10 Best Scopes With Gun Rifles 2026 in the United States

The Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56mm F1 is a high-end hunting rifle scope designed for those seeking maximum precision in long-range shooting. With its extensive magnification range of 7-35x, it caters well to both mid and extreme long-range engagements. The large 56mm objective lens ensures a bright and clear image, even in low light conditions. The MOA-XT reticle is versatile, providing fast, accurate holds, and the floating center dot helps in making precise shots.

The scope offers excellent eye relief of 3.6 inches, which is comfortable for extended use. It’s built with a robust 34mm tube, ensuring durability and weather resistance, making it suitable for use in various harsh conditions. The parallax adjustment from 11 yards to infinity and the 100 MOA of elevation travel allow for fine-tuning focus at different ranges, ensuring accuracy.

However, this scope is quite heavy at 2.46 pounds and might not be suitable for all rifles due to its weight and size. Additionally, its high performance and advanced features come at a premium price, which might be a drawback for budget-conscious users. This scope is best suited for serious hunters and shooters who demand top-tier performance and are willing to invest in superior quality optics.

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 riflescope is a versatile choice for hunters and shooters needing reliable performance across various distances. Its magnification range of 3 to 15 times allows for both close and long-range targeting, while the 44mm objective lens strikes a good balance between brightness and compactness. The illuminated FireDot Duplex reticle is clear and easy to use, especially in low light, making aiming straightforward.

The scope features Leupold’s CDS-ZL2 system, which lets you dial in precise bullet drop adjustments with a lock to prevent accidental changes—ideal for accuracy in the field. Side-focus parallax adjustment allows quick and easy focus tweaking, helping maintain a sharp image at different ranges. Eye relief and field of view are comfortably wide, reducing eye strain and providing good situational awareness.

Durability is a strong point here: the aluminum body is built to be waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, backed by Leupold’s lifetime warranty, which means it’s designed to endure tough outdoor conditions without worry. The Guard-ion coating on the lenses helps keep them clear from dirt and water, reducing the need for frequent cleaning. The 44mm objective lens is slightly smaller than some 50mm scopes which might affect low-light visibility for some users. Also, this model does not support night vision compatibility, which might matter to those with specialized needs. This scope delivers excellent clarity, reliable adjustments, and ruggedness for most hunting and shooting scenarios, making it a solid option if you want a high-quality scope that combines precision and durability without extra bulk or complexity.

The Nightforce NX8 4-32x50mm scope is a versatile and high-quality option for hunters and shooters who need a wide range of magnification. Its 4x minimum magnification allows quick target acquisition at close range or on moving targets, while the powerful 32x maximum magnification helps you see small targets clearly at long distances. The 50mm objective lens gathers plenty of light, which keeps the image bright and sharp, even at higher magnifications.

This scope uses a first focal plane reticle (MIL-XT), meaning the reticle scales with magnification, which is helpful for accurate holdovers at any zoom level. The reticle is illuminated, which is useful in low-light conditions. The parallax adjustment works from 11 yards to infinity, supporting crisp focus across a wide range of distances. With 3.5 inches of eye relief, the scope offers comfortable and safe viewing, reducing the chance of eye strain or 'scope bite.' The scope’s build features a strong 30mm aluminum tube, making it durable and weather-resistant for outdoor use. It also includes useful extras like flip-up lens covers and a power throw lever for quick magnification changes.

One potential downside is its weight at nearly 1.8 pounds, which may feel heavy on lighter rifles or during long treks. Also, while its advanced features suit serious hunters and precision shooters, beginners might find some settings like the Mil-Radian reticle markings a bit complex initially. However, the solid construction and wide magnification range make this scope a great all-around choice for those who want a reliable, clear sight picture from close range to extreme distances.