Hey there, fellow hunters and shooting enthusiasts! Joel Mccartan here, back with another deep dive into the world of hunting gear. Today, we’re zeroing in on a topic that’s close to my heart – sniper scopes. Whether you’re looking to make that perfect long-range shot or just want to up your hunting game, having the right scope can make all the difference.
I remember my first time using a high-quality sniper scope. It was like seeing the world through new eyes – suddenly, targets that seemed impossibly far away were crystal clear. That’s the magic of a good scope, and today, I’m going to share my top 12 picks for 2024. We’ll cover options for both short and long-range shooting, so no matter your style, you’ll find something that fits the bill.
Before we dive in, let’s talk about what makes a sniper scope stand out from the crowd. We’re looking for crystal-clear optics, durability that can withstand the toughest conditions, and precision that’ll make your jaw drop. Ready to find your perfect match? Let’s get started!
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope
Kicking off our list is the Vortex Viper PST Gen II. This scope is a beast when it comes to long-range shooting. I’ve used this bad boy on multiple hunting trips, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 5-25x
- Objective Lens: 50mm
- Illuminated EBR-4 MOA reticle
- First Focal Plane (FFP)
What I love about this scope is its incredible clarity, even at maximum magnification. The illuminated reticle is a lifesaver in low-light conditions – perfect for those dawn and dusk hunts. Plus, the durability is top-notch. I’ve accidentally knocked it against tree branches more times than I’d like to admit, and it still holds zero like a champ.
- The Viper PST Gen II takes incredible performance and rock solid features to new heights. The 5-25×50 first focal plane riflescope is incredibly versatile and ideal for close to long range scenarios.
- Users who dial their turrets for drop and wind compensation will appreciate the laser etched turrets, adjustable parallax and the RZR zero stop. A fiber optic rotation indicator ensures you can keep track of your turret position with ease.
Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x40mm Riflescope
Next up is the Leupold VX-3HD. If you’re looking for versatility, this scope delivers in spades.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 4.5-14x
- Objective Lens: 40mm
- CDS-ZL dial system
- Twilight Max HD Light Management System
What sets this scope apart is its incredible light transmission. I’ve used it for early morning deer hunts, and the clarity in low light is simply amazing. The CDS-ZL dial system makes elevation adjustments a breeze, which is crucial for those long-range shots.
- Model #180620 – VX-3HD 4.5-14×40 Riflescope with a Boone & Crockett Reticle, CDS-ZL and a Matte finish
- The CDS-ZL (ZeroLock) provides quick dialing of elevation adjustment while eliminating accidental dial movement with the push-button ZeroLock system. It also features Leupold’s award-winning Custom Dial System (CDS), which allows shooters to order a laser-marked bullet-drop dial to match their exact ballistics and conditions.
Nightforce ATACR 7-35×56 F1
For those of you who are serious about long-range precision, the Nightforce ATACR is a scope you can’t ignore.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 7-35x
- Objective Lens: 56mm
- First Focal Plane reticle
- ZeroStop elevation adjustment
This scope is the cream of the crop when it comes to long-range shooting. I’ve used it in competitive shooting events, and the precision is unreal. The 56mm objective lens gathers light like nobody’s business, giving you a bright, clear image even in challenging conditions.
- NIGHTFORCE ATACR SCOPE – With its extensive magnification range and legendary ATACR optical performance, via an ED glass package, the ATACR 7-35x56mm F1 gun scope will push the boundaries of even the most capable of today’s long range cartridges; This hunting scope brings the proven performance to an entirely new level that helps shooters to meet and exceed the limits of their precision gun system
Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27×56 FFP Riflescope
Another fantastic option from Vortex, the Razor HD Gen II is a scope that’s built to perform.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 4.5-27x
- Objective Lens: 56mm
- First Focal Plane EBR-7C MOA reticle
- L-TEC turret system
I love this scope for its versatility. The wide magnification range means you can use it for everything from medium-range to extreme long-range shooting. The glass quality is superb, providing tack-sharp images across the entire magnification range.
- The Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27×56 is perfect for precision shooting and tactical operations. The L-TEC Turret System has a locking mechanism preventing accidental adjustments. A visual rotation indicator allows shooters to track of revolutions on the turret.
Burris XTR II 8-40x50mm Rifle Scope
If you’re looking for a scope that can reach out and touch targets at extreme distances, the Burris XTR II is worth a look.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 8-40x
- Objective Lens: 50mm
- F-Class MOA reticle
- Zero Click Stop adjustment knobs
This scope is a long-range shooter’s dream. I’ve used it for prairie dog hunting, where pinpoint accuracy at long distances is crucial. The high magnification range lets you spot and engage targets that would be invisible to the naked eye.
- XTR II 8-40x50mm
- F-Class MOA Illuminated reticle
- 34mm main tube
- Zero click stop adjustment knobs
- Front focal plane
Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope
For those on a tighter budget, the Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 offers a lot of bang for your buck.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 6-24x
- Objective Lens: 50mm
- First Focal Plane APMR MIL reticle
- Argon purged for fog and waterproofing
I was skeptical about this scope at first due to its lower price point, but it’s proven itself to be a reliable performer. The glass quality is surprisingly good for the price, and the FFP reticle is a feature usually found on much more expensive scopes.
