Best AR 15 Scopes

Finding the best AR 15 scope in 2018 can be a challenge.

With so many AR 1`5 optics on the market, how do you choose …

With rigorous testing and actual field study of hundreds of scopes, we have narrowed down the list for those of you looking to get the best AR 15 scope for the money!

Narrowing the list wasn’t easy, as there is a big range of the best ar scopes to choose from, but we were able to come up with a great Top 10 list.

Top 10 Best AR-15 Scopes​

  1. Nikon P-223 3×32 BDC Carbine
  2. Aimpoint Pro 30mm
  3. Burris Fastfire III 3 MOA
  4. Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 2 1-6×24
  5. Trijicon 1×25 MRO 2.0
  6. EOTech 512-A65 Tactical
  7. Barska 1-4×28 IR
  8. Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-223
  9. Bushnell Trophy TRS25 1×25
  10. Vortex Viper PST 1 4×24

Technology has brought the cost of AR 15 optics down substantially so you no longer have to buy an extreme tactical military AR 15 scope which would set you back thousands of dollars.

In fact, you can now find the best AR 15 scopes under $400 or $200 now.  Sometimes less. The idea though is that you find the best AR 15 scope for the money. Where can you find the best bang for your buck?

For a few hundred dollars you can get a solid AR 15 optic that not only looks great on your AR but it will help your shooting performance.

We have put this post together so that you can find the best AR 15 optic without having to break the bank.

Best AR-15 Optics in 2018 – Top 10

These scopes won’t be for everyone and there are others that didn’t make the list, but very well could have. With so many different types of AR optics, from reflex / red dot sights to holographic sights, to heads up and tube styles, it was difficult to narrow it down to the Top 10 best when reaching into each category.

The AR optics below we feel are the best that you can get today. In the future, we will narrow down the Top AR optics in each category, but for now, enjoy our Top 10 best AR-15 Optics in 2017!

Why didn’t I include the Trijicon ACOG 4×32, or the Leupold Mark 5 HAMR in my Top 10 list of best AR 15 rifle scopes?


I’ve had some people ask me why these two AR optics didn’t get on the list for best AR15 optics. After reviewing them, here’s why.

  • These AR15 optics are very expensive.
  • Honestly, they don’t really deliver any better experience compared to the less expensive AR15 scopes on the market.
  • There are some extra features added on that aren’t necessary unless you’re in the military or heavy tactical usage (ie. military-grade materials).

So, in simple words, you are paying for unnecessary features that drive up the price. Some of you may not mind the extra features and don’t mind the higher price tag, but for most, we want to find the best AR15 scope for the money.

For now, these rifle optics are a little expensive, especially if you are just looking for something to get the job done or are on a budget.

However, we believe that these rifle scopes are ok if you are the type of person who is not on a budget and wants the extra features as these scopes and other high-tier AR scopes are definitely high quality.


Quick Overview About the AR-15

The AR 15 has become one of America’s favorite rifles – and for good reason!

The AR 15 was first designed for military and tactical applications however now there are models built for sport shooting, hunting, and plinking.

This is the reason that the best AR 15 optics need to be matched to its intended use.

For example, you wouldn’t use the BSA Sweet 17 for competition sport shooting. The AR 15 scope has become mainstream with a ton of different quality optics offering different features depending on what you are looking for. Some of our favorite brands of AR 15 scopes are Vortex, Nikon, Bushnell, Aimpoint and EOTech.

Many people don’t know that AR-15 was originally developed by Armalite, so it stands for Armalite Rifle. However Armalite ran into financial issues and sold its design to Colt and after making its own modifications, Colt started selling the rifle as the M-16, then later the Colt AR-15.

The AR-15 is sold under many different names and under various manufactures. The AR-15 is used by the military, law enforcement, and civilians because of the accuracy, affordability, and modular design of the rifle.

There are some differences between what you as a civilian can get compared to what the military or law enforcement use. Most notably, the semi-automatic AR-15 that you can buy compared to the fully automatic M-16, will have different trigger mechanisms, slightly different designs, and some internal modifications so that the civilian model cannot be converted into a fully automatic weapon.


Considerations to Choosing the Best AR-15 Scope

Choosing the best AR 15 scope requires you to be honest with yourself. You need to decide what the purpose of the AR optic is?

Will you be shooting varmint at 50 yards?

Will you be sport shooting and need to reach out to 200 yards? 500 yards?

Are you taking your AR-15 out hiking for 5 days in the bush?

Are you trying to find the best AR-15 scope for coyote hunting?

AR15 optics specs may say that it is good for all of the above but that is rarely the case.

AR 15 scopes are built for different purposes so make sure do check out the best AR 15 tactical scopes reviews and do some research!

A general rule of thumb for purchasing AR 15 optics is that the more expensive it is, typically the better the optic you will get. This is not unlike basically everything else in life.

With that being said, there are definitely solid brands and models of AR 15 scopes that provide better value. As with other rifle scopes, the larger the objective lens the more light the scope will allow in and provide you with a clearer image especially in low light conditions.

Keep in mind that the physical size and weight of the AR rifle scope also goes up so it is a constant trade-off. If you are looking for a variable magnification AR 15 scope, the lower the bottom end of the magnification range means the bigger field of view you will get and the easier it will be to acquire your target.

Buying the best AR-15 optic also requires you to decide if you want a standard variable or fixed magnification scope or whether you want a budget AR red dot sight.

Both have their pros and cons and in fact, many people will choose to own at least one of each. A red dot sight (sometimes called green dot) is built for short and medium-range shooting as they are generally not magnified or are only magnified slightly.

These AR riflescopes are easy to set up and allow for fast target acquisition as the dot appears on the intended target.

Generally speaking, if you are looking for the best AR 15 scope for the money and want variable magnification, we would recommend something on the lower end of the magnification scale.

In fact, you can get a good AR15 scope that features a 1-4x or 1-6x magnification range. This provides versatility as you will get good target acquisition at close range while still being able to shoot out to 500+ yards.

Check out our guide for choosing the best scope as it provides some good general information about purchasing a rifle scope.

Must-Have Features for AR 15 Optics

When you are looking for the best AR 15 optics, there are certain features you need to look for:

  • Choose an AR15 optic produced by a well-known brand
  • Choose an AR15 optic that is durable, compact, and lightweight
  • Choose an AR red dot optic or a holographic sight for your AR15 scope

Best Brands for AR 15 optics

When it comes to rifle scope manufacturers and brands, there are a lot to sift through. For your AR-15 optic, regardless of whether you choose a reflex sight, a red dot scope, or a holographic sight, it should be made from high-quality materials and feature quality construction.

Not all of the best AR scopes brands are created equal. It is best to choose an optic produced by a well-known brand with a good and established reputation for producing high-quality ar 15 optics.

Stick with proven brands such as:

These brands are proven brands that make great AR 15 optics. I’m sure there are some others that I failed to mention, but the brands above you cannot go wrong when choosing your next AR-15 scope.

Have you heard the saying, “you get what you pay for?” This applies to AR15 scopes as well and only the best brands will be able to provide this kind of high quality.

However, this does not mean that you have to spend $500 or even $1,000 in order to obtain a high-quality AR 15 rifle scope, especially if you are looking for the best AR 15 optics for the money!

It simply means that you need to determine what level of performance you will require out of your scope depending on the use that you intend to put it. Then you choose the appropriate price range depending on those requirements.

Choose AR 15 Optics That Are Durable, Compact, and Lightweight

AR-15 rifles are specifically designed to be compact and lightweight. Because of this, it only makes sense to choose an optic that is also compact and lightweight as well.

But durability is also something that you need to make sure that your AR15 rifle scope has. AR 15 optics are designed for defensive/tactical use and must be both rugged and durable so that they can withstand not only minor impacts but the major impacts of use as well.

The recoil is also something to consider that is generated by rapid and/or repeated firing of the AR-15 and still and still maintains its zero. This is the main reason why the scope needs to be made of high-quality materials and feature high-quality construction.

The Right Type of AR 15 Scope or Sight​

When choosing a AR 15 rifle scope for defensive/tactical or for close-range hunting, the ability to acquire the target quickly is extremely important.

Because of this, both red dot sights and holographic sights are often the optic of choice for the AR-15.

However, when shooting at longer ranges, finding your target quickly isn’t as important so AR 15 optics with minimal to moderate magnification are often the best choice here.

In either case, you want to be able to see your target clearly at various distances and in varying light and atmospheric conditions so looking at optic specifications such as the magnification power, the size of the objective lens, the size of the exit pupil, the size of the tube diameter, the amount of eye relief the type and number of coatings on the lenses, and the type of reticle all affect the quality of the sight picture.

In the end, whichever AR 15 scope sight you decide to choose if you intend to use it in bad weather, be sure that it is also both waterproof and fog proof.

The only negative thing with getting an electronic sight is that is will always require some sort of power source, so the life of the power source (usually a battery) is a concern here.


Various Types of AR 15 Optics

I want to break down the various different types of sights you can get for an AR-15. As mentioned above some of the various types of AR-15 optics we recommend are:

  • Reflex Sights (Red Dot Sights)
  • Holographic Sights

Reflex / Red-Dot Sights Breakdown

So what is a reflex sight or red dot sight? First of all, it should be noted that red dot sights do not employ a laser. What this means is that there is no significant amount of light that is emitted forward of the shooter.

Most red dot sights fall into this category due to the fact that they consist of an objective lens with a partial mirror coating which is used to project the reticle from a point behind the objective lens which is then reflected off the back of the objective lends toward the shooter’s eye.

Also, some AR red dot sights make use of the ambient light which is gathered by a fiber-optic system, while others are supplemented by a tritium beta lamp unit for use in low light conditions.

So what it comes down to is the red dot sight requires a wider bandwidth of light in order to project the reticle onto the objective lens. This alters the color of light passing through the lens coating but more than those that employ an LED to generate the reticle (known as illuminated scopes).

Red dot sights are generally available in a couple of different styles:

  1. Heads Up style – incorporates only one lens mounted in a bezel with the source of the reticle contained in a small box positioned behind and below the lens resulting in different appearances from the tube-type reflex sights. The heads-up style sight can usually be mounted lower on the firearm than tube-type reflex sights.
  2. Tube-Body style – This style of red dot sight incorporates a tube with a lens positioned at each end so it looks like a normal rifle scope.

Many shooters prefer the heads-up style red dot sights for AR because they are more compact and lightweight than the tube-body style. Heads up red dot sights also usually have a wider field of view than tube-body red dot scopes.

Another benefit to red dot sights for your AR is that they offer extremely fast target acquisition and are very practical for hunting and target shooting. The reason why is because they allow the shooter to maintain a field of view (FOV).

Note: You won’t be able to shoot as accurately as you would be able to with a high-power magnification AR rifle scope, but you will be able to shoot much faster, so it’s a give and take.

Best Red Dot Sights for AR 15

Scope

Model

Specs

$

Rating

1 x 25 mm

$

1 x 25 mm

$$$

1 x 30 mm

$$

Holographic Sights Breakdown

The only manufacturer with a holographic weapon sight (HWS) is a company called Electric-Optic Technologies or EOTech. They sometimes are marketed under the Bushnell brand as well.

Holographic sights have a reticle that is superimposed on the target using a laser that illuminates a hologram that is contained within the objective lens (not projected onto it).

Due to this, there is no need for a reflective coating on the objective lens. Instead, a photograph of the reticle is taken which is then sandwiched between two layers of optical glass and illuminated by a laser mounted behind the objective lens.

Then the picture is projected forward away from the shooter which creates a reticle image that is meant to appear at a virtual 50 yards in front of the shooter.

All holographic sights use the heads-up style which many shooters prefer anyways due to is compact size and lightweight.

In addition, because the reticle is a virtual hologram, it can be any size or shape. ​EOTech has incorporated a 1 MOA dot (smallest in the industry) combined with a 68 MOA circle which not only provides extremely quick target acquisition, but it also provides greater precision at longer ranges than the 2 MOA or 4 MOA dotes used on reflex sights.

What this means is at 200 yards the 1 MOA dot only occludes 2 inches of the target whereas, the 2 MOA and 4 MOA dots occlude 4 to 8 inches of the target respectively.

When holographic sights are combined with a special 3x magnifier, only the target is enlarged while the dot remains the same size. But when a magnifier is added to a reflex sight, both the target and the dot are enlarged.​

Best Holographic Sights For AR 15

Scope

Model

Specs

$

Rating

Holographic

$$$

Holographic

$$$$

Best AR 15 Scopes Reviews 2018

1. Nikon P-223 3×32 Matte BDC Carbine AR 15 Scope – Best AR 15 Scope in 2018

Nikon, another top manufacturer of quality optics including high quality AR-15 scopes, has out done themselves with the P-223 3×32 BDC Carbine.

Now some of you may be wondering why you would want to purchase a fixed magnification scope.

It is actually one of the rare times that I would suggest the average user may actually benefit from a fixed magnification AR 15 scope.

If you compare 2 scopes side by side; fixed magnification and a variable magnification at the same price. The fixed magnification scope will almost always be higher quality that its variable counterpart. The reason is that it takes more moving parts, more technology, and more effort to build a variable mag scope.

Now if you are looking for a long-range hunting scope then of course you should get one with high-powered magnification. However, if you are just looking to shoot a few hundred yards (up to 500 yards) then a fixed 3x scope will be just fine.

The Nikon P-223 BDC Carbine AR 15 scope has a generous eye relief and tactical style zero-reset targets that get you zeroed in quickly. Make sure to get some high-quality scope rings, especially if you are using high-powered and heavy recoil cartridges.

The P-223 is built specifically for the AR platform and the .223 cartridge which means that you are getting a custom-made rifle scope for your AR15. All things considered, one of the best AR15 optics on the market.

Testing this optic out on my AR 15 was awesome! I went to a small local range and sighted it in at 25 yards within a couple of rounds. And once I did that I was able to hit targets pretty accurately up to 300 yards!

I would recommend sighting the scope in at 100 yards as this is what it’s designed for. It really shines between 50 to 100 yards, but can still do the job at 20 yards or 250 yards.

​I actually found it easier than I thought it would be for quick target acquisition (usually slower when using a rifle scope versus AR red dot sights). I was able to shoot with both eyes open and spot the next target pretty quickly.

I put a couple of hundred rounds through it over a weekend and was really happy as it held zero as it should!

One of the first things I noticed was its clarity. You will see a difference when shooting with the P-223 compared to cheaper AR 15 scopes​.

The P-223 Ar-15 scope is slightly on the large side. It’s about 2/3s of a hunting scope, so keep that in mind when mounting to your Ar-15.

Overall, one of the best ar scopes on the market. So great that it made #1 on this list in my opinion for the fact that you can shoot very accurately at close range or long-range! The versatility of the scope is great and it is extremely easy to sight in and holds zero as it should.

It is ​also a very durable and strong scope which is a must for tactical use on your AR-15.

In short, the price just can’t be beaten. The P-223 AR scope is truly the best Ar-15 optic for the money. I highly recommend purchasing this scope for your AR-15.

Pros

  • Nikon Lifetime Warranty
  • Great light transmission.
  • Very clear glass with great clarity. No distortion near the edges.
  • Great field of view.

Cons

  • A little large for tactical use.

Specifications

Magnification: 3x

Objective Lens: 32mm​

WaterProof and Fogproof


Bushnell AR Optics Drop Zone-223 Reticle AR 15 Scope Review

Alright we’ve all heard about Bushnell, right? If not, you probably have not done enough research about finding the best AR 15 scope because they are an industry leader across the entire scope industry.

If you aren’t familiar with the brand don’t worry. We have a complete guide to choosing the best scope and in the article, you will find a fairly comprehensive list of the top rifle scope brands.

