Pistol scopes are essential accessories for anyone looking to improve their accuracy and precision when shooting. Whether you’re a hunter, a competitive shooter, or a recreational gun owner, a high-quality pistol scope can help you hit your target with greater ease and confidence.
When choosing the best pistol scopes, there are a few critical factors to consider. First and foremost, you’ll want to look for a scope that is designed specifically for pistols, as opposed to rifles or other firearms. Pistol scopes are typically smaller and more lightweight than their rifle counterparts, which makes them easier to handle and maneuver.
Another important consideration is the magnification level of the scope. While higher magnification can help you see your target more clearly, it can also make it more challenging to acquire and track moving targets. As a result, many pistol scopes have lower magnification levels, typically ranging from 1x to 4x.
Other factors to consider when selecting a pistol scope include the size and weight of the scope, the quality of the optics, and the durability of the construction. A good pistol scope should be easy to mount and adjust, provide a clear and bright image, and be able to withstand the recoil and impact of firing a pistol.
After extensive research and testing, we’ve identified the top pistol scopes on the market today. In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at each of these scopes and highlight their key features and benefits. Whether you’re a seasoned marksman or a novice shooter, our guide will help you find the best pistol scope for your needs.
Top 2 Best Pistol Scopes
Burris Handgun Plex Reticle Pistol Hunting Scope 2X20mm Silver Nickel
Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm Ballistic Plex Reticle Pistol Scope
We have researched and tested various pistol scopes to bring you the best options available on the market. Whether you’re a competitive shooter or a hunter, a good pistol scope can make all the difference in your accuracy and precision. In this article, we have compiled a list of the top pistol scopes that offer exceptional clarity, durability, and performance. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our roundup of the best pistol scopes.
Burris Handgun Plex Reticle Pistol Hunting Scope 2X20mm Silver Nickel
We highly recommend the Burris Handgun Plex Reticle Pistol Hunting Scope 2X20mm Silver Nickel for those looking for a reliable and durable scope for their handgun.
Pros
- The Plex reticle is incredibly simple to use and provides excellent accuracy.
- The long eye relief is ideal when hunting with a powerful handgun.
- The durable, stress-free, solid 1-piece outer tube can withstand the shock and vibrations of even the heaviest-recoiling calibers.
Cons
- The 2x magnification may not be enough for some users.
- The 20mm objective lens diameter may not provide enough light in low-light conditions.
- The scope may be a bit heavy for some users at 7 ounces.
This scope is perfect for those who want a simple and reliable scope for their handgun. The Plex reticle is easy to use and provides excellent accuracy. The long eye relief is also a great feature, especially when using a powerful handgun. The durable, stress-free, solid 1-piece outer tube can withstand the shock and vibrations of even the heaviest-recoiling calibers, making this scope a great investment for hunters and shooters alike.
In terms of cons, the 2x magnification may not be enough for some users, especially if they need to shoot at longer distances. The 20mm objective lens diameter may also not provide enough light in low-light conditions, making it difficult to see the target. Lastly, the scope may be a bit heavy for some users at 7 ounces, which may affect their accuracy and comfort while shooting.
Overall, the Burris Handgun Plex Reticle Pistol Hunting Scope 2X20mm Silver Nickel is a great investment for those looking for a reliable and durable scope for their handgun.
Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm Ballistic Plex Reticle Pistol Scope, Matte Black – 200279
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable pistol scope, the Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm Ballistic Plex Reticle Pistol Scope is a great option.
Pros
- Provides a wide, flexible range for handgun shooters with 2-7x32mm magnification
- Low minimum power offers quick target acquisition and a large field of view.
- A high maximum power of 7x provides accuracy at longer distances.
Cons
- Slightly heavier than some other pistol scopes at 13 ounces
- Some users have reported that the eye relief could be better
- The Ballistic Plex reticle may take some getting used to for those who are used to other types of reticles
We recently had the opportunity to test out the Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm Ballistic Plex Reticle Pistol Scope and were impressed with its performance. The scope is specifically designed for precision shooting at a distance in the field or at the range, and its optical system uses index-matched Hi-Lume multi-coated optics to produce views that are bright and clear with high contrast and true color representation.
