If you’re on the hunt for the top scope for shooting up to 100 yards, then look no further. Engaging targets from 25 to 100 yards might not sound challenging, but it does come with its set of difficulties. That’s precisely why a suitable scope is essential—it helps you adjust for these obstacles.
Such scopes enhance your ability to monitor your target, ensuring your shots are more accurate. They also allow you to observe the intricate details of your subject. Ideal for hunting, hiking, sightseeing, and even observing birds in your backyard, these scopes are a versatile tool for various outdoor activities.
Top 7 Best Rifle Scopes for 100 Yards in 2024
- Monstrum 3-9×32 Rifle Scope with Rangefinder Reticle
- Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 Riflescope
- Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm Riflescope
- UTG 3-9X32 1 BugBuster Scope
- CVLIFE 3-9×40 Compact Rifle Scope
- Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope
- Pinty 3-9X40 Rifle Scope with Illuminated Mil Dot
1. Monstrum 3-9×32 Rifle Scope with Rangefinder Reticle
If you’re a hunter looking for precision at 100 yards, the Monstrum 3-9×32 Rifle Scope with its glass rangefinder reticle offers crystal clear targeting for quick and accurate shots. Its 3-9x magnification gives you the flexibility to target at various distances, while the 32mm objective lens guarantees a broad field of view.
This scope’s durable aluminum body and high-profile scope rings make it a reliable choice for any hunting expedition. Plus, its dial-controlled illumination in both red and green adapts to any lighting condition, making sure the reticle is always visible.
Whether you’re perched in a blind or stalking through the woods, the Monstrum 3-9×32 enhances your hunting experience with its precision, durability, and versatility.
Best For: Hunters seeking a versatile and reliable scope for medium-range shooting with quick range estimation capabilities.
Pros:
- Crystal clear targeting with 3-9x magnification for various distances.
- Glass rangefinder reticle with dial-controlled illumination in red and green for visibility in any lighting condition.
- Durable aluminum housing and high-profile scope rings for reliable performance in the field.
Cons:
- Eye relief may require adjustments for optimal comfort and use.
2. Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 Riflescope
For hunters and shooters needing precision at 100 yards, the Vortex Optics Diamondback Riflescope with its Dead-Hold BDC reticle offers unmatched clarity and accuracy. Crafted in a sleek black color, this classic style scope is designed specifically for hunting, with a sturdy aluminum body that guarantees it can withstand the rigors of the outdoors. With a magnification range of 4-12x and a 40mm objective lens, you’ll find it easy to focus on your target, thanks to the fast focus eyepiece. The scope’s lenses are fully multi-coated, providing clear images even in low light conditions.
Its precision glide erector system guarantees precise tracking and shooting at varying ranges, a feature enhanced by the Dead-Hold BDC reticle which eliminates guesswork on hold-over and windage corrections. This riflescope is shockproof and built for longevity with a one-piece tube that’s argon purged and O-ring sealed, making it fog proof and waterproof. Vortex backs this quality with an unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty, ensuring your investment is safeguarded. With positive feedback on its clarity, durability, and ease of use, it’s clear that the Vortex Optics Diamondback Riflescope is a top choice for anyone serious about precision shooting at 100 yards.
Best For: Hunters and shooters looking for a durable, precise riflescope with excellent clarity at varying ranges.
Pros:
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle enhances accuracy at various distances without guesswork.
- Unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty offers peace of mind and protection for your investment.
- Fully multi-coated lenses and argon purging ensure clear images and reliable performance in any weather.
Cons:
- Lacks night vision capability, limiting low-light usability.
3. Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm Riflescope
Boasting a Tri-MOA CDS reticle and scratch-resistant lenses, the Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm Riflescope stands out as the ideal choice for hunters and shooters aiming for precision at 100 yards. With a maximum magnification of 12x and a 40mm objective lens, it’s crafted for clarity and accuracy. The aluminum construction guarantees durability, while the 3 inches of eye relief offer comfort during long shooting sessions. It’s backed by Leupold’s Full Lifetime Guarantee, reflecting confidence in its quality.
Despite concerns about the adjustment knob’s fragility and reticle size, customer feedback highlights its superior design and performance. Its lightweight design and easy mounting make it an ideal choice for your upcoming outdoor adventure.
Best For: Hunters and precision shooters looking for a durable, high-quality riflescope with clear optics and reliable performance.