Bushnell is a great brand and an even better manufacturer of high-quality hunting and shooting gear. They produce top riflescopes that will fit your budget and your shooting requirements.

The Bushnell AR Optics Drop Zone-223 is a solid optic that has outstanding close-quarters accuracy with the drop zone 223 BDC reticle for mid to long-range accuracy.

What the optic allows is very accurate shooting within 50 yards with the ability to step out to 500+ yards.

Quite outstanding for an AR 15 optic at this price. This Bushnell AR 15 scope has fully multi-coated optics for brightness and durability.

The scope features a 1-4x magnification range and a 24mm objective lens which is perfect for an ar 15 as it allows you the flexibility with being able to magnify your target but isn’t bulky and heavy.

The Bushnell AR Drop Zone-223 features target turrets for precise adjustments combined with a fast-focus eyepiece for maximum accuracy and reliability. The ar 15 scope is durable as it is built out of aluminum alloy, anodize-finished, and sealed to protect the inside from abuse and the elements. This model has great eye relief so you won’t be concerned with scoping yourself!


I know what you are thinking. Why purchase a Barska when you can get the Nikon P-223 or the Bushnell AR Drop Zone-223 for a few dollars more?

In some cases, I agree, but this little illuminated reticle (green, red, black) is actually a great option for your AR platform. Featuring a 1-4x zoom and a 28mm objective lens, the Barska 1-4×28 IR rifle optic is one of the best tactical AR 15 scopes.

What the illuminated reticle is great for is when you are shooting in low light, or even dark, conditions looking to maintain accuracy. All you need is a little 3v battery and you are good to go!

The Barska Illuminated Reticle AR 15 scope mounts easily on a picatanny rail and you should have no trouble zeroing it in. This is by no means a high-end AR 15 scope and at just over $100, it is a bargain. A solid AR 15 optic for the money.


Bushnell AR 93940 AR Optics 3 – 9 x 40mm AR-15 Optic Review

Bushnell makes some of the best AR 15 optics and within their AR 15 scope category there are 6 different configurations to equip any AR platform, from a .22 rimfire to long-range 223/5.56 firearms.

They each have fully, multi-coated optics for excellent brightness and their Drop Zone-223 ballistic reticle has aiming points out to 500 yards. Bushnell AR 15 scopes are built for max accuracy and reliability for every tactical scenario.

The particular AR 15 scope that we are talking about here is the Bushnell AR Scope 3-9x40mm which is slightly larger than the Bushnell 1-4x24mm AR reviewed above but it gives you the added flexibility for longer range shooting and ultimate accuracy.

Remember however, the larger the scope the heavier and bulkier it will be. We are not saying that the AR 3-9x40mm is “bulky” however relatively speaking it is larger than its counterpart. If you are looking for extreme accuracy and long-range capabilities and don’t mind the added weight, this Bushnell AR scope is for you.

I would recommend this scope to anyone that is shooting off benches or anyone that isn’t planning on packing this thing through the bush.


Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 Rifle Scope AR-BDC Reticle – AR 15 Scope Review

Wow! Vortex is hands down (in my opinion) the top optic manufacturer out there.

In fact, Vortex makes the BEST AR-15 optics for the money. I’m not saying it’s cheap, but it’s worth every damn penny they charge for it!

The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm rifle optic is built for those of you that are experienced and wanting to purchase a top of the line scope for your AR platform. The magnification range is precise.

The 1x is built for speed and versatility and is perfect for those of you that need to focus on targets at point-blank all the way to those extended ranges that 6x magnification can offer. Whether you are using Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm for target shooting at the range or perhaps varmint hunting, this scope will not let you down.

 

The Vortex optics are fully multi-coated which increases light transmission, excellent for those of you planning on shooting at dusk or dawn.

Another great aspect of the Strike Eagle is that it is illuminated, providing precise accuracy and aiming under those low-light conditions.

Don’t worry though, the Strike Eagle Rifle Scope AR-BDC Reticle will perform just fine without illumination. Tube size in this guy is a 30mm diameter and it is built out of aircraft-grade aluminum for a rugged and durable AR scope.

This Vortex optic is shockproof, fog proof, waterproof, and basically any other ‘proof that you want to throw at it. It has a fast-focus eyepiece which allows for quick and easy reticle focusing.


Yes, I know UTG isn’t a brand that you would consider making the “Best AR 15 Scope” and…..it’s not.

With that being said, for the price, the UTG 3-9x32mm BugBuster is actually a pretty good scope for the money.

At under $100, it is almost hard to go wrong with this scope for your AR 15 if you are under a tight budget. If you have the money or the time to save, I would recommend getting (or saving up for) something better like the other scopes above or some of the Red Dot optics or Holographic scopes.


Final Thoughts – The Best AR 15 Optics

Finding the best AR 15 scope is a bit of a process. You have to understand and research different AR 15 optics to understand their construction and what their intended use is.

The AR platform is one of the most popular in the United States and isn’t just available to the military and the police anymore.

In our opinion, the Best AR 15 optic is either the Nikon P-223 or the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm AR rifle scope. Its durability and construction lead it to be one of the most rugged AR-15 scopes in 2017 and it does not sacrifice precision and versatility.

Thanks for looking at the best ar scopes with us! You really can’t go wrong with any of the ar scopes listed in this post.

Stay safe and happy shooting!

Best Night Vision Scope

Have you ever wanted a night vision scope?

Most do … but how can you find a high-quality one on the market for the money?

It’s pretty difficult, but we’ve tested and reviewed several different night vision scopes and narrowed it down to what we think are truly the best night optics.

Top 4 Best Night Vision Scopes

  1. Armasight Vampire 3x42mm
  2. Sightmark Photon 4-6x42mm
  3. Yukon NVRS Titanium 1.5x42mm
  4. ATN X-Sight-4k Pro Edition

I’ve spent a lot of time researching and testing a lot of different optics to use at night taking a lot of things into consideration such as cost, quality, clarity, glass, brand, etc.

See below the exact models and their prices and rating out of 5 stars.

Quick Navigation

Best Night Vision Scopes in 2017

Night Vision Scopes Quick Overview

Night vision rifle scopes, often called starlight scopes, were originally designed for tactical military use only in the 1930’s however technology has improved greatly which means that these rifle scopes are now generally available to the general public for shooting and hunting.

Night vision scopes have evolved over the years and they now fit into different “generations” which can be confusing when choosing your night vision scope however I hope this guide clears things up for you.

We’ve taken the opportunity to provide you with information about night vision scopes and update you on the best night vision optics in 2017!

You will find substantially different prices whether you are looking at Gen I, Gen II, and Gen III.

For example, a top-of-the-line Gen III with IR and all the bells and whistles can cost you $10,000!

However, you can purchase a good Gen I night vision rifle scope for less than $400 which will allow making 100 yards kill shots in the dark.

This has to do with simple economics and economies of scale however the advancement in technology has brought the price down substantially.

Probably the first thing that you will notice about night vision scopes are that they tend to be much more expensive than your traditional hunting rifle scope!

A lot of guys mount night vision scopes on their AR 15 or other tactical rifles for varmint hunting, especially when hunting those pesky hogs.

Another popular use for night vision scopes are for crossbow hunting. Night vision won’t scare predators like a traditional LED flashlight.

Others mount their night vision scopes on larger caliber rifles such as the .308 Winchester or 30-06 Springfield depending on the quality of the scopes.

Some of the cheaper Gen I night vision scopes I would suggest wouldn’t hold up to the recoil on those firearms and would be more suitable for a .223.

Note that you will want to check the regulations in the country that you live in. I know that in Germany you are not allowed to mount a night vision scope on a rifle.

Currently, in most states in the US, there are no such regulations however regulations are subject to change so be careful! I have heard that California state laws are more strict than most states.

Considerations for Night Vision Scopes

You need to first decide what the purpose of your night vision scope will be at the beginning when researching and reviewing starlight scopes and be honest with yourself.

If you want a good night vision scope for varmint hunting or target shooting with you AR 15 and don’t expect to make shots over 100 yards, then a Gen 1 might be sufficient.

If you want to reach out for longer shots with your .308, you might have to look into Gen 2 or Gen 3 night vision scopes, however, the money that you will have to dish out will be a heck of a lot more.

Now I know I have already touched on the price of night vision scopes, however, if your budget is the main concern and you are limited to what you can spend, then that should be your starting point.

If you can only spend $500, then you are most likely limited to a Gen 1 night vision scope if you are purchasing it new.

Ask around, some of the guys you shoot with may be willing to sell you a used night vision scope for half the cost. If your budget is under $5000, then you can expect to get a really good gen 3-night vision scope that will be more versatile than a gen 1 or gen 2.

Gen 1 Night Vision Scopes

Generation 1 night vision was basically the first technology that was developed for shooting in dark conditions.

It was developed from Gen 0 technology however for the purpose of explaining the different generations, I am going to start at Gen 1. These night vision rifle scopes rely on ambient light as opposed to infrared (IR) light sources. These scopes produce a light amplification of around 1000x however they rely on moonlight to function.

Gen 1 rifle scopes tend to be bulkier as compared to Gen 2 or Gen 3. The upside, they will definitely be cheaper than further generation night vision scopes.

Gen 2 Night Vision Scopes

Generation 2 night vision hunting scopes are a step up from the technology that was developed in Gen 1.

These devices feature an improved image intensifier resulting in a much brighter image along with improved image quality and reliability.

Light amplification is around 20,000x. Gen 2 went further with Gen 2+ technology which feature better optics and improved resolution.

Gen 3 Night Vision Scopes

Generation 3 night vision maintains some of the same technology as Gen 2 such as the micro-channel plate (MCP) but now uses a photocathode which helps to further improve image resolution and light amplification improves to 30,000x to 50,000x.

Gen III went further and developed into Gen 3+ for Gen III Omni IV-VII. Consumer classification calls the Gen III+ the Gen 4.

Best Night Vision Scopes Reviewed

Sightmark Photon XT 4.6x42S Digital Night Vision Riflescope Reviewed

The Sightmark Photon XT is one of the best digital night vision scopes for the money. It is designed for medium-range shots (under 150 yards) and is extremely versatile. Sightmark states that it is 33% more efficient with battery usage and also 30% lighter compared to other digital night vision scopes. This scope offers Gen III quality optics and clarity for less than most Gen I riflescopes with its infrared technology. It comes with 6 different reticles, 3 different reticle colors, contrast adjustment, and an infrared adjustment.

If you haven’t used a night vision scope before you will notice that they are bulky. If you are using the Sightmark Photon 4.6x42mm on a heavy rifle you will definitely notice the added size and weight of this scope. You will probably want to buy a set of quality 30mm scope rings unless you have a spare set around. I would suggest that you purchase a set of detachable scope rings so that you can use your rifle with multiple scopes. It uses AA batteries – think about using a good set of rechargeable batteries.

This night vision rifle scope consistently outranks others and is one of the best night vision scopes for under $500.

Specifications:

Magnification: 4.6x
Objective Lens: 42mm


Yukon NVRS Titanium 1.5×42 Night Vision Rifle Scope Reviewed

The NVRS Mini Varmint Hunter 1.5x42mm uses enhanced multi-coated optics, a durable titanium body, and has a sleek ergonomic design that provides additional comfort during shooting. It has a built-in powerful Pulse infrared illuminator which can easily be activated to enhance the brightness and increase range in total darkness.

Yukon’s NVRS 1.5x42mm uses Gen 1 technology so don’t expect to be able to see too far out past 100 yards or so. With that in mind, this scope was built for hunting varmint so 100 yards is typically plenty. This night vision rifle scopes will work well on your varmint rifle such as a 17 HMR and also can fit on a crossbow. It can also be used in the day which provides added versatility.

Specifications:

Magnification: 1.5x
Objective Lens: 42mm


Armasight Zeus 160 4-8×42 Night Vision Scope Reviewed

The Armasight Zeus 4-8x42mm is a tactical night vision scope used by law enforcement and the military because it can be used in daylight or darkness, and cuts through dust, smoke, and other obstacles that may be in your way. This high-performance thermal imaging camera has a multiple hunting scenarios function which it makes it the perfect varmint hunting scope for night conditions.

If you are serious about shooting in darkness and have the budget, then the Armasight Zeus 4-8x42mm may be a good fit for the price. If you are just looking for a good night vision scope and price is important, then this scope is probably overkill. It uses thermal technology as opposed to standard night vision which makes it undetectable.

Specifications:

Magnification: 4-8x
Objective Lens: 42mm

Armasight Vampire 3X Night Vision Rifle Scope Reviewed

The Armsight Vampire 3x Night Vision rifle scope uses Gen 1 technology however has made some adjustments to it so it operates with similar features to Gen 2 and Gen 3. It is built with their CORE (Ceramic Optical Ruggedized Engine) technology which basically functions to double the clarity and brightness of the Gen I technology. I would say that this scope lies somewhere between gen 1 and gen 2 and is a good scope for under $1000 if you are looking for a high-quality night vision scope.

With this rifle scope, you should be able to reach out to 200 yards, depending on how well your rifle is sighted in and the dark conditions. It basically will allow you to shoot double the length of other gen 1 night vision scopes.

Specifications:

Magnification: 3x
Objective Lens: 42mm

Final Thoughts – Best Night Vision Scopes

There is no doubt about it – for a quality night vision scope you will have to spend more money as compared to a traditional rimfire rifle scope.

There is so much more technology built into it that allows you to see in complete darkness. These riflescopes were built for tactical applications such as law force and for the military and are only recently being offered at the general consumer price range.

The best night vision scope for the money is the Armsight Vampire 3x night vision because it uses a hybrid of gen 2 and gen 3 technology however still considered gen 1.

If you are looking for a good night vision scope for varmint hunting or for your crossbow, get the Armasight Vampire. With a solid warranty, you won’t be disappointed.

10 Best Field Strip M&P Shield Reviews

Disclaimer: We are using Amazon affiliate Product Advertising API to fetch products from amazon, include: price, content, image, logo, brand, the feature of products that are trademarks of Amazon.com. So, when you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read more.

Top 10 Best Products

Below is a list of top 10 best Field Strip M&P Shield Reviews.

 

Bastion Laser engraved

BASTION Laser Engraved Rear Cover Slide Back Plate for Smith & Wesson M&P 9/40 Shield SUBCOMPACT ONLY
$16.99  in stock
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Recover Tactical SHR9

Recover Tactical SHR9 Compatible with The Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm and SW40 Picatinny Rail– Easy Installation, No Modifications Required to Your Firearm, no Need for a Gunsmith
$29.95  in stock
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Free shipping

CYA Supply Co

CYA Supply Co. Fits S&W M&P 9/40 Shield M2.0 Inside Waistband Holster Concealed Carry IWB Veteran Owned Company (Black, 053- S&W M&P 9/40 Shield M2.0)
$$39.74 in stock
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Free shipping

Crimson Trace Lightguard

Crimson Trace Tactical Weapon Mount Flashlight for Smith & Wesson M&P Shield and M&P Shield 2.0, 100 Lumen LED White Light Tactical LTG-770 Lightguard
$64.49  in stock
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Free shipping

AmeriGlo Tritium I-Dot Green with Orange Outline
AmeriGlo Tritium I-Dot Green with Orange Outline Sight Set, Smith and Wesson, M and P Shield
$74.13 in stock
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LaserMax CenterFire Laser
LaserMax CenterFire Laser (Red) CF-SHIELD-45 For Use With Smith & Wesson 45 Shield
$89.99 in stock
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Free shipping

LaserMax Centerfire Laser RED Sight For Shield
LaserMax CenterFire Laser (Red) CF-SHIELD For Use With Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, Multi, One Size
$89.52 in stock
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ArmaLaser TR28 Designed to fit S&W M&P 380 Shield EZ, M&P 22 Compact and M&P 9 EZ Ultra Bright Red Laser Sight Grip Activation Smith and Wesson

ArmaLaser Designed to fit Smith & Wesson S&W Shield TR4 Super-Bright Red Laser Sight with Grip Activation
$98.75 in stock
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Crimson Trace LG-489 Laserguards

Crimson Trace LG-489 Laserguards with Red Laser, Heavy Duty Construction and Instinctive Activation for Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Pistols, Defensive Shooting and Competition
$183.53 in stock
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Features of Field Strip M&P Shield Products

Below, we have listed the features of the top 10 best Field Strip M&P Shield.

