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The Best Hunting Scope

Last updated on March 1, 2021

We looked at the top 10 Hunting Scopes and dug through the reviews from 75 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Hunting Scopes.

Best Hunting Scope

Our Review Process

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Each year approximately 15 million Americans participate in the sport of hunting. If you find yourself among them, you’ll need to make sure you have the proper gear. The second most important piece of equipment besides your hunting rifle is a scope. This tool allows you to narrow in on your target for more accurate results.

Before comparing hunting scope features, you need to ensure that the scope is compatible with your specific rifle. Once you confirm that it is, you can move on to the scope’s construction materials. You want a model that’s designed to last. One made of a high-strength aircraft aluminum is a good choice. Others have sealants that make them shockproof, fog-proof and rainproof.

Review the lens next. A multi-colored lens is best, as it eliminates glare and provides a higher light transmission than a simple blue light. Some models are equipped with as many as five illumination modes, so that’s another element you may wish to look for.

Check for easy-to-use wind and elevation adjustments. These are essential when it comes to helping your bullet reach the target. You’ll also want an eyepiece with quick and easy reticle focusing, so that you never miss a shot.

Don’t forget to take a look at the adjustable objective. Some models offer a range of 15 yards to infinity, while others have a starting range of just 3 yards. Long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box are also essential, as you don’t want to put your eyes in unnecessary danger.

Our Picks For The Top Hunting Scopes

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Best All-Purpose

CVLIFE Illuminated Scope

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CVLIFE

Illuminated Scope

Prepare to be impressed by this amazing hunting scope. It features both wind and elevation adjustments and offers five brightness levels. Of course, the high-strength aircraft-aluminum construction is also a plus, as it's extremely durable.

Overall Take

Built-In Red LaserThanks to the multi-colored green lens on this hunting scope, you'll enjoy almost 100% light transmittance.

Pros
" Тhе rіflе ѕсоре hаѕ 2.5-10Х mаgnіfісаtіоn wіth а 40mm оbјесtіvе lеnѕ. То еnhаnсе іmаgе quаlіtу, іt hаѕ multі-соаtеd орtісѕ wіth а Кеllnеr еуеріесе fоr соrrесt dіорtrіс аdјuѕtmеntѕ. Тhе ехtеrnаl lеnѕ аlѕо hаѕ а ѕсrаtсh-rеѕіѕtаnt соаtіng tо рrоtесt іt frоm dіrt,..."
Cons
"Won't Hold a sight"
 Runner Up

Vortex Optics Crossfire II Riflescopes

Vortex Optics

Crossfire II Riflescopes

Thanks to the anti-reflective lens on this hunting scope, you'll get a bright clear view every time. The eyebox is designed to be easy on your eyes, even if you're using it for extended periods of time. Another plus is the eyepiece's ability to quickly focus, so you never miss out on a shot.

Overall Take

Waterproof DesignStrength and shockproof performance are what you'll get with this hunting scope made from aircraft-grade aluminum.

Pros
" Fеаturеѕ lіkе іtѕ fullу multі-соаtеd орtісѕ thаt hаvе multірlе lауеrѕ оf аntі-rеflесtіvе соаtіngѕ tо kеер glаrе tо а mіnіmum аnd орtіmаl lіght trаnѕmіѕѕіоn оn thе gо. Yоu аlѕо hаvе thе ѕіnglе-ріесе tubе bоdу fоr ultіmаtе ѕtrеngth аnd ѕсоре іntеgrіtу tо..."
Cons
"Size on some models is quite large and may make the unit feel bulky"
 We Also Like

UTG BugBuster Scope

UTG

BugBuster Scope

Aiming and shooting with accuracy is no problem once you install this hunting scope. That's all thanks to the range-estimating mil-dot reticle. The objective is also adjustable, so you'll be able to narrow the focus on your target, no matter how far away the target sits.

Overall Take

Adjustable ObjectiveSince this hunting scope weighs less than a pound, it won't add to the overall weight of your rifle.

Pros
" Easy to change settings in the field w/click dials. Waterproof, fog-proof, and rugged. Parallax-free viewing as close as 3 yards. Durable scope that will work well in the field over many hunting trips."
Cons
"Uѕеrѕ ѕау thаt thеу’vе оnlу bееn аblе tо gеt аbоut а уеаr оr twо mахіmum оf uѕе frоm thе rіflе ѕсоре. Whіlе thіѕ іѕ а nеgаtіvе, ѕіnсе уоu dоn’t рlаn оn rерlасіng ѕсореѕ thіѕ оftеn, іt’ѕ а rіflе ѕсоре thаt..."
 Strong Contender

CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Hunting Scope

CVLIFE

Hunting Rifle Scope

The bonded coatings on this hunting scope are fade-resistant and won't wear down over time. In addition to being durable, this model features multi-colored lenses that allow 95% light transmission. Your view will remain bright and colorful. As an added bonus, this scope comes with its own cleaning cloth.

Overall Take

Fast to FocusWith this hunting scope, you'll get 6x to 24x magnification.

Pros
" The Magnification range on this one is 6-24X and it comes with red or green illuminated reticle which helps out sighting in low light or realy any range."
Cons
"Will need adjustments after recoil"
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
17

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the hunting scopes available to purchase.
10

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

View All Product Rankings

75

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: SOutdoors, Top Guide Pro, The Gun Zone, Minute Man Review, The Truth About Guns.

32,108

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 10 Hunting Scopes and also dug through the reviews from 75 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Hunting Scopes.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in their category.

The Best Bang For Your Buck

CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Hunting Scope

Our Expert Score

8.8
9 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

8.2
1,877 user reviews

Our Take

The bonded coatings on this hunting scope are fade-resistant and won't wear down over time. In addition to being durable, this model features multi-colored lenses that allow 95% light transmission. Your view will remain bright and colorful. As an added bonus, this scope comes with its own cleaning cloth.

