Today, we will show you the best crossbow scopes. If you are an avid crossbow hunter, a good crossbow scope is an indispensable tool to have for a rip-roaring hunting experience.
A crossbow scope enhances the hunting experience by providing bright and clear image views for accurate shot placement. This is particularly important if you are hunting small games in low-light conditions.
The best crossbow scopes are relatively simple to use and reasonably affordable as well. In today’s post, we highlight a top selection of the best crossbow scopes for hunting to help you find a good fit in readiness for an epic adventure. Read on and find out more.
What Makes a Great Crossbow Scope for Hunting?
If you are buying a crossbow scope for the first time, you are probably wondering what scope you should go for. With tons of models to choose from, a great crossbow scope for hunting meets your hunting needs.
For beginners, the crossbow should be easy to use and easy to mount. The last thing that you would want is to waste time mounting the scope while you should be taking out targets. The scope should also have multiple accessories included making your hunting experience better and worthwhile.
If you prefer to hunt in low-light conditions, such as dusk or dawn, the scope should have high-quality optics. It should be able to provide bright and clear views for accurate shot placement.
To top it all, a great crossbow scope for hunting must be durably made to stand up to harsh hunting environments. It should be rainproof and fog-free for use in extreme weather conditions.
8 Best Crossbow Scopes
In recent years, the popularity of crossbow hunting has been on the rise. However, with so many scopes to choose from, finding the best model for your individual shooting needs becomes a little overwhelming.
In this post, we have a detailed review of the best crossbow scopes for hunting to help you choose the right. Without wasting any more time, let’s take a look.
#1) Burris Optics Oracle X Rangefinder Crossbow Scope
Oracle X is a state-of-the-art crossbow scope that comes equipped with all the essential features needed to transform your bow-hunting experience. One of the striking features that make it stand out as one of the best crossbow scopes is the inbuilt laser rangefinder.
The rangefinder accurately displays the target distance and provides exact aiming points permitting the execution of accurate shots. Another positive attribute that cements Oracle X’s name among the best crossbow scopes is its rugged construction.
The crossbow scope is fully waterproof and fogproof to guarantee reliable performance in any weather conditions. Besides, the scope is shockproof to withstand any shocks and vibrations experienced in the field.
Oracle X Rangefinder Crossbow Scope features a variable power of 2-7x beating other crossbow scopes that have a fixed power. The low powers are resourceful in most hunting scenarios while the higher powers are resourceful in target shooting at longer distances. Oracle X is truly the ultimate crossbow scope.
In terms of useability, Oracle X Rangefinder Crossbow Scope is super easy to use. The wireless ranging switch helps you get the target distance seamlessly and all other functions are optimized to deliver the best viewing experience. Setting up on the crossbow is also a hassle-free process. You will be done in minutes and ready to hit the woods.
Another admirable facet of the Oracle X crossbow scope is outstanding clarity and image crispness. When sighting through the scope you will be amazed by the image brightness. Courtesy of the superior glass used on the lenses; you will enjoy true-to-life images when on your hunting expeditions.
Features
- The in-built rangefinder estimates target distance speedily.
- Integrated inclinometer for treestand hunting
- A wireless ranging switch for seamless ranging
- A true variable zoom
- Robust construction delivers reliable performance
- Comes with a precise aluminum mount system
- Auto brightness and manual adjustments help in fine-tuning the aiming point
- Long-lasting battery
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Unrivaled clarity and image brightness
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Shockproof
- Built with bow hunters in mind
- Covered by Burris forever warranty
Cons
- Expensive
#2) CVLIFE 3-9×40 Optics R4 Reticle Crosshair Scope
The CVLIFE 3-9×40 R4 Reticle scope is one of the best crossbow scopes available on the market today. This well-made scope is highly versatile and perfect for use in any condition or environment.
Thanks to the 3-9x magnification, you can use the scope for both close and long-range crossbow hunting. At only 0.76lbs, the scope is incredibly light and easy to use. You can mount it on your crossbow and it won’t add any unnecessary weight. Plus, the lightweight design makes it easy to carry in the field for long hours.
The scope provides impressive optical performance. The fully multi-coated glass provides optimum light transmission for brilliant and vivid image views full of color contrast. The exterior lenses are also coated with a special coating which makes them scratch-resistant. The coating also removes dirt, oil, and fingerprints to provide clean views.
The scope is built to stand up to the harshest hunting environments. The 1-inch main tube is built from strong aluminum for long-lasting durability. Moreover, the scope is completely sealed on both ends and nitrogen filled so it’s fully fog proof and rainproof. You can use it under any weather conditions and it won’t get damaged.
