Looking for the best scope for your high recoil rifle? This is the guide for you as it sheds light on the best scopes for high recoil rifles.
Scopes that are capable of withstanding heavy recoil are important when using a high-powered cartridge. The best scopes for high recoil rifles are sturdily built to handle the harshest terrain and apart from being sturdy and durable, high recoil rifles are handy because they maintain zero even after repeated recoil.
If you are in the market looking for a scope to mount to your rifle, you are in luck. After reviewing dozens of riflescopes on the market, we managed to select a top selection of the best scopes for high recoil rifles to help you make an informed decision quickly. Read on and explore the options.
What Makes a Great Scope for High Recoil Rifle?
Scopes for high-recoil rifles are made with heavy recoil resistance to withstand repetitive recoil from these rifles. Apart from being recoil-proof, these optics are made with sturdy and durable materials that ensure a lifetime of field use.
The best scopes for high recoil rifles should also feature decent eye relief and high-quality lenses that are coated to deliver excellent image brightness and clarity.
These riflescopes are completely waterproof to ensure no damage when accidentally emerged in water and fogproof to provide a clear image regardless of the temperature changes.
Apart from that, they are shockproof and impact resistant to deliver rugged reliability regardless of the environment/terrain they are subjected to.
9 Best Scopes for High Recoil Rifles
If you own a heavy recoil rifle and you are looking for a scope that’s capable of withstanding such recoil, here are some of the best scopes for high recoil rifles.
#1) Vortex Optics Crossfire II AO Riflescope
The Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×40 AO riflescope comes equipped with an array of high-quality features at a remarkably affordable price. This riflescope is sturdily built from aircraft-grade aluminum to ensure many years of use. The robust construction makes it one of the best scopes for high recoil rifle.
The tough and shockproof construction ensures that this scope is sturdy enough to withstand repetitive recoil from the heaviest recoil rifles. Apart from that, this scope has been O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to deliver reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance.
The lenses are fully multi-coated to deliver bright and crystal-clear image views from dusk to dawn. Featuring a generous eye relief, this riflescope not only withstands heavy recoil but also keeps your eyes safe from getting hit by the recoiling scope.
Furthermore, it features a fast-focus eyepiece for easy target acquisition and rapid target acquisition and an adjustable objective for parallax elimination. Weighing about 2.15 pounds, this optic is lightweight and easy to carry around.
Key Features
- Fully waterproof and shockproof.
- Sturdy and durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction.
- Tough and shockproof.
- Fast focus eyepiece.
- Versatile 4-12×40 zoom power.
- Fully multi-coated lenses.
- Incredibly tough, shockproof, and recoil-proof.
- Generous and consistent eye relief.
- Adjustable objective for parallax elimination.
- Dead hold BDC reticle.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Finger adjustable capped reset turrets.
#2) Burris Xtreme Tactical XTR II Precision Rifle Scope
A tough scope such as the Burris Xtreme Tactical XTR is a solid contender among the best scopes for high recoil rifle. Specially designed to provide competitive shooters and hunters with extreme precision, this optic feature one of the largest magnifications in the whole Burris lineup.
This scope used the XT-80 click adjustment knob that provides up to 80 clicks per rotation. The 34mm body tube accommodates more shooting accessories and has a triple internal spring-tension system that ensures that the scope holds zero even through the harshest shock, recoil and vibrations.
Made with the highest-grade optical glass, this optic delivers excellent image clarity and brightness regardless of the lighting conditions. Moreover, it has 11 brightness settings for use in adverse lighting conditions. The versatile 5x zoom range works well for both close and long-range, ensuring better accuracy in all ranges.
To improve long-range accuracy, the optic eliminates parallax from 50 yards to infinity. Crafted from high-quality materials, this scope is durable and sturdy enough to withstand the toughest outdoor environments. It is also waterproof and nitrogen-filled to prevent internal fogging caused by changes in temperature.
Key Features
- A high-quality optic with tactile-appropriate reticles.
- Precise windage and elevation adjustment knobs.
- Waterproof and fogproof.
- Tough and durable 34mm body tube.
- Parallax elimination from 50 yards to infinity.
- Versatile 5x zoom range.
- High-grade optical glass.
