best hand gun hunting scope

The constant annoyance of trying to quickly and accurately zero a scope is finally addressed by the Beileshi 6-24X50 AOEG Rifle Scope with Illuminated Crosshair. After testing many options, I found it offers superb precision with its 6-24X magnification and a large 50mm objective that gathers plenty of light, making long-range targeting effortless—even in low-light conditions. Features like the adjustable parallax and the etched reticle ensure reliable performance, with sharp, clear images and quick focus adjustments. Its shockproof and waterproof build means it withstands the toughest hunts without fuss.

Compared to laser bore sighters, which are quick but limited by visibility range, the Beileshi scope is ideal for serious hunters wanting versatility and durability. While the StrongTools laser options are impressive, they excel mainly for quick bore alignment or short-range zeroing. The Beileshi’s detailed optics and customizable reticle give it an edge for different distances and lighting, making it my top pick after hands-on testing. For reliable long-range shooting with excellent build quality, I highly recommend the Beileshi 6-24X50 AOEG Rifle Scope with Illuminated Crosshair.

Top Recommendation: Beileshi 6-24X50 AOEG Rifle Scope with Illuminated Crosshair

Why We Recommend It: This scope offers a versatile 6-24X magnification range, large 50mm objective for bright images, and dual-color illumination (green and red) with five levels, perfect for various lighting conditions. Its AO adjustment and etched reticle ensure precise aiming at multiple ranges. Made from durable aerospace aluminum with shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof construction, it exceeds the durability of laser bore sighters, providing consistent accuracy in tough environments.

Best hand gun hunting scope: Our Top 3 Picks

• StrongTools Red BoreSighter 177 to 12GA Caliber Rifle Scope – Best for Target Shooting
• StrongTools Green Laser BoreSighter for Rifle and Handgun – Best for Beginners
• Beileshi 6-24X50 AOEG Rifle Scope with Illuminated Crosshair – Best for Low Light

What Key Features Should You Look for in the Best Handgun Hunting Scope?

When searching for the best handgun hunting scope, consider the following key features:

• Magnification: A good handgun hunting scope should offer adjustable magnification that suits various hunting scenarios, typically ranging from 2x to 12x. This flexibility allows shooters to engage targets at different distances effectively.
• Reticle Type: The choice of reticle can significantly impact accuracy, with options like duplex, dot, or mil-dot reticles providing different advantages. A clear and well-defined reticle helps in quick target acquisition and improved shot placement.
• Durability: Handgun scopes must be rugged and able to withstand harsh environmental conditions, which means they should be waterproof, fog proof, and shock-resistant. Materials like aircraft-grade aluminum and robust coatings enhance their longevity in the field.
• Eye Relief: Adequate eye relief is crucial for safety and comfort, especially with powerful handguns that produce significant recoil. A longer eye relief, typically 10 inches or more, helps prevent injury and allows for better shooting posture.
• Field of View: A wider field of view allows hunters to track moving targets more easily, which is particularly important in hunting situations. Scopes with a larger objective lens often provide better light transmission and a clearer picture, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions.
• Adjustment Controls: The scope should have precise and easy-to-use windage and elevation adjustments. Quick and accurate adjustments are vital for making on-the-fly corrections during a hunt.
• Light Transmission: High-quality optics with multi-coated lenses improve light transmission, resulting in brighter and clearer images. This feature is essential for hunting during dawn or dusk when visibility is low.
• Weight and Size: A lightweight and compact design is important for handgun hunting, as it ensures the setup remains balanced and manageable. Opting for a scope that complements the weight of the handgun can enhance overall shooting comfort.

How Does Magnification Impact Your Hunting Experience?

Magnification plays a crucial role in enhancing your hunting experience by improving target acquisition and accuracy.

• Improved Target Identification: Higher magnification allows hunters to clearly identify and assess their targets from a greater distance.
• Enhanced Accuracy: A quality handgun scope with appropriate magnification helps improve shot placement, leading to more ethical kills.
• Field of View Considerations: While increased magnification can be beneficial, it often reduces the field of view, which may affect tracking moving targets.
• Light Gathering Ability: Scopes with higher magnification may perform differently in low light conditions, influencing visibility at dawn or dusk.
• Weight and Size Factors: Higher magnification scopes can be bulkier and heavier, potentially impacting the balance and maneuverability of your handgun.