 

Bastion Laser engraved

BASTION Laser Engraved Rear Cover Slide Back Plate for Smith & Wesson M&P; 9/40 Shield SUBCOMPACT ONLY – Superman
$16.99 in stock
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Features

  • Compatibility: M&P9; Shield M2.0 Subcompact; M&P40; Shield M2.0
  • Subcompact; Performance Center M&P9; Shield M2.0 Subcompact,
  • Performance Center M&P40; Shield M2.0 Subcompact, Performance Center
  • M&P9; Shield Subcompact, Performance Center M&P40; Shield
  • Subcompact, M&P9; Shield Subcompact, M&P40; Shield Subcompact.
  • NOT COMPATIBLE with M&P; full size/compact
  • Hard coat anodized T6 machined aluminum
  • Lasered artwork won’t rub off; not painted
  • NOT COMPATIBLE with M&P380; Shield nor M&P45; Shield.

LaserMax CenterFire Laser (Red) CF-SHIELD

LaserMax CenterFire Laser (Red) CF-SHIELD For Use With Smith & Wesson M&P; Shield, Multi, One Size
$89.52 in stock
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Features

  • Tough reinforced nylon design offers superior integration with firearm frame
  • Easily programmable for steady or high-vis pulsed beam
  • 10-minute automatic time-out prevents inadvertent battery drain
  • Fully adjustable for windage and elevation
  • 1/3 N Lithium Battery required; Class IIIa Laser Product

 

Crimson Trace LG-489 Laserguards

Crimson Trace LG-489 Laserguards with Red Laser, Heavy Duty Construction and Instinctive Activation for Smith & Wesson M&P; Shield Pistols, Defensive Shooting, and Competition
$183.53  in stock
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Features

  • BRIGHTNESS: Features a 5mW peak, 620-670nm, Class 3R visible red laser that is in conformance with and complies with 21 CFR 1040.10 with a max power output of 5mW for a Class 3R Red Laser – the brightest beam allowed by law
  • RUNTIME: 4 hours of battery life that runs on (1) 1/3N battery (included)
  • EASE OF USE: Front activation button engages the laser immediately when the firearm is held in a normal firing grip – user-installed – no gunsmithing required
  • RELIABLE: Factory sighted at 50 feet, but is fully user-adjustable for
  • Windage and Elevation with a provided tool
  • FITS: Smith & Wesson M&P; Shield and M&P; Shield M2.0 9MM and .40 S&W; (does not fit models with an integrated laser)

CYA Supply Co

CYA Supply Co. Fits S&W; M&P; 9/40 Shield M2.0 Inside Waistband Holster Concealed Carry IWB Veteran Owned Company (Black, 053- S&W; M&P; 9/40 Shield M2.0)
$39.74 in stock
Free shipping
Buy Now

Features

  • Fits Only: Smith & Wesson M&P; 9mm/.40 S&W; Shield & Shield M2.0 – 3.1″
  • Barrel – No Light/Laser Attachments (Right Hand Draw Only)
  • IWB Holster – Inside The Waistband – Easily Adjustable Retention Pressure & Carry Angle (Cant) 0-15 Degrees
  • Precision molds from CAD milled in the house on our CNC. Made of .08″
  • Thickness Boltaron Material – Belt Clip 1.5″ wide – All Stainless Steel Black Powder Coat Hardware
  • Posi-Click’ Audible Retention Lock System – Sweat Guard covers full length of slide
  • Made in the USA – WE STAND BY OUR QUALITY: 100% Satisfaction Guarantee,
  • No questions asked return policy and Lifetime Warranty.

Barrel Inside Waistband Holster Concealed Carry

Barrel Inside Waistband Holster Concealed Carry
$39.95 in stock
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Features

  • Inside the waistband kydex holster fits: Smith & Wesson m&p 4.25″ (only unless specified)
  • Exclusive holster features
  • Adjustable ‘posi-click’ retention & cant
  • Claw compatible – eliminates printing

LaserMax CenterFire Laser (Red) CF-SHIELD

ArmaLaser Designed to fit Smith & Wesson S&W; Shield TR4 Super-Bright Red Laser Sight with Grip Activation
$98.75 in stock
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Features

  • Extremely bright Class 3R 635nm
  • Custom designed to fit Smith and Wesson Shield 9/40. WILL NOT FIT
  • SHIELD 45, 9 EZ, 380 EZ, or M&P; WITH RAILS.
  • Class 3R 635nm
  • Adjustable laser, battery door, master kill switch. Made from DuPont Zytel polymer pistol material.
  • Designed and assembled in Florida, USA. Patented. Ultra reliable electronics.
  • Simple installation. Class 3R Laser Product (Does not exceed Class IIIA emission limits)

Amberide IWB KYDEX Holster

Amberide IWB KYDEX Holster Fit: S&W; M&P; Shield & Shield M2.0-9/40-3.1″ Barrel | Inside Waistband | Adjustable Cant | US KYDEX Made (Black, Right Hand Draw (IWB))
$26.99 – $37.99 in stock
Buy Now
Free shipping

Features

  • CARRY WITH CONFIDENCE when you secure your pistol in our concealed carry gun holster. Only Fit: S&W; M&P; SHIELD 9/40 & SHIELD M2.0 – 3.1″
  • Barrel – No Light/Laser Attachments. This robust waistband holster safeguards your handgun while facilitating discreet, safe carry.
  • RUGGED .08” KYDEX is strong yet lightweight for comfortable, confident carry in any situation. Waterproof and washable, it features a sweat guard that covers the full length of the slide to help maintain your side arm in pristine condition.
  • CUSTOMIZE THE CANT of the 1.5” standard belt clip with a Phillips screwdriver for faster draw speeds and optimal concealment under clothing. The black powder-coated stainless steel hardware can be adjusted from 0 to 15 degrees without sacrificing full accessibility.
  • ADJUSTABLE RETENTION PRESSURE ensures a fast and smooth draw, customized to your needs. Adjustments can be made quickly so you can tighten the retention screw for your morning jog and loosen it later for regular carry.
  • LIFETIME WARRANTY pledge ensures your peace of mind when you choose this Amberide IWB Holster. If our product should ever cease to perform as promised, return it for replacement or a full refund of your purchase price.

Recover Tactical SHR9 Compatible with The Smith & Wesson

Recover Tactical SHR9 Compatible with The Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm and SW40 Picatinny Rail – Easy Installation, No Modifications Required to Your Firearm, no Need for a Gunsmith
$29.95 in stock
Buy Now
Free shipping

Features

  • Designed for the Smith & Wesson Shield
  • Won’t Damage your Firearm
  • Made Out Of Glass Reinforced Nylon
  • Goes on and off in under 3 minutes
  • Least expensive solution on the market and the only one that is 100% reversible without needing to modify your pistol

Crimson Trace LTG-770 Lightguard Tactical Weapon Mount Flashlight

Crimson Trace Tactical Weapon Mount Flashlight for Smith & Wesson M&P; Shield and M&P; Shield 2.0, 100 Lumen LED White Light Tactical LTG-770 Lightguard
$64.49 in stock
Buy Now
Free shipping

Features

  • LED WHITE LIGHT: Featuring a 100 Lumen LED tactical white light with broad beam for maximum versatility
  • INSTANT ACTIVATION: Ambidextrous Tap-On / Tap-Off Controls for immediate light activation from either side of the unit. Includes Constant-On & Momentary light modes
  • OVER ONE HOUR OF BATTERY LIFE: Powered by two 1/3N Battery (included)
  • FITS: Smith & Wesson M&P; Shield and M&P; Shield M2.0 in 9mm and .40 S&W.; Does NOT fit .45 ACP models. Does NOT fit models with factory-integrated laser sight.
  • EASY INSTALLATION & RAPID CHANGE BATTERY CAP: User installed- no gunsmithing required & no need to remove the light to change batteries

AmeriGlo Tritium I-Dot Green with Orange Outline

AmeriGlo Tritium I-Dot Green with Orange Outline Sight Set, Smith and Wesson, M and P Shield
$74.13 in stock
Buy Now

Features

  • AmeriGlo, Sights/Lasers/Lights

LaserMax CenterFire Laser
LaserMax CenterFire Laser (Red) CF-SHIELD-45 For Use With Smith & Wesson 45 Shield
$89.99 in stock
Buy Now
Free shipping

Features

  • Tough reinforced nylon design offers superior
  • Easily programmable for steady or high-vis pulsed beam
  • Controlled activation to promote firearms safety; Fully adjustable for windage and elevation
  • 10-minute automatic time-out prevents inadvertent battery drain
  • Ambidextrous TAP ON/TAP OFF switch reinforces safe firearm handling;
  • Class IIIa Laser Product

5 Best Hunting Trail Cameras

Let’s face it, as much as we’d love to, we simply can’t spend every waking minute of our lives in the woods hunting. There are plenty of instances where we’re lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, and we take that trophy animal or get an awesome story to share back at camp. But what about those times we aren’t in the woods at all, let alone the right place? For those scenarios, we need a little electronic help—a trail camera.

To increase your presence in your hunting area, you can deploy a handy trail camera to scribe away the goings-on you miss while you’re off at the kids’ soccer games, working, or picking up that gallon of milk you forgot to get on your shopping trip.

You want a quality camera that you aren’t scared to leave out in the elements for days, weeks, or months on end. That being said, you aren’t looking to sell off the family vehicle just to spy on Bambi—so you’ll be doing some research to decide what is available, and what best suits your budget. Here, we’ve done the hard part already—lucky you!

In this article, we’ll talk about the trail camera (also referred to as a game camera) market. After reading this, you’ll be able to decide exactly which camera will be custom-tailored to your needs, budget, and hunting area.

The 5 Best Hunting Trail Cameras On The Market

What is a Trail Camera?

A trail camera, also known as a game camera, is used to take photographs of animals and scenes after being deployed in the woods. Trail cameras are used to capture close-up photos and videos of wildlife remotely and avoiding the risk of scaring wildlife or getting a personal injury while in the field. On top of that, a game camera allows you to be in the woods without actually being in the woods. Setting up a camera over an area that your buddy tells you is “full of deer”, may end up proving your buddy wrong—and leading to you finding a new place to hunt—or a new buddy.

Many cameras now are equipped with infrared lights, which cast a beam of light that is invisible to humans and animals, but provides light that the camera itself can process—which means you are able to collect photos of passers-by even in the dark of night.​

Trail Camera Features

When shopping for a trail camera, you’ll want to keep in mind the features that are available. This will allow you to compare any model to your own wish list of features until you narrow your options down to the cameras that suit you and your needs best.

Storage

Today’s game cameras will offer a variety of storage options, and there are instances where the exact type of storage can make a significant difference. Game cameras typically store their photos and videos on SD cards, the SD means Secure Digital, which is a standard form of digital storage. Not all SD cards are created equal; in fact, there are a handful of different formats available in the SD card market—and of course—not all cameras accept all types of SD cards. It’s like the guys who invent electronics get together every year and think of ways to screw with the minds of people who aren’t on the bleeding edge of technology. Anyways, here’s a basic rundown of the types of SD cards you’ll be faced with:

  • SD – Secure Digital: this is your standard (used in older models) SD card. SD has a maximum capacity of 2 gigabytes (2GB).
  • MiniSD and microSD refers to a smaller format that uses the same standard for storage and speeds—typically these are used in mobile phones and cameras. miniSD and microSD cards can be placed into an adapter for use in a standard sized SD card slot.
  • SDHC – Secure Digital High Capacity: the same size as a standard SD card, although SDHC supports card capacity up to 32 gigabytes (32GB)
  • SDXC – Secure Digital eXtended Capacity is just like the big brother to the previously mentioned SD formats, and adds larger capacity. The SDXC can hold a maximum of 2 terabytes (2TB) which is 2000GB.

Most modern cameras will support the use of SDHC, and even SDXC cards—but it is important to know exactly which type of card your camera supports, or you will be extremely disappointed when you go to collect your photos. I had just this situation happen to me.

I set out with two hunting buddies to create a triangular zone of camera coverage—each of us deploying a camera of our own. We created our small perimeter of photo coverage where we intended to put our tree stands in the coming weeks. Before splitting up and going home, we tested the cameras—they all worked. Good for us—or so I thought.

A day later, one of the groups (no need to mention names) decided he would go check the cameras so he could share the pictures with rest of us. He didn’t bother checking to see which card belonged to which camera when he re-deployed them into the woods, and we wound up having one camera go blind because it was unable to write to the SDHC card put inside it. Lesson learned, get the right card for your camera—or get new buddies.​

Night Vision

You can’t see at night, but thanks toeons evolution, most animals can. No, they don’t see a brilliant glowing green like the military’s night-vision goggles allows our soldiers to see—but the animal eye reflects light to allow the critters to see exponentially better than we humans do. Your game camera may have infrared flash it can use to take photos at night—which is a feature you’ll most likely be interested in if you’re trying to track that trophy buck.

Video

With the advent of larger format memory cards, many cameras are now equipped to film HD (720p) video. This may be a feature you’re interested in, especially if you have been seeing some false positives on your camera, meaning the camera is snapping photos when it detects motion—but you don’t see an animal.

A brief video of the scene may show what set the camera off. It’s also nice to see the animals you plan to hunt moving in their natural habitat—a few out-of-context photos can be helpful, sure, but a video of them in their natural element is nearly priceless.

What are the Advantages of Trail Cameras?

  • Know your target: Trail cameras give you an advantage in seeing game before hunting it. Trail cameras give you a chance to understand the natural habitats of the animals without disturbing them.
  • Get to know the animals’ habits: Setting up your trail camera helps to gather information on animal habits. You’ll easily learn which animals pass through your spot, and the frequency at which they pass as well.
  • Get to know the area: Reviewing your photos and videos captured by a trail camera will let you know if that exact spot is a hotbed for animal activity, or if you’d better hunt a new area.
  • Keep it mobile: As the season’s change, so do animal habits. You can easily strap your trail camera to a tree for a pre-rut reconnaissance, then move it for the rut, and even to the post-rut location to keep up with the whitetails in your area.

