Scopes and Optics

Best Riflescopes for Old Eyes

Primary Arms 6x32mm Riflescope

Do you want to buy the best riflescope for old eyes? We tested out some of the top options loaded with impressive features. 

Being a skilled shooter is difficult enough, but having poor vision makes it even more challenging. It’s especially difficult when you have to learn to adjust due to the deterioration of your vision with age.

You find yourself straining for clarity as previously clear targets become unexpectedly hazy. Among other things, finding an appropriate scope is the best thing you can do as a shooter with aging eyes.

Having a scope that will work for your old eyes is pertinent. If you are looking for a scope suitable for old eyes, you are in the right place. Keep reading to find out the best seven scopes ideal for you.

7 Best Riflescopes for Old Eyes

1) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Riflescope

Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Side Focus Riflescope

Designed with 3-15x magnification, the VX-5HD allows a seamless operation regardless of the situation. The VX-5HD 3-15x44mm boasts unsurpassed light transmission and is built around Leupold’s Professional-Grade Optical System to perform better in the harshest lighting conditions. The resolution and clarity will meet the needs of any avid hunter or shooter in the field, and its industry-leading glare reduction offers a crisp image in bright, direct light.

With the push-button ZeroLock mechanism, the CDS-ZL2 offers two revolutions of elevation adjustment while preventing unintentional dial movement. Additionally, it has Leupold’s acclaimed Custom Dial System, which enables shooters to acquire a laser-marked bullet-drop dial customized for their particular ballistics and shooting circumstances.

Besides, Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Riflescope is entirely waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof for relentless performance. A Guard-ion hydrophobic lens coating sheds water and grime for a crisp and sharp image.

Features

  • 5:1 zoom ratio
  • A-grade optical system
  • Second focal plane
  • Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
  • Guard-ion lens coating
  • Twilight Max HD Light Management System
  • ZeroStop system

Pros

  • Versatile magnification range
  • Excellent light transmission
  • Lightweight
  • Reasonably priced
  • Great build quality

Cons

  • Best suited for longer distances

 

2) MEOPTA Optika6 3-18×56 30mm SFP Riflescope

 

The Meopta Optika6 3-18×56 Rifle Scope is the best option for hunting at medium to long ranges. The 56mm objective lens collects a lot of light thanks to Meopta’s improved coatings, keeping your image clear even at vast distances in low light. Meopta’s 4C/1, a European-style reticle, is available in this scope and gives hunters quick target acquisition in dim light and against cluttered settings.

In addition, Meopta Optika6 3-18x56mm Riflescope has the MeoShield ion-assisted coating that offers excellent scratch and abrasion resistance in harsh environments while shielding external lens surfaces. The coating meets military requirements for toughness and durability.

When it comes to light transmission, Meopta Optika6 3-18x56mm Riflescope doesn’t disappoint. All air-to-glass optical surfaces are coated with unique, ion-assisted MeoBright multi-coatings that deliver an industry-leading 99.8% light transmittance per lens surface while removing glare and reflections.

The turrets, zoom, and focus buttons are housed in a stylish yet robust black rubber. They are pretty simple to use, especially in cold and wet weather.

Nevertheless, the Meopta Optika6 3-18x56mm Riflescope has a magnification adjustment ring with many tapped holes around it. These are there so the user can attach a provided lever when there is a need to alter the magnification even faster.

Meopta scopes uniquely accommodate screw-in filters, and the Optika6 3-18x56mm is no different. This enables extremely individualized personalization based on your particular eyesight and environmental factors.

Features

  • MeoBright multi-coatings
  • Exposed elevation turret that is click-adjustable
  • 30mm tube
  • Massive 56mm objective lens
  • ZPlus RD reticle with 2 MOA wind and elevation correction
  • Capped windage turret
  • Variable 3-18x magnification
  • 9 inches of eye relief

Pros

  • Superior glass
  • Side focus
  • Impeccable light transmission
  • Highly visible reticle
  • Perfect for all lighting conditions

Cons

  • Cost

 

3) Vortex Optics AMG UH-1 Gen II Holographic Sight

 

The Vortex AMG UH-1 is a small, light electro-optical gunsight that is combat-ready by fusing the most outstanding qualities of a red dot and the key attributes of a holographic sight. The UH-1 has unlimited eye relief, so it doesn’t matter how far away your eye is from the intended target.

Another exciting feature of the Vortex AMG UH-1 is the EBR CQB reticle with fifteen brightness settings. Because it includes open areas that don’t significantly obscure the target, this reticle is loved by many. The shooter experiences the ideal HUD feeling, which dazes users. The reticle allows quick passive aiming as it simply hovers in front of the shooter’s eye.

All air-to-glass surfaces on the Vortex AMG UH-1 sight have multiple anti-reflective coatings that improve light transmittance, and a built-in throw lever mechanism works with any Picatinny or Weaver rail. The Vortex AMG UH-1 sight has a 1x neutral magnification and can be simply adjusted for windage and elevation in 1/2 MOA increments from the side. A CR123A battery powers it. There is an auto shut-off feature that helps conserve battery life.

