Rating of the best scopes for 2020

For those who are fond of hunting, engaged in professional or amateur shooting, in addition to the weapon itself, an important and necessary device is an optical sight. Its functionality includes the approach and marking of the target, due to which the speed and accuracy of fire increases. Due to the demand for such devices, the best manufacturers of weapons and various devices for it regularly introduce new models to the market, improving and modernizing their characteristics. Therefore, as a rule, when choosing an optical sight, each potential user is faced with the problem of which one is better to buy. In this case, you should study the recommendations of people who have already bought and used specific models. In this article, based on their assessment, a ranking of the best riflescopes for 2020 was compiled.

How to choose the right equipment

Getting started with the selection of a suitable device, first you need to know what sights are. First of all, their classification is carried out depending on the purpose of use:

1. Tactical sights for high-precision shooting;
2. For pneumatics;
3. For crossbows;
4. For firearms.

It is clear that each owner of a weapon has personal criteria for choosing accessories for it, but even knowing the purpose of their use, many of them face the problem of which company and which model is better to purchase. In the case of a telescopic sight, it is very difficult to give specific advice, but it is possible to indicate what to look for when choosing. In this case, the characteristics of the device play an important role:

• Multiplicity. There are scopes that provide constant or variable magnification. The former have a large aperture and image clarity, but can be used when the terrain conditions and the length of the distance are known. The latter are characterized by a darker image, therefore, when choosing them, the light transmittance should be the main criterion. They are used when the application conditions are not specified.
• Line of sight. The larger it is, the easier it is to find and lock onto the target. Please note that this characteristic does not depend on the lens diameter. Also, the higher the multiplicity of the device, the smaller its field of view.
• Exit pupil. It represents a reduced image of the lens fed through the eyepiece, the larger its diameter, the brighter the picture seen by the eye. The distance from the pupil or distance from the eye is also important. Today, the maximum size of this characteristic reaches 13 cm.
• Lens or in other words a lens system (two or more). The larger its diameter, the stronger the aperture of the device and the higher the brightness of the image.
• Parallax detuning (a noticeable change in the position of the aiming mark relative to the aiming point in conditions of a change in distance). The sights equipped with it are designed for shooting at long and ultra-long distances.
• Sighting reticle. It can be in the form of a metal stencil made of thin wire or glass with a pattern, which is less susceptible to displacement. Helps to optimally align weapons without deviating from the target and has several variations: point, circle, cross and others.A number of devices are equipped with reticle illumination, which increases the scope's light range and allows it to be used in the dark.
• Ballistic correction system, which performs the function of adjusting the trajectory of the bullet for a specific distance. The correction price is measured in minutes of arc (MOA), which are reflected by the tick marks on the drums. The greater the distance to the target, the lower the scale should be.
• Protective equipment against environmental influences. This includes a very important characteristic: impact resistance (including resistance to kickback). Equally important are tightness (moisture protection) and nitrogen filling (lens fogging protection).

Above is only a small part of the main characteristics of optical sights. The acquisition of such a device, with all its extensive parameters, is a rather difficult task, and in order not to make mistakes when choosing, first of all, it is important to understand its intended purpose. Then you should pay attention to the cost and popularity of the device. After all, the best scopes are not always expensive and popular models.

Top 10 best riflescopes in 2020

10th place Veber PO 3-9 × 42 IR WOLF

The Veber PO 3-9 × 42 IR WOLF is a versatile approach shooting model. The device is equipped with a metal (aircraft-grade aluminum alloy) waterproof housing (protection class IPX7). The tube has a matte surface with a central diameter of 30 mm. The scope provides gradual magnification from 3x to 9x, and is filled with nitrogen to prevent lens fogging.

The Veber PO 3-9 × 42 IR WOLF features a MIL-DOT mesh with two-color backlighting (blue and green), each with five brightness levels. The detail is located in the rear focal plane of the lens and does not change the magnitude when the magnification is varied. The mechanism for entering corrections has a high accuracy, is made in a closed form with a division value of 0.25 MOA. There are also locks for fixing the drums after setting the accuracy and a scale for counting their full revolution.

