Want an optic that can match your scout rifle’s versatility? You’re in the right place! Whether it’s for defense or for hunting, we’ll help you pick the best scout rifle scope that suits you best!
Quick Comparison of the Best Scout Rifle Scopes
Model
Burris Ballistic Plex Hunting Riflescope, 2.75X-20mm , Black
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire, Second Focal Plane, 1-inch...
Nightforce Optics 1-8x24 ATACR F1 Riflescope, Matte Black with First...
Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6x24 Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
Scout rifle scopes are low-powered, lightweight scopes that offer long eye relief, fast target acquisition, and extreme precision. These scopes are designed to be as reliable in every situation just like scout rifles.
Scout rifles were popularized by Colonel Jeff Cooper during the early 1980s. These rifles are designed to prioritize “portability and practical accuracy over firepower.”
Features to Consider
Weight
Since scout rifles are designed for comfortable portability, you need to pair it with a scope that’s constructed with the same principle.
You should still be able to run and move around effortlessly even with a rifle scope mounted on your scout rifle.
Magnification
If you’ll be using your riflescope for short and long-range shooting, you should choose one with variable power with at least 1x magnification. Most scout scopes are low-powered for a wider field of view and greater awareness.
Lens and Material Quality
A scope’s construction is one of the factors that define its quality. It would be great if you can get a scope that’s been impact-tested so it’s sure to survive daily use and abuse for a long time. We suggest choosing a riflescope made of aircraft-grade aluminum for durability. Our picks below have all that and more, so choose only from them.
Even if you’re buying a low-priced scope, be sure not to trade off its glass quality. Or at least get one that’s clear enough for short distances use.
Eye Relief
Last but not least, a scout rifle scope has really generous eye relief for sighting flexibility and a larger field of view. All of our recommendations below have extended eye relief so it’s up to you to decide how much eye relief you prefer.
Our best overall pick ticks all the boxes for a reliable scout rifle scope. The Burris Scout rifle scope is designed so that you can shoot with both eyes open, increasing your awareness with your surroundings. It also comes in a forward mounting design that allows mounting in front of the ejection port. This contributes to faster acquisition, even when your target is moving.
Pros
Waterproof, fog proof, shockproof
Comes with a lifetime warranty
Long eye relief
Cons
Lens coating gets easily scratched off
What Customers Say
Very fun optic. Don’t expect hunting rifle glass clarity and zoom but it’s clear. Can easily hit out to 400yrds and anything closer with no issue. Weight is minimal in my opinion. The eye relief is amazing.
TravelingMan
Perfect Scout Scope. Might even be good on an AR.
JSN
Best Budget: Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire Rifle Scope
Our best budget pick features an adjustable objective for removing parallax and quick image focus. This model also comes in three reticle types; Dead-Hold BDC, V-Plex, and V-Brite.
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle resolves holdover estimation and windage correction issues for quick-paced shooting at different ranges. The V-Plex reticle is equivalent to a standard duplex reticle. It’s an all-around reticle that’s great for most hunting applications. While the V-Brite reticle is just an illuminated V-Plex.
The Vortex Crossfire II comes with resettable turrets that are capped for extra protection against external impact. Plus, this model allows you to change batteries without unmounting the scope.
It could’ve been better, however, if the windage and elevation clicks were a bit more discreteu.
Pros
Capped turrets
Adjustable objective
Affordable
Cons
Windage and elevation clicks are a little light
Image distortion at high magnification setting
What Customers Say
“Installed on a Ruger American. The scope has nice glass for the price you’re paying. Turrets are fairly crisp, with no skipping of the clicks to date. Front parallax adjustment, rear focus, and magnification all move easily with just the right amount of resistance. The turrets are resettable. I haven’t seen anything whatsoever that would keep me from buying another Crossfire II. Vortex also stands by their product 100%!”
Jesse R.
“I’m not a scope expert but this scope works very well on my 308. The glass is very clear and sharp through all magnification ranges. The eye relief gets a bit finicky the more you magnify. Adjusts and returns to zero very easily. Includes the bikini covers too.”
