Looking for the bestRifle Scopes with illuminated reticles? You came to the right place.
An illuminated riflescope will complement your rifle, and increase your shooting or hunting time and you may choose to turn the illumination feature off or use it selectively based on the lighting conditions of your target.
If you are considering upgrading to a scope with an illuminated reticle, we have reviewed some of the best Scopes with Illuminated Reticles available on the market today.
Best Rifle Scopes with Illuminated Reticles-Top Picks
1) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
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| 2) Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10x24mm Rifle Scope
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3) Leupold Mark 6 3-18x44mm First Focal Rifle Scope
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4) Bushnell AR Optics 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
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5) Burris RT-6 1-6×24 mm Rifle Scope
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6) Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 Scope
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7) Hawke 1.5-5×32 IR Crossbow Scope
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Read Also : 7 Best Leupold Scopes for Low Light
Factors to Consider when Choosing Scopes with Illuminated Reticles
Magnification ranges
The magnification ranges of a given riflescope matter greatly for its effective shooting range. Common hunting ranges take place below 1000 yards, therefore a scope with a magnification setting of less than 10x will be ideal.
Scopes with magnification settings greater than 10x can let you clearly zoom more than 1000 yards and are ideal for hunting stationary targets or target shooting.
Brightness settings
The best-illuminated reticle scopes should have controls, normally in the form of an adjustable turret which enables you to change how vibrant the reticle is.
This is important for personal comfort as well as for adapting the reticle to varying light levels depending on the light conditions in your environment. These brightness control knobs should also be easy to operate without losing focus.
Reticle
The reticle is the design that you see when you look through the scope.
For shooting beginners and short-range shooting, the ideal reticle design is the simple Duplex reticle. It is the simplest to understand and use because it already has markings for windage and bullet drop.
Weatherproofing and material
Ensure that you get yourself a scope that can deal with almost all sorts of weather conditions. This means more versatility for you. Get one that is waterproof as well as fog proof.
This way, you are sure that it can keep up with any weather conditions and still maintain a clear picture. In addition, look for a durable scope that will last long. As you compare your choices, select one that is made of heavy-duty materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum.
Lens coating
The unique coatings on the lenses reduce the glare and the amount of light lost because of reflection.
Some scopes have coatings that are resistant to scratches while others have coatings that prevent water from staying on the glass.
Ensure that the scope you choose features coated lenses for overall durability and better performance.
Eye relief
Eye relief is the distance from the last surface of an eyepiece to your eye which allows the shooter to see the whole image comfortably. It is important to have a riflescope with adequate eye relief because hitting yourself when you shoot can cause serious eye damage.
Find a scope that has a generous eye relief of at least 3 inches.
Objective lens
The purpose of the objective lens is to gather light which forms the image you see when you look through the scope.
The size of the objective lens in any scope matters. The bigger the better as it gathers more light which forms the image you see through the scope. With more light gathered, you get a larger field of view.
A larger objective lens also helps when facing low-light conditions by providing you with better low-light performance.
Scopes with Illuminated Reticles FAQs
- How helpful is an illuminated reticle?
An illuminated riflescope alters the brightness of the reticle. This is useful in low light conditions as well as when the coloration or lighting of the target makes it difficult for you to see the reticle. Therefore, an illuminated reticle provides contrast between the reticle and the target, enabling you to place the reticle where you want it on the target.
- What to look for in an illuminated reticle scope?
The common things you should consider when choosing an illuminated reticle riflescope are magnification ranges, first or second focal plane, brightness settings, and multi-coated lenses among others.
Scopes with Illuminated Reticles Advantages
- Quick target acquisition
Reticle illumination makes a reticle easier to spot, allowing you to better line up the optics and take an accurate shot.
- Accurate shot
Illuminated reticle provide better visibility in low light conditions and makes your target more distinct enabling you to make an accurate shot.
- Increases shooting and hunting time
Illuminated reticle scopes not only allows you to precisely place your shot but it also increases your shooting time. Illumination is very handy at dawn and dusk.
- Durability
These riflescopes are constructed with high-quality materials to enhance their durability. They are also waterproof, shockproof and resistant to wear and tear which makes them ideal for hunting and shooting in any weather conditions.
- Multiple brightness settings
Illuminated reticle riflescopes have multiple brightness settings in which you can increase or reduce the light intensity to befit your situation.
Scopes with Illuminated Reticles Disadvantages
- Scopes with illuminated reticles are much heavier than regular scopes. They feature additional control knobs and batteries which add additional ounces to the overall weight of the scope.
Conclusion
Illuminated reticles are supposed to help you acquire the target easily no matter the light intensity because it becomes much easier for you to see the crosshairs when they are all lit up.
A quality illuminated riflescope will complement your rifle and if you are purchasing one for the first time, this review contains the best there is on the market and we are certain that you will find one that suits your needs.