In the world of shooting and hunting, a good rifle scopes are important as the rifle itself. It doesn’t matter what your intended purpose is. Whether you are clenching your trusty 22 rifle aiming at a coyote or holding your breath taking aim at a target some 800 yards away, a scope can be of great help in the majority of shooting scenarios. In this review, we take a look at the 5 best rifle scopes for 2024.
NightForce ATACR 5-25×56
NightForce never disappoints when it comes to quality – that’s one of the reasons why the brand enjoys its current reputation. The ATACR 5-25×56 is a great example of this rule: it’s a top-tier scope that any gun store would be proud to showcase and sell. With a superb magnification range and a large 56mm objective lens that solves the low-light-related issues, this scope will make for a finest addition to any collection.
The scope sports several features that make it equally suitable for hunting and target shooting purposes. It is widely celebrated for its excellent optical clarity and low-light performance, which make it ideal for hunting at dawn or dusk, not to mention the rest of the day. The scope’s ZeroStop system ensures a flawless return to zero and Hi-Speed adjustments make it much easier to tailor your aiming. It also features an integrated power throw lever on the magnification ring, which facilitates the user experience even more. Despite being packed with advanced features, the ATACR 5-25×56 maintains a low-profile elevation knob, making it easier to grip for dialing adjustments. Although it’s by no means an affordable scope, the nonpareil performance and robust build of the NightForce ATACR 5-25×56 make it a worthy investment for result-driven hunters and shooters alike.
Swarovski ds Gen II 5-25X52 P
Swarovski is well known for their gems, and the DS Gen II 5-25X52 P is another jewel in their collection. The brand has taken rifle scope technology to a whole new level with this model, having completely forgotten about the price margins in the process. If you are ready to hold the future of hunting optics and can afford that experience, then the Swarovski DS Gen II 5-25X52 P is sure to redefine your notion of what scopes are capable of.
The most notable feature of this scope is automation. The DS Gen II 5-25X52 P offers a built-in ballistic calculator and a heads-up display, thus providing real-time data for accurate shooting. But that’s only one slice of the cake. The scope will automatically display the correct aiming point, so you won’t need to adjust the scope manually. This smart guy will do the arduous work for you, and I don’t know of any other scope that would provide such a service.
The Swarovski dS Gen II 5-25×52 is also praised for its smooth operation and high-resolution display. The scope excels at long-range targeting, taking into account environmental factors. Although it might not be the ultimate low-light hunter, it performs excellently in good light. Considering its overall performance and innovative features, the Swarovski dS Gen II 5-25×52 is well worthy of our consideration.
Burris Veracity PH
Going back to scopes that won’t break the bank (or at least a smaller one), we have Burris and their Veracity PH scope. Known for its robust build and excellent image quality, this scope is a favorite among hunters. And here’s why.
With its Heads-Up Display and clear glass, the Burris Veracity PH delivers edge-to-edge sharpness and good field-of-view, which are both vital for spotting and aiming. Another invaluable asset is the Programmable Elevation Knob. With this feature, you can use the app to enter a custom ballistic profile and have the app make calculations to help you dial the turrets with utmost precision. The PĒK system also comprises a digital sensor and a clickless mechanical elevation turret, which work together to make dialing to distance as easy as possible.
Leupold 3-9x VX Freedom
Leupold is one of the staples of the shooting optics industry, and there is a good reason for it. The brand boasts unparalleled expertise and caters to the needs of people with different budgets. The VX Freedom lives up to this reputation.
The scope is praised for its image clarity and brightness. One of its standout features is its generous eye relief, ranging from 3 3/4 inches at higher magnifications to almost 5 inches on the lowest settings. This scope is lightweight, weighing only 13 ounces. It is also completely waterproof and fog-proof, which comes in very handy in times of poor weather. The image quality is described as extremely good, even when compared to some of the more advanced models. While more expensive than typical beginner scopes, the clarity and light-gathering capabilities make it worth the price. The 9x limit of the magnification prevents this scope from being a superior option for long-range shooting, but hunting and target shooting remain solid applications for it.
Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44
Last but not least is Vortex, another name that all rifle optic enthusiasts are well aware of. The brand covers a wide range of optical devices for shooting and outdoor enthusiasts, but scopes have always been their specialty. Their Diamondback riflescope provides a good balance of price, performance and features.
The scope features a First Focal Plane reticle, side focus and magnification power of 4-16x. The FFP reticle makes it more suitable for long-distance target shooting rather than hunting, but we’ve already covered scopes that are more fitting for the latter task. The Diamondback Tactical, on the other hand, offers convenient turrets and fine-tuned diopter adjustments. Its large frame adds an aesthetic appeal to any rifle it’s mounted on. The main tube is 30mm in diameter, which contributes significantly to its robustness. The scope is also praised for its clear glass, good eye relief, and decent low-light performance. It doesn’t promise anything extraordinary, but reliability has always been more valuable than promises.
