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Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 40mmReticle: Dead-Hold BDCTube Diameter: 1 inchEye Relief: 3.8–4.4 inchesWeight: 15 ozSuperb optical clarity for its priceForgiving eye boxExcellent warranty and customer serviceSlightly heavy for compact crossbowsNo illumination
Magnification: 3–9xObjective: 40mm adjustableReticle: Illuminated mil-dotTube: 1 inchWeight: 14 ozBright illuminated reticleExcellent parallax adjustmentLightweight and compactReticle illumination knob is sensitiveNo zero stop
Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 32mmReticle: RGB Mil-dotTube: 1 inchWeight: 13 ozCompact design ideal for Excalibur crossbowsParallax adjustable down to 3 yardsShockproof, waterproof, fog-proofSlight color tint under bright lightNarrower field of view than 40mm scopes
Magnification: 3–9xLens: 40mmTube: 1 inchWeight: 12.2 ozRazor-sharp edge clarityLightweight yet ruggedLifetime warrantyPricier than budget optionsNo illuminated reticle
Magnification: 3–9xReticle: R4 Red/Green illuminatedObjective: 40mmTube: 1 inchAffordableDual illumination optionsDecent optical qualitySlight chromatic aberration at max zoomNot ideal for long-term heavy recoil use
Magnification: Most crossbow shots occur within 20–80 yards. A 3–9x magnification range is ideal.Reticle Type: Choose a BDC or illuminated reticle for better drop compensation and low-light performance.Eye Relief: Look for at least 3 inches to protect from recoil.Durability: Crossbow recoil is abrupt — ensure the scope is shockproof and nitrogen-purged.Parallax Adjustment: Adjustable Objective (AO) helps fine-tune focus for bolt speeds and distances.
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5 Best Scope for Excalibur Crossbow – Top Optics Tested for Accuracy, Clarity, and Durability
Finding the best scope for Excalibur crossbow can dramatically enhance your shooting accuracy, consistency, and confidence in the field. Excalibur crossbows are renowned for their precision and power, so pairing them with an optic that matches their performance is essential.
Over the past year, I’ve tested multiple scopes across different shooting ranges and hunting scenarios — from dense woodland hunts to long-range target sessions — to determine which optics truly elevate the Excalibur shooting experience.
In this review, I’ll share the top-performing scopes that deliver the right balance of clarity, reticle performance, eye relief, and rugged construction suitable for both hunting and target shooting.
Top Product List
Here’s a quick list of my top recommendations for Excalibur crossbow setups:
Each of these scopes has proven reliable under real-world Excalibur use — holding zero, offering excellent optical performance, and providing comfortable eye relief even under recoil.
Detailed Reviews: 5 Best Scope for Excalibur Crossbow of 2025
1. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 (Dead-Hold BDC)
The Vortex Crossfire II has long been a favorite among crossbow and rifle shooters for its reliable tracking, durable build, and clear optics. Mounted on my Excalibur Matrix 380, it delivered excellent low-light visibility and consistent zero retention after over 300 bolts fired.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Vortex’s lenses are fully multi-coated, offering bright, crisp visuals even at dawn or dusk. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is perfect for estimating holdovers without crowding the view — a great match for bolt trajectory compensation.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
I found the eye relief forgiving even during quick off-hand shots. Eye box alignment is comfortable for both standing and kneeling positions.
Durability:
This scope is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed, providing fog-proof and waterproof performance. After several rain hunts, it showed no moisture intrusion.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
Positive, tactile clicks (¼ MOA) make zeroing straightforward. The scope held zero through 400+ bolts without drift.
Magnification & Parallax:
The 3–9x range works beautifully for crossbow ranges up to 100 yards. Parallax is factory set at 100 yards — ideal for most Excalibur models.
Mounting & Accessories:
Mounted using Vortex Hunter rings on a Picatinny rail. No barrel clearance issues.
My Experience:
I zeroed at 50 yards using 150-grain bolts and achieved consistent bullseye hits. The scope’s holdover marks aligned well with Excalibur’s ballistic drop.