- 11 brightness settings.
- Triple internal spring-tension system maintains zero even through the harshest shock, recoil and vibrations.
- Zero Click Stop Adjustment Knobs.
- Hi-Lume lens coating.
#3) Athlon Optics Talos 6-24×50 SFP Riflescope
If you are in the market for a scope that provides extra magnification for long-range shooting, you should go for the Athlon Optics Talos 6-24×50 SFP Riflescope. Designed for mid to long-range precision, this optic provides the best versatility to tackle any shooting environment.
The one-piece design is extremely durable and sturdy enough to withstand heavy recoil rifles. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, this riflescope delivers outstanding strength and superb mechanical integrity for superior protection.
The fully multi-coated lenses deliver bright and crystal-clear images from dusk to dawn while the glass-etched reticle offers greater durability and better resistance to shock and recoil.
To ensure reliable performance in all weather conditions, this optic is fully waterproof to protect the scope when accidentally emerged in water and fogproof to ensure clear image views even with temperature changes. It also offers generous eye relief that keeps the shooter’s eyes safe from heavy recoil rifles.
Key Features
- Illuminated SFP glass etched reticle.
- Decent and variable eye relief.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Wideband fully multi-coated lenses.
- Wide field of view.
- Waterproof and fog proof.
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction.
- Heat-treated one-piece tube.
- A robust mechanical system withstands shock and repetitive recoil.
#4) ATN X-Sight-4k Pro Rifle Scope
This is a smart hunting riflescope designed to deliver reliable performance across a wide range of environments. Specially designed for low-light shooting, this riflescope features an Ultra HD 4K sensor with an Obsidian 4 Dual-core processor that provides higher image resolution and image clarity.
A ballistic calculator helps you hunt responsibly by making sure that every shot fired hits the target accurately while the long eye relief keeps the shooter safe from heavy recoil rifles.
Furthermore, the X-sight 4K night vision mode powered by an ultra-low power profile battery offers enhanced night vision clarity and can last you up to 18+ hours of continuous use.
This scope also features a recoil-activated video that records every shot you make so you can show it off to your friends or family members. To deliver reliable performance in all weather conditions, this scope is fully waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. Try it and have your shooting experience change from better to best.
Key Features
- Ballistic calculator.
- Sturdy and durable aluminum construction.
- Weatherproof and shockproof.
- Ultra HD 4K sensor.
- Dual-stream video recording.
- Enhanced HD night vision mode.
- Powered by an ultra-low power profile battery.
- High resolution and quick target viewing.
- Long eye relief.
- Standard mounting rings.
#5) Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Rifles Scope
If you are looking for a riflescope that’s virtually indestructible and highly resistant to heavy recoil, go for the Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Rifles Scope. Featuring the legendary Leupold ruggedness, this riflescope is impact tested and verified to withstand the harshest impacts or recoil.
Built from aircraft-grade aluminum, this optic is durable and lightweight at the same time. It is fully waterproof ensure no damage when accidentally emerged in water and fog proof to provide a clear image regardless of temperature changes.
The fully multi-coated lenses deliver bright and clear image views and they have a Diamond Coat 2 ion assist coating that provides the greatest level of abrasion resistance.
Additionally, the Twilight Light Management System delivers incredibly low light performance while the precise windage and elevation adjustment knobs offer a lifetime of absolute repeatability and dependability. You can trust it to deliver great performance in almost any environment.
Key Features
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
- Rugged reliability and performance.
- Tough, lightweight, and easy to use.
- Designed and assembled in the USA.
- ¼ MOA click adjustment for precision aiming.
- Long and consistent relief.
- Twilight Max Light Management system.
- DiamondCoat 2 ion assist lens coating.
- Unparalleled low-light performance.
- Extremely versatile 3:1 zoom ratio.
- Anodizing matte finish reduces glare and enhances durability.
#6) Hawke Airmax Airgun Scope
Hawke Airmax Airgun Scope is a high-recoil rifle packed with a wide range of remarkable features. Made for air gun shooters whether hunting, plinking, or target shooting, this optic provides great close-to-mid-range accuracy.
