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10 Best Handgun Scope For Hunting 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

SIG SAUER Tango-MSR LPVO 1-6X24mm Waterproof Fog-Proof Rugged Tactical Hunting Rifle Scope | Second Focal Plane/F2 | Illuminated MSR BDC-6 Reticle, Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,335
Magnification
Reticle Type
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
530 reviews

Magnification
Great sight picture and clear zoom up to 6x, allowing accurate targeting up to 300 yards without blurring.
Reticle Type
The illuminated reticle with multiple brightness settings is effective, though less visible in daylight until higher settings.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Solid construction and reliable performance, maintaining zero even after hundreds of rounds.

The SIG SAUER Tango-MSR LPVO 1-6X24mm rifle scope is tailored for hunting with its versatile 1-6x magnification, suitable for both short and mid-range targeting. The 24mm objective lens ensures a good field of view, allowing hunters to spot targets with ease. The illuminated MSR BDC-6 reticle offers exceptional visibility in diverse lighting conditions thanks to its 11 brightness levels. This feature is particularly beneficial during dawn or dusk hunting sessions when lighting is often challenging.

Durability is a significant advantage for this scope; it is constructed from sturdy aluminum and designed to be waterproof and fog-proof, ensuring reliable performance in varied weather conditions. These factors make it highly dependable for outdoor hunting in unpredictable environments. An integrated throw lever for quick magnification changes and factory-installed flip-back lens covers are practical features that enhance usability in the field.

The scope's weight of 2.29 pounds could be considered somewhat heavy, potentially impacting ease of use for handheld firearms. This rifle scope excels in optical clarity, weather resistance, and user-friendly features, making it a solid choice for hunters needing a reliable and adaptable optic.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,335
Magnification
Reticle Type
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
530 reviews

Magnification
Great sight picture and clear zoom up to 6x, allowing accurate targeting up to 300 yards without blurring.
Reticle Type
The illuminated reticle with multiple brightness settings is effective, though less visible in daylight until higher settings.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Solid construction and reliable performance, maintaining zero even after hundreds of rounds.
#2

Vortex Optics Venom 5-25x56 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-7C (MOA) Reticle

Rating
10.0
Magnification
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
717 reviews

Magnification
Magnification is mind-blowing, offering clear visuals and excellent value.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The build quality is exceptional, making it a great choice for magnum caliber rifles.

The Vortex Optics Venom 5-25x56 First Focal Plane Riflescope is a robust choice for long-range hunting and competition shooting. With a wide magnification range of 5-25x and a large 56mm objective lens, it offers excellent clarity and light transmission, even in low-light conditions. The EBR-7C (MOA) reticle is designed to maintain accuracy across the entire magnification range, making it easier to measure and range targets precisely.

The fast focus eyepiece and included throw lever facilitate quick adjustments during use. The side knob parallax adjustment is another handy feature, allowing for easy adjustments with visible range numbers. Durability is a strong suit for this scope, constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, it is shockproof, and the nitrogen purged, o-ring sealed design ensures it is both water and fog proof. The Armortek coating adds an extra layer of protection against scratches and oil.

The RevStop Zero System provides a reliable return to zero, which is particularly useful for shooters who need consistent accuracy. Despite its many strengths, the scope is relatively heavy at 2.2 pounds, which might be a consideration for some users. Additionally, the large size and advanced features might be more than what some hunters need, especially if they are looking for a simpler, more compact scope. However, backed by Vortex's unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty, it offers peace of mind and long-term reliability. This scope is best suited for serious hunters and competitive shooters who require high performance and durability.

Rating
10.0
Magnification
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
717 reviews

Magnification
Magnification is mind-blowing, offering clear visuals and excellent value.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The build quality is exceptional, making it a great choice for magnum caliber rifles.
#3

TRIJICON SRO 2.5 MOA ADJ LED RED DOT

Rating
9.9
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
337 reviews

Durability and Weather Resistance
This red dot scope is incredibly sturdy and well-built, fitting seamlessly on a full-sized Sig Sauer P320 X5 Legion.