Things to consider when choosing the best trail cameras

  • Cost: The best trail camera doesn’t necessarily need to be the most expensive. It entirely depends on your needs, and what it can accomplish for you. A less expensive trail camera that is loaded up with reliable features may be all you need.
  • Durability: You should consider the camera’s lifetime. A reliable trail camera is one that last for many seasons without wear and tear. Things like memory cards and batteries are a slight operating expense—but you don’t want to replace your camera every season.
  • Camera Trigger Speed: Snapping a photo of an animal who is grazing over food isn’t much of a challenge for a camera. For example, if you are planning to hang it over a food source, the camera’s trigger speed will not factor when making a purchase. If you’re trying to snap a few photos, or even a video, of that monster buck who has been sighted all over your area—a camera with a quick trigger speed may be needed to catch a glimpse of the behemoth as he passes by.
  • Recovery time: Simply put, this is the amount of time the camera needs in order to be ready for subsequent shots. Cameras that have a quick recovery time could be the difference between seeing the hindquarter of a deer—or seeing a handful of stunning images.
  • Battery Life Impacts Time: As we mentioned above, you can’t be in the woods 24/7, but your camera can. It’s of no use to you if the batteries are dead. When buying a trail camera, find one that has a battery life coinciding with how often you plan to be in the woods to check the memory and refresh the batteries
  • Night Range: This is the distance your camera’s flash is capable of capturing when snapping photos at night. Always keep in mind that environmental conditions such as clouds and rain may affect the camera’s accuracy.
  • Memory: The camera you choose should accept an SD memory card to store the photos that you intend to take. If you are planning to take a plethora of pictures, you should choose a memory card with high capacity such as an SDHC card. Remember not all cards are created equal—be sure your camera supports the type of card you buy. You may even want to have two cards on hand, they aren’t very expensive, and having one in the camera as well as a spare to put into the camera when you take one out may prove to be worth spending some extra cash
  • Camera Design: Cameras come in so many shapes and sizes that you may end up with too many options to even consider—try this: decide where you want the camera to be placed and take a photo of the exact tree you wish to put the camera on. Compare the tree and background of the photo to the camouflage patterns available and make your choice that way
  • Cellular Compatibility: A trail camera that is cellular compatible (typically 3G) enables you to transmit the images through a cellular network. These cameras have the greatest flexibility since they can be used anywhere. You won’t be out in the woods swapping memory cards very often—since the photos can be accessed remotely
  • Date and Time Stamp: If you want to document the events of your hunting, you should consider trail cameras that document both the date and time that the shot was taken. Note: some cameras reset the date and time when the batteries die—if accurate logging is desired for your photos, be certain to keep a close eye on this feature.
  • Video Recording: Some of the latest trail cameras for hunting come with advanced video capture functions. These cameras record videos of different lengths from few seconds to minutes.

5 Best Hunting Trail Cameras for Your Budget

If you are planning to acquire a brand new trail camera from Amazon, the best advice is to narrow your search by deciding which features you want most. We have scoured the web for you, and put together a list of the five best options for getting extra eyes in the woods without using up your entire budget—you still need to buy some ammo for the season after all.

Reconyx Hyperfire

The Reconyx Hyperfire is a highly sought-after camera. Boasting excellent battery life and an HD IRTM lens that records clear and sharp images, the Reconyx Hyperfire is a powerful trail camera that will offer exquisite photos for many years to come.

A feature we really like in this camera is the infrared range—coupled with the snappy trigger speed—you’ll be grabbing pictures of Bigfoot any time, day or night. Ok, we can’t promise you’ll end up with photographic proof of Bigfoot trudging around your hunting area, but we can promise you won’t get photographic proof of any wildlife in your area without deploying a trail camera.

Reconyx Hyperfire

Back on subject, the Reconyx Hyperfire has 0.70-second trigger speed, 4 second recovery time, and a 100-foot detection range.​

A few more features of ReconyxHyperFire HC500 include night detection up to 50 feet, 6 or 12 AA-size batteries can be used, exceptional battery life, rugged weatherproof enclosure, 1080p HD images, and an Ultra HD IRTM camera lens.

Because of the exclusive Ultra HD IR™ camera lens, the camera is best suited for hunters who want high-quality images in the daytime and night. It provides images that are clearer and sharper than many other cameras on the market.

The camera is a bit expensive when you compare it to other models. But if you are looking for a high-quality trail camera, to take some crystal clear images day or night—the Reconyx Hyperfire is certainly a contender.​

Things We Liked

  • Provide nighttime flash without startling the animals.
  • The camera makes shots of up to 50 feet for night shots.
  • Superb lens quality leads to excellent photo quality
  • Its Digital Memory Card supports HD footage
  • Temperature range of -20F to 120F
  • Two battery options which enable the camera run for long without losing power
  • Comes with BuckViewTM Advanced software for your PC

Things We Didn’t Like

  • The warranty covers just 1 year
  • IR is only considered semi-covert
  • The camera is a bit expensive

Moultrie Bundle Trail

Moultrie is a name that is synonymous with quality trail cameras. Chances are if you’ve spent time researching or using trail cameras, you’ve seen Moultire’s name plastered on dozens of fine products like Moultrie Bundle Trail.

The whole idea behind having a camera is to put eyes in the woods when you can’t physically be there—the Moultrie Game Spy A-5 will not only do that for you, but it will do it on the cheap.

While we often preach the adage “you get what you pay for”, we also appreciate a good buy when we see one.

The Game Spy A-5 is the epitome of a good buy. As of this article, the price tag is a mere $59 on Amazon, and with a 4 of 5-star review average—it’s clear that this is a quality product that has brought a smile to the face of many hunters.​

Moultrie Bundle Trail

Being a budget option, this particular Moultrie camera will be sacrificing slightly on some features, but at such a great price point we would be lying if we didn’t say there was a ton of value here. The resolution is 5MP with a 40-foot detection range and up to a 50-foot flash range. This means you’ll be collecting photos of critters up to 50 feet away with a resolution of 2560×1920. It can be easy to get sucked into megapixel hell and think you need a camera that boasts a massive MP feature, but the fact is this: your HD TV or computer monitor most likely has a maximum resolution of 1920×1080, which translates to 2MP. Taking photos higher than 2560×1920 isn’t necessarily a benefit unless of course, you plan on editing HD images on a computer with the images taken from your game camera.

Things We Liked

  • High-resolution 5MP camera
  • Trigger speed less than 1.5 seconds
  • The Gen2 variant of this product has a burst mode to collect more than one image in a row
  • Excellent price vs. performance ratio
  • This new variant (Gen2) has been rebuild from the ground up
  • Green color to blend with its surroundings
  • Battery life will last up to 16,000 images
  • Uses (8) AA batteries as opposed to C-cells required in older models
  • Easy to use control panels

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Has a smaller night range of up to 50 feet
  • 40 foot detection range
  • Lack of HD video recording

Stealth Cam No-Glo Trail Game Camera

So you want to have an extra set of eyes in the woods? How about four extra sets? That’s right. Stealth Cam’s G42NG bundle nets you four cameras for quite literally the price of one top-shelf camera.

The G42NG is advertised as a No Glo trail camera that houses 42 “black” IR emitters on the front. These dark emitters don’t glow, and won’t tip off the local animal population that you’ve set up surveillance in their area of operations.

The 100-foot range on the IR, coupled with it’s .5 second reflex trigger means you’ll be grabbing photos quickly, day or night.​

Stealth Cam No-Glo Trail Game Camera

A 10-megapixel maximum resolution allows you to take very high-quality photos, but we all know how much space you can use. Stealth Cam No-Glo Trail Game Camera has gone ahead and included 8MP, 4MP, and 2MP settings as well—for users who utilize smaller memory cards—or who would like to use less space on photos and more on the HD video and audio G42NG will capture.

Things We Liked

  • 2-10MP settings
  • Four cameras in a single bundle
  • 100ft range on the “black” IR Emitters makes for quality night shots
  • Secure Lock password protection keeps your data safe
  • SDHC compatibility (up to 32GB memory cards supported)
  • HD Video & Audio with the time-lapse function
  • Intuitive menus make the cameras user friendly

Things We Didn’t Like

  • As expensive as a single high end trail camera
  • You’ll be using four times the batteries and need 4x the SD cards
  • Setup will be done four times

Bushnell Trophy Cam Trail Camera

When spending money on hunting equipment, hunters like to rely on a brand they recognize and trust. Bushnell is a leading manufacturer in hunting equipment and brings that reputation to the trail camera market as well.

The Bushnell Trophy Cam Trail Camera features an 8MP camera with night vision and 32 LED’s for flash photography and IR.

The field-scan option allows you to pre-program the camera to take photos at set intervals, which may prove quite useful for finding out if there are animals in your hunting spot during the hours you plan to hunt.​

Bushnell Trophy Cam Trail Camera

Things We Liked

  • 8MP camera with night vision
  • Trusted name brand
  • Up to one year of battery life
  • SDHC 32GB compatible
  • 45-foot motion-activated sensor and flash range
  • Captures up to 60 seconds of video (with audio)
  • Camouflage pattern keeps it concealed
  • Three shot burst photo mode makes photographing game easier

Things We Didn’t Like

  • •with any device left in the woods it’s vulnerable to theft
  • 45-foot range may not cover your hunting spot
  • Batteries may dislodge upon moderate impact

Exodus Trail Cams

The Exodus Lift is a new trail camera on the market today. This camera is manufactured by Exodus Trail Cams. If you are looking for a camera that can last for decades, the Exodus Lift Trail Cam is an awesome choice.

This camera is best suited for people who are planning to hunt in the cold. You can use the battery for a long but still, the camera runs strong.

If you are looking for a relatively affordable camera with good features, The Exodus Lift – 12mp Trail Cam is the best trail camera you can consider.​

Exodus Trail Cams

Things We Liked

  • Running on long life batteries for thousands of photos
  • Good daytime pictures as high as 12 megapixels
  • 1080p video with sound
  • Built-in color viewer
  • Has a high capacity storage of up to32GB
  • Password protected camera so only owners and authorized users can use your camera
  • Comes with a 1-year warranty completely supported by money-back guarantee
  • Top part of the camera permanently sealed to prevent water leakage.
  • Can swing to bottom allowing users to two over-sized latches when trying to maintain pressure getting into the unit
  • Parts designed with rugged plastic shell and aluminum-alloy bracing that enhances stability
  • Customizable Video Length
  • Camera is durable
  • Customizable Operating Hours

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Camera will not take photos if the password is not entered
  • Night time photos are not clear enough
  • Difficultness when removing memory card
  • Rechargeable battery which goes dry after a few hours

Final Thoughts

As you can see from the market research above, you will need to be careful when it comes to choosing the best trail camera for you. Some trail cameras are more user-friendly compared to others, others require more technical knowledge to operate. Some cameras may be available in this year’s latest and greats camouflage pattern—while others may have a look you aren’t particularly fond of. We get it, you want to be satisfied with the look of your fancy new gadget. Just try to keep in mind the practical side of the camera, and pick one that best suits your needs.

From the information above, the Stealth Cam G42NG bundle claims the coveted position as Outdoorhill’s most recommended trail camera. The resolution settings of 2-10MP allow the user a wide range of photo quality, as well as allowing you to fine-tune how much of your precious storage is chewed up with each subsequent photo.

Add in the 100ft range of the blacked-out IR emitters, and the 180 seconds of HD video (with audio) you can record, and these puppies really are the best option to maximize your outdoor presence. You can’t be in four places at once, but the Stealth Cams can certainly make it possible.

The price tag of $459 places this bundle into the range of many very high-end game cameras, and in a one-on-one comparison, you may find that the Stealth Cams don’t perform quite as well as a single top-notch trail camera, but we’re all about making your dollar go a long way.

We want to see you become the best hunter you can, and having four extra sets of eyes in the woods seems like an incredible advantage. With SDHC compatibility (up to 32GB) and secure lock password protection on the devices, you’ll truly be the commander of your hunting spot. This bundle fulfills all the things that buyers should consider when choosing the best trail camera: good camera recovery time, good lens, long night range, video recording, and plenty of memory.​

5 Best Survival Knives

If you’re like us, and spend a significant amount of time outdoors camping, hiking, hunting, or simply enjoying nature, you want the best equipment—or at least the best within a reasonable budget. The best survival knife can prove invaluable for numerous tasks you would perform in any outdoor scenario, including survival. The following research and reviews will help narrow this ever-broadening market, and assist you with finding the best survival knife for your needs, and budget.

We have compiled a list of high quality survival knives that offer great value. Our focus is on the quality and functionality of the knife, not celebrity endorsements or fancy packaging. A survival knife is a tool that needs to be relied upon in all circumstances and given the proper care and respect.

With careful ownership, your survival knife could last for years and become almost an extension of your arm. The choice of knife is a decision that should not be made quickly or taken lightly.

The 5 Best Survival Knife For Hunting On The Market

​What to Look for in a Survival Knife

A common mistake buyers make when searching for a survival blade is to make a choice based on how a knife appears, or which celebrity, government agency, or branch of the military appears on the packaging. We’re not saying that a celebrity-endorsed knife will be of inherently poor quality, but products that focus more on a sexy design or a popular celebrity icon raise a few red flags.

The appearance of a knife tells you nothing about how the knife will function or feel in your hand. Below are a few things to take into consideration when you shop around for a survival knife.

​Size

It’s a common misconception that the bigger the knife, the better it can perform all the tasks you will need it to do. In truth, the size of the knife shouldn’t be cumbersome or awkward for you to hold. A knife that’s ideal for one person may be too big—or too small for you. If it doesn’t immediately make you think “this feels right” when you hold it, you should probably continue shopping. The ideal length averages between 9-11 inches with a 4-6 inch blade, but this may vary depending on an individual’s hand.

Bear in mind that larger knives will not be as efficient at slicing and performing more delicate tasks. Large knives are often ideal for hacking, chopping, digging, and similar uses. Smaller knives will do well at more nuanced tasks, but may fall short will more hefty chores like building an emergency shelter.

Fixed vs. Folding

While a folding blade seems like a great choice for an everyday carry (or EDC) knife—it’s not an ideal choice for a survival knife due to the potential weaknesses created by it’s design. The matter comes down to the joint that allows the knife to fold. This joint is often seen as a weak point in the knife and can be detrimental to your survival should the joint give while you are using the knife.

survival knife for campers

You can still bring a folding knife with you to handle smaller, less demanding tasks, and quite frankly we recommend doing just this. Almost every outdoorsman can find a use for an old-fashioned pocket knife, smaller fixed blade, or a folding knife for their EDC or utility blade. However, your main survival knife should always have a fixed blade.

Blade

The best survival knife blades are full tang. A full tang is when the blade extends down the middle of the handle to the end of the knife. This can be seen from looking at some tactical knives, while others have a completely enclosed handle, making it hard to tell if the knife utilizes a full tang, three-quarter tang, or other design.

Stainless steel or carbon steel are the typical materials used to make knife blades, each having its own strengths and weaknesses. Stainless steel is resistant to rust and corrosion, making it easier to maintain. Steel that is qualified as high carbon steel is harder, and therefore known for retaining an edge better than some other steels.

A serrated blade can come in handy, but a wholly serrated blade will be a problem when you need a straight blade. If you want a serrated blade, look for a knife that has a blade that is partially serrated—this will offer you plenty of versatility in the field.

Handle

The handle can be just as useful as the blade of a survival knife. Choosing a knife with a sturdy pommel at the end of the handle allows your survival knife to double as a striking tool. Hollow handles will not be useful for impacts, because they lack heft and are more likely to break. A hole near the end for a lanyard is a good feature—and shouldn’t greatly impact strength.

The best handles are often coated in a material that prevents the hand from slipping and ensures that the grip is well-maintained. If the handle is uncomfortable, strangely shaped, or imbalanced, you will run into problems while using the knife—problems when using a tool that your life depends on are exactly the type of thing we’d like you to avoid. After all, if you die out there in the field, how are you going to come back to read more articles?

A good handle could very well be the difference between avoiding the need for medical attention and—you guessed it—requiring medical attention. In a potential survival scenario, any injury exponentially complicates things, so it’s wise to choose a properly designed survival blade.

The 5 Best Survival Knives

Bushcrafter Outdoor Survival Knife

The Benchmade – Bushcrafter 162 Fixed Outdoor Survival Knife is designed for heavy outdoor use. Interestingly, the original version of this knife was found and used by explosive ordinance technicians who liked the quality of the knife—and used it frequently for cutting plastic explosives.