Features
- Precise elevation and windage adjustment turrets.
- Easy to use 3-9x powering
- Second focal plane reticle
- Fully multi-coated glass
- Scratch-resistant lens coatings
- Fog proof and rainproof
- Sturdy and durable aluminum construction
- 1-inch main tube
Pros
- Suitable for close and long-range hunting
- Easy to use
- Ultralight and easy to carry
- Optimum brightness
Cons
- Difficult to zero
#3) Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-12×56 AO Hog Hunter Riflescope
If you are looking for a long-range crossbow hunting scope, the Crossfire II 3-12×56 AO Hog Hunter is your best option. Thanks to the versatile 3-12x magnification, you can use the scope for both close and long-range shooting.
Besides, the scope comes with an adjustable objective which provides sharp image focus and parallax elimination when shooting long range. The scope can be used during the day and in low-light situations. The large 56mm objective lens collects adequate light for bright and clear images.
The lenses are also fully multi-coated with an anti-reflective coating to enhance light transmission. Moreover, the V-Brite illuminated MOA reticle provides an accurate aiming point under low-light conditions.
Weighing about 1.3 pounds, the scope is fairly light and easy to carry. It has a long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box for comfortable target viewing. The fast focus eyepiece allows for quick reticle focusing which in turn provides fast target acquisition.
When it comes to construction, the scope is durable, shockproof and impact resistant. The solid aircraft-grade aluminum construction ensures strength while keeping weight at a minimum.
It is going to stand up to any harsh hunting environment its subjected to. It is also O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to deliver waterproof and fog-proof performance respectively.
Features
- Adjustable objective for parallax removal
- V-Brite illuminated MOA reticle
- Anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses
- Large 56mm objective
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Finger adjustable capped reset turrets
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Waterproof and fog proof
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Bright and clear images
- Smooth zoom
- Fairly light
Cons
- Images not clear at high magnification
#4) Vortex Viper XBR 10×44 Crossbow Scope
Here is another quality crossbow scope from Vortex. The Viper XBR 2.5-10×44 scope is ideal for both beginners and seasoned crossbow hunters. It is well-made and designed to be easy to use. You can use the 2.5x magnification for close-range hunting and move higher to 10x when hunting at long-range.
The scope comes with long 4-inch eye relief and a fast-focus eyepiece to ensure quick and simple reticle focusing. The reticle is illuminated so you can use it to shoot under low-light conditions. Apart from that, the scope has an exposed elevation turret which is marked in 1 MOA increments.
It tracks true all the time making it suitable for quick adjustment dialing when taking long shots. The Customizable Rotational Stop system included prevents the turret from moving more than one revolution under sight-in zero.
Like any other vortex scope, the Viper XBR 2.5-10×44 is fully waterproof and fog proof. You can use it in extreme weather conditions and it will still perform. Besides, it is crafted with aircraft-grade aluminum so it’s sturdy and durable.
Another notable feature about the scope is the great optical performance. It uses Vortex proprietary XR fully multi-coated lens coating to enhance light transmission and reduce light reflection.
This produces bright and clear image views full of color contrast. The whole unit is also coated with a hard-anodized finish to reduce glare when hunting under broad daylight.
Features
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Hard anodized finish
- Illuminated XBR-1 reticle
- Vortex proprietary XR fully multi-coated lens coating
- 30mm size main tube
- Field of view: 47-10.9feet/100 yards
- Exposed elevation turrets
Pros
- Versatile magnification
- Easy to use
- Good quality images
- Lightweight design
- Made in the USA
Cons
- None
#5) Hawke Sport Optics 12221 XB1 Vari-Speed SR IR Crossbow Scope
When it comes to durability and reliability, you can never beat the Hawke Sport Optics 12221 XB1 crossbow scope. The scope features an innovative design to improve your shooting accuracy. It is crafted with aircraft-grade aluminum for optimum durability, strength, and stability.
The crossbow scope has 11 layers of fully multi-coated optics to enhance light transmission and produce bright and clear images. The glass-etched XB1 SR reticle is illuminated to provide accurate shot placement when hunting in low-light situations. The Rheostat on saddle provides 5 different brightness levels for use in extreme lighting conditions.
Weighing about 368g/13oz, this is one of the lightest crossbow scopes on this list. You can take it anywhere you want and it won’t weigh you down. You can adjust the parallax from 50 yards to infinity and ensure accurate long-range shots. It also features a fast-focus eye bell for easy reticle focusing and a high torque zoom with a speed adjuster.
Overall, this is a great scope to buy. It comes with a lifetime warranty, so you are assured of its quality. It is also fully waterproof and fog proof so it’s ideal for use in rainy weather conditions.
