25 Best Rifle Scopes 2024 - For Any Budget

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In the ever-evolving world of precision shooting and hunting, 2024 brings an exciting array of rifle scopes, each tailored to meet the specific demands of today’s marksmen and hunters.

From the versatile low-power variable optics (LPVOs) ideal for dynamic AR platforms to the lightweight yet powerful scopes designed for the modern mountain hunter, this year’s lineup promises unmatched performance and innovation.

Our curated selection of the best rifle scopes for 2024 not only reflects the latest trends in optical technology but also caters to a wide range of shooting disciplines, ensuring that whether you’re engaged in close-quarters tactical scenarios or long-range precision hunting, you have the perfect tool to enhance your shooting experience.

How We Test Rifle Scopes and Pick the Best Ones

Our rigorous testing process for selecting the best rifle scopes of 2024 is grounded in a comprehensive evaluation of:

Accuracy
Clarity
Durability
Ease of use

We begin by subjecting each scope to a series of optical tests, assessing resolution and low-light performance under real-world conditions.

The scopes are then mounted on precision rifles and put through a battery of shooting tests to verify turret tracking accuracy and reticle precision.

Durability is tested through controlled environmental challenges, including water immersion and temperature fluctuations.

Finally, we assess the user interface of each scope, ensuring that adjustments and controls are intuitive and efficient.

This meticulous approach allows us to provide a well-rounded assessment, highlighting scopes that excel in their respective categories and offer the best value and performance to shooters and hunters.

Best Rifle Scopes 2024 – Review and Features

Vortex Strike Eagle 4-24×50

The Vortex Strike Eagle 4-24×50 stands out due to its versatile magnification range of 4-24x, which is ideal for both long-range shooting and close-up targets, offering flexibility across various scenarios. Its first focal plane reticle keeps the reticle size in proportion to the target at all magnifications, crucial for precise aiming. Moreover, the scope’s illuminated reticle and locking turrets with a zero stop feature ensure clear visibility and easy adjustments, enhancing accuracy and user experience.

Unique features of the Vortex Strike Eagle 4-24×50

First Focal Plane reticle for accurate scaling at different magnifications.
Illuminated reticle for better target acquisition in low light conditions.
Locking turrets with zero stop for secure and precise adjustments.
Rugged construction that is both fog-proof and waterproof, ensuring durability in tough conditions.
Good resolution and image quality, with minor chromatic aberration only at maximum magnification.

Leupold Rifleman 4-12×40

The Leupold Rifleman 4-12×40 rifle scope is exceptional because it provides crystal clear views across a range from 50 to 500 yards, crucial for both hunters and target shooters. Its versatile magnification range of 4-12x and its 40mm objective lens make it adaptable for various shooting distances, enhancing its usability in multiple scenarios. Moreover, its durability and weather-resistant features, like being nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed, ensure it performs excellently in any weather condition, making it a reliable tool for outdoor use.

Unique features of the Leupold Rifleman 4-12×40

Crystal clear optics, ideal for distances from 50 to 500 yards.
Versatile 4-12x magnification range and 40mm objective lens.
Nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed for waterproof and fog-proof reliability.
Lightweight and rugged construction, suitable for harsh outdoor use.
Comes with Leupold’s lifetime warranty, ensuring long-term durability and quality assurance.

Nikon P-308 Rifle Scope

The Nikon P-308 scope excels with its range estimating BDC reticle, tailored specifically for .308 rounds, making it an ideal match for shooters using this popular caliber. It boasts superior clarity and precision, ensuring accurate shot placement across various distances, a critical feature for both hunting and target shooting. Constructed with durable materials, the scope is robust and reliable, equipped to withstand challenging outdoor conditions, confirming its suitability for rugged use.

Unique features of the Nikon P-308 scope

Range estimating BDC reticle specifically designed for .308 rounds.
Exceptional optical clarity for accurate long-range targeting.
Durable construction, making it waterproof and fog-proof for all-weather use.
3-9x magnification range and a 40mm objective lens for versatile shooting.
Well-received by users, earning a high average rating for its consistent performance.

Bushnell 1-4×24

The Bushnell 1-4×24 stands out for its durable and compact design, featuring an aluminum alloy construction and anodized finish, making it both lightweight and tough enough for rugged outdoor use. Its fully multicoated lenses ensure that images are clear and bright, enhancing visibility for accurate shooting. The drop zone reticle is a key feature, allowing for easy and precise aiming at various distances, which is crucial for both hunting and shooting sports.

Unique features of the Bushnell 1-4×24 Rifle Scope

Durable aluminum alloy construction with an anodized finish for enhanced durability.
Fully multicoated lenses provide clear and bright imagery.
Drop zone reticle for precise distance aiming.
Compact size and lightweight body for easy handling and portability.
Well-sealed against water, fog, and dust for all-weather usability.