- 0.1 MIL Click Value, 18 MIL Total Adjustment, 10 yards to infinity Parallax adjustment
- First focal plane reticle stays valid at all power settings allowing you to fully utilize the specially designed reticle that shrinks or grows along with your target as you zoom in or out.
Trijicon AccuPoint 5-20×50 Riflescope
Trijicon is known for their rugged, military-grade optics, and the AccuPoint lives up to that reputation.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 5-20x
- Objective Lens: 50mm
- Fiber optic illuminated reticle
- Second Focal Plane
What sets this scope apart is its battery-free illumination system. I’ve used it on multi-day hunts where changing batteries would be a hassle. The clarity of the glass is exceptional, and the build quality is rock-solid.
- CONFIDENT AIMING IN ANY LIGHT: Battery-free, illuminated reticles are “always on” using tritium/fiber optic technology to automatically adjust to lighting conditions
- EDGE-TO-EDGE CLARITY: Fully multi-coated, broadband, anti-reflective glass provides excellent light transmission, true detail and color with zero distortion
Steiner T5Xi 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope
Steiner is a name that commands respect in the optics world, and the T5Xi is a prime example of why.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 5-25x
- Objective Lens: 56mm
- SCR (Special Competition Reticle)
- Locking turrets
This scope is built like a tank. I’ve used it in some pretty nasty weather conditions, and it’s never missed a beat. The optical clarity is top-notch, and the SCR reticle is fantastic for long-range shooting.
- ULTIMATE ACCURACY – Rely on Steiner’s T5Xi 5-25x 56mm tactical riflescope to provide precision through its one-piece, oversized 34mm tube that increases strength and reliability.
- SPECIAL COMPETITION RETICLE (SCR) – Designed for precision competition use, it offers an extended illumination area, windage and holdover lines. 1/10-mil ranging brackets allow for precise ranging.
Zeiss Conquest V6 5-30×50 Riflescope
Zeiss has a reputation for producing some of the finest optics in the world, and the Conquest V6 lives up to that legacy.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 5-30x
- Objective Lens: 50mm
- ZBR-2 reticle
- Ballistic turret
The glass quality on this scope is simply stunning. I’ve used it for long-range target shooting, and the clarity at maximum magnification is impressive. The ballistic turret makes holdover adjustments a breeze.
- 92% LIGHT TRANSMISSION – The Ultra-FL Concept is containing several SCHOTT fluoride glasses for absolute color fidelity, brightness, clarity and the finest resolution of details, even in the harshest conditions and most challenging environment.
Sig Sauer TANGO6 5-30x56mm Riflescope
Sig Sauer may be better known for their firearms, but their TANGO6 scope is a serious contender in the optics world.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 5-30x
- Objective Lens: 56mm
- LevelPlex digital anti-cant system
- MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination)
- TANGO6 SCOPE – Designed for today’s common rifles and bolt action platforms, the TANGO6 5-30×56 mm riflescope is the ideal solution for precision shooting, tactical engagements, and long-range hunting; Incorporating FFP illuminated DEV-L MRAD reticle the TANGO6 is built for versatility
What I love about this scope is the LevelPlex system. It helps eliminate cant errors, which can be a real issue for long-range shooting. The MOTAC system is also clever, preserving battery life by only activating when the scope is in use.
Primary Arms PLx 6-30x56mm FFP Rifle Scope
Primary Arms has been making waves in the optics world with their high-quality, affordable scopes. The PLx series represents their push into the premium market.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 6-30x
- Objective Lens: 56mm
- First Focal Plane Athena BPR MIL reticle
- Zero Stop turrets
- Variable 6-30x magnification first focal plane scope features the Athena BPR MIL reticle
- Athena BPR MIL designed for precise range estimation and target engagement for long-distance shooting
- Full red reticle illumination and daylight bright on the highest
I’ve been impressed with the optical quality of this scope. It holds its own against scopes costing much more. The Athena BPR reticle is intuitive and great for ranging targets.
Bushnell Elite Tactical XRS II 4.5-30x50mm Riflescope
Last but certainly not least, we have the Bushnell Elite Tactical XRS II. This scope is a favorite among precision rifle shooters.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 4.5-30x
- Objective Lens: 50mm
- G3 First Focal Plane reticle
- RevLimiter Zero Stop
I’ve used this scope in precision rifle competitions, and it’s performed flawlessly. The optical clarity is excellent, and the turrets provide positive, tactile clicks. The RevLimiter Zero Stop is a handy feature for returning to your zero quickly.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks – my top 12 picks for the best sniper scopes in 2024. Whether you’re a long-range target shooter, a competitive marksman, or a hunter looking to extend your effective range, there’s a scope on this list that’ll fit the bill.
Remember, the best scope for you depends on your specific needs and shooting style. Consider factors like your typical shooting distance, the environmental conditions you’ll be facing, and of course, your budget.
Investing in a quality scope is one of the best things you can do to improve your shooting. Trust me, once you experience the clarity and precision of a top-tier scope, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
Happy hunting, and as always, stay safe out there!