If you are on the hunt for the best scout scopes, then you are in the right place. Selecting the right optic ensures you get the most out of this unique and purpose-built platform. We are here to help you make the right selection.
Scout rifles are designed for fast target acquisition and practical field use, so the optics that complement them must be lightweight, durable, and optimized for both eyes-open shooting. The right scout scope enhances situational awareness, improves mid-range precision, and keeps your rifle nimble without unnecessary bulk. Additionally, it should offer the perfect blend of speed, accuracy, and versatility.
What is a Scout Scope?
A scout scope is a low-power, long-eye-relief rifle optic designed to be mounted forward of the receiver. Its purpose is to allow fast target acquisition, wide field of view, and both-eyes-open shooting.
What to Look for in the Best Scout Scopes
Whether you’re setting up a classic scout rifle or modernizing your field rig, ensure you get a scope that features:
- Extended eye relief for forward mounting and both-eyes-open shooting
- Clear, high-quality glass with good coatings for crisp images and better low-light visibility
- Low to mid magnification for fast target acquisition and practical field ranges
- Simple, intuitive reticle such as duplex or minimal BDC for quick aiming
- Lightweight and compact build to maintain rifle balance and mobility
- Rugged construction that is shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof for field durability
- Wide field of view for improved situational awareness and tracking
Best Scout Scopes
1) Leupold VX-Freedom Scout 1.5-4x28mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold VX-Freedom Scout 1.5-4x28mm is the best scout scope. It delivers a clean blend of versatility, ruggedness, and optical quality that suits scout-style rifle setups extremely well.
The selling point of this optic is its 1.5–4x magnification range. It offers quick target acquisition at close range while still giving you enough zoom for precise shots at moderate distances. Furthermore, the generous eye relief and forward-mounted design make it ideal for fast, heads-up shooting.
Optically, the glass clarity stands out for the price point. It is bright, sharp, and consistent even in mixed lighting conditions. Moreover, the Twilight Light Management System further enhances visibility at dawn and dusk, helping you stay accurate when contrast is low.
Another impressive feature is the build quality. It is a classic Leupold that is lightweight yet tough, waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof for use in harsh field conditions without adding unnecessary bulk.
In practical use, the VX-Freedom Scout feels responsive and dependable. The SFP reticle remains unobtrusive and easy to use across the zoom range, and the capped turrets track predictably without wandering, which is essential for repeatable zero. Additionally, its 1-inch tube keeps the scope compact and compatible with a wide range of mounting options, and the overall balance complements scout rifles extremely well.
Pros
- Bright, clear optics with reliable low-light performance
- Lightweight, durable, and fully weatherproof construction
- Long eye relief ideal for scout rifle setups
- Smooth magnification range suited for fast target transitions
- Predictable, repeatable turret tracking
- The compact 1-inch tube is compatible with many mounting options
Cons
- Lacks advanced reticle options or illumination
2) Burris Scout 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope
The Burris Scout 2-7x32mm SFP Rifle Scope stands out as a dependable and well-balanced optic designed specifically for scout-style rifles.
Its extended eye relief makes it perfect for forward mounting, allowing shooters to maintain full situational awareness with both eyes open. At 2x, the scope offers fast target acquisition for close-range work, while the 7x magnification provides enough reach for mid-distance accuracy without feeling overpowered.
More importantly, the glass quality is crisp for its price point, delivering sharp contrast and good edge-to-edge clarity.
Construction-wise, the build quality is rugged and trustworthy, with Burris’ reputation for durability and a no-nonsense design that handles recoil and rough conditions well.
What’s more, the reticle is simple and functional, giving shooters a clean sight picture without clutter, and the second focal plane design keeps it consistently visible across magnification levels. Adjustments are also tactile and precise, and the scope holds zero reliably even on harder-kicking rifles.