Vortex Viper 6.5-20×50 Rifle Scope

The Vortex Viper 6.5-20×50 rifle scope excels with its extra-low dispersion (XD) lens elements, which ensure sharp, crisp images essential for accurate shooting. Its XR Fully Multi-Coated optics maximize light transmission and reduce glare, vital for clear vision in various lighting conditions. The scope’s Second Focal Plane Reticle is key for maintaining consistent reticle size, crucial for precise holdovers and wind drift corrections, especially at higher magnification levels.

Unique features of the Vortex Viper 6.5-20×50

XD Lens Elements provide superior image clarity and color fidelity.
XR Fully Multi-Coated optics for enhanced light transmission and reduced glare.
Second Focal Plane Reticle keeps reticle size constant at different magnifications.
Wide magnification range (6.5-20x) for versatility in both short and long-range shooting.
Reliable construction, ensuring durability and consistent performance in various environments.

Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm

The Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Scope excels due to its Truplex reticle, which offers clear and precise aiming for a variety of shooting situations, enhancing accuracy. Its large 50mm objective lens ensures bright and clear views, crucial for both low-light conditions and detailed observation of distant targets. This scope is not only durable, waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, but it also maintains a lightweight design, making it a reliable and easy-to-handle choice for diverse outdoor conditions.

Unique features of the Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Scope

Truplex reticle for clear, precise aiming.
Large 50mm objective lens for excellent light gathering and clarity.
SureGrip knobs for easy and precise adjustments in any shooting condition.
Lightweight design, enhancing maneuverability and portability.
Durably built to be waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, suitable for various environments.

Bushnell Banner 3-9×40

The Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 has an excellent light transmission and clarity, especially in low-light conditions, thanks to its 40mm objective lens. It’s a versatile scope, with a 3-9x magnification range, perfect for various shooting activities from hunting to target practice. Furthermore, its robust, weather-resistant construction ensures it remains reliable in diverse outdoor environments, making it a practical choice for avid hunters and shooters.

Unique features of the Bushnell Banner 3-9×40

3-9x magnification range for flexibility in different shooting scenarios.
40mm objective lens offering clear and bright images, even in low light.
Durable build, waterproof and fogproof for all-weather usability.
Features multiple reticle options for precise aiming and bullet drop compensation.
Fast-focus eyepiece for quick and easy target acquisition.

Vortex Viper HST 4-16×44

The Vortex Viper HST 4-16×44 stands out for its impressive long-range capabilities, making it a favorite for hunters and sharpshooters who need precision at various distances. Its crystal-clear optics ensure that users get unparalleled viewing clarity, crucial for accurate target identification and shooting. Additionally, the scope’s durable and reliable construction makes it suitable for challenging environmental conditions, ensuring consistent performance no matter where you take it.

Unique features of the Vortex Viper HST 4-16×44

Versatile 4-16x magnification range, ideal for both close and long-range targeting.
44mm objective lens for excellent light transmission and clarity.
Robust construction, making it durable for rugged outdoor use.
Advanced optical features for clear and bright images in various light conditions.
User-friendly design with easy-to-adjust settings for quick and precise shooting adjustments.

Bushnell Nitro Range

The Bushnell Nitro Range rifle scope is excellent because it offers exceptional clarity and optical precision, catering to different types of shooters, from hunters to long-distance enthusiasts. Its versatility is highlighted by the range of magnifications, focal planes, and turret capabilities, allowing for adaptability in various shooting scenarios. Additionally, the 30mm main tube across all models provides durability and a robust build, essential for enduring outdoor conditions and rigorous use.

Unique features of the Bushnell Nitro Range

Range of magnifications and focal planes for versatility in shooting.
30mm main tube for enhanced durability and robustness.
Dialable turrets in every model for precise shooting adjustments.
Excellent lens quality for clear and bright images across all magnification ranges.
Lifetime warranty, ensuring long-term reliability and customer satisfaction.

Vortex Viper HS 4-16×50

The Vortex Viper HS 4-16×50 excels with its XD™ Lens Elements, providing exceptional resolution and color fidelity for clear, sharp images. Its XR™ Fully Multi-Coated optics enhance light transmission, ensuring bright and vivid visuals even in lower light conditions. The scope’s robust construction, including a 30mm tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum, offers strength and rigidity, making it durable for outdoor use.

Unique features of the Vortex Viper HS 4-16×50

XD Lens Elements for increased resolution and color accuracy.
XR Fully Multi-Coated optics for maximum light transmission.
Second focal plane reticle, maintaining consistent sizing for accuracy.
30mm tube size for optimal light gathering.
Made from aircraft-grade aluminum for durability and strength.

Sightron SIII 6-24×50

The Sightron SIII 6-24×50 is known for its exceptional optics, featuring fully multi-coated lenses that provide unparalleled clarity and brightness, crucial for precise long-range shooting. Its variable magnification range of 6-24x, combined with a 50mm objective lens, makes it versatile for various shooting scenarios, from hunting to competitive target shooting. Furthermore, the scope’s target turrets and side focus parallax adjustment enhance accuracy, allowing shooters to make precise adjustments quickly and efficiently.