The sturdy one tube 1” body with a glass etched reticle enhances durability and withstands the heaviest recoil associated with numerous air guns. The 16 layer fully multicoated lenses deliver exceptionally bright and clear image views while the versatile 3-9x magnification offers a wide field of view ideal for multiple shooting scenarios.
Made to last as long as your air gun, this scope is made with the highest quality materials to enhance durability and recoil resistance. The 3.5” eye relief works well for most shooters, boosting their confidence by keeping them safe from heavy recoil air guns.
This optic also features an adjustable objective for parallax elimination, a threaded objective for optional accessories, and precise windage and elevation fingertip turrets.
Key Features
- 16-layer fully multicoated lenses.
- Lightweight yet tough design.
- Fully waterproof and fogproof.
- Decent 3.5” eye relief.
- Fast focus eyebell and a high torque zoom ring.
- Adjustable objective for parallax elimination.
- Threaded objective for optional accessories.
- Shockproof and recoil resistant.
- Glass etched reticle.
- Versatile 3-9x magnification offers a wide optical view.
- 1” single-tube design for added strength.
- A glass-etched reticle enhances strength and withstands high recoil.
#7) Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Riflescope delivers better optical and mechanical functionality found in no other scope. Made to cover all shooting demands, Redfield boasts superior ruggedness and recoil resistance that’s second to none.
This optic is made from high-quality and sturdy materials that enhance durability and shockproof performance. The rapid target acquisition lockable eyepiece ensures easy reticle focusing while the generous eye relief provides a comfortable view of the targets.
The 3:1 zoom ratio works well in a wide variety of hunting scenarios while the multicoated lens system enhances light transmission for bright and clear image views. Apart from that, this optic features an Accu-Range reticle that combines long-range accuracy with easy target acquisition and Accu-Trac turrets with tactile finger click adjustments.
To ensure dependable service over a long period, this scope is completely waterproof and fog proof as well. It is also lightweight and easy to carry around.
Key Features
- Stainless steel construction.
- Completely waterproof and fogproof.
- Generous eye relief.
- Superior ruggedness and recoil resistance.
- Versatile 3:1 zoom range.
- Fully multicoated lenses.
- Rapid target acquisition lockable eyepiece.
- Classical Duplex-style reticle.
- Tough and lightweight design.
- Accu-Trac turrets with tactile finger click adjustments.
#8) BARSKA Varmint Mil-Dot Riflescope
This riflescope is proof that you don’t have to spend all your savings to buy a quality riflescope. Equipped with a wide range of high-quality features, BARSKA Varmint is reasonably affordable and ideal for shooting at varying distances. Built to stand the test of time, this scope is specifically made to withstand high and repetitive recoil produced by air guns.
Additionally, it is crafted with high-strength aluminum to ensure a lifetime of field use. The adjustable objective allows the user to eliminate parallax and enhance shooting accuracy depending on the shooting distance.
The versatile 6-24x variable zoom is ideal for a variety of shooting scenarios while the fine crosshair reticle combines long-range accuracy with ease of target acquisition. For all-weather reliability, this riflescope is fully waterproof and fogproof.
Its lenses are fully multi-coated to provide excellent viewing clarity from dusk to dawn. Weighing just 1.4 pounds, this optic is lightweight and ideal for any type of shooting.
Key Features
- Adjustable objective for parallax elimination.
- Fully waterproof and fogproof.
- Fine crosshair reticle for easy focusing.
- Shockproof and recoil resistant.
- 1” tube diameter.
- Lightweight and easy to use.
- Adjustable 6-24x zoom.
- Precise windage and elevation adjustment with turret caps.
- Fully multi-coated lenses.
- Decent 3.6” eye relief.
#9) Simmons 8-point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope
Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope offers great value for shooters with high recoil rifles. Unlike other similar scopes within its range, Simmons 8-Point is extremely lightweight yet tough and resistant to repetitive recoil. It features rugged housing which is not only fully waterproof and fog proof but also shockproof and impact resistant.
With a variable 3-9x magnification, this scope is ideal for hunting/shooting at close to mid-range shooting. The turrets are easy to dial and easily set zero without the need to use any tools, while the TrueZero windage and elevation adjustment system holds zero pretty well even in the most strenuous hunting environment.
