Best Variable Rifle Scopes of 2025

Paul Tilton Avatar
Paul Tilton
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Variable rifle scopes are an essential tool for hunters and shooters who want to improve their accuracy and precision while in the field. These scopes offer a wide range of magnification options, allowing the user to adjust the zoom to suit their specific needs. Whether you're shooting at close range or taking a long shot, a variable rifle scope can help you get the job done. With features like adjustable objective lenses, illuminated reticles, and high-quality optics, these scopes are designed to provide clear, bright images even in low-light conditions. So if you want to take your shooting skills to the next level, consider investing in a variable rifle scope today.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Burris 4.5-14x42mm Fullfield II Ballistic Plex Scope Cover #TOP 1
Burris 4.5-14x42mm Fullfield II Ballistic Plex Scope
ftb score rating icon 9.9
BESTSIGHT 1-5X24 Rifle Scope Cover #TOP 2
BESTSIGHT 1-5X24 Rifle Scope
ftb score rating icon 9.8
CVLIFE EagleTalon 1-6x24 Scope Cover #TOP 3
CVLIFE EagleTalon 1-6x24 Scope
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Variable Rifle Scopes

#TOP 1

Burris 4.5-14x42mm Fullfield II Ballistic Plex Scope

200183
Matte Black
4.5-14x42mm
Burris 4.5-14x42mm Fullfield II Ballistic Plex Scope Cover
Burris 4.5 x-14 x -42mm Fullfield II Ballistic Plex Scope , Matte Black

The Burris 4.5-14x42mm Fullfield II Ballistic Plex Scope is a popular and premium traditional hunting scope at an affordable price. Its high-grade optical glass provides excellent brightness and clarity with lasting durability. It features a 1-piece tube construction, reinforced quad-seal gas seals, Hi-Lume Multi-coated lenses, and is water, fog and shockproof. Customers praise its clarity, durability, and the Forever warranty that comes with it.

What We Like
High-grade optical glass provides excellent brightness and clarity
Durable, stress-free, solid 1-piece outer tube
Reinforced quad-seal gas seals and Hi-Lume Multi-coated lenses
Water, fog and shockproof
Forever warranty

BESTSIGHT 1-5X24 Rifle Scope

1-5x24 rifle scope
black
BESTSIGHT 1-5X24 Rifle Scope Cover
BESTSIGHT 1-5X24 LPVO Rifle Scope,Fully Multi-Coated Lens,Wind and Elevation Adjust, 30mm Diameter,Milling Reticle(Variable Power,sfp,) Low Power Variable Optic Scope (lpvo Scope)

The BESTSIGHT 1-5X24 Rifle Scope is a high-quality optic scope designed for rifle enthusiasts. With its multi-layer coating, it provides a clear and crisp field of vision. The 1-5 times real zoom allows for precise targeting, and the magnification adjustment rod ensures easy adjustments. This scope comes with a free scope mount for 20mm Picatinny rails, making it convenient to install on your rifle. Additionally, it features an anti-cant level to ensure accurate shots. The nitrogen-filled construction makes it shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof, ensuring its durability in various conditions. With its second focal plane and windage and elevation adjustment knobs, this low power variable optic scope offers versatility and excellent performance. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced shooter, the BESTSIGHT 1-5X24 Scope is a great choice for improving your shooting accuracy.

What We Like
Clear and crisp field of vision
1-5 times real zoom
Comes with a free scope mount
#TOP 3

CVLIFE EagleTalon 1-6x24 Scope

Black
1-6x24
CVLIFE EagleTalon 1-6x24 Scope Cover
CVLIFE EagleTalon 1-6x24 LPVO Rifle Scope with 30mm Cantilever Mount-Illuminated Circle Dot BDC Reticle for .223/5.56

The CVLIFE 1-6x24 Scope offers remarkable versatility for shooters aiming at short to medium ranges. With its low power variable optics, you can keep both eyes open for rapid target acquisition. The precision exposed locking turrets enable you to make quick and accurate windage and elevation adjustments with ease. You’ll appreciate the high-definition optics that deliver clear images in various lighting conditions, enhancing your overall shooting experience. Plus, the illuminated circle dot BDC reticle ensures you can aim accurately, even in low light, making it easier to lock onto your target.

