With the widespread inclusion of illumination in modern riflescopes, the market is flooded with numerous options. To simplify the selection process, I’ve curated a concise list of top-performing illuminated reticle scopes. These selections have undergone field tests and garnered approval from users across different price ranges.
Enhanced visibility of reticles is a significant benefit of illuminated scopes, facilitating better target acquisition and accuracy.
In evaluating these scopes, I’ve considered factors such as pricing, reticle styles, illumination features, warranty, and more. This comparison aims to provide you with a clear understanding of the available options and their suitability for various shooting needs.
Here’s a quick list of the best illuminated hunting scopes.
7 Best Illuminated Hunting Scopes
- Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 Best Illuminated Hunting Scope
- Leupold VX-6HD 4-24×52 Best for Low Light
- Athlon Argos BTR, Riflescope, 6-24 x 50 FFP Best long range
- Trijicon AccuPoint 1-4×24 Best Battery-Free
- Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm FFP Rifle Scope best short-to-long range illuminated riflescope
- Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44
- Primary Arms GLx 1-6×24 – Best LPVO
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 (Best Illuminated Hunting Scope)
The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24 stands out as an exceptional short-range best illuminated hunting scope, particularly fitting for activities like hog hunting, especially during nighttime operations.
Let’s delve deeper into its features:
Sporting an etched BDC reticle, the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24 offers 11 illumination settings, allowing adaptability in various lighting conditions.
The illuminated reticle incorporates a semicircular design for swift target acquisition and a solid vertical line with horizontal hash marks, ensuring precision for longer shots.
Zeroed at 50 yards, the reticle extends up to 600 yards, offering versatility. Being a second focal plane setup, the reticle remains constant in size, requiring full magnification for accurate calibration.
The glass clarity remains commendable with minimal distortion, especially at higher magnification.
With a comfortable 3.5-inch eye relief, this scope accommodates users, including those wearing glasses. However, the eye box might feel slightly constrained for some users, affecting the ease of retaining a full view of the reticle.
Weighing 17.6 ounces, the optic strikes a balance between being lightweight and robust. Encased in a standard 30 mm tube, it offers versatile mounting options.
Its waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof construction ensures reliability even under adverse conditions.
Additionally, the scope is backed by Vortex’s lifetime warranty, providing assurance and coverage.
Equipped with capped turrets, these are not designed for on-the-fly adjustments but suit fast-paced, mid-range shooting scenarios.
The turrets offer adjustments at ½ MOA intervals with a maximum adjustment range of 140 MOA. The windage cap cleverly incorporates a space for storing an extra battery.
Primarily a mid-range optic, it offers a magnification range from 1x to 6x. The parallax is fixed at 100 yards and non-adjustable. The magnification adjustment turret, while slightly stiff to turn, ensures stability when mounted on a rifle.
For easier adjustments, a raised fin is provided, and an optional throw lever can be added for enhanced convenience.
Pros
- Illuminated BDC3 Reticle that offers fast target acquisition
- Fully Multi-Coated optics
- True 1x
- Affordable
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof
- Easy to install
- Throw lever installed
- Super durable
Cons
- The eye box might feel slightly constrained
Leupold VX-6HD 4-24×52 (Best illuminated hunting scope :Best in low light)
The Leupold VX-6HD 4-24×52 stands as a pinnacle among Leupold’s offerings, albeit at a higher price point. This scope, with its 4-24×52 configuration, embodies the notion of opting for top-tier quality.
Featuring an expansive 52mm objective lens, the VX-6HD excels as one of the finest low-light scopes available. Leveraging Leupold’s Professional-grade optical system, it delivers a crisp, clear-sight picture conducive to hunting in various lighting conditions.
The reticle plays a pivotal role in complementing this optical quality. Leupold offers multiple illuminated reticle options, such as the FireDot, Varmint Hunter, and TMOA, catering to diverse preferences.
Powered by a CR2032 battery, the reticle illumination, MST (Motion Sensor Technology), and Electronic Reticle Level contribute to its functionality.
After a period of inactivity, the scope automatically transitions into standby mode, reactivating upon detecting motion. Additionally, it provides visual cues by flashing the reticle when unintentionally canted, aiding in scope mounting and leveling processes.
For shooters aiming for long-range precision, Leupold’s Custom Dial System, coupled with a complimentary CDS-ZL2 elevation dial, facilitates swift and accurate long-distance shots, aligning with individual ballistic profiles.
Pros
- Motion sensor technology
- Good in low light
- Easy-to-use scope
- Close to Long-range flexibility.
- Illuminated reticle
- Lifetime warranty
- Great clarity.
- Consistent eye relief
- CDS Dial Options
Cons
- Cost
Athlon Argos BTR, Riflescope, 6-24 x 50 FFP
The Athlon Argos BTR 6-24×50 emerges as a top-tier illuminated long-range scope, showcasing exceptional reliability for short-to-long-range shooting scenarios.
Let’s explore its versatile features:
Under normal shooting conditions, the scope delivers excellent clarity with an illuminated first focal plane reticle that remains accurate across all power settings. However, at maximum power, some slight blurriness may be observed.
