Looking for the best Ruger American Gen II Riflescopes? A quality riflescope allows you to take full advantage of the Ruger American Gen II’s accuracy, reliability, and versatility, whether you use it to hunt big game, pursue predators, or spend time at the range.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best Ruger American Gen II riflescopes for a variety of shooting styles, budgets, and hunting applications.
From lightweight hunting optics to long-range precision scopes with advanced reticles, these top picks deliver the clarity, reliability, and performance needed to get the most out of your rifle.
5 Best Ruger American Gen II Riflescopes
We have masterfully selected the top scopes for the Ruger American Gen II, comparing their features, performance, and overall value to help you find the perfect riflescope for your hunting style and budget.
Read on to discover the perfect scope that will help your Ruger American Gen II perform at its absolute best.
1) Burris Fullfield 4-16x50mm 1in Tube Riflescope
The Burris Fullfield 4-16x50mm 1-inch tube riflescope is the best Ruger American Gen II riflescope. It delivers an excellent balance of optical performance, durability, and affordability for hunters and recreational long-range shooters.
The versatile 4-16x magnification range is the cream of the crop. It lets you transition smoothly from medium-range shots to precise long-distance targeting, while the large 50mm objective lens gathers plenty of light for bright, crisp images during dawn and dusk hunts.
Furthermore, Burris equips this scope with high-quality multi-coated lenses that provide impressive clarity, sharp contrast, and true color reproduction across the entire field of view.
The one-inch tube keeps the scope lightweight and compatible with a wide range of hunting rifles, making it an attractive choice for deer, predator, and varmint hunting.
Beyond its impressive optics, the Burris Fullfield offers dependable mechanical performance that inspires confidence in the field. The exposed elevation turret features a zero stop system that allows quick and reliable return to your original zero after making long-range adjustments.
Windage and elevation adjustments are also precise, while the side parallax focus helps eliminate aiming errors at varying distances. In addition to everything else, the scope has a rugged construction that withstands heavy recoil, rough weather, and demanding outdoor conditions without losing zero.
Pros
- Excellent image clarity and brightness
- Versatile 4-16x magnification for hunting and target shooting
- Large 50mm objective performs well in low light
- Durable construction withstands harsh field conditions
- Reliable zero stop elevation turret
- Smooth side parallax adjustment
- Precise and repeatable turret tracking
- Lightweight one-inch tube design
Cons
- The second focal plane reticle limits holdover accuracy to maximum magnification
2) Arken Optics EP5 GEN2 5-25×56 Rifle Scope
Built around a first focal plane reticle, the EP5 GEN2 is one of the best Ruger American Gen II Riflescopes for long-range hunting. It maintains accurate holdovers at every magnification level, allowing shooters to engage targets confidently from close to extended distances.
Its upgraded Japanese XED glass produces sharp images with impressive color fidelity, edge-to-edge clarity, and excellent light transmission, making target identification easier during low-light conditions.
Furthermore, the large 56mm objective lens gathers plenty of light, while the forgiving eyebox and generous eye relief help shooters acquire a consistent sight picture quickly.
The scope also boasts an illuminated reticle that improves visibility against dark backgrounds, and the side parallax adjustment lets users fine-tune focus from close range to infinity for maximum precision.
Mechanically, the EP5 GEN2 stands out with reliable tracking, tactile elevation and windage turrets, and Arken’s Zero Stop system that enables fast, repeatable returns to zero after dialing for long-range shots.
Its robust 34mm tube provides a wide adjustment range, making it suitable for extreme distance shooting while maintaining structural rigidity.
Moreover, the aircraft-grade aluminum construction, nitrogen purging, and IP67 waterproof and fog-proof rating ensure dependable performance in harsh weather and demanding field conditions.
