Best Riflescopes of 2025

From red stag stalking to long-range foxing, your riflescope is critical to your accuracy and confidence in the field.

Andrew McKean, one of the world’s most experienced optics testers, has spent over two decades reviewing scopes in Montana. His verdict for 2025? Versatility is king. While niche scopes for one discipline still exist, this year’s standout optics are designed to do it all – and do it well.

Below are the top riflescopes of 2025, tested, ranked and reviewed.

Bushnell

Bushnell R5

Replacing the Forge in Bushnell’s line-up, the new R5 is now the brand’s mid-range option, offering features that exceed its £295 price tag.

Built on a 1-inch tube, the R5 features Bushnell’s DOA reticle with bullet drop compensation out to 800 yards, windage holds for 5 and 10mph crosswinds, and a red illuminated centre dot with six brightness settings.

It also offers:

• Side parallax adjustment from 10 yards to infinity
• 60 MOA internal adjustment range
• Re-zeroable capped turrets with ¼ MOA clicks
• Connectivity to Bushnell’s Ballistic App for load matching
• The R5’s glass is serviceable, not stunning, but its feature set is exceptional for the price.

Visit: Bushnell Optics

Leupold

Leupold VX-6HD Gen 2

A flagship hunting scope built on a 30mm or 34mm tube, the new VX-6HD Gen 2 is significantly improved over the previous model.

Now fitted with tool-less CDS-ZL2 turrets, shooters can re-zero with a lever lift and dial-in with custom-engraved dials specific to calibre and load. Each scope comes with two free custom dials, which is a first for Leupold.

Other highlights:

• FireDot illuminated reticles, including BDC and Duplex
• Anti-cant indicator for level shooting
• Wide eyebox and excellent lens coatings
• Throw lever for quick magnification changes
• Built for hard use with top-tier tracking repeatability
• Available in five configurations. The 3-18×44 retails for £2,399; the 4-24×52 version costs £2,699.

Leupold Mark 4HD

For those who want Leupold quality without the Gen 2 price tag, the Mark 4HD is a top choice.

It combines precision with flexibility:

• Available in first or second focal plane
• MOA or MIL reticles including illuminated options
• 30mm and 34mm tube options
• Exposed locking turrets with three-turn elevation dials
• Excellent build quality for harsh conditions
• The 4.5-18×52 version offers crossover performance for big game and target work. Retail prices range from £1,000 to £1,899 depending on spec.

More at: Leupold Optics

Vortex

Vortex Viper HD

The new Viper HD series from Vortex brings significant upgrades in clarity and tracking to this long-running favourite.

It’s aimed squarely at UK hunters with features like:

• 30mm tube and second- or first-plane reticle options
• Available in 2-10×42, 3-15×44, and 5-25×50
• Vortex’s Dead-Hold BDC and VMR-3/VMR-4 reticles in MOA or MRAD
• Capped or exposed turret options depending on model
• This makes it one of the most flexible scopes for stalking, pest control, and longer-range vermin shooting. Prices start at £629.

Shop Vortex: Official Vortex Optics

Zeiss

Zeiss Conquest V4

The Conquest V4 is positioned at the high end of the entry-level market. Built on a 30mm tube, it includes classic Zeiss glass and the option of side parallax on higher magnification models.

Available in:

3-12×44, 3-12×56
4-16×50, 6-24×50
Choose from the ZMOAi, ZBi, or classic #60 reticles.

Starting at £800, this is a reliable scope for the UK deer stalker who values quality without splashing out.

Zeiss Victory V8

For hunters wanting the best, the Victory V8 is a premium all-rounder with an extremely forgiving eyebox and remarkable low-light performance.

Features include:

• 8x zoom ratio
• Second-plane illuminated reticles
• Lightweight construction (under 1,000g)
• Automatic reticle illumination module
• Available from 1-8×24 to 4.8-35×60. Prices range from £3,000 to £3,650.

More info: Zeiss Hunting UK

Burris

Burris Veracity PH

This second-generation “smart” scope blends digital and optical tech. The clickless turret connects to the BurrisConnect app, allowing shooters to dial their exact distance and follow in-scope prompts for wind and elevation.

Ideal for long-range shooting, it still functions if the battery dies — you just use the standard turret markings.

Key features:

• • First focal plane reticle
  • Digital elevation readout

• Compatible with all calibres
• Retail price around £1,200

Explore: Burris Optics

Armament Technology

SAI6 1-6×24

Originally designed for military carbines, the SAI6 also excels on dangerous game rifles and lightweight stalkers.

Built on a 30mm tube, it includes:

• RAF first-plane reticle
• Daylight-bright red illumination
• Tactical-style build but lightweight and compact
• Retailing at £1,399, this LPVO excels when speed matters.

Find out more here: Armament Technology

Kahles

Kahles K328i

A precision scope with a wide field of view, the K328i has a 36mm tube and compact build ideal for long-range hunters who don’t want bulk.

Highlights:

• Customisable turret positioning
• Parallax integrated into windage turret
• First-plane MIL-based MOAK+ reticle
• Weight: 2.3lbs, Length: 14.1 inches
• Retail price: £3,650

Learn more at: Kahles Optics

GPO – German Precision Optics

GPO Centuri

A new line with big versatility. Each Centuri scope includes:

• 30mm tubes
• Second-plane illuminated reticles
• Exposed zero-stop turrets
• Free custom elevation turret
• Available in 2.5-15×44, 2.5-15×50, 3-12×44, and 4-16×44. Prices average £599, making it one of the best values of 2025.

Visit: GPO Centuri Official

Leica

Leica Fortis Glossy

A stylish re-release from Leica, the Fortis Glossy is built on a 30mm tube with second-plane illuminated reticles and precise mechanics.

It includes:

1-6×24, 1.8-12×42, and 2-12×50 options

Classic capped turrets

Polished finish unique to each scope

Ideal for traditional rifle builds. Prices range from £2,759 to £2,995.

Visit: Leica

Steiner

Steiner Ranger 4

Optimised for clip-on thermals, the Ranger 4 is a compact hunting scope that doesn’t compromise on features.

The 4-16×44 version weighs just over 18oz and is 10.9 inches long — ideal for use with thermal front add-ons.

It includes:

• Side parallax
• E3 illuminated reticle with holdover and windage
• 30mm tube with capped turrets
• Priced at £1,100, it’s a top pick for mountain rifles and tight shooting setups.

Find out more: Steiner Optik

Final Thoughts

The best rifle scopes of 2025 cover every use case — whether you’re stalking in Scotland, targeting rabbits with a rimfire, or pushing out to 800 yards on steel.

For more expert gear reviews, check out our full gear hub on ShootingUK.