Pros:
- Superior clarity and accuracy with Tri-MOA CDS reticle and scratch-resistant lenses
- Lightweight and durable aluminum construction with comfortable 3 inches of eye relief
- Backed by Leupold’s Full Lifetime Guarantee ensuring quality and reliability
Cons:
- Fragility concerns with the adjustment knob may affect durability
4. UTG 3-9X32 1 BugBuster Scope
The UTG 3-9X32 1 BugBuster Scope, with its robust True Strength Platform, is ideal for shooters prioritizing durability and reliability in their 100-yard scopes. It’s shockproof, fog proof, and rainproof, ensuring clear views in any weather. The 1-inch tube features an emerald coating for maximum light transmission, while the premium zero lockable and resettable turrets offer precise adjustments.
The range-estimating mil-dot reticle and red/green dual illumination enhance targeting in various lighting conditions. With an adjustable objective from 3 yards to infinity and a large field of view, this scope excels in both close quarters and at range. It comes complete with accessories like a 2-inch sunshade, flip-open lens caps, and quick-detachable rings, making it a value-packed choice for sharpshooters.
Best For: Shooters looking for a durable, versatile scope that excels in both CQB and long-range applications.
Pros:
- Built on True Strength Platform ensuring it’s shockproof, fog proof, and rainproof.
- Features premium zero lockable and resettable turrets for precise adjustments.
- Comes with a wide range of accessories including a 2-inch sunshade, flip-open lens caps, and quick-detachable rings.
Cons:
- Stiff zoom ring may be challenging for some users.
5. CVLIFE 3-9×40 Compact Rifle Scope
Hunters and target shooters seeking a compact yet powerful scope will find the CVLIFE 3-9×40 with free mounts an ideal choice for 100-yard shots. This scope stands out with its crosshair reticle, facilitating quick aiming and precision. Measuring just 7.48 inches, it’s not only easy to carry but also to operate. Its lenses are protected by a scratch-resistant coating, ensuring durability against the elements. Constructed from high-strength aluminum alloy and sealed with nitrogen, it’s both fog and rainproof.
The ocular features a dioptric adjustment lens, allowing clear viewing without eyeglasses. Included in the package are two 20mm mounts, compatible with all 20mm rails, enhancing its versatility. With a magnification range of 3-9x and an eye relief of 2.7 inches, it’s praised for its value, ease of installation, and clear vision, making it a go-to for plinking and small game hunting.
Best For: Hunters and target shooters looking for a compact, affordable, and versatile scope for short to mid-range shooting.
Pros:
- Affordable price point for budget-conscious buyers.
- Includes two 20mm free mounts for easy installation on 20mm rails.
- Compact size and scratch-resistant coating for durability and ease of use.
Cons:
- Low-quality scope rings may require additional purchase for optimal use.
6. Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope
If you’re looking for a scope that excels in low-light conditions, the Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope, featuring the Circle-X Reticle, is an excellent choice for your 100-yard shots. Its fully multi-coated lenses offer high-contrast images, making it easier to hit your target in the dusk or dawn. With a magnification range from 3x to 9x and a 40mm objective lens, you’ve got the versatility needed for various shooting scenarios.
It’s not just about the optics; the Bushnell Banner is built tough. Its argon-purged and waterproof construction guarantees fog-proof performance under any weather conditions. Plus, with an extended eye relief of 6 inches, you can shoot comfortably and safely. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned hunter, the clarity, quality, and value of this riflescope make it a top pick for enhancing your shooting accuracy at 100 yards.
Best For: Hunters and shooters looking for a reliable, affordable scope that performs well in low-light conditions.
Pros:
- Fully multi-coated lenses offer high-contrast images in low light.
- Waterproof and fog-proof construction ensures durability and reliability in various weather conditions.
- Extended eye relief of 6 inches provides comfortable and safe shooting.
Cons:
- Not suitable for use with night vision equipment.
7. Pinty 3-9X40 Rifle Scope with Illuminated Mil Dot
For enthusiasts aiming for precision at 100 yards, the Pinty 3-9X40 Rifle Scope with its illuminated Mil Dot reticle stands out as a top choice. Crafted from durable aluminum, this tactical-style scope is designed for hunting, offering magnification from 3x to 9x. It’s compatible with Picatinny mounts and boasts a field of view of 3.27 feet. Despite lacking night vision, its illuminated reticle with red, green, and blue options guarantees visibility in low light conditions.
The scope comes with a sunshade, ring mounts, lens covers, and other accessories, making it ready for use right out of the box. With positive reviews for its performance, especially its ability to hold zero well on a .22LR, and its budget-friendly price, it’s a solid choice for both target shooting and hunting.
