The Best Rifle Scopes Made in the USA

What are the best rifle scopes made in the USA? Whether you are a hunting enthusiast or a competitive shooter, a good quality scope is a must. Many people are often inclined to purchase foreign rifle scopes. While some of these are of exceptional quality, most come with questionable craftsmanship.

Their performance is mediocre as well. If you only want the best performance and highest quality for your rifle, then only the best American-made rifle scopes will suffice. We evaluated and tested 13 of the best rifle scopes from reputable US rifle scope companies. This list should help you decide on which scope to mount to your rifle.

Best American Made RifleScope Reviews of 2021

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rimfire Riflescope

Mating the VX-Freedom to my vintage Winchester Model 70 is like breathing new life into my hardware. The sleek profile of the Rimfire gave the Model 70 a more contemporary look. Of course, improving the aesthetics of an aging rifle is not the main purpose of such a device. What I am only saying is that the VX can make shooting a lot more exciting, even if you have an outdated firearm.

What I find very exciting about the Rimfire is its light management system. There is game that are most active at dusk. I can still track, aim, and shoot even if the sun has already said its farewell for the day.

The crosshair is so much simpler than the other scopes I have tried. The quality of the optics is also what you will expect from a true US-made rifle scope. It works so well with the size of the objective lens. And with a magnification that ranges from a low of 3x to a high of 9x, the VX Freedom can get your adrenaline pumping. You can use it in tactical scenarios or in long-ranged shooting activities.

My only complaint about this low price scope is that the turrets tend to be mushy. I would have preferred if they were also crisp with each turn.

The VX-Freedom may have a mushy turret. However, this does not detract from the overall performance of the scope. I think this is a great scope for those who are only beginning to appreciate the fun of hunting.

Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Riflescope

I love the VX-3i’s lens coating. The size of its objective lens is much larger than what I often use. The problem with such a size is that the glare can be overwhelming. Leupold introduced a couple of innovations in the lens to counter the glare. You will never miss a target ever again.

Like its entry-level brother, the VX-3i features a unique light management system. What I find intriguing is that the length of time that I can use this top rated scope in low light conditions is longer than the VX-Freedom.

Zeroing the sight is also a joy. I find the turrets to be more likable than the Freedom as they are crisp. I tried taking the VX-3i to a few hours of continuous shooting. The zero held. You will never have to fidget with the turrets ever again, regardless of how much you push the scope.

The improvements in the VX-3i do come with a drawback. Expect to pay a premium for the high-end lens coating and the increased range of magnification.

The Leupold VX-3i may be a pricey tool for a rifle. However, it is still a great rifle scope, considering its high-quality optics, tough construction, and wide-ranging magnification.

Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Riflescope

The VX-5HD has all the nice things you can ever want from a premium quality scope. There is a smart sensor technology that works with its illuminated reticle. I find the whole setup to be very useful in situations where other scopes will already leave you groping in the dark.

Another thing I love about the VX-5HD is the clarity of its lens. We are talking about glass that can deliver high-definition images. The lens coating is also exceptional. Not only is it scratch-resistant and durable, it also makes tracking targets a lot more fulfilling.

Its 15x maximum magnification makes it a great tool for long-ranged shots. This premium quality rifle scope also makes it easy to shoot long. I find its CDS to be beneficial in customizing the dial to suit my needs.

The downside to all of these improvements is the price tag. You’ve got to be a serious hunter or competitive shooter to want to get this baby.

It is true that the VX-5HD is very expensive. However, its innovative features that let it stand out in the field also make the scope a much sought-after device for rifle enthusiasts.

Trijicon ACOG 4×32 Scope

I believe that the ACOG 4×32 is the best scope for tactical rifles. It does not have the long profile of conventional scopes. Its fixed 4x magnification also gives it an advantage over other tactical weapons scopes. The power gives you enough versatility to use the scope in either tactical or strategic scenarios.

Unlike other red dot systems, the ACOG 4×32 does not depend on batteries. I am pleased to learn that I do not have to buy countless batteries to keep the reticle illuminated. I was also surprised to see that the brightness of the reticle adjusts itself without any input from the user.

In my opinion, the best part of the ACOG 4×32 is its sight mechanism. The eye relief is exceptional. You can open both eyes and still have a very good look of the target. Trijocon is dead serious when it said that the 4×32 is the best rifle scope anyone can ever get.

The only downer is that the reticle tends to lose its sharpness in certain situations. I often see this in too high brightness settings.

Despite the occasional fuzziness of its reticle, I think the ACOG 4×32 is a good choice for those who want a proven tactical rifle scope platform.

Trijicon TR23 AccuPoint 5-20×50 Riflescope

If you are looking for a rifle scope that is 100% made in the USA, then Trijocon is your brand. Not only do they produce the popular ACOG system. The company also produces one of the best scopes for long-range shooters.