One of the standout features of this scope is its long eye relief, which is essential for high-power handgun hunting. The low minimum power also gives users a slight magnification boost while providing a distinct aiming point with the reticle. Dialing the zoom up to 7x brings targets closer without excessively narrowing the field of view.
The covered turrets keep rain, mud, and dirt off while eliminating the possibility of accidental adjustments while moving through heavy brush. The turrets are also finger-adjustable to quickly compensate for changing conditions in the field. Built for a long life in the field, the one-piece main tube is made of lightweight and durable aluminum with a scratch and corrosion-resistant matte-black finish. The optical tube is nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed for water and fogproof performance in all weather and conditions, and its 1″ main tube keeps the weight down while also being easier to mount on handguns than large diameter tubes.
Overall, we think the Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm Ballistic Plex Reticle Pistol Scope is a great choice for anyone in need of a reliable and accurate pistol scope. Its wide range of magnification, durable construction, and finger-adjustable turrets make it a versatile and practical option for any shooting situation.
Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm Plex Reticle Pistol Scope, Matte Black – 200291
If you’re looking for a reliable pistol scope for your hunting needs, the Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm Plex Reticle Pistol Scope is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The scope is made of high-quality aluminum material, making it durable and long-lasting.
- The 2-7x32mm magnification range is perfect for short to mid-range shooting.
- The free parallax adjustment at 100 yards ensures accurate shots.
Cons
- The scope may not be suitable for long-range shooting.
- The eye relief may be limited for some users.
- The scope may be a bit heavy for some pistols.
We recently tested the Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm Plex Reticle Pistol Scope and were impressed with its performance. The scope is well-built and feels sturdy in hand. It is easy to mount and adjust, and the Plex reticle provides a clear and precise sight picture.
The magnification range is perfect for short to mid-range shooting, and the free parallax adjustment at 100 yards ensures accurate shots. The scope is also fog-proof and waterproof, making it ideal for use in any weather conditions.
However, the scope may not be suitable for long-range shooting, and the eye relief may be limited for some users. Additionally, the scope may be a bit heavy for some pistols, which can affect the balance and handling of the firearm.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and durable pistol scope for your hunting needs, the Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm Plex Reticle Pistol Scope is definitely worth considering.
UTG 2-7X32 1″ Handgun Scope, Long Eye Relief, PDC Reticle
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable pistol scope, the UTG 2-7X32 1″ Handgun Scope is a great option.
Pros
- Built on a true strength platform, completely sealed and Nitrogen filled, shockproof, fog-proof, and rainproof
- Up to 25 inches of Eye relief, allowing for effective Use on handguns
- Projectile drop compensation reticle assists in Shooting at different distances.
Cons
- Eye relief can be too long for some users
- Reticle may not be as clear as other high-end scopes
- Mounting can be a bit tricky
We were impressed by the durability of this scope. It’s built on a true strength platform, making it completely sealed, nitrogen-filled, shockproof, fogproof, and rainproof. This means you can take it out in any weather conditions, and it will still function properly.
One of the standout features of this scope is its long eye relief, which allows for the effective use of handguns. This is especially useful for those who wear glasses or have trouble getting a clear view through other scopes.
The projectile drop compensation reticle is another great feature that assists with shooting at different distances. This makes it easier to hit targets accurately without having to adjust the scope constantly.
However, the long eye relief can be a bit too long for some users, making it difficult to get a clear view. Additionally, the reticle may not be as clear as other high-end scopes, which can be a drawback for those who need precise aiming. Mounting can also be a bit tricky, so it may take some time to get it set up properly.
Overall, the UTG 2-7X32 1″ Handgun Scope is a solid choice for those looking for a reliable and affordable pistol scope. It’s durable, has a long eye relief, and features a projectile drop compensation reticle that makes it easier to hit targets accurately.
BSA Pistol Scope One Size Black Matte
If you’re in the market for a simple and effective pistol scope, the BSA Pistol Scope is a great choice. With multi-coated optics, windage, and elevation adjustments set for 1/4 MOA and a parallax set for 50 yards, it provides a clear sight picture that allows for almost instant target acquisition. Additionally, it offers a generous eye relief of 12-20 inches, making it a versatile scope that can double as a scout scope.
