Are you looking for the 7 Best Scopes for CMP Service Rifles? You’re at the right place.
Choosing the 7 Best Scopes for CMP Service Rifles is a critical decision for competitive shooters who want to maximise accuracy, consistency, and confidence on the firing line. Unlike casual shooting, Service Rifle competitions demand precision at multiple distances, often under variable lighting and weather conditions.
The ideal scope balances clarity, reliable adjustments, durability, and compliance with CMP rules, ensuring shooters can maintain a consistent point of aim across all stages.
From low-power variable optics like the Leupold VX-Freedom and Trijicon TR24 AccuPoint to high-performance options like the Nightforce SHV and Vortex Viper HD, modern scopes provide features such as illuminated reticles, precise MOA adjustments, rugged construction, and advanced optical systems.
7 Best Scopes for CMP Service Rifles
1. Trijicon TR24 AccuPoint 1-4x24mm Riflescope
When it comes to precision, durability, and versatility in service-rifle competition optics, the Trijicon TR24 AccuPoint 1-4×24mm stands out as an exceptional choice for CMP Service Rifle shooters. Built with competition-ready features and a design ethos rooted in reliability and clarity, this riflescope has earned its reputation among marksmen who demand performance under varied lighting and environmental conditions.
At the heart of the TR24’s performance is superior optical quality. Its multi-coated lenses deliver crisp, bright, and high-contrast images with minimal distortion, making target identification and aiming at extended distances significantly easier.
Whether you’re engaging targets at 200 yds or stretching out toward 600 yds, the clarity and light-gathering capability of the lenses give competitors a visual edge, especially on overcast days or in the later stages of a match.
A defining feature of the TR24 is its battery-free illumination system. Using advanced fibre-optic technology, the reticle automatically adjusts its brightness in response to changing light conditions.
In bright daylight, the reticle remains crisp and unobtrusive; as light fades, a built-in tritium phosphor lamp seamlessly takes over to keep the reticle visible in low-light or near-dark scenarios. This adaptive illumination ensures consistent aiming feedback throughout a match without ever worrying about battery life.
Built to endure, the TR24 utilises aircraft-grade aluminium housing that is both rugged and weatherproof. Whether you’re facing dust, rain, or repeated recoil over long competition days, this scope is designed to take it in stride. The robust construction gives service-rifle shooters confidence that their optic won’t falter when the conditions get tough.
The riflescope employs a second focal plane reticle, meaning the reticle’s size remains constant across the entire magnification range. For CMP Service Rifle applications where shooters often zero at one magnification and maintain consistency across a stage, this fixed appearance aids in exact point-of-aim retention as magnification changes.
Pros
- Superior optical clarity with multi-coated lenses for bright, distortion-free viewing.
- Battery-free adaptive illumination that automatically adjusts
- Rugged, all-weather construction with aircraft-grade aluminium housing.
- Second focal plane reticle keeps aiming point consistent across magnification changes.
- Zero forward emission ensures illumination is contained
Cons
- Pricey
2. Vortex Crossfire HD Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescopes
The Vortex Crossfire HD Second Focal Plane riflescope is a strong contender among the best scopes for CMP Service Rifles, especially for shooters who want dependable performance, clear glass, and rugged construction at a reasonable price point. Designed with competition and range shooting in mind, the Crossfire HD blends practical features with Vortex’s reputation for durability and customer support.
At the core of this scope is Vortex’s HD Optical System, which uses carefully selected glass elements to deliver sharp resolution and impressive image quality. Chromatic aberration is noticeably reduced, helping maintain clean target edges and accurate colour representation.
This edge-to-edge clarity is particularly valuable in CMP Service Rifle matches, where precise sight pictures and consistent visual feedback are critical across multiple distances.
The scope also features fully multi-coated lenses, with anti-reflective coatings applied to all air-to-glass surfaces. These coatings significantly improve light transmission, resulting in brighter images and better contrast in low-light conditions such as early morning relays or overcast match days. For service rifle shooters who rely on consistent visibility throughout a match, this added clarity can make a real difference.
A standout element of the Crossfire HD is its Straight-Wall BDC MOA reticle, designed around popular straight-wall cartridges like .450 Bushmaster, .350 Legend, and .45-70 Government. While CMP shooters may primarily use traditional service rifle calibres, the clean MOA-based layout still provides a clear and intuitive aiming reference.
Combined with the second focal plane (SFP) design, the reticle remains the same size throughout the magnification range, helping maintain a consistent point of aim as magnification changes.
Ease of use is further enhanced by the fast-focus eyepiece, which allows shooters to quickly dial in a sharp reticle. Whether transitioning between shooting positions or adjusting for different lighting conditions, this feature supports rapid target acquisition and reduces setup time on the firing line.