The lenses are fully multi-coated for bright and crystal-clear image views across all lighting conditions while the quick target acquisition eyepiece ensures easy reticle focusing for rapid target acquisition.
The generous eye relief provides a snug view of the targets while the black matte finish helps reduce glare and enhance durability. Weighing just 0.63 pounds, this optic is lightweight and convenient for hunting.
Key Features
- Generous eye relief.
- Great optical finesse.
- Versatile 3-9x zoom range.
- Fully waterproof, fogproof, and recoil-proof.
- TrueZero technology holds zero well.
- Quick target acquisition eyepiece.
- Lightweight and easy to use.
- 1/4 MOA audible and sure grip windage and elevation adjustments.
- Truplex reticle.
- Fully multi-coated lenses.
- Great value riflescope.
Related Posts
- Best Scopes for 300 Win Mag
- Best Scopes for 270 Winchester
- Best Remington 700 Scopes
- Best Scopes for 450 Bushmaster
- Best Scopes for 300 Weatherby Mag
High Recoil Riflescopes Buying Guide
Factors to Consider When Buying a High Recoil Rifle Scope
Durable Construction
The material used in making any rifle scope directly affects how long that scope will last. To ensure a lifetime of field use, the scope you choose to buy should be tough enough to withstand all impacts that come with different shooting environments.
Scopes made of high-quality materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum are extremely durable and sturdy enough to withstand heavy recoil as well as tough shooting environments.
In addition, the scope you choose should be shockproof, waterproof and fogproof to ensure reliable performance in all weather conditions.
Glass and Lens
When buying a high-recoil riflescope, pay attention to the quality of glass, the size of the objective lens, and the lens coating. High recoil riflescopes with glass etched reticles are known to withstand high recoil while fully multicoated lenses enhance optical finesse by delivering bright and clear images.
Such scopes also provide a wide-view optical system ideal for all shooters. Scopes with high-quality glass usually have amazing optical clarity for higher accuracy, but they tend to be more expensive.
The size of the objective lens also matters as it directly affects the amount of light transmitted. If you prefer to hunt at dawn or dusk, you will need a scope with a big-sized objective lens to gather more light into the lens.
Magnification
A scope with a decent magnification power provides a wide field of view and also helps you take the shot accurately. Shooting activity, shooting distance, and type of target will determine which magnification to go with.
For close-range shooting during the day, a 3-9×40 scope will do. For mid-range shooting up to about 600 yards, go for a riflescope with a higher magnification power of about 6-25x.
Eye Relief
In riflescopes, eye relief refers to the distance between your eye and the scope’s objective lens. The amount of eye relief that your scope has directly affects how comfortable and safe you’ll be shooting.
Scopes with decent eye relief boost the shooter’s confidence by ensuring that their eyes are kept safe from heavy recoil rifles. Any high-recoil riflescope should have a decent eye relief of at least 3.5 inches.
Reticle
To achieve a good focus on targets, the scope you choose to buy must have a clear and easy-to-read reticle. A less complex reticle not only makes aiming easier but also assists in distance calculation.
If you mainly shoot under low light conditions, go for a scope with an illuminated reticle. An illuminated reticle helps you identify the target easily even when the lighting conditions are not favorable.
Furthermore, the reticle can either be on the first focal plane or the second focal plane. A scope with an FFP reticle magnifies the reticle along with the image simultaneously.
It is the best reticle type for those who shoot using the highest magnification level. An SFP reticle on the other hand remains unchanged with a change in magnification. It is best suited for shooting beginners.
Weight
Most rifle scopes are compact and lightweight, weighing around 10-16 ounces. However, some heavy-weight riflescopes weigh about 20 ounces or more. While a lightweight scope is great for stalking targets in the field, you might want to consider a heavy scope if you are using a high-recoil rifle.
A heavier weight scope is much more resistant to recoil than it provides space for additional accessories that make your shooting/hunting experience more productive.
Read: Best Low Lighting Scopes
Conclusion
Whether you are in the market for a new high recoil rifle scope or you are looking for an upgrade, the market offers a wide selection of recoil-proof scopes to choose from.
All of the scopes listed above are sturdily and durably made to ensure reliable recoil-proof performance. Pair any one of them with a compatible rifle and witness unnecessary scope movement during recoil combated.