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10 Best Sniper Rifle Scopes 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Vortex Optics Venom 5-25x56 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-7C (MOA) Reticle

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,256
Reticle
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
817 reviews

Reticle
The first focal plane reticle scales perfectly with the target, maintaining accurate proportional aiming at all magnifications.
Turrets and Adjustments
The scope's adjustability and quality make it suitable for fun matches and serious shooting alike, balancing performance and affordability.

The Vortex Optics Venom 5-25x56 is designed for long-range shooting and competition, featuring a wide magnification range from 5x to 25x that lets you zoom in closely on distant targets. Its large 56mm objective lens helps gather plenty of light, improving visibility in low-light conditions like early morning or late evening. The EBR-7C reticle is etched in the first focal plane, meaning the aiming marks stay accurate no matter the zoom level, which is great for precise measuring and ranging.

Adjustments are smooth and precise with a large 34mm tube allowing up to 85 MOA of turret travel, giving plenty of room to dial in your shots. Parallax can be quickly adjusted using the side knob, and the range markings stay visible while you adjust, making it user-friendly. The eye relief is about 3.6 inches, providing a comfortable distance between your eye and the scope to avoid recoil injury. Built tough, it’s nitrogen-purged and sealed to keep moisture and fog out, plus it has an Armortek coating to protect the lenses from scratches and oils. The 34mm aluminum tube is shockproof, adding to its durability in harsh conditions.

It weighs around 2.2 pounds, which is on the heavier side, so it may add some bulk to your rifle. It does not have night vision capabilities, so it’s not suited for very low light beyond what the lens size can help with. The included throw lever makes changing magnification faster, a handy feature in dynamic shooting situations. Backed by Vortex’s lifetime VIP warranty, this scope provides solid value for serious hunters and competitive shooters who need reliability, clear optics, and precise adjustments in a rugged package.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,256
Reticle
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
817 reviews

Reticle
The first focal plane reticle scales perfectly with the target, maintaining accurate proportional aiming at all magnifications.
Turrets and Adjustments
The scope's adjustability and quality make it suitable for fun matches and serious shooting alike, balancing performance and affordability.
#2

Nightforce NX8 4-32x50mm F1 30mm Tube Illuminated ZeroSet Parallax Adjustable First Focal Plane Hunting Gun Scope, Moar F1 (C624)

Rating
9.4
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
76 reviews

Turrets and Adjustments
The turrets track with precision, ensuring accurate adjustments.

The Nightforce NX8 4-32x50mm F1 scope is a versatile option for hunters looking for a wide range of magnification and high performance. With a magnification range of 4x to 32x, this scope is perfect for both close-range and long-distance shooting, making it highly adaptable to various hunting situations. The 50mm objective lens ensures bright and clear images, even in low light conditions, and the first focal plane (FFP) reticle maintains accuracy across the full magnification range.

The MOAR F1 reticle provides a precise aiming point which is particularly useful for smaller targets at long distances. The ZeroStop technology allows for a quick return to zero, a feature that can be invaluable in dynamic hunting situations. Additionally, the illuminated reticle and parallax adjustment from 11 yards to infinity further enhance its usability in different conditions.

One downside could be its weight, at 1.79 pounds, which might be considered heavy for some users, especially over long periods of use. Another potential drawback is the price, which, although justified by its features, could be a barrier for budget-conscious hunters. The scope’s durability, with its robust aluminum construction, and weather resistance, adds to its value, ensuring it can withstand tough environments. The included accessories such as lens covers, cleaning tools, and a multi-tool are a nice addition, making it ready to use out of the box. This scope is best suited for serious hunters who need a reliable, high-performance optic that can handle a variety of scenarios.

Rating
9.4
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
76 reviews

Turrets and Adjustments
The turrets track with precision, ensuring accurate adjustments.
#3

Nightforce NX8 4-32x50mm F1 30mm Tube Illuminated ZeroSet First Focal Plane Dark Earth Hunting Gun Scope, MIL-XT Reticle (C667)

Rating
9.1
Magnification
Turrets and Adjustments
Eye Relief

Most important from
9 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers exceptional clarity and precision, making it easy to spot shots even at 100 yards without additional spotting aids.
Turrets and Adjustments
Its quality is unmistakable, with crisp turrets, perfect tracking, and a finish that looks as good as it performs.
Eye Relief
The eye relief is comfortable and well-suited for various firearms, enhancing the overall shooting experience.

