These scopes utilize a mil-dot reticle, which is a specialized scope reticle consisting of a duplex-style reticle with eight small dots placed on each axis. These dots are positioned 4 per side, with the distance between each dot equating to a unit of angle known as a milliradian or “mil”.
It is not a surprise that many long-range shooters prefer to use mil-dot scopes as they make target distance estimation easier and more precise. Mil-dot scopes are easy to use and new users do not actually need any training before using them.
It is very important to use the right scope depending on your weapon and cartridge. Your shooting style should also be matched with one of the best mil dot scopes. In this article, we discuss the 5 best mil dot scopes currently on the market, their features, and things to consider when choosing a mil-dot scope.
Best Mil-Dot Scopes Reviews
1) BARSKA Mil-Dot Airgun Scope
High-quality materials were used in the construction of the BARSKA airgun scope so that it could endure the increased reverse recoil that air weapons produce. You can simply correct for multi-range parallax error with this riflescope’s adjustable objective (AO), which keeps you on target.
The scope can deliver consistency in accuracy and precision thanks to the AO. It is calibrated parallax-free at 50 yards for shorter rimfire ranges and is specifically made for a small bore rifle with completely coated optics and a 30/30 reticle.
The AO scope features a 1″ tube and 1/4 Moa turret-cap-adjustable windage and elevation adjustments. Its Mil-Dot Reticle and 4x fixed magnification provide the ideal close- to mid-range targeting.
The scope is perfect for both competitive and leisurely target shooting, small game, or varmint-type hunting.
Key features
- It has fully coated optics that deliver more light for clearer images
- It has a 32mm objective lens that provides wider, clear views. The adjustable objective lens allows users to adjust between 20 – 200 yards
- It comes with standard 3/8” rings
- It has a 4x magnification
- Field of View (ft@100yds/m@100m): 21/7@3x-10/3.3@7x
- It has a 6.7-2.9mm exit pupil
- It offers a 2.55″ eye relief
Pros
- It is waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
Cons
- The fixed magnification can be limiting when shooting extended ranges
2) NIGHTFORCE NX8 2.5-20x50mm F1 Illuminated Hunting Scope
NightForce NX8 2.5-2.X50mm hunting scope is made with a combination of features that offer great quality, with exceptional clarity, resolution, and brightness at every setting, across the entire magnification range.
The scope includes advanced DigIllum reticle illumination and the Nightforce ZeroStop technology which allows the user an easy return to your zero point, no matter how many elevation adjustments are made in the field.
The first focal plane technology incorporated in this scope means consistent reticle values, regardless of the magnification setting. The reticles provide for fast hold-off adjustments and precise ranging calculations.
Key features
- It is compact; 12 inches in length
- It features a large 50mm ED glass objective lens that ensures excellent clarity, contrast, and resolution, even in low-light situations
- It has a low-profile zero stop technology
- The scope has a wide zoom range that allows for fast engagements at close range along with the ability to detect, identify and engage targets at long range
Pros
- It comes with lens covers for lens protection
Cons
- The large objective lens adds extra weight to the scope
3) UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope, AO, RGB Mil-dot, QD Rings
UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope is one of the company’s most effective offerings. To give a shock, fog, and rainproof performance for ultimate dependability, this UTG scope is built on a real strength base, completely sealed, and filled entirely with nitrogen.
When the light turns on, the red dot can change from red to green thanks to its dual red and green illumination. It can be mounted on a Picatinny 21 mm rail and features an adaptable eye relief to accommodate the widest range of settings and weather situations. For the convenience of usage, the scope incorporates a 2″ sunshade, premium flip-open lens caps, and rapid detachable rings.
Additionally, it has well-built target turrets that provide accurate, constant, and crisp windage and elevation adjustments. The locking and resetting functions guard and complete the optic’s necessary components for accurate zeroing.