The AccuPoint has one of the widest magnification range on the market. You can be a Spec Ops sniper during weekdays and a seasoned deer hunter on your days off. Such is the versatility of the Accupoint that very few other scope brands can match.

Like all Trijocon optics, the TR23 comes with a unique reticle illumination system that does away with conventional batteries. The system allows any shooter to have a clearer and more vivid view of the target. Having a humongous objective lens also helps in creating a clearer image in the viewfinder. I have to admit that I fell in love with this feature of the TR23.

What I found intriguing is the TR23’s target acquisition capabilities. It is fast, almost similar to a red dot system. This is surprising, considering the TR23 is a long-range shooting implement.

I do find the TR23’s reticle brightness levels to be in the “darker” side of things.

It does not matter if the reticle illumination is not that bright. I would still consider the TR23 AccuPoint to be on-point for a wide variety of shooting scenarios.

Trijicon RS22 AccuPower 2.5-10×56 Riflescope

What thrilled me about the AccuPower is the brightness settings of its reticle. I know that the RS22 already has a very large objective lens. To be able to adjust the brightness levels up to 11 different points is something else. It is ingenious. The illuminated reticle runs on a single piece of CR2032 battery. This came as a surprise to me. Trijocon is popular for using fiber optics in its sight illumination.

I have to emphasize that the two lowest brightness settings are for night vision purposes. Setting the brightness to this level may surprise you as you will no longer see the crosshair. This is what you will get during the day. Wait for it to turn dark and you will appreciate the ingenuity of Trijocon’s AccuPower.

The overall construction of the RS22 is spot on. The fog-proofing and weatherproofing of the scope are unlike any other. This is a specialist’s tool, after all.

The sheer size of the scope will make you think that it is heavy. And you are right. So far, this is the only downside that I can see in the RS22.

I understand the heft of the Trijocon RS22. However, with a large lens and sophisticated sighting mechanisms, the AccuPower is what you would consider a high end power rifle scope.

Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Riflescope

The scope’s turret is easy to manipulate. You can feel a certain degree of crispness every time you turn the dial. I find this quite surprising, since there are more expensive brands that have mushy turrets.

What really surprised me was the ease of acquiring targets. These very nice scopes work more like red dot systems. There is no fumbling for target acquisition. Once you lift the rifle and position your eye to the eyepiece, you already get a good view of your target. This is remarkable, given the price point of the device.

Redfield Revolution also designed its 3-9×40 with adequate protection from the elements. The glass will not fog nor will dust or water ingress and ruin the internal components. The lens has a special coating; although, I am sure it is not as good as what higher-priced models can offer.

The downside is that the scope’s image is not that clear. This is more perceptible if you are already accustomed to the image quality of higher-quality optics.

It is easy to forgive the less-than-stellar performance of the Redfield Revolution’s 3-9×40 riflescope. After all, you can never get another budget scope with such an amazing array of features. It performs well for its price.

Redfield Revolution 4-12x40mm Riflescope

What I find amazing about this inexpensive scope is that it comes with a wide range of magnification. I can imagine a full week of exploring the endless possibilities of the scope. However, do not think that this gadget can serve as a tactical scope. The lowest possible power is still high for close quarter engagements.

Nevertheless, I think Redfield Revolution did a fine job enhancing the performance of the 4-12×40. The scope’s eye relief is more than adequate. It should save you from the dreaded “scope-eye” in case you decide to fit it into an ass-kicking, high-recoil rifle.

The matte finish of the scope should serve you well when you go on the hunt. The non-reflective surface of the device won’t give away your presence to your intended target. The glass is also commendable, especially when you consider the price of the scope. You will also like the scope’s overall construction.

The 4-12×40 is not without cons, however. I find the turret adjustments to be less precise than other Redfield Revolution models.

Despite having issues with the turret adjustments, I still think that the Redfield Revolution 4-12x40mm Riflescope is worth the buy. It is stylish and functional enough to let you enjoy hunting or sharpening your skills for an upcoming shooting competition.

Redfield Revolution 2-7x33mm Riflescope

The 2-7x33mm scope comes with best-in-class optics. It is easy to appreciate what Redfield has done to the scope if you try to use it at dusk or dawn. You can still see your target crystal clear. While I am not sure about the kind of coating Redfield used on the lens, I am glad they did. The images seen through the device are a lot better than some of the higher-priced scopes that my friends use.

The scope is also easy to mount on almost any other rifle. I mated it to a CZ 527 and a PTR 91. The 2-7x33mm turned these rifles into amazing pieces. I am just not sure if it will look good on an AR because of the length of the tube.