The main advantageous feature of the presented model is a powerful spiral spring, which does not lose its elasticity over time and provides the aiming mark with an invariable position after a shot. The optics provide high-quality images thanks to multi-layer coating and light transmission over 92%. The device is equipped with a sophisticated six-lens eyepiece that guarantees a wide field of view.

Equipping the Veber PO 3-9 × 42 IR WOLF with a whole range of technical solutions allows it to withstand high-modulus (7000 J) cartridges and function in all weather conditions. Ideal for hunting.

The average price for Veber PO 3-9 × 42 IR WOLF in 2020 is 10,000 rubles.

• equipping with a durable coil spring of the sighting system, which guarantees a stable position of the sighting mark after firing;
• steel case with a protective class IPX7 (from dust and moisture);
• grid type MIL-DOT, with two illumination colors (green and blue) and multi-level brightness;
• placement of the reticle directly on the glass;
• increased level of accuracy of the correction input system;
• complex eyepiece design of six multi-coated lenses;
• high-quality nitrogen filling, excluding the formation of fungal spores and other similar contaminants.

• weak fastening rings;
• delayed zeroing of corrections.

9th place Yukon Sentinel 3 × 60

 The Yukon Sentinel 3x60 is not just optics for weapons, but a whole night vision device that stands out with three times its magnification and high aperture. Its appearance is represented by the stylish design of the Yukon brand. The manufacturer also guarantees high reliability, ease of use and a high level of functionality.

The equipment is equipped with good moisture protection (IPX4 according to IEC 60529 standard), which makes it possible to use it even in bad weather. Additional protection of the image intensifier is also provided, which ensures recoil resistance from the use of weapons of most popular calibers.For high-precision shooting in conditions of poor night illumination, it is recommended to turn on the infrared illuminator provided by the design with a focusing function.

To ensure the operation of Yukon Sentinel 3 × 60, an autonomous power supply is provided, the maximum operating time of which (on two AA batteries) is 70 hours. The Sentinel's reticle is represented by two adjustment scales and has two-color illumination (red and green).

The Yukon Sentinel 3x60 is a versatile night vision device that can be used for both hunting and sports. The complete set with it, depending on the model modification, provides for a Weaver, "Elk" type mount and a side bar.

The average price for a Yukon Sentinel 3 × 60 in 2020 is 39,000 rubles.

• ergonomic design;
• the presence of an LED indicator that warns of the minimum battery charge;
• proprietary voltage stabilization system, providing the device with high autonomy;
• huge field of view, the length of the observation distance reaches 200 meters;
• durable titanium case;
• built-in IR flashlight for observation in complete darkness with focusing function;
• the model provides several versions, each of which comes with a different type of attachment.

• high price;
• great weight.

8th place Yukon Sentinel 2.5 × 50

 Another Yukon model, the Sentinel 2.5 × 50, got one position higher. Many of its technical characteristics are similar to the device described in the previous paragraph: the same corporate design, reliability, ease of use and protection class. The device also has two reticle adjusting scales, the same type of power supply, and it also acts as a universal optics for night vision.

At the same time, the presented model has its own nuances of optics. First of all, the smaller size of the maximum observation distance (100 meters), which does not particularly affect night use, but is not suitable in cases of meeting with predatory animals that are dangerous to humans, such as bears. The eyepiece diameter of the device is 50 mm. Unlike 3x60 scopes, this scope has a lower magnification, but a slightly larger viewing angle (13 instead of 11 degrees).

On the left side of the case, the device is equipped with an additional Weaver rail for attaching additional accessories to it:

• microphone;
• laser designator;
• additional IR flashlight with better parameters;
• laser rangefinder.

Like the Sentinel 3x60, the presented model has several modifications depending on the provided fastening mechanism (included in the delivery set).

