The concept of the scout rifle, popularized by Jeff Cooper, demands a specific type of optic: the scout scope. Mounted forward of the action, a true scout scope provides a unique set of advantages for the modern shooter. It enables fast, both-eyes-open shooting and offers exceptional situational awareness, making it ideal for quick target acquisition in dense brush or for hunting dangerous game.
Choosing the right scope, however, can be a challenge with so many options available. The key is to match the scope’s features—like extended eye relief, magnification range, and reticle type—to your specific rifle and intended use. To simplify your search, we’ve compiled a list of the top models currently on the market, each offering a compelling blend of performance and value for your scout rifle setup.
Our Top Picks for Scout Scopes
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout
- BURRIS Scout 2-7×32 Rifle Scope
- Leupold VX-Freedom Scout 1.5-4x28mm
- Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope
- Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24mm SFP Gen III
- Nikon Force XR 1.5-4×28 EER Scout Scope
- Vortex Optics Diamondback 1.75-5×32 Scout Scope
- Leupold VX-R 1.25-4x20mm Scout Scope
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout
The Vortex Crossfire II Scout is a standout option that brings exceptional value to the scout scope category. Its generous 9.45 inches of eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box make it simple to acquire a sight picture quickly, which is essential for the fast-paced shooting that scout rifles are known for. The V-Plex reticle is a clean, all-purpose design that is perfectly suited for a wide variety of hunting scenarios.
Fully multi-coated lenses ensure bright and clear image quality, even in low-light conditions. The scope is built with user-friendly features like a fast-focus eyepiece for quick reticle focusing and capped reset turrets that are finger-adjustable with MOA clicks. This combination of features makes the Crossfire II a reliable and highly effective choice for any shooter looking to build a capable scout rifle.
BURRIS Scout 2-7×32 Rifle Scope
Burris brings its renowned optical quality and thoughtful design to the scout world with this 2-7×32 model. It features the Ballistic Plex reticle, a sophisticated yet simple system that provides trajectory-compensating holdovers without cluttering the view. The variable power range offers great versatility, allowing for precise shots at longer distances while remaining effective for close-range work.
The forward-mounting design is a core feature of any scout scope, and this model delivers with 9.2 to 12 inches of eye relief. This extended relief is crucial for maintaining a safe shooting position and for facilitating both-eyes-open shooting. This technique dramatically increases situational awareness and speed, making the Burris Scout an excellent tool for dynamic shooting environments.
Leupold VX-Freedom Scout 1.5-4x28mm
Leupold’s VX-Freedom Scout scope embodies the American optics company’s commitment to quality and ruggedness. Built to withstand harsh conditions, its outer lens surfaces are scratch-resistant, meeting a military standard for extreme abrasion. The 1.5-4x magnification range is highly versatile for a scout rifle, providing a wide field of view at low power and enough magnification for ethical shots at medium range.
Precision adjustments are key for accuracy, and the VX-Freedom delivers with 1/4 MOA precision finger click adjustments for windage and elevation. The versatile 3:1 zoom ratio erector system is designed to perform reliably in virtually any situation a hunter or shooter might encounter. This scope is a robust and dependable choice from a trusted name in optics.
Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope
The Simmons 8-Point offers a robust set of features that make it an attractive budget-friendly option. Its large 50mm objective lens gathers a significant amount of light, which can be beneficial during dawn or dusk hunts. The scope is fully coated to enhance light transmission and provide bright, high-contrast images, and it is built to be waterproof, fog-proof, and recoil-proof.
For adjustments, it uses a proprietary True Zero system that is designed to stay locked on zero even through strenuous use and recoil. The 1/4 MOA SureGrip audible click windage and elevation adjustments provide positive feedback, and the QTA (Quick Target Acquisition) eyepiece helps you get on target faster. This scope provides a solid performance package for hunters who require reliability without a high cost.
Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24mm SFP Gen III
The Primary Arms SLX Gen III is a modern tactical-oriented scout scope that has even earned a Silver rating from the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA). Its 1-6x magnification range is incredibly flexible, functioning like a red dot at 1x power and providing sufficient magnification for precise shots at distance when zoomed in. This makes it ideal for a versatile scout rifle used in various scenarios.
Its standout feature is the illuminated ACSS reticle, a second focal plane design specifically engineered for calibers like 5.56, 5.45, and .308. The reticle includes holdovers, windage marks, and range estimation features. The package includes a manual for zeroing your specific caliber and a deluxe scope mount, providing a complete and highly capable optics solution right out of the box.
Nikon Force XR 1.5-4×28 EER Scout Scope
While Nikon has exited the rifle scope market, their existing products, like the Force XR Scout, remain highly sought after for their excellent optical clarity and reliable performance. This model is built with Extra Eye Relief (EER) specifically for the forward-mounting requirements of a scout rifle. The 1.5-4x magnification range is a classic and effective choice for this application.
Nikon optics are known for their bright and sharp images, a result of high-quality glass and multi-layer coatings. The rugged construction ensures the scope can handle the recoil of various rifle calibers. For those who can find one, the Nikon Force XR represents a piece of optics history that continues to deliver solid performance on a scout rifle platform.
Vortex Optics Diamondback 1.75-5×32 Scout Scope
The Vortex Diamondback Scout scope sits a step above the Crossfire II in terms of optical performance and features. Its 1.75-5x magnification range offers a very wide field of view at the lowest setting, which is perfect for fast, close-range shooting, while the 5x top end provides plenty of magnification for most hunting situations. The optics are fully multi-coated for maximum light transmission and resolution.
Like other Vortex models, it is built with a hard-anodized single-piece tube that is argon purged for waterproof and fog-proof performance. The scope includes a Dead-Hold BDC reticle that is useful for shooting at varying ranges where estimating holdover is necessary. It’s a robust and feature-rich optic from a company known for its unlimited lifetime warranty.