Pros
- Excellent Japanese XED glass delivers bright and sharp images
- First focal plane reticle provides accurate holdovers at every magnification
- Reliable Zero Stop system for quick return to zero
- Crisp and tactile elevation and windage turrets
- Large 34mm tube offers a generous adjustment range
- Illuminated reticle improves visibility in low light
- Side parallax adjustment focuses as close as 20 yards
- Durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Waterproof, fog-proof, and dustproof for all-weather use
- Outstanding value for precision and long-range shooting
Cons
- Heavier than many competing rifle scopes
3) Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 Rifle Scope
Aim with the Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Tactical Rifle Scope to take home the biggest game out there. Designed and built with the avid hunter in mind, its 5-25x magnification range provides outstanding versatility from medium-range engagements to extreme long-distance shots.
Besides, the large 56mm objective lens maximizes light transmission, delivering bright, crisp images during dawn, dusk, and other low-light conditions.
Regarding construction, the scope is built around a lightweight yet rugged 35mm main tube. It offers impressive elevation adjustment, making it an excellent choice for shooters who frequently dial for extended distances.
Furthermore, the Professional Grade Optical System produces remarkable edge-to-edge clarity, excellent color fidelity, and reduced glare, ensuring a sharp sight picture even under harsh lighting conditions.
Performance in the field matches the scope’s premium construction. The tactile precision of the elevation and windage turrets allows for confident adjustments with repeatable tracking, while the ZeroLock system prevents accidental elevation changes during transport or movement.
The side focus adjustment eliminates parallax across a wide range of distances, helping shooters maintain pinpoint accuracy. The scope also features a durable, waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof construction that stands up to harsh weather and heavy recoil without losing zero.
Pros
- Outstanding HD optical clarity with excellent light transmission
- Wide 5-25x magnification range for versatile shooting applications
- Large 56mm objective lens enhances low-light performance
- Lightweight design compared to many competing tactical scopes
- Precise and repeatable turret adjustments
- ZeroLock elevation turret prevents accidental adjustments
- Large elevation travel for long-range shooting
- Excellent edge-to-edge image sharpness
- Built to last
Cons
- Premium price
4) Bushnell Elite 4500 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope
As one of the best Ruger American Gen II riflescopes, the Bushnell Elite 4500 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope delivers an excellent combination of clarity, durability, and hunting performance at a competitive price.
Its versatile 4-16x magnification range gives hunters enough flexibility for everything from close woodland shots to longer-range opportunities across open fields.
Optically, the scope is a force to reckon with. Its large 50mm objective lens gathers plenty of light, producing bright, high-contrast images during dawn and dusk when game is most active.
Bushnell also equips the scope with fully multi-coated optics and the EXO Barrier protective lens coating, which repels water, dust, oil, and debris to maintain a clear sight picture in harsh weather.
Beyond that, the second focal plane Multi-X reticle offers a clean, uncluttered aiming point that works well for traditional hunting applications, while the generous eye relief improves comfort and helps reduce the risk of scope bite when shooting heavier calibers.
Another impressive feature of the Elite 4500 is its rugged construction. The 30mm aluminum tube provides excellent strength while maintaining a reasonable weight, and its waterproof and fog-proof design keeps the scope performing reliably in changing weather conditions.
Regarding user-friendly features, the side focus adjustment allows precise parallax correction from close distances to infinity, improving accuracy at higher magnification settings.
The finger-adjustable capped turrets also provide positive quarter MOA adjustments while protecting your zero from accidental movement during transport or field use.
Pros
- Bright and sharp fully multi-coated optics
- Large 50mm objective performs well in low light
- Wide 4-16x magnification range suits various hunting scenarios
- EXO Barrier coating resists water, dirt, and fingerprints
- Side focus adjustment eliminates parallax at different distances
- Generous eye relief
- Durable 30mm aluminum tube construction
- Excellent value for hunters seeking premium optical performance
Cons
- No illuminated reticle
5) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
Whether you’re taking out bucks nearby in the brush or pegging birds from afar, the Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope is your solution to a successful hunt.
