Best Rifle Scopes For 2015

Thanks for checking out our Best Rifle Scopes of 2015 rundown.  Whether you are a hunter or a sport shooter, you know that your choice of a scope is one of the top factors in determining how accurately you’ll be able to shoot. A scope allows you to zoom in on your target and be able to lock in exactly where you want your shot to land.

All the top manufacturers have many good scopes on the market so the process of choosing the best is a difficult proposition.  Ultimately it comes down to your budget and personal preference. Our  guide should help you in determining what the best scope is to suit your (and your rifle’s) needs.

Types of Rifle Scopes

There are many different types of scopes, but they can for all piratical purposes be placed into three categories. It is important to understand the different types of scopes and the pros and cons to each one before purchasing one.  Listed below are the three general categories of scopes on the market today.

1. Variable Scopes – By far the most common, variable scopes are useful if magnification of the target is needed for a clean shot. With these types of scopes, the shooter can adjust the magnification of the target that they are looking at. These types of scopes come in a variety of magnification variables, and depending on what you are hunting, this could be extremely important. Sniper rifles often use variable scopes, because sniper rifles are used at a much farther distance than a normal hunting rifle.

2. Fixed Scopes – These scopes can be a little less complicated than variable scopes, but they are also only better if people know exactly the specs they need when shooting their gun. You cannot adjust the magnification on fixed scopes like you can on variables. Therefore, these scopes are only recommended in certain occasions and for certain types of firearms.

3. Night Vision Scopes – These are specialty scopes. They can be combined as a variable scope or a fixed scope. What makes these scopes different is the fact that they are used for hunting at night or at times of day when there is a small amount of light to naturally see the target. Before choosing a night vision scope, you should make sure that it is worth it, because they will not be viable if you plan on hunting or shooting in the dark.

Best Rifle Scope Under $100

There are a lot of different rifle scopes that you can get for under $100. Just like any optical device, at this price point there is a mix of quality and less than optimal products.  One product stands out. Our pick for the under $100 price point is the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope, 4-12×40.  It has a large list quality features, and it is made by Bushnell, one of the best rifle scope brands on the market.

Features:

• Low-light riflescope with 4-12x magnification and 40mm objective lens
• Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multicoated lenses for clarity and brightness
• Multi-X reticle; 1/4 MOA fingertip windage and elevation adjustments
• 100-percent waterproof/fogproof construction; 3.3 inches of eye relief
• Fast-focus eyepiece; measures 12 inches long

Best Rifle Scope Under $300

The Leupold 110798 VX-2 Riflescope, Wide Duplex Reticle, 8.80X Magnification, 3-9×40-Millimeter, Matte Black Finish delivers the performance and features that serious hunters demand. It has tactical power indicators, finger-adjustable click windage and elevation dials, and its brightness, clarity and contrast are good for low-light conditions.

Features:

• Tactile power indicator allows you to determine scope’s magnification without removing your eye from the eyepiece
• Upgraded Multicoat 4 lens system for excellent 94% light transmission in all light conditions
• Reticle has a larger center gate for lightening-fast target acquisition, even on a moving target
• 2nd Generation Argon/Krypton Waterproofing
• Index Matched Lens System eliminates reflections and maximizes light transmission

Best Rifle Scope Under $500

Nikon makes our list in the under $500 category – the Nikon MONARCH 3 BDC Riflescope, Black, 4-16×50.  This variable scope is by far one of the top rifle scopes on the marketplace today price ranged under $500.  Nikon does not disappoint with this scope as it has many of the features that Nikon is known for using on their high end scopes.

Features:

• Featuring MONARCH 3 Eye Box Technology with 4-time zoom range and up to four Inch of eye relief
• Adjustments are made easy with Spring-Loaded Instant Zero-Reset Turrets
• A quick focus eyepiece allows the shooter to instantly bring the reticle into focus
• Ultra ClearCoat Optical System for up to 95% light transmission
• Optimized for use with Nikon’s Spot On Ballistic Match Technology

Best Rifle Scope $500 and above

Zeiss Optics are always at the top of the list when money is no object.  The Carl Zeiss Optical Conquest HD5 5-25×50 Rapid-Z 1000 Ballistic Reticle Rifle Scope with Lockable Target Turret does not disappoint. It is the ideal scope for long range shooting, offering precision aiming with accurate holdover and wind-corrected information.

Features:

• German made
• HD lens system and T coatings for enhanced image quality
• Rapid-Z 1000 ballistic reticle provides numbered holdover lines for long-range shooting out to 1000 yards
• Sleek, compact tube design compared to other 25x scopes
• New 5-Year No Fault Policy + Limited Lifetime Warranty