It’s tough to find the right rifle scope for your purpose AND budget.
And it doesn’t help that most articles out there never even tried them in real life.
Well…we’re here to help with hands-on experience, real view-through pictures, and even some videos.
By the end you’ll know what kind of optic to get and which specific model suits your needs and wallet the best.
Starting from low power variable optics to prism, hunting, scout, long range, rimfire, and even magnifiers.
For the purposes of this article we’re going to define a “rifle scope” as an optic that’s magnified and meant to shoot a decent distance.
If you’re looking for 1x red dots or holographic sights that are more suited for closer shots…
And fast transitions…
Check these articles out instead:
Looking to scope your AR-15…we’ve got an entire ginormous article dedicated to that.
Otherwise keep going and we’ll get you completely set up with the right glass!
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Value LPVO
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Best Hunting Scope
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Budget Prism Optic Pick
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Higher End Prism Pick
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Best ACOG
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Best Scout Rifle
Why You Should Trust Us
We know there are plenty of opinions out there when it comes to reviews, so why trust Pew Pew Tactical?
We spent thousands of hours researching and analyzing rifle scopes to determine which is the best when it comes to clarity, performance, durability, ease of use, and value.
Input into this article came from our editorial team, who has a combined shooting experience of 30+ years and includes instructors in multiple disciplines.
Every rifle scope we recommend has been tested by someone here at Pew Pew Tactical and has gotten their stamp of approval.
Best Rifle Scopes
1. Primary Arms 1-6x ACSS: Best LPVO
Low Power Variable Scopes (LPVO) start at 1x to enable quick close-up shots and can go up to 4x, 6x, 8x, and now there’s even some 10x available.
My personal Goldilocks magnification zone is the 1-6x which I use for competition.
It enables CQB engagement and then I can quickly turn to 6x for up to 300/400 yards.
Anything higher like 8x or 10x gets a little more expensive and for my competitions…the magnification is actually a little too much and I have a harder time transitioning long-range targets.
And my favorite 1-6x LPVO is…
The Primary Arms 1-6x ACSS Gen III is affordable (~$290) for the glass quality, has a great reputation/warranty, and I love the reticle.
Check it out at 200 yards…
The reticle is well designed with the thick donut being really useful for close-up stuff and then nice elevation drops for farther distances.
It’s also illuminated and is fairly decent compared to other LPVOs but don’t go into it thinking it’s going to be a red dot.
Check out our full written review.
Using our link below also gets you a free deluxe mount (find it in the dropdown).
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Or if you want some cheaper or higher end LPVOs…check out our Best 1-6x Scopes article. But for best bang-for-the-buck…the Primary Arms takes it.
And now…there’s the Gen IV that brings a daylight bright reticle.
Check it out in action at 1x in our quick vid:
The glass is slightly more crisp as well…
All for a few bucks more which makes it worth it just for the daylight bright Nova ACSS reticle which excels at both holds and ranging.
Check it out in action zooming from 1-6x:
Plus it still comes with a free mount in the dropdowns.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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What’s your rating of the PA 1-6x series?
2. Leupold 3-9x VX Freedom: Best Hunting Scope
Hunting scopes are built simpler and tougher to sustain the inclement weather and bumps/scratches it might encounter in the field.
My favorite magnification range is from 3x to 9x since you’re never going to be super close or super far from your prey.
The Leupold 3-9x VX Freedom has clear glass at both 3x…
and 9x…
Plus it can hold up to heavy recoil like on my 30.06 rifle.
Eye relief is also great so you don’t need that perfect cheekweld when the time comes for that one shot.
Here’s where to pick it up…
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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And be sure to get some scope rings with it. I match mine with Leupold See-Through Scope Rings that still enable you to use irons on most hunting rifles.
3. Primary Arms SLx 3: Best Budget Prism Scope
Instead of two pieces of glass at the front and back of a metal tube like traditional scope…prism scopes use…a prism that gives it a fixed magnification.