Bobby
Best with Long Eye Relief: Nightforce Optics 1-8×24 ATACR F1 Rifle Scope
What we love most about the ATACR F1 is its 3.74 inches of eye relief. But aside from that, this riflescope delivers precision, easy target identification, rapid engagement, and fast acquisition. All of these are made possible by the scope’s FC-DM daylight-illuminated reticle, first focal plane construction, and extraordinary low dispersion glass. The reticle also features precise hold and hold-off points, and an integrated power throw lever.
Pros
Long eye relief
Daylight-illuminated reticle
Bomb-proof
Low-profile adjustments
Cons
It’s expensive
What Customers Say
Have been a fan of Nightforce for some time now. Also have SB,USO and Kahles and NF is on par with their quality. Not inexpensive but you get what you pay for in clarity, durability, precision and customer service. Highly recommend the 1-8×24 as well as several other Nightforce scopes I can personally comment on.
Peter A.
Best Performance: Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6×24 Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope
The Razor HD Gen II-E is one of the best LPVOs out there because of its improved optical performance and eye box compared to other 1-6x rifle scopes.
This rifle scope is lightweight for easier transitions between multiple targets and less arm fatigue when spending long hours on the range.
It takes pride in its apochromatic (APO) optical system that features premium index-matched lenses for unparalleled image quality. This scope is also impact-tested, so it can withstand heavy recoil.
The Razor HD comes in three reticle types; the JM-1 BDC, the VMR-1, and the VMR-2. The proprietary JM-1 BDC reticle is simple and intuitive and features an illuminated center red dot. The JM-1 BDC reticle is great for “rapid, accurate, shooting at distances from point-blank to 600 yards.”
The VMR-1 reticle is based on minute-of-angle (MOA) sub tensions while the VMR-2 reticle is based on milliradians. Both reticles are designed to maximize long-distance shooting and ranging abilities.
Pros
Capped turrets
Lightweight
APO optical system
Friction-reduction system
Cons
Expensive
What Customers Say
“The Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E is a really good and forgiving optic for your rifle. Between the eye-searingly bright red dot, the wide FOV, crystal clear glass, and overall design, you are getting a lot of good features for your money. This is an easy recommend but make sure you are getting the reticle type you want before pulling the trigger.”
Tipsy McStagger
“Excellent Scope. Not cheap, but the clarity of the glass, the ability for fine adjustment, and zero-set is pure perfection. If you’re looking for a scope to double as a red-dot and a 500+ yard precision instrument then this is it.”
The VX-Freedom is equipped with Leupold’s proprietary Twilight Light Management System. This technology allows maximum light transmission and reduced glare because of several layers of proprietary lens coatings. It will let you hunt in the evening and still get crystal clear images.
Like all Leupold optics, this scope is tested to perform in the most extreme climate and pressure changes. Not only is the VX-Freedom made from 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum, but it’s also impact-tested using Leupold’s recoil simulation machine.
Pros
Affordable
Impact-tested
High-quality glass
Cons
Elevation and windage turret clicks are a little spongy
What Customers Say
“Very nice entry-level hunting scope…what it lacks in features in comparison to competing optics, it makes up for in optical quality, and it allowed me to take my first deer(7pt buck) about 15minutes before sunset with ease…don’t buy this if you want a target scope with zero stops, locking/drop turrets, and fancy reticles…I’ve tried quite a few scopes since buying this, and the only one I’ve used in the low/mid-tier price range that has better glass is my vortex viper pst scope, which is more then 2x the price, but has much nicer glass and a better eye box, along with more features, and an illuminated optic. If you want a target scope buy a target scope and you get what you pay for in that regard. But for something capable of reliable getting on target with deer-sized game, the VX-freedom is a very good value, and probably my recommended scope in its price range for its intended purpose.”
Sean Metzger
“Only complaint is the adjustment knobs feel cheap. Feel like my Burris FFII is a little better quality, however, I like that this Leopold is made in the USA for a good price. Glass seems the same as the FFII.”
M.M
Conclusion
That’s it, our five favorite scout rifle scopes, revealed and reviewed – no BS, just facts. These scopes will perform as efficiently as other types of rifles. So if you have a scopeless spare rifle in your armory, that’ll be hitting two birds with one stone!
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Last update on 2024-03-23 / Images from Amazon Product API
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