Unique features of the Sightron SIII 6-24×50

Fully multi-coated lenses ensure superior light transmission and minimal glare.
Variable 6-24x magnification and a 50mm objective lens for versatile use.
Target turrets for easy and precise windage and elevation adjustments.
Side focus parallax adjustment for accurate shot placement at different distances.
Durable construction, making it reliable in various outdoor conditions.

Athlon Argos BTR 6-24×50

The Athlon Argos BTR 6-24×50 stands out for its wide magnification range from 6x to 24x, offering great versatility for both close-range and long-distance shooting. It boasts high-quality optics that provide crystal-clear images, essential for accurate targeting, especially at long distances. Additionally, its rugged and durable construction ensures it can withstand various shooting conditions, making it a reliable choice for shooters of all levels.

Unique features of the Athlon Argos BTR 6-24×50

Wide 6x to 24x magnification range for versatility in different shooting scenarios.
Crystal-clear optics for precise and accurate targeting.
Durable construction, capable of withstanding harsh conditions.
High-quality build materials for long-lasting performance.
Advanced features like a reticle for bullet drop compensation, enhancing its utility for long-range shooting.

Leupold VX-R Rifle Scope

The Leupold VX-R rifle scope is known for its exceptional optical clarity, offering sharp and clear images, which is essential for precise aiming, especially in low-light conditions. Its illuminated reticle with motion sensor technology enhances visibility, ensuring quick and accurate target acquisition in various lighting scenarios. The scope’s durable construction makes it waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, providing reliable performance in any weather and rugged outdoor conditions.

Unique features of the Leupold VX-R

High-quality glass and lens system for superior optical clarity.
Illuminated reticle with motion sensor for enhanced visibility and battery efficiency.
Rugged and durable construction, ensuring waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof capabilities.
Wide range of magnification options to suit different shooting requirements.
Designed to provide a comfortable eye relief for safe and easy viewing.

Weaver Kaspa 3-9×40

The Weaver Kaspa 3-9×40 scope stands out due to its adjustable magnification range, allowing shooters to easily switch from close to mid-range targets, enhancing its versatility for various shooting scenarios. Its 40mm objective lens provides bright and clear imagery, crucial for effective targeting in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. Additionally, the scope’s waterproof design ensures reliable performance in diverse weather conditions, making it a sturdy choice for outdoor shooting activities.

Unique features of the Weaver Kaspa 3-9×40

Variable 3-9x magnification range for flexibility in targeting.
40mm objective lens offering clear and bright images.
Waterproof construction, ideal for use in different environmental conditions.
Equipped with a Ballistic-X reticle for precise aiming and bullet drop compensation.
User-friendly finger-adjustable windage and elevation turrets for easy customization.

Vortex Viper PST 1-4×24

The Vortex Viper PST 1-4×24 is a top-notch scope because it offers sharp and clear images, which means you’ll be able to spot your target easily, even if it’s pretty far away. It’s got an illuminated reticle that helps you see better in low light, so you can still take that shot during dawn or dusk when a lot of animals are out and about. Plus, the reticle stays the same size no matter how much you zoom in or out, making it super easy to use and helping you shoot accurately at different distances.

Unique features of the Vortex Viper PST 1-4×24

Tactical Milling Close Quarter (TMCQ) reticle that remains constant in size.
Illumination with various brightness settings for clarity in different lighting conditions.
Generous 4-inch eye relief for comfortable viewing and safety from recoil.
Customizable Rotational Stop (CRS) feature to quickly return to zero after temporary adjustments.
Durable construction with a hard-anodized finish.

Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout

The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout Scope is super cool because it gives you a clear picture of what you’re aiming at, whether it’s close up or way out there. It’s built tough, so even if you’re out in the woods and it gets knocked around a bit, it’ll still work like a champ. Plus, it’s got this awesome eye relief space that keeps you from getting smacked by the scope when your gun kicks back.

Unique features of the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout

It’s got a V-Plex reticle which is super versatile for all kinds of hunting.
The scope’s long eye relief is perfect for quick target sighting, making it safe and easy to use.
Fully multi-coated lenses mean you get bright and clear views, even when the lighting isn’t great.
It’s designed to be durable with a solid one-piece tube that can handle the outdoors.
The fast-focus eyepiece lets you quickly get your target in focus so you won’t miss your shot.

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×50

The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×50 scope is awesome because you can see super clear through it, even when the sun’s just coming up or going down, which is prime time for spotting animals. It’s got a big lens that lets in loads of light, so everything looks bright and sharp. And, it’s tough as nails, meaning it can take a beating and still help you hit your target dead-on.

Unique features of the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×50

Twilight Light Management System for top-notch visibility in low-light conditions.
Generous eye relief keeps you comfortable and safe from kickback.
Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof construction makes it ready for any adventure.
The 3-9x magnification range is versatile for both close and long-range shooting.
It comes with a lifetime warranty, so you’re covered if anything goes sideways.