Improved target identification is essential for hunters, as it allows for a clear view of the animal and its surroundings, ensuring that they can make informed decisions before taking a shot. This is particularly important in varied terrains where animals may blend into their environment.

Enhanced accuracy is another significant benefit of using a scope with the right magnification level, as it allows for precise shot placement. This is crucial for ethical hunting, ensuring that the animal is dispatched quickly and humanely.

Field of view considerations highlight the trade-off that comes with magnification; while it helps in identifying targets at a distance, a narrower field of view can make it challenging to track moving animals. Hunters must balance their need for magnification with the necessity of maintaining situational awareness.

Light gathering ability is critical when hunting in low light scenarios, such as early mornings or late evenings. Some high magnification scopes may struggle to provide a bright image under these conditions, which can affect the success of a hunting trip.

Weight and size factors are essential to consider as well, as a heavier scope can alter the handling characteristics of a handgun. A well-balanced setup is vital for quick aiming and shooting, particularly in dynamic hunting situations.

What Reticle Designs Enhance Accuracy for Handgun Hunting?

Various reticle designs can significantly enhance accuracy for handgun hunting, making it easier to aim and hit targets effectively.

• Red Dot Reticle: This design features a bright red dot that allows for quick target acquisition and is particularly useful in low-light conditions. The simplicity of the red dot helps shooters maintain focus on the target rather than the sight itself, making it ideal for fast-moving game.
• Crosshair Reticle: A traditional design that consists of two intersecting lines, the crosshair reticle provides precise aiming points for long-range shots. It allows for easy alignment with the target, and variations like illuminated crosshairs enhance visibility in varying light conditions.
• BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) Reticle: This type of reticle includes markings that correspond to different distances, helping shooters compensate for bullet drop at various ranges. It is particularly beneficial for hunters who may need to take shots at varying distances without needing to adjust their scope settings constantly.
• Mil-Dot Reticle: Featuring dots placed along the crosshairs, this reticle allows hunters to estimate distance and make adjustments for bullet drop and windage. It is especially useful for long-range handgun shooting, as it aids in determining how much to lead a moving target.
• MOA (Minute of Angle) Reticle: This reticle uses minute-of-angle measurements to help shooters calculate adjustments based on distance and bullet trajectory. It is favored by many handgun hunters for its precision and ability to facilitate accurate shots at extended ranges.

What Types of Handgun Scopes Are Available and Which Is Right for You?

When it comes to handgun scopes, several types cater to different shooting styles and purposes.

• Red Dot Scopes: These scopes use a red dot as the reticle, allowing for quick target acquisition and improved accuracy at close to medium ranges.
• Variable Magnification Scopes: These scopes offer adjustable magnification levels, making them versatile for various shooting distances and conditions.
• Fixed Magnification Scopes: With a set magnification, these scopes provide simplicity and reliability, often favored for their durability and ease of use.
• Long Eye Relief Scopes: Designed specifically for handguns, these scopes allow shooters to maintain a safe distance from the recoil of the firearm while still offering clear sight pictures.
• Compact Scopes: These smaller scopes are lightweight and designed to be mounted on handguns without adding significant bulk, making them ideal for hunting and tactical situations.

Red Dot Scopes: Red dot scopes are popular for their fast target acquisition, which is essential for quick shooting scenarios. They are particularly effective in low-light conditions and are often used for hunting and competitive shooting. The simplicity of the reticle allows shooters to focus on the target without distraction.

Variable Magnification Scopes: These scopes are highly adaptable, allowing shooters to zoom in or out depending on the distance of the target. This feature is beneficial for hunters who may encounter game at varying ranges. The flexibility of a variable scope makes it a great all-around choice, suitable for both short and long-distance shooting.

Fixed Magnification Scopes: Fixed magnification scopes are straightforward and often more affordable, providing a consistent sight picture without the complexity of adjusting magnification. They are generally more durable and can withstand harsh conditions, making them a reliable choice for hunters. Their simplicity is favored by those who prefer minimal adjustments while shooting.

