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Compare Rifle Scopes

 
DNT Optics Thermnight Thermal (384x288) & Night Vision Multispectral Riflescope - 35mm with LRF. The ThermNight Multispectral series of scopes is the culmination of technology to create the perfect aiming solution. It can be used in all weather & lighting conditions. The thermal and night vision combination allows for faster detection of targets and provides high-quality digital image for identification.
  RRP £2199.99 £1799.99 In stock Purchase Options
DNT Optics Thermnight Thermal (640x512) & Night Vision Multispectral Riflescope - 35mm with LRF. The ThermNight Multispectral series of scopes is the culmination of technology to create the perfect aiming solution. It can be used in all weather & lighting conditions. The thermal and night vision combination allows for faster detection of targets and provides high-quality digital image for identification.
  RRP £2999.99 £2499.99 Pre Order Purchase Options
Element Optics HYPR-7 7x50 Hybrid Precision Riflescope. HYPR-7 stands for “Hybrid Precision Riflescope 7x”. This smart device combines the superior clarity and resolution of an analog optical system with the flexibility of a digital reticle, with technology far ahead of its time enabling you to reach further, faster. With a variety of on-board sensors and a powerful ballistic chip, you no longer have to process information & input firing solutions yourself – It is all done for you in a fraction
      £1242.99 Pre Order Purchase Options
 
Element Optics Helix HD Compact 2-12x42 SFP IR Riflescope. The Element Optics Helix HD Compact 2-12x42 SFP IR RAPTR-1F Rifle Scope sets a new standard in hunting optics, designed to deliver exceptional precision, clarity, and durability. Built with hunters in mind, this compact yet feature-rich scope excels across a variety of environments and lighting conditions.
  WAS £507.99 £479.00 In stock Purchase Options
Element Optics Helix HD 2-16x50 SFP Riflescope. We’ve designed the HELIX in a way that puts the important things first: clear glass, smart reticle, innovative features and a turret system superior to other products in the same price class. The HD takes things one step further, with ED Glass, Reticle Illumination, a massive Zoom Range and more Elevation Travel. We’ve capped both the windage and elevation turrets for a more hunter-friendly, compact feel. Stringent quality control procedures give y
5 star review (1)     £515.99 Order Now - 7-10 Days Purchase Options
Element Optics Helix Gen2 4-16x44 FFP Riflescope. The HELIX Gen II takes everything shooters loved about the original and elevates it with smarter design, tighter engineering, and even better performance. Built around a robust 30mm main tube and enhanced optical system, the Gen II range offers improved clarity, refined turret feedback, and more precise tracking—without losing the rugged reliability HELIX is known for. Upgrades like a redesigned eyepiece, wider diopter range, smoother parallax ad
      £430.99 Check stock Purchase Options
 
Element Optics Helix Gen2 6-24x50 FFP Riflescope. Element designed the HELIX in a way that puts the important things first: clear glass, smart reticles, innovative features and a turret system superior to other products in the same price class. The turret system has been upgraded from your stock-standard sporting optic to feature stainless steel internals for resistance against wear-and-tear when dialling regularly – something that modern shooting disciplines require. The tool-free turrets and z
      £443.99 Check stock Purchase Options
Element Optics Helix Gen2 6-24x50 SFP Riflescope. The HELIX GEN 2 continues the legacy of our original HELIX line of riflescopes, with industry-leading reliability and performance taken to the next level with new features and further design improvements. The important things come first: Reliable tracking, intelligent reticles, innovative features and a user-friendly turret system. The turret system is tool-free and now features 8 MRAD or 20 MOA per revolution. The zero-stop mechanism ensures you
Element Optics Helix HDLR 2-16x50 SFP Riflescope. We’ve designed the HELIX in a way that puts the important things first: clear glass, smart reticles, innovative features and a turret system superior to other products in the same price class. The HDLR takes things one step further, with ED Glass, Reticle Illumination, a massive Zoom Range and more Elevation Travel. We’ve kept the ever popular Tool-Free system and Zero-Stop on the Elevation turret for ease of use when dealing for extended ranges,
  WAS £515.99 From £469.00 Check stock Purchase Options
 
