Hitting targets consistently at 100 yards requires a blend of shooter skill and optical excellence. This distance is a popular benchmark for hunters, competitive shooters, and those looking to improve their marksmanship, serving as the perfect proving ground for a wide variety of riflescopes. The right scope can make the difference between a near-miss and a perfect shot, providing the clarity, precision, and reliable adjustments needed for success.
To help you find the ideal optic for your needs, we have tested and evaluated a range of models suitable for different shooting styles and budgets. From versatile low-power variable optics for dynamic shooting to high-magnification scopes for precision groups, this roundup covers the best options available to ensure your next range session or hunt is a productive one.
Our Top Picks for 100-Yard Scopes
- Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8×24 Second Focal Plane Riflescope
- Bushnell Optics- 4x24mm Riflescope with FFP Drop Zone-223 BCD Reticle
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Hunt-Plex Reticle Riflescope
- BURRIS FullField II 4.5-14×42 Scope, Ballistic Plex Reticle
- Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24×50 Riflescope
- Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope with Multi-X Reticle
- BUCKMASTERS Scope- 3-9x40MM BDC
- Nikon P-Tactical 4-12×40 AR BDC 600 Rifle Scope
- Sig Sauer Whiskey5 5-25x52mm Rifle Scope
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8×24 Second Focal Plane Riflescope
The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 is built for speed and adaptability. Its true 1x magnification on the low end provides a wide, fast field of view for close-range scenarios, while the 8x top end gives you the precision needed for precise shots at 100 yards and beyond. The illuminated BDC3 reticle helps you get on target quickly and includes holdover points for engaging targets at extended distances.
User-focused updates include a threaded throw lever for rapid magnification changes and magnification indicators that are visible from behind the scope. This combination of features makes it an excellent choice for modern sporting rifles where versatility is key.
Bushnell Optics 4x24mm Riflescope with FFP Drop Zone-223 BCD Reticle
This Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm scope is a feature-packed optic designed for rapid deployment on your AR-platform rifle. The Second Focal Plane Drop Zone-223 reticle offers simple holdovers out to 600 yards, making 100-yard shots straightforward. Exposed turrets allow for quick and precise windage and elevation adjustments on the fly.
The Throw Down PCL (Power Change Lever) enables almost instantaneous magnification changes, which is a significant advantage in dynamic shooting situations. With an IPX7 waterproof rating and fully multi-coated optics, this scope provides reliable performance and a bright, clear image in a compact package.
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Hunt-Plex Reticle Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 is a classic hunting scope that brings proven performance to the 100-yard line. The 3:1 zoom ratio provides versatility, allowing you to dial down to 3x for a wide field of view or up to 9x to see your target in fine detail. The simple Hunt-Plex reticle is uncluttered, promoting fast target acquisition.
Backed by Leupold’s Advanced Optical System, this scope delivers exceptional light transmission, reduced glare, and the resolution needed for clear sight pictures in various lighting conditions. The capped, finger-click adjustments are robust and reliable, ensuring your zero stays secure.
BURRIS FullField II 4.5-14×42 Scope, Ballistic Plex Reticle
For shooters who need more magnification for precision work at 100 yards, the Burris FullField II 4.5-14×42 is a compelling option. Its higher magnification range is ideal for shooting small groups or identifying precise aiming points on a target. The Ballistic Plex reticle provides a simple yet effective trajectory-compensating system without complicating the sight picture.
A key feature for accuracy at this and longer ranges is the side parallax adjustment. This allows you to correct for parallax error, ensuring the reticle and target are on the same focal plane for improved shot consistency.
Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24×50 Riflescope
The Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 is a long-range oriented scope that brings high-end features to a competitive price point. With a massive 6-24x magnification range and a first focal plane APMR reticle, the reticle’s subtensions remain accurate at every power setting. This is particularly useful for making precise windage and elevation holds at 100 yards and far beyond.
The scope offers a precise 0.1 MIL click value and a generous 18 MIL total adjustment range. Combined with a parallax adjustment from 10 yards to infinity and fully multi-coated optics, it provides a solid foundation for precision rifle shooting.
Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope with Multi-X Reticle
The Bushnell Banner series is designed for hunters who often find themselves shooting in low-light conditions. Its Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coating maximizes light transmission, providing a brighter and clearer image when the light begins to fade. This is a significant benefit for early morning or late evening range sessions or hunts.
This scope uses the classic and versatile 3-9×40 configuration, which is more than adequate for 100-yard shooting. A notable feature is its extended eye relief, which provides a greater margin of safety and comfort, especially on firearms with significant recoil.
BUCKMASTERS Scope- 3-9x40MM BDC
Developed in collaboration with hunting expert Jackie Bushman, the Buckmasters 3-9x40MM scope brings SIG SAUER electro-optic quality to an accessible level. It is equipped with a specialized Buckmasters Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) reticle, featuring holdover dots that compensate for bullet drop out to 500 yards. This simplifies aiming for shooters of all experience levels.
The scope is built on a durable one-piece 1-inch main tube. For added convenience, it includes an integrated thread for a throw lever, allowing you to make quick magnification changes without needing to purchase an aftermarket part.
