover reticle worth having.
Tube size and the rings you need
Scope tubes come in set diameters, and rings have to match exactly. Several names here list 30mm or 34mm tubes; Athlon lists some 1 inch models, and Leupold lists a 35mm Mark 5HD. Match your scope to 1 inch scope rings, 30mm rings or 34mm rings, then match the base to your rifle. We carry mounts sorted by action, including Remington 700 scope mounts, Savage scope mounts, Tikka scope mounts and lever action scope mounts. AR shooters running an LPVO usually want a cantilever scope mount for eye relief.
Rimfire, airgun, crossbow and shotgun scopes
Not every scope here sits on a centerfire rifle. Simmons Pro Rimfire, the BSA Sweet-22 and an Athlon Neos with a .22 rimfire BDC are built for small-game rifles; set them on rimfire and dovetail rings or Ruger 10/22 scope mounts. Simmons Pro Target Air models are listed for airguns. Athlon lists a Talos 1.5-5x32 for crossbows, TruGlo lists a 4x32 shotgun scope, and Burris lists a 2-7x32 handgun scope. Shotgun owners will need shotgun scope mounts.
Finishing the rifle
A good scope on a shaky rest still misses. A rifle bipod turns a field position into something close to a bench. Athlon sunshades in optics accessories cut glare when the sun sits in front of you. And a scope that has been zeroed deserves a ride in a padded gun case. For hunting after dark, compare against our thermal scopes.
Rifle Scope FAQs
What magnification rifle scope is best for deer hunting?
A 3-9x40 handles most whitetail hunting east of the plains. If your shots can stretch past a few hundred yards, a 4-16x or similar gives more room at the top.
What is an LPVO?
A low power variable optic, usually starting at 1x and running to 6x, 8x or 10x. At 1x it handles like a red dot; turned up it works as a scope. The EOTech Vudu 1-6x, 1-8x and 1-10x are examples here.
Do I need 30mm or 1 inch rings?
Whichever your scope's tube diameter is. Check the product page or the scope's name, then buy rings in exactly that size.
Should I get a first focal plane or second focal plane scope?
For most hunters shooting under a few hundred yards, SFP is simpler and works fine. FFP suits shooters who hold over at varying magnifications or shoot long range often.