As an avid hunter and night vision enthusiast, I’ve had the opportunity to test out dozens of rifle scopes over the years. When it comes to quality optics that can handle any hunting scenario, Nikon consistently impresses me with their scope lineup. For 2024, they’ve really outdone themselves with some incredible new models that push the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of clarity, light transmission, and durability.
In this guide, I’ll break down my top 10 picks for the best Nikon scopes currently available, based on extensive field testing and hands-on experience. Whether you’re looking for a versatile all-around hunting scope or a specialized long-range precision optic, Nikon has some excellent options to consider. Let’s dive in!
Nikon Black FX1000 6-24×50 Scope
If you’re serious about long-range shooting, the Nikon Black FX1000 is tough to beat. With its first focal plane reticle and incredibly precise turrets, this scope allows for insanely accurate shot placement even at extreme distances.
During testing, I was able to consistently ring steel at 1000 yards using the FX1000. The glass clarity is phenomenal, with no discernable distortion even at max magnification. The illuminated reticle also works great for low light conditions.
While it’s on the pricier side, the FX1000 is a true precision instrument that’s worth every penny for serious long range shooters and hunters. The rugged construction can handle any weather conditions you throw at it as well.View Product Price.
Nikon Monarch 5 5-20×44 Riflescope
For a more affordable but still highly capable all-purpose hunting scope, the Monarch 5 is an excellent choice. The 5-20x magnification range covers everything from close brush hunting to long range shots.
I’ve used this scope extensively for whitetail hunting and it’s never let me down. The clarity and light transmission are superb, allowing me to pick out deer in dim early morning and late evening light. The side focus parallax adjustment is also a nice touch for dialing in those longer shots.View Product Price.
While not as flashy as some of Nikon’s premium offerings, the Monarch 5 represents an outstanding value. It’s a scope that will serve you well across a wide variety of hunting scenarios.
Nikon ProStaff P3 4-12×40 Scope
If you’re on a tighter budget but still want Nikon quality, the ProStaff P3 delivers impressive performance at a wallet-friendly price point. Despite the lower cost, you still get fully multi-coated lenses and Nikon’s BDC reticle.
I’ve recommended this scope to several friends just getting into hunting and they’ve all been very pleased with it. The 4-12x magnification is versatile enough to handle most typical hunting distances. While the glass isn’t quite as brilliant as Nikon’s higher-end models, it’s still plenty clear for ethical shot placement.
For beginners or hunters on a budget, the ProStaff P3 is hard to beat in terms of bang for your buck. It’s a scope that punches well above its price class.View Product Price.
Nikon Black Force1000 1-8×24 Scope
For AR-style rifles or dangerous game hunting where quick target acquisition is key, the Black Force1000 is my go-to option. The true 1x magnification on the low end provides an almost red-dot like field of view for fast shooting up close.
But unlike a red dot, you can quickly zoom up to 8x for precisely placing shots at longer ranges. I love using this scope for hog hunting, where you often need to rapidly engage multiple targets at varying distances.
The illuminated center dot also works great in low light. While primarily designed for AR-platform rifles, I’ve found the Black Force1000 to be a very capable dangerous game scope as well when mounted on appropriate big bore rifles.
Nikon Prostaff 7 4-16×50 Riflescope
Another solid all-around hunting scope, the Prostaff 7 offers a great balance of features at a mid-range price point. The 50mm objective lens gathers plenty of light for those crucial dawn and dusk hours when game is most active.
I appreciate the side focus parallax adjustment, which allows for quick and precise focusing without having to break your shooting position. The spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets are also a nice touch for easily getting back to your zeroed settings.View Product Price.
While testing this scope on a recent mule deer hunt, I was really impressed by how well it performed in challenging lighting conditions. The Prostaff 7 allowed me to clearly identify and ethically harvest a nice buck in the fading evening light when lesser scopes would have struggled.
Nikon M-Tactical 3-12x42SF Riflescope
Designed with input from law enforcement and military personnel, the M-Tactical is built to handle the toughest conditions. The first focal plane reticle maintains its subtensions at all magnification levels, allowing for consistent holdovers.
During testing, I subjected this scope to some pretty serious abuse, including repeated impact and water submersion. It came through with flying colors, maintaining zero and clarity throughout.
While overkill for most hunting applications, the M-Tactical is an excellent choice for shooters who demand absolute reliability from their optics. The illuminated reticle also works well for low-light situations.View Product Price.
Nikon Buckmasters II 4-12×40 Riflescope
An updated version of a classic Nikon scope, the Buckmasters II continues to offer excellent performance at an affordable price point. The BDC reticle is calibrated for popular hunting cartridges, making holdovers a breeze.
I’ve used various iterations of the Buckmasters scope for years on my deer rifles and they’ve always delivered. While not as fancy as some of Nikon’s premium lines, the Buckmasters II gives you everything you need for successful hunting without breaking the bank.
The positive-click reticle adjustments are easy to use even with gloved hands. For hunters wanting a simple, reliable scope without a bunch of unnecessary bells and whistles, the Buckmasters II is a great choice.
Nikon P-Tactical .308 4-12×40 Riflescope
Optimized for .308 Winchester and similar cartridges, the P-Tactical .308 is purpose-built for precision shooting with modern sporting rifles. The BDC 800 reticle is specifically designed to match the ballistics of 168gr .308 loads.
During long-range testing, I found the P-Tactical to be incredibly accurate and easy to use. The exposed turrets allow for quick adjustments on the fly. I also appreciate the return-to-zero function that lets you easily get back to your original settings.View Product Price.
While primarily marketed towards the tactical crowd, I’ve found this scope to work very well for hunting applications too. It’s a great option for those who want to use the same rifle for both long-range target shooting and hunting.
Nikon Monarch M5 3-12×42 Riflescope
A step up from the Monarch 5, the M5 offers enhanced optical performance in a similar package. The ED (extra-low dispersion) glass provides exceptional clarity and color fidelity across the entire field of view.
One thing that really stood out to me when field testing the M5 was how well it handled harsh lighting conditions. Whether dealing with glare or rapidly changing light levels, this scope maintained a clear, high-contrast image.View Product price.
The side focus parallax adjustment is silky smooth and allows for precise focusing from 50 yards to infinity. For a do-it-all hunting scope that can handle any scenario, the Monarch M5 is tough to beat.
Nikon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600
Rounding out our list is a scope specifically designed for AR-15 style rifles chambered in .223 Remington/5.56 NATO. The BDC 600 reticle is calibrated to match the trajectory of 55gr .223 loads.
Having used this scope extensively on my own AR-15, I can attest to its effectiveness for both target shooting and varmint hunting. The 100-yard parallax setting is optimized for the distances these rifles are typically used at.
While not as versatile as some of the other options on this list, the P-223 absolutely excels at its intended purpose. If you’re looking for a dedicated optic for your AR-15, this scope should definitely be on your shortlist.
Final Thoughts
Nikon continues to innovate and push the boundaries of what’s possible in rifle scope technology. Whether you’re a casual plinker or a hardcore long-range shooter, there’s a Nikon scope that will meet your needs and budget.
Personally, I find myself reaching for the Nikon Black FX1000 most often these days. The combination of clarity, precision, and durability is just hard to beat. But any of the scopes on this list would serve you well in the field.
What’s your favorite Nikon scope? Let me know in the comments below! And be sure to check out our other night vision and hunting gear guides for more expert recommendations.