There’s almost no moving parts so it’s more robust and smaller.
If you’re not really making tons of close-up shots (you still can with practice) and 3x magnification is enough…check out prism scopes.
My favorite budget prism is Primary Arms’ SLx 3 at around $290.
Clear glass, decent eye relief for a prism, and affordable price. Plus it has a nice ACSS-like reticle that’s slightly better for close-up shots.
See it in action here…
Check out our full review on other prisms and our YouTube video too.
Snag the SLx here:
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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4. Sig Sauer Bravo 5: Premium Prism Scope
Want a little more fixed magnification and better glass?
The Sig Sauer Bravo 5 might be it.
There’s not too many optics anymore that make us say whoa. But the Bravo 5 did it with its insanely large field of view.
See it in shooting action…
Only downsides is that it’s a hefty boi at 23 oz…but you can lose the three Picatinny rails on the top and sides.
Cost is surprisingly ok given its performance boost over the Primary Arms.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Again, check out our full review on other prisms and our YouTube video too.
5. Trijicon TA648 6x48mm: Best ACOG
The Trijicon series of ACOGs are the OGs of truly battle-proven prism scopes.
Literally bombproof…the military has used them for 20+ years and it would be easy to choose the most often used TA31 4x32mm…
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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So we got a few in hand…and shot the hell out of them.
Check out the full Best ACOGs article, but our favorite was the big boy TA648 6x48mm ACOG.
Really meant for full auto machine guns…it made our regular AR-15 have almost no reticle jump due to its chunkiness.
Check it out in action in our YouTube video:
And if you’ve got the bones..snag it here…
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Otherwise for smaller more civilian friendly ACOGs…check out our Best ACOGs article.
6. Leupold VX-Freedom Scout 1.5-4x: Best Scout Scope
What’s a scout scope?
It’s the brainchild of Colonel Jeff Cooper of 4 Rules of Firearm Safety fame.
He envisioned an optic that would be low-powered, robust, but not heavy or bulky. One perfect for long treks and run-and-gun situations.
After testing a trio of the most popular scout scopes out there…my favorite is the Leupold VX 1.5-4x Scout.
The magnification range is enough for a scoutr rifle and the Colonel’s original purpose.
It’s also super light at around 9 oz when other scout scopes tested were 13-14 oz.
And has a nice reticle for both closer and farther engagements.
I also had the best eye relief with the Leupold for 1.5x and it was a close call for 4x.
If I could only choose one scout scope…I’d go with the Leupold.
Get it here…
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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But also check out our complete Best Scout Optics article.
7. Vortex Strike Eagle 4-24×50: Best Budget Long Distance Scope
Want to reach out past 500 yards? You’ll want something with a little more oomph in the magnification arena.
I typically call “long distance scopes” something along the lines of 4-24x or 5-25x.
And my favorite budget scope (that is still great) is the Vortex Strike Eagle 4-24x.
Decent glass for the price of around $400. Plus you get Vortex’s awesome and fully-transferable lifetime warranty.
Very usable at 4x through 24x.
Note the Strike Eagle is second focal plane (SFP) so the reticle stays the same size as you zoom. The thickness is just right so it doesn’t such at either end of the spectrum.
SFP scopes are cheaper to manufacturer and the main downside is if you’re ranging you’ll have to calculate at one specific magnification (normally the max). For example one hashmark at 4x is definitely different from one hashmark at 24x.
Otherwise eye relief is fine at a standard 3.5 inches which is fine unless you’re shooting really hard recoiling rounds. And eye box is ok…but you’ll have to be a little more diligent in getting your eyes in the right place at max magnification.
The elevation knob was very hard to turn and the feel of them could be a little better. But keep in mind this is towards the budget end of scopes.
However the tracking test (where I move only the elevation/windage knobs to change targets) was great at 100 yards on my .308 DTA SRS bolt gun.
