Looking to transform you hunting experience with the best illuminated hunting scope? If yes, then you are in the right place. This guide will walk you through the best illuminated reticle hunting scopes available today.
Illuminated reticle hunting scopes have become essential tools for modern hunters who demand accuracy in all lighting conditions. By lighting up the crosshairs, they make it easier to track and aim at targets during low-light hours, such as early morning or late evening, when the game is most active. Additionally, these scopes combine traditional optics with enhanced visibility, allowing hunters to react faster and shoot with greater confidence.
Why Choose an Illuminated Hunting Scope?
Choosing the right scope makes a significant difference in your hunting success, and an illuminated reticle scope offers several advantages that traditional scopes cannot match:
- Enhanced Visibility in Low Light: This makes targets easier to see at dawn, dusk, or in shaded areas
- Faster Target Acquisition: Illuminated reticles allow quicker aiming, reducing reaction time
- Improved Accuracy: Furthermore, the lit reticle helps maintain precise aim on moving or distant targets
- Customizable Brightness and Color: The best illuminated hunting scopes offer adjustable illumination to match lighting conditions and personal preference
- Versatile Hunting Conditions: With illumination, these scopes are effective in fog, dense brush, or varying light environments.
- Reduced Eye Strain: Easier to focus on the reticle without overexerting the eyes
- Better Confidence in Shots: Last but not least, a clear aiming point leads to more consistent and ethical hunting
Best Illuminated Reticle Hunting Scopes
1) UTG 3-12×32 Side AO
The Leapers UTG 3-12x44mm Compact Rifle Scope is the best illuminated reticle hunting scope. It offers an impressive blend of versatility and precision, making it a solid choice for avid hunters.
Its 3-12x magnification range allows for both close-range engagement and longer-distance accuracy, providing flexibility in various shooting scenarios. Furthermore, the 44mm objective lens ensures a bright, clear image even in low-light conditions, while the compact design keeps the overall weight manageable, making it easy to handle on rifles without affecting balance.
Reticle-wise, the scope’s mil-dot reticle aids in estimating distance and compensating for bullet drop, which can be particularly helpful for long-range shooting and adjusting for environmental factors.
Moreover, the scope is built with durability in mind. It is shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof, giving shooters confidence that it can withstand rugged conditions in the field. Additionally, the adjustable turrets allow for precise windage and elevation adjustments, while the smooth magnification ring makes transitioning between different ranges quick and intuitive.
Pros
- Versatile 3-12x magnification range
- Bright 44mm objective lens for low-light clarity
- Compact and lightweight design
- Mil-dot reticle for range estimation and bullet drop compensation
- Durable: shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof
- Smooth, precise adjustment turrets
Cons
- Glass quality not as sharp as premium scopes
- Limited features compared to high-end scopes
2) NightForce ATACR Rifle Scope, 7-35x56mm
The NightForce ATACR 7-35x56mm rifle scope is a premium optic designed for medium and long-range hunting.
Its broad 7-35x magnification range makes it incredibly versatile, allowing users to acquire targets quickly at close range while retaining the capability to engage at extreme distances. Furthermore, the 56mm objective lens provides excellent light-gathering ability, delivering bright and sharp images even in low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk.
Built around a robust 34mm main tube, the scope offers generous internal adjustment travel, which is ideal for high-caliber rifles and long-range applications. Additionally, the illuminated MOAR-T reticle in the second focal plane allows for precise holdovers and wind corrections while maintaining a consistent reticle appearance at any magnification.
In addition to optical performance, the ATACR scope is engineered to withstand extreme environments. Its rugged construction is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, ensuring reliability under harsh field conditions.
To top it all off, the exposed tactical turrets provide precise, repeatable adjustments with tactile and audible feedback, enhancing the shooter’s confidence in making critical corrections quickly.
