Scopes and Optics

9 Best High End Rifle Scopes- [A Comprehensive Review]

Best High End Rifle Scopes

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Best High End Rifle Scopes

Technology has advanced most, if not all, of the equipment, used the world over, and rifle scopes have not been left behind. In this review, we look at some of the best high end rifle scopes on the market. High end rifle scopes offer more than the average rifle scope but their prices might make your heart pump a little faster than usual. The prices however come with an enhanced and improved hunting experience you probably might never have experienced.

These scopes are show stoppers in every sense of the word and are revered amongst any enthusiast hunter or shooter out there. The manufactures focus on the scope’s performance to justify the prices and most of these scopes prove to you why they come with such jaw-gaping prices attached.

So, which are the best high end rifle scopes on the market today?

Here is a quick list

 

Product Image Price
Schmidt & Bender 3-27×56 PM II Schmidt & Bender 3-27x56 PM II  
Steiner T5Xi Tactical Rifle Scope Steiner T5Xi Tactical Rifle Scope  
SWAROVSKI Z5 3.5-18×44 Ballistic Turret Riflescope with 4W Reticle SWAROVSKI Z5 3.5-18x44 Ballistic Turret Riflescope with 4W Reticle  
Nightforce Optics 5.5-22×56 NXS Riflescope Nightforce Optics 5.5-22x56 NXS Riflescope  
Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24x50mm Riflescope ZEISS Conquest V4 6-24x50mm Riflescope  
Burris Eliminator 4-16x50mm Laser Rangefinding Rifle Scope Burris Eliminator 4-16x50mm Laser Rangefinding Rifle Scope  
Leupold VX-6HD 4-24x52mm Riflescope Leupold VX-6HD 4-24x52mm Riflescope  
Maven RS.1 2.5-15 x 44 mm FFP Hunting Rifle Scope SHR Reticle Maven RS.1 2.5-15 x 44 mm FFP Hunting Rifle Scope SHR Reticle  
Vortex Optics Golden Eagle HD 15-60×52 Second Focal Plane Riflescopes Vortex Optics Golden Eagle HD 15-60x52 Second Focal Plane Riflescopes  

Why You Need The Best High End Rifle Scopes

Accuracy and Precision

The best high end rifle scopes take your accuracy levels to levels you could only dream of. With the state-of-the art glass used in these scopes, the likelihood of hitting your target with the first shot increases dramatically. This means you save on time and bullets. 

Long-range shooting

If you are an avid hunter like me, you know the thrill that comes with shooting a target at long range. It is such an addictive feeling! The best high end scopes help you quickly and accurately hit targets that are very far away. Long-range shooting has some advantages:

1. The risk of danger is eliminated especially in tactical missions as you do not have to get too close to the target.

2. You get enough time to study your target and wait for the perfect shot

3. The probability that you might just hit the target increasing your shooting confidence.

 

Better Scoreboard Results

For target shooters, results on the scoreboard score you some bragging rights and even improves your confidence. Getting the best high end scope improves your results. 

 

Best High End Rifle Scopes Reviews

#1) Schmidt Bender 3-27×56 PM II

Schmidt & Bender 3-27x56 PM II

 

 

As the pinnacle of state-of-the-art scopes, the Schmidt Bender 3-27×56 PM II is one of the best high end rifle scopes on the market today. In the optics industry, Schmidt and Bender is known for its high-quality glass on its scopes. This means the scope delivers clear, crisp, and sharp images whilst maintaining color fidelity.

Designed to be used in the harshest conditions, this scopes moving parts are made of metal material. The tactical turrets also come with a locking mechanism while the parallax adjustment is 10 meters to infinity.  This is a highly revered scope among the military and law enforcement for its wide magnification range.