Element Optics Helix 4-16x44 FFP Rifle Scope. The latest addition to the lineup, the 4-16×44 Helix FFP offers all the brilliant features and rugged reliability that the 6-24×50 does, but with a distinct advantage: This is the lightest, most compact scope we have made to date.
5 star review (1) WAS £410.99 From £369.00 Check stock Purchase Options
Element Optics Helix 8x56 IR SFP Riflescope. Looking for a riflescope that punches above its weight? Something that holds its own against products twice its price? Element Optics designed the HELIX in a way that puts the important things first: clear glass, smart reticles, innovative features and a turret system superior to other products in the same price class.
      £349.99 Order Now - 7-10 Days Purchase Options

Element Optics Titan 3-18x50 IR FFP Rifle Scope

Created by Shooters for Shooters! Meet the Game Changer! Platinum Lifetime Warranty!
Element Optics Titan 3-18x50 IR FFP Rifle Scope. The TITAN puts your money where it matters, with precision-engineered internals and a turret system superior to other products in the same price class. To make things even better, we’ve gone one step ahead and given the Titan a 34mm tube and ED glass. The 3-18 Model features an impressive 150 MOA (43.6 MRAD) of internal Elevation Travel, making this a viable option for Extreme Long Range shooting, while the relatively compact form and broad magnif
 

Element Optics Titan 5-25x56 IR FFP Rifle Scope

Created by Shooters for Shooters! Meet the Game Changer! Platinum Lifetime Warranty!
Element Optics Titan 5-25x56 IR Rifle Scope. Meet the Game Changer: The TITAN. Like the Helix, the Titan puts your money where it matters, with precision-engineered internals and a turret system superior to other products in the same price class. To make things even better, we’ve gone one step ahead and given the Titan a 34mm tube and ED glass.

Element Optics Nexus 5-20x50 IR FFP Rifle Scope

Created by Shooters for Shooters! Nexus - the focal point of the range! Platinum Lifetime Warranty!
Element Optics Nexus 5-20x50 IR Rifle Scope. The word “NEXUS” means “focal point”, and that is what this model is to the ELEMENT OPTICS range. The Nexus combines intuitive features like tool-free tactical turrets, zero stop and a removable throw lever with precision engineering to bring you the ultimate 30mm riflescope.
      £1334.99 Check stock Purchase Options
Element Optics Nexus Gen II 4-25x50 FFP Riflescope. The word “NEXUS” means “focal point”, and that is what this model is to the ELEMENT OPTICS range. The GEN II takes the DNA of the first generation NEXUS and pushes it to another level with a 4-25x Magnification, a new Turret System and Digital Illumination – the ultimate 30mm riflescope. A variety of different reticle designs in both MOA and MRAD cater to all shooters: Simplified options are easy on the eye, while more complex designs allow exp
      £2016.99 Check stock Purchase Options
 
Element Optics Theos 6-36x56 FFP Riflescope. THEOS has entered the room – Created through a three year process of meticulous planning, careful crafting and brutal testing. With a completely re-engineered turret system, digital illumination control and a magnification range of 6-36x, we’ve raised the bar governing what a flagship should be and placed the Theos firmly on the throne. New features on this model include a revolution flag that provides a visual indication when you pass a full turn, a
      £2470.99 Check stock Purchase Options
Element Optics Theos 6-36x56 FFP Riflescope. THEOS has entered the room – Created through a three year process of meticulous planning, careful crafting and brutal testing. With a completely re-engineered turret system, digital illumination control and a magnification range of 6-36x, we’ve raised the bar governing what a flagship should be and placed the Theos firmly on the throne. New features on this model include a revolution flag that provides a visual indication when you pass a full turn, a
      £2470.99 Pre Order Purchase Options
Element Optics Immersive Series 5x30 Riflescope. Traditional riflescopes have their place in the optics world, but new technology is allowing us to push the envelope of what is possible. The Immersive Series brings you range of ultra-compact Prismatic Riflescopes with many unique properties, including market-leading field of view, drawing you in to your surroundings for a better perspective. Unlike conventional scopes, which present the image from the eyepiece as floating distantly in front of y
      £499.99 Check stock Purchase Options
 
