Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Burris Scout Rifle Scope
- Build Quality: 3/5
- Optics: 3/5
- Value: 3.3/5
Best Budget
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire Rifle Scope
- Build Quality: 3.8/5
- Optics: 4/5
- Value: 4.1/5
Best with Long Eye Relief
Nightforce Optics 1-8×24 ATACR F1 Rifle Scope
- Build Quality: 4.5/5
- Optics: 4.4/5
- Value: 1/5
Best Performance
Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6×24 Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope
- Build Quality: 4/5
- Optics: 4.4/5
- Value: 1/5
Reliable scope that’s been tried and tested by serious shooters worldwide.
Check Price on Amazon Check Price on BrownellsWant 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!
Table of Contents
- Our Top Picks
- Quick Comparison of the Best Scout Rifle Scopes
- What is a Scout Rifle Scope?
- How to Choose the Best Scout Rifle Scopes
- 5 Best Scout Rifle Scopes
- Best Overall: Burris Scout Rifle Scope
- Best Budget: Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire Rifle Scope
- Best with Long Eye Relief: Nightforce Optics 1-8×24 ATACR F1 Rifle Scope
- Best Performance: Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6×24 Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope
- Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20 Rifle Scope
- Conclusion
Quick Comparison of the Best Scout Rifle Scopes
What is a Scout Rifle Scope?
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.”
How to Choose the Best Scout Rifle Scopes
Category | Burris Scout Rifle Scope | Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 | Nightforce Optics 1-8×24 ATACR F1 | Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E | Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20 | Category Average |
Overall Score | 3.16 | 3.48 | 3.2 | 2.84 | 3.82 | 3.29 |
Ergonomics | 3.5 | 2.5 | 2.7 | 1.8 | 3.8 | 2.86 |
Build Quality | 3 | 3.8 | 4.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 3.96 |
Optics | 3 | 4 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.02 |
Battery | 3 | 3 | 3.4 | 3 | 3 | 3.08 |
Value | 3.3 | 4.1 | 1 | 1 | 3.5 | 2.58 |
Ergonomics
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.
Ergonomics refers to how well the scope fits you and your shooting style. Can you make all the adjustments easily? Does the scope feel like an extension of your eye when you’re lining up a shot? If the answer is yes, then you’re on the right track.
How do we rate it?
Is the scope’s weight balanced, or does it make your rifle feel like you’re lugging around a medieval weapon? A top-rated scope in ergonomics should feel intuitive like it’s an extension of yourself rather than an awkward appendage.
Optics
Optics are the heart of any scope. This is where the magic happens—or doesn’t. You want crystal-clear images, vibrant colors, and enough light coming through that you could practically shoot by moonlight (though I wouldn’t recommend it). Look for high-quality glass, multi-coated lenses, and a generous objective lens size.
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.
Eye Relief
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.
How do we rate it?
High marks go to scopes that offer excellent low-light performance and the ability to maintain a sharp, bright image under various conditions.
Build 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.
How do we rate it?
Is it waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof? A high rating in this category means your scope is the tank of the optics world—reliable, tough, and ready for anything Mother Nature throws at it.
Battery
If your scope has any electronic components, like an illuminated reticle, then battery life is your new best friend. There’s nothing worse than getting ready for the perfect shot only to find your reticle as dark as your chances of hitting the target without it. Long battery life is a must. You should also have easy access to replace batteries and shouldn’t have to think about it much until you need it.
How do we rate it?
We give lower scores to scopes that require battery changes more often than you change your socks. High ratings go to models with efficient power usage and long-lasting battery life, ensuring you’re always ready for the shot, day or night.
Value
Value is not only about the price tag, it’s also about getting the most bang for your buck. Sure, you could drop a small fortune on a scope, but is it overkill? A good scope should fit both your budget and your needs, offering the features you’ll actually use without the fluff you won’t.
How do we rate it?
A high rating in value means the scope offers the best blend of quality and features for its price point, striking that sweet balance between cost and functionality. Think of it as the difference between a deal and a steal.
5 Best Scout Rifle Scopes
Best Overall: Burris Scout Rifle Scope
Category | Burris Scout Rifle Scope | Category Average |
Ergonomics | 3.5 | 2.86 |
Build Quality | 3 | 3.96 |
Optics | 3 | 4.02 |
Battery | 3 | 3.08 |
Value | 3.3 | 2.58 |
Score: 3.16/5
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
- Lightest pick (7 oz)
Cons
- Lens coating gets easily scratched off
- No illumination
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
Category | Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 | Category Average |
Ergonomics | 2.5 | 2.86 |
Build Quality | 3.8 | 3.96 |
Optics | 4 | 4.02 |
Battery | 3 | 3.08 |
Value | 4.1 | 2.58 |
Score: 3.48/5
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
- Illuminated reticle
Cons
- Windage and elevation clicks are a little light
- Image distortion at high magnification setting
- Heavy (13.9 oz)
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
Category | Nightforce Optics 1-8×24 ATACR | Category Average |
Ergonomics | 2.7 | 2.86 |
Build Quality | 4.5 | 3.96 |
Optics | 4.4 | 4.02 |
Battery | 3.4 | 3.08 |
Value | 1 | 2.58 |
Score: 3.2/5
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
- Daylight-illuminated reticle
- Bomb-proof
- Low-profile adjustments
Cons
- It’s expensive
- Heavy (21 oz)
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
Category | Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E | Category Average |
Ergonomics | 1.8 | 2.86 |
Build Quality | 4 | 3.96 |
Optics | 4.4 | 4.02 |
Battery | 3 | 3.08 |
Value | 1 | 2.58 |
Score: 2.84/5
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
- Illuminated reticle
Cons
- Expensive
- Heaviest pick (21.5 oz)
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.”
Art
Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20 Rifle Scope
Category | Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20 | Category Average |
Ergonomics | 3.8 | 2.86 |
Build Quality | 4.5 | 3.96 |
Optics | 4.3 | 4.02 |
Battery | 3 | 3.08 |
Value | 3.5 | 2.58 |
Score: 3.82/5
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
- Lightweight (9.6 oz)
Cons
- Elevation and windage turret clicks are a little spongy
- No illumination
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!
Last update on 2025-02-13 / Images from Amazon Product API