 

Features

  • Wild field of view for quick target acquisition.
  • Illuminated reticle
  • More Tactile Clicks and locking turrets
  • Waterproof

Schmidt Bender 3-27×56 PM II Pros

  • Waterproof to the depth of more than 20 meters 
  • Available in more than 4 reticle types so you can choose
  • Illuminated reticle
  • Images received are in high resolution
  • Great for multi caliber rifles

Cons

  • Scope originally developed for USSOCOM (United States Special Operations Command) hence it is extremely pricey

 

 

 

 

#2) Steiner T5Xi Tactical Rifle Scope

Steiner T5Xi Tactical Rifle Scope

 

 

 

 

 

The best high end rifle scopes come with a hefty price tag but deliver on enhancing your hunting experience. The Steiner T5Xi Tactical Rifle Scope is a scope that gives you the ultimate accuracy with its 34mm main tube that enhances its reliability and strength. 

This scope is ideally designed for precision competition so you know all its features are meant to deliver on accuracy and precision. It is fitted with a throw lever that makes it easy to make magnification changes and its lenses are covered in Tenebraex lens covers effectively protecting them from moisture and dust. 

A generous eye box and consistent eye relief make sure you avoid an injury to your eye due to heavy impact.

Features

  • Side focus parallax
  • Shockproof and fog proof
  • Low profile turret system
  • Innovative rotation indicator
  • 1/4 adjustment click value

Steiner T5Xi Tactical Rifle Scope Pros

  • It is equipped with a throw lever that makes changing magnification quick
  • A Special Competition Rifle that provides windage and holdover lines
  • Its 34 mm main tube enhances the strength and overall durability of the scope
  • Comes in a variety of sizes

 

 

 

#3) SWAROVSKI Z5 3.5-18×44 Ballistic Turret Riflescope with 4W Reticle

SWAROVSKI Z5 3.5-18x44 Ballistic Turret Riflescope with 4W Reticle- Best High End Rifle Scopes

 

 

 

SWAROVSKI manufacture premium optics from binoculars to scopes and this SWAROVSKI Z5 3.5-18×44 Ballistic Turret Riflescope is among the greatest of its production. It is fitted with a 1-inch main tube and a side focus system that allows you to adjust settings to your preferred settings.

Its 44 mm objective lens allows maximum light transmission and its wide magnification range ensures you can hunt at extended distances. This scope comes with fully multi-coated lenses that offer crystal clear images even in unfavorable light conditions. The optics come in HD which ensures color fidelity is maintained.

It is a light and durable scope that comes with a black matte finish to enhance its beauty. 

Features

  • Fully multi-coated optics
  • Side focus system
  • Lightweight
  • Ballistic Turret technology
  • 4 coil spring system

SWAROVSKI Z5 3.5-18×44 Ballistic Turret Riflescope with 4W Reticle Pros

  • Comes with a 4 coil spring system that makes sure the scope can handle heavy impact.
  • A wide power range and a side focus system that allows you to seamlessly change your scopes settings.
  • It is lighter in comparison to other scopes in its range
  • A lightweight and compact design makes for an easy to carry scope

 

 

 

 

#4) Nightforce Optics 5.5-22×56 NXS Riflescope

Nightforce Optics 5.5-22x56 NXS Riflescope

 

 

 

 

 

This is the scope you get when you want to take your hunting experience to another level. It’s a scope that offers you dependability and ruggedness through and through. Its unfailing performance makes it a favorite among law enforcement personnel and the military. This scope is taken through rigorous tests to ensure it is a scope you can depend on out there in the field.

It is fitted with the innovative titanium beta rector spring that provides three to four times spring pressure in comparison to other scopes. It is totally waterproof and weather-resistant with a zero stop feature that lets you return to true zero. 

It is built using 6061-T6 aircraft grade aluminum that gives it durability through and through. 

Features

  • Illuminated MOAR reticle
  • 56 mm objective lens
  • Waterproof and weather-resistant
  • Glass etched reticles
  • Can handle heavy recoil

Nightforce Optics 5.5-22×56 NXS Riflescope Pros

  • Glass etched reticles deliver on accuracy and you can shoot over 1000 yards
  • It is entirely capable of handling harsh hunting conditions 
  • Can handle heavy recoil impact
  • It is shockproof
  • It is waterproof
  • It is fitted with Hi-Speed 20 MOA turrets that make it possible for you to tailor-make the settings to your shooting preference.

