As an avid hunter, I know firsthand the importance of having the right gear to ensure a successful hunt. When it comes to crossbow hunting, having the best crossbow scope can make all the difference in hitting your target with precision. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, investing in a high-quality crossbow scope is essential.
Over the years, I’ve tested countless crossbow scopes in various hunting situations. From low-light conditions to long-range shots, I’ve put these scopes through their paces to find the cream of the crop. In this article, I’ll be sharing my top picks for the 8 best crossbow scopes of 2024, catering to both beginners and professionals.
But before we dive into the specifics, let’s discuss what makes a great crossbow scope. Factors like magnification, objective lens diameter, reticle type, and durability all play a crucial role in determining the scope’s performance. I’ll also be sharing some tips on how to choose the right scope for your needs and budget.
As technology advances, crossbow scopes are becoming more feature-packed and user-friendly. From illuminated reticles to rangefinding capabilities, these modern scopes offer a wealth of benefits to enhance your hunting experience. Whether you’re shooting at 20 yards or 100 yards, having a reliable and accurate scope is key.
So, let’s explore the 8 best crossbow scopes of 2024 and find the perfect match for your crossbow setup. Whether you’re pursuing whitetail deer, elk, or small game, these top-performing scopes will help you make every shot count. Get ready to elevate your hunting game and experience the thrill of precision shooting like never before!
Vortex Optics Crossfire II Crossbow Scope – Best Overall
When it comes to the best overall crossbow scope, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II takes the crown. With its impressive 2-7x magnification range and XBR-2 reticle, this scope offers versatility for various hunting scenarios. The fully multi-coated lenses provide exceptional clarity and light transmission, even in low-light conditions.
What I love about the Vortex Crossfire II is its rugged construction. The aircraft-grade aluminum body is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed, ensuring reliable performance in all weather conditions. The fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing, while the capped reset turrets make sighting in a breeze.
One of the standout features of this scope is the illuminated reticle. With both red and green illumination options, you can easily adapt to different lighting situations. The 11 brightness settings provide customizable visibility, ensuring you can always see your target clearly.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hunter, the Vortex Crossfire II offers the perfect combination of quality, durability, and performance. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to handle in the field, while the lifetime warranty gives you peace of mind knowing that Vortex stands behind their products.
If you’re looking for a crossbow scope that excels in all aspects, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II is the way to go. It’s a reliable companion that will help you make accurate shots time and time again.
TenPoint Range Master Pro Scope – Best for Long-Range Shooting
When it comes to long-range crossbow shooting, the TenPoint Range Master Pro Scope is in a class of its own. With a variable magnification of 1.5-5x and a 32mm objective lens, this scope provides a clear and bright sight picture at extended distances.
What sets the TenPoint Range Master Pro apart is its advanced reticle design. The illuminated duplex reticle features five horizontal lines calibrated for 10-yard increments, allowing for precise holdovers up to 60 yards. The two non-illuminated chevrons at 70 and 80 yards provide additional aiming points for those long-range shots.
The scope’s aluminum construction is built to withstand the rigors of hunting, while the fully multi-coated lenses ensure optimal light transmission and clarity. The variable speed and arrow drop compensation settings make it compatible with crossbows shooting between 275 and 425 FPS, eliminating the need for manual adjustments.
One feature I particularly appreciate is the scope’s generous eye relief. With 4 inches of eye relief, you can comfortably acquire your target without worrying about the scope hitting your brow during recoil. The fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing, ensuring you’re always ready for the shot.
If you’re serious about long-range crossbow hunting, the TenPoint Range Master Pro Scope is the ultimate choice. Its advanced features, durability, and precision make it a favorite among experienced hunters looking to take their game to the next level.
UTG 4X32 1″ Crossbow Scope – Best Budget Option
For those on a budget, the UTG 4X32 1″ Crossbow Scope offers exceptional value without compromising on quality. With a fixed 4x magnification and a 32mm objective lens, this scope provides a clear and detailed view of your target.
What I appreciate about the UTG scope is its versatile illuminated reticle. The Pro 5-Step reticle features both red and green illumination, making it suitable for various lighting conditions. The five horizontal lines are calibrated for 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 yards, taking the guesswork out of holdovers.
The scope’s one-piece tube construction is nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed, providing a fogproof and shockproof performance. The emerald-coated lens offers maximum light transmission, ensuring a bright and clear sight picture.
One of the standout features of the UTG scope is its zero-lockable and zero-resettable target turrets. These turrets allow for easy and precise windage and elevation adjustments, ensuring your shots are always on target. The quick-detach rings make mounting and removal a breeze, while the flip-open lens caps protect your lenses from scratches and debris.
