Best Crossbow Scopes for Precision, Accuracy, Weight, Situation, Budget, and more.

When it comes to crossbow hunting, accuracy is key. And one of the most crucial components for achieving that precision is the crossbow scope. Most crossbows come as a package with arrows, quiver, and some form of optic. There are several reasons you would want to upgrade your optics.  We feel they fall into 4 main categories:  add range-finding capability, improve magnification and optical quality, thermal/night hunting, or minimize weight considerations.  Selecting from the best crossbow scopes can distinguish between a successful hunt and a missed opportunity. With so many options on the market, choosing the best crossbow scope can be daunting. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a comprehensive roundup of the best scopes for your best crossbows today.  Here are our top choices for each situation – further down the article is a description of each one:

Here is our list of the best crossbow scopes on the market for specific use cases, click the green to read why, and click the orange to shop the lowest price online:

• Best Range Finding Crossbow Scope: Burris Oracle X Rangefinding Crossbow Scope 

• Most Economical Rangefinding Crossbow Scope & Best Crossbow Scope for Low Light: Buck Commander Buk Ops X factor

• Best Magnifying Crossbow Scope & Best BDC Reticle Scope: Tenpoint EVO-X Marksman Elite Crossbow Scope

• Best Crossbow Scope for the price: Vortex Optics Crossfire II Crossbow Scope

• Best Crossbow Scope under $100: Truglo 4x32mm Compact Crossbow Scope 
  

• Best Red Dot Crossbow Scope: Ravin R161 3 Dot Reflex Sight 

• Best Thermal Crossbow Scope: AGM Adder TS35-384 Thermal Scope 

• Most Technologically Advanced Crossbow Scope: Garmin Xero X1i Range-finding Crossbow Scope

• Most Durable Crossbow Scope: Trijicon 324 XB Compact ACOG Crossbow Scope 

• Best Crossbow Scope For Turkey Hunting: Hawke Vantage IR

Why Do You Need a Crossbow Scope?

Let’s discuss the four main reasons why a crossbow scope is essential for any serious crossbow hunter. Crossbow scopes offer several advantages, including:

1. Improved Accuracy

Crossbow scopes provide a clear, optical view of your target, allowing you to aim with greater precision and repeatability. This is especially crucial when shooting at longer distances or at small game.  Today’s crossbows can deliver arrows into small, tight groups out to even 100 yards on the range.  There are ethical considerations if a hunter should shoot that far, and under what conditions, but that discussion is for another day.

2. Faster Target Acquisition

Most crossbow scopes have reticles that help you quickly acquire your target. This can be a game-changer when you’re hunting fast-moving animals and have only a few moments to make a decision on whether to shoot.  An accurate range of your target is still necessary for even the fastest, flattest shooting crossbows. But some of the new scopes available will perform that task for you, minimizing the need for a separate range finder.

3. Better Low-Light Performance

Many crossbow scopes feature illuminated reticles, which are optimal for hunting at dawn or dusk – when visibility is limited. If the scope has some magnification, identifying the target is easier in low-light situations.

4. Increased Confidence

With a high-quality crossbow scope, you can have confidence in your shot placement, which reduces the likelihood of wounding an animal without a clean kill.  The inherent accuracy of a crossbow with a scope is high, and becoming proficient with your crossbow is easier than with a vertical bow.

Best Range Finding Crossbow Scope: Burris Oracle X Rangefinding Crossbow Scope

The Burris Oracle X range finding Crossbow Scope is an advanced range-finding sight. It features a built-in laser rangefinder and ballistic calculator that stays accurate throughout the 2-7X power magnification. This scope takes the guesswork out of long-range shots out to 200 yards by providing real-time ballistic data and a calculated aiming point that is illuminated and adjusted automatically based on your arrow’s velocity and trajectory.

This unit allows you to easily set up multiple arrow/broadhead combinations, zero them using traditional adjustments on the sight, and then reliably shoot this arrow/broadhead combination at any range from 5 to 100 yards.  A wireless remote is supplied to trigger the sight to calculate a shooting solution once the viewfinder is placed on the target.  It can be held in your hand or kept in a pocket.  We found it most useful to affix it to the crossbow frame just above the trigger and activate it with your trigger finger as you aim the crossbow.  Included is the Burris Forever Warranty.  Weight – 1.9 pounds.

Tenpoint Crossbows can be supplied with the Burris Oracle X Scope as an integrated package.