Durability is another area where the Crossfire HD shines. The scope is built from aircraft-grade aluminium and finished with a low-glare matte black anodising. It is fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring reliable performance through recoil, weather changes, and long days on the range.
Pros
- HD Optical System delivers sharp resolution
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Second focal plane reticle maintains consistent size across magnification
- Fast-focus eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle adjustment
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
Cons
-
Lacks illuminated reticle
3. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40mm Riflescope is a time-tested, competition-ready optic that earns its place among the best scopes for CMP Service Rifles thanks to its reliability, optical clarity, and no-nonsense design. Built with Leupold’s long-standing emphasis on durability and repeatable precision, this scope is especially appealing to service rifle shooters who value consistency across multiple stages and distances.
One of the defining features of the VX-Freedom is Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System, which enhances low-light performance by reducing glare and improving contrast. This system effectively adds up to 10 extra minutes of usable shooting light, helping competitors maintain a clear sight picture during early morning relays or fading afternoon light. The result is a crisp, well-defined image that supports confident shot placement when lighting conditions are less than ideal.
The scope is housed in a 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminium tube, finished in a non-reflective matte coating that suits competitive environments. Leupold’s rigorous “Punisher” testing ensures the scope can withstand repeated recoil and rough handling, making it a dependable long-term companion for CMP matches.
In addition, the VX-Freedom is 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, allowing shooters to focus entirely on fundamentals rather than environmental concerns.
For precision adjustments, the VX-Freedom uses 1/4 MOA finger-click windage and elevation adjustments. These tactile, audible clicks provide excellent repeatability, which is critical when dialling corrections between stages at varying distances.
The system is designed to maintain accuracy and reliability over a lifetime of heavy use, aligning perfectly with the demands of service rifle competition.
Pros
- Twilight Light Management System improves low-light clarity and reduces glare
- Rugged 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminium construction with proven recoil resistance
- Fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof for all-weather performance
- Precise 1/4 MOA finger-click adjustments with excellent repeatability
- Clean Duplex CDS reticle ideal for traditional CMP Service Rifle shooting
Cons
- Lacks illuminated reticle
4. Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33 (1 inch) Hunt-Plex Reticle Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33 Hunt-Plex Reticle Riflescope may not be the first optic that comes to mind for CMP Service Rifle competition, but its combination of rugged American-made quality, clear optics, and reliable performance makes it a surprisingly capable choice for shooters who favour simplicity and consistent performance across short to mid-range targets.
Right from the outset, the VX-Freedom impresses with its advanced optical system, which delivers excellent light transmission and crisp images throughout the 2-7× magnification range. Even in challenging lighting conditions, such as early morning relays or low sun angles, the scope’s optics maintain detail and contrast that help you recover targets quickly and hold a consistent sight picture.
While designed with hunters in mind, this clarity and light management translate well to service rifle target work where precision matters.
The Hunt-Plex reticle, set in the second focal plane (SFP), offers a clean aiming point that remains the same size regardless of magnification. This consistency helps CMP shooters retain the same reference point as they adjust the power up or down within the 2-7× range.
The reticle’s design, bold tapered posts with an open centre and fine crosshairs, balances quick target acquisition with precision aiming at smaller bullseye targets.
Built to withstand real-world use, the VX-Freedom is 100 % waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, constructed from lightweight yet robust 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminium and finished in a non-reflective matte surface that reduces glare.
This durable build ensures the scope holds zero and continues performing reliably through recoil, rough handling, and variable environmental conditions typical in competition settings.
For windage and elevation, the scope features precise finger-click 1/4 MOA adjustments, giving shooters dependable and repeatable corrections with every click. The scope also includes a resettable index ring, which helps you return to your zero after dialling corrections—a handy feature when moving between ranges or stages.
Pros
- Clear optical performance
- Consistent second focal plane Hunt-Plex reticle
- Robust and weatherproof construction
- Precise 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustments with repeatable clicks.
Cons
-
Fixed parallax distance
5. Mueller Optics, 4-16x50AO, Rifle Scopes
The Mueller Optics 4–16×50 AO Rifle Scope stands out as a capable and budget-friendly option among the best scopes for CMP Service Rifles, particularly for shooters who want strong optical performance, fine adjustment control, and versatility without paying premium-tier prices. Known for delivering solid features at accessible costs, Mueller Optics has built this scope to meet the needs of precision-focused shooters who demand clarity and reliability on the firing line.
One of the strongest attributes of this scope is its crystal-clear optical system. The 4–16×50 AO Sport Dot scope uses Euro-coated, camera-quality crystal lenses that provide excellent brightness, sharp contrast, and a vivid sight picture.
This level of optical clarity helps CMP shooters clearly resolve targets at extended distances and maintain confidence in their sight picture, even during long strings of fire or variable lighting conditions.