Their input leads to the redesigning of the survival knife, and here you have it.

The blade is fashioned using S30V stainless steel and keeps its sharp edge with care. The knife is well-balanced and easily fits in large hands for outdoorsmen and women that find smaller knifes difficult to grip.​

Bushcrafter Outdoor Survival Knife

Editor’s Rating:

The knife smoothly and efficiently batons, cuts and shaves wood and tinder, butchers game, and can be utilized as a multi-tool. The handle has edges that may dig into the hand upon initial use. The edges can be filed down by hand if they are uncomfortable and the sheath can be replaced with one of your own choosing.

The Bushcrafter’s price is a good deal higher than most survival knives. The higher price speaks to the exceptional quality and durability of the knife. However, it would stand to reason that the handle would be a bit better constructed for such a costly item.​

Things We Liked

  • S30V Stainless steel blade
  • Exceptionally sharp
  • Spine is great for striking a ferro rod
  • High ground drop point with polished finish
  • Thick durable blade
  • Quality leather holster with D ring
  • Full tang
  • Well-balanced

Things We Didn’t Like

  • The sheath the knife comes with maybe too tight for the knife, requiring the purchase of a separate sheath
  • Handle edges are harsh and may be uncomfortable to grip
  • Large price tag

Cold Steel Survival Knife

The Cold Steel SRK Survival Rescue Fixed Blade Knife is a reasonably attractive knife, if not a bit simple, but what it lacks in beauty it makes up for with durability and functionality.

The SRK is sharp and retains its edge even with extensive use. The kraton encased handle helps keep your grip from slipping and makes handling the knife comfortable. The full tang design allows the knife to withstand harsh treatment and being battered through outdoor activities.

The high shine of the blade can be a deal breaker if you are looking for a stealthy knife. While the polish is impressive, it is a bit shocking, but it will fade over time with use. You could also dirty up the blade some to cut down on the shine if it’s really a serious concern.​

Cold Steel SRK Survival Rescue Fixed Blade Knife

Editor’s Rating:

This knife is a bit expensive and when you venture into the knife market anywhere north of the $100 price range, the competition gets incredibly tough. While the construction is solid and well-done, thematerials alone may not warrant a high price. Still, the quality of the knife is worth the cost, if you can spare a bit more cash.

Things We Liked

  • Kraton handle offers a comfortable, solid grip
  • San Mai III steel made in Japan for high performance
  • Secure sheath comes with the knife
  • Keeps its sharpened edge for an extended period
  • A great survival or fighting knife
  • Designed to take a beating

Things We Didn’t Like

  • The Secure-Ex sheath is reported to dull the blade
  • The blade is very shiny and can be almost blinding when the sun reflects off of it
  • May be a cumbersome knife for smaller hands

Gerber Survival Knife

The Gerber LMF II Survival Knife is a smaller, but sturdy knife compared to others on the market. The weight may not be pleasing to some buyers, but others will find the heftiness a testament to its quality. The pommel is sculpted to become a defensive tool, and can be used to break glass if necessary.

The standard sheath that comes with the knife is versatile and can be worn in several ways. The blade is carbon, which should hold an edge nicely. The serrations would come in handy if you need to saw materials.

Moderately priced, but one thing that’s interested is the LMFII is offered in a few configurations that seem to flex a bit in price.

GERBER StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife

Editor’s Rating:

If you’re serious about this knife, you can find a few great deals on Amazon.​

The LMFII was designed with a few bells and whistles, which drove up the price a bit. It comes equipped with a built-in sharpener, which can be useful, but is unnecessary. The use of plastic in the handle may have contributed to keeping the price down, but a better material would have been a better choice, even if the price went up somewhat.​

Things We Liked

  • Doubles as a glass breaker
  • Built-in sharpener in the sheath
  • Partially serrated blade
  • Well-made, functional sheath
  • Sheath is fire-retardant

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Carbon blade needs extra care to prevent rusting
  • Heavy for its size
  • The weakest point seems to be the handle

Schrade Survival Knife

Schrade’s SCHF9N survival knife was designed for endurance and big jobs. The knife excels at chopping, hacking, and breaking apart materials, but does not have enough delicacy to tackle smaller tasks.

The size and heaviness of the knife lend to its ability to cut and chop wood but is its downfall for tasks requiring a lighter hand.

Schrade Survival knife

Editor’s Rating:

On the large side, this knife is perfect for a user with large hands and a good amount of strength. Buyers of smaller builds may find this knife a little unwieldy. A smaller knife is less taxing on the user and less awkward to use for people with smaller hands and less brute strength.

​Sold for around $40, the SCHF9N is a bargain for a survival knife without compromising quality. However, you may need to dole out a bit more money to invest in a knife that can handle less demanding tasks.

Things We Liked

  • Good for hacking, chopping, and heavy tasks
  • Blade is a durable carbon stainless steel
  • Full tang
  • Sturdy

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Does not perform tasks that require finesse particularly well
  • Heavy
  • Poorly designed sheath
  • Too large for smaller hands

Ontario Knife Company

Ontario Knife Company had deep-set roots in the knife-making world stretching back well over a hundred years—125 years according to their web site.

All of that expertise is put into the Black Bird SK-5 and it’s brother, the Black Bird Noir.

The size and materials used to create the knife make it especially durable and well-balanced. The price is on the high side, but as we’ve said before, you get what you pay for.

The SK-5 can be had for around a hundred dollars, but one look at this beauty and you know the price is for the craftsmanship of the knife instead of the aesthetics.​

Editor’s Rating:

The designer of the SK-5, Paul Sheiter, said “I believe the more complicated a product becomes, the more likely it is to fail when your life depends on it. For this reason, I designed The Blackbird SK-5 Knife to achieve maximum function delivered through pure simplicity.” When discussing the topic of survival gear, we couldn’t agree more, Paul.

The knife comes with a sheath—and if you’re feeling frisky there are plenty of custom options, like this one by Hedgehog Leatherworks, that pair very nicely with the Black Bird SK-5.

Things We Liked

  • 154CM Steel
  • Full tang
  • Extremely durable
  • Stainless steel allen-head screws keep the handle attached to the tang
  • MOLLE compatible sheath that also has belt loops and protective insert
  • Handle has great grip

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Only available in one blade configuration
  • Pricey
  • Utilitarian appearance

Of the survival knives we have researched and reviewed, the Outdoorhill overall top pick is the Ontario Knife Company Black Bird SK-5. We chose the SK-5 as our top pick as it can perform numerous functions equally well. It also has the impressive ability to maintain its edge and offers a solid grip to avoid slippage and possible injury. You may find yourself more attracted to a knife that’s designed a bit prettier, and we understand that, but the Black Bird SK-5 would be the ideal choice for any outdoorsman or survivalist needing a valuable tool that can be kept at their side at all times.


Conclusion

It should be noted, that most of the top 5 survival knives we looked at today were sold at high-end prices. This highlights the fact that well-made, high-quality knives will cost more, but are worth the expense for meeting your needs. Keep in mind that substance over style is far more important when choosing items you plan to potentially stake your life on.

Always ask yourself, will this knife get the job done? Don’t worry about how it will look while doing it.

A good survival knife will aid your survival, not act as an interesting accessory.​

A good survival knife will be your partner in the rugged outdoor landscape. You will need a knife you can depend on, demand the best from on each outing, and wield with precision and confidence. Choose the knife that will bring out the best in both of you!​

5 Best Binoculars for Hunting

For some hunters, the idea of carrying along with a pair of binoculars just seems like overkill. After all, when you’re already spending time and money for licenses and permits, weapons, ammo, and all the other things you absolutely must-have for the hunt, why complicate things by searching for the best binoculars for hunting?

Here’s the deal. If you enjoy staring at obscure objects for long periods of time in hopes that they might be game, rather than brush, there’s no need to bring along binoculars.

If you have no interest in determining the size and quality of a distant animal before it’s time to shoot, you shouldn’t need them either.

Also, if you get a thrill from searching endlessly for your downed prey and don’t like making things easy for yourself, then, by all means, forget to bring along binoculars.

Binoculars for hunting

If, on the other hand, you can see the benefit of magnifying your vision to prevent wasted energy and lost time, chances are you’ll eventually join the ranks of hunters who consider their binoculars to be almost as critical to their hunting enjoyment as their weapons are.

The 5 Best Binoculars For Hunting On The Market

Not All Binoculars Are Created Equal

If you’ve ever shopped for binoculars, you’ve likely discovered that it’s not just a matter of picking out a cool pair that isn’t too expensive.

Binocular strengths and functions vary every bit as much as weapon strengths and purposes, and you really need to know what you’re looking for before you ever start shopping.

In general, the most important factors that will determine which kind of binoculars you need are: what time of day you hunt and what your surroundings will be.

  • For daytime hunting, you’ll be fine using compact, lightweight binoculars.
  • For dim light hunting, you’ll need larger binoculars that offer greater lighting.
  • For hunting in flat or unwooded areas, you’ll appreciate high magnification.
  • For hunting in wooded or brushy areas, you’ll prefer a lower magnification.

How to Decipher All the Numbers

If you’re like many people, you may take a look at all the technical specs and feel totally overwhelmed. Which is better? 10×50? 7×35? Which number is more valuable, and will one cost me more than another?

Really, it isn’t as complicated as it seems. Here, allow us to help:

The first number you’ll see tells you how many times the view will be magnified. A 7x or 8x magnification is perfect for most woodland hunters, while a larger magnification like 10x will be better for hunters in open areas where trees won’t obstruct the view and prey isn’t as likely to be lost amid brush.

The second number deals with the size of the objective lens – that’s the big lens at the front of the binoculars. The larger this lens is, the more light will be allowed into the binoculars. While this really doesn’t affect the magnification of the view, it can make a huge difference in your ability to see in dim light.

Since larger objective lenses obviously require larger binoculars, if you plan to do much hunting early in the morning or late in the evening, you’ll want to steer clear of compact binoculars to ensure you’ll have enough light to see through the lenses.

Eye relief

Not to be mistaken for some kind of spiffy cure for sore eyes, “eye relief” deals with the physical proximity from the outermost curve of your eye to the eyepiece lens. While this is a feature that most often affects those who wear glasses, it’s important to at least be aware that binoculars are designed to be held at a certain distance from your eyes.

While most binoculars range from 14mm-20mm eye relief, most people don’t have the ability to measure exactly how far their pupil is from the eyepiece. Still, it’s very easy to tell if you’re holding the binoculars too close or too far—you simply won’t be getting a clear view that fills the lenses.

When you are too close to the eyepiece, the perfect circle of magnified vision will be obstructed at the edge by a shifting crescent of shadow as you look around. If you see this, simply pull back from the binoculars or adjust the eyecups so that they rest against your face comfortably without cutting out part of the view.

If you are too far from the eyepiece, you’ll see a fading, or vignetting, of the edge of the view. Where you should have a sharp circle of vision, you’ll see a fuzz that grows the further back you pull.

Most binoculars are equipped with soft eyecups to compensate for the eye relief distance. If you wear glasses, chances are you won’t need the eyecups at all, but you can just let the distance from your glasses to your eyes make up for the eye relief proximity.

Other Factors in Binocular Function

While magnification and lighting are by far the most important elements in choosing your binoculars, there are several other factors that can definitely impact the quality of your vision when you’re hunting using binoculars.

Stability of view

Although many people assume that higher magnification is always better, the truth is that higher magnifications come with some serious drawbacks. Not only do they restrict the field of view so that you can see a much smaller area, albeit at a farther distance; they also result in very unsteady vision.

Every twitch and tremor is magnified much greater with high magnification binoculars, so unless you have a very steady hand or a very handy tripod, you’ll want to limit the magnification you choose for your hunting binoculars – even if you have money to burn. Again, this is a case of quality over quantity. Sure, the idea of an insane magnification is cool, until you try and focus on something that is moving—or even something that is still while you’re swaying in the nice light breeze of your tree stand.

Center resolution

Depending on the quality of your binoculars, the center resolution or clarity of your view will vary dramatically. Of course, this is much less of a problem for binoculars than it is for cameras, where every detail matters.

For hunting purposes, it’s not such a big deal if your binoculars can’t get the perfect detail of that distant cardinal’s plumage; just so you can see that the buck up ahead really is a fourteen-pointer.

Field curvature

This is a quirk of certain binoculars that may or may not matter to you, but for some cheaper binoculars, lines and objects may appear curved and distorted at the edges of the picture. Higher-end optics tend to eliminate this problem, but depending on how much you have to spend and how picky you are, this distortion may not be worth worrying over.

Edge sharpness

Since the lenses of binoculars are curved, it’s important to understand that only the center of the view will be seen in clear focus. Still, the higher quality your binoculars, the more likely it will be that the sharp focus extends to more than just dead center. You get what you pay for, but there are extremes on both ends of that spectrum—trying to find the warm happy place in the middle is what we’re here to help you with.

Brightness and contrast

The higher-grade your lenses, the better brightness and contrast you can expect from your binoculars. This can make a difference in autumn when so many colors are similar, or for folks who are colorblind. Being able to clearly pick out nuances in the field of view can be a great advantage.

Chromatic aberration

Although it really has nothing to do with your ability to see your prey, you should know that lower-end optics can distort the values of your subjects and cast them in slightly untrue colors. Again, for many hunters this probably isn’t worth the much higher price tags that more reliable optics provide; still, it’s a good thing to be aware of before you make your selection—if nothing else you’re now a more informed buyer.

Color tone

For those who really want to get picky, it should be noted that some binoculars can cast a warm or cool tone to the picture. Really, though, this isn’t usually a big deal to most hunters, and unless you plan to use your binoculars for more than just hunting, it’s hardly worth noting.

Outdoorhill Recommendations for Hunting Binoculars

With so many differences in binocular strengths and qualities, deciding to buy a pair of binoculars is only the first step toward maximizing your hunting experience. Here are some helpful reviews to show you a few of the best binoculars for hunting on the market.

Bushnell Binoculars

  • Specification: 10×42
  • Cost: $200-$400
  • Color: Realtree Camo
  • Weight: 1.57 lb.

If you’re looking for a quality pair of binoculars perfect for wide-open spaces, chances are you’ll enjoy the many features of the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Roof Prism Binoculars. With high magnification, they’re perfect for spotting that solitary mountain chamois or that herd of Arctic muskox on the wide Alaskan tundra.

Things We Liked

  • Adjustable dual focus if your eyes have a slightly different vision
  • Smoothly rotating center focus knob
  • Includes sturdy carrying case, easily disconnected neck strap, cleaning cloth, custom binocular harness, and microfiber storage bag
  • Excellent image quality
  • Waterproof/fogproof
  • Lightweight
  • Company guaranteed

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Objective lens covers are easy to lose
  • Carrying case is bulky

There’s plenty to love about the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Roof Prism Binoculars. Of course, they wouldn’t be the best suited for Eastern whitetail hunting, especially when 10x magnification will afford you nothing but a closeup view of a single tree trunk. In a case like that, you’d be much better served with the next pair of high-end binoculars.


Nikon Binoculars

  • Specification: 8×42
  • Cost: $300-$350
  • Color: Black
  • Weight: 1.34 lb.

For hunters who desire clarity and high-quality optics, the Nikon 7576 MONARCH5 Binoculars are a great choice. With its wide field of view and excellent lighting specifications, it’s a great choice for deer hunters who spend a lot of time in the woods, often in low-light situations.

