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An illuminated reticle scope not only can help you to get a better eyesight while hunting but also allows you to use your weapon at night or in low-light areas.
However, it’s quite hard for you to find a suitable scope among a bunch of scope brands on the market.
That’s why today I will give you a brief guide on how to choose the best illuminated reticle scope for your rifle.
Quick Answer: Top 10 Best Illuminated Reticle Scopes
1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane
2. TacFire 1-4 x 24mm Tactical Rifle Scope
3. Primary Arms 1-8x24 SFP Rifle Scope with Illuminated
4. Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24 x 50 (FFP) Illuminated APMR MIL Reticle
5. Burris Optics XTR II Riflescope 8-40x50mm
6. Trijicon TR23 AccuPoint 5-20x50 Riflescope
7. Nikon X1000 Matte Illuminated x-MRAD Reticle Spotting Scopes, 6-24x50SF, Black
8. Bushnell Optics, FFP Illuminated BTR-1 BDC Riflescope 1-4x/24mm
9. UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope
10. CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24x50 AOE Red and Green Illuminated Gun Scope
(**If you don't have time for the details, you can click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.)
Important Factors to Consider When Purchasing an Illuminated Reticle Scope
Your Financial Capability
This is the first thing you should take into consideration before looking for an illuminated reticle scope.
How much you can spend determines other factors in the scope such as the features and the construction.
In other words, the budget limit will tell you the price range that you can afford. This helps you to save time by avoiding the options that are too expensive.
Crosshair Types
There are several reticle styles such as BDC and Mil-Dot so you need to decide which one is suitable for you. Again, it will help you to save time from going in the wrong direction.
If you are more likely to take shots over the long distances, a ballistic one is right for your need. Meanwhile, if you are a player of varmint hunting, you may need a BDC reticle to maximize the accuracy of your shots.
In case you are not sure about which suits your need best, the safe choice may be the duplex reticle because it can meet the demand of a typical hunter. But, remember that sometimes it might be a little expensive.
Magnification
You can find two types of magnification on the market, namely fixed magnification and variable magnification.
Each type suits a particular need and preference. But, remember that you may have to spend some extra money if you go for the variable scope.
Furthermore, magnification affects the way you use the scope.
For example, which magnification style you go for can determine what kind of targets you can use the product for.
That’s why I suggest that you should think about the magnification that can completely meet your own preferences before purchasing an illuminated reticle scope.
Parallax Adjustment
This is the feature which can help you to eliminate the difference between the image you see through the scope and the one you see without the scope.
Although this is quite a helpful feature, it may increase the amount of money you need to spend on the illuminated reticle scope.
Thus, consider your need and your budget carefully before deciding whether or not you need this.
Objective Lens
In order to save money, you should be aware of the real capability of the objective lens sizes. It can enhance your eyesight but it cannot help you if your skills are not enough.
Also, before making use of the objective lens, you need to learn about many factors influencing the way it works such as the glass thickness and the magnification.
One more thing, it is not all about the size when you consider the objective lens. A larger lens doesn’t necessarily mean better performance if you fail to use it properly.
The Harmony of The Scope and The Gun
The type and specification of the gun you are using play a vital role in what scope you will go for. This is what we call the harmony of the scope and the gun.
Taking this into consideration can help you not only to purchase more wisely but also to avoid unnecessary risks of improper equipment.
Among a lot of scope models and brands on the market, you should be careful when choosing a suitable product for yourself.
Turret
Some of you might be not familiar with this part of the gun scope so I will introduce it briefly first.
If you use a firearm, you will probably know that sometimes the recoil causes some small trouble when you target the object.
The turret system is a function of the scope that allows you to have a great sight in no time regardless of the recoil part. Thus, a high-quality turret system can be considered the third eye that you have on the field.
This is the aspect all gun users should be aware of if they want to perform the best while going hunting or doing whatever you use the gun for.
In fact, the ballistic turret system is considered a high-quality function that can help you to enhance accuracy and speed while you go hunting. However, it often comes with a quite high price.
Benefits of Illuminated Reticle Scopes
The Best Illuminated Reticle Scopes come with a host of benefits and here are some of them
Illuminated Reticle Scope vs Non-Illuminated Reticle Scope
Well, the truth is that both of them are good. At the end of the day, it boils down to personal preferences. Just like every other product in the market these also come with their set of positives and downsides. It is up to you to work around them.
