Five of the best riflescopes

The Z8i is a high powered riflescope with 8x zoom for rapid, accurate target acquisition. The excellent optics provide a razor-sharp image even in poor light conditions and at twilight; Swarovski claims that light transmission is 93%. Weighing just 675g and waterproofed to 4m, the riflescope is totally fit for a stalker’s requirements. And it’s not just the zoom that is better on the Z8i, as the manufacturers have improved the illumination system and added an optional quick detachable ballistic turret system — the Ballistic Turret Flex. In addition, the Swarovski Optik ballistic programme is a helpful tool for calculating your own personal data. 

RRP from £2,590

The Gen 2 version of the VX-6HD incorporates the excellent adjustment system of the military-grade Mark 5. Available in five different configurations – 1-6×24, 2-12×42, 3-18×44, 3-18×50 and a big 4-24x52mm version – all but the 4-24×52 are built on 30mm tubes. The large model has a 34mm tube. All feature second-plane illuminated reticles and exposed push-to-turn tool-less turrets that can be removed and re-zeroed simply by lifting a locking lever. These turrets, called CDS-ZL2 dials – or “Sizzle” turrets – are available as calibre-and-load specific custom turrets. In addition to the new adjustment system, Leupold has improved its external lens coatings, widened its field of view, added a push-button illumination module with anti-cant indicator, and added a throw lever to the magnification ring. 

RRP from £2,399

This compact, feature-rich scope represents a new type of versatile riflescope, one configured for use with clip-on thermals. The 4-16×44 version weighs just over 510grams, and is sized to neatly fit on a lightweight rifle. Its 10.9in length is its super-power, because even with a clip-on thermal attached to its objective bell, its controls are an easy reach for a shooter behind the rifle. Even without an attached electronic, the Ranger 4 has plenty of attributes for most hunting situations. Its second-plane E3 illuminated reticle has three ballistic hold-over references and three windage hashes on either side of its illuminated center cross. Built on a 30mm tube, the scope has capped turrets and side parallax control. 

RRP £1,100

The Bushnell R5 generally replaced the Forge as the mid-level scope in its range last year. The R-series bring better glass and more precise controls to stalkers and the R5 features a more capable 4-12×40 configuration. Built on 1-inch tubes with capped turrets and second-plane reticles, the R5 also features a 6-step red centre-dot illumination and side parallax that focuses targets from 10 yards out to infinity. The re-zeroable turrets are tuned to .25 MOA click values and have 60 MOA of total internal adjustment. Adding to its feature set, the reticle has wind holds for 5 and 10 mph crossing winds and shooters can connect to Bushnell’s ballistic phone app to tune their specific loads to the bullet-drop references in the reticle.

RRP £295

While its guts aren’t new, the exterior of this re-introduced classic Leica rifle scope will dress up any gun you pair it with. It’s the glossy-finish line for Leica’s venerable Fortis scopes, a line of capable and classic rifle scopes that add value to any rifle they’re paired with. The Glossy line includes versions in 1-6×24, 1.8-12×42, and 2-12×50 configurations, all with illuminated reticles and precise internal adjustments borrowed from other Leica lines. Each Fortis Glossy scope is hand-polished for hours, creating a high-luster finish that’s unique to each optic. The scope line is built on 30mm tubes and features second-plane illuminated reticles, capped turrets, and parallax compensation. 

RRP from £2,759