The magnification is not as wide as other models. However, its lowest power can make it a good tool for tactical purposes. Target acquisition is fast as the eye relief is sufficient.

My only issue with this rifle optic in the USA is that the turret adjustments do not feel very “snappy”. I guess it comes with the price.

Notwithstanding the less-than-satisfactory performance of the turret, I can say the Redfield Revolution 2-7x33mm Riflescope is still worth your consideration. The image quality is good and it holds zero quite well.

NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Riflescope

You will love the scope’s lens diameter as I did the first time using it. It is one of the largest lens diameter that I have encountered, which is perfect for twilight hunting. I now understand why NightForce decided to do away with an illuminated reticle. The size of the lens alone is enough to allow more ambient light in.

The power range is also remarkable. I think the combination of a large lens and a wide magnification range makes the 5-20x56mm a powerful tool in the field. I can almost see the wide grin of happy hunters downing an elusive game from 1,000-plus yards out. This is not at all impossible as the 5-20x56mm also comes with very responsive turret adjustments. I love that the turrets are larger than the average. They are a lot easier to manage. Plus, the click with each turn is very comforting to hear.

It goes without saying that the glass is superb. It is as clear and tough as the best American made scopes for rifles.

My only lament is that the scope is quite pricey.

Most people will not mind the premium price of the SHV 5-20x56mm that comes out from NightForce’s US factories. I believe that the craftsmanship and performance of the scope outweigh any price issue.

NightForce SHV 4-14x50mm F1 Riflescope

The quality of the glass is unmistakable. You know that NightForce did a good job creating a lens that is large enough for better light accommodation. Tracking targets is easy as the lens provides a wide and clear view.

I also like what NightForce introduced in the F1. Unlike the SHV 5-20x56mm riflescope, the F1 features an illuminated reticle. The brand also integrated an on-off switch for the reticle. This can address the need for better illumination in scenarios where there is very minimal ambient light. And when it is too bright outside, you can just turn off the reticle illumination.

NightForce also made sure that the turret adjustments are very responsive. From the parallax adjustment to the settings for windage and elevation, placing a shot with the F1 is a breeze. Hunters will also love the F1’s field of view. This can improve their understanding of the target’s surroundings before they squeeze the trigger.

There is one minor bummer in the F1, though. I find its eye relief to be somewhat less than comforting. If you have a powerful firearm, then a ‘scope-eye’ is always a possibility.

Despite the insufficient eye relief, I believe that the NightForce F1 is still a good choice for those who are looking for high quality scopes.

NightForce 2.5-10x42mm NXS Illuminated Compact Riflescope

What impressed me most about the NXS is its side focus adjustment. This feature makes the zeroing of the sight less complicated. Adjusting the elevation and windage turrets was more engaging because the feature ‘locks’ the turret. I find the same feature to be very useful in keeping the crosshair steady as I adjust the sight.

As I mentioned, the 10x power of the NXS is great for long-range shooting. True, it is not a 20x power. However, I can mount the scope on a .308 or a .223 and make those sniper-like shots from 1,000 yards and beyond.

The tube of the NXS is classic NightForce. It does not know any weather or terrain. You can go hunting on a sunny day or a stormy afternoon and the NXS will still give you the target in your sights. After all, these USA scopes are what the pros use on their adventures.

As far as I am concerned, the only drawback I see in the NXS is its battery-powered illumination. I love the red or green illumination. There’s no doubt about that. I only wish NightForce used tritium or fiber optics instead.

The NightForce 2.5-10x42mm NXS is a good all-around scope for both hunting and competitive shooting. Its construction is unparalleled and its performance unquestionable.

U.S. Optics 1-6x24mm SFP 2 MOA Red Dot Reticle Riflescope

I thought that the SFP will give the ACOG a run for its money. Then, I realized that this is a variable power scope with its lowest magnification at 1x. This makes the SFP a remarkable scope. What you see through the eyepiece is what you will also see without the scope. Of course, giving you the ability to zoom in closer to your target will be better for an interesting acquisition and aiming.

I also love the SFP’s badass design. It conveys a sense of power. And with a large-enough lens allowing sufficient light transmission, the SFP is indeed a powerful scope.

The red dot reticle of the SFP is also commendable. I can adjust the intensity of the red dot brightness to make target acquisition easy. The 3 lower intensity settings are also useful for hunting in the dark. I did try this in my AR and the difference of those 3 lower settings is phenomenal. Picking a target in the dark is easy with this system.

I do wish U.S. Optics ditched the CR2032 battery for powering its red dot reticle, though. The 500-hour lifespan may seem good. However, there are other illumination technologies that last longer.

If you are choosing to support the USA, you should get the U.S. Optics 1-6x24mm SFP Riflescope. It performs well in tactical engagements as it does in long-range shooting activities.