Features
- 11 layer fully multi-coated optics
- Illuminated glass-etched XB1 SR reticle
- Speed adjuster from 250fps to 425fps
- Robust 1-inch single tube chassis
- Sturdy and durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Rheostat on saddle provides 5 different brightness levels
- Parallax setting from 50 yards to infinity
Pros
- Superb low-light performance
- Ultralight design
- Lifetime warranty
- Strong enough to stand up to heavy crossbow recoil
Cons
- Short eye relief
#6) Hammers Compact Red/Blue Illuminated Multi-Line Reticle Crossbow Scope
If you are looking for something compact that you can easily mount on your crossbow, the Hammers Compact Crossbow scope suits you. It is one of the budget-friendly crossbow scopes available on the market. If you are a beginner, the scope suits you.
With the blue/red illuminated multi-line reticle, the scope is ideal for hunting in low-light situations. Each color has 5 illumination intensities for use in adverse lighting conditions. For added accuracy, the scope is parallax-free to 50 yards. It also features fingertip windage and elevation adjustment for ease of use.
The scope has an overall length of 8 inches. It is also very light as it only weighs 11.5oz. You can easily mount it on the crossbow and it won’t add any unnecessary weight. Better yet, it has a one-piece main tube crafted of aircraft-quality aluminum alloy for optimum strength and durability.
The whole unit is coated with a non-reflective matte finish which reduces glare and makes it eye-catching. The scope is also waterproof for all-weather reliability and shockproof to withstand regular bumps, falls and impacts.
Features
- One pair of 7/8” weaver-style rings
- See-through lens covers
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Recoil-resistant and shockproof
- One-piece 1-inch tube
- Fingertip windage and elevation adjustments
- Quick focus ring at end of the eyepiece
- Red/blue illuminated reticle
Pros
- Compact and ultralight
- Budget-friendly
- Generous 3.5-inch eye relief
- 6 cross lines for more reference points down range
- Parallax-free to 50 yards
Cons
- Less durable
#7) UTG 4×32 1” Crossbow Scope
Crossbow hunting gets better and better with the UTG 4×32 1” Crossbow Scope. The scope is packed with lots of impressive features at a budget-friendly price. Although compact, the scope is heavy on features.
The scope offers superior image brightness and clarity thanks to the premium broadband lens coating. It also provides a wide field of view for easy target identification, especially when shooting fast-moving targets.
The scope features premium zero lockable and resettable windage and elevation target turrets. These turrets are intuitive and easy to use. With the illuminated reticle, you are assured of accurate shot placement even when you are hunting in low-light conditions. You can also use the side wheel illumination control for multipurpose applications in different light conditions.
The scope has 5 horizontal lines scaled for 300fps crossbows. This gives you fast and accurate aiming from 10 to 50 yards. Another great thing about this crossbow scope is the durable construction. It is built on a robust true-strength platform to ensure many years of field use. It is also shockproof for added durability and recoil resistance as well.
Features
- Low-profile quick-detach mounting rings
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Recoil proof and shockproof
- Premium quality precision Broadband lens coating
- Illuminated reticle
- Rainproof and fog proof
- Premium zero lockable and resettable windage and elevation target turrets
Pros
- Best budget option
- Versatile and reliable
- Long eye relief
- Suitable for different light conditions
- 5 horizontal marks calibrated for 300fps crossbows.
Cons
- None
#8) NIKW9 Prostaff P3 Crossbow Scope
If you are looking to upgrade your crossbow optic this hunting season, you can hardly go wrong with the NIKW9 Prostaff P3 Crossbow Scope. The scope features fully multi-coated optics for bright and clear images even when hunting in dismal environments.
The several layers of anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces provide optimum brightness and image clarity from dusk to dawn. The scope is designed to work with a wide range of crossbows. It has a BDC 60 reticle which works for multiple crossbow bolts, point weights and velocities.
The windage and elevation turrets are distinctly marked for quick adjustments. You can easily reset the turrets to zero after sighting in for quick and simple reference when making field adjustments.
When it comes to construction, the 1-inch main tube is made with robust aircraft-grade aluminum which enhances durability, while keeping weight at a minimum. The turret caps are also made of aluminum for added durability. The scope is also rainproof and fog proof for use in all weather conditions.
Features
- Fully multi-coated optics
- BDC 60 crossbow reticle
- Robust aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Hand-turned 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustments
- Quick focus eyepiece
- Spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets
- Fog proof and rainproof
Pros
- Durable
- Bright and clear views
- Generous eye relief
- Lightweight design
Cons
- None
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Best Crossbow Scopes Buying Guide & FAQs
Choosing the Best Crossbow Scopes
Whether you are on the market for the first crossbow scope or an upgrade, here are some of the key factors you should consider.