Overall the Strike Eagle is my favorite “budget” scope where you get decent glass and good performance. Some things could be better but it will get you some nice shots!
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Check out more of the Strike Eagle and others in our Best Long Distance Scopes article. But more if you scroll!
8. Vortex Viper PST II 5-25x: Upgrade Long Range Scope
What if I took all my complaints about the Strike Eagle and fixed them…and upgraded the glass?
Then I get the Viper PST II 5-25x which is my upgrade long range scope pick for around $1000.
It’s a first focal plane (FFP) scope so the reticle grows as you magnify. That means each hashmark at each magnification covers the same area.
The lines are slightly thin at 5x but still easy enough to make a crosshair hit.
And here’s 25x…
Eye relief is listed at 3.4 inches but feels better since the glass is better. And the eyebox is for sure more forgiving.
How about the knobs?
They are much more premium! Crisp clicks with the right amount of resistance.
Tracking was fine too…even with my oopsie by only going halfway sometimes.
The PST II 5-25x was also the scope I used at a PSA long range event.
Where I was able to hit 800+ yards on a 6.5 Creedmoor gas gun.
If you’re looking to start hitting 800+ as well…check out the PST II.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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9. Primary Arms PLx 6-30x: Bang-for-the-Buck Long Distance Scope
Want to go even more above 25x and start playing with Japanese glass?
Primary Arms has got you with their PLx 6-30x scope.
We’re going up in price and this bad boy is priced at around $1500. But it really is hitting in the $2500+ arena with its glass and controls.
The one I tested had a DEKA reticle which I didn’t really care as much as their Athena.
The DEKA was a little too thick at max magnification. But with the Athena it’s great.
Eye relief is 3.3 to 4 inches which is pretty normal and the eye box was pretty forgiving even at 30x magnification.
Very nice knob with quality subdued yet still audible clicks.
Plus great on the tracking test.
If you’re looking for a step up from Vortex that uses quality Japanese glass and is solidly batting at a higher pricepoint…check out the PA PLx series.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Now if you want to see more higher end stuff…check out our Best Long Distance Scope article.
But be warned it’s really a buy once cry once sort of thing!
10. Vortex VMX-3T: Best 3x Magnifier Under $200
Already got a red dot or holographic 1x sight lying around but want to shoot just a little bit farther?
You can always go for a magnifier that goes behind it.
And my favorite for under $200 is the Vortex VMX-3T.
Here it is in action behind an EOTech.
The glass is pretty clear and it had the best hinge mechanism out of all the ones we tested.
There’s now a shorter micro version but it’s currently $299. We’re working on a review of it soon.
See the other two cheaper contenders in Best 3x Magnifiers if you’d like…but we give the original version a solid recommendation.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Conclusion
That’s it!
All the types of distance-based scopes we could think of…let us know if there’s any other type you’d like us to feature.
And in the meantime check out all of the individual articles:
18 Leave a Reply
Why should we trust you? Excellent question… and you won’t like the answer.
The best scopes? Best for… what?
Not a single Zeiss, Swarovski, IOR, March, or a dozen different excellent scopes available.
Nothing for Elcan Specter.
Frankly, the writing is as flawed as the title.
Isn’t it time to update some of these reviews instead of the old copy and paste
Hey Joseph, we're in the process of going back through our older articles and updating them but with almost 2,000 articles...it takes some time. We'll make sure this one gets on the list soon, though. Thanks for reading!
If that’s the case, it just seems dishonest to beat an old drum and claim it’s the best… or imply that it’s new.
Frankly, the technology of scope manufacture is changing so rapidly — better and worse — and what used to be the best is now a dog that just isn’t going to hunt. The fact that there are several hundreds of scopes that, in each category, that do a better job, cost about the same (despite inflation), and are just as if not more durable, speaks volumes about a lazy editorial staff. There are European and Asian companies whose products trounce most of those listed here points to publishing laziness — or is it something else? Perhaps you get a kickback…?
