New hunters face a slew of big gear decisions before they even hit the field, and choosing the best riflescope can be one of the most confusing. From settling on the right magnification to deciding on a reticle, the options seem endless. (Need help figuring out which riflescope reticle to use for hunting? This blog is for you. For more on riflescope magnifications, check out this blog.)

Lucky for you, with a good idea of what you want to hunt and where, choosing a riflescope can be simple. Let’s get started. (This is a brief overview of some of our hunting riflescope lines, and it’s aimed at new hunters. If you already have some idea about what riflescope you need, or you want to jump right into riflescope recommendations, try our Optics Finder Tool.)

Crossfire^® HD: Built for the Hunt. Ready for the Shot.

Offering sharper detail and improved light transmission over competitors, Crossfire^® HD makes a quality hunting optic accessible to everyone. Ideal for hunters working everything from dense timber to rolling hills.

• $. Most User Friendly.
• HD Optical System
• Application-Specific Reticles
• Fully Multi-Coated Lenses for Improved Light Transmission and Clarity.

Diamondback^®: Workhorse Utility. Every Hunt. Every Haul.

Excellent low-light capability. Brilliant contrast and sharpness that serves up impressive images. Diamondback® is a true workhorse, delivering hard-working reliability in trusted lineup of models. Renowned for toughness and accuracy, its durable construction and lightweight design give hunters the confidence to push further in any terrain.

• $$. User friendly, with a more powerful optical system.
• Fully Multi-Coated Lenses for Improved Light Transmission and Clarity

Viper^® HD: Take Your Place at the Top of the Food Chain.

Each member of the Viper^® HD family delivers outstanding image clarity, resolution, and sharpness to ensure your target comes into view with precise detail. Viper^® HD also boasts enhanced features for unmatched accuracy at extended ranges while excelling in the low light of dawn and dusk when game is most active. Viper^® HD covers any hunt, from dense timber to open country.

• $$$. More Advanced Features (More detailed reticle and advanced, exposed turret systems).
• HD Optical System
• Illuminated Reticles for Low-Light Hunting.
• First Focal Plane and Second Focal Plane Options (For more on hunting with FFP, check out this video.)
• 30mm Main Tube for Maximum Turret Travel
• Custom Turrets available. (Here’s more information on Custom Turrets, and how they can help on your next hunt.)
• Exposed Turret Options w/ RevStop^® Zero System

Razor^® HD LHT^™: Built for Long Range and the Long Haul.

Stunning HD clarity and enhanced contrast reveal every detail, from counting kickers on a buck in dark timber or locking onto a tuft of shoulder hair over the vitals of an elk. Lightweight yet rugged, with push-button illumination and a rock-solid zero system, this top-of-the-line optic gives you the edge in the moments that matter most. Powerful enough to cover any environment, Razor^® HD LHT^™ is optimized for long-range and open country.

• $$$$. Most Advanced Features (Advanced Reticles, Advanced Turret Systems, and Class-Leading Optics).
• HD Optical System
• Illuminated Reticles for Low-Light Hunting
• First Focal Plane and Second Focal Plane Options (For more on hunting with FFP, check out this video.) Lightweight for longer stalks through rough terrain
• Custom Turrets available. (Here’s more information on Custom Turrets, and how they can help on your next hunt.)

Don’t Forget Rings!

When you’ve chosen a riflescope, remember that you’ll also need rings to mount it to your rifle. We highly recommend buying the best rings you can afford, and it’s important to budget for rings when looking at riflescopes. We offer a comprehensive line of rings perfect for your hunt, and your budget. If you need help choosing rings, check out this blog. And, if you need help mounting your riflescope, we’ve got you covered.

For a more detailed look at which configuration of optic will fit how you hunt, check out our Optics Finder Tool, which can deliver personalized recommendations based on how you hunt.

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