On-duty officers, service personnel and tactical shooters rely on their rifles to get the job done when the chips are down — whether they’re engaging bad guys on the street or paper and metal at the range. When the rubber meets the road, they need to enhance that firepower with optics they can count on when their lives (or shooting reputations) require the utmost accuracy and efficiency from their firearms. It starts with tactical rifles that are duty proven, topped with high-quality riflescopes that are rugged, reliable and accurate. It makes little sense to invest a bunch of money in a rifle capable of punching dime-size groups and then equip it with substandard glass that inhibits that capability. And that’s why the familiar adage “buy the best optics you can afford” holds a lot of credence — and is relevant on both sides of the retail fence. Buyers benefit by topping their favorite rifles with quality optics (the best they can afford) that make it the best it can be, while tactical retailers improve their bottom line by cross-selling those optics to their rifle-buying patrons. Only when a rifle’s optics are of optimum quality and the shooter’s trigger tug is true will it be possible to squeeze every bit of accuracy from a tack-driving tactical rifle.
But it often comes back to affordable quality. And, of course, this means different things to different folks. Tactical-minded patrons who visit your store, or those who click on your website, should carefully consider those optical characteristics and qualities that make sense for the type of rifle they own and the arena in which it must perform before laying down their hard-earned Benjamins. And as an informed retailer you can help in that decision-making process. So be sure to have all your bases covered by stocking a wide array of riflescopes in an even wider range of price points to ensure every patron exits with the proper optics to fill their needs — and within their budget. Here are a dozen top-shelf options to consider.
Alpen Optics Apex 4.5-27x50mm
The Apex 4.5-27x50mm Riflescope from Alpen Optics is a great sighting solution for tactical shooting enthusiasts, featuring a first focal plane reticle that has markings along both axes based on an MOA subtension scale. At a distance of 100 yards, the minute of angle will subtend 1 inch. The scope has a versatile 4.5X to 27X magnification range, 50mm objective lens that drinks in light, and fully multicoated glass that delivers bright images with excellent contrast and clarity. Adjustable reticle illumination enhances performance in low-light conditions. The Apex features shockproof construction, reliable ¼-inch click adjustments for windage and elevation, and parallax correction. Accessories include a sunshade and honeycomb filter to reduce reflections. MSRP: $899.99.
Black Diamond Optics ZS-20
The new ZS-20 5-30x56mm Zero Stop SFP Riflescope from Black Diamond Optics features a 60 MOA zero-stop elevation turret, 30mm one-piece tube, 56mm objective lens, adjustable parallax from 25 yards to infinity, high-definition ED glass, Diamond-Tech coating and a red illuminated MOA second focal plane reticle. Measuring 15.35 inches in length, other key features of the ZS-20 include 4 inches of eye relief, matte black anodized finish and fully multicoated optics. Weighing in at 34 ounces and 100% waterproof, the ZS-20 offers hunters and competitive shooters the edge needed for accurate long-range shooting. MSRP: $1,499.
GPO Centuri 4-16x44i FFP Super Compact
The GPO Centuri 4-16x44i FFP Super Compact Riflescope measures just 9.9 inches in length and weighs a mere 20 ounces. Whether it’s building a tactical race gun or needing to maintain a small footprint for a Pic-rail MSR, this riflescope delivers without adding unnecessary size, weight or cost. The inclusion of Double HD high-transmission glass ensures crystal-clear images even in the harshest lighting conditions. Key hardware features include a first focal plane milliradian reticle illuminated with GPO iControl technology, .1 milliradian turrets that lock, innovative “in-cap” zero-stop locking function, multi-rotational engraving with an automated tactile rotation indicator, a third turret for parallax adjustment with a smooth (no-click) illumination rheostat and a quick-detach magnification throw lever. MSRP: $619.99.
Hawke Optics Frontier 30 FD LRX 1-8x24mm
The Frontier 30 FD LRX Riflescope from Hawke Optics is a fast handling 1-8x24mm optic designed for hunting, shooting and tactical applications. For accuracy and visibility in every lighting condition, it features a red illuminated dot reticle with Auto Illumination Mode (A.I.M.) to help extend battery life. It is built on a one-piece, machined, high-grade aluminum 30mm main tube and Hawke’s legendary H7 optics that use index-matched lenses with 21 layers of advanced coatings and the finest components. The fixed-parallax scope has 4 inches of eye relief and a fast-focus eyebell and comes with an easy-to-use zoom lever, Hawke’s professional flip-up lens covers and a lens cloth. Each scope is fully waterproof, shockproof and fogproof and nitrogen purged. MSRP: $999.
Leapers UTG 1-8x28mm MRC
The UTG 1-8x28mm MRC Riflescope from Leapers is equipped with the BG4 etched glass reticle, featuring ballistic drop compensation and rangefinder markings out to 600 yards — based on common 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem. loadings in modern sporting rifles. The three tick posts draw the eye to the center for rapid acquisition at close range, while the drop compensation markings allow for rapid target engagement at longer distances. The UTG 1-8x28mm is built on a sturdy 30mm tube and is completely sealed and nitrogen filled. Other key features include zero-lockable and resettable target turrets and the Ez-Tap Illumination Enhancing System with Red/Green Dual-Color and 36 Multi-Color modes. The scope comes equipped with Accu-Snyc high-profile Picatinny ring mount and flip-up lens covers. MSRP: $309.97.