Pros
- Long eye-relief
- Good optical clarity across the zoom range with minimal distortion
- Robust construction and reliable zero retention in field use
- Simple, intuitive reticle design that doesn’t distract from target acquisition
- Designed specifically for scout-style rifle configurations
Cons
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Limited upper magnification compared to traditional hunting or tactical scopes
3) Vortex Crossfire HD 1.5-5.5×32 mm
As one of the best scout scopes, the Vortex Crossfire HD 1.5–5.5x32mm Scout Scope delivers an impressive balance of clarity, durability, and usability, especially for shooters who prefer a forward-mounted optic.
Its HD optical system offers a clean, crisp sight picture with good edge-to-edge sharpness, making target acquisition fast even in mixed lighting.
Furthermore, the 1.5x low end acts almost like a true close-range view, while the 5.5x top magnification provides enough reach for mid-distance shots without feeling bulky or overpowered.
On top of that, the eye relief is generous and ideal for scout rifle setup. The included Second Focal Plane reticle remains bold and consistent across all magnifications, promoting fast aiming without visual clutter.
Build quality is equally impressive. The single-piece, aircraft-grade aluminum tube is rugged, shockproof, and fully weather-sealed. This gives the scope the toughness needed for backcountry rifles, lever guns, or general-purpose field use
Pros
- Long, forgiving eye relief ideal for scout rifle setups
- Lightweight and compact design that maintains rifle balance
- Rugged, weatherproof construction suitable for field use
- Simple, easy-to-acquire Second Focal Plane reticle
- Smooth magnification range that works well for close to mid-range shooting
- Reliable zero retention and user-friendly turrets
Cons
- Not a true 1x
- The turrets aren’t designed for frequent dialing adjustments
4) Burris Scout 2.75x20mm Rifle Scope
Durability is another area where the Burris Scout shines. Built with a rugged one-inch tube and fully coated optics, it withstands recoil from heavier calibers and performs reliably in harsh field conditions.
Pros
- Excellent extended eye relief for forward-mounted scout setups
- Lightweight, compact, and well-balanced for fast handling
- Clear, bright glass with a simple and uncluttered reticle
- Durable construction handles heavy recoil and field abuse
- Fixed magnification provides consistent, distortion-free performance
Cons
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Lacks the versatility of variable zoom options due to fixed 2.75x power
5) Leapers UTG 2-7x44mm Scout Rifle Scope
The Leapers UTG 2–7x44mm Scout Rifle Scope is the best budget scout rifle. It is built with cutting-edge features at an accessible price point.
Featuring along eye relief, it allows shooters to maintain situational awareness while achieving a stable sight picture. As such it is ideal for both hunting and tactical applications.
The wide 44mm objective lens delivers solid light transmission for a scope in this category, providing a bright and usable image even during early-morning or late-evening outings. Furthermore, the multi-emerald coated lenses further enhance contrast, making it easier to acquire targets quickly and accurately.
Built on UTG’s True Strength platform, the scope is engineered to handle recoil from both intermediate and heavy-caliber rifles without losing zero. More importantly, the turrets are crisp, repeatable, and easy to adjust, featuring zero-locking and zero-resetting for greater convenience in the field.
Pros
- Long eye relief ideal for scout rifle setups
- Rugged True Strength construction holds zero under heavy recoil
- Bright, clear image with a large 44mm objective lens
- Illuminated reticle for low-light versatility
- Zero-locking and zero-reset turrets for quick adjustments
- Excellent value for the price
Cons
- The reticle illumination appears overly bright on high settings
- Slightly heavier than some competing scout scopes
6) Hi-Lux Optics Long Eye Relief 2-7x32mm LPVO Rifle Scope
The Hi-Lux Optics Long Eye Relief 2-7x32mm LPVO Rifle Scope is our last recommendation for the best scout scopes.
It delivers a practical mix of versatility and user-friendly performance with a generous eye relief that allows flexible positioning without compromising field of view.