Its 3-15x magnification range provides enough flexibility for close to mid-range hunting while offering the power needed for precise shots at extended distances.
Furthermore, the premium XD optical system produces bright, sharp images with excellent edge-to-edge clarity and impressive color fidelity, even in challenging lighting conditions.
Beyond that, the fully multi-coated lenses maximize light transmission, making target identification easier during dawn and dusk hunts.
The illuminated reticle enhances visibility against dark backgrounds, while the first or second focal plane options allow shooters to choose the reticle configuration that best matches their shooting style.
The scope also features a fast focus eyepiece and adjustable side parallax to ensure crisp target images across a wide range of distances.
What’s more, the Viper PST Gen II stands out with its tactile exposed turrets that provide crisp, repeatable adjustments for elevation and windage corrections.
The RZR Zero Stop System allows shooters to return quickly to their original zero after dialing for long-range shots, saving valuable time in the field.
Construction-wise, its 30mm aircraft-grade aluminum tube offers exceptional strength while remaining waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof for dependable performance in harsh environments. It also features ArmorTek lens coatings that resist scratches, oil, and dirt, keeping the optics clear during demanding hunts.
Pros
- Excellent edge-to-edge optical clarity
- Bright image with outstanding low-light performance
- Wide and versatile 3-15x magnification range
- Precise and repeatable exposed turrets
- Reliable RZR Zero Stop System
- Illuminated reticle improves visibility in low light
- Durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof design
- Scratch-resistant ArmorTek lens coatings
- Versatile for hunting, competition, and precision shooting
Cons
- Short eye relief
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How to Choose the Best Ruger American Gen II Riflescopes
Take into consideration these key factors when looking for the best Ruger American Gen II riflescopes:
Magnification Range
For starters, the ideal magnification depends on how you plan to use your Ruger American Gen II. For hunting, a versatile scope with a 3-9x, 2.5-10x, or 4-12x magnification range is suitable for everything from close encounters in dense woods to longer shots across open fields.
If you primarily shoot at extended distances or enjoy target shooting, a higher magnification range such as 4-16x or 5-25 provides greater precision while maintaining flexibility.
Prioritize High-Quality Glass
Clear, bright optics significantly improve shooting accuracy and target identification. Look for riflescopes with fully multi-coated lenses that maximize light transmission, enhance color fidelity, and reduce glare.
Superior glass quality is especially important during early morning and late evening hunts when lighting conditions are less than ideal. Crisp images also reduce eye fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
Read: Best Scopes for 223 Coyote Hunting
Intended Shooting Application
When making a purchase, think about how you will primarily use your Ruger American Gen II. A deer hunter may prioritize lightweight construction, excellent low-light performance, and a simple reticle.
A predator hunter may prefer higher magnification and an illuminated reticle, while long-range target shooters often benefit from precision turrets and advanced reticle designs.
Choosing a scope that matches your specific shooting needs ensures you get the best performance from both your rifle and your optic.
Durable Construction
The Ruger American Gen II is built for rugged field use, so your scope should be equally durable. Choose a scope made from aircraft-grade aluminum with a one-piece tube for added strength.
Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof construction ensures dependable performance in rain, snow, dusty environments, and changing temperatures. Additionally, a durable scope will maintain its zero even after repeated recoil and rough handling.
Read: Best Low Light Scopes
Pick the Right Reticle
The reticle of the best Ruger American Gen II riflescopes should match your shooting style and intended use. A duplex reticle is simple, fast, and effective for hunting at common distances.
Hunters and long-range shooters may benefit from a BDC, MOA, or MIL reticle that provides holdover and windage reference points. Selecting the appropriate reticle allows for faster target engagement and greater confidence when shooting at varying distances.
Look for Reliable Turret Adjustments
Accurate and repeatable elevation and windage adjustments are essential for consistent performance. High-quality turrets should provide crisp, tactile clicks and return to zero reliably after multiple adjustments.
