You’ve come to the correct spot if you’re looking for the 7 Best 3-18 Scopes. We are confident you will find a dependable scope that meets your shooting needs by the end of this thorough review.
We’ll also review some key considerations you should make while looking for the 7 Best 3-18 Scopes. For situations involving close-to-long-range shooting, the majority of enthusiasts suggest 3-18x scopes. You can make precise close-up shots with the low magnification these scopes offer. Because of this, it is perfect for rifles that are chambered for both strong and small shots.
It is crucial to remember that purchasing a 3-18x scope can be extremely difficult, particularly if you have never done so before. We made this guide to assist you in focusing your search because of this.
Factors to consider when choosing the 7 Best 3-18 Scopes
Whether you’re hunting, long-range shooting, or conducting tactical operations, there are several crucial elements to take into account when selecting the 7 Best 3-18 Scopes to make sure you obtain the one for your purposes. Let’s analyze it.
Magnification
A 3-18x scope offers a flexible range of magnification that is suitable for both long-range and close-range shooting. While the 18x setting enables accurate shooting at longer ranges, the 3x level is best for quick target acquisition at close range. Think about how much magnification your shooting setting requires. The higher magnification will be helpful if you typically shoot at ranges longer than 500 yards, but the 3-18x range is frequently perfect if you require a scope that can be used at a variety of distances.
Reticle Type
For aiming and target engagement, the reticle is essential. You could desire a reticle for a 3-18x scope that aids in both long-range and close-range accuracy. The mil-dot, BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator), and first focal plane (FFP) or second focal plane (SFP) designs are common reticle alternatives. Because FFP reticles scale with magnification and maintain accuracy at any zoom level, they are perfect for long-range shooting. However, SFP reticles remain constant in size independent of zoom, making them perhaps more appropriate for everyday use.
Objective lens
The amount of light that enters the scope is influenced by the objective lens size (in millimeters), which affects the clarity and brightness of the image. In general, a larger objective lens (such as 44mm or 50mm) transmits light more effectively, which makes the scope appropriate for low-light situations like dawn or dusk. But a larger objective lens can also make things heavier and bulkier. For your rifle system, pick an objective lens size that strikes a compromise between light transmission, total weight, and size.
Weight and Size
Since 3-18x scopes offer a wide range of magnification, the size and weight can increase, which could affect the overall handling of your rifle. If you plan on using the scope for long periods or need to carry your rifle over long distances, look for a lightweight option that doesn’t compromise on durability and optical performance.
7 Best 3-18 Scopes-Our favorites
1. Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50mm 30mm Tube FFP Rifle Scope
The Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50mm 30mm Tube First Focal Plane Rifle Scope is a high-performance optic designed for long-range hunters and precision shooters.
The Razor HD LHT features high-definition optics that deliver bright, sharp, and high-contrast images, even in low-light conditions. Its advanced optical coatings minimize light loss and maximize resolution, producing clear, vivid views of distant targets. The 50mm objective lens allows for improved light gathering, enhancing the scope’s performance in low-light environments, such as dawn or dusk hunts.
The 4.5-22x magnification range is versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of shooting distances. The lower end is ideal for close to mid-range shots, while the upper end (22x) allows for precision targeting at long distances. The magnification can be quickly adjusted with the side parallax dial, ensuring you can easily maintain a sharp focus on the target at various ranges.
The Razor HD LHT is an excellent option for hunters who must transport their equipment over long distances because, despite its sophisticated features, it is lightweight. The scope’s sturdy aluminum body ensures dependable performance even in challenging circumstances because it is long-lasting and recoil-resistant. Additionally, the tube is O-ring sealed, nitrogen-purged, shock-, fog-, and water-proof.
Specifications
- 4.5x to 22x magnification is available.
- 50mm is the objective lens diameter.
- 30 mm is the tube’s diameter.
- 3.6 to 3.9 inches is the eye relief.
- Modification Each click has a 1/4 MOA value.
- The range of elevation adjustment is 120 MOA.
- The range for windage adjustment is 60 MOA.
2. Leupold VX-5HD 4-20x52mm Rifle Scope
When hunting or practicing with long-range targets, the Leupold VX-5HD 4-20x52mm Rifle Scope is a high-performance optic made for accurate shooting.
The VX-5HD 4-20x52mm has a 52mm objective lens, which allows for remarkable light collection. This makes it possible to get better image brightness and clarity even in dimly lit environments like dawn or dusk. No matter the conditions, Leupold’s exclusive Light Management System optimizes light passage through the scope to provide crisp, clear images.
The VX-5HD 4-20x52mm comes with several reticle options, including the popular FireDot reticle, which features a red dot for quick aiming. This reticle allows for quick target acquisition, especially in low-light conditions. The customizable reticle options also include the PR-1 MOA or FireDot Duplex, depending on the user’s preference.