Why Do You Need American Made Rifle Scopes?

There is an ongoing debate among gun owners as to the status of rifle scopes that are made in the US. There was a time when any product that had the “Made in the USA” stamp was more comforting. It denoted that every single component of the product is sourced, fabricated, and built in the US.

Today, this is not always the case. Even well-known American rifle scope brands admit that they source some components from other countries. For instance, if the American rifle scope company cannot source optics that meet the company’s specifications, then they will have to source it from a Japanese or a German firm.

While the practice goes against the notion of a 100 percent made in the US rifle scope, it underscores the manufacturer’s emphasis on quality. They know that there are well-established international brands that can supply them with premium quality parts for their scopes. A good example is Japan’s Nikon. This brand produces one of the best optics for scopes around the world. It is understandable that the best companies would also want the same component in their products.

Quality is the most important reason why you should buy an American-made scope. Some parts of the scope may not have the red-white-and-blue. However, the American manufacturer also knows that there are other countries that can produce these parts far better than the locals do. When you purchase American-made scopes for firearms, you can be sure that the quality is worth every penny you spend.

What Makes a Great American Made Rifle Scope?

Quality craftsmanship is the highlight of a true-blue American-made rifle scope. You can never question its construction. Regardless of the environment that you will use it in, the scope will help you accomplish your objectives. Shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof are already a given when it comes to these rifle accessories.

The power of the objective lens should also be as wide-ranging as possible. Getting a 3-9x magnification might seem great. However, picking a scope with a 5-20x power is better. The range of the magnification gives you versatility of application.

Optical or glass quality is a must. It should come with at least a multicoated lens. If the glass comes with a fully-multicoated construction, then you’ve got one of the best scopes in hand. The same is true with the size of the lens. The larger it is, the more efficient you will be in tracking and aiming for the shot.

Factors to Consider when Buying a Scope Made in The USA

Buying USA made rifle scopes already addresses one of the most important considerations for any consumer – quality. Making sure that the rifle scope you buy is from a reputable US company already guarantees the quality of the scope. This is not the only consideration, however. Other factors can play in your purchase of the best scope for your rifle.

Magnification

A scope’s magnification is a function of the primary purpose of the firearm. Tactical purposes assume that the target is within 100 yards from the shooter. You do not need a scope with a very high magnification. A scope with 3x to 9x magnification is sufficient to hit even a moving target. However, if you are into hunting game well beyond 500 yards, then a 5-30x scope is a better choice.

Size of the Objective Lens

A 4-9×32 mm riflescope will provide a brighter view of the target than a 4-9×24 mm scope. If you are in a low light or dark environment, a scope with a large objective lens will be more useful than one with a smaller lens size. Do take note that the larger the objective lens, the pricier the scope tends to be.

Shot Compensation Adjustments

A rifle scope often comes with a turret that houses at least two very basic shot compensation adjustments. These are the adjustment knobs for elevation and windage. It allows you to place the shot where you want it to.

Lens Coating

A large diameter objective lens is always welcome when in the shooting field. Unfortunately, the glare from the sun can also obscure one’s view of the target. Lens coating can help reduce the amount of reflection so that you will be able to have a clearer view of the target. The more coatings a rifle scope lens has, the pricier it is.

Type of Reticle

Simple crosshairs work best for newbie shooters and hunters. Experienced shooters can always pick scopes with more sophisticated (read, complex) markings. These markings often come in millradian (Mils) or Minutes of Angle (MOA) measurements. It allows shooters to compensate for the tendency of the projectile to drop when shot over great distances.

Position of the Focal Plane

The focal plane can be either in front (first focal plane) or at the end (second focal plane) of the scope’s erector tube. The main advantage of having an FFP is that the reticle retains its proportion relative to the zoom of the lens. The problem is that they are often more expensive. Second focal plane scopes, on the other hand, are more affordable. The only issue is that the reticle tends to “grow” and obstruct certain sections of the field of view as you zoom in on the target.

Weight

Rifles are heavy. Snipers and long-ranged shooters often require sandbags or bipods to prop their firearm. If you are tracking a deer in the forest, you have to move with the target. If your rifle is heavy enough, getting a heavy scope will make it very tiring to raise and hold your firearm every time you take aim.

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Conclusion

Choosing a US-made rifle scope over foreign-made ones make perfect sense. While some of these companies do source some of their components overseas, you will still rest assured of the high quality of these optical products. Quality is something that you can never take for granted. American companies know this. That is why they make sure to give you only the best, even if that translates to sourcing some components elsewhere.

The top-rated rifle scopes made in the USA that we shared with you can serve as your guide to choose the best target sighting platform for your needs. Pick up one of the best rifle scopes made in the USA today!

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