Target acquisition is further improved by the scope’s enhanced field of view, made possible by its large-diameter ocular lens. A wider field of view allows shooters to locate and track targets more quickly, an advantage when transitioning between stages or reacquiring targets after recoil.
This feature adds to the scope’s overall usability, especially for shooters who prefer higher magnification while maintaining situational awareness.
The Mueller 4–16×50 AO also features versatile reticle illumination, controlled by an 11-position rheostat. With eleven brightness settings, the illuminated reticle can be precisely tuned to match ambient light conditions. Whether shooting under overcast skies or during low-light relays, this flexibility supports precise aiming without overpowering the sight picture.
Adjustment precision is another area where this scope excels. It offers 1/8-inch fine-tune windage and elevation adjustments with audible click stops, allowing for highly precise corrections.
The easy fingertip turrets enable tool-free adjustments, making it simple to dial in zero or apply corrections between stages. Combined with its rugged one-piece tube construction, the scope is fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring dependable performance in demanding range and weather conditions.
Pros
- Euro-coated crystal lenses deliver bright, sharp, high-contrast images
- Large ocular lens provides an enhanced field of view for faster target acquisition
- 11-position illuminated reticle allows precise brightness control in low-light conditions
- Fine 1/8-inch windage and elevation adjustments with audible click stops
- Rugged, waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof one-piece tube construction
- Strong value pricing aligned with Mueller Optics’ accessibility mission
Cons
- Heavy
6. NIGHTFORCE SHV 5-20x56mm Zeroset .250 MOA Scope MOAR
The Nightforce SHV 5–20×56mm ZeroSet .250 MOA Scope (MOAR) represents the high-end of precision optics, bringing Nightforce’s renowned durability and tracking accuracy into a scope that excels at both close and extended ranges.
While its capabilities go well beyond the minimum needs of traditional service rifle competition, its precision, repeatability, and optical performance earn it recognition among the best scopes for CMP Service Rifles, particularly for shooters focused on absolute consistency and tight groups on paper.
As the most powerful optic in the SHV series, this scope performs exceptionally well across a wide range of applications, from varmint and big-game hunting to precision target shooting. In a CMP context, its optical excellence and mechanical precision translate into a rock-solid sight picture and dependable adjustments, helping skilled shooters extract maximum accuracy from their rifles.
The high magnification range allows for extremely refined aiming, especially useful during load development, zero confirmation, and long-range practice.
Mechanically, the SHV 5–20×56mm is built to impress. It features a full 80 MOA of elevation adjustment, giving shooters ample adjustment range for dialling corrections. The side parallax adjustment allows fine focus tuning at varying distances, ensuring the target and reticle remain perfectly aligned.
Nightforce’s ZeroSet technology is a standout feature, enabling a fast and reliable return to your original zero no matter how many elevation adjustments you’ve made—an invaluable asset for shooters who frequently dial during practice or competition.
Optical performance is exactly what you’d expect from Nightforce. The SHV delivers outstanding clarity, crispness, and colour contrast at every magnification setting, supported by a large 56mm objective lens that maximises light transmission.
The scope is available with either the Forceplex or MOAR reticle, including options for centre illumination or non-illuminated configurations. The MOAR reticle in particular provides clean, precise reference points that support accurate holds and consistent shot placement without cluttering the sight picture.
Pros
- Exceptional optical clarity with excellent colour contrast at all magnifications
- 80 MOA of elevation adjustment offers extensive dialling capability
- ZeroSet technology allows fast, repeatable return to zero
- Side parallax adjustment enhances precision at varying distances
- Multiple reticle and illumination options to suit different shooting preferences
- Legendary Nightforce build quality and reliability
Cons
- Expensive
7. Vortex Optics Viper HD Second Focal Plane Scopes
The Vortex Optics Viper HD Second Focal Plane scope brings premium glass, precision mechanics, and competition-ready features together in a rugged platform that earns its place among the best scopes for CMP Service Rifles.
Built on a robust 30 mm tube and designed for repeatable accuracy, the Viper HD is well-suited for shooters who demand reliability, clear sight pictures, and confidence-inspiring adjustments on the firing line.
At the heart of the Viper HD is Vortex’s HD Optical System, which uses select glass elements to deliver exceptional resolution and edge-to-edge sharpness. Chromatic aberration is effectively reduced, resulting in accurate colour fidelity and high contrast that helps shooters clearly define targets at distance.
Light transmission is also excellent, maintaining a bright and crisp image across the magnification range, an important advantage during early morning or overcast CMP relays.
The scope features an illuminated second focal plane reticle, allowing the reticle size to remain constant as magnification changes. This consistency supports a stable point of aim and predictable subtensions, particularly when shooting at known distances.
The VMR-3 reticle is designed to maximise long-distance capability, offering reference points for ranging, holdovers, wind corrections, and leads. Its fine centre crosshair provides an excellent balance between precise aiming and usable visibility in lower-light conditions.
