Zoom In on Precision: 15 Best Shotgun Scopes for Accurate and Deadly Hunting

Welcome to our roundup of the best shotgun scopes on the market! Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting out, this article is designed to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the top-rated shotgun scopes out there. From features to performance to value, we’ve done the research so you don’t have to. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the perfect shotgun scope for your needs.

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Reviews

Axcel Archery LANDSLYDE Single Pin Adjustable Sight Rail

I’ve been using the Axcel LANDSLYDE Archery slider picture sight for a few weeks now and I must say, it’s quite impressive. The smooth sliding motion and the super-quiet precision gear teeth have really caught my attention. The adjustable dead stop is another highlight as it helps me quickly access my desired yardage setting while the two individual pointers offer extra accuracy.

That being said, it’s not all positive. The sight takes a bit of time to get used to as there are many little adjustments needed to get the perfect set-up. Additionally, the packaging could use a little improvement as it’s easy to lose track of the small parts.

Overall, it’s a pretty solid product. Just make sure you take your time setting it up and you’ll likely have no issues.

Customizable Air Rifle Scope Lens Combo

The Axcel Avx-31 Scope Lens Combo, a versatile 31mm scope, boasts a modular series design that allows users to customize their archery experience. This customization option comes with several additional components such as sun shades, torque indicators, interchangeable ring pins, and a rheostat cover, perfect for controlling brightness in various lighting conditions.

To make it even more appealing, the combo comes with a #10-32 stainless steel rod, T Connector, and an ambidextrous design. But the pièce de résistance is the Doc’s Choice lens, available in a plethora of powers, making it a perfect addition to any archer’s quiver.

Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope with Waterproof Design

As a spotting scope enthusiast, I recently had the pleasure of trying out the Bushnell Trophy Xtreme. First off, I was impressed by the adjustable sunshade with built-in objective cover, providing extra protection and convenience. The waterproof hard case and side-carry soft case were a nice touch, along with the durable rubber armor that gave me confidence in its durability.

One of the standout features was the Porro prism and multiple layers of anti-reflective coating, which made for crystal clear vision even in the brightest conditions. Additionally, the variable magnification from 20-60x was incredibly useful when adjusting to different distances. However, I did notice a slight stiffness in the twist-up eyecups, making it a bit tough to turn them.

One minor downside was the lack of a tri-pod included in the package, but I was able to remedy that by purchasing one separately. Overall, the Trophy Xtreme spotting scope lived up to my expectations for clarity and durability, making it an excellent choice for avid hunters and enthusiasts alike.

Athlon Optics Talos 20-60x80 Spotting Scope - Angled Design with Nitrogen Purging and Multi-Coated Lenses

If you’re shopping for a dependable and versatile spotting scope, the Athlon Optics Talos 20-60x80 could be the one you’ve been searching for. With its angled design, this scope boasts an impressive 20x to 60x magnification range, making it suitable for use at the shooting range or when exploring nature.

One of the key elements of this Talos model is its fully multi-coated lenses. These lenses work to provide superior light transmission, ensuring bright and detailed images. Furthermore, the K9 glass prisms in the scope reflect a significant amount of light, helping to maintain image clarity even in challenging weather conditions. Its rugged construction, including waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant features, ensures that it’s a reliable choice for all sorts of outdoor activities.

While the Athlon Optics Talos 20-60x80 is a high-quality spotting scope, it does have some minor drawbacks. Some users have reported that the included tripod was not as sturdy as they preferred. Additionally, the eye relief can feel slightly restricted for certain individuals, making it a bit more challenging to find a comfortable viewing position.

In summary, the Athlon Optics Talos 20-60x80 is a top option for those seeking a dependable spotting scope at an affordable price. Its numerous features and flexible magnification range make it a must-have for any outdoor adventurer. While it does have some minor drawbacks, they are certainly worth overlooking given the scope’s multitude of benefits.

High-Quality CNC Aluminum Rifle Scope with Adjustable Pin

The Shrewd Nomad Scope is a well-built rifle scope with a 42mm body, crafted from CNC machined 6061-T56 aluminum. It boasts a durable razor pin made of 10-18 steel, providing a 0.012 throat for minimal target obstruction.

This scope comes with three colorful levels and three colored sticks of fiber, allowing for versatility in marksmanship. It also features optional accessories such as rheostat lights and sunshades that can be attached to the front and rear of the scope. The Shrewd Nomad Scope can run a lens on either side, making it adaptable to various mounting options.

Its recessed hex design is perfect for standard round, hex, or square mounting rods. Although robust, this scope lacks integrated pin kits and requires additional optional accessories for full functionality.