For more information, see Crossbow Magazine senior writer Brad Fenson’ Oracle X Review

Most Economical Rangefinding Crossbow Scope & Best Crossbow Scope for Low Light: Buck Commander BUK Ops X Factor

The BUK Ops X-factor Rangefinding Crossbow Scope provides significant value for investment by serious crossbow hunters. While it does not compute the complete firing solution that top-end rangefinding crossbow scopes provide, the BUK Ops X-Factor provides all the data needed to determine the accurate range, then gives the hunter the choice of the reticle to use to put an arrow on the target accurately. With its integrated rangefinder, high-quality optics, and durable construction, this scope is perfect for hunters looking to improve their accuracy and efficiency in the field. Although it comes with a higher price tag than a straight-up crossbow optic, it is less expensive than the more sophisticated rangefinding scopes. The overall performance and convenience it offers make it a worthwhile investment.

Best Magnified Crossbow Scope & Best BDC Reticle Scope: Tenpoint EVO-X Marksman Elite Crossbow Scope 

The TenPoint EVO-X Marksman Elite Crossbow Scope is the best-magnified choice known. It is often supplied with the top models from Tenpoint Crossbows. This scope offers variable power 2-8X magnification, making it suitable for short to mid-range to long shots. It has a user-selected choice of illuminated red and green reticles for shots up to 60 yards, plus non-illuminated chevrons for longer shots.

They are calibrated in 10-yard increments from 20 to 100 yards but are consistent and accurate beyond ranges needed for hunting. The scope can be set to match the manufacturer’s rated arrow speed of the crossbow, from 300 to 500 FPS, calibrating the arrow drop compensation settings.  Windage and elevation settings are easily adjusted with micro-adjustable turrets.  Mounting is done on Weaver rails, and the scope is supplied with scope caps.

Best Crossbow Scope for the price: Vortex Optics Crossfire II Crossbow Scope 

Vortex Optics is known for producing high-quality optics at affordable prices, and the Crossfire II Crossbow Scope is no exception. This 30mm scope offers 2-7x magnification, providing versatility for both short-range and long-range shots. The XBR-2 BDC dual illuminated reticle is customized for crossbows, designed to be calibrated to a 40-yard zero, and then uses the reticle to provide accuracy for shots from 20 to 100 yards.  The anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses deliver a bright and clear sight picture. The Crossfire II is built to withstand recoil and harsh weather conditions, making it a durable and dependable choice.  The weight is 14 ounces, and it comes with flip caps.  See our sister publication, Hawke Vantage IR Review to learn more about this scope.

Best Crossbow Scope Under $100: Truglo 4x32mm Compact Crossbow Scope 

The Truglo 4x32mm Crossbow Scope is a budget-friendly choice that offers great value for the price. It provides a single magnification of 4X, allowing you to adapt to different hunting situations. The adjustable, illuminated reticle offers multiple aiming points for various distances, and the scope is designed to withstand the recoil of crossbows. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive options, it gets the job done without breaking the bank.  Weaver Ring mounts included.

Best Red Dot for a Crossbow: Ravin R161 3-Dot Reflex Sight 

The Ravin R161 3 Dot reticle sight lets you keep both eyes open and on your target.  The dots are calibrated for different ranges, allowing fast target acquisition.  The sight is waterproof, fogproof, and compact.  This is ideal for shots inside of 40 yards and adds minimal weight to your crossbow.

Best Thermal Crossbow Scope: AGM Adder TS35-384

The AGM Adder Thermal Scope is built on a 30MM tube housing, similar to a standard riflescope. It boasts a high-resolution 384×288 thermal sensor and a high-quality OLED display.  Magnification ranges from 3-24X (much more than needed for a close-range crossbow) and has 4 color palettes. It will calculate distance, record video, and stream over WIFI.   AGM Adder thermal optics give you the power to see what others can’t, detecting heat signatures in total darkness, fog, or dense cover. Rechargeable batteries provide over 15 hours of use, and the unit mounts with 30mm quick detach mounting rings, making it easily usable on another weapon.  Weight is 1.9 pounds.

See our more in-depth AGM Adder Review.

Most Technologically Advanced Crossbow Scope: Garmin Xero X1i Range-finding Crossbow Scope

Garmin takes laser range-finding crossbow scopes to a new level of sophistication with the ability to precisely plot a shooting solution on targets out to 115 yards.  This unit boasts 3.5X magnification and produces a calculated, illuminated aim point with brightness adjusted to ambient light conditions.  Initial sight in of the unit requires the user to select a bolt/broadhead configuration and enter these parameters into the sight. Several shots with this bolt will confirm calibration and accuracy at any range. The range button for the scope can be mounted conveniently to activate the range finder quickly, calculate the distance, and produce the perfect aim point.  Additionally, if you’re a frequent user of other Garmin products, you can find the spot where your arrow was aimed, aiding you in animal recovery.

