Mil Dot rifle scopes serve as a vital aid for shooters aiming to achieve precise targeting.
These scopes are equipped with a reticle calibrated in mils, enabling shooters to make precise alterations for both distance and windage.
What is a Mil Dot?
Mil or MRAD is a shortened term for Milliradian.
A milliradian represents a small angular unit, precisely 1/1000th of a radian.
A radian, in turn, measures an arc within a circle, specifically the distance covered when two lines starting at the center reach the circle’s circumference.
When considering shooting measurements, the arc’s size is typically gauged in radians.
Why do you need mils?
Mil can compensate for bullet drop based on known weapon and ammunition ballistics, as well as adjust for wind drift with knowledge of wind speed and direction.
Moreover, mil-dot reticles serve as valuable aids in determining range. They enable users to approximate either the size of a known-distance target or, conversely, the distance of a target with a known size.
Widely favored among hunters, military, law enforcement, and competitive marksmen, Mil Dot scopes are available in various magnifications and dimensions, allowing users to select the most suitable option.
By employing a Mil Dot scope, shooters can significantly enhance their accuracy, boosting confidence in hitting their intended targets.
Mil Dot Reticles (FFP &SFP)
The precision of your scope is contingent upon its quality, determining the consistency and repeatability of your shooting outcomes.
However, a crucial aspect to consider is the placement of your reticle within the erector tube.
In the case of an SFP scope, the reticle resides behind the magnification lens assembly.
Why does this matter?
It implies that you can’t utilize the mil-dot reticle for tasks such as range finding, estimating target size, or compensating for bullet drop unless you’re using the manufacturer’s specified magnification setting, typically the maximum power.
Having an FFP mil-dot scope signifies that the reticle is positioned ahead of the magnifying lens assembly. This arrangement allows the mil-dot reticle to maintain consistency throughout the magnification adjustments—expanding or shrinking in size as magnification increases or decreases.
Below is our selection of the best mil dot reticle scopes.
Top 8 Best Mil Dot Reticle Scopes
- Vortex Viper PA 6.5-20x50mm SFP
- OMMO 3-9X40 Rifle Scope
- Nightforce ATACR 7-35×56
- Pinty 2.5-10×40 Red Green Illuminated Mil-dot Tactical Rifle Scope
- Primary Arms 4 – 16 x 44 Mil-Dot Reticle Riflescope
- UUQ Tactical 3.5-10X40 Illuminated Red/Green Mil Dot
- CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e Red & Green Illuminated Scope
- UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope
1. Vortex Viper PA 6.5-20x50mm SFP(Best Mil Dot Reticle Scope)
Vortex Optics produces some of the best scopes available at their price point.
Their optical glass ranks among the finest quality, and their dedication to design and quality control competes with top global optics manufacturers.
Moreover, Vortex Optics is renowned for its exceptional customer service.
The Vortex Viper 6.5-20×50 PA rifle scope sits within the mid-range of Vortex Optics’ long-range scope lineup.
While there are more expensive options within Vortex’s catalog, for most shooters, the slight disparities may not be discernible.
Nevertheless, the Vortex Viper 6.5-20×50 PA rifle scope offers an impressive array of features typical of Vortex scopes.
What truly sets this scope apart is the inclusion of Vortex’s Lifetime Warranty, presenting an unbeatable package regardless of price.
Surprisingly, the cost of the Vortex Viper 6.5 – 20 x 50 PA rifle scope is a pleasant surprise when compared to other scopes offering similar features and quality.
Pros
- Affordable
- Warranty
- Reticle available with Mil-Dot reticle or Vortex BDS reticle
- High-quality glass
- Durability
- Versatile magnification
- Fully coated optics for maximum glare reduction and low light transmission
- Easy to zero
Cons
- Weight
2. OMMO 3-9X40 Rifle Scope
The OMMO Rifle Scope boasts a 3-9X magnification range, offering both green and red illuminations along with 5-level brightness settings.
Featuring high-definition performance multi-coated lenses with a 40mm objective lens and a superior eyepiece, this scope ensures exceptional clarity.
Its waterproof and fog-proof design, coupled with an impact-resistant and lightweight aviation-grade aluminum body, guarantees durability.
With a green and red mil-dot reticle, this scope delivers exceptional accuracy for mid to long-range targets.
Mounting the rifle scope onto any 20mm Picatinny or Weaver mount rails is effortless, thanks to the included premium two 1” complementary scope rings.
Pros
- Clear bright images
- Excellent quality for the price
- Fine mil dot style reticle
- Red and green illumination
- Built like a tank
- Holds zero
- Easy mounting
Cons
- Some find eye relief tight
3. Nightforce ATACR 7-35×56
For those interested in competitive shooting, observing the scopes favored by professional shooters offers valuable insight into where to find quality gear.
It’s important to note that these scopes are not considered budget-friendly. In elite competition, a shooter’s equipment often makes a significant impact on scoring differences.
Upon surveying the scopes favored by top professional shooters, the Nightforce ATACR 7 – 35×56 F1 rifle scope stands out as a popular choice.
Nightforce enjoys a well-established reputation as a precision scope manufacturer, widely trusted for their product quality. Many military long-range shooters opt for Nightforce optics as their scope of choice.