The TRIJICON SRO 2.5 MOA ADJ LED RED DOT is a solid choice for a handgun scope aimed at hunters, especially those prioritizing a wide field of view and ease of use. With its parallax-free large field of view, this scope allows for quick target acquisition, which is essential during hunting. The clear and crisp 2.5 MOA red dot is well-suited for hunting purposes, providing precise aiming without cluttering the view.

Constructed from durable aluminum, the TRIJICON SRO is lightweight at 1.6 ounces, making it easy to carry and handle on the field. Its compatibility with many popular red-dot-ready brands is a plus, although a mount is not included, which is something to consider if you're planning to purchase this scope.

The tool-less windage and elevation adjustments make zeroing intuitive, contributing to a hassle-free experience, particularly appealing during fast-paced hunting situations. However, the lack of magnification may not cater to those needing enhanced zoom capabilities for distant targets.

In summary, the TRIJICON SRO 2.5 MOA ADJ LED RED DOT is excellent for hunters seeking a reliable, easy-to-use red dot scope that offers quick target engagement. However, the absence of included mounting equipment and magnification features might require additional considerations based on specific hunting needs.

Rating
9.9
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
337 reviews

Durability and Weather Resistance
This red dot scope is incredibly sturdy and well-built, fitting seamlessly on a full-sized Sig Sauer P320 X5 Legion.

Buying Guide for the Best Handgun Scope For Hunting

Choosing the right handgun scope for hunting can significantly improve your accuracy and overall hunting experience. The right scope will help you see your target more clearly, especially in low-light conditions, and can make a big difference in your shooting performance. To find the best fit for you, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they relate to your specific needs and hunting conditions.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because it helps you see your target more clearly, especially at longer distances. Scopes typically have fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes are simpler and often more durable, while variable magnification scopes offer more flexibility. For handgun hunting, a magnification range of 2x to 8x is usually sufficient. If you hunt in dense woods or at shorter ranges, lower magnification (2x-4x) is ideal. For open fields or longer distances, higher magnification (6x-8x) may be more appropriate.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because it determines how much light the scope can gather, which affects image brightness and clarity. Larger objective lenses (28mm-32mm) gather more light, making them better for low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. However, they can also make the scope bulkier and heavier. For handgun hunting, a balance between light-gathering ability and portability is key. A diameter of 20mm-32mm is generally suitable.
Reticle TypeThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle types can suit different hunting needs. Simple crosshairs are easy to use and good for general hunting. More complex reticles, like those with bullet drop compensation (BDC) marks, can help with long-range shooting by indicating where the bullet will land at various distances. Choose a reticle that matches your hunting style and the distances you typically shoot. If you hunt in varied terrain, a BDC reticle might be beneficial. For straightforward, close-range hunting, a simple crosshair will suffice.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope at which you can see the full field of view. This is crucial for handguns due to their recoil. Longer eye relief (10-20 inches) helps prevent the scope from hitting your face when the gun recoils. For hunting handguns, look for scopes with at least 10 inches of eye relief to ensure safety and comfort. If you use a high-recoil handgun, prioritize scopes with the maximum eye relief available.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance are important because hunting often involves harsh conditions. A durable scope can withstand bumps, drops, and rough handling. Look for scopes made from high-quality materials like aircraft-grade aluminum. Weather resistance ensures the scope performs well in rain, fog, and varying temperatures. Features like waterproofing, fog-proofing, and shock resistance are essential. Choose a scope that can handle the specific environmental conditions you hunt in, ensuring it remains reliable and functional.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment helps ensure that the reticle stays on target even if your eye position changes slightly. This is important for accuracy, especially at longer distances. Some scopes come with fixed parallax, while others offer adjustable parallax. For handgun hunting, fixed parallax at a reasonable distance (50-100 yards) is often sufficient. If you plan to shoot at varying distances, an adjustable parallax feature can be beneficial. Consider your typical shooting range and choose accordingly.

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