The 5 Best Scout Rifle Scopes

Finding it difficult to sift through those countless item descriptions to find what the best scout rifle scope is? Well, I poured through the data. Did the research. And am ready to present to you the best scout riflescopes. Both for cost and in quality; they simply can’t be beaten.

The 5 Best Scout Rifle Scopes

After doing all the hard work for you I found some candidates that I consider to be the best. I included scopes of different price ranges to ensure that everyone can find something they’re looking for, and get the most for their money.

Leupold FX-II Scout 2.5x28mm Duplex

The saying goes “you can’t lose with a Leupold”, and it appears to be true. This scope is perfect for shooting with comfort and precision. The eye relief it provides is some of the best and it’s perfect for higher caliber rifles.  Providing easy crosshair acquisition and is accurate up to around 200 yards.

Leupold also offers a ¼ click-MOA field adjustments. Giving you that perfect zero. This scope is also Nitrogen sealed using Leupold’s now staple process. It’s hard to make any “best” scope anything and not include a Leupold. The brand has been putting out amazing products for years and the FX-II is no exception. More suited for “old guys eyes” this scope performs time and time again without causing a lot of the headaches that other scopes do. Buying into that brand it’s easy to see what this scope is so popular.

If you’re shooting a high recoil rifle. Don’t want to get scope eye or spend a million dollars. This is probably the scope your looking for. For the price, it is unmatched in quality and simply perfect for the novice hunter. Also, this scope is a good match if you’re using an older rifle because the mounting system is compatible with legacy rings. Allowing for easy mounting and adjusting in and out the field.

Pros

• The lens cover is a bit thick
• Compatible with most legacy ring mounts
• Excellent eye relief
• Perfect for high recoil weapons.

Cons

• The lens cover is a bit thick

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout

If you’re searching for something a little more cost efficient then you will most likely find yourself looking at this guy. While eye relief is nothing close to the Leupold, you can find a new friend in low visibility with the Crossfire II. While backing its products with the Vortex VIP warranty. Showing they stand behind their craftsmanship.

This scope uses a second focal plane for the reticle. Which provides you with a reticle that stays the same size no matter the zoom. It’s a good compromise between accuracy and low light. Featuring capped turrets for both elevation and windage. With a turret 0 reset, although I don’t advise you to use that yourself.

It’s also somewhat short making it good for compact hunting rifles. Which makes it perfect for close to medium range hunting. While being exceptionally light for a rifle scope at just over 400 grams. However, the field of view has been said to be a bit lacking when magnified.

However, it is waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof. Slim yet sturdy, and would be perfect for your next boar hunt. When you want the high-quality crisp scope picture, but don’t want to shell out the extra money.

Pros

• Short and lightweight
• Vortex VIP guarantee
• Perfect for compact hunting rifles
• Great low visibility scope

Cons

• Field of vision needs to be increased
• Adjustment turret click is soft and easy to miss

Burris 200261 Ballistic Plex 2-7x32mm

The next candidate for “best scout rifle scope” is the Burris Scout 2-7x32mm. However, being as close to a “laser” one could get; it doesn’t disappoint. With the biggest disappointment being a lack of lens covers. ‘

Witha zoom ranging from 2x to 7x and additional range marks included in the sight–there have been people hitting targets up to 400 yards. Absolutely brilliant and it holds a zero well after repeated use. It’s truly one of the few set and forget scout rifle scopes on the market.

Personally, I’ve performed countless field boar sightings and the fact this scope could be dropped, remounted, submerged, or even something more crazy and still not need to be re-zeroed is a testament to its craftsmanship. Especially in the field when the perfect opportunity presents itself only to be taken away by anunsighted scope.

It’s also forward mounted giving a generous amount of eye relief, and allowing for full view of the field and the scope simultaneously. Made possible by the reticle which is thin, but eye-popping. Which is also good because it is not illuminated. Although, it is a bit more pricey. It has been tested and found to be well worth the money.

Pros

• Spring lock system to hold 0
• Additional range marks on the sight
• Ballistic Reticle

Cons

• Lens cap not included
• No illumination features

Bushnell Trophy Scout Rifle Scope with Multi-X Reticle

If you are attempting to get the best possible shot for the lowest possible price. You most likely found yourself looking at a Bushnell Trophy. This guy uses multi-coated lenses to provide a clear and crisp picture regardless of magnification amount.

Typically used for targets in a controlled environment it had found it’s home. The small exit pupil has been known to distort the field of vision and a fixed parallax has been seen at higher magnification. Not to say that this scope can’t be used on game, but if it is. I recommend hitting that vitals on the first shot because moving with this scope can be a bit hectic.

The look of this scope is thin and sleek. With audible clicking turrets to let you know you’re changing the windage and elevation. As well as hold zero like any good scout rifle scope should.  Don’t let the low price deter you, however. If what you’re searching for is a good scope for a replacement rifle or just a very basic scope for the money.

This scope happens to also be equipped for low light conditions. A feature that’s left off most scopes due to the weight it would add. Serving its purpose of being a great basic scout rifle scope for a reasonable price.