The average price for a Yukon Sentinel 2.5 × 50 in 2020 is 34,000 rubles.

• modern design;
• compact dimensions;
• built-in IR flashlight with quick on and off;
• two-color aiming mark, which increases the convenience of aiming in dark conditions;
• the model provides a remote control option;
• due to the risk of light, a special lens cap is provided;
• rangefinder mark, reflecting the distance to the target;
• high strength titanium case.

• not a budget price;
• long zeroing is required.

7th Nikon ProStaff 3-9 × 40 BDC

 In seventh place in the rating is the scope model of the famous Nikon brand of optical equipment - ProStaff 3-9 × 40 BDC. Due to the presence of a unique ballistic mesh, the BDC is a purely hunting device, since the calculation of its magnification (adjustable from 4 to 9x) was carried out for a rifle with a long-range cartridge. Even with a minimum indicator of 4 times, the accuracy of the sight is increased within 100 meters, and if it is increased up to 12 times, then the viewing distance increases to 200 meters. Therefore, it is intended not just for amateurs, but for professional hunters engaged in approach hunting, in the storage shed and in the mountains.

It features a robust design, a special 1-inch body made of aircraft-grade aluminum and a properly rolled zoom ring.The handles and eyepiece are designed to provide a wider visual field of view for a more comfortable grip. The optics of the ProStaff 3-9 × 40 BDC itself are made from the famous Nikon glass, which does not contain lead and arsenic. The space between the lenses is filled with nitrogen to prevent any possibility of fogging, and the magnifying glasses themselves are equipped with an anti-reflective coating that ensures bright, sharp and high-contrast images at any magnification.

The ProStaff 3-9 × 40 BDC adjustment system provides vertical and horizontal scales in 1/4-minute increments. The spring-loaded handles are clearly marked and can be quickly and easily reset to zero if required.

The average price for Nikon ProStaff 3-9 × 40 BDC in 2020 is 12,500 rubles.

• the device is equipped with a bullet drop compensation reticle, which makes it possible to move the aiming point taking into account the fall of the bullet trajectory without adjusting the drums;
• change in multiplicity from 3 to 9, which allows shooting at short and long distances;
• high level of light transmittance, provided by multi-layer lens coating;
• waterproof construction;
• no restrictions on the power of the calibers used;
• a guarantee of protection of the shooter from injury when using weapons with high recoil, provided by a good indicator of distance from the pupil (9.1 cm);
• reliable and durable case with compact dimensions;
• belongs to the category of budget sights.

• insufficient number of turns of the correction flywheels;
• lack of grid backlighting;
• opacity of protective covers.

6th Nikon Monarch 7 1-4 × 24

 On the sixth line of the rating is another hunting riflescope model from Nikon - Monarch 7 1-4 × 24. The device is suitable not only for shooting at various distances, but also for driven hunting. And first of all, because its quality is expressed in a clear “unit” of the minimum multiplicity (as opposed to the 0.8 or 1.2 that are encountered). Allows you to quickly and accurately execute a shot at the target even offhand, while it has the ability to adjust the magnification for aiming at various distances with accurate measurements in the range from 1 to 4x.

The material used for the body is a durable aluminum alloy, the tube diameter is 30 mm. The latter is completely sealed and combines high-quality "Nikon" lenses and the correction mechanism into one whole. All the presented characteristics allow the device to withstand quite serious loads. The optical device is characterized by multilayer coating, providing up to 95% of the luminosity. The reticle is located in the second focal plane, has two-color illumination (red and green) and 32-step adjustable brightness.

According to buyers, the important advantages of the model are its "indestructibility" and the ability to withstand the "elephantine" recoil of 12-caliber cartridges. This feature is indispensable when hunting large game.

The average price for Nikon Monarch 7 1-4 × 24 in 2020 is 46,000 rubles.