Illuminated scopes help you locate your target faster. The illumination on the reticle can be adjusted. The illuminated reticle is ideal for low-light shooting. Some illuminated scopes tend to consume batteries very fast, and they are also a bit on the weightier side.
In comparison, non-illuminated scopes are a lot easier to handle, and they function just as well. They cost less, which is a huge plus point for many users who are on a budget.
Best illuminated Reticle Scopes Reviews
Now, I will tell you my top 10 illuminated reticle scopes. Those are the models that I have experienced and felt quite satisfied recently.
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This illuminated reticle scope is made of high-quality aluminum and coated a matte black surface. The manufacturer tells us that the model can resist well to fog and water thanks to the nitrogen technology employed.
The scope is equipped with a seal to protect it from getting wet. The objective lens has some special coatings that can resist to reflective light but doesn’t prevent light from going through.
The reticle is visible even at night and in the low-light areas. Also, the scope can be magnified up to 9x.
The tube of the scope is 1-inch in diameter so it can be installed easily to nearly all the scope rings you use.
The simple appearance is not a problem for me because I concentrate more on the performance of the product.
The manual indicates that we can have a far eye relief if we wish to.
However, from my own experiences, the maximum distance of the model is not very impressive. You can find the similarity in many illuminated reticle scopes on the market.
The product offers the customers a lifetime warranty, a worth-considering point for you.
Here are some pros and cons of this model:
Pros
Cons
The model coming from TacFire is another illuminated reticle scope that I would like to suggest today. It is made from high-quality aluminum which helps it to endure the severe weather conditions.
Its objective lens which is multi-coated, coupled with the 4x magnification, can give you a quite clear eye-sight as well as the good field of view. The scope also has a great capability to transmit light.
The model has an O-ring seal with tri-illumination technology. This offers you the appropriate brightness even in low-light conditions.
Here are some of its pros and cons:
Pros
Cons
This illuminated reticle scope has the magnification which can be up to 8x. This is quite a wide range because you can get great clarity thanks to it.
The illumination technology used for this model is great. It offers users with various brightness options to adjust. Thus, you can maximize your performance in any light condition.
The maximum distance in which you can get the accurate shots is no more than 800 yards. But, it is suggested that you should use the model over the distance of 300 yards to get the best performance.
Also, this model comes with the BDC reticle which is suitable for nearly all the hunting games. It is quite easy to use so even the beginners can get used to it easily.
This model can be considered the right choice for those looking for good eye relief and various setting options for brightness and turret systems. However, it doesn’t offer you a wide field of view.
Here are some of its pros and cons:
Pros
Cons
Looking for the Best Illuminated Reticle Scopes that will never fail you? Then you should divert your attention to this model. If you take a close look at this scope you will notice that it contains features typically found on expensive models.
This boasts of a magnification that stretches up to 24x. There is no denying that this is a very versatile scope.
The scope features multi-coated lenses that offer very clear images even during the low-light environment. The scope has an XPL coating that protects the lenses from weather conditions, grease, and dirt. The scope is fog-proof, shockproof, and waterproof.
This is built to withstand heavy recoil this makes the scope very durable and it will not wear out prematurely.
The overall quality is very good as this is constructed from strong aluminum, which assures you that this will last for a long time. The scope has settings to adjust the parallax. Do not forget to add this to your shopping list, you will not regret it.
Pros
Cons
If you are on the lookout for a reliable scope with sophisticated features then this one model that will fulfill your expectations. This has adjustment turrets which are efficient. The elevation and windage can be adjusted effortlessly.
The scope features a dedicated turret to make adjustments to the parallax. The good thing is that the turrets respond well and the click is quite audible.
The reticle on this scope is illuminated and is ideal for shooting activities for low light situations. The lenses on the scope have been given a special coating that permits smooth transmission of light. There are controls the intensity of the brightness.
The lens on the scope has a diameter of 50 mm and the maximum zoom on this scope is 40x. The construction of the scope is top-notch and it will last for a very long time.
With such wonderful features, this scope certainly stands out from the rest of the models found in the market. Add this to your list and you will never look back.
Pros
Cons
Trijicon is a reputed brand that has been around for years, making scopes. Every single scope made by the brand has been well received. This model is no exception this has all the features that any gun lover would dream of.