As expected for a scope within this price bracket, the Nightforce ATACR 7 – 35 x 56 F1 offers a wealth of features.
Specifically designed for serious long-range shooters, Nightforce has meticulously ensured that no detail has been overlooked in this scope’s design.
Pros
- Very clear
- Great clicks
- Rugged
- Magnification
- Worth the cost for competitive shooters
Cons
- Price
4. Pinty 2.5-10×40 Red Green Illuminated Mil-dot Tactical Rifle Scope
The Pinty 2.5-10×40 Red Green Illuminated Mil-dot Tactical Rifle Scope is a premium laser scope featuring 2.5-10X magnification and a 100-yard field of view
It is equipped with a multi-coated green objective lens to enhance clarity.
Its red and green illuminated reticle offers 5 brightness settings suitable for various environments.
Crafted from durable aluminum alloy, this scope ensures a swift and secure attachment to all Picatinny or Weaver rails.
It’s designed to be waterproof, fog-proof, and nitrogen-filled, guaranteeing optimal performance across diverse environmental conditions.
Pros
- Waterproof, fog proof, and nitrogen filled
- Red and green illuminated reticle
- Price
- Easy adjustment
- Very clear
- Quick installation
Cons
- Not-so-good light transmission
5. Primary Arms 4 –16 x 44 Mil-Dot Reticle Riflescope
While Primary Arms might not have the same level of recognition as other riflescope manufacturers, their products are far from inferior.
Their scopes stand out and can compete remarkably well with the finest options available, all while remaining comfortably within the budget range for most shooters.
My top pick for an affordable long-range rifle scope is the Primary Arms 4 – 16×44 model.
This riflescope’s quality, endurance, and precision surpass the typical expectations for a scope within this price bracket. Offering an array of features sought after by long-range shooters, Primary Arms delivers exceptional performance.
For those working within a budget but still desiring top-notch long-range scope capabilities, the Primary Arms 4 – 16 x 44 Mil-Dot riflescope stands as an unmatched choice.
Whether for competitive shooting at the range or embarking on an annual hunting expedition, this scope guarantees above-average performance at an excellent price point.
Pros
- Good for the money
- Great turrets and precision clicks
- Easy adjustments
- Versatile magnification
- Illuminated reticle
- 12 brightness settings
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof
Cons
- Thin crosshairs
6. UUQ Tactical 3.5-10X40 Illuminated Red/Green Mil Dot
The UUQ Tactical Rifle Scope comes equipped with a red/green illuminated Mil-dot reticle and a 40mm objective lens, offering an expansive field of view suitable for both regular and quick-firing targeting of moving objects.
Additionally, it incorporates an adjustable and separately controlled integrated red laser sight.
This scope ensures 100% shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof performance, thanks to its dry nitrogen filling.
The durable matte black finish further enhances the rifle scope’s resilience.
Pros
- Wide field of view
- Integrated red laser sight
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof with dry nitrogen filling
- The scope has both red and green illumination settings
- Mount is strong and stays put
- Easy to zero and stayed zeroed
- Comes with a nice scope lens cover
Cons
- Scope works without batteries but requires batteries for the illumination of the reticle and LASER
7. CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e Red & Green Illuminated Scope
The CVLIFE Mil-dot Scope with Green Laser is a top-tier rifle scope designed to enhance accuracy and visibility.
Equipped with a bright green laser integrated into the system, it facilitates swift and precise targeting of close-range and swiftly moving targets, even in challenging lighting conditions.
Its red/green illumination capability offers robust support for intricate reticle designs while ensuring long-lasting durability and accuracy.
The upgraded precision multi-coated lens guarantees a clear view in various lighting settings, from bright to low-light environments.
Coupled with its high-definition imagery and dedicated professional after-sales service, the CVLIFE Mil-dot Scope with Green Laser stands as a dependable choice for shooters of all types.
Pros
- Top clarity
- Great fit and finish
- Integrated Bright Green Laser
- durable
- Price
Cons
- Tactiles not so audible
8. UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope
The UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope is a tactical range estimation scope designed for SWAT applications, equipped with a mil-dot reticle and a comprehensive 36-color EZ Tap feature.
With a 30-millimeter tube built on the robust True Strength Platform, it ensures durability, being sealed, nitrogen-filled, shockproof, fog-proof, and rain-proof.
The scope includes an angled front sunshade integrated with flip-open lens caps.
Its unique circuit and housing design guarantee uninterrupted illumination, even when encountering heavy recoil.
Notably, it boasts premium zero locking and zero resetting target turrets, offering the most consistent and precise adjustments, catering to both hunters and shooters with exceptional performance.
Pros
- Sealed, nitrogen-filled, shockproof, fog-proof, and rain-proof
- Fair price
- Great parallax adjustment
- Integrated angled front sunshade with flip-open lens caps
- Illuminated reticle
- Easy to adjust
- Very clear vision and field of view
- Premium zero locking and zero resetting target turrets
Cons
- A little thick reticle
Conclusion
Selecting the ideal riflescope for your requirements is akin to purchasing a pair of boots.
While the fit remains paramount, considering style and features holds significant importance too. I trust that the compilation of the Best Mil-Dot scopes aids you in discovering the long-range rifle scope that perfectly aligns with your needs and preferences.
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Wishing you accurate shooting and safety at all times.