For beginners or those looking for an affordable yet reliable crossbow scope, the UTG 4X32 1″ Crossbow Scope is an excellent choice. Its durable construction, illuminated reticle, and user-friendly features make it a great value for the price.
Hawke Sport Optics 1.5-5×32 IR Crossbow Scope – Best for Low-Light Conditions
When it comes to hunting in low-light conditions, the Hawke Sport Optics 1.5-5×32 IR Crossbow Scope is a game-changer. With its illuminated reticle and exceptional light transmission, this scope allows you to extend your hunting hours and make accurate shots even in the dimming light of dusk or dawn.
The scope’s 1.5-5x magnification range provides versatility for various hunting situations, while the 32mm objective lens ensures a bright and clear sight picture. The glass-etched XB1 reticle features both red and green illumination, with adjustable brightness settings to suit your preferences.
What I love about the Hawke scope is its speed selector feature. This unique feature allows you to match the reticle’s holdover points to your crossbow’s speed, ranging from 275 to 425 FPS. This eliminates the need for manual calculations and ensures precise shot placement at various distances.
The scope’s fully multi-coated optics provide excellent clarity and contrast, while the mono-tube construction is nitrogen purged to prevent internal fogging. The 11-layer fully multi-coated lenses offer an impressive 91% light transmission, ensuring a bright and vivid sight picture even in challenging lighting conditions.
One feature I appreciate is the scope’s generous eye relief. With 4 inches of eye relief, you can comfortably acquire your target without straining your eyes or risking injury from recoil. The fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing, ensuring you’re always ready for the shot.
If you’re a hunter who enjoys the challenge of low-light conditions, the Hawke Sport Optics 1.5-5×32 IR Crossbow Scope is the perfect companion. Its illuminated reticle, speed selector, and exceptional light transmission make it a top choice for those early morning or late evening hunts.
Excalibur Tact-Zone Illuminated Scope – Best for Durability
When it comes to durability, the Excalibur Tact-Zone Illuminated Scope is built to withstand the toughest hunting conditions. Designed specifically for Excalibur crossbows, this scope is engineered to handle the high speeds and intense recoil of these powerful weapons.
The Tact-Zone scope features a robust aluminum construction that is both water and shock-resistant. The nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed design prevents internal fogging and ensures reliable performance in all weather conditions. Whether you’re hunting in the rain, snow, or extreme temperatures, this scope won’t let you down.
One of the standout features of the Tact-Zone scope is its Etched Glass Reticle. Unlike traditional wire reticles, the etched glass reticle is permanently etched into the glass, providing unparalleled durability and reliability. Even if the illumination fails, you’ll still have a clear and visible reticle to work with.
The scope’s variable speed and arrow drop compensation (ADC) settings make it compatible with Excalibur crossbows shooting between 300 and 410 FPS. The ADC feature eliminates the need for holdover guesswork, ensuring precise shot placement at various distances.
What I appreciate about the Tact-Zone scope is its ease of use. The fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing, while the side-wheel illumination control makes it simple to adjust the reticle’s brightness to suit your needs. The scope also comes with a set of flip-up lens caps to protect your lenses from scratches and debris.
If you’re an Excalibur crossbow shooter looking for a scope that can withstand the rigors of hunting, the Excalibur Tact-Zone Illuminated Scope is the perfect choice. Its durable construction, etched glass reticle, and user-friendly features make it a reliable companion for all your hunting adventures.
Sightmark Core SX 3×32 Crossbow Scope – Best for Beginners
For crossbow hunting beginners, the Sightmark Core SX 3×32 Crossbow Scope offers an excellent combination of simplicity and performance. With its fixed 3x magnification and 32mm objective lens, this scope provides a clear and detailed view of your target without overwhelming you with complex features.
The Core SX scope features a dual-illuminated reticle with both red and green options, allowing you to adapt to different lighting conditions. The reticle’s design is specifically tailored for crossbow use, with holdover points for various distances. This takes the guesswork out of aiming and helps you make accurate shots with confidence.
What I appreciate about the Sightmark scope is its user-friendly design. The capped turrets are easy to adjust for windage and elevation, while the fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing. The scope’s compact size and lightweight construction make it easy to handle in the field, reducing fatigue during long hunting sessions.
The scope’s fully multi-coated optics provide excellent light transmission and clarity, ensuring a bright and vivid sight picture. The nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed design prevents internal fogging and ensures reliable performance in all weather conditions.
One feature that sets the Core SX scope apart is its affordability. As a beginner, you may not want to invest in a high-end scope right away. The Sightmark scope offers excellent value for its price, providing the essential features you need to get started with crossbow hunting.