Things We Liked

  • Lightweight design
  • Excellent field of view
  • Comfortable eye relief
  • Permanently attached lens covers
  • Sharp, brilliant image quality
  • Crisp focus adjustment
  • Waterproof/fogproof

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Eyepiece caps fall off easily
  • Soft case doesn’t protect binoculars from moisture or falls

For hunters who aren’t that concerned with pinching pennies, the Nikon 7576 MONARCH5 Binoculars offer top-of-the-line precision and image quality without completely breaking the bank. Of course, for hunters who prefer to pass on some of the high definition to keep their hunting habit within their budget, the next couple of binoculars may fit the bill even better.


Nikon Aculon A211 Binoculars

  • Specification: 10×50
  • Cost: $90-$120
  • Color: Black
  • Weight: 2 lbs.

For hunters who are looking for affordable binoculars that get the job done, the Nikon Aculon A211 Binoculars are an outstanding choice. Although the image quality isn’t at the level of some of the higher-priced optics, many hunters will be perfectly satisfied by the completely acceptable image clarity of this affordable design.

Nikon Aculon A211 Binoculars

Things We Liked

  • Generous eye relief
  • Smooth adjustments
  • Wide range and impressive clarity
  • Multi-coated lens
  • Rubber coating offers good grip
  • Aspherical lensing provides a flat field of view

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Not fogproof or waterproof
  • Slight chromatic aberration
  • Some curvature of field when not in perfect focus

With its 10x magnification, it’s important to remember that the Nikon Aculon A211 Binoculars are better suited for wide-open spaces than for tree stands and turkey blinds. Also, the lighting for these binoculars won’t be as great as it would be with the next pair of binoculars.


Celestron Binoculars

  • Specification: 7×50
  • Cost: $35-$40
  • Color: Black
  • Weight: 2 lbs.

Perfect for deer hunters or anyone else who needs a wide field of view and plenty of low-light visibility, the Celestron 71198 Cometron Binoculars offer adequate magnification at a great price. Not only are these great hunting binoculars, but they also work well for stargazing on the way back to the truck with your harvested deer.

Celestron Binoculars

Things We Liked

  • Crisp, clear images
  • Impressive, wide field of view
  • Strong light-gathering capabilities
  • Multi-coated optics offer excellent contrast and resolution for the money
  • Sturdy aluminum housing
  • Quite affordable
  • Minimal shakiness

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Less magnification
  • No tripod connection
  • Occasionally, double vision may occur if binoculars are not aligned properly

If you’re looking for affordable binoculars that work well with shaky hands, dim lighting, and obstructed views, the Celestron 71198 Cometron Binoculars are an excellent choice. If, on the other hand, you would do better using a smaller, more compact pair of binoculars, check out the next review.


Bushnell Compact Roof Prism Binoculars

  • Specification: 8×25
  • Cost: $40-$70
  • Color: Black
  • Weight: 0.75 lb.

Sometimes it makes sense to keep things simple. For hunters who prefer a pair of binoculars that can fit on their belt loops, the Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fogproof Compact Roof Prism Binoculars combine quality optics, convenient portability, and affordability in one lightweight package. They’d be great for turkey hunters or others who don’t need low-light capabilities; with the smaller objective lens size, these are much better suited to daytime use.

Bushnell Binoculars

Things We Liked

  • Extremely lightweight and compact
  • 100% waterproof
  • Exceptionally clear optics
  • Nitrogen purged to prevent fogging
  • Multi-coated optics
  • Non-slip rubber exterior
  • Limited lifetime warranty
  • Sturdy nylon case with belt loop

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Slight chromatic aberration
  • Small case requires you to fold them down while carrying them, requiring you to readjust focus each time
  • Less lighting capacity

For daytime hunters who appreciate the convenience, these Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fogproof Compact Roof Prism Binoculars are a great buy.


Related Products:

Binocular HarnessHousing your binoculars using this Binocular Harness keeps them safe from the elements while trying to keep them close at hand is essential when you are in the field. The vortex glass pak binocular harness will do just that. It fits several full-size binoculars, yet keeps them snug and secure the mesh edge pockets hold calls, a lens pen, and other compact objects needing quick access.

 

Cell Phone Adapter MountGet Your mobile phone into a video camera and take images in distance. Discover the nature of the world easily through your mobile screen. Here comes Gosky Cell Phone Adapter Mount for optical devices.

 

Blocks Glare, Improves Visual AcuityBino Bandit will fit all binoculars. Blocks Glare, Improves Visual Acuity is made to be comfy, they are engineered to flex fit around the eye-cups, sealing out wind and normal light. To use the Bino Bandit, just stretch out the flexible neoprene around each eyepiece and tighten down for a excellent fit.

The Very Best Binoculars for Hunting of Them All

Although it’s clear that all binoculars are better suited for some purposes than they are for others, the best all-around binoculars, in our opinion, are the Celestron 71198 Cometron Binoculars. While it’s true that they don’t provide near the magnification that some of the others do, we think that the 7×50 specifications allow for the greatest flexibility.

  1. These binoculars offer great visibility whether it’s light or dark.
  2. The low magnification means that shakiness and loss of the intended subject is much less likely.
  3. These binoculars are an excellent deal.
  4. The field of view is superb, making it much easier to find your subject and keep it in view.
  5. They’re great for more than just hunting. Stargazers and birdwatchers in the family will also enjoy these binoculars whenever you’re willing to share.

We hope you’ve learned something new about how binoculars work, and on top of that, we hope you’ll be confident when decided which binoculars are right for you. Whatever optics you choose, we know you’ll remember to view the great outdoors with respect, awe, and gratitude. Happy hunting!

The Important Factors That Will Affect Your Shooting

Shooting for hunting a whitetail is very easy if you know how to shoot. However, there are many factors that will affect your shooting. Sometimes, your long-time experience, skill, and accuracy can’t give you the proper way to shoot. In fact, the situation will also affect shooting, and this will always provide you a good or bad direction.

This is really important to understand, what extremes conditions like temperature, altitude, and humidity affect shooting? Today, we are here to discuss those extreme situations that affect your shooting. When you have an idea about those extremes, you can easily deal with the situation and take a decision accordingly.

Extreme Cold

This is very tough to deal with low temperatures, especially for the young and teenage hunters. This is really harmful and sometimes, crazy to hunt at below 10-degree temperature.

However, hunting in the cold season is a very good option if you are in North America, looking for elk or deer to hunt. In this case, you will need to degrease all the parts of your rifle and ammunition properly. Otherwise, you can’t get properly worked rifles for hunting. However, the crucial of the rifles and ammunition will depend on the cold temperature.

deer hunting cold

Most of the rifle becomes lack function when it towards zero. In this case, using bolt hunting rifles is the best way for hunting. Most of the time, the rifles are very easy to degrease and do not need lubricant to work properly. You will need to strip it down after you remove the bolt. If you can’t do it, you will need to degreasing solvent.

Soaking the AR rifles are very easy, but other rifles are very difficult to fix them. You will need to finish the soak the rifles in order to avoid any type of damage of the rifles.

You should put a strip of tape over the muzzle of the rifle in order to keep it good. Otherwise, snow could damage the muzzle for giving you accuracy. Moreover, the temperature will affect the rifle’s cartridge and its distance of shooing. For that reason, you will need to know the proper science, the more temperature, the more drop-down after shooing.

Effect of Heat

Heat temperature is the exact opposite result of the extreme cold effects. Therefore, you will always need to keep the situation in mind in order to get proper shooting power. The temperature will affect 0.5 to 1.0 MOA for every 20 degrees of warmer situation. As a result, the propellant powder will also become warmer and increase the effect of the point of impact.

You may not get enough chance to measure the temperature or check the rifle when you are going or in the hunting field. You will need a suitable place where you can fix your place for sitting and waiting for the animal.

When you are going hotter place from a colder atmosphere, you will not face rifle functioning problems. However, heat creates another problem for your rifles. Therefore, you will need to know the heat and its impact on your rifle. When you are in extreme heat conditions, you should not fully loaded rifle with you for hunting.

In fact, you should always keep it under-loaded in heat conditions. Overloaded will make the bullets warmer and this will cause serious problems. In this case, keep the ammunition under a shade in order to have good accuracy level. Make a shade in order to avoid the sunlight on your ammunition. Otherwise, the ammunition will become too hot to touch and reload your rifle.

Altitude

You must understand the effect of altitude on your shooting. The thin air will keep your bullet up and heavy air will down the bullet. For that reason, you will need to understand the concept properly before you are going for hunting.

There is no consistent accuracy level of altitude for shooing. The difference is measured for per 5,000 feet and you can expect from 0.5 to 1.00 MOA scale. For that reason, this is important to use a gadget that will provide you accurate information regarding this.

You should not compromise the altitude effect because an inch difference can make you a loser of the day. For that reason, check the altitude of the rifle in order to get more accuracy. Usually, there is no recommended data for the hunters, because this depends on the rifle, air density, and other factors. However, at sea level shooting, the bullet goes 2.5 inches high at 100 yards shooting distance for low altitude level.

Humidity

Many shooters are confused about the humidity and its effect concept. New shooters think that the density of the humidity air is more than dry air. However, this is not a true concept, because moisture in the air is less density than dry air. Therefore, your rifle point will go higher in this case,

Shooting at 100 yards distance with zero does not have any big impact for the shooters. But, 400 yards distance is really a problem for the hunters. Then, you will need to know the impacts of the humidity that may vary to 0.5 MOA.

Conclusion

There is no specific rule for shooting in different extreme weathers, humidity, and altitude conditions. You will need to practice a lot, take your rifle and ammunition to the distance for shooting. You should not avoid any type of tips and tricks, like don’t keep ammunition in the sunlight for extreme heat.

That’s enough for a hunter because you will not have enough time for measuring the temperature and other conditions when you will look at a target ahead of you. You will just take your rifle, aim at it and hunt it with your rifle. These are only basic requirements for going to extremes cold hot and other factors. Remember that practicing in different conditions with your rifle will teach you a lot, and then normal basics can. So, take your rifle and go for your destination so that you can get rid of the adverse conditions.

Top 5 Crossbows

The world of bowhunting has been rippling with the effects of crossbows entering the field in droves. In states with deer herds growing to numbers out of control, game management experts are able to use bows to quietly dispatch nuisance deer—while hunters in areas that permit crossbows to use during bow season are able to get out in the woods with a weapon that inherently works like a rifle.

While there does seem to be a proverbial line drawn in the sand between many bow hunting purists, and the use of the crossbow—you don’t need to be Darryl Dixon to see the practice use of the bolt-slinging weapon. (Couldn’t discuss the crossbow without mentioning D.D. could we?)

The Crossbows you need to consider when buying:

Like typical bows, the crossbow could deliver a lethal shot from a distance; however, unlike a standard bow, a crossbow can be fired without drawing and releasing by hand. This advantage is where most bow hunters draw the line (archery pun intended).

As hunters, we all know just how difficult a task it is to get the scope out a great hunting spot, get there early, and wait for that trophy animal to mosey into our sights. It’s a painstaking endeavor that is most often times rewarded with little more than cold hands and feet, coupled with the mantra maybe next time.

Here’s the deal: we are thrilled to get out into the field whenever we can. With all the respect due to the purists, we can see both sides of the coin—while you have states who will do just about anything to bring in revenue (read: sell more hunting licenses) there are also hunters who have a hard time squeezing the entirety of their hunting season into a few Saturday mornings.

For busy folks, or people who are looking to spend more time in the woods, having a crossbow might be a key factor in buying a hunting license.

Who Would Benefit From a Crossbow?

The popularity of crossbows has exploded lately—and not strictly because of the zombie-slaying motorcyclist mentioned above. Crossbows help hunters bag more games, easy as that.

First, for hunters who are more familiar with firearms than with bow hunting, the crossbow is an easy next step. Coupling your crossbow bolts with some quality broadheads, you could make your crossbow an extremely effective weapon for putting down deer…or zombies.

A crossbow fits neatly between a rifle and a standard bow. With its gun stock, safety, sighting system (usually a scope), and trigger, it’s a perfect transition into archery season for hunters who have never used a bow before. It’s also great for hunters who would like to bow hunt, but have medical conditions restricting their ability to pull back a heavy bowstring.

Part of the disdain for crossbows by bow hunters is due to the fact that crossbows require much less skill to shoot than traditional bows. There’s no denying this fact—but the flip side of that view is that the crossbow’s ease of use can make hunters more effective in the field.

Sitting around camp and telling war stories of stalking the perfect buck and dropping him with a perfectly placed arrow is a great fantasy for some, the reality for most hunters is more along the lines of wanting to see a deer—and harvest it for meat. When the goal is to simply fill the freezer, it’s wise to use the equipment that gives you every possible advantage.

There’s something about hearing the powerful twang of the bowstring, and whizz of the bolt, that appeals to any hunter who tries it. Combined with the simplicity of many crossbows and it’s easy to understand why crossbows are treasured by those who have put them to use in the field.

The Drawbacks of Using Crossbows

While certain crossbows can be as powerful as some standard bows, no bow offers the range of a firearm. Hunting with a crossbow means that you’ll have to find yourself within close range of your target, and that can take some maneuvering.

It can also be deadly if your target happens to be a bear or other large game, and your shot falls short of fatal. An angered animal at short range would not leave you time to reload your crossbow, so it’s important to understand the risks and prepare accordingly.

Another drawback to using a crossbow is the bias so many bowhunters have against them. Because the crossbow is essentially a middle ground between a gun and a bow, many bowhunters feel that using a crossbow is like cheating.

While it’s admittedly easier to become proficient using a crossbow than a regular bow, it’s also true that crossbows require the same mindset required for bow hunting. Careful attention to wind velocity, range, and shaft speed are all vital to both crossbow hunting and bowhunting.

Hunting with a crossbow is a quickly addicting sport. For compound bow hunters who have never tried it, it would be a good idea to take a few shots using a crossbow before condemning them. The truth is, the drawbacks of using crossbows are slim if you are a hunter who is looking to harvest game.


The Best Crossbow for the Money: Crossbow Reviews

When it comes to finding the best crossbow for you, there are several factors to consider before swiping your credit card to snag the first flashy crossbow the guy behind the counter hands you.

Factors to consider:

  • Cost. Depending on how much you’ve planned to spend, you can enjoy a simple yet effective crossbow that requires little expert maintenance or a powerful compound crossbow that any bowhunter would gaze at with longing.
  • Design. Crossbow designs vary enormously. Recurve crossbows feature a single bowstring, while compound crossbows offer the increased power of a compound bow. There are models made for target shooting, and those made for big game hunting.
  • Accessories. Enjoyment of your new crossbow will be affected by whether or not your weapon comes equipped with features like a cocking rope, a scope, a quiver, bolts, etc.
  • Power. This is one of the most important considerations since it greatly impacts which animals you can take, and under what conditions.
  • Firing velocity. Like power, the firing velocity of your crossbow will dictate what game its best suited for. How fast your bow, or crossbow shoots, can be the difference between a kill and a complete miss.
  • Cost: $140-$200
  • Design: Recurve crossbow
  • Accessories: 4×32 scope, 4-arrow quiver, shoulder sling, scope mount, and cocking device
  • Color: Camo
  • Weight: 4.85 Pounds

SA Sports Fever Crossbow

For hunters aiming to try their hand at a simple crossbow that isn’t overly ambitious, the SA Sports Fever Crossbow is a great starter crossbow.

Smaller than typical compound crossbows, this weapon is much easier to load – which can be an excellent advantage for smaller hunters.

SA Sports Fever Crossbow

Editor Rating:

Things We Liked

  • Affordable
  • Lightweight
  • Great for target shooting or beginning deer hunting
  • Nice detachable quiver
  • Can be restrung in the field
  • Draw weight isn’t overwhelming

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Bolts are cheaply made
  • Scope is poor quality
  • Lacks the precision of higher-end crossbow

Keeping in mind, this crossbow isn’t meant to compete with crossbows that cost hundreds of dollars more, you should be quite pleased with the convenience and power of this SA Sports Fever Crossbow package. Make sure to view the accompanying video to learn exactly how to use it; failure to lubricate the string or maintain the crossbow properly can result in disappointing failure, which is common in less expensive crossbows. Also, always make sure to use the provided rope cocking device to prevent your crossbow’s accuracy from being affected.


