Compare Rifle Scopes

Compare Rifle Scopes

Rifle Scopes – Compare All Our Scopes Here

Welcome to Uttings’ main rifle scope comparison hub, designed to help UK shooters explore, compare, and choose the best rifle scopes for hunting, target shooting, air rifles, and pest control.

Here you’ll find our full range of scope brands and models brought together in one place (with clear guidance on magnification, reticles, light performance, build quality, warranties, and price ) so you can confidently compare optics side-by-side before choosing the right scope for your setup.

Whether you’re comparing Vortex against Hawke, stepping up to premium options like Zeiss or Swarovski, or searching for the best all-round scope for UK conditions, this page acts as your starting point.

We link through to individual brand and model collections, but this is the core category where all rifle scopes are listed together.

What Are Rifle Scopes and How Do They Work?

A rifle scope is an optical aiming device designed to improve your accuracy by magnifying your target and providing a clear, consistent point of aim. Inside, a series of lenses, coatings, and reticles work together to bring distant targets into sharp focus.

Most modern rifle scopes offer variable magnification—for instance, 3–9×, 4–16×, or 6–24×—giving you flexibility for different ranges. The reticle, or crosshair, allows precise alignment, while lens coatings reduce glare and enhance light transmission. Many scopes include illuminated reticles, side parallax adjustment, and tactile turrets for pinpoint control.

In practice, a rifle scope bridges the gap between your eye and your target, helping you shoot farther, faster, and with greater confidence—whether you’re stalking deer at first light, managing vermin after dusk, or tightening your grouping on the range.

How to Choose the Best Rifle Scope for Your Needs

The best rifle scope UK shooters can buy depends on how and where you shoot. These are the main factors to consider when choosing your optic.

1. Magnification and Field of View

Magnification determines how close your target appears through the scope.

• Low-power scopes (1–6×, 2–7×) are ideal for fast, close-range shooting in woodland or driven hunts.
• Mid-range scopes (3–9×, 4–12×) suit general hunting, rimfire rifles, and air rifles.
• High-power scopes (6–24× or more) are built for long-range precision and varmint control.

Remember: higher magnification narrows your field of view, so choose a balance that matches your discipline.

2. Objective Lens and Light Transmission

The objective lens size (e.g. 40 mm, 50 mm, 56 mm) affects brightness. Larger lenses collect more light, providing better visibility at dawn and dusk. Hunters often favour 50 mm+ objectives for low-light use, while mobile shooters may prefer lighter 40 mm scopes for balance.

3. Reticle Style and Illumination

Reticle choice affects how easily and accurately you aim.

• Simple duplex crosshairs are intuitive and uncluttered.
• Mil-dot or ballistic reticles help estimate bullet drop and windage at distance.
• Illuminated reticles, such as on the Hawke Vantage IR or Zeiss LRP S5, improve visibility against dark backgrounds.

4. Build Quality and Weatherproofing

Field performance demands durability. Look for shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof designs that maintain zero in all weather. Brands like Vortex, Leupold, and Swarovski Optik use robust materials and advanced sealing systems to ensure years of reliable service.

5. Adjustments and Parallax Control

Precise, repeatable turrets for windage and elevation, plus side parallax adjustment, allow shooters to fine-tune focus across varying distances. Scopes like the Vortex Strike Eagle or Bushnell R5 offer tactile controls ideal for long-range or competition use.

Top Rifle Scope Brands and Models at Uttings

Uttings.co.uk carefully selects the world’s best rifle scope brands, giving shooters access to proven optics at every level—from entry-level air rifle scopes to elite precision instruments.

Hawke Optics

Renowned for performance and affordability, Hawke rifle scopes combine quality glass and reliable mechanics. The Vantage, Airmax, and Frontier series cover everything from close-range pest control to serious stalking. Every Hawke scope is backed by a lifetime warranty, ensuring lasting confidence in the field.

Zeiss

The German-engineered Zeiss Conquest V4 and LRP S5 series set benchmarks in image clarity, light transmission, and mechanical precision. Perfect for serious hunters and target shooters, Zeiss scopes deliver crisp detail and robust dependability even in harsh British weather.