The Leupold VX-5HD is designed to endure challenging circumstances. It will function regardless of the weather or terrain because it is shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof. The scope’s nitrogen-purged and sealed housing ensures maximum clarity in damp or rainy circumstances by preventing internal fogging.
Specifications
- There is a 4–20x magnification.
- 52 mm is the objective lens diameter.
- 30 mm is the tube’s diameter.
- 50 yards to infinity is the parallax.
- Completely multi-coated
- It weighs roughly 22.8 ounces.
- It is 14.2 inches long.
3. NightForce ATACR 4-20x50mm ZeroStop Rifle Scope
This high-performance optic, the NightForce ATACR 4-20x50mm ZeroStop Rifle Scope, is made for long-range accuracy, precise shooting, and resilience in harsh environments. Hunters, tactical shooters, and long-range competitors all appreciate this scope because of its sturdy design and remarkable optical clarity.
The superior, multi-coated ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass of the ATACR 4-20x50mm guarantees exceptional clarity and light transmission, producing sharp, vivid pictures even in low light. For improved resolution at long range, the 50mm objective lens offers a larger field of vision and collects enough of light. This scope’s varied performance, which includes a magnification range of 4x to 20x, enables users to easily engage targets at medium and extended ranges.
There are multiple reticle configurations available for the ATACR sight to accommodate different shooting situations. The MOAR (Minute of Angle Reticle) and MIL-R reticle are popular options because they provide accurate, readable hash markings for windage adjustments and range estimation. The reticle may be changed for brightness to suit various lighting conditions and is lighted, providing extra contrast in low light.
Specifications
- Magnification ranges from 4 to 20x.
- The diameter of the objective lens is 50 mm.
- The diameter of the tube is 34 mm.
- The adjustment for parallax is 25 yards to infinity.
- Range of Elevation Adjustment
- Range of Windage Adjustment
- It is roughly 14.5 inches long.
- It weighs about 32 ounces.
4. Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44mm Rifle Scope is a high-performance, multipurpose optic that may be used for hunting and tactical purposes. With a broad magnification range of 3x to 18x, this scope is appropriate for both long-range and close-range shooting.
The Strike Eagle features a glass-etched reticle, which ensures durability and reliability, even under harsh recoil conditions. The reticle is designed to provide fast target acquisition, and the illuminated options enhance visibility in low-light environments. The illuminated reticle can be adjusted for brightness, offering clear markings for precise shot placement.
A key feature of the Vortex Strike Eagle is its first focal plane (FFP) reticle, which scales with the magnification. This means that the reticle’s subtensions remain accurate at any magnification, making it ideal for range estimation and windage correction across various distances. This is particularly helpful for long-range precision shooting or when engaging targets at varying distances.
The scope comes equipped with a highly functional and precise turret system. The windage and elevation turrets offer crisp and audible adjustments, which can be easily reset to zero, allowing for quick changes on the fly. These adjustments are lockable, ensuring they don’t shift during use.
Specifications
- 3x to 18x magnification is available.
- 44 mm is the objective lens diameter.
- The tube measures 30 mm.
- Completely multi-coated lenses
- It is 12.4 inches long.
- It weighs 22.6 ounces.
- Aluminum tube of aircraft quality
- Shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof
- Finish that is hard anodized
5. Zeiss Conquest V6 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope
A great option for hunters and long-range shooters, the Zeiss Conquest V6 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope is a high-performance optic that distinguishes itself via its adaptability, clarity, and precision.
The 50mm objective lens makes it possible to collect more light, which enhances the brightness, contrast, and resolution of images. Zeiss’s multi-coated lenses and exclusive FL (fluoride) glass improve optical clarity and lessen distortion, guaranteeing a bright, clear image at all magnification levels. Because of this, the scope is perfect for long-range shooting, when accuracy is essential.
The scope’s adjustable parallax allows you to adjust the focus at different distances and produce parallax-free images for more precise shots. With a range of 50 yards to infinity, the parallax may be adjusted to shoot at a variety of distances.
The Conquest V6 boasts precise, tactile turret adjustments for windage and elevation, allowing shooters to make quick and accurate corrections. The scope’s 20 MOA of internal elevation adjustment enhances its ability to engage long-distance targets, especially for precision shooting over extended ranges.
The Zeiss Conquest V6 offers various reticle choices, such as the ZMOA or Z-plex reticle, which cater to different shooting preferences. These reticles provide clear holdover points, enabling quick adjustments for long-range shots.
Specifications
- 3x to 18x magnification is available.
- 50mm is the objective lens diameter.