Nikon P-Tactical 4-12×40 AR BDC 600 Rifle Scope
While Nikon has exited the riflescope market, their existing optics, like the P-Tactical 4-12×40, remain a solid choice for AR-platform rifles. The 4-12x magnification range offers more top-end power than a standard 3-9x scope, which is beneficial for seeing fine details on a 100-yard target. The BDC 600 reticle is calibrated for common .223/5.56 loads.
This scope was designed with the tactical and varmint shooter in mind, providing a good balance of magnification and a reticle system that supports rapid, engaged shooting at varying distances. Its legacy of quality glass from Nikon ensures a clear and sharp image.
Sig Sauer Whiskey5 5-25x52mm Rifle Scope
For the shooter who demands maximum precision at 100 yards for benchrest shooting or small-group testing, the Sig Sauer Whiskey5 5-25x52mm offers a high-magnification solution. The 5-25x range allows for incredible target detail, making it easy to aim at the exact same point on a target repeatedly. The large 52mm objective lens gathers ample light for a bright sight picture.
As part of Sig Sauer’s Whiskey5 line, this scope is built to high standards with fully multi-coated lenses for superior light transmission and resolution. It is a professional-grade optic suited for serious precision rifle applications where optical performance and repeatability are non-negotiable.
What to Look For in the Best Scopes for Shooting at 100 Yards in 2025
When I’m picking out a scope specifically for 100-yard shooting, my priorities are different than they would be for long-range hunting or tactical applications. At this distance, you don’t need a massive amount of magnification or complex bullet-drop compensation reticles. Instead, I focus on optical clarity, precise adjustments, and a feature set that makes consistent accuracy easy to achieve.
First, let’s talk about magnification. For 100 yards, a lot of shooters get along perfectly with a fixed 10x scope. However, I personally prefer a variable scope in the 3-9x or 4-12x range. The lower end of the magnification is fantastic for getting on target quickly, while the top end gives me all the zoom I need to see my bullet holes on paper without needing a spotting scope. Going much higher than 12x can be overkill and often comes with a narrower field of view and more noticeable mirage on hot days.
The objective lens size is next on my checklist. A 40mm or 44mm objective is the sweet spot for me. It gathers plenty of light for a bright image without forcing me to mount the scope impractically high on the rifle to clear the barrel. Paired with good quality glass and fully multi-coated lenses, this setup provides a crisp, clear sight picture from dawn until dusk.
Perhaps the most critical component for precision at 100 yards is the turret system. I look for scopes with exposed, tactile turrets that offer a true, repeatable 1/4 MOA per click adjustment. The clicks need to be audible and tactile so I can feel and hear each adjustment without taking my eye from the scope. This level of control is what allows for fine-tuning your point of impact to nail those tiny groups. A simple but well-designed reticle, like a standard duplex or a fine MIL-Dot, is all you really need to get the job done without visual clutter.
Finally, I never overlook build quality. The scope must be nitrogen-purged to be waterproof and fog-proof. I also check that it’s built from a single piece of tube, usually 30mm or 1-inch, for maximum durability and strength to handle recoil and the occasional bump. A scope that can’t hold zero is useless, no matter how clear the glass is.
FAQ
Is a 3-9×40 scope good for 100 yards?
Absolutely. In my experience, a 3-9×40 scope is arguably the perfect all-around choice for shooting at 100 yards. The 3x setting is great for acquiring targets quickly, while the 9x magnification gives you more than enough detail to see your aim point clearly on a paper target. The 40mm objective lens provides a bright image without being too bulky.
What magnification do I really need for 100-yard target shooting?
For punching paper at 100 yards, you don’t need extreme magnification. I find that 10x to 12x is the practical maximum. In fact, many successful benchrest shooters use fixed 10x scopes. Higher magnifications can amplify heat mirage and make the image appear shakier. A scope in the 4-12x range gives you plenty of flexibility without the drawbacks of excessive zoom.
Why are precise turrets so important for 100-yard shooting?
When you’re trying to group shots tightly at 100 yards, tiny adjustments make a big difference. A single click on a 1/4 MOA turret moves the point of impact roughly 1/4 inch at 100 yards. This allows me to make very fine corrections to get my shots exactly where I want them. Turrets with mushy or inconsistent clicks make this process frustrating and imprecise.
Can I use a hunting scope for precision target shooting at 100 yards?
You can, but there might be better fits. Many hunting scopes are designed for quick target acquisition and have simpler reticles, which is fine. However, they often have low-profile, capped turrets that are difficult to adjust quickly on the bench. For dedicated target work, I prefer a scope with exposed target-style turrets for easy access. Our testing for the 9 Best Scopes for Shooting at 100 Yards in 2025 specifically highlighted models that blend hunting versatility with target-shooting precision.
What does “parallax” mean and do I need an adjustable one?
Parallax is an optical effect where the reticle appears to move on the target if your eye is not perfectly centered behind the scope. At 100 yards, this can cause aiming errors. Most scopes set at 100 yards are “parallax-free” at that distance. However, for the utmost precision, I value an adjustable parallax knob (sometimes called a side focus). It allows me to completely eliminate parallax error, which is crucial for competitive target shooting or when trying to achieve the smallest possible groups.