There's no kickbacks here. We like to take our time testing products. Admittedly, that means our lists take time to update because we actually take products out and rigorously test them over an extended period of time. That slows us down a bit but we feel our readers deserve that level of testing. We are in the process of working on new models for this article, but again, we're in the middle of taking these out to the range and putting them through the paces so please bear with us as we test and update these older articles. Thanks!
I appreciate the challenges, but you do yourself a significant disservice by publishing old articles with perhaps a fresh coat of whitewash: you destroy your credibility, and people quickly catch on to what you’re doing — inevitably training them to ignore your “Best of…” articles.
Ignoring what IS the current “best” causes many difficulties for your company, not the least of which is the loss of veracity — and damage to your reputation in the community. I separately asked three different industry experts about the “Pew Pew Tactical” blog and got more-or-less a common response: “A waste of time…” “Don’t bother.” “Nothing of value there…” “Why bother…?” Bad news travels at the speed of heat: old news is still-borne.
Simply re-writing or polishing an old article neglects the relentless progress of technology, even if you’re updating prices.
Your effort has so much potential that it’s difficult to see the opportunity squandered. Best of luck to you and your panel of experts.
This article hasn't even be updated in the past year; but again it's in our queue of things to work on. If you don't find our content valuable or you don't feel like waiting for us to do our due diligence in testing, then you and your friends are free to peruse other sites. Thanks for the feedback, though!
I haven’t seen a Bushnell FORGE hunting rifle scope in this thread any where r they not worth mentioning
I feel there is a point in the price structure of many products, scopes included, where you stop getting a return on money spent. I look for this “sweet spot” because I don’t have money to throw away. As an avid hunter and target shooter, I’ve gone out of my way to do this with rifle scopes.
I’ve bought and sent down the road approximately 30 scopes in the last eight years or so. The ones which have stayed are all Bushnell. I’ve personally tested all of their products at my expense.
I, in particular, like the Bushnell Forge 3-18-50 ffp. It has great clarity throughout the magnification range. In addition, it’s built like a tank.
My first choices in Bushnell are the Elite Tactical DMR II Pro and XRS II. These are Bushnell’s flagship scopes. I own both. These scopes for their price point feel really good to me.
Since you like the ACSS reticle on the Primary Arms 1-6x ACSS scope, you might want to look at the Primary Arms SLx 4-14x44mm FFP Rifle Scope - Illuminated ACSS-HUD-DMR-308/223, that uses the same reticle and is a FFP scope with great reviews for around $250. Well worth the look.
Guys what about nikon black series first focal plane 6-24x50? I recently got it and mounted it but did not get a chance to use it yet. What are your opinion on those?
Nikon make good scopes, but they have announced that they will no longer make rifle scopes due to their wanting to avoid identification with violence. So, this might affect a choice to purchase Nikon scopes.
I'm really eager for that new Eotech 5 power flip up cause 3 power is just not worth it IMHO. 4 power is where it really matters for a flip up. I'd go 1-3 fixed magnification for near to mid range engagement. If your favoring 75-150 yard engagements, you'll really want a 4-6 power depending on your eyes.
I have to be honest, so many optics setups make little to no sense in my experience unless your compensating for really bad vision, if you have moderately functional eyes I feel like 2/3 of optics seem to be optimized for usage models that simply don't exist. 3 power flip ups are probably the biggest gimmick on the market IMHO.
Not a single Athlon scope in here? I call shenanigans.
We have a number of Athlon scopes we're currently testing, stay tuned :D
Athlon Midas Tac. FFP 6-24 with crystal clear HD Japanese glass, audible turrets, Christmas tree reticle & fantastic tracking for $650. Absolutely the best value on the market.
I got an Ares BTR 4.5-27x for an astounding $430 on Amazon a while back. Ever since, I've been an Athlon believer.
Have you evaluated the new Burris Eliminator 4 with built-in Laser Rangefinder? Thx.