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10 Best Sniper Scopes 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Vortex Optics Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC Reticle Riflescope, 3-9x40, Black (CF2-31007)

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,349
Magnification
Reticle
Eye Relief

Most important from
12891 reviews

Magnification
The scope is ideal for hunting and target shooting up to 500 yards, offering reliable performance and excellent magnification for its price range.
Reticle
The scope offers exceptionally clear glass and a crisp reticle, making it a top choice among budget scopes under $300.
Eye Relief
With a great eye relief of about 4 inches, the scope provides a clear and full image without the 'soda straw' effect, even at high magnifications.
Turrets
Despite the turrets not having an audible click, they are still easy to adjust and reliable for most practical uses.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC Reticle Riflescope is a popular choice for rifle enthusiasts, offering a versatile magnification range of 3-9x and a 40mm objective lens diameter. This scope is well-suited for hunting at various distances, thanks to its Dead-Hold BDC reticle, which helps with estimating holdover. One of its standout features is the long eye relief of 3.8 inches and an ultra-forgiving eye box, ensuring a quick and clear sight picture. The fast-focus eyepiece further enhances the ease of reticle focusing.

Users will appreciate the bright and clear views provided by the anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses. The riflescope is built to last, with a single-piece tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum, offering strength and shockproof performance. Additionally, it's waterproof and fogproof, thanks to the O-ring seals and nitrogen purging. While the Crossfire II does not have night vision capabilities, it is a solid option for daytime use. Weighing 16 ounces, it is relatively lightweight and easy to handle.

Vortex backs this product with an unlimited, unconditional, lifetime VIP warranty, which is a significant advantage for potential buyers. However, this warranty doesn't cover loss, theft, or cosmetic damage that doesn't affect performance. This product is ideal for hunters and outdoor sports enthusiasts looking for a reliable and durable riflescope with good optical performance and ease of use.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,349
Magnification
Reticle
Eye Relief

Most important from
12891 reviews

Magnification
The scope is ideal for hunting and target shooting up to 500 yards, offering reliable performance and excellent magnification for its price range.
Reticle
The scope offers exceptionally clear glass and a crisp reticle, making it a top choice among budget scopes under $300.
Eye Relief
With a great eye relief of about 4 inches, the scope provides a clear and full image without the 'soda straw' effect, even at high magnifications.
Turrets
Despite the turrets not having an audible click, they are still easy to adjust and reliable for most practical uses.
#2

Nightforce ATACR 5-25x56mm First Focal Plane (F1/FFP) 34mm Tube Durable Precise Waterproof Fogproof Hunting Gun Scope, Illuminated TReMoR3 Reticle

Rating
9.6
Reticle
Eye Relief

Most important from
30 reviews

Reticle
Illuminated reticle enhances target acquisition in low light conditions, making it easier to shoot accurately at dawn or dusk.
Eye Relief
Eye relief and rugged construction ensure comfortable use and resilience against recoil during extended sessions.

The Nightforce ATACR 5-25x56mm F1 is a high-quality sniper scope designed for serious hunters and tactical shooters who need precision and durability. Its wide magnification range (5-25x) allows for flexible use, from medium to long distances. The large 56mm objective lens and advanced ED glass provide bright, clear images even in low light, which is essential for spotting targets early or in dim conditions. Featuring a first focal plane reticle, the scope keeps holdover points accurate at any zoom level, helping with precise shot placement without needing mental adjustments. The illuminated TReMoR3 reticle assists with fast target acquisition and wind calls, making it easier to shoot accurately in varying conditions. Eye relief at about 3.5 inches is adequate, providing comfortable viewing distance while protecting your eye from recoil. The rugged aluminum body and waterproof, fogproof design ensure this scope can handle tough environments reliably. Its turrets offer precise adjustments with fine click values, allowing for careful tuning of elevation and windage.

The scope’s weight at over 2 pounds might feel heavy for some users during long carries. Also, while the scope is mounted with a Weaver system compatible with many firearms, it might require adapters for certain rifles. The field of view narrows significantly at high magnification, which is typical but worth noting if you prefer wider viewing at long range. This scope is best suited for experienced shooters and hunters who value optical clarity, durability, and advanced reticle functionality for precise long-range shooting.