Bear X Speed Comp Crossbow Scope for 308 Rifles

As an avid hunter, I recently tried out the Bear X Speed Crossbow Scope 3/16, ” and it certainly met my expectations. Not only was it easy to install and set up, but it also had a clear, multi-coated glass for optimal visibility. The 1-5 x 24 x 30mm magnification and the illuminated 9-position 20-100 yard reticle truly enhanced my hunting experience.

However, I did notice a small issue with the lens fogging up after leaving the crossbow outside overnight. It required some anti-fog treatment before hunting with it again. Other than that, I found the scope to be quite reliable with a consistent zero and accurate shots.

When it comes to customer attention, the brand could improve upon shipping packaging and ensure better communication of specifications. Despite these small concerns, the Bear X Speed Crossbow Scope 3/16” is a great choice for those looking for a crossbow scope with excellent clarity and functionality.

Vortex Recon R/T 15x50 Tactical Scope - Portable, High-Powered Spotting Scope

This compact, full-featured Recon R/T scope is designed for field surveillance and range estimating. Its versatile clip system allows you to securely attach it to any belt or strap for rapid deployment.

The 15x magnification, combined with a 50mm objective lens, offers a wide field of view and high-quality image clarity, even in low light conditions. Despite its small size, the Recon R/T packs a powerful punch for its price, making it a great option for those looking for a portable, high-performance scope.

Feather Vision VerdePlus 2x Multi-Scope Scope for 223 Rifles

The Feather Vision VerdePlus Lens is a top-notch choice for optical enthusiasts. Built with high-quality Zeiss glass and boasting an AR coating for crystal-clear vision, it ensures nearly perfect light transmission, enhancing the overall clarity of your target in any condition. With its water-repelling capabilities and ability to shrug off dirt, fingerprints, grease, and dust, cleaning becomes a breeze.

The VerdePlus Lens can be easily fitted to various scopes, including the Viper target, specialty Pro target, and Shrewd Mini mag. Its compact size makes it a great fit for any outdoor adventure, helping you see the fine details with ease.

Claro Lens 1 3/4 Multi Scope 2x by Feather Vision Original

While using the Feather Vision Original Claro Lens 1 3/4 Multi Scope 2x, I was impressed with its lightweight construction and comfortable fit. The silver rifle scope with the highest quality optical grade polycarbonate material and AR coating made it perfect for my needs.

Although the lens is specifically designed for certain scope sizes, it fitted seamlessly into my scopes. I couldn’t help but notice the crisp and clear images I saw through the lens, which made me confident in my decision to recommend this product to others.

Overall, the Feather Vision Original Claro Lens 1 3/4 Multi Scope 2x provided an enhanced shooting experience, and I highly appreciate the superior quality it offers.

Riton 5 Primal 17 Hmr Scope

The Riton 5 Primal scope has been a game changer for me in the field. As a marksman and hunter, I need an optic that can withstand the challenges of the outdoors. This scope, with its angled body and 15-45x magnification, has proved to be the perfect tool for my adventures.

The fully multi-coated optics, fog and waterproof features, and a price that won’t break the bank are just a few things that make this scope stand out. It’s the perfect companion for those who demand the best when it comes to their gear.

Bushnell T Series FDE 15-45x60 Hunting Scope with Mil Hash Reticle

Bushnell’s 15-45x60 spotting scope has been a fantastic addition to my outdoor gear collection. The spotting scope’s 50mm objective lens offers a wide field of view, making it great for tracking moving targets over long distances.

One of the standout features for me is the Mil-Hash reticle, which works seamlessly with Mil-Base riflescope reticles to speed up the zeroing process. Additionally, the scope’s Fully Multi-Coated Optics system ensures crisp, clear images with minimal eye strain. The weather-resistant design with the water-repellent RainGuard HD coating is also a major bonus.

However, there were a couple of drawbacks to the scope. The weight of 23.4 oz might be challenging for prolonged use, especially in hunting or birdwatching situations. Also, the front lens cap’s Velcro stitching failed immediately, and the scope’s case seems too small for the product, making storage less convenient.

Overall, I find this spotting scope well worth the investment, as long as one is aware of its weight and packaging limitations.

Excalibur Dead-Zone Compact Rimfire Scope for Crossbows

This compact Excalibur Dead-Zone Crossbow Scope is a game-changer for those crossbow enthusiasts seeking premium quality within a relatively affordable price range. Suitable for crossbows that operate at shooting speeds of 300-410 fps, the scope can accommodate a 32mm objective lens and features a 1” tube for outstanding light transmission. Its fully-coated lenses ensure crisp visuals, while the variable multi-reticle design ensures optimal viewing experience.