Ease of adjustment is another strong suit of the Viper HD. The fast-focus eyepiece allows shooters to quickly sharpen the reticle, while the side parallax adjustment enables precise focus tuning and parallax correction on the fly. For elevation control, the scope uses an exposed locking elevation turret paired with the RevStop Zero System, which makes setting a zero stop quick and intuitive while ensuring a fast, reliable return to zero.
The capped windage turret adds an extra layer of protection against accidental adjustments during movement or handling.
Durability is exactly what shooters expect from Vortex. The Viper HD is protected by ultra-hard, scratch-resistant Armortek lens coatings, safeguarding the exterior lenses from dirt, oil, and abrasion. The scope is shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof, thanks to its argon-purged construction, making it dependable across a wide range of weather and field conditions.
Pros
- HD optical system delivers sharp resolution
- VMR-3 reticle supports precise holds, ranging, and wind corrections
- Illuminated second focal plane reticle maintains a consistent aiming reference
- RevStop Zero System allows fast, repeatable return to zero
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
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Factors to consider when choosing the 7 Best Scopes for CMP Service Rifles
When selecting the 7 Best Scopes for CMP Service Rifles, it’s important to balance competition rules, shooting distances, and practical performance. Drawing from the scopes discussed above, the following factors are the most critical to consider, with each playing a direct role in consistency, accuracy, and match confidence.
Optical Clarity and Glass Quality
High-quality optics are essential for clearly seeing targets at 200, 300, and 600 yards. Scopes with HD or multi-coated glass provide sharper resolution, better contrast, and reduced chromatic aberration.
Clear glass allows shooters to define target edges, centre the aiming point accurately, and maintain visual confidence throughout long strings of fire. Good light transmission also improves performance during overcast conditions or early morning relays.
Reticle Design
A reticle should be clean, uncluttered, and easy to see without distracting from the target. For the 7 Best Scopes for CMP Service Rifles, simple duplex-style reticles or refined MOA-based designs often work best.
Second focal plane reticles are commonly preferred because the reticle size remains constant as magnification changes, preserving a consistent aiming point. Fine centre crosshairs with adequate visibility strike the best balance between precision and speed.
Adjustment Precision and Repeatability
Reliable windage and elevation adjustments are critical for success in competition. Look for scopes offering precise, tactile click adjustments, commonly in 1/4 MOA or 1/8 MOA increments. Repeatability, returning to the same zero every time, is more important than having an extreme adjustment range. Features such as zero stops or return-to-zero systems help maintain consistency when dialling corrections between stages or distances.
Durability and Build Quality
CMP matches expose equipment to recoil, weather, and frequent handling, making durability a non-negotiable factor. Scopes built from aircraft-grade aluminium with waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction offer long-term reliability.
A rugged optic ensures zero retention and mechanical integrity over years of competition, even under harsh environmental conditions.
Weight
The weight and size of a scope directly affect rifle balance and shooter fatigue, especially during prone and standing stages. Lighter, compact scopes are often preferred for service rifle competition because they preserve natural handling characteristics.
FAQs of the 7 Best Scopes for CMP Service Rifles
- What is the maximum magnification allowed for CMP Service Rifle scopes?
CMP rules generally limit scopes to a maximum of 4.5× magnification for Service Rifle competition. This ensures fair play and emphasises marksmanship fundamentals over reliance on high-powered optics.
- Do I need an illuminated reticle for the CMP Service Rifle competition?
Illuminated reticles can be helpful in low-light or early morning conditions, but they are not strictly necessary for most CMP competitions. Many high-quality scopes, like the Leupold VX-Freedom or Mueller Optics scopes, offer excellent clarity without illumination, which is sufficient under normal daylight conditions.
- How important is scope durability and weatherproofing?
Durability is critical because CMP Service Rifles generate significant recoil, and competitions often take place outdoors. A rugged, waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof scope ensures the optic maintains zero and performs reliably in variable conditions, giving shooters confidence during long matches.
- What reticle type works best for Service Rifle competition?
A simple duplex or MOA-based reticle is usually ideal. It provides a clear, unobstructed centre for precise aiming without cluttering the sight picture. Some advanced reticles like VMR-3 or MOAR are useful for long-range training but may be overkill for standard CMP Service Rifle distances.
Conclusion
The 7 Best Scopes for CMP Service Rifles combine optical clarity, precise and repeatable adjustments, rugged durability, and rule-compliant features to support consistent performance on the range. By carefully considering the above factors, competitors can choose a scope that not only meets CMP standards but also enhances confidence and accuracy.
Ultimately, the right optic becomes a trusted partner, allowing the shooter to focus on fundamentals and achieve their best performance in every match.