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 Nightforce ATACR 1-8x24mm Hunting Gun Scope offers a solid set of features that make it a good choice for hunting enthusiasts. With a magnification range of 1x to 8x, it allows for both close-range targeting and up to 8x zoom for long-distance shots. The scope includes high-quality ED glass, which ensures clear and bright visuals, even in daylight. The low-profile turrets are capped to avoid accidental adjustments, and they offer precise .1 Mil-Radian adjustments, which is useful for making accurate and quick changes in the field. Eye relief of 3.7 inches ensures comfortable viewing, even during extended use. The included Power Throw Lever aids in fast magnification adjustments, which is particularly beneficial in dynamic hunting scenarios.

The scope's design includes a fixed parallax adjustment at 125 meters, which might limit flexibility for some users who need adjustable parallax for extreme long-range shots. On the downside, the scope lacks night vision capabilities, which means it is not suitable for nighttime hunting. Additionally, it is relatively heavy at 1.3 pounds, potentially adding to the weight of your hunting setup. Being constructed from plastic, it might not offer the same durability as some metal counterparts, although it is designed to be weather-resistant.

The Nightforce ATACR comes with a comprehensive package including lens covers, a cleaning kit, and a multi-tool, adding to its value. It is most suitable for daytime hunting and for users who require quick adjustments and clear optics. However, if you need night vision or a more lightweight option, you might need to look elsewhere.

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.