Element Optics Immersive Series 10x40 Riflescope. Traditional riflescopes have their place in the optics world, but new technology is allowing us to push the envelope of what is possible. The Immersive Series brings you range of ultra-compact Prismatic Riflescopes with many unique properties, including market-leading field of view, drawing you in to your surroundings for a better perspective. Unlike conventional scopes, which present the image from the eyepiece as floating distantly in front of
  WAS £459.99 £439.99 Check stock Purchase Options
Element Optics Immersive Series 14x50 Riflescope. Traditional riflescopes have their place in the optics world, but new technology is allowing us to push the envelope of what is possible. The Immersive Series brings you range of ultra-compact Prismatic Riflescopes with many unique properties, including market-leading field of view, drawing you in to your surroundings for a better perspective. Unlike conventional scopes, which present the image from the eyepiece as floating distantly in front of
      £479.99 Check stock Purchase Options
Element Optics Iris 4-12x44 SFP Riflescope. It doesn’t get more classic than this! The IRIS family of riflescopes gives you everything you need in a hunting optic, providing a crystal clear image in a lightweight & compact package. The 1” body tube and 40mm objective allow for low-profile mounting on classic hunting rifles, with the 4-12 zoom range proving over many decades to be a great choice for hunting at close to intermediate ranges. Capped turrets keep critical components sealed and shield
  WAS £134.99 £119.00 In stock Purchase Options
 
Element Optics Iris 3-9x40 SFP Riflescope. It doesn’t get more classic than this! The IRIS family of riflescopes gives you everything you need in a hunting optic, providing a crystal clear image in a lightweight & compact package. The 1” body tube and 40mm objective allow for low-profile mounting on classic hunting rifles, with the 3-9 zoom range proving over many decades to be a great choice for driven hunts, stalking and hunting from blinds. Capped turrets keep critical components sealed and s
  WAS £134.99 £119.00 In stock Purchase Options
Falcon Optics Endura S10i+ 1-10x24i SFP Competition Riflescope. Competition crossover scope with side focus. 3-Gun, HFT, Gallery Rifle. Backed by a no charge, no time limit warranty and service commitment.
5 star review (1)     £319.00 Pre Order Purchase Options
Falcon Optics T50i+ 5-50x60i ED SFP 34mm Riflescope. Experience precision shooting with advanced Japanese optics and tactical-grade features. Built with premium HOYA Corporation FCD1A ED glass for exceptional clarity and color correction across the full 5-50x magnification range. The redesigned eyepiece delivers an expanded, more immersive viewing experience, while the increased 80+ MOA elevation adjustment range handles extreme long-range applications.
5 star review (8) RRP £499.00 £449.00 In stock Purchase Options
 
Falcon Optics S40i+ 4-40x58i ED FFP 34mm Riflescope.
  RRP £529.00 £479.00 In stock Purchase Options
Falcon Optics X60i Ultra 10-60x56i ED SFP (34mm) Riflescope.
  RRP £1279.00 £1249.00 In stock Purchase Options
The Falcon Optics X40i Ultra ELR 5-40x56i is a flagship extreme long-range riflescope designed for precision shooters operating at the very limits of distance and accuracy. Built for ELR, PRS, and advanced long-range competition, it combines a wide magnification range with refined optical performance and substantial mechanical adjustment to support confident shooting well beyond conventional ranges. Engineered with premium Japanese ED glass and housed in a robust 40mm tube, the X40i Ultra ELR is
      £1849.00 Check stock Purchase Options
 
Firefield RapidStrike 1-6x24 IR SFP Riflescope. For a powerful, versatile riflescope, look no further than the Firefield RapidStrike 1-6x24! This optic’s magnification range is ideal for hog and varmint hunting or 3-gun competition. The RapidStrike 1-6x features a fully multi-coated lens and a red, green or black Circle Dot reticle with 5 brightness settings to accommodate your environment and target preferences.
  RRP £224.99 £214.99 In stock Purchase Options
Firefield RapidStrike 1-10x24 IR (R/G/B) SFP Riflescope. The Rapidstrike 1-10x24 LPVO from Firefield is the ultimate solution for shooters who demand versatility and precision. This advanced riflescope offers the longest range variable magnification in the Rapidstrike series, seamlessly transitioning from 1x for rapid target acquisition in close quarters to an impressive 10x for precise long-range engagements. The Rapidstrike is engineered to provide exceptional clarity and accuracy, making it a
  RRP £249.99 £239.99 In stock Purchase Options
The Fuego DS-X7 4K Day & Night Vision Rifle Scope is purpose-built for airgun and rimfire shooters seeking reliable, high-performance optics across all lighting conditions. Designed to deliver precision from daylight through to complete darkness, this advanced digital scope combines ultra-clear 4K imaging with powerful infrared capability and robust field-ready construction.
  RRP £349.00 £299.99 In stock Purchase Options
 
