Best Illuminated Reticle Scopes

Reticles help you hit your targets, but those that are similar colors as the environment or your target can seem to disappear, hence compromising your accuracy. This is why one of the important considerations you need to make before purchasing a riflescope is its type of reticle.

Illuminated reticle scopes were designed to help you with better accuracy. The illumination allows you to easily see the reticle and to better line up the optics for an accurate shot. In addition, low-light environments tend to make even visible reticles appear to be less clear. Here, reticle illumination also comes in handy.

It is evident that there are many illuminated reticle scope choices in the market. This is why we made this list to make it easier for you to make a choice of the one that best suits your situation.

1) Burris Xtreme Tactical XTR II 8-40x50mm Precision Rifle Scope

This Buris Xtreme Tactical scope is designed for use by serious, technical, long-range precision rifle shooters. It is made with high-quality resolution optics, tactical-appropriate reticles, and adjustment knobs that make it easier to identify targets and adjust for windage and elevation.

The scope has a versatile 5x zoom system that allows you to achieve a larger field of view at close ranges and better target acquisition at long ranges. The ergonomic side focus as well as the easy-to-reach parallax adjustment from 50 yards to infinity also helps with improved accuracy at long distances.

Other features included in this tactical scope include Zero Click Stop adjustment knobs that allow quick and easy automatic reverting back to the original yardage setting. The scope is also waterproof and fog-proof.

Key features

• It is made with high-grade optical glass for excellent brightness and clarity
• It features a 34 mm body tube
• It is Nitrogen-filled to prevent internal fogging in the cold and rain
• It has multi-turn adjustment knobs with a 1/8-MOA adjustment and true Zero Click Stop
• It features a versatile 5-times zoom system that provides a larger field of view at close ranges and better target acquisition at long ranges
• It has Zero Click Stop adjustment knobs for quick and easy return to zero
• It has an ergonomic side focus and easy-to-reach parallax adjustment from 50 yds to infinity for improved accuracy at long distances
• It features 11 brightness settings with a convenient battery-saver position between each setting
• It includes a triple internal spring-tension system that creates resistance to shock, recoil, and vibrations

Pros

• The Burris Forever Warranty covers it

Cons

• It is a bit heavy

2) Trijicon TR23 AccuPoint 5-20×50 Riflescope

Trijicon TR23 Accupoint riflescope is known to be the longest-range scope of the brand. It is ideal for use by tactical shooters, varmint hunters, and law enforcement snipers, giving them the ability to accurately extend their range in any light.

The scope is designed with fiber optics and tritium that help to provide battery-free illumination and features easy-to-use external adjuster controls for windage and elevation adjustment. It also has a side parallax adjuster that provides enhanced accuracy at long ranges.

Key features

• It features an aircraft-grade aluminum housing that is rugged for all-weather use
• It is made of superior lenses with multi-coating to provide superior clarity and light-gathering capabilities with zero distortion
• It has fiber optic technology that automatically adjusts the brightness level and contrast of the reticle aiming point to available light conditions
• It has an illuminated reticle that remains the same size even with the increase in magnification

Pros

• It is weatherproof
• Wide magnification range

Cons

• Pricey

3) Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24X50 First Focal Plane Riflescopes

The Athlon Optics scope is made with high-quality features, normally found on high-end scopes. The scope is made of durable materials, with fully multi-coated optics that effectively reduce reflected light for increased light transmission and clearer, brighter images.

The scope features an illuminated reticle, which basically does not change in size even with an increase in magnification. The glass-etched reticle also provides great backing support for complex reticle design and great durability.

Key features

• It is made of durable materials for a long time of performance
• Fully multi-coated optics effectively reduces reflected light and increases light transmission
• It has a first focal plane design which allows you to fully utilize specially designed reticles that change size with your target as you zoom in or out
• It has an illuminated reticle for improved visibility during low-light conditions
• It has XPL Coating that provides extra protection on the exterior lenses from dirt, oil, and scratches
• It is Argon purged to prevent any moisture from getting inside the tube

Pros

• Affordable
• It comes with an instruction manual for easy setup and usage

Cons

• A bit heavy

4) UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope

A 36-color Mil-dot in the UTG 3-12X44 small scope provides excellent precision for hitting your targets. You can customize the scope for a more comfortable feel by selecting from a variety of colors. It has a 30mm tube and premium multi-emerald coated lenses, which offer high light transmission for the clearest vision.

It has a Red/green dual-color mode with the EZ-TAP illumination improving (IE) technology which provides reliability in all weather and lighting circumstances. Additionally, it boasts a 1-Click high-tech lighting memory that instantly returns you to the most recent color and brightness setting.

This UTG scope has a unique circuit and housing design for the least amount of illumination disruptions even with strong recoil. The premium zero-locking and resetting target turrets provide consistent and precise 1/4 MOA per click windage/elevation adjustment.

Key features

• It features a 30-millimeter SWAT 3-12X44 IE tactical range estimating scope with mil-dot, full 36-color EZ Tap reticle
• It features a 30-millimeter tube built on a true-strength platform for shockproofing
• The scope is sealed and nitrogen filled for fog-proof and rain-proof performance
• It has quality multi-emerald coated lenses
• It has an integrated angled front sunshade complete with flip-open lens caps for lens protection
• It has premium zero locking and zero resetting target turrets with the most consistent and precise adjustment
• It has a side wheel adjustable turret (SWAT) for Parallax adjustment

Pros

• Long eye relief
• Lightweight
• Supported by a lifetime warranty

Cons

• Requires a battery

5) TRUGLO TRU-BRITE 30 Series Illuminated Tactical Rifle Scope

The Truglo TRU-BRITE tactical rifle scope is made of strong materials that ensure a durable performance with shock resistance. It also comes with a scope mount that is made of CNC-machined aircraft-grade aluminum.

The scope features a 3-9 x 42mm objective lens with rheostat-controlled brightness for reliable use in different light conditions.

Key features

• It features a one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube
• It has a quick zoom lever that provides a generous 4-inch eye relief
• It features a dual-color illuminated reticle that is glass-etched and can be used without illumination
• It includes 2 pre-calibrated BDC turrets in calibers .223 (55 grain) and .308 (168 grain) to engage targets up to 600 yards away

Pros

• The reticle can be used in black without illumination

Cons

• Small magnification range

Choosing the Best Illuminated Reticle Scope

Magnification

Obviously, the magnification ranges of a rifle scope matter greatly when determining its effective range. Most hunting riflescopes have an engagement range of below 1000 yards, so power settings at 10x or less are usually fine. A power range of more than 10x allows you to zoom in beyond 1000 yards with clarity. Such is ideal for target shooting.

Lenses

The best illuminated reticle scopes should be made of high-quality lenses for durability. They should also be to prevent reflection while providing better light transmission for clearer images and better accuracy.

First or Second Focal Plane

First focal plane reticles increase in size as you zoom in and become smaller as you zoom out. This allows the reticle’s windage and elevation holdover points to remain accurate even as you change the magnification. Second focal plane reticles, however, remain constant even with changes in magnification.

Brightness

The best illuminated reticle scopes have controls, usually in the form of an adjustable turret, which allows you to change how vibrant the reticle is. This helps with comfortable shooting as well as easy reticle adaptation to different light levels in your environment.