 

 

 

 

#5) ZEISS Conquest V4 6-24x50mm Riflescope

 

ZEISS Conquest V4 6-24x50mm Riflescope

 

 

 

 

The price of this scope is one of the few things in life that can get your heart pumping very fast. However, with the price you get a lot of premium features perfectly bundled into this scope. From delivery of crisp clear images to a huge objective lens diameter for maximum light transmission. 

This is a masterpiece fitted with the optical excellence found in German glass. With its broad magnification range, you can easily shoot long-range to well into the twilight. The huge 50 mm objective lens ensures maximum light is transmitted for these clear images you are paying for. 

It also comes with the T 6-layer transmission  optical coating and a 30 mm main tube. This scope is fitted with integrated recoil lug that helps in improving alignment.

Features

  • 6-24x magnification
  • 50 mm objective lens
  • 30 mm main tube
  • Ballistic turret

ZEISS Conquest V4 6-24x50mm Riflescope Pros

  • A wide magnification range
  • A huge objective lens diameter that allows maximum light transmission
  • An extensive range of shooting applications
  • Zero stop function

 

 

 

 

#6) Burris Eliminator 4-16x50mm Laser Rangefinding Rifle Scope

Burris Eliminator 4-16x50mm Laser Rangefinding Rifle Scope

 

 

 

 

As one of the best high end rifle scopes, the Burris Eliminator 4-16X comes with high-quality optics that allow maximum light transmission for quality images. With this scope, you get great features that have the most advanced technology.

It is fitted with a built-in integrative inclinometer that compensates for angle shots downhill or uphill. By the push of a button, you easily eliminate the guesswork as this scope is fitted with an eliminator that calculates holdover at your exact distance for the cartridge you are using.

A built-in laser rangefinder lets you calculate the distance to the target instantly. 

This scope is fog proof and waterproof which means you can use the scope regardless of the weather conditions.

Features

  • Built-in laser rangefinder

  • Illuminated X96 reticle
  • An adjustable objective
  • Fogproof and waterproof

Burris Eliminator 4-16x50mm Laser Rangefinding Rifle Scope Pros

  • Comes with fully multi-coated optics that deliver high-quality images.
  • A built-in integrative inclinometer that compensates for angle shots downhill or uphill.
  • A built-in rangefinder that lets you instantly calculate your target’s distance
  • Its rugged construction ensures the scope serves you for a long time

 

 

 

#7) Leupold VX-6HD 4-24x52mm Riflescope

Leupold VX-6HD 4-24x52mm Riflescope - Best High end Rifle Scopes

 

 

 

 

 

The Leupold VX-6HD 4-24x52mm Riflescope is one of the best high end rifle scopes ideal for long-range hunting and shooting.  It is a scope that really gives you value for money and for a long period of time. This scope is packed with so many great features that you will not regret dishing out the amount of money this scope goes for.

It comes with an illuminated reticle that ensures you get accurate and precise shots even in low light conditions. It is also fitted with the Xtended Twilight Light System that contributes to great images even in bad lighting conditions. 

For quality and unparalleled clarity and visibility, this scope is fitted with a twin bias spring erector system. The optics are top of the line which makes your sight picture very clear and bright.

Features

  • Xtended Twilight Light System
  • An illuminated reticle
  • Diamondcoat 2 on the lenses
  • Twin bias spring erector system
  • Shockproof

Leupold VX-6HD 4-24x52mm Riflescope Pros

  • This scope comes with the Twin bias spring erector system that delivers unparalleled visibility
  • Has shockproof capabilities
  • It is fitted with an Xtended Twilight Light System that allows you to use the scope even under low light conditions.
  • The scope comes with an illuminated reticle that lets you take accurate shots.

 

 

 

#8) Maven RS.1 2.5-15 x 44 mm FFP Hunting Rifle Scope SHR Reticle

Maven RS.1 2.5-15 x 44 mm FFP Hunting Rifle Scope SHR Reticle

 

 

 

 

The Maven RS is a scope that is from a not-so-popular brand but is one of the best high end rifle scopes today. It easily withstands the harsh conditions out there in the field and by this, I  mean dropping the scope or accidentally pouring water over it. It is a well-built hunting and target scope that proves its price. It is easy to use and seamless to operate.

