By Joel Mccartan, Hunting Enthusiast and Night Vision Expert
As an avid hunter who’s spent countless hours in the field, I know firsthand how crucial having the right scope is for accurate shots at 100 yards. Whether you’re hunting whitetail deer in the Midwest or plinking targets at the range, a quality scope can make all the difference.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through my top picks for the best rifle scopes for 100 yard shooting in 2024. I’ve personally tested dozens of scopes over the years, and these are the cream of the crop when it comes to optical clarity, durability, and overall performance.
Why 100 Yards?
Before we dive in, you might be wondering – why focus specifically on 100 yard scopes? Well, 100 yards is a sweet spot distance for many hunting and target shooting applications. It’s far enough to require precise aiming, but not so far that you need extreme magnification or complex ballistic calculations.
For new hunters especially, mastering shots at 100 yards is a great starting point before moving on to longer distances. And even for experienced shooters, having a scope optimized for 100 yards allows for quick target acquisition and follow-up shots.
Key Features to Look for in a 100 Yard Scope
When evaluating scopes for 100 yard shooting, here are the key factors I consider:
- Magnification: 3-9x or 2-7x is generally ideal
- Objective lens: 32-40mm provides good light transmission
- Reticle: Simple duplex or BDC reticle works well
- Durability: Shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof
- Adjustments: Precise windage and elevation turrets
- Eye relief: At least 3-4 inches for comfortable shooting
With those criteria in mind, let’s look at my top picks for 2024:
Top 5 Best Rifle Scopes for 100 Yards
1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rifle Scope
The Vortex Crossfire II hits the sweet spot of performance and value. With its 2-7x magnification range and 32mm objective lens, it’s perfectly suited for 100 yard shooting. The glass is impressively clear for the price point, and the build quality is rock solid.
I’ve used this scope on my .308 deer rifle for several seasons now, and it’s never let me down. The V-Plex reticle is simple but effective, allowing for quick target acquisition. Precise 1/4 MOA adjustments make zeroing a breeze.
While it may lack some of the advanced features of pricier scopes, the Crossfire II nails the fundamentals. For hunters on a budget, it’s hard to beat.
2. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Leupold is synonymous with quality, and the VX-Freedom lives up to that reputation. The 3-9x magnification range is versatile enough to work well from 50 yards out to 300+. But it really shines at 100 yards, providing a crystal clear sight picture.
What sets the VX-Freedom apart is Leupold’s proprietary Twilight Light Management System. This enhances low-light performance, extending your shooting time during those critical dawn and dusk hours. As someone who’s missed shots due to poor visibility, this feature is a game-changer.
The duplex reticle is clean and uncluttered, perfect for quick shots on game animals. And like all Leupold products, the durability is top-notch. This scope can handle any conditions you throw at it.
3. Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 SFP Riflescope
While primarily marketed as an AR-15 optic, I’ve found the Strike Eagle to be a phenomenal all-around scope for 100 yard shooting. The 1-6x magnification range provides amazing versatility. At 1x, it functions like a red dot for close-range shots. Crank it up to 6x, and you’ve got plenty of magnification for precision at 100 yards and beyond.
The illuminated BDC reticle is a standout feature. It provides holdover points out to 600 yards, but the center crosshair is perfect for 100 yard zero. The glass clarity is excellent, providing a bright, crisp image even in low light.
For hunters who need one scope to do it all, from close-quarters brush hunting to longer range shots, the Strike Eagle is tough to beat. I’ve used it successfully on everything from whitetail to wild hogs.
4. Bushnell Banner 1.5-4.5×32 Multi-X Riflescope
If you’re on a tight budget but still want a quality scope, the Bushnell Banner deserves a hard look. Despite its wallet-friendly price, it delivers surprisingly good optical performance. The 1.5-4.5x magnification range is perfect for shots from 25-150 yards.
The Banner’s Multi-X reticle is simple but effective for 100 yard shooting. I appreciate the generous eye relief, which makes for comfortable shooting even with heavy recoiling calibers. The scope is also impressively durable given its price point.
While it may lack some of the bells and whistles of pricier options, the Banner nails the fundamentals. For new hunters or those on a budget, it’s a great entry point into quality optics.
5. Athlon Optics Neos 3-9×40 SFP Riflescope
Athlon may not be a household name like some other brands, but they’re producing some seriously impressive scopes at very competitive prices. The Neos 3-9×40 offers performance that rivals scopes costing twice as much.
The fully multi-coated lenses provide excellent light transmission and image clarity. I’ve found the glass quality to be on par with much more expensive scopes. The second focal plane reticle is clean and uncluttered, perfect for quick target acquisition at 100 yards.
One standout feature is the precision zero stop turrets. This allows you to quickly return to your 100 yard zero after dialing for longer shots. It’s a feature typically found on much pricier tactical scopes.
For the money, it’s hard to find a better performing scope in this price range. The Neos punches well above its weight class.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right scope for 100 yard shooting doesn’t have to be complicated. Any of the options on this list will serve you well, whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just getting started.
Remember, the best scope is the one that meets your specific needs and budget. Consider factors like the type of shooting you’ll be doing, the environments you’ll be in, and any specific features that are important to you.
Personally, I lean towards the Vortex Crossfire II as the best all-around option for most shooters. It offers an unbeatable blend of performance, durability, and value. But you really can’t go wrong with any of these scopes.
Whatever you choose, get out there and practice! There’s no substitute for trigger time when it comes to mastering 100 yard shots. Happy hunting!