If you’re new to crossbow hunting and looking for a reliable and user-friendly scope, the Sightmark Core SX 3×32 Crossbow Scope is an excellent choice. Its fixed magnification, dual-illuminated reticle, and affordable price point make it a great entry-level option for beginners.
Nikon Bolt XR Crossbow Scope – Best for Target Acquisition
When it comes to quick target acquisition, the Nikon Bolt XR Crossbow Scope is a standout performer. With its advanced BDC 60 reticle and fully multi-coated optics, this scope allows you to quickly and accurately acquire your target, even in challenging hunting situations.
The Bolt XR scope features a generous 3-32x magnification range, providing versatility for various hunting distances. The 32mm objective lens ensures a bright and clear sight picture, while the fully multi-coated optics maximize light transmission and color fidelity.
What sets the Nikon scope apart is its BDC 60 reticle. This advanced reticle features a series of aiming circles that correspond to different distances, ranging from 20 to 60 yards. The reticle’s design eliminates the need for holdover guesswork and allows for quick and precise shot placement.
The scope’s Zero-Reset turrets are another notable feature. These turrets allow you to easily set your zero and make field adjustments without the need for tools. The spring-loaded instant zero-reset feature ensures you can quickly return to your original zero, saving time and hassle in the field.
One aspect I appreciate about the Bolt XR scope is its generous eye relief. With 3.4 inches of eye relief, you can comfortably acquire your target without straining your eyes or risking injury from recoil. The fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing, ensuring you’re always ready for the shot.
The scope’s rugged construction is built to withstand the rigors of hunting. The one-piece main body tube is nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed, providing a waterproof and fogproof performance. The scope’s matte finish reduces glare and enhances durability, ensuring it can withstand the elements.
If you’re a hunter who values quick target acquisition and precise shot placement, the Nikon Bolt XR Crossbow Scope is an excellent choice. Its advanced BDC 60 reticle, Zero-Reset turrets, and fully multi-coated optics make it a top performer in the field.
Barnett 4×32 Multi-Reticle Crossbow Scope – Best Value
For hunters looking for the best value in a crossbow scope, the Barnett 4×32 Multi-Reticle Crossbow Scope is a top contender. With its fixed 4x magnification, 32mm objective lens, and multiple reticle options, this scope offers a lot of bang for your buck.
The Barnett scope features five different reticle options, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your hunting style and preferences. Whether you prefer a simple crosshair or a more advanced mil-dot reticle, this scope has you covered. The reticles are etched on the glass for enhanced durability and reliability.
What I appreciate about the Barnett scope is its ease of use. The fingertip windage and elevation adjustments make it simple to zero in your scope and make field adjustments as needed. The fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing, ensuring you’re always ready for the shot.
The scope’s fully multi-coated optics provide excellent light transmission and clarity, ensuring a bright and vivid sight picture. The nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed design prevents internal fogging and ensures reliable performance in all weather conditions.
One feature that sets the Barnett scope apart is its affordability. Despite its budget-friendly price, this scope offers a range of features and performance that rivals more expensive options. It’s an excellent choice for hunters who want a reliable and versatile scope without breaking the bank.
The scope’s compact size and lightweight construction make it easy to handle in the field, reducing fatigue during long hunting sessions. The included scope rings make mounting the scope a breeze, while the lens caps protect your lenses from scratches and debris.
If you’re a hunter looking for the best value in a crossbow scope, the Barnett 4×32 Multi-Reticle Crossbow Scope is definitely worth considering. Its multiple reticle options, ease of use, and affordability make it a top choice for budget-conscious hunters.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the best crossbow scope for your needs can be a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and guidance, you can find the perfect match for your hunting style and budget. In this article, we’ve explored eight of the best crossbow scopes of 2024, each with its own unique features and benefits.
From the versatile Vortex Optics Crossfire II to the long-range precision of the TenPoint Range Master Pro, there’s a scope on this list for every type of hunter. Whether you’re a beginner looking for simplicity and affordability or a seasoned pro seeking advanced features and durability, you’ll find a scope that meets your needs.
When selecting a crossbow scope, consider factors such as magnification, reticle type, light transmission, and construction quality. Don’t be afraid to invest in a high-quality scope, as it can make a significant difference in your hunting success and overall experience.
Remember, a crossbow scope is more than just an accessory; it’s an extension of your skills and senses as a hunter. By choosing the right scope for your needs, you’ll be able to make accurate and ethical shots, ensuring a successful and enjoyable hunting experience.
As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more innovative and feature-packed crossbow scopes in the future