GPO TAC 1-6x24i FFP Riflescope. The GPOTAC™ 1-6x24i packs incredible high-demand features into a compact and robust package. Massive mil-rad turrets, fiber optic iControl™ illumination with auto-off functionality powers an illuminated mil-spec reticle. Built on a 30mm main tube, these riflescopes allow for an optimal range of adjustment. Feature for feature, spec for spec, you will find no better optic.
      £1559.00 Pre Order Purchase Options
GPO Spectra 1x 7.5x50i Rifle Scope. The GPO SPECTRA 1x 7,5x50i is an extremely compact and lightweight riflescope with high optical performance, very good contrast and excellent twilight performance. Exit pupil, field of view, eye relief and the illuminated G4i reticle make it the ideal riflescope to use on a raised hide, day or night. Due to the very fair price positioning, it is the ideal product for users who are looking for an excellent price-performance ratio.
  WAS £379.00 £269.00 In stock Purchase Options
GPO Spectra 4x 2.5-10x44 Rifle Scope. This 30mm line of riflescopes packs incredible features into small, compact, and versatile optics, with premium features like industry-leading field of view, quick-adjust turrets, fast focus ocular, and generous eye relief. SPECTRA™ 4x is sure to be your go to choice that transforms a hunt into a harvest.
  WAS £469.00 £379.00 In stock Purchase Options
 
GPO Spectra 4x 2.5-10x44i Rifle Scope. This 30mm line of riflescopes packs incredible features into small, compact, and versatile optics, with premium features like industry-leading field of view, quick-adjust turrets, fast focus ocular, and generous eye relief. SPECTRA™ 4x is sure to be your go to choice that transforms a hunt into a harvest.
5 star review (1)     £539.00 Pre Order Purchase Options
GPO Spectra 4x 4-16x50i Riflescope - G4i Fiber. With a 30 mm center tube, PASSIONTrack turrets that can be zeroed without tools and a first-class field of view at 100m, you will succeed in target acquisition with the SPECTRA 4x 4-16x50i even at full magnification and difficult lighting conditions. Of course, this riflescope is also equipped with parallax compensation to ensure safe use at longer distances and to eliminate point of impact deviation due to parallax. For the reticle, you can choose
      £659.00 Order Now - 2-5 Days Purchase Options
GPO Spectra 4x 4-16x50i Riflescope - G4i Drop. With a 30 mm center tube, PASSIONTrack turrets that can be zeroed without tools and a first-class field of view at 100m, you will succeed in target acquisition with the SPECTRA 4x 4-16x50i even at full magnification and difficult lighting conditions. Of course, this riflescope is also equipped with parallax compensation to ensure safe use at longer distances and to eliminate point of impact deviation due to parallax. For the reticle, you can choose
      £615.00 Pre Order Purchase Options
 
GPO Spectra 5x 3-15x56i Rifle Scope. This 30mm riflescope gives additional advantages to the shooter, with higher magnification and a larger objective lens best suited to low-light shooting. The 56mm objective lens means the 3-15×56 is an ideal choice for use in the lowest and toughest light conditions.
      £849.00 Pre Order Purchase Options
GPO Spectra 6x 1-6x24i Rifle Scope. This compact, lightweight riflescope with magnification from 1x to 6x allows for quick shooting on fast moving targets at close range as well as accurate shot placement at extended distances.
  WAS £679.00 £649.00 In stock Purchase Options
GPO Spectra 6x 1.5-9x44i Rifle Scope. This compact, lightweight riflescope with 1.5x to 9x magnification enables fast shooting at fast-moving targets at close range as well as precise shooting at longer distances. The SPECTRA 1.5-9x44i is an absolute all-rounder with its 30 mm center tube, PASSIONTrack turrets that can be zeroed without tools and its light weight of only 575 g. With the reticle you can choose between the G4Drop with ballistic reticle marks or the G4i fiber reticle with very fine
      £759.00 Pre Order Purchase Options
 