Leupold Mark 4HD 1-4.5x24mm
The Mark 4HD 1-4.5x24mm Riflescope from Leupold features a 4:1 zoom ratio, giving users an accurate and reliable option for close-quarter and mid-range engagements. It is built on a 30mm main tube and features a second focal plane illuminated reticle. It is push-button operated and equipped with Leupold’s Motion Sensor technology (MST), which will put the illumination to sleep after five minutes of inactivity, reactivating it when the scope moves. The Mark 4HD family features Leupold’s Professional-Grade Optical System, which delivers exceptional light transmission, glare reduction and resolution. The push-button ZeroLock Dial System eliminates accidental dial movement and allows a rapid return to zero. Four other magnification ranges available include: 2.5-10x42mm, 4.5-18x52mm, 6-24x52mm and 8-32x56mm. MSRP: $1,149.99.
Riton 5 Tactix 1-10x24mm
The Riton 5 Tactix 1-10x24mm Riflescope is a solid optics solution for dedicated battle rifles, modern hunting carbines and everything in between. It is equipped with a first focal plane, Christmas-tree-style reticle, and its Dual Throw Lever System is perfect for applications where the shooter needs to switch magnification levels rapidly to get on target. The 5 Tactix 1-10X is prepared for extreme environmental situations, featuring six levels of illumination with an off switch in between each level. This riflescope is built to handle the elements while maintaining precision, constructed from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum and built with durability in mind. And like all Riton scopes, the 1-10X is impact tested up to 1,200 G’s and is airgun rated. MSRP: $959.99.
Sightmark Presidio 1-6x24mm CR1
Offering a wide magnification range for close- to mid-range shooting, the Presidio 1-6x24mm Riflescope from Sightmark combines pristine clarity, reliable performance and rugged yet sleek, hard-anodized black-finished construction. It features a second focal plane BDC reticle calibrated for 55-grain 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem. calibers, red reticle illumination for contrast against targets in lowlight environments and fully multicoated optics. Its capped, low-profile turrets produce clear, audible clicks and feature aggressive exterior ‘knurling’ to add a distinct tactile feel when adjusting windage and elevation. Constructed with a single-piece, 30mm aircraft grade aluminum tube and boasting IP67 waterproof, dustproof and shockproof protection, the Presidio is a great addition to ARs and bolt-action rifles. It comes with flip-up lens caps, throw lever and CR2032 battery. MSRP: $299.97.
Steiner T6Xi 5-30x56mm
Whether it’s used for competition or duty, the T6Xi 5-30x56mm Riflescope from Steiner is designed to perform at the highest level. Low-profile Never-Lost locking windage and elevation knobs ensure consistency in the field, and shooters instantly know click values via an innovative second rotation indication system. All T6Xi models include a throw lever for rapid magnification changes, even while wearing gloves, and feature a diopter locking ring to prevent inadvertent movement once the reticle is focused on the user’s eye. An illuminated reticle provides four night and seven daytime level settings. The T6Xi riflescope series offers the ultimate in precision, ruggedness and versatility. The T6Xi 5-30x56mm is waterproof, fogproof and shockproof and comes with a Tenebraex cover. MSRP: $2,874.99.
Trijicon Tenmile 4.5-30x56mm MRAD FFP
Excellent light transmission. Pinpoint accuracy in any condition. Uncompromised durability. These are the features that set the Trijicon Tenmile 4.5-30x56mm long-range riflescope apart. Its 34mm tube provides generous elevation and windage adjuster travel, and users can also expect crisp, precise adjustments with zero stop, extra-low dispersion glass for true color and detail without distortion, and dual red/green illuminated reticles for “both-eyes-open” shooting for fast engagement. Users can customize this scope with turrets tailored to their unique ballistics and environmental factors. Custom-built turrets eliminate the need to convert clicks to distance, allowing users to range the target, dial to the correct yardage and take the shot with confidence. Retail $2,853.
Vortex Venom 1-6x24mm SFP
Built on a rugged single-piece tube, the Votex Venom 1-6x24mm Second Focal Plane Riflescope bridges long-range accuracy and tactical success — a workhorse optic that turns effort into results. It features rugged construction and excellent glass quality with clarity and contrast that keeps shooters focused in any environment, whether they’re locking onto close-quarters targets or stretching their limits at extended ranges. Built for shooters who need reliability, speed and accuracy under pressure, the Vortex Venom 1-6x24mm delivers a blend of utility and performance. Key features include fully multicoated lenses, illuminated glass-etched reticle, throw lever, ultra hard ArmorTek lens coating and low glare matte black anodized finish. It is waterproof, fogproof, shockproof and nitrogen gas purged. MSRP: $449.99.
Winchester Supreme Optics 3-9x40mm
The Winchester Supreme Optics 3-9x40mm Riflescope is a marriage of quality and performance — a dependable optic that shooters can trust at the range or in the field. Its premium lenses transmit the maximum amount of light to the eye through its Winchester WINcoat multicoating, which not only reduces harsh glare but carries accurate color while providing a durable scratch-resistant coating to exterior lens surfaces. Winchester Supreme riflescopes utilize second focal plane (SFP) reticles, which means that the reticle stays the same size throughout the scope’s magnification range, while only the image changes size. This allows for the most precise shot placement at any distance, and the reticle will always have the same appearance. MSRP: $206.99.