The etched glass reticle offers robust support for intricate designs and ensures visibility, particularly in low-light environments during dusk or dawn. The illumination is crisply defined without being overwhelming.
With fully multi-coated lenses enhancing light transmission, it achieves unparalleled brightness and authentic color rendition across the light spectrum. This feature is particularly advantageous in low-light situations during hunting or tactical training.
While the reticle is sharp, it might pose a slight challenge at the lowest magnification (6x) due to its placement in the FFP (first focal plane).
With a 3.3-inch eye relief at 100 yards, the scope offers a generous field of view. At maximum zoom, the eye box might feel slightly constrained, yet considering its price, it presents good value.
Weighing 15.8 ounces, the scope adds up to 3.1 pounds in the package. Its durability is commendable, with enhanced shock resistance to recoil.
Featuring complete waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof attributes thanks to the O-ring seal and nitrogen-purged tube, it ensures reliability in adverse conditions.
A notable drawback lies in the spongy turrets lacking audible and distinct clicks when adjusted, potentially leading to over-adjustment. However, this can be remedied by re-greasing the turrets with Halofun Green Slime Lubricant.
Despite this, the scope maintains zero impeccably and exhibits accurate tracking, ensuring reliable performance.
Offering versatile 6x-24x magnification, the scope excels across various ranges. While higher magnifications may lack brightness in low-light conditions, they maintain consistent holdover levels.
In summary, the Athlon BTR 6-24×50 stands as an outstanding scope for hunting, especially for users employing different magnifications across varying ranges. Its performance significantly surpasses its price point and competes closely with higher-end optics.
Representing a solid long-range illuminated scope, it comes with a robust warranty, making it a compelling choice without hesitation for prospective buyers.
Pros
- Clear glass
- Illumination
- Lifetime warranty
- Long-range capabilities (1,200+ yards)
- Inexpensive with remarkable quality and clarity
- Wide range of magnification
- Durable
Cons
- Tendency to lose a bit of crispness at higher magnifications
Trijicon AccuPoint 1-4×24
The Trijicon Accupoint 1-4X24mm Riflescope stands out as a top-tier investment for hunting enthusiasts seeking a high-quality, illuminated reticle scope.
This scope employs a fiber optic-powered illumination system, eliminating the need for spare batteries and ensuring continuous operational readiness without the inconvenience of battery changes.
The innovative fiber optics automatically adjust the reticle’s brightness, ensuring optimal visibility across diverse lighting conditions.
An exceptional advantage lies in the illumination’s invisibility to the naked eye, preventing prey from detecting your presence. While the green triangle reticle may encounter visibility challenges in direct sunlight, it performs admirably in low-light settings, ideal for coyote hunting scenarios.
Designed with anti-reflective properties, this scope minimizes glare from moonlight or the illuminated reticle, contributing to stealth and reducing the risk of revealing your position.
With a straight 30mm tube, this variable Rifle Scope offers true 1x magnification (up to 4x), maintaining consistent eye relief throughout various magnification levels.
Additionally, the Trijicon AccuPoint Rifle Scope features multi-layer coated lenses, ensuring superior clarity devoid of distortion, thereby enhancing the overall shooting experience.
Pros
- Long eye relief to protect you from any recoil
- Lifetime warranty
- Automatically adjusts brightness and contrast to available lighting
- Lightweight
- Generous windage and elevation adjustment
- Clear glass
- Holds zero
- Ultra-durable
Cons
- Difficult to see the green triangle in direct sunlight
Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm FFP Rifle Scope
The Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm FFP Rifle Scope emerges as an exceptional short-to-long-range illuminated scope in today’s market, offering remarkable value for its performance.
Surprisingly, this budget-friendly scope exhibits impressive glass clarity, delivering clear views well beyond the 500-yard mark, comparable to scopes that are significantly more expensive.
Etched onto the glass is the ACSS HUD DMR .308 reticle, finely tuned for .308 loads and some .223 Winchester loads.
While initially appearing intricate, once understood, this reticle, positioned in the first focal plane (FFP), adjusts its size proportionally to the magnification setting, ensuring accuracy across all levels.
It offers a combination of features including a horseshoe and center chevron design for swift target engagement, along with BDC and MIL ranging systems for range estimation, windage, and bullet drop compensation up to 1,000 yards.
The reticle also aids in estimating moving target leads up to 600 yards, simplifying calculations for the shooter.
The eye relief ranges from 3.22 inches at the lowest magnification to 3.14 inches at the highest, providing adequate space between the eye and the eyepiece, though it might be slightly limiting for heavy-recoil firearms.
Despite its reasonable weight of 24 ounces, the scope exudes a solid and robust build akin to more expensive models.
Constructed with 6063 aircraft aluminum, it ensures shockproof durability and reliability, having undergone rigorous testing to withstand various conditions, remaining waterproof and fog-proof for reliable performance.