Pros
- Exceptional optical clarity and brightness across all magnifications
- Wide 7-35x magnification for versatile long-range applications
- Illuminated MOAR-T reticle provides precise holdovers and windage corrections
- Durable, shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof construction
- Large 34mm tube allows extensive internal adjustment travel
- Exposed tactical turrets with precise and repeatable adjustments
Cons
- Premium price point
- The large objective lens adds weight and bulk to the rifle setup
3) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 mm Rifle Scope
Built on the renowned Vortex reputation for high-quality optics, the Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 mm Rifle Scope strikes an excellent balance between precision, versatility, and durability.
Its 3–15x magnification range makes it equally capable on short‑ to mid‑range targets and at extended distances, giving hunters the flexibility to adapt to changing terrain or varied shooting scenarios.
Furthermore, the optics are clear and bright across the entire zoom range, with high‑quality glass and coatings that provide crisp resolution and good light transmission in low‑light conditions. The second focal plane reticle remains easy to see and use at all magnifications, making it especially user‑friendly for those who prefer a consistent reticle size when ranging or engaging targets.
Moreover, the build quality is rugged and confidence‑inspiring. With a solid 30 mm tube, it offers plenty of internal adjustment and holds zero well even under heavy recoil. Furthermore, the exposed, tactile turrets deliver precise, repeatable adjustments and have a satisfying click feel that helps ensure confident dialing in the field.
Pros
- Excellent optical clarity and brightness across the zoom range
- Versatile 3–15x magnification
- Solid construction with a sturdy 30 mm tube
- Precise, repeatable turret adjustments
- User‑friendly second focal plane reticle
Cons
- More advanced features may feel overwhelming to beginners
4) Leupold VX-6HD 4-24×52
As one of the best illuminated reticle hunting scopes, the Leupold VX-6HD 4-24×52 combines top-tier optics, durable construction, and user-friendly features, making it a reliable choice for both recreational and professional hunters.
Its versatile 4-24x magnification range makes it suitable for a wide variety of shooting scenarios, from close-range hunting to extended-range target engagement.
Optically, the HD optical system delivers bright, sharp images with excellent color fidelity, even in low-light conditions, which is crucial during dawn or dusk hunts. Furthermore, the precision-etched reticle is illuminated, allowing for easy target acquisition in challenging lighting, while the tactical turrets offer fast and accurate adjustments, making long-range shots more reliable.
Regarding build quality, the scope is rugged and durable to withstand harsh conditions, including heavy recoil and extreme weather. Additionally, the optical tube is 100% waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, offering peace of mind in any environment.
Ergonomically, the VX-6HD offers a comfortable shooting experience with a sleek design that balances well on a rifle. The scope also features a zero-stop elevation turret, which simplifies returning to a base zero after making adjustments for distance.
Pros
- Wide 4-24x magnification range
- High-definition optics with excellent clarity and color fidelity
- Illuminated reticle for low-light performance
- Rugged, weather-resistant, and shockproof design
- Zero-stop elevation turret for quick and precise adjustments
Cons
- Premium price point for casual shooters
- Slightly heavier than some mid-range scopes
5) Trijicon AccuPoint 1-4×24
The Trijicon AccuPoint 1-4×24 is a high-quality low-power variable optic (LPVO) designed for both close-quarters and medium-range shooting.
Its 1-4x magnification range makes it versatile, allowing for rapid target acquisition at 1x and precise aiming at 4x.
Furthermore, the sight features Trijicon’s renowned fiber-optic and tritium illumination system, providing a bright, clear reticle in any lighting condition without the need for batteries.
To complement the reticle illumination, the optic’s rugged construction ensures it can withstand harsh conditions, from heavy recoil to extreme weather. Besides, eye relief is generous and forgiving, allowing for quick transitions between targets while maintaining a full field of view.
Another standout feature of the AccuPoint 1-4×24 is its crisp, well-defined reticle, which is easy to pick up in both bright daylight and low-light scenarios. Additionally, the optics’ turrets are precise, tactile, and resettable, giving shooters confidence in making quick, accurate adjustments on the fly.