The reviewers seem incredibly pleased with the scope’s level of accuracy, reliability, and ease of adjustment. Some even claim it’s all they’ll ever need from a scope, praising the clarity and light-gathering capabilities. However, a small minority have faced some minor hassles, such as a stubbornly tightening set screw, although these instances do not seem to significantly mar the overall positive sentiment.

The only downside reported by a few users is the difficulty in distinguishing the reticle when the sun sets, but all agree that the high-end construction and excellent performance easily justify the purchase of this scope. It’s not simply an accessory, but a valuable tool for serious crossbow users, providing unrivaled precision and efficiency.

Leupold SX-5 Santiam HD Spotting Scope - 27-55x80 Angled with Superior Lens Coating and Waterproof Design

Leupold SX-5 Santiam HD spotting scope boasts exceptional performance and durability designed for tough weather conditions. Its DiamondCoat 2 lens coating ensures superior light transmission, clarity, and contrast with exceptional abrasion resistance.

The Twilight Max HD Light Management System minimizes glare and provides an extra 30 minutes of usable shooting light. Powerful 27x to 55x variable magnification, a built-in retractable lens shade, and a user-friendly focus knob are just a few of this scope’s standout features.

With a 100% waterproof and fogproof build, the SX-5 delivers reliable, high-quality views from any angle.

Killer Instinct Lumix 4x32 IR-E Crossbow Scope - Black, Clear Optics & LED Illumination

As I embarked on a hunting trip, I was eager to test out the Killer Instinct Lumix 4x32 IR-E Crossbow Scope. I mounted it on my crossbow, adjusted the sights and speed ring, and headed out into the woods. The scope’s multicoated optics provided exceptional clarity, allowing me to spot my target with ease. The fast focus eyepiece made adjustments swift and simple, ensuring that I could make accurate shots.

One feature that stood out to me was the scope’s illumination. The blue and red LED lights were adjustable and bright enough to see clearly in low light conditions. This was particularly useful during the early morning hunt, providing a much-needed boost to my sight. The adjustment click value of 0.5 inches at 100 yards ensured that I could make precise adjustments to my shots, further enhancing my accuracy.

However, I did encounter a minor issue with the speed ring. It proved to be a bit tricky to adjust, making it slightly more challenging to fine-tune my shots. Despite this, I was overall impressed with the scope’s performance and would definitely recommend it to other crossbow enthusiasts looking for a reliable and feature-packed accessory.

Killer Instinct Lumix Speedring 1.5-5 x 32 IR-E Crossbow Scope - Mil Dot Scope with Adjustable Speed Ring and Red/Blue Illuminated Reticle

In my experience, the Killer Instinct Lumix Speedring Crossbow Scope has been a reliable and high-quality addition to my hunting gear. The scope’s adjustable Speed Ring allows me to easily set it for crossbows between 270 and 450 FPS, giving me the perfect magnification for my shots. The built-in Speed Ring makes it a breeze to change the settings and get the most accurate aim possible.

One aspect that stood out to me is the durability of the scope. The metal case protects it from impacts and weather while the spring-loaded covers shield the lenses until I’m ready to use them. The infrared technology works exceptionally well in dim lighting, improving my ability to target moving targets at a great distance.

Of course, no product is without its flaws. One issue I faced was with the eye relief, which took some time and patience to get used to. It was also a bit heavier than other scopes I had used, causing a noticeable difference in carrying weight.

Overall, this crossbow scope has been a valuable and capable addition to my hunting gear. It has helped me accurately sight in on my targets and bag several animals. With its durability, built-in Speed Ring, and excellent image quality, I would highly recommend the Killer Instinct Lumix Speedring Crossbow Scope to any crossbow hunter looking to upgrade their gear.

Buyer’s Guide

Welcome to our guide for selecting the best shotgun scope for your needs. Shotgun scopes are designed to provide accurate and reliable sight for hunting or shooting. In this guide, we will discuss some important features and considerations to help you make an informed decision.

Magnification

Magnification is a key factor when choosing a shotgun scope. Shotgun scopes typically offer lower magnification compared to rifle scopes, as magnification can affect the stability and accuracy of the shot. A common magnification range for shotgun scopes is 2-7x. However, some may offer higher magnification up to 14x. Consider the environment and distance you will be shooting at when selecting the appropriate magnification.

Reticle

The reticle is the crosshair or aiming point that you see through the scope. Common shotgun scope reticles include the bead reticle, which is a simple, single bead, and duplex reticle, an adjustable thick crosshair. A few scopes may also feature mil-dot reticles, which are useful for range estimation and holding over. Choose a reticle that suits your comfort and shooting style.

