Ever wonder how hunters hit their targets with amazing accuracy, even at long distances with a crossbow? The secret often lies in a crucial piece of gear: the scope. Imagine lining up your shot, knowing exactly where that bolt will land. That’s the power a good scope brings to your hunt.
But let’s be honest, picking a crossbow scope can feel like navigating a jungle. There are so many types, with different magnifications, reticles, and features. It’s easy to feel lost and worry about choosing the wrong one. You want a scope that works perfectly with your crossbow and helps you succeed in the field, not one that causes frustration.
This post is here to clear up the confusion. We will break down what makes a great crossbow scope. You’ll learn about the important things to look for, like magnification and reticle types. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to confidently choose the best scope for your needs.
Table of Contents
Top Crossbow Scope Recommendations
- From first to last light, this 2-7x32 Crossfire II Crossbow Scope Kit (scope, 30mm rings, flip caps and neoprene cover) provides hunters looking for accuracy and dependability everything they need to start stacking bolts and filling tags.
- The XBR-2 reticle is specifically designed for crossbows for a 40-yard zero and fast, accurate holdovers from 20-100 yards. The reticle is also equipped with dual illumination, red or green, for accuracy in low light.
- The magnification and FPS on the magnifier ring keep the scope compatible with a variety of bows and setups, and a wide field of view makes it perfect for a variety of shooting situations.
- Proprietary coatings increase light transmission with multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces. Rugged construction withstands recoil and impact.
- O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, this scope provides reliable waterproof and fogproof performance in all environments and over a wide range of temperatures.
- Upgraded CVLIFE 1.5x5-32 Crossbow Scope: Upgraded version, designed to aim at the target faster and clearer. Adjustable speed ring from 300 to 460 fps for precise reticle calibration. Scope length: 8.2 inches, scope tube diameter: 30 mm
- Red and Green Illuminated Ballistic Reticle: Quickly aim at a distance of 20-100 yards, zeroing in at 20 yards. Scope is equipped with 5-level adjustable lighting etched glass reticles that provide maximum brightness even in low-light environments
- Clear Fully Multi-Coated Green Lens: Equipped with anti-reflective green lenses that provide 95% light transmission, improving clarity and minimizing glare. Moderate eye relief and forgiving eye box make it easy to aim the target
- Excellent Shockproof, Waterproof and Fogproof Performance: Made from single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum construction to ensure durability and withstand rigorous shock testing up to 1000 G. Nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed for fog and water resistance
- Comes with 1.5-5x32 crossbow scope x1, flip up lens caps x2, scope rings x2, wrench x2, CR2032 batteries x2, lens cloth x1, manual x1
- 3-12X DIGITAL RANGEFINDING SCOPE - The TenPoint Vision HD Digital Rangefinding Scope is the most advanced crossbow scope on the market, delivering crystal clear imaging and unrivaled accuracy & ranging vs. any crossbow optic in existence.
- INSTANT BALLISTIC CALCULATION - The integrated laser rangefinder precisely measures distances from 5-1100 yards & pairs with one of 5, pre-loaded TenPoint Arrow Ballistic Profiles to provide accurate drop compensation based on the measured range.
- ONE-SHOT ZEROING - Set up and calibration are easy thanks to one-shot zeroing, allowing you to sight in with one shot at 30 yards and be dead on out to 100 yards.
- CAPTURE EVERY SHOT - Capture your moment forever with the scope’s 1080p full-HD video and sound recording. It features a noise-reducing microphone, plus three smart trigger modes including Auto RAV for hands-free, recoil-triggered recording.
- RUGGED, DURABLE BUILD - This advanced scope is waterproof, shockproof, field-ready, and provides up to 10 hours of runtime (5 hours per battery), so you can stay fully focused on the hunt.
- CVLIFE 4x32 Compact Crossbow Scope: Only 7.7 inches long and 11.3 ounces. It is a great size to provide fast target acquisition and accuracy. Compatible with any crossbow with speed adjustments from 250 to 350 FPS.
- Professional Reticle for Crossbow Scope: Designed for a crossbow with aim points of 20-yard zeroing. Six-aim-point in total with 6 horizontal auxiliary lines to estimate distance and quick aim at 20-70 yard distances. Equipped with 5 levels of red green illuminated multi-reticle system, it can maintain stable operation in low light.
- Fully Multi-Coated Optical System: See the details clearly in any lighting conditions with high-definition optics and fully multi-coated lenses. Enjoy edge-to-edge clarity and enhanced low-light performance for a sharp view.