Pros
- Bright, clear reticle visible in all lighting conditions
- Rugged, durable construction for harsh environments
- Lightweight design without sacrificing strength
- Easy target acquisition at both 1x and 4x magnification
- Precise, resettable turrets for reliable adjustments
- Excellent clarity and minimal distortion across magnification
Cons
- Higher price point compared to similar LPVOs
- Limited magnification may not suit long-range precision shooting
6) Primary Arms GLx 1-6×24
Next, we have the Primary Arms GLx 1-6x24mm FFP Rifle Scope. This optic offers unmatched versatility and functionality for hunters who demand both speed and precision.
Its first focal plane (FFP) reticle ensures that holdovers and range estimations remain accurate at any magnification. This makes it ideal for dynamic shooting scenarios, from close-quarters engagements to mid-range target work. Additionally, the reticle is illuminated for low-light visibility.
The 1x low-end allows for quick, reflexive aiming, while the 6x magnification provides enough reach for more precise shots. Furthermore, the 30mm tube enhances light transmission, giving a bright and clear sight picture even in low-light conditions, and the scope’s robust construction is durable enough to withstand heavy recoil and demanding environments.
Adjustment and usability are other strong points of this scope. The turrets offer tactile and audible clicks, making zeroing fast and intuitive. Moreover, the parallax adjustment ensures consistent accuracy across distances, while eye relief is generous to provide comfort during extended shooting sessions.
Pros
- Accurate first focal plane reticle for holdovers at any magnification
- Smooth 1-6x magnification for versatility in multiple shooting scenarios
- Bright, clear optics with excellent light transmission
- Durable 30mm tube construction, built to withstand recoil
- Intuitive, tactile turret adjustments
- Comfortable eye relief and low-light performance
Cons
- Slightly heavier than some similar 1-6x scopes
7) Sig Sauer Sierra6 BDX 2-12×40
The SIG SAUER Sierra6BDX 2-12x40mm rifle scope balances high-end features with usability, making it one of the best illuminated reticle hunting scopes.
Built ready for rugged outdoor use, its 30mm tube construction provides durability and optimal light transmission, ensuring bright and clear images even in low-light conditions. Furthermore, the scope features a Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticle. This reticle maintains consistent reticle size while adjusting magnification, which is particularly useful for quick target acquisition at varying distances.
Furthermore, its 2-12x magnification range excels in both close-quarters and longer-range hunting. The scope’s turret system is also precise and easy to manipulate, allowing for fast and accurate windage and elevation adjustments.
The build quality reflects SIG SAUER’s reputation for rugged reliability, offering resistance against recoil, moisture, and environmental elements. Also included is BDX (Ballistic Data Xchange) technology, which enables smart integration with compatible laser rangefinders and devices.
Pros
- Durable 30mm tube construction for rugged use
- Clear, bright optics suitable for low-light conditions
- BDX technology integrates with laser rangefinders for ballistic solutions
- Smooth and precise turret adjustments
- Versatile 2-12x magnification range for various shooting scenarios
- Reliable Second Focal Plane reticle
Cons
- BDX features require compatible devices for full functionality
8) Eastvale 4-16x56SPA Hunting Rifle Scope
Last but not least, we have the Eastvale 4-16x56SPA Hunting Rifle Scope. This scope offers a versatile magnification range suitable for a variety of hunting scenarios, from mid-range to long-range shots.
Across the 4-16x zoom range, the field of view is large without compromising clarity. Furthermore, the large 56mm objective lens ensures excellent light transmission for bright, sharp images even in low-light conditions.
Optically, the fully-coated optics enhance contrast and reduce glare, making it easier to spot targets in dense foliage or at dusk. Moreover, the scope is designed with precision in mind with a Mil-Dot reticle that provides reliable holdover points, while the red, green, and blue illumination settings allow customization based on lighting conditions and personal preference.