• guarantee of an honest minimum multiplicity;
• adjustable frequency ratio with clear indicators;
• high aperture ratio, clear and bright image in all weather conditions;
• high level of moisture protection;
• reliability, "indestructibility", endurance of recoil from large-caliber weapons;
• famous brand.

• high price;
• heavy body (more than 500 g).

5th place Leupold VX-R 2-7x33

The Leupold VX-R 2-7x33 magnum-class optical sight for spring-piston pneumatics has already entered the top five. Refers to the novelties of the Leupold company - models with a backlit mesh VX-R and a motion sensor.

The fiber optic principle of the reticle (Fire Dot) provides the device with an optimal combination of daylight with high quality transmission and high image contrast in low light conditions.The device is equipped with an excellent backlight system, the main advantage of which is the Motion Sensor technology, represented by the work of the motion sensors provided by the design. Thanks to it, the backlight is automatically turned on (when the weapon is stationary for more than 5 minutes) and is turned off when the movement is fixed. This feature also has an impact on the extension of battery autonomy. The ease of use of the sight is also provided by an eight-level brightness control by pressing a button on the drum.

Each Leupold VX-R is equipped with the exclusive Absolute Waterproof Integrity, a second-generation sealing system in which the body space is filled with a mixture of argon and krypton instead of nitrogen. This ensures that Leupold VX-R 2-7x33 is completely sealed, capable of withstanding any sudden temperature changes.

The diameter of the high-strength metal sight tube exceeds standard inch dimensions and is 30 mm. The device provides a system for adjusting corrections, where the division value of one click is 1/4 MOA. Importantly, the drums can be rotated by hand without using a "coin". Also, one cannot ignore another feature of the presented model - a multi-layer coating of the surface of the lenses DiamondCoat2, which surpasses military standards in strength and wear resistance, as a result of which it provides high-quality protection of optics from mechanical damage.

The average price for a Leupold VX-R 2-7x33 in 2020 is 64,000 rubles.

• eight-level adjustment of the backlight intensity;
• application of unique VX-R technology with motion sensor;
• robust tube with a large diameter of 30 mm;
• low weight, not overloading the mass of the gun, even when firing from hands;
• special optical system Index Matched Lens with high light transmittance, providing a high-quality picture in any light;
• a unique wear-resistant coating of the surface of the lenses DiamondCoat2;
• second generation moisture protection system;
• long-term manufacturer's warranty (30 years).

• not for every budget (cost more than 50 thousand rubles);
• average for this level of optics indicators of change in multiplicity (maximum 7x);
• inferior to cheaper models in lens diameter (33 mm) and, accordingly, the light penetration zone.

4th place HAKKO Hunter 3-9 × 40 BNL-3940

HAKKO Hunter 3-9 × 40 BNL-3940 belongs to the category of inexpensive, but occupying high positions in the ranking of quality optical sights. The model represents a series of optical equipment for weapons of the Japanese brand HAKKO, assembled and supplied from China. The device is designed for medium caliber weapons and carbines (.223 Rem, .222 Rem, .308). At the same time, it has a wide range of 3-9x magnification, allowing for long-range shooting.

The body of the equipment is made of durable aluminum alloy, sealed and completely filled with nitrogen, making it waterproof and fog-proof. The diameter of the central tube is 25.4 mm, and the kit also includes rings for fixing it of the same diameter.

With a low budget, the sight is equipped with high-quality optics with multi-coated lenses, which guarantees a clear and bright picture throughout the entire field of view. Another outstanding feature of the device is the illuminated reticle, adjustable in 11 brightness levels (using a washer placed on the eyepiece). The mesh model is duplex (R: 6CH). Its appearance provides for thickening of the bottom marks and a luminous red cross in the center.

The average price for a HAKKO Hunter 3-9 × 40 BNL-3940 in 2020 is 9,000 rubles.

• inexpensive cost of the device (less than 10,000 rubles), especially considering the Japanese brand;
• reticle with backlight and eleven brightness modes;
• availability of fastening rings in the delivery set;
• high quality optics;
• protection against moisture and mechanical damage is provided;
• durable metal body;
• compact dimensions.