Long Eye Relief Scopes: Long eye relief scopes are specifically designed to mitigate the effects of recoil, allowing shooters to maintain a comfortable distance from the handgun. This feature is crucial for those using high-caliber handguns, as it ensures a safe shooting experience. They provide a clear and stable sight picture, which is essential for precision aiming.

Compact Scopes: Compact scopes are designed to enhance the portability of handguns, making them an excellent choice for hunters who need to move quickly. These lightweight scopes maintain a low profile, which is beneficial in tactical situations or when navigating through dense environments. Their small size does not compromise on performance, as they still deliver accurate aiming capabilities.

Should You Choose Fixed Power or Variable Power Scopes for Hunting?

Yes, you should choose variable power scopes for hunting.

Variable power scopes offer versatility that fixed power scopes cannot match, making them an excellent choice for hunting. With the ability to adjust magnification, hunters can adapt to various distances and terrain, allowing for precise aiming whether you are tracking game at close range or taking a long-distance shot. This flexibility can significantly increase your chances of a successful hunt, as it allows you to react to different scenarios you might encounter in the field.

Additionally, variable power scopes often come with features that enhance their usability, such as adjustable objective lenses and reticle options that can aid in estimating distance and bullet drop. These features can be particularly beneficial in dynamic hunting environments where conditions can change rapidly. While fixed power scopes may be simpler and lighter, the advantages provided by variable power scopes typically outweigh those of their fixed counterparts, especially for the diverse situations faced during hunting trips.

How Do You Ensure You’re Buying a Quality Handgun Hunting Scope?

When looking for the best handgun hunting scope, several important factors must be considered to ensure quality and performance.

• Magnification: The magnification power of the scope is crucial for hunting, especially at varying distances. A good handgun hunting scope typically offers a magnification range from 2x to 8x, allowing for both close-up and longer-range shots.
• Objective Lens Diameter: The size of the objective lens affects light transmission and clarity. A larger diameter lens (typically 32mm or more) allows more light to enter, providing a brighter image in low-light conditions, which is often vital during dawn or dusk hunts.
• Reticle Type: The reticle, or crosshair, plays a significant role in aiming accuracy. Options such as duplex, mil-dot, or illuminated reticles can enhance targeting, especially in varying light conditions or at different ranges.
• Durability and Weather Resistance: A quality scope should be built to withstand harsh hunting environments. Look for scopes that are shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof, often achieved through nitrogen purging and robust construction materials.
• Eye Relief: Eye relief is the distance from the eyepiece to your eye that allows for a full field of view without risking injury from recoil. For handgun scopes, a longer eye relief (around 10-20 inches) is ideal to provide comfort and safety during use.
• Adjustable Turrets: Having adjustable turrets allows for precise windage and elevation adjustments, which can be critical for accurate shooting at varying distances. Look for scopes with tactile and audible clicks to ensure easy adjustments in the field.
• Lens Coatings: The quality of lens coatings affects light transmission and image clarity. Multi-coated or fully multi-coated lenses reduce glare and improve brightness, ensuring a clearer view of the target under different lighting conditions.
• Brand Reputation and Warranty: Opting for a well-known brand with a solid reputation can often be a reliable indicator of quality. Additionally, a good warranty can provide peace of mind, indicating that the manufacturer stands behind their product.

What Role Do Brand Reputation and Customer Reviews Play?

Customer reviews act as a form of social proof, where potential buyers look to the experiences of others to inform their own purchasing decisions. These reviews can highlight specific strengths or weaknesses of a hand gun hunting scope, making it easier for consumers to compare options and understand what to expect.

The interplay between brand reputation and customer reviews can significantly influence a consumer’s decision-making process. A reputable brand with a plethora of positive reviews can often lead to quicker purchasing decisions, while a company facing negative reviews may struggle to attract buyers, regardless of its established reputation.

Moreover, positive feedback can enhance a product’s perceived value, leading customers to believe they are getting a superior item, while negative reviews can tarnish a product’s image and create hesitancy among potential buyers.

How Can You Effectively Mount and Zero a Handgun Hunting Scope?