Pros
- Multi-coated optics provide a clear sight picture
- Windage and elevation adjustments set for 1/4 MOA
- Generous eye relief of 12-20 inches
Cons
- Fairly small field of view
- Quality is not the best
- Slightly larger than 1″ diameter tube, making it difficult to fit in scope rings
We were impressed with the BSA Pistol Scope’s performance during our testing. The multi-coated optics provided a clear and bright sight picture, making it easy to acquire targets quickly. The windage and elevation adjustments were precise, allowing us to make small adjustments with ease. The generous eye relief was also a plus, as it allowed us to maintain a comfortable shooting position while using the scope.
One downside of the BSA Pistol Scope is its small field of view. While it wasn’t a major issue for us, it may be a concern for those who prefer a wider field of view. Additionally, the quality of the scope is not the best, with some users reporting issues with the tube diameter and overall construction.
Overall, we would recommend the BSA Pistol Scope for those looking for a simple and effective pistol scope. While it may not be the best quality, its multi-coated optics, precise adjustments, and generous eye relief make it a great value for the price.
Buying Guide
When choosing a pistol scope, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. Here are some key features to look for:
Magnification
The magnification power of a scope is one of the most important factors to consider. It determines how close you can see your target and the level of detail you can observe. A higher magnification is not always better, as it can make it harder to acquire and track moving targets. Consider the type of shooting you will be doing and choose a magnification that suits your needs.
Reticle
The reticle, or crosshairs, is another important factor to consider. There are various types of reticles, such as duplex, mil-dot, and BDC. The type of reticle you choose will depend on your shooting style and the type of target you will be shooting.
Objective Lens
The objective lens is the lens at the end of the scope farthest from the shooter. It determines how much light enters the scope and affects the brightness and clarity of the image. A larger objective lens allows more light to enter the scope, resulting in a brighter image. However, a larger lens also makes the scope heavier and bulkier.
Eye Relief
Eye relief refers to the distance between the eyepiece and your eye when you have a full field of view. It is important to choose a scope with adequate eye relief to prevent eye strain and ensure a comfortable shooting experience.
Durability
Durability is also an important factor to consider when choosing a pistol scope. Look for scopes that are made from high-quality materials and are waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. A durable scope will withstand the rigors of shooting and last for years to come.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best pistol scope for your needs and get the most out of your shooting experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best scope for a handgun?
The best scope for a handgun depends on the intended use. For general shooting and target practice, a low-magnification scope with a wide field of view is ideal. However, for long-range shooting, a higher magnification scope with a reticle designed for long-range accuracy is recommended.
What is the best scope for a 44 Magnum pistol?
The best scope for a 44 Magnum pistol is one that can handle the recoil of the powerful cartridge while maintaining accuracy. A scope with a durable construction and shock-resistant features is recommended. Additionally, a scope with a reticle designed for short-range accuracy is ideal for hunting and self-defense situations.
What is the best long-range pistol?
The best long-range pistol depends on the caliber and the intended use. For example, the 10mm Auto and .357 Magnum are popular choices for long-range shooting. However, a pistol chambered in a rifle cartridge, such as the .308 Winchester or .223 Remington, can also be effective for long-range shooting.
What are the top features to look for in a pistol scope?
The top features to look for in a pistol scope include durable construction, shock-resistant features, a reticle designed for short or long-range accuracy, and a wide field of view. Additionally, a scope with adjustable magnification and parallax can improve accuracy and versatility.
How does the Leupold VX-3 handgun scope compare to other options?
The Leupold VX-3 handgun scope is a high-quality option for those looking for a reliable and accurate scope for their pistol. It features a durable construction, shock-resistant features, and a reticle designed for short-range accuracy. However, there are other options available that may better suit individual needs and preferences.
What are the advantages of using a pistol scope for target shooting?
Using a pistol scope for target shooting can improve accuracy and precision, especially at longer ranges. A scope can also provide a clearer image of the target and help compensate for any vision impairments. Additionally, a scope can help reduce eye strain and fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