GPO Spectra 6x 2-12x50i Rifle Scope. This compact, lightweight scope with 2x to 12x magnification is the big brother of the 2- 12x44i and enables fast shooting at fast-moving targets at close range as well as accurate shooting at longer ranges. Due to the larger objective lens diameter, it also has ideal twilight performance. Like its little brother 2-12x44i, the SPECTRA 2-12x50i is an absolute all-rounder. With a 30 mm center tube, PASSIONTrack turrets that can be zeroed without tools and its c
      £849.00 Pre Order Purchase Options
GPO Spectra 6x 3-18x56i Rifle Scope. When a little more is what you really need. The SPECTRA™ 6x provides a wide field of view, excellent light transmission, superb low-light resolution and extra magnification for those challenging long-range shots.
      £955.00 Pre Order Purchase Options
GPO Spectra 6x 4.5-27x50i FFP CW Rifle Scope. The GPO SPECTRA 6x 4,5-27x50i LR Pro FFP is designed for demanding users who want to shoot and hunt at long distances with high magnification and prefer a reticle in the 1st image plane. With a center tube diameter of 34mm, a magnification of up to 27x, a transmission of 90%, the large adjustment travel, the wide eye relief, the large exit pupil as well as the integrated Zero Stop, it is the ideal product for ambitious long-range shooters. The SPECT
      £1365.00 Pre Order Purchase Options
 
GPO Spectra 6x 4.5-27x50i FFP CW Rifle Scope. The GPO SPECTRA 6x 4,5-27x50i PLRi FFP is designed for demanding users who want to shoot and hunt at long distances with high magnification and prefer a reticle in the 1st image plane. With a center tube diameter of 34mm, a magnification of up to 27x, a transmission of 90%, the large adjustment travel, the wide eye relief, the large exit pupil as well as the integrated Zero Stop, it is the ideal product for ambitious long-range shooters. The SPECT
      £1365.00 Pre Order Purchase Options
GPO Spectra 6x 4.5-27x50i SFP CCW Riflescope - MOAi. The GPO SPECTRA 6x 4,5-27x50i MOAi is designed for demanding users who want to shoot and hunt at long distances with high magnification and prefer a reticle in the 2nd image plane. With a center tube diameter of 30mm, a magnification of up to 27x, a transmission of 92%, the large adjustment travel, the wide eye relief, the large exit pupil as well as the integrated Zero Stop, it is the ideal product for ambitious long-range shooters. The SPEC
      £1269.00 Pre Order Purchase Options
The SPECTRA 8x 2-16x50i is a high-performance rifle scope designed for hunters and precision shooters who demand flexibility — from fast-moving shots at close to medium range to calm, longer-range targeting in low light. Its 2–16× zoom and large 50 mm objective lens make it an ideal companion for driven hunts, stalking, or long-range shots at dawn or dusk when light is limited.
      £1149.00 Order Now - 7-10 Days Purchase Options
 
GPO Spectra 8x 2.5-20x50i FFP Rifle Scope. Our 2.5-20x50i SFP offers you a low 2.5x magnification to observe a wide scenery through the large field of view (15,5 m/ 100m) whilst with the 20x magnification, you can easily identify and target objects at long distances. The SPECTRA scope comes with a removable throw lever and the elevation and side turrets can be zeroed in without tools. In addition, the scope features our very fine illuminated G4i fibre reticle Made in Germany. The illumination co
      £1365.00 Pre Order Purchase Options

Hawke Sidewinder 30 SF 4.5-14x44 SF IR Rifle Scope

NEW 2020 Model - featuring new H5 optics! Stunning 24° ultra-wide field of view! Winner - Optics Product of the Year under £1000 - Great British Shooting Awards 2021!
Hawke Sidewinder 30 SF 4.5-14x44 SF IR Rifle Scope. New for 2020, Sidewinder is the must-have high performance multi-discipline scope. Parallax-free shooting from 9 metres to infinity assisted by an index matched rangefinding side wheel (removable). All models feature Hawke’s new H5 optics which boasts a stunning 24° ultra-wide field of view with generous 100mm eye relief. Precision locking turrets with 1/10 MRAD clicks, now feature a witness window giving you an instant visual guide to your tur
5 star review (5) RRP £469.00 £419.00 In stock Purchase Options