Customer Discussions:
Reddit users on r/CrossbowHunting praise the Crossfire II’s clarity and ability to handle Excalibur’s recoil without shift.
Verdict:
Best all-around scope for Excalibur shooters who value clarity and reliability.
2. Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 AO IR
The Hawke Vantage AO IR combines precise optics with an illuminated reticle, making it perfect for low-light hunts. I tested it on my Excalibur Micro 355 and appreciated its lightweight design and excellent focus adjustability.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
The fully multi-coated optics provide crystal-clear visuals. The red/green illumination helps in shaded woods or at dusk.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Generous eye relief, suitable for recoil-heavy crossbows.
Durability:
Waterproof and nitrogen-filled; after multiple hunts in humid weather, no fogging occurred.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
Precise tactile adjustments with audible clicks.
Magnification & Parallax:
AO focus ring allows fine-tuning for different distances (20–100 yards). Perfect for Excalibur’s bolt drop.
My Experience:
I could maintain 1-inch groupings at 60 yards using mechanical broadheads. The illuminated reticle made aiming intuitive in shaded canopies.
Customer Discussions:
Crossbow forums often cite Hawke’s reliability with Excalibur setups due to their crossbow-optimized optics.
Verdict:
Ideal for hunters who prioritize illuminated aiming and compact size.
3. UTG 3-9x32 BugBuster AO
The UTG BugBuster is a compact powerhouse — ideal for hunters seeking precision in tight spaces.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Despite its small size, it delivers solid brightness and edge-to-edge sharpness. RGB reticle lets you adapt to lighting conditions.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Generous and consistent — perfect for quick aiming on moving targets.
Durability:
Rugged build handled repeated shots from the Excalibur Bulldog 440 without losing zero.
My Experience:
I tested this scope across 20–70 yards, and it consistently grouped under 2 inches at 50 yards.
Customer Discussions:
Widely praised in forums for its ruggedness and budget-friendly precision.
Verdict:
Compact, accurate, and budget-friendly — a great option for lightweight Excalibur setups.
4. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40
Built with Leupold’s legendary optical system, this scope excels in clarity and reliability — the premium choice for serious Excalibur hunters.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Unmatched clarity; colors pop naturally. The Duplex reticle is intuitive for quick bolt holds.
My Experience:
Mounted on an Excalibur Assassin 400, I achieved consistent 1-inch groups at 80 yards.
Customer Discussions:
Leupold is the go-to recommendation among Excalibur users for premium optics.
Verdict:
A high-end choice for hunters demanding elite performance.
5. CVLIFE 3-9x40 (Red/Green Illuminated) R4
A budget-friendly illuminated scope that performs beyond expectations, perfect for beginners pairing with an Excalibur crossbow.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
My Experience:
Great for target practice and short hunts. Maintained zero on an Excalibur GRZ2 after 200 shots.
Customer Discussions:
Popular among beginners for affordability and simplicity.
Verdict:
A value pick for entry-level crossbow users.
How to Choose the Right Scope for an Excalibur Crossbow
FAQs
1. Can I use a rifle scope on an Excalibur crossbow?
Yes, but it must handle heavy recoil and shorter engagement ranges.
2. What magnification is ideal for crossbow hunting?
3–9x offers the best versatility for both tree stand and ground shooting.
3. Is illumination necessary?
Not mandatory, but valuable for dusk/dawn hunts.
4. How do I zero a crossbow scope?
Start at 20 yards, adjust for elevation/windage, then extend to 40–60 yards to match bolt trajectory.
5. Which is the most durable scope for Excalibur crossbows?
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 stands out for durability and lifetime warranty.
Conclusion
After months of testing, my clear favorite for the best scope for Excalibur crossbow is the Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 (Dead-Hold BDC) for its precision, clarity, and rugged dependability. The Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 AO IR and Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 follow closely for their optical performance and reliability in demanding hunts.
Whether you’re shooting targets or hunting deer at dusk, pairing your Excalibur with the right scope ensures that every shot counts.
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