What We Like
Versatile short to medium range
Quick windage and elevation adjustments
Clear images in low light
Illuminated reticle for accuracy
#TOP 4

SIG SAUER Tango-MSR 1-6X24mm Scope

SOTM61200
Coyote Tan
SIG SAUER Tango-MSR 1-6X24mm Scope Cover
SIG SAUER Tango-MSR LPVO 1-6X24mm Waterproof Fog-Proof Rugged Tactical Hunting Rifle Scope | Second Focal Plane/F2 | Illuminated MSR BDC-6 Reticle, Coyote Tan

The SIG SAUER Tango-MSR Scope offers exceptional light transmission and clarity, making it easier for you to hit your target. Its illuminated MSR BDC-6 reticle features 11 brightness settings, allowing for precise shot placement in various lighting conditions. This scope is built to withstand the elements; it is waterproof and fog-proof, ensuring reliable performance even in challenging weather. With its sturdy design and convenient flip-back lens covers, you can trust this scope to maintain its performance while providing quick access to your optics.

What We Like
High light transmission
Adjustable brightness reticle
Waterproof and fog-proof
Durable construction
#TOP 5

Monstrum Ladon 1-6x Rifle Scope

SL16X-BDCA3
Monstrum Ladon 1-6x Rifle Scope Cover
Monstrum Ladon 1-6x SFP LPVO Rifle Scope | BDC-A3 Reticle

The Monstrum Ladon Scope offers a versatile 1-6x magnification, perfect for various shooting scenarios. With its improved optics assembly, you’ll enjoy longer eye relief and a wider eye box, making it easier to acquire your target quickly. The inline dial allows you to adjust the red reticle illumination to multiple brightness levels, ensuring clarity in different lighting conditions. Additionally, the second focal plane reticles maintain their size across magnification levels, providing consistent visibility. This scope also comes with an offset cantilever mount and spring-loaded flip-up lens covers for added convenience and protection.

What We Like
Versatile magnification range
Improved eye relief
Adjustable reticle brightness
Consistent reticle size
#TOP 6

Monstrum Banshee 1-6x24 Scope

SB1624B-BDCC1
Black
Monstrum Banshee 1-6x24 Scope Cover
Monstrum Banshee 1-6x24 LPVO Rifle Scope with Offset Scope Mount | Black | BDC C1 Daylight Bright Reticle

The Monstrum Banshee Scope offers versatile 1-6x magnification, making it ideal for both close and long-range shooting. Its innovative optics assembly ensures longer eye relief and a wider field of view, allowing you to aim comfortably. You can choose from various reticle options, maintaining the same size across all magnification levels for consistent visibility. The inline dial for reticle illumination features five brightness settings in red and green, ensuring clear targeting in various lighting conditions. With superior light transmission thanks to its anti-reflective lens coating, you can expect exceptional clarity in your sight picture.

What We Like
Versatile magnification range
Consistent reticle size
Multiple brightness settings
Superior optical clarity
#TOP 7

TRUGLO OMNIA Rifle Scope

TG85-TLR
Multi
1-4X24 30MM
TRUGLO OMNIA Rifle Scope Cover
TRUGLO OMNIA Tactical Rifle Scope Low Power Variable Optic, 1-4 x 24mm, Black

The TRUGLO OMNIA Scope is designed for modern sporting rifles, offering features tailored to enhance your shooting experience. Constructed with a durable one-piece aluminum tube, it ensures increased brightness and long-lasting performance. The illuminated reticle provides multiple targeting methods, making it ideal for various shooting distances. With 1/2-MOA target turrets and an intuitive reticle, adjustments and holdovers are simplified for precision shooting. Additionally, it is weather-resistant, being waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof, ensuring reliable performance in all conditions.

What We Like
Durable Construction
Multiple Targeting Methods
Precise Adjustments
#TOP 8

Monstrum Banshee ED 1-8x24 Scope

SB1824-B
Black
Monstrum Banshee ED 1-8x24 Scope Cover
Monstrum Banshee ED 1-8x24 LPVO Rifle Scope with Offset Scope Mount | Black | MX1 Reticle

The Monstrum Banshee Scope offers versatility with its low power variable optic, allowing you to adjust magnification from 1 to 8 times. This feature makes it easier for you to acquire targets at varying distances. The inline dial for reticle illumination provides five brightness settings in both red and green, ensuring you can see clearly in different lighting conditions. Its second focal plane reticles maintain their size across all magnification levels, enhancing visibility no matter how you adjust the zoom. Plus, the Extra Low Dispersion glass lens system minimizes color distortion, giving you sharper images and better contrast for a clearer view of your target.