Magnification
The majority of crossbow scopes offer a decent amount of magnification. Your ideal magnification power will depend on how far you intend to shoot. However, most crossbow hunting takes place at close and mid-ranges.
Therefore, the scope doesn’t need the powerful magnification power found in a long-range rifle scope. Besides, too much magnification can be more of a hindrance than a help when hunting with a crossbow.
Crossbow scopes that offer 1.5x to 2x magnification are the best if you are shooting close-range. However, if you are shooting long-range, a scope with 5x-6x will be sufficient.
Eye Relief
Eye relief refers to the minimum distance between your eye and the eyepiece of the scope where you can see the targets effectively. A scope with a long eye relief is very important. It not only provides comfortable target views but also keeps your eyes safe from high-recoil crossbows.
If the scope has a small eye relief, the recoil can send the scope back and hit your eye. You’ll also have a difficult and less comfortable shooting experience. Try to look for a scope with at least 3.5-inches of eye relief.
Read: Best Slug Gun Scopes
Illumination
If you plan to hunt/shoot in low-light situations, a scope with an illuminated reticle is important. It helps you make an accurate shot placement. With illuminated reticles, there are two major factors that you should always put into consideration.
First, you need to know the color options. While most scopes have one color illumination, having a model with two options lets you choose the color based on your preference and lighting conditions.
The second factor to consider is whether the brightness can be controlled. Too much brightness will drain the battery faster. It can also make the image blurry such that you can’t identify it when shooting in bright conditions. A scope with multiple brightness settings lets adjusts from one setting to the other depending on the lighting conditions.
Read: Best Night Vision Crossbow Scopes
Optical Quality
The other important feature to look out for is the optical quality. You’ll want the scope to provide clear and bright images every time. To achieve this, the scope should have high-quality glass and fully multi-coated lenses. The coatings reduce light reflection and enhance light transmission for bright, clear, and sharp images.
Optical quality is particularly significant if you intend to hunt with the crossbow scope at dusk or dawn. A scope with superb low-light performance will provide clear views even at distances where your naked eyes can’t see anything.
Budget
Crossbow scopes are available in different price tags. How much you are willing to spend will determine the scope that you buy. Luckily, most crossbow scopes are less expensive compared with rifle scopes.
If you are on a budget, there are tons of budget-friendly yet quality scopes you’ll find on the market today. Just make sure that the scope is well-made so it doesn’t fall apart after a few hunting excursions.
See Also
What Magnification Do I Need?
Since crossbow shooting involves shooting at close range, the scope shouldn’t have very high magnification. Too much magnification can be more of a hindrance than a help.
Most crossbow hunting involves shooting targets that aren’t more than 100 yards away. In most cases, you’ll be shooting targets that are 60 yards away or even less. So, the maximum magnification that you need is either 5x or 6x.
For close-range shooting, which is less than 50 yards, scopes with 1.5x to 2x minimum magnification will do. At this range, you don’t have to deal with parallax, but you can increase the magnification for distant targets.
It is also recommended that you look for a scope with variable magnification. Such a scope provides great versatility. You can use the lowest magnification setting for close-range targets and ramp up the magnification power for distant targets.
See Also
Best Crossbow Scopes FAQs
Q: How Much Eye Relief do I Need?
If you are using a high-recoil crossbow, a scope with generous eye relief is a must. It is easier to shoot with and safe for your eye. Look for a scope with at least 3.5 inches of eye relief for your crossbow hunting scope.
Q: Can You Put a Riflescope of a Crossbow?
Yes, you can put a riflescope of a crossbow. However, it should be a low or mid-powered riflescope as too much magnification can be overkill. It should also be capable of holding up to severe forward recoil which is opposite to that in a rifle.
Q: Are Crossbows Scopes and Riflescopes Similar?
No and yes. The scopes are similar in that they are used to provide better images of distant targets that we can’t be able to see clearly with our naked eyes. However, the two scopes are different. Crossbow scopes have reticles customized for crossbow use, while rifle scopes have reticles aimed at firing bullets at faster speeds and longer distances.
Conclusion
We hope that you have found this post insightful. A crossbow scope is an important accessory to help you make accurate shot placements. The best crossbow scope for hunting is one that meets your hunting needs.
Look for a scope that’s easy to use and one that you can shoot with accurately. Use our buying guide above and get a quality scope that will increase your success odds this hunting season.