Hawke Sidewinder 30 SF 6.5-20x44 SF IR Rifle Scope

NEW 2020 Model - featuring new H5 optics! Stunning 24° ultra-wide field of view! Winner - Optics Product of the Year under £1000 - Great British Shooting Awards 2021!
Hawke Sidewinder 30 SF 6.5-20x44 SF IR Rifle Scope. New for 2020, Sidewinder is the must-have high performance multi-discipline scope. Parallax-free shooting from 9 metres to infinity assisted by an index matched rangefinding side wheel (removable). All models feature Hawke’s new H5 optics which boasts a stunning 24° ultra-wide field of view with generous 100mm eye relief. Precision locking turrets with 1/10 MRAD clicks, now feature a witness window giving you an instant visual guide to your tur
  RRP £479.00 £429.00 In stock Purchase Options
 
 
 

Compare Rifle Scopes

Welcome to Uttings’ main Rifle Scopes comparison hub, designed to help you compare rifle scope brands, magnification ranges, reticle types, optical systems, and prices all in one place.

Whether you are searching for a lightweight stalking optic, a long-range precision scope, an air rifle setup, or a dependable all-round hunting scope, this page brings together our full range of rifle scopes from leading manufacturers including Vortex, Leupold, Swarovski, Zeiss, Hawke, Bushnell and more.

You can browse by brand, compare magnification ranges, review reticle systems, and explore different optical technologies to help find the right scope for your shooting style and budget.

What Is a Rifle Scope?

A rifle scope is an optical aiming device designed to improve accuracy, target visibility and shot placement. By magnifying the target and providing a precise aiming point through a reticle or crosshair system, rifle scopes help shooters achieve more consistent results across different distances and environments.

Modern rifle scopes combine several key elements:

  • Magnification systems
  • Reticles and aiming points
  • Lens coatings
  • Adjustment turrets
  • Objective lenses
  • Parallax systems
  • Illumination technology

Together, these components help deliver a clearer sight picture and greater shooting precision in both field and range conditions.

How to Choose the Best Rifle Scope

The best rifle scope depends on your shooting discipline, preferred distances, light conditions and firearm setup. Below are some of the most important factors to consider when comparing rifle scopes.

Magnification and Shooting Distance

Magnification determines how close the target appears through the optic.

Low Magnification Scopes

Scopes in the 1–6x or 2–7x range are often preferred for:

  • Woodland stalking
  • Fast target acquisition
  • Air rifle shooting
  • Short-range hunting

Mid-Range Hunting Scopes

Popular 3–9x and 4–12x configurations offer versatility for:

  • General hunting
  • Pest control
  • Rimfire shooting
  • Mixed-distance field use

Long-Range Rifle Scopes

Higher magnification optics such as 5–25x or 6–24x are commonly used for:

  • Long-range precision shooting
  • Target shooting
  • Varmint control
  • Tactical applications

Higher magnification can improve distant detail but often reduces field of view, so balancing magnification against intended use is important.

Objective Lens Size and Low-Light Performance

Objective lens size affects brightness and light transmission.

  • 40mm scopes are often lighter and more compact
  • 50mm and 56mm objectives improve low-light visibility
  • Larger objectives can help during dawn and dusk shooting

Premium lens coatings also play a major role in image clarity, contrast and colour accuracy.

Reticle Types Explained

The reticle is the aiming point inside the scope.

Duplex Reticles

Simple and uncluttered, ideal for hunting and general field use.

Mil-Dot and Tactical Reticles

Designed for holdover estimation, wind correction and precision shooting.

Illuminated Reticles

Improve visibility in darker environments and low-contrast conditions.

Different shooting styles often favour different reticle systems depending on speed, precision and shooting distance.

FFP vs SFP Rifle Scopes

One of the most common rifle scope comparisons is First Focal Plane (FFP) versus Second Focal Plane (SFP).

First Focal Plane (FFP)

In FFP scopes, the reticle scales with magnification. This allows holdover marks and ranging systems to remain accurate at all zoom levels.

FFP scopes are especially popular for:

  • Long-range shooting
  • Tactical applications
  • Precision competition shooting

Second Focal Plane (SFP)

In SFP scopes, the reticle size remains constant as magnification changes.

SFP optics are commonly chosen for:

  • Hunting
  • General field shooting
  • Shooters who prefer a more traditional sight picture

Both systems have advantages depending on your shooting style and personal preference.

MOA vs MRAD Rifle Scopes

Modern precision rifle scopes commonly use either MOA (Minute of Angle) or MRAD (Milliradian) adjustment systems.

MOA Scopes

MOA systems are traditionally popular among hunters and recreational shooters.