Hunters often prefer capped turrets to prevent accidental movement in the field, while precision shooters may appreciate exposed turrets for quick dialing during longer shots.
Read: Best Rangefinder Scopes for Rifles
Adequate Eye Relief
Furthermore, a comfortable eye relief improves both safety and shooting performance. The best Ruger American Gen II riflescopes have a generous eye relief of at least 3.5 inches to help protect against recoil while allowing you to maintain a clear sight picture from different shooting positions.
A forgiving eye box also enables quicker target acquisition, which is especially valuable when hunting moving game or shooting from improvised field positions.
Match the Scope Size to the Rifle
Lastly, the Ruger American Gen II is known for its balanced handling, so avoid choosing a scope that is unnecessarily large or heavy.
A lightweight, compact optic preserves the rifle’s maneuverability during long hunts while still providing the features you need.
Balancing weight, magnification, and objective lens size helps maintain comfortable handling without sacrificing optical performance.
Read: Best LPVO Mounts for AR-15
Best Ruger American Gen II Riflescopes FAQs
Q: What Magnification is Best for a Ruger American Gen II Riflescope?
The best magnification depends on your intended hunting or shooting distance. A 3-9x or 2.5-10x scope is excellent for most hunting situations.
A 3-9x scope is perfect for hunting whitetail deer, hogs, and other big game from 50 to 300 yards. A rifle scope with 3-9x power provides a wide field of view for close shots and delivers enough magnification for precise shot placement at longer distances.
If you hunt in open country and shoot at targets beyond 300 yards, a 4-12x or 4-16x scope is ideal as it helps you go the distance while revealing the details.
The Ruger American Gen II rifle is designed for excellent accuracy and dependable field performance, and therefore balancing clarity, speed, and precision in an optic helps take full advantage of the rifle’s capabilities in a wide range of hunting and target-shooting scenarios.
Q: What are the Best Upgrades for a Ruger American Gen 2?
Upgrading the Ruger American Gen 2 is one of the best ways to enhance its accuracy, ergonomics, and overall field performance.
The most beneficial upgrades include a light aftermarket trigger for a cleaner break, a precision stock for more shooting comfort and stability, as well as a high-quality riflescope to maximize the rifle’s inherent accuracy.
Ensure you use durable mounting rings to hold the rifle scope in place firmly for optimal performance. It’s advisable to prioritize upgrades that enhance the precision of the rifle instead of replacing existing components.
Finding accessories that match your hunting style and shooting discipline will help unlock the rifle’s full potential without adding extra weight.
Q: Is an Illuminated Reticle Necessary?
An illuminated reticle is not essential for every shooter, but it is extremely helpful when hunting in low light conditions or when aiming at dark targets against complex backgrounds.
In daytime hunting, an efficient rifle scope with a non-illuminated reticle provides excellent visibility to get the job done.
For hunters who frequently stalk prey during magic hours or in dense timber, an illuminated reticle is essential for faster target acquisition and more precise shot placement in low-light conditions.
Since the Ruger American Gen II is a versatile rifle used for hunting deer, hogs, and varmints, pairing it with a riflescope featuring an illuminated reticle is a great idea, as it can significantly improve performance and give you the upper hand in low-light conditions.
Final Thoughts
The Ruger American Gen II delivers excellent performance, but pairing it with the right optic truly unlocks its potential.
Whether you need a lightweight scope for whitetail hunting, a long-range scope for precision shooting, or a versatile all-around riflescope for different shooting applications, pairing the Ruger American Gen II with an efficient optic will unlock its full accuracy potential.
The best Ruger American Gen II riflescopes featured in this guide were selected for their optical clarity, dependable tracking, rugged construction, and overall value, guaranteeing there’s an option for every budget and shooting application so you can confidently choose an optic that complements your rifle.
Invest in the right riflescope, dial in your zero, and you’ll be ready to maximize the rifle’s impressive performance in the field or at the range for years to come.