What We Like
Versatile magnification range
Adjustable reticle brightness
Consistent reticle size
Enhanced image clarity
#TOP 9

Sig Sauer Tango-MSR 1-6x24mm Riflescope

black
Sig Sauer Tango-MSR 1-6x24mm Riflescope Cover
Sig Sauer Tango-MSR 1-6x24mm Riflescope; MSR-BDC6 Reticle with Alpha-MSR Cantilever Mount

The Sig Sauer Tango-MSR 1-6x24mm Riflescope offers an incredible value with its standard features, including illuminated reticles, flip-back lens covers, removable magnification throw levers and the impressive ALPHA-MSR cantilever mount. It follows the TANGO6T's acclaimed lineage, with advanced technology and military contract-winning quality.

What We Like
Incredible value for the standard features offered
Impressive ALPHA-MSR cantilever mount
Clear and accurate reticle at both 1x and 6x magnification
#TOP 10

Firefield Barrage 1.5-5X32 Scope

FF13062
Red Laser
One Size
Firefield Barrage 1.5-5X32 Scope Cover
Firefield Barrage 1.5-5X32 Rifle Scope with Red Laser

The Firefield Barrage Scope offers a versatile magnification range from 1.5X to 5X, making it perfect for both quick target acquisition and precise long-distance shooting. Its illuminated mil-dot reticle comes in red and green, allowing you to choose the best color for your environment, especially in low-light conditions. The included 2-piece mount ensures a secure fit on your firearm, while the scope’s 100-hour battery life means you won’t have to worry about changing batteries frequently. Designed to withstand splashing water, this scope is reliable even in challenging weather, making it a great companion for outdoor adventures.

What We Like
Versatile magnification range
Illuminated reticle for visibility
Long-lasting battery life
Waterproof design
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a 1 powered variable scope?

A 1 powered variable scope, also known as a low power variable optic (LPVO), is a riflescope that offers a magnification range starting from 1x on the low end and can go up to higher magnifications like 4x, 6x, 8x, or even higher. This allows shooters to have the flexibility of adjusting the magnification level based on their shooting needs.

2. What is the difference between fixed and variable rifle scopes?

Fixed rifle scopes have a single magnification setting that cannot be changed, while variable rifle scopes offer adjustable magnification levels. With variable scopes, shooters have the ability to select the desired magnification, providing a zoom function. This allows for flexibility in targeting and adjusting for different shooting scenarios.

3. How do variable rifle scopes work?

Variable rifle scopes have a tube that can slide back and forth, controlled by a ring on the outside of the scope. The reticle can be positioned between the objective lens and the power-change tube, or between the power-change tube and the ocular lens. Adjusting the ring changes the magnification level, offering different zoom levels for the shooter.

4. Why do snipers use fixed power scopes?

Snipers often prefer fixed power scopes because they provide a wide field of view, allowing for quick target acquisition and engagement with multiple or moving targets. Fixed power scopes eliminate the need to adjust magnification or zero settings, making them more practical for snipers who require fast and accurate shots in dynamic situations. Popular choices for snipers are fixed scopes with magnifications between 10x and 15x.

5. What is the difference between nitrogen and argon rifle scopes?

The main difference between nitrogen and argon rifle scopes is their rate of gas leakage. In the event of a gas leak, argon leaks at a slower rate compared to nitrogen. While leaks are rare, if the scope is dropped, a damaged O-ring will still provide better sealing for argon. Additionally, argon-filled scopes tend to be more expensive compared to nitrogen-filled scopes.

6. What distance is a 3 9x40 scope good for?

A 3-9x40 scope is generally suitable for distances ranging from 50 yards to 300 yards. However, for long-range shooting, there are more advanced scopes available that offer better performance.

7. How much magnification for 500 yards?

For hunting purposes within a range of 50 to 500 yards, a magnification range of 3-15 will typically be sufficient. This range allows shooters to zoom in and accurately engage targets at varying distances within that range.

Editor's Notes

During our variable rifle scope research, we found 24 variable rifle scope products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 15,549 customer reviews through our big data system to write the variable rifle scopes list. We found that most customers choose variable rifle scopes with an average price of $105.15.

The variable rifle scopes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of variable rifle scopes, including Burris, BESTSIGHT, CVLIFE, Sig Sauer, Monstrum. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 4,124 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Paul Tilton Avatar

Paul Tilton is a fitness enthusiast. He doesn't like to work in front of a computer screen so he quit his job and runs a gym in Washington. He spent a lot of time on the road and has been a contributing writer for a well-known travel guide website. He is now happy to share his travel experience and professional knowledge of travel gear and fitness here.