MRAD Scopes

MRAD systems are often preferred in tactical and long-range shooting because calculations and corrections can feel more intuitive at extended distances.

Neither system is inherently better — consistency between reticle and turret system is usually the most important factor.

Best Rifle Scope Brands Compared

Uttings stocks a carefully selected range of trusted rifle scope manufacturers covering entry-level optics through to premium precision systems.

Vortex Rifle Scopes

Known for feature-rich optics, tactical reticles and strong lifetime warranty support, Vortex scopes are popular among both recreational and precision shooters.

Leupold Rifle Scopes

Leupold focuses on lightweight construction, low-light performance and dependable field reliability, making the brand especially popular for stalking and hunting applications.

Swarovski Rifle Scopes

Swarovski Optik is widely regarded as one of the premium names in sporting optics, known for exceptional glass clarity and refined low-light performance.

Zeiss Rifle Scopes

Zeiss scopes combine German optical engineering with outstanding image quality and precision mechanics.

Hawke Rifle Scopes

Hawke optics offer strong value and practical usability, particularly for air rifles, hunting and general-purpose shooting setups.

Bushnell Rifle Scopes

Bushnell focuses on dependable, accessible optics suited to recreational shooting, pest control and entry-level hunting setups.

Best Rifle Scopes for Different Shooting Styles

Best Rifle Scopes for Deer Stalking

Many stalkers prioritise:

  • Low-light performance
  • Lightweight construction
  • Wide field of view
  • Reliable waterproofing

Popular choices include Leupold, Swarovski and Zeiss hunting optics.

Best Rifle Scopes for Air Rifles

Air rifle shooters often favour:

  • Lower magnification ranges
  • Compact scope bodies
  • Adjustable parallax
  • Lightweight setups

Hawke and Bushnell remain popular choices for air rifle use.

Best Rifle Scopes for Long-Range Shooting

Long-range shooters typically look for:

  • High magnification
  • Exposed tactical turrets
  • Precision reticles
  • Repeatable tracking systems

Vortex and premium tactical optics are especially popular in this category.

Rifle Scope Mounting and Setup Tips

Correct mounting is essential for maintaining accuracy and zero retention.

When mounting a rifle scope:

  • Use quality mounts and bases
  • Ensure correct eye relief
  • Level the reticle properly
  • Torque rings evenly
  • Confirm zero at realistic shooting distances

Different rifles and calibres may require different mounting heights and ring configurations.

Why Buy Rifle Scopes at Uttings

Founded in 1976, Uttings is a family-run UK outdoor retailer based in Norwich, trusted by generations of shooters, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

As an authorised retailer for leading optics brands, Uttings supplies genuine rifle scopes backed by:

  • Expert product knowledge
  • Fast UK delivery
  • Dedicated customer support
  • Trusted aftercare
  • Over 45,000 verified five-star Trustpilot reviews

Whether you are buying your first rifle scope or upgrading to a premium precision optic, Uttings offers a carefully selected range suitable for a wide variety of shooting disciplines and budgets.

Rifle Scopes FAQs

What magnification is best for hunting rifle scopes?

Many hunters prefer versatile magnification ranges such as 3–9x or 4–12x because they balance field of view with longer-range capability.

Are illuminated reticles worth it?

Illuminated reticles can improve visibility during low-light shooting or when aiming against dark backgrounds.

What objective lens size is best?

Larger objective lenses generally improve low-light performance, although smaller objectives can help reduce overall scope weight.

What is parallax adjustment?

Parallax adjustment helps maintain reticle alignment and image sharpness at different shooting distances.

Are waterproof rifle scopes important?

Yes. Waterproof and fogproof construction helps maintain reliability during wet weather and changing temperatures.

Which rifle scope brands are most popular?

Popular brands include Vortex, Leupold, Swarovski, Zeiss, Hawke and Bushnell, each offering different strengths depending on budget and shooting style.

Are expensive rifle scopes worth it?

Premium rifle scopes often provide improved low-light performance, sharper optics, more precise turret systems and greater long-term durability.

What is the difference between tactical and hunting rifle scopes?

Tactical scopes often feature exposed turrets and advanced reticles, while hunting scopes typically prioritise lighter weight and faster field usability.

Expertise Behind Our Rifle Scopes Comparison

The products in this table are managed by Tom Butler, who has over 25 years of hands-on experience at Uttings working with optics and field sports equipment.

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