Wicked Ridge by TenPoint

If you’re looking to upgrade a beginner crossbow, and get into a lightweight crossbow that shoots fast—you’ll appreciate the moderate price of the Wicked Ridge by TenPoint. Weighing in at just 6.6lbs, but still firing in excess of 330f fps, you’ll be increasing your crossbow potential without murdering your bank account.

  • Cost: $475-549
  • Design: Recurve crossbow
Wicked Ridge by TenPoint

Editor Rating:

  • Accessories: Red Dot scope
  • Color: Wood aluminum
  • Firing velocity: 165 feet per second

Things We Liked

  • Lightweight
  • DFI (Dry-Fire-Inhibitor)
  • Excellent 3.5 pound T2 trigger
  • 330 FPS
  • Great cocking system
  • Compact crossbow
  • Made with quality limbs and cables

Things We Didn’t Like

  • 165-pound draw may be slightly low for an extremely large game
  • Doesn’t come with a sling
  • Some hunters report it as being louder than they like

The Wicked Ridge is an excellent offering from TenPoint, and many hunters are touting it to be as good as crossbows in the $1000 range. If you’re looking for a great quality crossbow, and already have some accessories on hand, this is a great option to put a quality weapon into your hands for a reasonable price.


Barnett Crossbow

Probably the most respected name in crossbows, this Barnett BCX Buck Commander Extreme CRT Crossbow Package offers the Barnett excellence along with the elite Buck Commander endorsement.

A nice upscale crossbow, this compound design is sure to impress you with its power, speed, and accuracy.

  • Cost: $600-$750
  • Design: Compound crossbow
  • Accessories: 3-arrow quiver, rope cocking device, 3×32 scope
  • Power: 185 lbs. draw weight
  • Firing velocity: 365 feet per second

Editor Rating:

Things We Liked

  • Easy to maneuver
  • Powerful yet quiet – for a crossbow
  • Durable
  • Excellent accuracy
  • Illuminated scope
  • Compact profile makes it convenient in a tree stand
  • Very fast

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Like most crossbows, it isn’t as quiet as an upright bow
  • Failure to maintain crossbow correctly will result in damaged string or bow

Even though this Barnett BCX Buck Commander Extreme CRT Crossbow is more expensive than some of the others we’ve reviewed, we still feel it is an excellent value for the money. The compact design makes it a great choice for anyone who plans to hunt in tight blinds or tree stands, and the power should make a crossbow fan of gun owners and archers alike.

They say you get what you pay for, and with the Barnett BCX Buck Commander Extreme CRT Crossbow Package, you might even get a little more. If you are a serious crossbow hunter, chances are you won’t be disappointed with the power of this bow.


Barnett 78610 Recruit Compound Crossbow

For small-framed hunters, women, and young hunters who want to try their hands at crossbow hunting, the Barnett 78610 Recruit Compound Crossbow offers excellent power and quality without requiring excess muscle to load.

This miniature crossbow can pack quite a punch, and the intricate design is a great example of why the Barnett name is so highly regarded as the best for crossbows of all sizes.

  • Cost: $265-$500
  • Design: Compound crossbow with an adjustable buttstock
  • Accessories: Quiver, three arrows, Red Dot scope and rope cocking device
  • Power: 130 lbs. draw weight
  • Firing velocity: 300 feet per second

Editor Rating:

Things We Liked

  • Extremely lightweight and easy to handle
  • Secure safety mechanism
  • Great balance and trajectory
  • Excellent for children as long as adult supervision is provided
  • Easy draw weight and powerful
  • Durable parts should last

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Included red-dot optic doesn’t have magnification
  • Not as powerful as more expensive models

If you’re in the market for a small, but lethal crossbow, the Barnett 78610 Recruit Compound Crossbow is an excellent choice. Its quality and precision make the higher price tag worth it, and it’s a much better value than larger crossbows. This crossbow is a great middle-of-the-road crossbow for the serious young or smaller hunters.


Carbon Express Intercept Axon Crossbow

For some hunters, only the best will do. In that case, the Carbon Express Intercept Axon Crossbow is hard to beat.

Despite its hefty price tag, this crossbow is a dream of precision, accuracy, power, and convenience.

The compact design sacrifices nothing in terms of strength, instead of affording the ability to deliver a lethal blow even in tight spots or long ranges.

Editor Rating:

  • Cost: $740-$1,000
  • Design: Compound crossbow
  • Accessories: Rope cocking device, 3-arrow quiver, 3 bolts, rail lubricant, 3 practice points, 4×32 lighted scope
  • Power: 175 lbs. draw weight
  • Firing Velocity: 360+ feet per second

Things We Liked

  • Adjustable everything makes this ideal for any adult hunter
  • Accuracy rivals that of rifles
  • Perfect for both rifle hunters and bow hunters
  • Eye-catching design
  • Compound bow offers amazing power and range

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Can be difficult to cock without a crank
  • Very loud for hunting
  • Hefty price tag

The Carbon Express Intercept Axon Crossbow is definitely not for the novice or casual hunters. It takes some muscle to load and shoot this crossbow. Still, if you are serious about crossbow hunting, this Carbon Express Intercept Axon Crossbow is very hard to beat. With an item like this in your hands, there is no limit to the game you will be able to take down.


So, what’s the best crossbow for the money?

Although each of these crossbows has its strengths, we really like to give our recommendation on a product that will be the most effective at getting you into the field without forcing you to sell the back forty in order to afford it.

The Wicked Ridge, by TenPoint, is our top pick for this year’s best crossbow package. While this crossbow was not the cheapest crossbow on the list, we believe the excellent power, compact design, and quality workmanship made it quite likely that this crossbow will far outlast its cheaper competitors.

As always, we hope these reviews have helped you make an informed decision regarding the best crossbows on the market this year. While there are certainly other great crossbows out there, we believe that you’ll have a hard time beating the performance of the models we’ve highlighted in this article.

As you head out into the field, or to the range, make sure to remember that as enjoyable as crossbow hunting is, it’s still a deadly weapon that must be handled with great caution. We joke about slaying zombies and mention our favorite character Darryl Dixon, but a crossbow is not a toy.

Treat it with care, never dry-fire it, and you can look forward to many years of happy hunting with your crossbow.

Top Gun Safes

Whether you’re a casual hunter who has a family or an avid shooter who spends as much time calculating and testing hand-loaded ammunition as you do on personal grooming; the security provided by a quality gun safe is the best way to protect your investment.

The holiday season is a great time to replace a safe you’ve outgrown or to bring another style of the safe into your growing arsenal.

Hunters who have collected an amassment of heirloom, or other ornate pieces may opt for a traditional cabinet style of weapon storage; folks looking to store more than just hunting rifles may seek out a fireproof option to protect documents and other items, and gun owners who have families may wish to even get a small option to stow an everyday carry (EDC) pistol in a convenient place that’s safely out of the kids’ reach.

Whatever your reasons for shopping for the best gun safe, make sure you buy the right safe for the right reasons.

The Gun Safes you need to consider when buying:

What to look for in a gun safe

There are so many options in the weapon storage market, it can make your head swim. Let’s start by breaking down some of the key features in a quality gun safe so you can easily decide which suits your needs (and your collection) best.

Cost

The most obvious, and usually the most important, factor in shopping for any item is simple: how much does it cost? A great gun safe will not only protect your weapons from theft or unintended handling, but it may also protect other valuables.

When making your decision on just how much to spend, try to keep in mind what other items you may be protected inside your safe. You may think that spending a few hundred bucks on a safe doesn’t sit quite right with you, but when you calculate the added protection for other precious items, you may feel better about increasing the ticket value.

Overall Quality

Here’s a riddle: when is a gun safe not a gun safe? When it’s not safe. Ok, I’ll stop being clever; my point is that a tiny lightweight gun case, or a glass-fronted gun cabinet, is not equal to a gun safe in terms of actual safety.

If your goal is safety—skip the thin-walled gun cases that can be easily breached or simply carried off. Quality construction and decent lock are mandatory.

Lock

With the availability of a handful of different locks, be sure you choose the right one for your application.

Your home defense weapons probably shouldn’t live behind a combination lock that you’re unlikely to be able to see in a low-light scenario, and that unfired Colt Gold Cup pistol your Grandfather left you in his will shouldn’t be stored in a cheap case that won’t protect it from the environment, let alone theft.

Capacity

If you’re like me, you’re not just a hunter, but also a collector. Great pieces that are family hand-me-downs take up space just as that hot new rifle you just had to buy three seasons ago, don’t get us started on that growing pistol collection…right?

Whether you’re expanding, upgrading, or buying your first gun safe, I always urge people to leave some room to grow—you’ll use it. Even if you think you won’t add to your collection, you may find that storing your ammunition or other valuables in the safe makes the extra space worth having.

Size and Weight

This may be as limiting a factor as cost. There’s a Zen-like line that a gun owner needs to walk; a line between having secure storage for their collection, and having to modify their home in order to fit a safe the size of a Volkswagen.

How much is too much? That may depend more on your home than your wallet, and woe is the man who buys a safe he can’t fit into his domicile.

Options and Accessories

Hey, nothing comes without a little room to upgrade right? There’s a host of killer upgrades, add-ons, and accessories in the gun safe market, and depending which new safe you get your hands one, you could go as far as setting up a secure network connection inside your safe to store your data.

Seriously. It sounds like overkill, but the amount of digital data we accumulate these days is so great that many manufacturers are starting to offer network jacks as factory options. Other options are much more practical, you know, things like lights. It’s nice to actually see your collection once it’s securely stored, isn’t it?


Top 5 Gun Safes Recommendations

Electronic Gun Security Cabinet

The Mesa Safe Company is a trusted name when it comes to protecting your valuables.

This rugged gun safe may not hold an entire armory, but weighing in over 500lbs, you’ll find this gun safe will be an extremely durable and secure option.

The safe is pre-drilled for adding a dehumidifier, and even has an internal power outlet.

If you’re looking for an exceptionally safe for your collection, but don’t want to dedicate a massive amount of space to storage, look no further, try this Rifle Safe,Electronic Gun Security Cabinet.

RPNB Rifle Safe

Editor Rating:

With a moderate price of just under $750 as of this article, the Mesa 14 rifle safe is certainly not the cheapest safe on the market; however, this safe will ship free for Amazon Prime members, and it offers features typically included in safes that cost an arm and a leg. The only limiting factor here would be the size of your gun collection.

Things We Liked

  • Fire protection: 1 hour at 1750 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Solid steel deadbolts and a drill resistant hard plate for added security
  • Pre-drilled with an internal power plug for a dehumidifier
  • Bolt-down kit for secure installation
  • Easy to use electronic lock
  • Re-locking system for added security

Things We Didn’t Like

  • 14 gun capacity may be small for collectors
  • Limited space for hanging an organizer on the door

Gunvault GV2000

Not every gun owner has a collection of rifles that needs to be stored in a massive hulking safe in their basement.

For folks who already have an excellent gun safe for their rifles, or for the people who wish to have a more readily available place to stow a few pistols, the Gunvault GV2000 is a great option.

The handprint design on the top of the Gunvault acts as the platform for the electronic lock, but what we really like is the available key lock.

GunVault gun safes

Editor Rating:

Relying on electronics can make life convenient—for as long as the electronics work. Being able to access your pistols quickly by key or an electronic lock makes for peace of mind. There is a shelf inside this safe, so you could store a pistol or two inside the safe as well as a flashlight, small medical kit, or really anything else that you’d like to keep secure.

For a secure pistol storage option that is under $200, we think this one of the best possible options. Keep in mind the dual power sources (battery and AC power) and the dual locking mechanisms (electronic and keyed). This is a great buy.

Things We Liked

  • Dual locking systems allow access in almost any scenario
  • Foam lining protects your items
  • Built-in timed lights illuminate the interior without draining batteries
  • Dual power sources (battery and AC)
  • Room enough for multiple pistols, or other valuables.

Things We Didn’t Like

  • If not bolted down, it’s susceptible to being carried away.
  • Not fire or waterproof
  • Limited capacity

Steelwater Gun Safes

Tipping the scales at 879 pounds, this massive 51 rifle capacity fireproof safe is certainly not for the weak of heart, or wallet.

At around $1500 this safe is clearly our most expensive recommendation, and also the largest, we have to admit this may not be the perfect safe for every gun owner out there; but don’t forget, this beauty offers not only excellent security but lots and lots of room to grow.

The proof is in the pudding, so to speak, and this safe comes packed with the size and features of safes that typically cost more than double this price.

Steelwater Gun Safes

Editor Rating:

Just think how great it would be to crack open your safe and be able to quickly inventory all of your rifles, pistols, and ammunition. No more opening one small cabinet, then going to the bedroom closet to fish out that gun you forgot to store after hunting season, then sorting through cans of ammo in various places in the basement.

The Second Amendment safe has room enough to keep all of your loot in one place. In terms of security, this safe is loaded with features ranging from a drill-resistant plate, to chromed steel deadbolts, right down to its 12GA steel construction and powder-coating, so it’s completely utilitarian, but stylish as well.

There are holes for bolting this down, just in case you think someone could actually lift this beast—and the interior is nicely decorated with a plush grey lining.

Things We Liked

  • High rifle capacity
  • Included door panels for added storage
  • Great security features
  • Fireproof to 1700 degrees
  • Excellent customer service

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Very large and heavy
  • On the expensive side

Barska Rifle Safe

If fireproofing is not a concern, you may be interested in the incredibly convenient biometric safe offered by Barska.

Fire protection aside, this safe is a good buy, coming in just under $230 as I write this—you could have your weapons conveniently stored with a foolproof locking system for an extremely low price.

With the ability to store up to 120 identities (which is to say 120 fingerprints) this safe is definitely handy.

The upper shelf can accommodate a full-sized pistol, or some ammunition of you choose—while the main storage area holds about four rifles depending on their size (more like two if you’re storing kitted out tactical weapons).

Barska Gun Safes

Editor Rating:

We think a safe like this may fit nicely into the home of someone who wants to keep some home defense weapons nearby, but doesn’t want to try and fiddle with a key in the dark—or type in an electronic code in a hurry.

There is a loud audible beep when using the electronic lock, which can be disabled, but is cool because it lets you know if someone is trying to access your safe—again great for home defense or keeping weapons out of unauthorized hands.

Things We Liked

  • 120 identity storage makes for easy access
  • Excellent for quickly accessing home-defense weapons
  • Holds rifles and potentially a pistol, or ammunition.
  • Mounts to a wall or floor
  • Easier installation than a cumbersome safe
  • Great price

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Small storage capacity
  • Lacks fireproofing

Stack-On Gun Safes

Stack-On is a well-known name in the safe industry, and for good reason.

With all of their experience in the market, they are able to offer safes like the TD14-22 which boasts a 22 rifle capacity, waterproofing, fireproofing, and comes with a door organizer as well.

An outlet is installed inside for adding a dehumidifier, and the shelving may be arranged to provide storage for other items aside from rifles.

Overall Stack-On TD14 Safe offers a lot of features for a modest price, just under $900, which is a reasonable price considering the features and size.

Stack-On Gun Safes

Editor Rating:

As with all gun safes, you’re paying for peace of mind as much as you are security, so having enough space to put your weapons and other valuables with the added water and fire protection really adds value.