Its glass is the world-class Japanese glass that delivers great and high-quality images. It is fitted with ED glass that ensures color fidelity is maintained and the 44mm objective lens allows maximum light transmission for even clearer and brighter images.

It comes with built-in single-piece aluminum tubes with precision machined adjustments and a wide enough magnification range to enhance your hunting experience.

 It comes with a first focal plane reticle which makes holdovers accurate regardless of the magnification power. 

Features

  • First focal plane reticle
  • World-class Japanese glass
  • Uber clear ED glass
  • Exceptional color fidelity
  • Fogproof and waterproof
  • MOA-1 Reticle and Simplified Holdover Reticle (SHR) are the two reticle options 

Maven RS.1 2.5-15 x 44 mm FFP Hunting Rifle Scope SHR Reticle Pros

  • It comes fitted with top of the line glass that delivers excellent images and maintains color fidelity
  • Has 2 reticle options The SHR or the MOA-1 Reticle
  • Side parallax adjustment which makes it easy to make windage and elevation adjustments
  • It is waterproof and fog proof which means you can use it anytime regardless of the weather.

Con

  • The reticle is not illuminated.

 

 

 

 

#9) Vortex Optics Golden Eagle HD 15-60×52 Second Focal Plane Riflescopes

 

Vortex Optics Golden Eagle HD 15-60x52 Second Focal Plane Riflescopes

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can you really have the best high end rifle scopes guide without featuring a Vortex? Vortex optics makes scopes for all ranges and budgets. From pretty budget-friendly scopes to scopes like Vortex Optics Golden Eagle HD which is a top-of-the-line scope with premium features.

The 52mm objective diameter lens collects maximum amounts of light to deliver crisp, sharp, and bright images even in low light conditions. The huge objective diameter combined with premium XR anti-reflective coatings delivers crisp clear images even when the magnification is at its highest. The lenses are coated in the superior Armortek coatings to ensure they are protected from oil and scratches. The broad magnification range of 15-60x makes shooting at targets from a long distance easy.

It is fitted with a side focus parallax adjustment which effectively removes down range parallax. It is also fitted with an aperture stop ring and wind indicators. 

The Vortex optics Golden Eagle is argon purged and o-ring sealed giving it fog proof and waterproof capabilities.

Features

  • A 30 mm main tube built from aircraft-grade aluminum
  • High density, apochromatic lens
  • A large objective lens diameter for maximum light transmission
  • An aperture stop ring 
  • Fog proof and waterproof

Vortex Optics Golden Eagle HD 15-60×52 Second Focal Plane Riflescopes Pros 

  • Comes with an aperture stop ring that widens your depth field so you can observe mirage and wind indicators
  • Second focal plane reticle and 1/8 MOA clicks that help in making adjustments
  • HD lenses are index-matched to deliver high definition images
  • It is waterproof and fog proof so you can easily use it under unfavorable weather conditions
  • Its main tube is constructed using single piece aircraft aluminum which gives it a reliable platform

Best High End Rifle Scopes Shopping Guide

Some people will not understand why you want to sell your second kidney for a scope, or why you are scouring the internet so late at night, almost every night looking for the best high-end rifle scopes reviews. They won’t even get the reason as to why you want to analyze, re-analyze a scope that you have already, but not yet,  settled on.  But, we here at outdoors hunt, together with all the shooting enthusiasts and hunters out there, get it. We totally understand.