- Excellent Shockproof and Waterproof Performance: Waterproof and Aircraft-grade aluminum construction ensures durability and a lightweight design and can withstand up to 800G shock undergoes rigorous shock tests. Nitrogen-purged and O-ring-sealed provide excellent fog and water resistance.
- Complete Crossbow Scope Set: Comes with 2 flip-up caps, 2 batteries, and 20mm scope rings for the crossbow scope mounting.
- Eye Relief: 4.3"-4.9"
- Magnification: 1.5-5x
- Objective Lens: 32 mm
- Upgraded Crossbow Scope Design: CVLIFE 1.5-5x32 crossbow scope is made of a one-piece high-strength aircraft-grade aluminum tube, to ensure up to 1000G shock resistance support. Works great in all harsh environments and weather conditions
- High Definition Etched Green Lens: With the fully multi-layer anti-reflective coated green lens for up to 93% light transmittance and moderate eye relief. The crossbow scope is specially designed for precise and quick aiming at the target
- [ PROFESSIONAL CROSSBOW SCOPE DESIGN ] Our 1.5-5x32 Crossbow Scope (250-450 FPS) is made of a one-piece high-strength aircraft-grade aluminum tube, to ensure up to 1000G shock resistance support. full waterproof to 19.7", The tube is completely sealed with nitrogen filled to ensure 100% waterproof and fogproof. Works great in all harsh environments and weather conditions. Additionally, two 20mm mounts are included with the scope for added convenience and ease of installation.
- [ LOCKING RING KEEPS SCOPE DIALED IN ] We have enhanced the Scale Dial design by incorporating a lock ring to ensure precision and stability when adjusting the firing speed. By utilizing the lock ring, shooters can securely fix the Scale Dial in place, minimizing any potential deviation during the shooting process. This improvement guarantees optimal accuracy and consistency in every shot.
- [ SUITABLE FOR MOST SPEED-ADJUSTABLE CROSSBOWS ] Adjustable gauge allows for use with Speed-Adjustable crossbows between 250 and 450 fps(1.5-5x), Objective lens: 32mm, Length: 210mm/8.84" , Tube Diameter: 30mm. Additionally, two 20mm mounts are included with the scope for added convenience and ease of installation.
- [ Multi-layer Green Coated Lenses ] Our crossbow scope for hunting is engineered with advanced features that are optimized for precision targeting. It boasts a fully multi-layer anti-reflective coated green lens, which facilitates up to 93% light transmission, along with ultra-long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box. These design elements combine to deliver effortless and rapid acquisition of targets.
- [ ILLUMINATED CROSSBOW RETICLE ] The reticle on our crossbow scope has been meticulously designed for optimal performance with crossbows, offering precise aim points for 50-yard zeroing and accurate holdovers ranging from 20 to 100 yards. Additionally, the scope features adjustable illuminated settings in both green and red colors, providing laser-sharp visibility in low light conditions.
- SPORTING AND HUNTING CROSSBOW ARCHERY SCOPE
- ✔【Precision Aiming】The UUQ 1.5x5-32 Crossbow Scope is designed for crossbow shooting, featuring a ballistic reticle with a circle rangefinder for quick zeroing at 50 yards and accuracy from 20 to 100 yards.
- ✔【Enhanced Visibility】The etched reticle offers red or green variable illumination, ensuring accuracy in low-light conditions. The unique coating, along with a clear green film and multiple anti-reflective coatings, enhances light transmission for better clarity.
- ✔【Versatile Magnification】With an adjustable magnification range of 1.5-5x and compatibility with speeds from 250 to 450 FPS,suited for various bows and setups. The 32mm objective lens provides a wide field of view, ideal for diverse aiming situations.
- ✔【Durable Construction】Constructed from a single piece of high-strength aerospace-grade aluminum, this scope is robust enough to withstand up to 1000G of recoil and impact.
- ✔【Reliable Performance】The O-ring sealed and nitrogen-purged design ensures dependable waterproof and fog-proof performance in all environments and temperature ranges.
The Ultimate Crossbow Scope Buying Guide
Choosing the right crossbow scope makes a huge difference. It helps you hit your target accurately. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
Good scopes have several important features. Look closely at these when you shop.
Magnification Power
Magnification tells you how much closer the target appears. Scopes usually show a range, like 3-9x. The first number is the lowest power, and the second is the highest. For most hunting, a variable zoom scope works well. This lets you zoom in for far shots or zoom out for closer ones.