The tactical-style (uncapped) turrets feature zero reset, providing accessibility while posing a risk of accidental adjustments due to slight nudges. Offering 0.1 MIL per click for precise adjustments, both elevation and windage dials provide up to 17.4MIL adjustment individually.
The windage turret offers clear, audible clicks while the elevation turret’s clicks are softer, possibly harder to discern.
Each dial has a reference point for tracking rotations, though it might not always align precisely with the dial numbers.
With a magnification range of 4-14x and side parallax adjustment from 15 yards to infinity, this scope caters well to long-range shooting, a notable feature for a scope within this price range.
Pros
- Side-adjustable parallax
- Finger-adjustable turrets
- Illuminated reticle
- Crystal clear
- Tactile turrets
- Price
- Exposed tactical-style turrets with Zero Reset
- Highly durable
- FFP allows accurate usage of the reticle at any magnification
Cons
- Elevation turret has much softer clicks and you can’t feel them as strongly.
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44
Employing a first focal plane (FFP) system, this scope synchronizes crosshair magnification with target size, a favored feature among precision shooters and snipers. By employing an illuminated reticle positioned in the first focal plane, the size of the reticle scale maintains consistency relative to the level of magnification.
While adjusting to the fast-focus eyepiece might require some familiarization, the benefits it offers are certainly worthwhile.
Known for their extended eye relief, Vortex scopes maintain this standard, offering ample eye relief in this model.
With a larger objective lens, this scope ensures a broad field of view and excels in light collection, crucial for optimal performance in low-light conditions, delivering a sharp, luminous sight image.
Despite its numerous features, this scope presents an appealing price point, considering its functionalities. The substantial magnification range aligns perfectly with the capabilities of the Valkyrie cartridge, enhancing its potential for shooters.
The parallax adjustment knob is conveniently positioned on the turret housing’s left side, while the scope’s sturdy one-piece aluminum main tube, boasting a one-inch diameter, ensures durability.
As with all Vortex optics, it’s engineered to be exceptionally durable, featuring fog-proof, waterproof, and shockproof construction, complemented by an extensive lifetime warranty.
Utilizing open turret adjustments for extended ranges, this scope empowers the cartridge to reach distances of 1000 yards and beyond, with precise click graduation indicated by MOA hash marks for accurate adjustments.
Pros
- XR Fully Multi-Coated
- Glass-etched & Illuminated Reticle
- Zero stop
- Very clear glass
- Durability
- Reasonable price
- Easy setup and sight in
Cons
- A little heavy
Primary Arms GLx 1-6×24 – Best LPVO
The Primary Arms GLx 1-6×24 stands out as a top-tier LPVO (Low Power Variable Optic) with its renowned ACSS reticle, specifically the Raptor M6 design featuring partial illumination on a glass-etched reticle. It is our last choice in the list of the best illuminated hunting scopes.
Tailored for close and mid-range applications, this scope encompasses sought-after features expected from an LPVO.
Equipped with an interchangeable throw lever, optional exposed MIL turret, and AutoLive functionality for automatic power conservation, this scope offers a suite of desired attributes.
While providing 10 illumination settings along with intermittent off positions, its daylight brightness might be considered insufficient.
The highest illumination setting struggles in daytime conditions, proving more suitable for low-light scenarios. Nonetheless, the selective illumination limited to the chevron and horseshoe elements minimizes flaring and bleeding associated with excessive brightness.
One noteworthy aspect is its FFP reticle, which maintains a relatively large size at 1x magnification, surpassing other scopes like the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x FFP within the same power range.
Additionally, its waterproof construction and measured longer eye relief (between 4-5 inches) add to its appeal.
The non-illuminated crosshairs remain highly visible in bright conditions, standing out distinctly. As dusk sets in, the subdued illumination becomes particularly useful and fitting for the environment.
Pros
- ACSS Predator reticle
- Lenses with full multi-coating
- Impressive glass quality considering its economical price
- Maintains zero reliably
- Exceptional budget-friendly optic
- Sturdy construction
- Illuminated reticle
- LPVO
- AutoLive
- Tactical turret
Cons
- Not daylight bright
Benefits of Using an Illuminated Reticle Riflescope
In general, illuminated reticles offer significant advantages, particularly for shooters often operating in low-light conditions or when aiming at targets that are challenging to discern due to visibility issues. They notably enhance reticle visibility, thereby improving aiming precision.
The key advantages of employing an illuminated reticle rifle scope revolve around heightened reticle visibility in diverse lighting environments and enhanced target contrast across various terrains. This proves particularly beneficial for hunters, law enforcement personnel, and competitive shooters, especially in low-light situations or when aiming at obscured targets due to challenging terrain or lighting conditions.
Conclusion
In the realm of illuminated reticles, the decision ultimately boils down to individual preferences. While illumination serves as a feature within a riflescope, the overall suitability hinges on its configuration, specifications, and potential supplementary attributes.
In essence, illuminated reticles aren’t just a marketing gimmick. They hold practical value, particularly for individuals dealing with aging eyes, navigating low-light environments, or needing improved reticle contrast against specific targets.
Having illumination available when necessary proves more beneficial than being without it when the situation demands it.