• difficulties with the question of how to shoot, since an additional tool is needed to make amendments;
• simple mesh design without range marks;
• limited caliber weapons.

3rd Place Hawke Endurance 30 WA 1-4 × 24

The third place in the rating is occupied by the model, albeit a little-known English brand Hawke, but at the same time not inferior in quality to established modern brands - Endurance 30 WA 1-4 × 24. This wide-angle optical sight can be used by both professional hunters and amateurs for walking or driven hunting at short and medium distances. Thanks to the excellent combination of a wide field of view with a high aperture created by multi-layer coating (18 layers), the device is suitable for big game fishing.

The device is equipped with an L4A Dot reticle (in the focal plane of the eyepiece), representing a system of three narrow lines of "stumps" and their thin crosshairs with a dot at a distance of 3.5 MOA. In a particular model, the grid markings are applied to the glass lens, which makes the mark more durable than in cases with a metal thread, it will not wear off or break even with a strong kickback. For the convenience of working at dusk and low visibility, the center point is illuminated in red with a six-level brightness control.

The monolithic tube of the technique is made of aluminum alloy, has a 30-millimeter diameter and is equipped with a special spring-loaded stabilization system. These characteristics provide optics with full recoil resistance from powerful pneumatics and large caliber firearms. The device is provided with complete tightness of the structure and high-quality filling of its space with dried nitrogen. Thanks to this, the user receives a guarantee of reliable protection of the device from moisture (water, rain, fog) and internal fogging during temperature extremes.

The average price for a Hawke Endurance 30 WA 1-4 × 24 in 2020 is 28,000 rubles.

• wide-angle optics;
• wide-angle field of view and large distance from the pupil to the eyepiece;
• high multilayer coating (almost 100%);
• monolithic shockproof aluminum body;
• high impact resistance when using large calibers;
• providing high quality moisture protection;
• reticle type L4A Dot, illuminated (red dot, 6 brightness levels) and engraved on the glass;
• easily adjustable closed-type correction system with low-profile drums;
• setting the settings to a new "zero";
• special coating of the multiplicity adjustment wheel (Posi-Grip).

No significant shortcomings have been identified. An insignificant disadvantage can only be called the non-proliferation of the brand on the territory of Russia, which is why the device has to be ordered and expected delivery.

2nd place Vortex Crossfire II 4-12 × 44

The second position in the list of the best is occupied by the inexpensive Vortex Crossfire II 4-12 × 44 riflescope, which, due to its wide range of features, is a strong competitor to similar and more expensive models of the modern optical equipment market. When reviewing the technique, first it should be noted the presence of a multi-layer lens coating, which increases light transmission and prevents the formation of glare on the lenses and eyepiece glass.

The aiming mark is located in the second focal plane, with increasing magnification its scale remains unchanged. The device is equipped with a wide range of multiplicity adjustment (4-12x), which makes it possible to use it at various distances. The reticle is represented by a conventional duplex with thin lines in the center and range marks and does not provide for illumination. But at the same time, it is important that the lines themselves are engraved on the eyepiece lens, which allows you to maintain the sharpness of the picture when setting any distance, and also ensures the device is durable.

The central case diameter is 25.4 mm. The tube has a one-piece construction and is made from a single block of aircraft-grade aluminum. The sight protection system includes:

• complete enclosure sealing, provided with O-rings (from dust and moisture);
• internal space filled with nitrogen (from fogging lenses);
• high impact resistance (endurance of any recoil when firing and protection against impacts);
• anodized (matte) coating (from glare, giving out the arrow).

The drums of the correction system are easily rotated by hand and do not require the use of additional tools. They are equipped with screw caps as weather protection. There is also a quick installation of the drums for entering corrections to the zero mark. The presented model is also appreciated for its good working distance from the eyepiece to the eyes, which is 99 mm.