Fast skirmishes at close to medium ranges are made possible by the UH-1’s rugged body, which also gives an excellent, unobstructed field of view.

The controls are located on the back of the unit for easy access and are not overly heavy. So it will not add unnecessary weight that can bring you down.

Features

  • Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
  • 1x magnification
  • EBR QCB reticle
  • Compatible with night vision
  • Large field of view
  • Multiple anti-reflective coatings
  • Permanently installed throw lever
  • Easy-to-access controls

Pros

  • Sturdy construction
  • Large viewing window for excellent performance in passive aiming
  • QD lever mount with a locking function and tension screw adjustment
  • Lightweight design

Cons

  • A limited battery life
  • Too close-to-the-rear mounting will cause a tube effect.

 

4) Hawke Vantage 3-9×40 AO Riflescope

 

Another model that qualifies as a contender in our list of the best riflescopes for old eyes is the Hawke Vantage 3-9×40 AO riflescope. The Vantage scope boasts finger-adjustable, low-profile turrets with a range of 1/4 MOA. This is a plus for the pricing range because it eliminates the tool-required slot-style turret system and offers the utmost simplicity for resetting to zero.

The elevation and windage crosshairs of the reticle each include four mil dots starting from the center. This straightforward mil-dot sight is perfect for people who want to shoot milling targets. One mil separates each dot. Both the dots and the crosshairs are incredibly narrow.

Glass performance on the Vantage 3-9x40mm is better than anticipated.  This is thanks to the fully multi-coated optics with decent edge-to-edge clarity and excellent low-light performance.

When you use the adjustable objective correctly, it is incredibly crisp, and of course, you may change the ocular focus to obtain a clear image of the reticle for your vision. Additionally, it will give you a good grasp of the distances between your targets and focuses down to 10 yards.

Regarding construction, Hawke Vantage 3-9x40mm has a single-tube chassis that guarantees incredible strength. The Hawke Vantage scope is resistant to the elements. It is purged with dry nitrogen gas and waterproof to prevent internal condensation and fogging of the optics.

Features

  • Fully multi-coated
  • Single-piece tube construction
  • Mil-dot reticle
  • Adjustable objective
  • Weatherproof
  • Endures recoil from heavy rifles
  • 5 inches of eye relief
  • Black matte finish

Pros

  • Excellent glass
  • Budget-friendly
  • Durable construction

Cons

  • MOA/MIL

 

5) Burris Scout Scope

 

Burris Scout scope has a 2-7x magnification. Combined with a seamless reticle, the scope allows shooting from 100 to 500 yards. You may instantly zoom out to 7 for long-range shots or go low and utilize it as a fast-fighting scope at a lower power.

Burris Scout scope is top of the line when it comes to durability. This is because it is filled with nitrogen gas. The result of this inclusion is a fog-proof scope. Burris employs a uniquely designed quad seal to ensure extra protection against leaking, so it is also waterproof. Besides, it is shockproof for recoil and impact resistance.

Given the wide range of magnification the optic offers, the eye relief of 9.2 to 12 inches is substantial. The eye box on the scope is quite flexible. This is another reason why Burros Scout Scope should be your shooting partner.

This Burris Scout Scope glass is impressive because it is bright and clear.

The Burris Scout has the biggest objective lens compared to the contenders at 32 mm. In almost every scenario, the large diameter provides more light for exceptionally clear images.

In this Burris Scout Scope is a Ballistic Plex reticle that is easy to use. The reticle is minimalistic, clear, and perfect for precise long-range shooting and rapid target acquisition up close.

The turrets can be turned without any tools, which is handy for quick scoping. Adjustments are made in tactile .25 MOA clicks.

Features

  • Completely weatherproof
  • Posi-lock system
  • Matte black finish
  • Stylish and easy-to-use Ballistic reticle
  • Generous eye relief
  • One-piece tube design
  • Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof

Pros

  • Wide field of view for shooting with both eyes
  • Exceptionally clear images
  • Price is easy on your wallet
  • Finger adjustable turrets
  • Easy to zero

Cons

  • Bright light can reflect on the scope’s glass

 

6) Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-12×56 Riflescope

 

The Crossfire II Series from Vortex is made to perform better than every other scope in its price range.

The Crossfire 2 3-12×56 has all the attributes of a high-quality, low-light scope. Its big 56mm objective lens features a 4.6 mm minimum exit pupil. The lens is fully multi-coated and has anti-reflective properties for enhanced light transmittance. The V-Brite reticle uses the V-Plex platform from Vortex and has an illuminated center dot. You may successfully acquire targets in extremely low light thanks to the 11 brightness adjustments available on the easily accessible turret on top of the eyepiece.

