Picture this: You just spent $1000+ on your dream rifle. You’re excited to go out to the range, break in the barrel, and get to shooting. So you slap a $300 scope you’ve had in your safe onto it and drive to the range. You sight it in at 100 yards and start calculating your DOPE chart. A couple steps later you’re shooting to 400 yards but it doesn’t seem to be accurate. So you check your action screws, check the ammo, and make sure everything is working. Come to find out you don’t have a zero stop on your scope and the dial is not smooth. More than likely, the scope isn’t doing you any favors.
Getting a quality scope should be on the top of your list when considering your next rifle. Think about it this way, with a rifle you can add attachments and accessories that will help you become a better shooter but as soon as you pull the scope out of that box, it’s the best it will ever be. Now we’re not saying go out and buy a $5000 scope because it depends on your needs. For most shooters, a scope from a reputable brand between $500 and $1000 will do just fine. If you are wanting to shoot in competitions or long range you might think about going even higher than that. Below are three recommendations of scopes that we use and like.
THE BEST OF THE BEST
The Nightforce NX8 – MSRP $2150
The NX8 gives shooters all the features needed for precision shooting. It’s a compact riflescope perfect for hunts and competitions. The elevation turret features the Nightforce Zerostop and a large internal adjustment range that’s ideal even for the most extended targets. The NX8 comes in 6 different reticles so you can take your pick as to what’s best for you. They make it in 3 zoom lengths, 1-8×24, 2.5-20×50, and 4-32×50.
RUGGED DURABILITY AT A GOOD PRICE
The Leupold VX-5HD – MSRP $1199
Leupold has been a reputable and go-to brand for years. Their scopes are tough and hold up in any kind of weather. The VX-5HD maintains that classic Leupold quality at a reasonable price. The one-of-a-kind Custom Dial System takes the guesswork out of long-range shots without having to worry about holdovers. Throw this scope on your rifle and you’ll quickly realize that its one of the lightest 5:1 riflescopes in its class. This scope is made for anything and everything. Its 3-15 magnification range lets you take full advantage of any situation. Crank the power down to three for thick timber hunting, ratchet it up to 15 for your trek across the open plains, or go anywhere in-between during your range days. The VX-5HD 3-15×44 has the versatility to dominate them all.
BUDGET FRIENDLY FROM A GROWING BRAND
The Maven CRS.3 – MSRP $700
The CRS.3 truly redefines affordable optics. It fits the bill for mid to long range shooting and hunting and is proven to be accurate and reliable. You can choose either an MOA or MIL rifle so precision is just a few clicks away. It’s exceptionally smooth and clear, negating any weather you may encounter and in low light conditions light up your reticle with the built in illumination.
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