Pros

• Price is low
• Optimized for low light visibility

Cons

• Distorted Field of view at higher ranges
• Fixed parallax
• Best used with rifle stand
• Low maneuverability

Aim Sports 2-7×42 8.5-10.5″ Long Eye Relief 30MM SCOUT SCOPE

At just more than $50, you can get yourself an Aim Sport. I won’t sugar coat it, but if you can fix small problems yourself then this scope isn’t bad at all. With the performance, this scope gives at this low of a price it’s unmatched. 

If you don’t mind giving your rifle and scope a bit of TLC after every trip or ensuring its secured in a case before transporting. Then you should have no problems with the Aim Sport. Like is said this scope works fantastic, but it does have some minor appearance and mounting issues.

However, those issues are easily remedied with a bit of TLC. If you have that and any game within about 100 yards then you are good to go, my friend. This little guy has by the most offered eye relief reaching out to 15″.

Includes an illumination feature and is genuinely a good scope. Despite a few minor appearance flaws which have been reported. If you consider yourself to be handy and more experienced at dealing with rifle scopes. Then you may want to check this one out. It will give an experienced hunter feel for a beginning hunters price.

Pros

• Price doesn’t detract from the quality
• 30 mm tube allows for unobtrusive mounting
• Up to 15” of eye relief

Cons

• Appearance problems reported
• Mounting screws are cheap and need lock-tite
• Not great for high caliber rifles with high recoil

What makes the “best” scout rifle scope?

When comparing scopes to one another it’s important to keep a couple key ideas in mind. Clarity and field operability are the terms I would like you to remember. As they are paramount to the idea of what makes a scout rifle scope the “best”.

I will discuss those with you and some other terms you should keep an eye out for when picking your scope.

Clarity

As far as clarity goes I use the term to describe the ease of which the scope allows me to identify and accurately put rounds on target.

For this, you need to look at the glass used in the scope itself. As well as take into consideration the clarity of the magnification when used. Throw in a reticle that is easily identifiable and— voila, you have clarity down.

When thinking about clarity it is also important to find a scope that is waterproof and fog proof. Most scopes are Nitrogen sealed so it shouldn’t be a problem. However, a fogged scope at 4 a.m. can really kill the morning vibes.

Also, speaking clarity its rather important that you get a scope with glass that can take a little bit of abuse. It’s been mine any many others experience that a scope takes a beating.

While throwing away $400 might not be a big deal for some. I have no intention of getting a new scope after every trip. Which is why I always look at the durability before purchasing.

Field Use

This is where more important and user preference ideas are located. Everything from mounting position to low light usage is in here. It’s all as important as clarity I’m afraid so buckle up.

Where your scope is mounted plays a huge role in how quickly you can eye a target to acquiring a bead on one. For instance, a scope mounted near the buttstock means you have to find the bead and then whatever it is your shooting at. Allowing only 1 eye usage at a time.

Whereas, being located further down the buttstock allows you to identify the target with 1 eye and still have a good idea of where the bead is with your other. Showcasing once again the importance of clarity.

Also included in this is low light visibility. In my opinion, the best scout rifle scope is one that can be used night or day. When shooting at 100+ yards it would really be nice to know exactly what it is your shooting at even when its dark outside.

Eye relief is often overlooked as a feature but it shouldn’t be. If using the scope for more than 10 minutes gives you a migraine then what is the purpose of having it to being with. Better off trading that rifle in fora slingshot because there’s no way you’re hitting anything 100+ yards away with a strained eye. Not accurately anyway.

Some scope mounts can assist with moving the scope to a more comfortable position without going through a difficult mounting process.

Size

Nothing sounds more fun than holding a scout rifle with an additional 5 lbs thrown on top of it. If you’re unlike me however then you need to think about this as well. You carry your weapon in the field. If you can’t support the weight while looking through the scope then it’s too heavy my friend.

It’s easy to think you have the shoulders to support something like holding up a rifle for days on end. In real life, though the people who could do that are few and far between. Just look for something in your weight class and avoid the neck and shoulder pain.

Reticle

This is all based on you. I prefer having a reticle that’s brightly colored and will “pop-out” at me as soon as I should my rifle. While also not being too big that it blocks my field of vision. Also, it needs to be seen in low visibility situations. Fog, rain, snow, or whatever, but you can’t shoot if you can’t see.

Craftsmanship Guarantee

Anything that is made to be under stress like a scout riflescope should come with a warranty showing that it was designed to deal with it. I understand this isn’t a game changer for some people, but it makes a world of difference to me when a company will back up their products with guarantees.

These scopes really do take a beating in the field. It’s nice to know that you won’t have to worry about it breaking because if it does; the manufacturer will replace it.

Conclusion

When identifying the best scout riflescope for your budget can be a daunting task. I hope I’ve made it easier to chose the best fit scope for you. It’s important to take into account the clarity and field use of each scope before you buy.

Less you end up at 4 am with that unsighted scope, unilluminated, and fogged up the scope. A scout rifle is used for hunting game from a distance. Usually through terrain that is less forgiving than the game is. So I can’t stress the importance of durability enough when choosing your future scout rifle scope.

I hope you found this information useful, and hope to see you on one of my futures hunts. Although with my Burris at 400 yards. I doubt you will see me as clearly as I can see everything. Happy hunting my friends.

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