Rating
9.6
Reticle
Eye Relief

Most important from
30 reviews

Reticle
Illuminated reticle enhances target acquisition in low light conditions, making it easier to shoot accurately at dawn or dusk.
Eye Relief
Eye relief and rugged construction ensure comfortable use and resilience against recoil during extended sessions.
#3

ATN Thor 5 Smart HD Thermal Scope w/Ultra Sensitive Gen 5 Sensor, Video Rec, Ballistic Calculator, RAV

The ATN Thor 5 Smart HD Thermal Scope is designed for hunters who want advanced technology to improve spotting and shooting accuracy, especially in low-light or nighttime conditions. Its magnification range of 3-12x offers flexibility for different distances, while the thermal sensor with a 320x240 resolution and 12-micron pixel size helps detect heat signatures clearly. The high-resolution OLED display enhances visibility with richer colors, which makes it easier to identify targets.

This scope includes a customizable reticle system, allowing you to create and share unique reticles, which is a fun and practical feature for tailoring your shooting experience. The built-in ballistic calculator helps you make more accurate shots by providing precise shooting data, reducing guesswork. It also features recoil-activated video recording (RAV) that automatically captures your shots in HD, so you can review your performance or share memorable moments. Additional perks include WiFi and smartphone app control, which modernize the scope’s usability and convenience.

The scope weighs about 1.93 pounds and is somewhat bulky, which might be heavy for some users during extended hunts. It does not have a built-in laser rangefinder (LRF), so you may need an external device for distance measurement. The ATN Thor 5 combines innovative features suitable for serious hunters seeking thermal imaging and smart capabilities, though it might be more than needed for casual users or those preferring simpler optics.

Buying Guide for the Best Sniper Scopes

Choosing the right sniper scope can significantly enhance your shooting accuracy and overall experience. It's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your specific needs. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced shooter, knowing what to look for in a sniper scope will help you make an informed decision. Here are the key specs to consider when selecting a sniper scope and how to navigate them.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is crucial because it determines how well you can see your target at various distances. Scopes with lower magnification (1-4x) are suitable for short-range shooting, offering a wider field of view and easier target acquisition. Medium magnification (5-12x) is ideal for mid-range shooting, providing a balance between field of view and target detail. High magnification (12x and above) is best for long-range shooting, allowing you to see distant targets clearly but with a narrower field of view. Choose the magnification based on the typical distances you plan to shoot.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting image brightness and clarity. Larger diameters (40-56mm) allow more light, making them better for low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. However, they can also make the scope heavier and bulkier. Smaller diameters (20-40mm) are lighter and more compact but may not perform as well in low light. Consider where and when you'll be shooting to determine the right objective lens size for you.
ReticleThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle designs serve various purposes. Simple crosshairs are good for general shooting, while more complex designs like mil-dot or BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticles help with range estimation and bullet drop compensation. Illuminated reticles are useful in low-light conditions. Choose a reticle based on your shooting style and the level of precision you need.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment helps ensure that the reticle stays on target even if you move your eye slightly. This is important for long-range shooting where precision is critical. Scopes with adjustable parallax allow you to fine-tune the focus at different distances, reducing aiming errors. Fixed parallax scopes are simpler and sufficient for short to mid-range shooting. If you plan to shoot at varying distances, especially long-range, a scope with parallax adjustment is beneficial.
Field of ViewField of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the scope at a given distance, usually measured in feet at 100 yards. A wider FOV allows you to see more of the surroundings, making it easier to track moving targets and acquire new ones. Lower magnification scopes typically offer a wider FOV, while higher magnification scopes have a narrower FOV. Consider your need for situational awareness versus target detail when choosing the FOV.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope where you can see the full image. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with high-recoil rifles. Longer eye relief (3-4 inches) is better for high-recoil firearms, preventing the scope from hitting your eye. Shorter eye relief (1-3 inches) can be acceptable for low-recoil rifles. Choose eye relief based on the type of rifle you use and your comfort level.
TurretsTurrets are the knobs on the scope used to adjust windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down). Precise and easy-to-use turrets are crucial for making accurate adjustments, especially at long ranges. Some scopes have exposed turrets for quick adjustments, while others have capped turrets to prevent accidental changes. Consider how often you'll need to make adjustments and whether you prefer quick access or protection from accidental movements.

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