The Nightforce NX8 4-32x50mm scope stands out for its impressive magnification range, from 4x up to 32x, making it very versatile. You can easily switch from close targets to extreme long-range shots without needing a second optic. The large 50mm objective lens helps gather plenty of light, which improves clarity and brightness in various lighting conditions. The MIL-XT reticle in the first focal plane means the aiming points stay accurate regardless of zoom, which is great for precise holds and adjustments. The reticle’s design with numbered Mil-Radian marks and floating dots allows quick and easy range estimation and wind correction, ideal for both competitive and field shooting.

Adjustments are user-friendly: turrets offer fine, repeatable clicks with ZeroStop technology, so you can return to your zero setting quickly, even in stressful situations. Parallax can be adjusted from very close distances (11 yards) to infinity, helping keep your target sharp and in focus at any range. Eye relief is 3.5 inches, which is average but sufficient for comfortable shooting with various firearms. The scope’s durable aluminum build and Dark Earth finish provide solid weather resistance and ruggedness for outdoor use. It also comes with handy extras like flip-up lens covers and a power throw lever for fast zoom changes.

The relatively heavy weight (about 1.8 pounds) and the 30mm tube diameter might require a sturdy mounting setup, and the exit pupil at maximum magnification is quite small (1.6mm), which means aiming can be a bit more challenging in low light at high zoom. This scope is best suited for serious hunters and precision shooters who need flexibility across a wide range of distances and demand reliable performance in tough conditions.

Rating
9.1
Magnification
Turrets and Adjustments
Eye Relief

Most important from
9 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers exceptional clarity and precision, making it easy to spot shots even at 100 yards without additional spotting aids.
Turrets and Adjustments
Its quality is unmistakable, with crisp turrets, perfect tracking, and a finish that looks as good as it performs.
Eye Relief
The eye relief is comfortable and well-suited for various firearms, enhancing the overall shooting experience.

Buying Guide for the Best Sniper Rifle Scopes

Choosing the right sniper rifle scope is crucial for achieving accuracy and precision in your shooting. The right scope can make a significant difference in your shooting experience, whether you are a hunter, a competitive shooter, or a tactical operator. To make an informed decision, you need to understand the key specifications and how they align with your specific needs and preferences. Here are the essential specs to consider when selecting a sniper rifle scope.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because it determines how well you can see and aim at distant targets. Scopes typically have either fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes are simpler and more durable, while variable magnification scopes offer more flexibility. For long-range shooting, higher magnification (e.g., 10x or more) is beneficial, but for closer ranges or more versatile use, a lower or variable magnification (e.g., 3-9x) might be more suitable.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting image brightness and clarity. Larger objective lenses (e.g., 50mm or more) allow more light, which is helpful in low-light conditions, but they also make the scope heavier and bulkier. Smaller objective lenses (e.g., 40mm or less) are lighter and more compact, making them easier to handle and mount on the rifle.
ReticleThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Reticles come in various designs, such as duplex, mil-dot, and BDC (bullet drop compensator). The choice of reticle depends on your shooting style and needs. Duplex reticles are simple and easy to use, ideal for general shooting. Mil-dot reticles are useful for range estimation and holdover adjustments, making them suitable for long-range shooting. BDC reticles help compensate for bullet drop at various distances, which is beneficial for hunting and tactical shooting.
Turrets and AdjustmentsTurrets are the knobs on the scope that allow you to adjust the point of impact for windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down). These adjustments are crucial for zeroing your scope and making precise shots at varying distances. Look for scopes with tactile and audible clicks for better feedback. Some scopes offer exposed turrets for quick adjustments, while others have capped turrets to prevent accidental changes. Consider your need for quick adjustments versus protection from accidental movements when choosing turret styles.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment helps ensure that the reticle remains in the same position relative to the target, regardless of your eye position. This is important for maintaining accuracy, especially at long ranges. Scopes with parallax adjustment allow you to fine-tune the focus for different distances, reducing aiming errors. If you plan to shoot at varying distances, a scope with adjustable parallax (often found on the side or as an adjustable objective) is beneficial. For fixed-distance shooting, parallax adjustment may be less critical.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope at which you can see the full image. This spec is important for comfort and safety, especially with high-recoil rifles. Longer eye relief (e.g., 3.5 inches or more) helps prevent scope eye injuries and allows for more flexible head positioning. Shorter eye relief may be acceptable for low-recoil rifles or if you prefer a more compact setup. Consider your rifle's recoil and your shooting stance when evaluating eye relief.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance are crucial for ensuring your scope can withstand harsh conditions and rough handling. Look for scopes made from high-quality materials, such as aircraft-grade aluminum, and those that are shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof. These features ensure that your scope remains reliable and functional in various environments. If you plan to use your rifle in extreme conditions, prioritize scopes with robust construction and comprehensive weather resistance.

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