As an avid hunter and night vision enthusiast, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with various scopes over the years. But when it comes to scout rifles, finding the perfect optic can be a bit tricky. That’s why I’ve put together this updated guide for 2024 to help fellow shooters find the best scout scopes on the market.
What Makes a Great Scout Scope?
Before we dive into the top picks, let’s quickly review what we’re looking for in an ideal scout scope:
- Long eye relief (9-12 inches typically)
- Low-power variable optics (1-4x or 2-7x usually)
- Durability to withstand recoil
- Clear glass for good light transmission
- Simple, uncluttered reticle
With those criteria in mind, here are my top recommendations for 2024:
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout Scope
Vortex continues to impress me with their quality optics at reasonable prices. The Crossfire II scout scope hits all the right notes:
- 2-7x magnification range
- Generous 9.45″ eye relief
- V-Plex reticle is simple and effective
- Fully multi-coated lenses for bright, clear image
- Shockproof and waterproof
I’ve used this scope on my Ruger Gunsite Scout and it’s performed flawlessly. The glass clarity is excellent for the price point. At around $300, it’s a great value for a scout scope from a reputable brand.
Leupold FX-II Scout 2.5x28mm
Leupold is legendary for a reason, and their dedicated scout scope lives up to the hype:
- Fixed 2.5x magnification
- Duplex reticle
- 9.3″ eye relief
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- Lightweight at just 7.5 oz
While pricier than some options, the optical quality is outstanding. I love how lightweight and compact this scope is – perfect for a nimble scout rifle setup. The fixed power keeps things simple and rugged.
Burris Scout 2-7x32mm
Another excellent variable power option:
- 2-7x magnification
- Ballistic Plex reticle
- 9.2-12″ eye relief
- 1″ tube
- Nitrogen-filled for fog-proofing
I’m a big fan of the Ballistic Plex reticle for holdovers at various distances. The optical clarity is very good, especially in low light. At around $400, it’s a solid mid-range option.
Nikon Force XR 2.5-8×28 EER
Nikon may have exited the riflescope market, but you can still find some of their scout scopes:
- 2.5-8x magnification
- BDC reticle
- 11-15.2″ eye relief
- Fully multicoated optics
If you can find one, these are excellent scopes. The BDC reticle is great for ranging and holdovers. Just be aware that warranty support may be limited now that Nikon has left the market.
UTG 2-7×44 30mm Long Eye Relief Scout Scope
For budget-conscious shooters, UTG offers a lot of features at a low price point:
- 2-7x magnification
- 11-14″ eye relief
- 30mm tube
- Illuminated mil-dot reticle
- Shockproof, fog-proof, rainproof
While the optical quality isn’t quite up to par with pricier options, it’s perfectly serviceable for most applications. The illuminated reticle is a nice touch for low light situations.
Brownells 2-7×32 Long Eye Relief Scope
Brownells’ in-house optic is a solid performer:
- 2-7x magnification
- Duplex reticle
- 8.5-14″ eye relief
- 1″ tube
- Fog and waterproof
I’ve found this to be a great budget-friendly option that still delivers good optical performance. The eye relief range is quite flexible for different mounting positions.
Aim Sports 2-7×42 30mm Scout Scope
Another budget-friendly choice with some nice features:
- 2-7x magnification
- Mil-dot reticle
- 8-10″ eye relief
- 30mm tube
- Flip-up lens caps included
While not as rugged as some pricier options, this scope performs well for the price. The mil-dot reticle is handy for ranging and holdovers.
Leapers UTG 2-7×44 30mm Long Eye Relief Scout Scope
A step up from their budget line, this UTG scope offers:
- 2-7x magnification
- 11″ eye relief
- 30mm tube
- Illuminated mil-dot reticle
- Zero resetting/locking turrets
I’ve found the zero stop turrets to be a handy feature, especially when making field adjustments. The illuminated reticle works well in low light.
NcStar 2-7×32 Long Eye Relief Scope
A basic but functional option for those on a tight budget:
- 2-7x magnification
- Duplex reticle
- 8.5-13.5″ eye relief
- 1″ tube
While not as optically clear or rugged as pricier scopes, it gets the job done for occasional use. Consider it a starter option to see if you like the scout scope setup.
Primary Arms 2.5x Compact AR15 Scope
While designed for ARs, this compact prism scope works well on scout rifles too:
- Fixed 2.5x magnification
- ACSS CQB reticle
- 10.9″ eye relief
- Fog resistant
The ACSS reticle is excellent for quick target acquisition and ranging. Just be aware that eye relief is a bit less than some dedicated scout scopes.
Choosing the Right Scout Scope
When selecting a scope for your scout rifle, consider these factors:
Intended use – Hunting? Target shooting? General purpose?
Budget – Quality optics aren’t cheap, but there are good options at various price points.
Magnification – Fixed power for simplicity or variable for versatility?
Reticle – Simple duplex or something more advanced for holdovers?
Durability – How rugged does it need to be for your activities?
My Experiences
I’ve run several of these scopes on my Ruger Gunsite Scout over the years. While the Leupold is my current favorite for its optical clarity and lightweight build, the Vortex Crossfire II is hard to beat for the price.
On a recent deer hunt, the Crossfire II’s 2-7x magnification range gave me the versatility to scan for movement at 2x, then zoom to 7x for precise shot placement once I spotted a nice buck. The V-Plex reticle kept things simple and uncluttered.
For those new to scout rifles, I always recommend trying a few different optics if possible. What works great for me may not suit your shooting style or preferences. Many ranges offer rental options to test out various scopes.
Final Thoughts
Scout rifles continue to be popular for their versatility, and a good scout scope is key to maximizing their potential. Whether you opt for a premium option like the Leupold or a budget-friendly choice like the UTG, make sure to practice with your setup to become proficient.
Remember, the best scope is the one that meets your needs and that you’ll actually use in the field. Don’t get too caught up in specs – find an optic that works for you and get out there shooting!
Have you tried any of these scout scopes? What’s your go-to optic for your scout rifle? Let us know in the comments below!