Best For: Hunters and target shooters looking for an affordable, durable, and versatile scope with illuminated reticle options.
Pros:
- Unsurpassed light transmission ensures clarity in various lighting conditions.
- True magnification from 3 to 9 times offers versatility for different shooting ranges.
- Water, fog, and shockproof construction enhances durability and reliability in harsh environments.
Cons:
- Lacks night vision capability, limiting low-light performance.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Scope for 100 Yards
When you’re selecting a scope for 100 yards, you’ll need to take into account several key factors to make sure you’re getting the best fit for your needs.
Magnification range, eye relief, and the type of reticle are crucial components that can greatly impact your shooting accuracy and comfort.
Additionally, don’t overlook the importance of durability, weatherproofing, and how well the scope transmits light for clear visibility in various conditions.
Magnification Range
Selecting the right scope for 100-yard shooting means considering a magnification range of 3-9x, balancing versatility and precision for your needs. A scope within this range offers flexibility for both short and mid-range shots, making it ideal for various shooting scenarios at 100 yards.
The lower end, 3x magnification, is great for a wider field of view, allowing for quick target acquisition. It’s especially useful when you’re aiming at moving targets or need to shoot quickly. On the other hand, the higher 9x setting enhances your precision for longer distances, helping you make those accurate, pinpoint shots.
This variable magnification ensures you’re well-equipped to adapt, whether you’re engaging in close-range rapid firing or taking your time for a precise, distant shot.
Eye Relief Importance
Understanding the importance of adequate eye relief is essential to preventing injuries and ensuring a comfortable shooting experience at 100 yards. Adequate eye relief means there’s a safe distance between your eye and the scope, vital for guns with strong recoil. This distance not only keeps you safe but also affects your field of view and the clarity of the image you’re aiming at.
Ideally, you’ll want an eye relief between 3 to 4 inches for shooting at 100 yards. This range offers a good balance, allowing you to maintain a consistent cheek weld and sight picture. Choosing a scope with the right eye relief enhances your accuracy and makes your shooting experience at 100 yards both safer and more enjoyable.
Reticle Type Choices
After exploring the importance of eye relief, let’s focus on another key factor in achieving accuracy at 100 yards: choosing the right reticle type for your scope.
For starters, duplex reticles, with their simple crosshair design, are great for quick target acquisition at closer ranges like 100 yards. If you’re looking into shooting beyond 100 yards, BDC reticles offer aiming points for various distances, making them quite handy. Mil-dot reticles are ideal for those who value precision, allowing for range estimation and holdover adjustments at different distances.
Lastly, rangefinder reticles can be a game-changer by providing built-in distance estimation, which helps you quickly determine the range to your target at 100 yards and beyond. Each reticle type caters to different shooting needs, so choose wisely based on your shooting goals.
Durability and Weatherproofing
When choosing a scope for 100 yards, it’s important to consider features that guarantee durability and weatherproofing, such as essential shockproof, fog-resistant, and waterproof capabilities.
You’ll want to opt for scopes made from high-quality materials like aluminum or alloy, which offer long-lasting use and can resist impacts effectively. Additionally, scopes with O-ring seals and argon or nitrogen purging prevent moisture from entering, further enhancing their longevity.
It’s also wise to choose scopes with scratch-resistant coatings on the lenses to maintain clarity and protect them from debris or rough handling. Finally, selecting scopes with sturdy, one-piece tube designs ensures they can withstand recoil and rough outdoor handling, keeping your performance consistent over time.
Clarity and Light Transmission
For precise aiming at 100 yards, the importance and light transmission of your scope’s optics are essential. High-quality lenses and coatings are key to achieving this, as they guarantee bright, clear images at your designated distance.
It’s not just about being able to see your target; it’s about seeing it with enough detail to aim accurately. The right magnification and lens diameter play a critical role in your scope’s performance, affecting both clarity and light transmission.
Best light transmission is particularly important for distinguishing targets and details even at longer ranges. Remember, a scope that excels in these areas will give you a significant advantage in precision shooting, making every shot count.
Conclusion
Choosing the right scope for 100 yards can greatly enhance your precision and shooting experience. Whether you’re leaning towards the reliable performance of the Monstrum or the clarity of the Leupold VX-Freedom, consider your specific needs, including reticle type, magnification, and budget.
Remember, a great scope not only improves accuracy but also boosts your confidence on the range. So, take your time, weigh your options, and you’ll find the perfect match for your sharpshooting adventures.