Eye Relief

Eye relief is the distance between the shooter’s eye and the ocular lens of the scope. This distance ensures the shooter’s eye doesn’t come into contact with the scope. Long eye relief (around 3-4 inches) is usually more comfortable and reduces the risk of eye injury. Pay attention to the eye relief specification when choosing a shotgun scope.

Durability

Shotgun scopes should be durable enough to withstand recoil and the rigors of shooting. Look for scopes with reinforced mounts, which help maintain zero even after multiple shot firings. Additionally, a waterproof and fog-proof construction ensures your scope remains functional in various weather conditions.

FAQ

Why are shotgun scopes important for hunters?

Shotgun scopes are essential for hunters as they enhance the accuracy and precision of their shots. By providing a clear, magnified image of the target, these scopes help in identifying and aiming at game more effectively, especially at longer ranges. This results in cleaner kills and more successful hunts.

Moreover, shotgun scopes offer features like parallax adjustment, which allows hunters to eliminate the parallax error, ensuring a more accurate shot. They also come with various reticle options, making it easier for users to estimate the distance and make better shot placement decisions. Overall, shotgun scopes contribute significantly to improving the hunting experience of enthusiasts.

What are the different types of shotgun scopes?

Shotgun scopes can be categorized based on their magnification power, objective lens size, and reticle type. Some common types include fixed power scopes (with magnification powers ranging from 1x to 6x), variable power scopes (adjustable magnification from 1x to 4x or 1x to 8x), and red dot scopes (with a single, illuminated reticle dot).

Additionally, shotgun scopes may have either a holographic or traditional reticle. Holographic reticles use a digital display to present the reticle, which can be more precise and adaptable than traditional reticles. Traditional reticles, on the other hand, have markings etched onto the glass and are often simpler to use.

What factors should be considered when choosing a shotgun scope?

When selecting a shotgun scope, considerations should include your shooting style, preferred shooting distance, and the type of game you hunt. For instance, if you predominantly hunt at short to medium ranges, a scope with a fixed power of 4x or less might suffice. In contrast, if you frequent long-range shooting scenarios, a variable power scope with a higher maximum magnification would be more suitable.

It’s also important to assess the size and weight of the scope, especially if you plan on using it for an extended period. Lighter and more compact scopes are generally preferred for their ease of use and portability. Lastly, ensure the scope meets durability standards and is compatible with your firearm’s mounting system.

What are some popular brands for shotgun scopes?

Leading brands in the shotgun scope market include Leupold, Bushnell, Vortex, and Nikon. These manufacturers are known for their high-quality products, impressive features, and competitive pricing. Other notable brands include Burris, Hawke, and Nightforce Optics, each of which caters to various shooting needs and preferences.

When selecting a shotgun scope from these or other brands, it’s crucial to research their product offerings, read customer reviews, and consider the specific features that align with your shooting needs and preferences. Additionally, consulting with knowledgeable professionals or fellow hunters can provide valuable insights into the best options for your situation.

How do I mount and sight in a shotgun scope?

Mounting a shotgun scope typically involves attaching it to the firearm using a base and rings specific to your firearm’s make and model. Most manufacturers provide mounting instructions, which can also be found in the user manual or online. Make sure to tighten the mounting screws securely, without over-tightening, to avoid damaging the scope or firearm.

After mounting, sight in the scope by following these steps:

1. Zero the scope at a comfortable range, such as 25 yards, using a target with a dot or bullseye. Adjust the windage and elevation until the shot group is centered within the aiming point, ensuring the scope is accurately aligned with your barrel. 2) Once zeroed, verify the accuracy at longer ranges, adjusting the scope if necessary to maintain accuracy throughout the desired shooting distance range.

What is the difference between first and second focal plane scopes?

First Focal Plane (FFP) and Second Focal Plane (SFP) scopes differ in how they handle reticle magnification. In an FFP scope, the reticle magnifies along with the image, while in an SFP scope, the reticle remains constant regardless of the magnification level. This means that the size of the reticle appears larger at higher magnification settings in an FFP scope, making it easier to estimate holdover points for longer shots. However, SFP scopes might be more suitable for hunters who predominantly shoot at mid to long-range distances, as the reticle remains consistent, eliminating potential confusion due to reticle magnification.

Both FFP and SFP scopes have their advantages, and the choice between them often comes down to personal preference and shooting style. FFP scopes can be more versatile in various hunting scenarios, while SFP scopes may offer a more consistent reticle magnification experience. Research and compare these options to determine the best fit for your specific needs.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn from qualified purchases at no cost to you!