If you are going to spend all that money for a worthwhile high-end scope, you should at the very least make sure you get the top-notch, state-of-the-art high-quality features like:

Parallax: Most of these scopes are best suited for long-range or ultra-long-range shooting and with that, you will need one that comes with a parallax correction turret. Ballistic turrets are also important features to have on your scope. This is also useful for sharp resolution

 

Scope Magnification Parallax Type

Schmidt Bender 3-27×56 PM II

3-27x  Side focus

Steiner T5Xi Tactical Rifle Scope

5-25x Side focus

SWAROVSKI Z5 3.5-18×44 Ballistic Turret Riflescope

3.5-18×44 Side focus

Nightforce Optics 5.5-22×56 NXS Riflescope

5.5-22×56 Side focus

ZEISS Conquest V4 6-24x50mm Riflescope

6-24×50 Side focus

 Leupold VX-6HD 4-24x52mm Riflescope

4-24×52 Side Focus

Maven RS.1 2.5-15 x 44 mm FFP Hunting Rifle Scope SHR Reticle

2.5-15×44 Side focus

Vortex Optics Golden Eagle HD 15-60×52 Second Focal Plane Riflescopes

15-60×52 Side focus

 

Eye relief: A great rifle scope should have more than 3″ of eye relief to prevent an injury to your eye, sometimes known as a ‘scope eye’

Warranty– You want a warranty for your high-end scope that covers any damages on the scope.

Glass: Quality glass delivers crisp and clear images edge to edge. Some of the premium glasses fitted on high-end scopes have elements like HD, Ex, ED. Quality glass coatings are also features found on high-end scopes. These include anti-reflective coatings, mirror and phase-correction coatings, layered coatings, etc…

 

A quick comparison table 

Product Magnification Objective Lens Reticle
Schmidt Bender 3-27×56 PM II  3-27x 56mm Illuminated 
Steiner T5Xi Tactical Rifle Scope 5-25X 56mm Illuminated FFP

SCR (special competition reticle)

SWAROVSKI Z5 3.5-18×44 Ballistic Turret Riflescope with 4W Reticle 3.5-18X 44mm 4W
Nightforce Optics 5.5-22×56 NXS Riflescope 5.5-22X 56mm SFP
ZEISS Conquest V4 6-24x50mm Riflescope 6-24X 50mm Illuminated ZMOA-1
Burris Eliminator 4-16x50mm Laser Rangefinding Rifle Scope 4-16X 50mm SFP
Leupold VX-6HD 4-24x52mm Riflescope 4-24X 52mm Rear Focal Plane (RFP)

Illuminated Reticle

Maven RS.1 2.5-15 x 44 mm FFP Hunting Rifle Scope SHR Reticle 2.5-15X 44mm FFP reticle
Vortex Optics Golden Eagle HD 15-60×52 Second Focal Plane Riflescopes 15-60X 52m SFP

(ECR-1 MOA or SCR-1 MOA)

 

 

How to Care for Caring Your High End Rifle Scope

Investing in a high-end rifle scope is one part, the other part is taking proper care of it. Fortunately, most high end scopes do not require constant maintenance.

Here are some tips to help:

  • Cleaning: As you use your scope outdoors, it is bound to get dirty. NEVER try to take it apart for cleaning. This might ruin the scope as taking it apart releases any argon or nitrogen inside the scope. Releasing these gases means internal fogging will take place rendering your scope useless. 

You should also not wipe the lenses with your sleeve. It may look like the quickest way to get rid of fingerprints or dirt but it leaves minute scratches on the lens coatings and over time, the image quality of your scope is affected. You can use a camel hair brush or a microfiber cloth to clean the lenses. For the exterior, canned air is best to blow away dirt and dust. 

If by any chance your scope’s lenses have stubborn smudges, a microfiber cloth with either water or lens cleaner in small amounts will do the trick. You also need to ensure oil does not get to the scope when you are cleaning your gun. 

  • Storage:  Store your high-end scope with lens caps on. A scope cover is also a great addition as it helps in holding the caps in place all the while protecting the body of the scope. 

 If you are storing your scope plus rifle in a gun safe for an extended period of time, a dehumidifier might be something to consider having. It helps in ensuring your scope is dry. 

 

Conclusion

The best High end rifle scopes do not come cheap and if you feel they are way above your budget, there are brands that manufacture the best scopes and you will not have to drop a pretty penny for them. Manufacturers like Vortex to Leupold have scopes that are affordable and deliver great performance.