Objective Lens Diameter
This is the size of the front lens, measured in millimeters (mm). A bigger number lets in more light. More light means a brighter picture, especially at dawn or dusk. Common sizes are 32mm or 40mm. Bigger scopes gather more light but are heavier.
Reticle Type
The reticle is the aiming pattern inside the scope. Simple crosshairs are basic. Many modern crossbow scopes use Mil-Dot or BDC (Ballistic Drop Compensator) reticles. BDC reticles have extra dots or lines below the center. These help you adjust for how far the arrow drops over long distances. Choose a reticle that matches how you shoot.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the safe distance your eye should be from the eyepiece. Crossbows have strong recoil. If your eye is too close, the scope can hit you. Good eye relief gives you a full picture without risking injury. Always check the recommended eye relief.
Important Materials and Durability
The materials used decide how long your scope lasts. You want something tough.
- Housing Material: Most quality scopes use aircraft-grade aluminum. This material is strong but light. It handles bumps and drops well.
- Lens Coatings: Lenses should have special coatings. These coatings reduce glare and increase light transmission. Fully multi-coated lenses offer the best clarity.
- Waterproofing and Fog-proofing: Good scopes are sealed against water and internal fogging. Nitrogen purging keeps moisture out. This is crucial if you hunt in wet or cold weather.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality varies a lot between different scopes. Pay attention to these details.
Factors Improving Quality
High-quality scopes use precision-ground glass. This glass provides a very clear, distortion-free image. Scopes with precise, repeatable turrets (the adjustment knobs) hold their zero better. Holding zero means the scope stays sighted in after heavy use.
Factors Reducing Quality
Cheap plastic parts break easily. Scopes with plastic turrets often lose their sight settings quickly. If the internal adjustments feel mushy or vague, the scope’s internal mechanics are likely poor. Poor lens coatings result in a dim or hazy image, especially when the sun is low.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the scope affects your best choice.
Hunting Scopes
For hunting, you need speed and clarity in low light. A wide field of view is helpful for tracking moving game. Many hunters prefer illuminated reticles. Illumination makes the crosshairs visible against dark targets.
Target Shooting Scopes
Target shooters often use higher magnification for extreme precision at long ranges. They need very fine reticles and excellent turret adjustments for making tiny corrections.
Ease of Use
The scope must be easy to mount and sight in. If the adjustment knobs are hard to turn or read, the user experience suffers greatly. Test the focus adjustment to ensure it is smooth and responsive.
Crossbow Scope Buying Guide FAQ
Q: What is the best magnification for general crossbow hunting?
A: A variable scope ranging from 3-9x or 1-5x is perfect for most hunting situations. This range covers close-range shots and medium-long distances well.
Q: Do I need an illuminated reticle?
A: Illumination is very helpful if you hunt in low-light conditions, like early morning or late evening. It makes aiming much easier when the background is dark.
Q: How do I mount a crossbow scope correctly?
A: You must use the correct scope rings or mounts designed for your crossbow’s rail system. Ensure the rings are tightened securely to prevent movement, but do not overtighten and damage the scope body.
Q: What does “eye relief” mean, and why is it important?
A: Eye relief is the safe space between your eye and the scope’s eyepiece. It is important because powerful crossbows kick back hard, and you need enough distance to avoid getting hit in the brow.
Q: Are expensive scopes always better?
A: Generally, more expensive scopes use better glass and more precise mechanical parts. However, mid-range scopes often offer excellent value and performance for the average hunter.
Q: What is the purpose of a BDC reticle?
A: A BDC reticle helps you aim higher or lower without touching the turret knobs. The markings account for the arrow’s arc as it travels farther away.
Q: Should I worry about the scope’s weight?
A: Yes, a very heavy scope can affect the balance and handling of your crossbow. Look for a balance between durability (which adds weight) and comfortable carrying weight.
Q: How often should I re-sight my crossbow scope?
A: You should check your scope’s zero at the start of every season. If you drop the crossbow or change the scope rings, you must check and adjust the zero immediately.
Q: Can I use a rifle scope on my crossbow?
A: You can sometimes use a low-power rifle scope, but crossbows shoot slower than most rifles. You must ensure the scope has enough eye relief and that the reticle is calibrated for crossbow speeds, or it will be inaccurate.
Q: What is the main difference between scope glass quality?
A: Higher quality glass provides better clarity across the entire viewing area and transmits more light, making the image brighter and sharper, especially near the edges.