Key features
- It features a 1/4 MOA per Click Adjustment
- It uses 2 lithium metal batteries which are included
- It has a 1-inch tube with emerald coating for maximum light transmission
- It has premium zero lockable & resettable turrets with 1/4 MOA per click adjustment
- The range estimating mil-dot reticle provides optimal aiming and shooting performance
- It has an adjustable objective from 3 yards to infinity
Pros
- It offers great eye relief
- It has a large field of view
- Rainproof
- Shockproof
Cons
- Low magnification range
4) Pinty 2.5-10×40 Red Green Illuminated Mil-dot Tactical Rifle Scope
Pinty 2.5-10×40 Tactical Rifle Scope embodies all that a high-end full-featured laser scope should be. The scope has a simple and tight attachment for any Picatinny or Weaver rail and is composed of a sturdy aluminum alloy construction.
The scope’s objective lens, which has a 40mm diameter, gives you a wide field of view and makes it simple to track and follow your target from any location within the viewing area. The multi-coated green objective lens of the scope also guarantees that you get crisp, vivid images.
Compared to a blue objective lens, this lens has a greater light transmittance for enhanced clarity. For all lighting circumstances, the Pinty scope has a red and green lighted reticle with 5 brightness levels.
Additionally, it is well sealed and purged for waterproof and fog-proof performance.
Key features
- It is made of a durable metal construction
- It has a variable 2.5-10× magnification
- It has a 40mm objective diameter
- It offers a wide field of view: 100 yards of 32.5′ @ 2.5x – 8.9′ @10x, laser range up to 100 yards
Pros
- It is durable
- It offers a wide field of view
- Affordable
Cons
- It has a small magnification range
5) Athlon Optics Talos 4-16×40 Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
The Athlon Optics Talos 4-16×40 is designed to allow maximum light transmission with fully multi-coated lenses for optimum brightness and true color across the entire light Spectrum. Its reticle is etched on the glass to provide excellent backing support for complex reticle design and offers great durability and much higher recoil resistance.
The scope features a heat-treated one-piece tube that provides extra strength over multi-piece tubes. This is also better at keeping moisture out of your scope for a fog-proof performance.
Key features
- It features a heat-treated one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube
- It has fully multi-coated lenses for better light transmission
- It is Nitrogen purged for waterproof and fog proof performance
- The scope has fully multi-coated lenses
Pros
- Lightweight
- It is shock resistant
Cons
- Medium magnification might not be enough for long-range shooting
Choosing the Best Mil-Dot Scopes
Durability– This is one of the most important things in a scope. From its construction to the materials used, the scope should be able to offer you a long time of use without the worry of replacements or repair.
Magnification- this refers to the number or numbers before the x sign on the numbers on any optic. The ability to hit a target at any significant distance will be determined by the image you will be able to see through the rifle scope.
Reticle- if you intend to shoot or you enjoy shooting in low light conditions, an illuminated reticle would be the perfect choice for you. An illuminated reticle adds extra shooting time by using all available light to provide clear, bright images.
Lens– from the size of the lens you look through to the coatings, you will be able to know the size and quality of view you will be seeing through your image. Low-quality lenses do not provide enough light through the scope.
Best Mil-Dot Scopes FAQ
- Is MIL better than MOA?
If you are just a beginner going for small targets at close-range shooting, the suitable choice would be MOA. If shooting at 25” targets at 100 yards, however, a Mil-based scope with .36” clicks would be more ideal.
- What is a MIL dot on a rifle scope?
A “MIL” refers to milliradian, a U.S. Military variation of a unit. The distance between the centers of two adjacent dots on a MIL-Dot reticle scope is 1 Mil, which is about 36″ @ 1000 yards, or 3.6 inches @ 100 yards.
- How many inches is a MIL at 100 yards?
One MIL is equivalent to 3.6 inches at 100 yards. Read Best Rifle Scopes for 100 Yards.
Final Thoughts
In any type of reticle, your preferences will always come first. The conditions you intend to shoot in as well as your expertise will also matter when choosing your perfect scope.
The mil do scopes we have discussed are designed with superior features to provide the best performance, at affordable prices. Choose one that best suits you and enjoy your next shooting adventure.
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