Swarovski Optik

When only the finest optics will do, Swarovski rifle scopes stand unmatched. The Z6i and Z8i series combine extraordinary light transmission, generous eye relief, and intuitive illumination controls. With edge-to-edge clarity and an elegant, rugged build, these scopes are trusted by professionals who demand absolute performance in every shot.

Vortex Optics

Vortex rifle scopes offer cutting-edge features and dependable lifetime support. The Crossfire II, Diamondback Tactical, and Strike Eagle deliver premium glass, smooth zoom mechanisms, and rock-solid construction. Supported by the VIP Lifetime Warranty, Vortex scopes are a firm favourite among both newcomers and seasoned marksmen.

Leupold

Proudly American-made, Leupold scopes are built for reliability and precision in the toughest environments. The VX-Freedom and VX-3HD series feature exceptional low-light performance, rugged aluminium housings, and Leupold’s advanced lens coatings for crisp, bright images. Ideal for hunters and competitive shooters alike, these scopes blend innovation with proven heritage.

Bushnell

Bushnell rifle scopes combine innovative design with impressive value. The R3 and R5 series provide bright, high-contrast optics, precise adjustment turrets, and durable builds suited for field and range use. Rugged yet affordable, the R-series is perfect for shooters who want reliable performance without compromise.

Rifle Scope Tips and Expert Advice

A properly mounted scope is vital for accuracy. Explore our Mounts & Bases and Accessories categories for secure fittings, covers, and maintenance tools.

When zeroing your rifle, start at 25 yards to centre your point of impact, then refine at longer distances. Always use consistent ammunition, stable support, and note your results in similar lighting conditions.

For multi-purpose setups, opt for adjustable parallax and ballistic reticles to adapt quickly across ranges. Hunters should prioritise weight and light transmission; precision shooters may value magnification and turret precision more highly.

To explore more optical equipment—including binoculars, rangefinders, spotting scopes, and night-vision gear—visit our Optics hub.

Why Buy Rifle Scopes at Uttings

Founded in 1976, Uttings is a family-run outdoor retailer based in Norwich, trusted by generations of field-sports enthusiasts. With over 45,000 five-star Trustpilot reviews, Uttings has built its reputation on quality, service, and a genuine passion for the great outdoors.

When you buy rifle scopes online at Uttings, you’re choosing authentic, high-performance products from the world’s leading brands—backed by expert advice, fast UK delivery, and dedicated aftercare.

Uttings — trusted for quality, chosen for expertise, and committed to helping every shooter aim with confidence.

Rifle Scopes FAQs

What magnification is best for rifle scopes?

Most hunters favour versatile ranges such as 3–12x, while precision shooters often prefer 16x to 25x for observing distant targets clearly.

What does objective lens size mean?

The objective lens determines how much light the scope can gather. Larger lenses improve low-light visibility, helping you see clearly at dawn or dusk.

How does field of view affect target acquisition?

A wider field of view lets you track moving animals and locate targets quickly, especially at lower magnifications in woodland terrain.

What is eye relief in a rifle scope?

Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the eyepiece. Longer eye relief helps protect against recoil and provides a more forgiving head position.

Why choose an illuminated reticle?

Illumination enhances reticle contrast in low-light or heavily shaded environments, making it easier to maintain a precise aiming point.

What is parallax adjustment used for?

Parallax control fine-tunes the image when shooting at varying distances, ensuring the reticle remains correctly aligned with the target.

How do lens coatings improve clarity?

Multi-coated lenses reduce glare, increase brightness, and enhance colour accuracy, producing a sharper, clearer sight picture.

What’s the difference between first focal plane and second focal plane?

In FFP scopes, the reticle scales with magnification, allowing accurate holds at any power. In SFP models, reticle proportions remain constant.

How important is waterproofing and fogproofing?

Weather-sealed, nitrogen-purged tubes prevent internal fogging and protect your scope during rain, cold, and rapid temperature changes.

Are fixed-power scopes still useful?

Yes. They offer excellent reliability and simplicity, making them ideal for consistent-distance shooting or rugged field conditions.

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