Like other Vortex scopes, the Crossfire II 3-12×56 is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum. A hard anodized finish provides a glare-free surface and helps conceal the shooter’s position. Thanks to the nitrogen purging and O-ring seals, the scope is entirely fog proof and waterproof for reliability regardless of weather conditions. This is in addition to being shockproof for impact and recoil resistance.

Another exciting feature of the scope is a fast-focus eyepiece that allows a quick reticle focusing requisite for rapid target acquisition.

Better yet, capped reset turrets allow toolless re-indexing to zero after sighting in the riflescope. Caps shield the turret from external components.

Features

  • V-Brite illuminated reticle
  • Massive 56mm objective lens
  • Fully multi-coated
  • Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
  • Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
  • A fast-focus eyepiece
  • Capped reset turrets
  • Hard anodized finish
  • 30mm tube

Pros

  • Low price
  • Eleven brightness settings
  • Adjustable objective
  • Superior quality glass
  • Weatherproof
  • Robust construction

Cons

  • Questionable operating temperatures

 

7) Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen 2 6-24×50 First Focal Plane Riflescope

 

A good, affordable entry point for precision long-range shooting is the Athlon Argos BTR 6-24×50. The magnification range of 6x to 24x in the Athlon Argos BTR is quite useful as it allows you to engage in any type of shooting, including long-range, target, plinking, hunting, and pesting.

The Athlon Argos BTR Gen 2 has Advanced Fully-Multi Coated Optics that produce a clear bright image in low-light situations, which is ideal given that most hunters, especially those pursuing that dream buck, know they only appear at dusk or dawn.

Having high-quality glass is one thing, but it also needs to be shielded, and the manufacturers at Athlon know this too well and have done what is required to ensure so. It’s clear from the Argos BTR Gen waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof construction how much consideration went into this scope. It has a special XPL coating shields the lenses from grime, oil, and adverse weather conditions.

Argon Purging by Athlon has advanced the situation and improved the glass’s quality significantly. Argon purging improves waterproofing and thermal stability by removing moisture from the tube using inertia gas with larger molecules.

Regarding durability, the Athlon Argos BTR 6-24×50 is unmatched. It has a 6061T6 aircraft-grade aluminum construction that promises incredible strength and durability. It is designed with a one-piece tube that is heat treated for robustness. Therefore, you can be sure that the scope will survive in the most challenging conditions.

Features

  • Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
  • Advanced fully multi-coated lenses
  • XPL coating to protect the lenses
  • Crafted from high-quality aluminum
  • One-piece tube construction
  • Zero stop system
  • Illuminated reticle with eleven brightness settings
  • Ridged turrets with loud audible clicks

Pros

  • Price
  • Superior quality glass
  • Sturdy construction

Cons

  • The clarity gradually decreases as the magnification increases.
  • Low eye relief

 

 

See Also

 

Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Riflescope for Old Eyes

Eye relief

Eye relief refers to the distance between the last ocular lens and your eyes, providing a clear field of vision and a secure distance to fend off recoil.

Good eye relief implies reduced optical aberrations and parallax, contributing to more comfortable viewing. Whether or not you wear glasses, having a minimum of 3 inches of eye relief is best.  However, 4 inches offers extra comfort for individuals wearing glasses.

Glass quality

The quality of the glass becomes crucial for aging eyes. Shooting accurately on a target you can’t see clearly is impossible. Brightness, resolution, and contrast are all increased and improved by the higher-quality glass.  This means better clarity to distinguish features to tighter groupings, detect mirage variations, and have improved night vision.

Reticle

How well the reticle matches your vision depends largely on the type of scope you are using. Accuracy will ultimately depend on your ability to see crosshairs, hashmarks, or dots. The reticle is also essential for many different shooting applications.

A mil-dot reticle is preferred, followed by a simple duplex-type reticle. Although there are variations for each type of reticle, shooters generally favor simplicity. Although those who enjoy holding over tend to prefer the mil-dot over the BDC, others with aging eyes may prefer the simplicity of a duplex reticle with easily visible crosshairs, especially in SFP. In either case, you want a reticle that is appropriate for your purpose.

Durability

Any scope must be robust and well-built to guarantee many years of use. It should be made of high-quality materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum to ensure it stands ups to any condition. The scope should also be waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof to survive in all weather conditions.

 

See Also

 

FAQs on the Best Riflescope for Old Eyes

1) What is considered a decent eye relief in a scope?

The current industry requirement for sufficient eye relief is a minimum of 3 to 3.5 inches. When shooting, many who use glasses find that 3 inches is the bare minimum that they need. Furthermore, given shooting caliber and styles, 4 inches would be a better choice for comfort and security.

2) Can you wear glasses while using a rifle scope?

Wearing eye protection when experts always recommend shooting. Members are required to use eye protection on supervised ranges. Many people wear safety glasses, polarized sunglasses, or prescription lenses. The finest option for visual support during a hunt or a match is a pair of prescription shooting glasses.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you are better positioned to purchase based on the above information. Buying any of the scopes mentioned above is the best decision ever. Happy shooting.

 

See Also