- 30 mm is the tube’s diameter.
- Adjustment for Windage
- 50 yards to infinity is the parallax adjustment.
- 3.5 inches is the eye relief.
6. Primary Arms SLX 3-18x50mm FFP Rifle Scope
The Primary Arms SLX 3-18x50mm FFP Rifle Scope is a high-performance, multipurpose optic made for long-range enthusiasts, hunters, and tactical shooters. This scope is a fantastic choice for a variety of shooting applications since it has a first focal plane (FFP) reticle, which provides exceptional accuracy and functionality over a broad range of shooting distances.
The FFP reticle is a standout feature of the SLX 3-18x50mm. As the magnification increases or decreases, the reticle adjusts proportionally, which ensures that your holdover, windage, and other adjustments remain accurate at any magnification level. This makes rangefinding and adjusting on the fly much easier, and it’s especially beneficial for long-range shooting, where precision is crucial.
The 3-18x magnification range is ideal for close to mid-range engagements, as well as longer-distance shots. Whether you’re hunting, precision shooting, or engaging at various distances, the 3-18x allows for clear and detailed target acquisition. The 50mm objective lens provides a bright and crisp image, even in low-light conditions, ensuring you don’t miss a shot at dawn or dusk.
This rifle scope is built to withstand harsh conditions, with a durable, shockproof design. The tube is made from high-quality aluminum, providing a rugged build capable of handling recoil and rough environments. Additionally, it is fully waterproof and fog-resistant, making it reliable in all weather conditions.
Specifications
- 3x to 18x magnification is available.
- 50mm is the objective lens diameter.
- The diameter of the tube is 30 mm.
- 3.3 to 3.5 inches is the eye relief.
- Shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof
- It weighs 25.8 ounces.
- It is 14.1 inches long.
7. Trijicon AccuPoint TR-34 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope
High-performance optics like the Trijicon AccuPoint TR-34 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope are made for long-range shooters, hunters, and tactical uses. The AccuPoint TR-34 excels at offering exceptional optical clarity, precision, and versatility thanks to its sophisticated features and sturdy design.
The 3–18x magnification range of the TR-34 enables flexible interaction at near and far range. Even in low light, the 50mm objective lens provides bright, clean photos by maximizing light transmission. This makes it perfect for tactical operations or hunting at dawn and dusk.
The AccuPoint TR-34’s battery-free illumination technology is one of its best features. Trijicon’s own fiber-optic technology, which is used in the scope, automatically modifies the reticle brightness in response to changes in ambient light. This guarantees the best reticle visibility without requiring batteries, which makes it ideal for prolonged usage without fear of power outages.
The TR-34 offers a choice between green and amber illuminated reticles, allowing users to select the color that suits their preference and environmental conditions. Green illumination tends to be more visible in bright light, while amber offers a higher contrast in low-light settings, ensuring precise aiming in all conditions.
Specifications
- Has an illuminating system that runs without batteries.
- Correction of side parallax
- Completely multi-coated lenses
- Provides a range of reticle styles.
- Has a zero-stop
- Elevation and Windage Adjustable
- Eyepiece with Fast Focus
- 3x to 18x magnification is available.
- The diameter of the objective lens is 50 mm.
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FAQs of the 7 Best 3-18 Scopes
- What features make a 3-18x scope perfect for shooting at long range?
Users can easily engage targets at short to long range thanks to the flexible magnification provided by a 3-18x scope. The 18x magnification is a good option for both tactical and precision shooting because it can reach more than 1,000 yards, while the 3x setting is excellent for close-range shooting.
- Which reticle works best with a 3-18x scope?
Your intended use will determine which reticle is ideal for you. A reticle featuring mil or moa hash markers (such as an MRAD or MOA-based reticle) aids in accurate holdovers and windage adjustments for long-range shooting. A straightforward duplex or lighted reticle may be better for hunting since it allows for rapid target acquisition in a variety of lighting situations.
- Are 3-18x scopes appropriate for hunting?
Yes, particularly when shooting targets that are at different distances. You can swiftly switch between short-range and long-range photos thanks to the 3-18x range. You might, however, prefer a scope with a lower magnification range, such as a 2-12x or 3-9x, if you’re hunting in dense cover.
Conclusion
It’s crucial to remember that using the scopes recommended in this tutorial will greatly enhance your shooting experience. This is due to the fact that they have top-notch glass installed, which produces the best images at all magnification settings.
With their adaptable magnification levels, the 7 Best 3-18 Scopes are perfect for a wide range of hunting and shooting situations, from precision shooting at short range to long range. These scopes usually have the capacity to zoom in for close-up shots at greater distances while maintaining a wide field of vision at lesser magnifications.