What other experts liked

The Magnification range on this one is 6-24X and it comes with red or green illuminated reticle which helps out sighting in low light or realy any range.
- The Gear Hunt
The 50mm objective lens is part of the Kellner eyepiece, which has incredible focus ability that can adjust for even near sighted or far sighted shooters to use without wearing glasses. The magnification range is 6x to 24x. The multicoated lens allows for 90% light transmission, and there are both...
- Sniper Country
This particular one is for someone looking for a relatively affordable scope with all the basic features and also performs well. It offers 6-24x magnification, a 50mm objective diameter and a field of view of 28 feet when at 100 yards away. Also, this red and green illuminated scope comes...
- Top Guide Pro
May 15, 2018 | Full review
The scope is easy to adjust and once you have sighted it, you’ll be able to consistently hit the target. The build is sturdy and the scope won’t let you down. The turrets are easy to adjust and capped.
- Rifle Scopes Center
The CVLIFE Optics Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24×50 is a very good rifle scope. It mounts very easily, sight is very clear and it provides a bright field view such that you can lock the turrets to prevent loss of zero-ability. It’s certainly built with the avid hunter in mind. It...
- The Hunting Terrain
May 27, 2016 | Full review
This scope has some solid features but it doesn’t outperform other high-end scopes at high magnification. This is a common caveat with budget scopes when compared to high-end brands. Don’t let this turn you off from the amount of money you’re going to save while still getting a great scope.
- Gun Goals
CVLIFE delivers sharp, bright images regardless of the environmental light conditions thanks to the high-quality Kellner eyepiece. The wide field of view is guaranteed by the 50mm objective lens that eliminates most of the image aberrations. Ideal for both short and long range shooting, this scope has a maximum magnification...
- Reload Your Gear
Clocking at a low price, this rather well-rated illuminated reticle scope features red or green reticles, a built in range finder, water, fog and shockproof construction, 6-24 power magnification and a huge 50mm objective lens.
- Reloader Addict
This hunting scope is well-built; made of durable aluminum alloy with zooming quality, protective lens and illuminated green and red mil-dot. Hunters can control the brightness with the help of 5 level brightness control. The rifle is easy to mount and offers a clear sight with bright field view...
- Rifle Optics World

What other experts didn't like

Low-quality materials
- The Gear Hunt
Will need adjustments after recoil
- Sniper Country
The one negative aspect we came across is focused on the zoom. People are saying it isn’t a true x24 zoom when compared to other brands like a Nikon x24.
- Gun Goals

What to Look For

  • Dirt and smudges can really affect how well you see through the hunting scope’s lens, especially if the lighting levels are low. Some scopes come with their own cleaning cloth. If your model doesn’t, you’ll need to look for a lint-free cloth that you can use to clean the scope. Starting with a soft-bristle brush is best, as this tool works well to dislodge any dirt or debris. Afterward, wipe down the lens with the cleaning cloth. It’s best to wipe in a circular motion.
  • Scopes that are more than just a little dirty may need an anti-fog liquid lens cleaner and a lens cleaning tissue to get the job done. Always apply the liquid to the cleaning tissue and then wipe down your lens. Never drip the liquid directly onto the lens itself. Go back over the lens afterward with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth.
  • While there is always the option to pay a gunsmith to mount the scope to your rifle, it is a task you can complete on your own. Start off by mounting the scope low and then checking that the eye relief doesn’t smack into your nose. Now you can align the base and tighten the screws to secure the scope. Finally, you’ll need to mount the rings, check the alignment and position the scope.
  • If you run into any trouble mounting your scope, check YouTube for step-by-step videos that you can follow. Sometimes seeing someone complete the task helps.
  • Size, construction materials and the number of features all come in to play when pricing hunting scopes. The CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope and the CVLIFE Illuminated Scope are among the most budget-friendly options. You’ll pay a moderate cost for the UTG BugBuster Scope, while the Vortex Optics Crossfire II Riflescopes is able to command a higher price.

Hunting Scope Rankings

1. CVLIFE Illuminated Scope

Overall Score: 9.5
Reviews Included: 10

2. Vortex Optics Crossfire II Riflescopes

Overall Score: 9.3
Reviews Included: 10

3. UTG BugBuster Scope

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 11

4. CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Hunting Scope

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 11

5. Leupold Compact Waterproof Fogproof Riflescope

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 11

6. Nikon Buckmasters II Waterproof Matte Riflescope

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 10

7. Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 10

8. ATN X-Sight II Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope

Overall Score: 8.7
Reviews Included: 10

9. Wingspan Optics Titan High Powered Monocular Scope

Overall Score: 8.7
Reviews Included: 8

More to Explore

Did you know that Indigenous people in Australia used the boomerang as a hunting tool? It’s true! Here are a few more interesting hunting fun facts:

  • In 2014, the Dallas Safari Club auctioned off a permit to hunt a black rhino in Namibia. While this may sound cruel, the species was endangered, and the older male was territorial and past breeding age. This kept other males from being able to reproduce with the females. The auction raised $350,000, which was used to help other endangered animals.
  • The first deer hunting permit in New York was issued in 1864. Afterward, President Theodore Roosevelt encouraged other states to sell hunting licenses to generate revenue.
  • The first use of the word “sniper” referred to skilled hunters. A snipe was a type of game bird that was difficult to kill, so if a hunter was able to score one, he was thought to be quite skilled.
  • In the state of Texas, you can’t obtain a hunting license if you owe child support.
  • According to NPR, the average retirement age for hunters is 65.
  • Even Queen Elizabeth I was a fan of the sport of hunting.

More to explore