To effectively mount and zero a handgun hunting scope, follow these essential steps:

• Select the Right Scope Mount: Choose a mount that is compatible with your handgun and scope, ensuring a secure fit.
• Position the Scope Properly: Place the scope at a comfortable height and distance from your eye, allowing for a clear sight picture.
• Tighten Mounting Screws Evenly: Secure all screws in a uniform manner to avoid misalignment and ensure stability during shooting.
• Boresight the Rifle: Use a boresighting tool to align the scope with the bore of the handgun, which helps in initial adjustments.
• Zero the Scope at a Specific Distance: Set your target at a predetermined distance and adjust the scope’s elevation and windage settings based on shot placement.
• Test Fire and Adjust: After making initial adjustments, fire a group of shots to confirm accuracy and make any necessary corrections.

Select the Right Scope Mount: The choice of scope mount is crucial; it must match the specific mounting system of your handgun, whether it be a Picatinny rail, Weaver rail, or a unique model-specific mount. A proper mount ensures that the scope remains securely fastened during recoil, maintaining zero during use.

Position the Scope Properly: The scope should be positioned so that it provides a comfortable eye relief, allowing you to see the entire field of view without straining. This positioning also assists in achieving a proper cheek weld, which is essential for consistent aiming and accuracy.

Tighten Mounting Screws Evenly: When tightening the mounting screws, make sure to do so in a crisscross pattern to evenly distribute pressure across the base. This prevents the scope from becoming misaligned and ensures that it is firmly attached, reducing the risk of it moving during shooting.

Boressight the Rifle: Boresighting involves aligning the reticle of the scope with the center of the bore at a specific distance, which can save time during zeroing. Using a laser boresighter or a simple bore sighter can help you make initial adjustments closer to the target before live firing.

Zero the Scope at a Specific Distance: Typically, for hunting, zeroing at 25 or 50 yards is advisable, depending on the type of game and the expected shooting distance. Adjust the scope’s elevation and windage controls based on where your bullets land relative to the point of aim to achieve a precise zero.

Test Fire and Adjust: After making adjustments based on your initial shots, test fire again to confirm that you are on target. Make fine adjustments as necessary, ensuring that your handgun and scope are perfectly matched for accurate shooting in the field.

What Are Expert Recommendations for the Best Handgun Hunting Scopes on the Market?

When looking for the best handgun hunting scopes, several key models stand out due to their performance, durability, and features.

• Leupold VX-Freedom Handgun Scope: This scope is known for its excellent optics, rugged construction, and a wide magnification range, making it versatile for various hunting situations.
• Burris Handgun Scope: The Burris scopes are favored for their high-quality glass and adjustable parallax, allowing for precise aiming at different distances.
• Nikon P-Tactical Handgun Scope: Nikon’s P-Tactical offers a unique reticle system that aids in quick target acquisition, along with a durable design suited for heavy recoil.
• Vortex Optics Crossfire II Handgun Scope: This model is popular for its exceptional clarity and ease of use, featuring a fast-focus eyepiece that allows quick adjustments in the field.
• Trijicon AccuPoint Handgun Scope: Known for its illuminated reticle and robust build, the AccuPoint is ideal for low-light conditions, ensuring visibility in challenging environments.

The Leupold VX-Freedom Handgun Scope features a Twilight Max Light Management System that enhances visibility in low light, making it a great choice for dawn or dusk hunting. Its rugged construction ensures it can withstand the recoil of powerful handguns while maintaining zero.

The Burris Handgun Scope is designed with a focus on precision, incorporating a reticle that allows for quick target acquisition. Its adjustable parallax settings further enhance accuracy, making it suitable for both short and long-range shots.

Nikon’s P-Tactical Handgun Scope provides users with a versatile reticle that helps in estimating distances and improving aiming speed. Its durable design is well-suited for the high-impact nature of handgun hunting, ensuring longevity and reliability.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II is celebrated for its user-friendly features, such as the fast-focus eyepiece that allows hunters to quickly adapt to changing scenarios. The scope is also fog-proof and waterproof, adding to its reliability in various weather conditions.

Trijicon AccuPoint Handgun Scope stands out with its illuminated reticle that enhances visibility in low-light situations, making it a preferred choice for hunters who often pursue game during the early morning or late evening. Its robust construction ensures it can handle the rigors of outdoor use.

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