Leupold VX-R 1.25-4x20mm Scout Scope
The Leupold VX-R Scout scope is a premium option that incorporates an illuminated FireDot reticle for enhanced visibility in all lighting conditions. The 1.25-4x magnification range is ideal for the fast-handling nature of a scout rifle, and the compact 20mm objective lens contributes to a lightweight and streamlined package. The illumination provides a clear advantage in low light or against dark backgrounds.
Built with Leupold’s legendary durability and waterproof integrity, the VX-R is designed for a lifetime of hard use. The Twilight Max Light Management System optimizes the light transmission for a brighter sight picture in critical dawn and dusk periods. For the shooter who wants a top-tier illuminated scout scope from an American manufacturer, the Leupold VX-R is an outstanding choice.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Scout Scopes for Your Rifle
Choosing the right scout scope is more than just picking a magnification level. It’s about matching a unique optical system to your specific shooting style and rifle. I’ve spent a lot of time behind these long-eye-relief scopes, and I want to share what I look for so you can find the perfect match for your setup.
First, let’s talk about eye relief. This is the single most important feature of a scout scope. You need a scope that offers a generous eye relief, typically in the range of 9 to 18 inches, compared to a standard rifle scope’s 3 to 4 inches. This long distance is what allows you to mount the scope forward on the rifle barrel, over the action. Why does this matter? It gives you a much faster target acquisition and a wider field of view, keeping you aware of your surroundings. It also makes it easier to shoot with both eyes open, which is a huge advantage for tracking moving game or for tactical situations. When you’re testing a scope, make sure you can get a full, clear picture from a comfortable, heads-up shooting position.
Next, consider the magnification. The classic and most effective setup for a scout rifle is a low-power, fixed or variable scope. A fixed 2.5x or a variable 1-4x or 2-7x are all excellent choices. The philosophy here is to enhance your speed and accuracy at short to medium ranges, not to turn your rifle into a long-range precision instrument. High magnification scopes defeat the purpose of the scout concept. You want something that lets you react quickly.
The reticle is your interface with the target. For the types of shooting where a scout scope excels, a simple duplex reticle is often perfect. It’s uncluttered, fast to align, and works well in low light. However, if you plan on taking shots at known distances, a reticle with bullet drop compensator (BDC) markings can be very handy. Just remember, keep it simple. A overly complex reticle can slow you down.
Finally, think about build quality and lens clarity. You need a scope that can handle the recoil of your rifle, shot after shot. Look for a one-piece tube body, preferably made from aircraft-grade aluminum, and nitrogen purging for fog-proof performance. The lens coatings are critical for light transmission. Fully multi-coated lenses will give you the brightest, clearest image, especially during the low-light conditions of dawn and dusk when many hunting opportunities occur. Balancing all these factors—eye relief, magnification, reticle, and durability—will lead you to the best scout scopes for your rifle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main advantage of a scout scope over a traditional rifle scope?
The biggest advantage is speed and situational awareness. Because the scope is mounted further forward, you can shoot with both eyes open. This gives you a much wider field of view, allowing you to see the entire scene, not just the magnified view through the scope. It makes acquiring moving targets faster and helps you stay aware of what’s happening around you, which is crucial for hunting in dense brush or for any defensive scenario. The long eye relief also makes it more comfortable to shoot, especially with rifles that have significant recoil.
Can I mount a scout scope on any rifle?
Not exactly. Your rifle needs to be set up for it. The most common way is to have a rifle that comes from the factory with a long “scout” rail mounted directly on the barrel, ahead of the receiver. Companies like Ruger and Savage offer models like this. Alternatively, you can have a gunsmith install a dedicated scout mount, or use a no-gunsmithing option like an XS Sights rail system that replaces the rear sight on certain rifles. You cannot simply mount a scout scope in standard rings on a traditional receiver-mounted base.
What magnification is best for a scout scope?
Low magnification is the name of the game. The classic scout scope magnification is a fixed 2.5x power. This is an excellent all-around choice. For more versatility, a variable scope like a 1-4x, 1.5-5x, or 2-7x is a fantastic option. Being able to dial down to 1x power essentially turns your rifle into a giant red dot sight for very close-range, fast shooting. I would generally avoid going above 7x magnification, as it starts to work against the fast-handling, quick-acquisition philosophy that defines the scout rifle concept.
Are scout scopes good for hunting?
Absolutely, but they excel in specific hunting environments. They are phenomenal for hunting in woods, thick brush, or for pursuing moving game at short to medium ranges. The wide field of view and fast shooting characteristics are perfect for a whitetail deer jumping out of cover at 50 yards. However, if your primary hunting involves sitting in a blind and taking long, precise shots across open fields, a traditional, higher-magnification scope mounted on the receiver would likely be a better tool for that specific job.
How much should I expect to spend on a quality scout scope?
You can find entry-level scout scopes starting around $150, but for a durable, clear, and reliable optic, I recommend budgeting in the $300 to $600 range. In this price bracket, you’ll find scopes with better glass, more robust construction, and reliable warranties from trusted brands. When you’re looking at the 8 best scout scopes for your rifle, you’ll notice they fall within this performance-to-price sweet spot, offering great value without compromising on the essential features you need.
Can I use a pistol scope as a scout scope?
Yes, and this is a very common practice! Pistol scopes are designed with long eye relief, which is exactly what a scout scope requires. Many shooters successfully use variable power pistol scopes (like a 2-7x) on their scout rifles. They work perfectly for the application. The main thing to check is that the eye relief range specified for the pistol scope matches the mounting position you have available on your rifle. This is often a more affordable way to get into the scout scope game.