Weight is 1.9 pounds.

Ravin Crossbows can be supplied with the Garmin Xero X1i scope integrated as a package. The scopes are supplied preloaded with the specifications of each model, making the setup very fast.

Most Durable Crossbow Scope: Trijicon 324 XB Compact ACOG Crossbow Scope

The Trijicon 3×24 XB Compact ACOG Crossbow Scope lives up to the Trijicon pedigree with military-grade toughness, including Mil Spec shock and water resistance levels.  You can tell it is military grade just by handling it; the apparent ruggedness is perfectly obvious. The low-weight, low-profile scope operates without batteries. It provides exceptional optical performance with its Trijicon fiber optic and Tritium light source system that automatically adjusts the brightness and contrast of the reticle in any light conditions. It works with crossbows rated from 300 to 440+ FPS and is designed with stadia lines that show arrow drop out to 80 yards in 5-yard increments. Mounts to Picatinny rail, weight is 8 ounces.

Best Crossbow Scope For Turkey Hunting: Hawke Vantage IR

The Hawke Vantage 1-4×20, Turkey Dot IR, 1 Tube Scope is the best for turkey hunting with your crossbow and works for your shotgun.  The Hawke Vantage IR Turkey Scope is a reliable optic tailored for turkey hunting. It boasts an illuminated reticle, available in red and green, ideal for low-light conditions and precise aiming. The scope offers 1-4x magnification with a 20mm objective lens. Its turkey-specific reticle design outlines the target for pinpoint accuracy, while the rugged, shock-resistant build guarantees durability in demanding environments. It also has a No-Fault Lifetime Warranty, lens covers, and an instructional manual.

More Crossbow Scopes to consider:

ATN Thor 4 1.25-5X Thermal Scope

The ATN Thor 4 Thermal Scope is a thermal scope with a built-in range finder, ballistics calculator, and the ability to record video and stream via WIFI. The GEN 4 384×288 Ultra-Sensitive sensor detects and records an animal’s heat signature. Video can be captured before, during, and after the shot. Battery life is 18 hours, and the unit mounts with 30mm rings. It weighs 1.9 pounds.

Ravin R160 550FPS Crossbow Scope

The Ravin 550FPS Crossbow Scope is designed specifically for Ravin crossbows but can be used with other crossbow brands as well. It offers 1-8x magnification, with red or green illuminated reticles calibrated from 20 to 100 yards, making it one of the most versatile scopes on our list. The illuminated reticle has multiple brightness settings, and the scope features an innovative Speed Lock feature that ensures precise accuracy at different arrow speeds. It’s built to withstand harsh conditions and still maintains zero, making it a reliable choice for serious hunters.  

Hawke XB30 Pro SR Crossbow Scope

The Hawke XB30 Pro SR Crossbow Scope is a favorite among crossbow enthusiasts for its exceptional clarity and precision. We are fans of their rifle scopes, and this one does not disappoint. It features a 30mm objective lens and 1-5x magnification, allowing you to adapt to various shooting scenarios. The illuminated SR reticle offers quick target acquisition, and its adjustable brightness settings ensure visibility in all lighting conditions. The Hawke XB30 Pro SR can be calibrated for arrow speeds from 215-450 FPS, is shockproof, waterproof, and nitrogen-purged for fog resistance. It has a Hawke lifetime warranty, making it a robust choice for any environment.

UTG 4×32 1″ Crossbow Scope 

The UTG 4×32 Crossbow Scope is an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on quality. It offers fixed 4x magnification and a 32mm objective lens, making it suitable for mid-range shots. The dual-illuminated reticle with multiple brightness settings ensures visibility in various lighting conditions. The scope is also shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof, and it comes with flip-open lens caps and Picatinny rail mounts. Weight is 1.55 pounds.

Best Illuminated Crossbow Scope: Excalibur Overwatch Illuminated Scope

The Excalibur Overwatch Scope is another fantastic option, particularly if you often hunt in low-light conditions. It boasts a 30mm objective lens with 2-5X magnification and a choice of red or green illuminated multiplex reticle that ensures you can see your target clearly even at dusk or dawn out to 100 yards. It has a speed dial that adjusts from 300 to 475 FPS to compensate for arrow trajectory. This scope’s compact and rugged design is built to withstand the rigors of crossbow hunting, making it a reliable choice for serious hunters. Flip-up lens caps are included.