The scope features lenses that have been given a special treatment that facilitates proper transmission of light. Users can expect to see clear images even when the lighting conditions are not that favorable.
The scope is compact, shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof. With so many features in one scope, it is hard to resist yourself.
Do not worry about the battery running out fast as a phosphor lamp illuminates the reticle. The adjustments for elevation and windage are very easy to operate.
The body of the scope is made from strong aluminum and it will last for a good number of years.
Pros
Cons
You are probably looking for a scope that will help you achieve a higher degree of accuracy. The scope can accomplish effective magnification, which is very impressive. This also features an X-MRAD reticle that agrees with shooters to view clean images at any time of the day.
This has mounted control on the side that lets you adjust the intensity of the illumination. The lenses are coated to reduce glares and offer good transmission of light. Users can expect clear images at all levels of magnifications.
The adjustment for parallax does a good job when it comes to fine-tuning without altering the shooting position. The body of the scope is manufactured from strong grade aluminum which adds to the longevity of the scope. The eye relief is really good and it adds a lot of protection to the eyebrow region.
The scope is waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof. All of the above features have made this scope the number one choice for consumers, so do not be the odd one out.
Pros
Cons
The Best Illuminated Reticle Scopes are typically compact and this one is no different. You do not worry about the longevity of the product. It is made from durable aluminum that only adds to the strength of the product. The scope is given a special anodize-finish to add protection.
So, do not go out seeking for a replacement for a couple of years now.
The scope lets you achieve a great deal of accuracy for midrange to close-range shooting. With this scope, you can increase your expertise in shooting to a great extent. The capped turrets on this scope facilitate easy and quick adjustments.
With the BTR reticle on the scope, you can get the best out of every shot even when the light is super low. Now that you are well acquainted with the features it is time you take things further and acquire this wonderful riflescope.
Pros
Cons
When it comes to the Best Illuminated Reticle Scopes, the UTG is one model that is bound to be spoken of. This is undoubtedly very versatile as it can be used during any combat situation. The scope has a tube measuring 30mm, which also has special lenses coated with emerald.
These lenses are capable of providing crystal clear images at any time of the day as the light transmission is superb. You will also not experience any glare. Honestly, you could not have asked for more.
This scope is well designed, as the turret provides accurate adjustments for the elevation and windage. The re-setting and locking features are quite impressive too. Unlike most other models, this can provide a clear view up to infinity, and that too without parallax. That surely is an impressive aspect of the scope.
The scope is properly sealed and is filled with nitrogen which makes it rainproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. The construction is very sturdy and so you can expect this scope to last for a very long time.
So, now that you know how good this scope is, you should consider acquiring this. With this scope, you can now add flair to your shooting skills.
Pros
Cons
Whoever told you that you have to splurge on a scope that has more than decent features? To prove that wrong you must take a look at this model. This comes with sophisticated features that cater to professionals and amateurs alike.
This product has cleared several quality checks before being sold in the market. This way you can be assured of receiving the best value for money. You can now zero in on your target in the shortest time possible, and that is extremely cool.
The scope can achieve maximum magnification if 24x. The scope has settings to adjust the level of brightness. The good thing about this scope is that it comes with a green reticle, which makes it perfect for nighttime shooting activities. This can be mounted on to the rifle without much trouble.
The overall quality of the scope is very high, as it made from durable aluminum alloy. This scope is waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof. The lenses have a special coating that prevents any scratches and offer sound transmission of light.
So by now, you have realized that this scope is built to excel in every way.
Pros
Cons
Final Thoughts
From my own experiences, if you ask me which one among those ten products is the best illuminated reticle scope, I am going for the Primary Arms 1-8x24 SFP Rifle Scope with Illuminated.
It can meet nearly all the needs of a shooter. Especially, the impressive magnification which can be up to 8x comes in handy when I want to target the objects over the long distance.
Also, it comes at an affordable price.
What about you? Let me know your own choice on the comment!
And I wrote a post about top rated scopes for Ar15, if you are finding a scope, let’s read it.
I am Jerry Gonzalez, and my heart beats for the great outdoors, especially in the breathtaking landscapes of Helena, Montana. Engaging with fellow enthusiasts online and at local hunting clubs has been a rewarding experience, and I find great joy in sharing knowledge and experiences with like-minded individuals. My goal is to empower my fellow hunters with well-informed choices, regardless of their experience level.