It’s tax time, and that means finding a fun yet useful way to invest those returns. And hey, if you didn’t get a return, it’s a great idea to get yourself a little something to cheer yourself up. We suggest optics, because gun owners skimp on glass all too often. Whatever the purpose of your rifle is, we know it could use a quality scope. Check out our suggestions for the optics to use your tax returns or other fun money on.
1. Nightforce NX8 1-8x28mm F1 Capped
Looking for a high-quality LPVO (low power variable optic)? The Nightforce NX8 1-8x24mm F1 Capped is the perfect way to get an excellent LPVO with the many features offered by the renowned optics manufacturer. This scope measures 8.75 inches in length and weighs just 17 ounces, so it won’t add excessive bulk to your rifle or get in the way. The NX8 1-8x24mm F1 is designed to be powerful, compact, and lightweight, and it delivers. This model has capped elevation turrets so you can be confident the elevation won’t get bumped and moved during transport or from rough use.
This optic features Nightforce’s FC-DMx reticle which has a decreased center dot size (.2MRAD/.7MOA) for precise aiming at high magnification. In addition, the large (4 MRAD) segmented circle provides a broader field of view than many reticles allow. Daylight bright illumination is included for use at 1x or high magnification. This optic is available in either Dark Earth or Black.
2. Sightmark Wraith 4K Max 3-24x50mm
If you spend time shooting at night, it’s nice to have a scope that does it all, day and night. That way you can zero one optic on your favorite rifle and you’re good to go regardless of the time of day. The Sightmark Wraith 4K Max is a nice example of a well-made yet surprisingly affordable digital scope that can be used whether it’s light or dark outside. For example, using this optic in low-light conditions is possible thanks to an enhanced ultra-high definition 4000×3000 digital CMOS sensor. That sensor is used to detect things out to 300 yards when it’s dark, so when it’s light out, the sensor can reach out and detect things at even greater distances.
The display resolution on the scope is 1280×720, so you get clear imaging, which is extremely important for any live fire, let alone while hunting. The scope’s 3-24x digital magnification also comes in handy and is easy to adjust as needed during use. The Wraith 4K Max also has an 850nm IR illuminator capable of delivering 90 minutes of operating time at its highest setting.
As mentioned before, this scope has both night vision mode and daytime color mode. The housing is aluminum for durability and resistance to wear. Other features include UHD 4K video recording with audio, 10 reticles to choose from depending on the scenario, and an IPX5 water-resistant rating, the latter of which gives you some protection from the elements. The Wraith 4K Max is powered by a rechargeable, internal battery the manufacturer states can last up to eight hours.
3. Trijicon Ascent 3-12x40mm
This is a scope that falls into the quality and versatile category. With this scope, you can get a clear field of view at closer distances while also stretching out longer distances. It’s the Trijicon Ascent 3-12x40mm, and it’s made for precision shooting and rapid target acquisition alike.
According to Trijicon, this scope was designed for quick target acquisition and shot placement, something they help along by using the BDC Target Hold reticle. Thanks to this scope’s magnification capabilities and clarity, it can be used for both CQB and long-range shots. It provides a fantastic field of view, great eye relief, and crystal-clear glass. This scope has a 30mm tube diameter with a housing made from aircraft-grade aluminum for durability. It’s a rugged, lightweight tactical riflescope designed to withstand serious use and help you make precise shots, fast.
The glass on this scope is fully multi-coated and promises good clarity and color with no distortion. Light transmission is solid and windage and elevation adjustments are crisp. Situational awareness and target identification are made even better thanks to the broad field of view and uncluttered reticle. This is a good option for shooters looking to take longer shots while retaining the ability to also nail closer-up targets.
4. Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Pig-Plex
Although this is an optic with stellar hunting applications, it can be used by anyone looking for a scope that’s excellent at mid-range target acquisition. As its name suggests, the Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm is made for hunters with a particular lean toward hog hunting. According to the manufacturer, this optic is built to deliver the legendary Leupold performance and dependability hunters and shooters require for success. This optic is a 1.5-4x20mm model with a wide field of view designed for close-up and mid-range shots.
The Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Pig-Plex is made utilizing the company’s Advanced Optical System. It delivers superior light transmission, impressive glare reduction even in harsh light, and quality, clear glass. This scope is made to be 100% waterproof and fogproof. It features a simplified, uncluttered version of the original Pig-Plex reticle and is specifically designed for chasing feral hogs (but it can be used to chase whatever varmint, predator, or game animal you’re after). This is a second focal plane optic. It weighs 9.6 ounces and has an overall length of 9.35 inches.
5. Swarovski Z6(i) 5-30x50mm P (BT)
If you’re interested in going really long, this is the scope for you (and it’s incredibly high quality, too). The Swarovski Z6(i) 5-30x50mm P is made for amazing precision at long distances. This is a scope made to help you reach out and touch far-away targets with serious style. Swarovski designed this scope with low subtension values and magnification that goes up to 30x, all so you can set new distance goals, and surpass them.
The Swarovski Z6(i) 5-30x50mm P makes clarity and target identification easier even at long ranges thanks to HD optics and lateral parallax correction. And thanks to the 50mm objective lens diameter, this scope is more than capable of delivering the kind of light transmission you need to be a successful long-range shooter. It also has a submersion tightness rating of 13 feet, -4° F to 131° F functional temperature range, and a safe storage temperature range between -22° F and 158° F. This scope has an overall length of 15.5 inches, a weight of 21.2 ounces, and a central tube diameter of 1.18 inches. The glass is beautifully clear, of course, and the field of view is broad. This is the scope that will get you where you want to be at long ranges.