Best Crossbow Scope Under $50: Barska Red Dot Illuminated Crossbow Optic

Barska’s Illuminated Red Dot Optic is made for crossbows.  It features a large 30mm tube and 3 dots with red or green colored illumination with variable brightness. This optic allows you to keep both eyes open and on your target at all times and mounts to a standard picatinny rail.  Weight is 4.8 ounces.

How to Choose the Best Crossbow Scope for Your Needs

Selecting the right crossbow scope can be overwhelming, but considering a few key factors can help you make an informed decision:

1. Magnification:

• Choose a magnification level that suits your hunting style and typical shooting distances. Lower magnification (e.g., 1-5x) is ideal for short-range shots, while higher magnification (e.g., 3-9x) is better for long-range accuracy. Most crossbow shots are made at relatively close range (30-60 yards), so any more magnification than 4X or 6X will probably be a hindrance, not help, due to the constriction of the field of view.
• Remember that higher magnification can make acquiring and tracking fast-moving targets more challenging.

2. Objective Lens Size: The diameter of the objective lens determines how much light enters the scope, affecting brightness and low-light performance. A larger objective lens (e.g., 32mm or 40mm) allows more light, making it more suitable for dawn or dusk hunting.

3. Reticle Type: Different crossbow scopes come with various reticle designs. Common reticles include:

• • Duplex Reticle: Simple and versatile, suitable for general hunting.
  • BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) or ADC (Arrow Drop Compensation) Reticle: This type of reticle provides multiple aiming points for different distances, reducing the need for holdover adjustments.
  • Illuminated Reticle: This offers better visibility in low-light conditions, such as dawn or dusk. Having a choice of either red or green is considered a premium package. If you hunt during low-light conditions, consider a scope with an illuminated reticle. It allows you to maintain the visibility of the crosshair against dark backgrounds.
  • Mil-Dot Reticle: Provides precise aiming points for long-range shots but may require more training to use effectively.

4. Durability and Weather Resistance:

• • Ensure that the crossbow scope is built to withstand the rigors of hunting. Look for scopes that are shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof.
  • Opt for scopes with nitrogen-purged tubes to prevent fogging, especially in cold and humid environments.

5. Eye Relief: Eye relief refers to the distance between your eye and the scope’s eyepiece while maintaining a full field of view. Adequate eye relief prevents “scope eye” injuries and provides a comfortable shooting experience.

6. Field of View: A wider field of view allows you to see more of your surroundings, making it easier to track moving game. However, higher magnification scopes typically have a narrower field of view.

7. Mounting Compatibility: Ensure that the scope is compatible with your crossbow’s mounting system. Most scopes come with Picatinny or Weaver-style rings, but verifying compatibility before purchase is essential.

8. Price and Budget:

• • Crossbow scopes vary widely in price. While opting for the most expensive model with all the bells and whistles is tempting, consider your budget and how the scope aligns with your hunting needs.
  • A mid-range scope with the right features can often provide excellent performance without breaking the bank.

9. Warranty: Better-quality crossbow scopes will have solid warranty packages. Many of the best manufacturers offer lifetime warranties on their products.

10. Weight and Size: Weight is always a consideration with a hunting weapon. A typical crossbow can weigh 6-7 pounds, and a sophisticated scope can add 1-2 pounds more.  Consider what you plan to do using your crossbow and select a scope that matches your needs.  If you plan on covering a lot of ground, you may want to opt for a lighter system or procure a sling or carrying system to make it easier to carry the additional weight.

11. Compatibility with Your Crossbow: Selecting a crossbow scope ultimately depends on your specific hunting needs and preferences. Take the time to research and test different scopes if possible, as personal comfort and compatibility are crucial for a successful and enjoyable hunting experience. By considering these factors and making an informed decision, you can find the perfect crossbow scope to enhance your accuracy and overall hunting performance.

Whether you’re here perusing for yourself or someone else, these scopes make some of the best gifts for hunters of all ages and skill levels. We hope you found your answers, and if not, feel free to email us with questions at orders@outdoorspecialtymedia.com.

Ready to build the ultimate crossbow setup? Don’t stop with just the scope! Explore our top recommendations for the best broadheads, high-performance crossbow bolts, and the most reliable crossbows to complete your perfect hunting setup.

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