The average price for the Vortex Crossfire II 4-12 × 44 in 2020 is 18,000 rubles.

• uncompromising quality at a reasonable price;
• large distance of the eye from the eyepiece;
• rigid all-metal tube with a central diameter of 25.4 mm;
• wide viewing angle;
• completely sealed construction, filled with nitrogen;
• multilayer lens coating that maximizes light transmission;
• multiplicity adjustment (4-12x), which allows using the device for shooting at various distances;
• a simple system of input of corrections, output to "zero".

• decrease in image quality when the magnification is set above 9x;
• lack of grid backlighting;
• not strong fasteners on plastic protective covers.

1st place Yukon Jaeger 3-12 × 56

In the first place in the ranking of the best optical sights of 2020, the model of the Belarusian manufacturer Yukon - Jaeger 3-12 × 56 is placed. The device is equipped with IPX7 protection against moisture (IEC 60529 standard), which allows it to be used in conditions of natural precipitation of any intensity and to be used under water. Its optical path is completely filled with nitrogen, which guarantees the protection of the internal optics and external surface from fogging during temperature drops. The Jaeger 3-12 × 56 is designed so that a night and thermal imaging attachment can be installed on its eyepiece. Any version of the presented model has high shock and vibration resistance, which makes it possible to install it on smooth-bore and rifled weapons and use it for large calibers and spring-piston air rifles.

The Yukon Jaeger 3-12 × 56 reticle has several modifications:

• X01i;
• X02i;
• T01i;
• M01i;
• M02i.

Regardless of the type, the reticle is located in the second (rear) focal plane, does not change the thickness with increasing magnification and does not overlap the target image. The mark has a central illumination, the brightness of which can be easily adjusted due to a convenient wheel with intermediate “zero” marks. In turn, the device is equipped with a high-intensity illumination, providing for its operation in the mode of a night vision device.

The device provides a wide range of magnification change (4-12x) and a significant lens diameter (56 mm), all this speaks in favor of its better functionality. The main feature of the Jaeger 3-12 × 56 over similar models is a wide viewing angle and the ability to quickly visually capture an image when the gun is raised. The sight also stands out for its correction input system, which, thanks to the special design of the drums, allows you to instantly reset the value of the alignments after zeroing in.

The average price for a Yukon Jaeger 3-12 × 56 in 2020 is 30,000 rubles.

• large objective lens diameter 56 mm, increasing the light penetration of the optics;
• red highlighting of the central point and adjusting its brightness;
• closed, shockproof and fully sealed tube design;
• adjustable multiplicity in a large range from 3 to 12 times allows you to hunt and monitor at any distance without changing position;
• wide viewing angle;
• good aperture and a guarantee against fogging (nitrogen filling), allowing you to clearly see the target at any light and temperature;
• an acceptable distance from the pupil to the extreme lens (90 mm), allowing the use of optics with glasses.

• off-budget cost;
• for the backlight to function (without which the optical device performs the function of binoculars with markings), a tablet battery is required;
• heavy sight (more than 500 g), overloads the weapon when firing from hands (a bracket is used for ease of use).

Outcome

The deserved popularity of optical sights among the owners of rifles and shotguns is explained, first of all, by the fact that only with their help it is possible to really unleash the potential of the weapon. It is worth remembering that it is very difficult to find two similar similar devices, and even more difficult - two identical ones. They are all different from each other, even if they are too similar in appearance. In addition, there are devices that look identical, have similar characteristics, and differ in price many times over. But each of them has its own purpose: some are universal, suitable for various types of hunting weapons, for a carbine and pneumatics, while others provide for use only for recreation, or in the sports field (for example, airsoft sights) or even for sniper rifles. Therefore, before buying a scope, it is important to understand exactly for what purpose it will be used. But, and then, you should already study the description of the best devices, compare the advantages and disadvantages, find out how much it costs and reviews. To simplify the search, a rating of the best optical sights has been compiled based on the characteristics and ratings of users, presented in this article.