Optically, the scope’s glass clarity is good for its price range, with edge-to-edge sharpness and a reticle that remains clean and easy to pick up across the zoom range. At 2x, it provides quick target acquisition, while the 7x magnification gives enough reach for mid-range work without adding unnecessary bulk.
Durability is another strong point, with a rugged build that handles recoil well and holds zero reliably. The turret adjustments have a tactile feel and track consistently and the compact form factor to help maintain the streamlined scout profile.
Pros
- Generous long eye relief ideal for scout rifles, lever guns, and high-recoil setups
- Clear, bright glass with good edge-to-edge sharpness
- Lightweight and compact design that balances well on smaller rifles
- Solid durability and reliable zero retention
- Smooth magnification ring and easy-to-use reticle
Cons
- The turret adjustments lack the refinement of premium optics
- Low-light performance is good but not exceptional due to the 32mm objective
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Scout Scopes
1. Eye Relief and Forward Mounting
Scout scopes rely on extended eye relief to allow forward mounting on the rifle. Look for optics offering a long eye relief so you can maintain a full sight picture while keeping both eyes open. This setup improves peripheral vision and speeds up target acquisition.
2. Optical Clarity
Furthermore, quality glass is essential for spotting details at mid-range distances. The best scout scopes should deliver crisp images, minimal distortion, and solid color fidelity even in bright or overcast conditions. Higher-quality coatings also improve low-light performance.
3. Magnification Range
Scout scopes typically feature low magnification to stay fast and intuitive. A 1–4x or 2–7x range is ideal, giving you both rapid close-range speed and enough reach for general field use. Higher magnification isn’t necessary and often slows down engagement.
4. Reticle Design
A clean, uncluttered reticle is best for the scout rifle concept. Look for bold crosshairs, simple duplex designs, or minimalist BDC options that allow quick target acquisition. Illumination is also helpful but isn’t essential unless you frequently shoot at dawn or dusk.
5. Weight and Size
Scout rifles emphasize mobility, so the scope should not add unnecessary bulk. Lightweight models, typically 10–14 ounces, preserve balance and keep the rifle quick to shoulder. Compact designs also help maintain the streamlined scout profile.
6. Durability and Build Quality
Next, the best scope scopes should be built with rugged use in mind. These rifles often see rugged outdoor use so the optic must withstand recoil, weather, and hard knocks. Pick scopes that are shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof, with strong aluminum housings and reliable internal components.
7. Field of View
Lastly, a wide field of view supports the scout scope’s fast-aiming philosophy. Wider sight pictures help you track moving targets, scan terrain quickly, and maintain situational awareness. This is especially important when shooting with both eyes open.
What Mistakes You Should Avoid When Choosing a Scout Scope?
- Buying a scope with insufficient eye relief for forward mounting. You will end up having to mount it like a regular scope or getting scope eye injury
- Choosing too high magnification, which slows your target acquisition and narrows the field of view
- Overlooking mounting compatibility. The forward mount may require special hardware
- Ignoring build quality. Cheap scopes may not hold up under recoil or outdoor use
- Using a scout scope setup for a role it’s not optimized for and expecting the same performance as traditional long-range scopes
FAQs
- Why do scout scopes need long eye relief?
A long eye relief is needed for scout scopes because they sit farther forward than traditional scopes, they must offer long eye relief so you can still see a full sight picture without straining your head position. This also reduces the risk of scope bite under recoil.
- What magnification range works best for scout scopes?
Between 1.5–4x or 2–7x. These ranges provide enough zoom for mid-range precision while still maintaining speed and situational awareness.
- Are scout scopes good for long-range shooting?
No. Scout scopes excel at close to moderate distances. If you frequently shoot beyond 400 yards, a traditional high-magnification scope is usually a better fit.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you have found this buying guide insightful and comprehensive. All scout scopes mentioned above are designed and built with cutting-edge features to enhance you shooting precision and experience. Look at the attributes that make each model the right purchase and choose one that strikes the ideal balance between speed, awareness, and practical accuracy.