Things We Liked

  • Waterproof (up to 2 feet)
  • Fireproof for 75 minutes up to 1400 degrees Fahrenheit
  • A lot of features for the price
  • Electric outlet for installing a dehumidifier
  • Included door organizer allows added storage

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Internal fit and finish leaves a little to be desired (carpet and shelving may need tweaking)
  • Some users wish for a higher quality electronic lock

Final thoughts

So you’ve seen our highly recommended safe options. As a collector myself, I understand just how hard it can be to find a perfect option that will provide the security you want, fit in your home, and also fit into your budget.

My absolute recommendation is to get the biggest and best safe you can afford, even if it requires you to save up for longer than you’d like. Saving a few hundred bucks upfront, just to end up needing a bigger (or better) safe a few years down the road really isn’t saving in the long run.

Of course, buying the best safe you can afford doesn’t mean you need to siphon funds from your annual vacation fund. Dropping a few thousand dollars on a safe that needs to be lowered into your home at the hands of a skilled crane operator is a cool daydream for some of us, but unless you’re a lottery winner that may not be feasible.

We chose the Blue Dot Second Amendment safe as our favorite here at Outdoorhill. The price tag is heavy, no doubt about that, but the 51 rifle capacity and excellent internal storage options will come in handy for almost any collector out there.

The door organizer can hold a small armory itself, and the excellent fireproof rating should offer peace of mind to anyone who wishes to protect their investment.

As an added bonus, if you’re an Amazon Prime member, this safe is available with free Prime shipping. Our last recommendation goes a bit beyond gun safety, and more into operational security. If you live in an area where trash and recycling is picked up at your curbside—you may wish to break down the packaging from your safe and dispose of it more discretely.

Call it security by obscurity if you’d like, but keeping your gun collection to yourself is the goal of a gun safe—and we think the idea of leaving a large box that says “gun safe” on the side of the road by your home may be a form of advertising that could have some negative impacts, to say the least.

Top Rifle Scopes for Long Range

Having a long-range rifle is one of the dreams of many hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Nonetheless, while the rifle itself can be an excellent investment, it is never enough.

You also need to invest in a long-range riflescope. The latter will provide you with high-quality optics that can help increase shooting precision. Regardless of the shooting environment, you will be able to see your target clearly, and hence, you will be able to shoot accurately.

Are you looking for the best long-range riflescopes? For sure, your search is not going to be easy, given the fact that the options can be overwhelming.

From the quality of the optics to the durability of the materials that are used, there are many things that should be taken into account.

To help you out in making the right decision, keep on reading and we will provide you with insights on how to choose the right one, and more importantly, we will recommend some of the best brands and models that are available in the market depending on your budget.
Our Pick: Top Best Long Range Rifle Scope From $500 To $1,000

Most Important Features to Look for in Long Range Riflescopes

Having a hard time evaluating the options that you can find in the marketplace? In this part, we will tackle some of the most important features that deserve your attention.

Lenses

This is the most important feature of the long-range riflescope. The lenses will be indicative of the visual quality and clarity of the subject.
It should be made from a material that can provide you with a good perspective of your subject, regardless of the external environment.
Meaning, even if it is dark or foggy, it is important that the lenses will be able to give you an impressive view of the target.
You should select a model with clear and sharp glass, even if it means that the price is going to be more expensive.

Zoom Power

The zoom power of the riflescope will be indicative of its magnification capability.

It is recommended that you choose a scope with the more powerful zooming feature, which means that you can easily see your subject even from a distance.
However, caution must be observed. As the object is zoomed in, the image quality also decreases.
With this, choose a high-quality riflescope, which means that the subject must remain clear regardless of how much you zoom.

Reticle

In a long range riflescope, reticle simply refers to the aiming point of the scope.
There should be dots that are spaced out evenly. This is critical in long range shooting, especially in terms of being able to have a clear aim on your subject.
A high quality reticle will make it easy to stay focused on your target.
Even if you are from afar, it will make it effortless to make sure that your target is shot where you intended to have it hit.

Objective Lens Size

It is important to keep in mind that the larger the lens size, the better is the transmission of light.
However, this does not necessarily mean that you will be choosing the largest lens size that is available.
As experts recommend, most users will do well with 50mm objective lens.
Anything that is larger than such will be able to demonstrate the same level of light transmission.
To add, those that are larger can be a drawback because it means that larger mounts will be required.
This could add up to the weight of your rifle.

Focal Plane

Basically speaking, there will be two choices for focal plane.
In the first focal plane, it means that there will be changes in the size of the reticle based on the changes in magnification.

In the case of the second focal plane, on the other hand, the size of the reticle will remain the same regardless of the changes in magnification. The first focal plane is preferred by many.


Best Rifle Scope Under $500

For those who are looking for an affordable long-range riflescope, this is one option that should not be missed.

While Vortex Optics Crossfire II comes at an affordable price, it does not run short in terms of innovative features, such as impressive glass quality and magnification, making it easy to see your target clearly.

The adjustable BDC reticle is also worth noting, which makes it excellent. It can be accurate for a distance of 50 to 200 yards.

It is also weather-resistant. This is one of the riflescopes built for the outdoors. Even if it is raining, you can expect the product to deliver unrivaled functionality.

A lot of users were also happy with the quick target acquisition that can be enjoyed from this product It is user-friendly and the adjustments can be made in a snap.

Our Pick For Adjustment:

Things We Liked

  • Affordable price
  • Easy to adjust

Things We Didn’t Like

  • A bit awkward to handle
  • Quite large

Even with the cheap price of this long-range riflescope, it is filled with impressive technical features, making it comparable to higher-end models.

For instance, it has 6 to 24x magnification, 50mm objective diameter, and excellent lighting transmission.

The durability of this riflescope has been given words of praise by many people.

Monstrum G2 First Scope is built with the use of high-quality components, which can withstand even tough and prolonged use. To add, it is also worth noting that it is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof.

The scope is made from aluminum and comes with a stylish black finish that gives it a standout appeal.

Handling Of Recoil

The multicoated optics of the scope is also a good reason to have it chosen among others. This type of coating will maximize the transmission of light, providing the user with unmatched visual clarity to help increase shooting accuracy.

Things We Liked

  • Affordable price
  • Excellent handling of recoil

Things We Didn’t Like

  • No instructions
  • Mount is not universal

With 4 to 12x magnification power, coupled with a fully-coated optical system, this is one of the best options within the product category, guaranteeing more precise and accurate shooting.

With its excellent optical quality, it is sure to perform well even when used in low-light conditions.

The quick-focus eyepiece is also an excellent feature of this scope. This results into being able to acquire your target faster.

Monstrum G2 First Focal Plane also has 3.7-inch eye relief, which means that it could not lead to eye strain, even for people who are using eyeglasses.

Lastly, it comes with a patented DC reticle. The latter has been exclusively developed by Nikon, one of the most trusted brands within the product category.

Lightweight Long Range Rifle

The reticle can prove to be beneficial when it comes to being able to easily and accurately aim at your target.

Things We Liked

  • Lightweight and compact
  • Lifetime warranty

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Not best for older styles of rifles
  • A bit difficult to control

Best Rifle Scope from $500 to $1,000

Durability is one of the best things about this long-range rifle scope.

One of the reasons for the latter is the fact that it is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, which increases its structural integrity. To add, it is also waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof.

It is teeming in terms of innovative features, including those that cannot be found in other brands.

For instance, Vortex Optics Viper has Customizable Rotational Stop, which prevents losing your zero. It also has MagView Bar, which means that it has fiber optics in its glass.

A lot were also happy with its extra-low dispersion glass, which provides crisp and clear images.

Our Pick For Focusing:

The XR lens coating, on the other hand, is a proprietary technology, which improves light transmission for optimal brightness, regardless of the external condition of the shooting environment.

Things We Liked

  • Durable
  • Easy focusing

Things We Didn’t Like

  • The quality of glass could be better
  • Poor zooming capabilities

SIII Long Range Scope

One of the most impressive features of this model is the side focus. This will make it easy for you to customize the magnification while being glued to your target.

This is one of the reasons why SIII Long Range Scope 10-50x 60 Reticle Type: Target Dot is enjoyed by beginners who are looking for a user-friendly scope.

The 50x magnification of this model is also impressive. This means that you can have the subject magnified by as much as 50 times.

Even if you are shooting from afar, you will be able to see your subject clearly. There are some users, however, who complained that the image quality is reduced when you zoom.

The ZACT-7 Rev Coat multi-coating is another feature that gives it a distinction from its competitors.

Our Pick For Magnification

With the latter, it is equipped with 7 layers of high-quality coating to increase light transmission, and hence, allowing you to see your subject even in shooting conditions that are dark.

Things We Liked

  • Side focus
  • Excellent magnification

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Stiff adjustments for the reticle
  • Poor quality lens cap

Leupold Rifle Scope

By taking a look at the overall construction of this Leupold Riflescope VX-5HD , it will be easy to understand why it is ranked by many as amongst the best.

It has 24k gold plated ring and medallion. More so, it has an aluminum housing, which can withstand wear and tear, providing you with the guarantee that it can be functional for an extended period. It is also fog-proof and waterproof.

It comes with 90 MOA windage and elevation adjustment. This means that you will have the freedom to have it controlled.

You can adjust it left and right, up and down, depending on where your subject is.

Lastly, it has motion sensor technology, which is one feature that is not common in other products within this price range.

Our Pick For Accurate

It will automatically deactivate the illumination of your reticle when it is not used, allowing the battery life to be extended.

Things We Liked

  • Accurate
  • Built to last

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Poor customer service
  • Issues with light transmission

Best Rifle Scope from $1,000 to $2,000

You get what you pay for. This is applicable in this long-range rifle scope. While it has an expensive price, it can be an excellent investment for anyone who is serious in shooting. Its quality is hard to rival.

One of its most impressive features of this Thor LT Thermal Rifle Scope is Multicoat 4, a coating technology that has been exclusively developed by the manufacturer to give their products an edge above others.

With the latter, the amount of light that reaches your eye will be increased, allowing it to offer image clarity that is topnotch.

The DiamondCoat2 external lens coating is another technology that improves its optics.

The Extended Twilight Lens System is another feature that deserves to be highlighted.

Our Pick For Construction:

Thor LT Thermal Rifle ScopeThe latter is excellent not only for light transmission but also for magnification, making it possible to acquire your target quickly.

Things We Liked

  • Clear optics
  • Excellent construction

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Pricey
  • It May not be beginner-friendly

SIII Long Range Scope

Among other things, the lifetime warranty that is being offered by the manufacturer can be one of the best reasons to have it considered above all others.

SIII Long Range Scope At any given time, if problems are experienced and if defects showed up, you can have it returned to the manufacturer and they will have it repaired for free.

Quick and accurate – these are two of the things that are often used by its users to describe this product. It will take only a few seconds before the target can be spotted.

With its quick target acquisition, you can be confident that SIII Long Range Scope is one of the most reliable options you will ever find.

Our Pick For Optics:

The ergonomic design of this rifle scope should also be mentioned. Handling the scope will not be tasking. You can have easy access to the adjustments.

Things We Liked

  • Superior quality optics
  • Tough construction

Things We Didn’t Like

  • A bit heavy
  • Hard to find

ATN X Rifle Scope

One of the first things that should be highlighted about this product is the Fully Multi-Coated Optics.

ATN X-Sight-4k Pro Edition Smart Hunting Rifle Scope provides the brightest images with the highest contrast, allowing you to see your subject with optimal clarity.

The Bulletproof Money-back Guarantee that is being offered by the manufacturer is one more thing that makes it impressive.

If you are unhappy with the product, return it to the manufacturer and they will provide you with a refund.

It also comes with RainGuard HD, a patented technology. This provides the scope with a special water-repellent coating to keep moisture away and to allow it to deliver optimal functionality in various shooting environments.

It is also Argon Purged, which makes it waterproof.

Our Pick For Sun Shades:

ATN X-Sight-4k Pro Edition Smart Hunting Rifle Scope

Things We Liked

  • Excellent optics
  • Has a sunshade

Things We Didn’t Like

  • A bit heavy
  • May not be good for beginners

Best Rifle Scopes from $2,000 Above

For people who do not care about how much they send as long as they are able to purchase a long-range rifle scope with exceptional quality, this is one option that should not be missed.

It is made by a high-end brand that does not skimp in terms of features that will provide it with an edge above others within the competition.

It features Xtended Twilight Lens System, which uses wavelength-specific lens coating for optimal light transmission.

Regardless of the shooting environment where you are. The lens will receive a sufficient amount of light to make your subject visible.

Our Pick For Compact:

LEUPOLD VX-6HD 2-12X42MM RIFLE SCOPEIt is also worth noting that the brand uses lead-free lenses, which is contributory to making it exceptionally clear and bright.

The legendary ruggedness of this scope also makes Leupold Vx-6hd 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope appealing. Even through the years and with frequent use, it will remain highly functional.

Things We Liked

  • Compact
  • Fits perfectly in mount

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Can be complicated for beginners
  • Pricey

This is an elite riflescope that is perfect for advanced users. A lot of beginners may be intimated with this scope, especially because of its price.

Are you looking for a scope that can provide unmatched clarity? This scope has been integrated with various proprietary technologies to deliver a clear vision of your subject.

Some examples of its innovative features include Xtended Twilight Lens System and DiamondCoat2.

The latter are integrated into the optics of the scope, allowing it to optimize the transmission of light, and hence, resulting in being able to see your target clearly regardless of the condition of the external environment.

It should be also mentioned that it is equipped with a front focal plane.

Our Pick For Optics:

Leupold Vx-6hd 3-18x44mm Rifle Scope W Firedot Duplex

This means that the reticle will adjust based on the magnification of the image. You will be able to have a better estimation of your range across all magnification settings of this Leupold Vx-6hd 3-18x44mm Rifle Scope W/ Firedot Duplex.
Things We Liked

  • Premium optics
  • Excellent warranty

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Limited magnification
  • Unattractive looks

It is surprising how a lightweight and compact long-range riflescope can be high-performing.

With a weight of 23.6 ounces and a length of 12 inches, it might be small, but it is big in terms of features that give it a distinctive appeal above its competitors.

The 6:1 zoom ratio is one of the most impressive features that you can find in this model. This means that regardless of the magnification, you will be able to see your target clearly.

Image quality will not be negatively affected regardless of how much you zoom.

The Twin Bias Spring Erector System also makes this model an exceptional pick. With the latter, it can withstand recoil and long-term use, making it an excellent investment.

Our Pick For Magnification:Trijicon Vcog 1-6x24mm Green Segmented RifflescopeLastly, it is waterproof and fog-proof. Regardless of the external conditions in the place where you are shooting, you can expect Trijicon Vcog 1-6x24mm Green Segmented Rifflescope to deliver exceptional performance.

Things We Liked

  • Exceptional warranty
  • Impressive magnification

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Not beginner-friendly
  • Controls can be confusing

Conclusion

Now you have full information regarding the best long-range rifle scopes that you can purchase for enhancing your shooting capability at a long-range. Remember that without having the best scope in your rifle, you will never be able to shoot at long range.

On the other hand, you can try some rifles that come with a built-in long-range scope but you may not have the best technology to have an accurate calculation of data before shooting. Don’t forget to compare the battery life and the weight of the scopes because they are really significant to use.

Get back to the long-range rifle’s scope store and compare the features. The above comparison chart will give you maximum help so that you can have a brief idea about the scopes at a glance.

For that reason, keep up to date with the technology and include any of the scopes into your rifle to have a long-range shooting capability in the next hunting season or shooting competition. Having any of the rifle scopes will give you an advantage against other hunters and shooters in any competition you are going to take part.

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