Durability and user-friendly are other features that make this scope a strong contender for serious hunters. The rugged construction is shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof to ensure reliable performance in harsh outdoor environments. Additionally, the adjustable turrets are tactile and precise, while the generous eye relief reduces the risk of recoil injury and ensures comfortable use over long hunting sessions.
Pros
- Versatile 4-16x magnification range for multiple hunting scenarios
- Excellent low-light performance
- Fully-coated optics enhance clarity and reduce glare
- Red, green, and blue illuminated Mil-Dot reticle for customization
- Durable, shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof construction
- Precise, easy-to-adjust windage and elevation turrets
- Comfortable eye relief for extended use
Cons
- Slightly heavier than some comparable scopes
- The illumination settings drain the battery quickly
Criteria for Choosing the Best Illuminated Reticle Hunting Scopes
Consider these key factors when shopping for the best illuminated reticle hunting scopes:
Reticle Type and Illumination
For starters, the reticle is the core of any hunting scope, and illuminated reticles are designed to enhance visibility in low-light conditions. When choosing a scope, consider whether you prefer a simple duplex, mil-dot, or BDC reticle, and ensure that the illumination is adjustable. Additionally, the brightness settings should be easily modified to match changing light conditions, preventing glare or over-brightness that could obscure your target.
Light Transmission and Lens Quality
Next, high-quality lenses with superior light transmission are essential for hunting during dawn, dusk, or dense forest conditions. The best illuminated reticle hunting scopes have fully multi-coated lenses, which improve clarity, contrast, and color fidelity. A bright, crisp image allows for more precise shot placement, making lens quality just as important as reticle illumination.
Magnification Range
The right magnification depends on the type of game and terrain. Variable magnification scopes offer versatility, allowing you to zoom in for long-range shots or use lower magnification for closer targets. Ensure that the scope maintains a clear image at higher magnifications, as some illuminated scopes can become dimmer or distorted when zoomed in.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Hunting often exposes scopes to harsh conditions, including rain, snow, dust, and rough handling. This calls for a scope that is fully shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof to maintain reliability in all environments. Furthermore, a durable body and reliable sealing prevent moisture or debris from compromising performance during critical moments.
Battery Life and Power Source
Since illuminated reticles rely on a power source, battery life is a key consideration. Look for scopes with long-lasting batteries and low-power consumption, as well as easily replaceable cells. Some modern scopes offer auto-shutoff features or daylight sensors to extend battery life, ensuring that your illumination is available when needed.
Eye Relief and Field of View
Comfortable eye relief allows for proper sighting without risk of recoil injury, especially when using high-caliber rifles. On top of that, the best illuminated hunting scopes should have a wide field of view to track moving targets and maintain situational awareness with ease. Balance these factors according to your hunting style and rifle type.
Ease of Adjustment and Zero Retention
Lastly, precise windage and elevation adjustments are critical for accuracy. The best illuminated reticle hunting scopes allow for easy, repeatable adjustments with tactile feedback. Additionally, a scope that retains zero after repeated shots or rough handling ensures that your first shot is accurate, reducing the need for constant recalibration in the field.
FAQs
- Do I need an illuminated scope for daytime hunting?
While illumination is most beneficial in low-light conditions, it also improves reticle visibility in bright daylight against dark targets or dense foliage. Some hunters prefer scopes with adjustable brightness to adapt to any lighting.
- How important is reticle color?
Reticle color affects contrast against different backgrounds. Red is often preferred for dawn/dusk hunting, while green can be easier on the eyes in bright daylight. Some scopes offer both options for flexibility.
- Are illuminated scopes more expensive?
Typically, illuminated scopes cost more than non-illuminated models due to added electronics and lens technology. However, the investment is worthwhile for low-light performance and improved target acquisition.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, choosing the best illuminated reticle hunting scope requires balancing reticle type, lens quality, magnification, and durability with practical features like battery life and ease of adjustment. By considering these key factors and understanding your specific hunting needs, you will select a scope that performs consistently in any environment, giving you the confidence to make precise shots when it matters most.