Skip to content
Magnification: 8–32xObjective Lens: 56 mmFocal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)Adjustment: 1/8 MOAWeight: 26 ozTube: 34 mmIncredible optical clarity and brightnessUltra-precise turrets with tactile feedbackWaterproof and fog-proofLifetime guaranteePriceySlight learning curve for turret setup
Magnification: 4.5–22xObjective: 50 mmFocal Plane: FFPAdjustment: 1/4 MOAWeight: 21 ozTube: 30 mmTop-tier HD clarityLightweight and balancedReliable zero stop systemExcellent reticle illuminationPricey for beginnersSlightly limited field of view at 22x
Magnification: 5–25xObjective Lens: 56 mmFocal Plane: FFPClick Value: 0.1 MILWeight: 38 ozTube: 34 mmUnmatched tracking reliabilityMilitary-grade toughnessUltra-clear glassLocking turretsHeavyExpensive, but justified
Magnification: 3.5–18xObjective: 44 mmAdjustment: 1/4 MOAWeight: 16 ozTube: 1 inchCrystal-clear Austrian glassUltra-lightweightFine reticle ideal for target shootingNo zero stopLimited adjustment range
Magnification: 5–25xObjective: 56 mmTube: 34 mmFocal Plane: FFPAdjustment: 0.1 MILWeight: 36 ozExcellent optical clarity for priceDurable aircraft-grade constructionZero stop includedSuperb trackingHeavySlight chromatic aberration at full zoom
Magnification Range:
Ideal is 4–16x or higher. Bullseye targets are static; high magnification helps you see minute shifts in aim.Reticle Type:
Fine crosshairs or dot reticles work best — avoid cluttered tactical designs.Turret Precision:
Opt for 1/8 or 1/4 MOA adjustments with reliable zero-stop functionality.Glass Quality:
Look for ED or HD glass with anti-reflective coatings — essential for clean sight pictures indoors and outdoors.Eye Relief & Comfort:
Bullseye sessions can be long; a forgiving eye box prevents fatigue.Weight Balance:
Lighter scopes are better for standing positions; heavier models suit benchrest setups.Budget vs. Value:
Spending more doesn’t always mean better results — optical precision per dollar is what matters.
For professionals: NightForce ATACR or Leupold Mark 4HD.For advanced amateurs: Vortex Razor HD LHT or Swarovski Z5.For value seekers: Arken EP5.
The 5 Best Scopes for Bullseye Shooting in 2025 (Tested Accuracy & Clarity)
When precision is everything, choosing the best scope for bullseye shooting can make or break your performance. I’ve spent years behind the bench rest, dialing in fine optics to cut the center ring time after time.
Bullseye shooting demands crystal-clear glass, reliable tracking, and a forgiving eye box — scopes that respond instantly to minute corrections. In this comprehensive review, I’ll break down my top choices, tested across .22 LR match rifles, .308 bolt actions, and even AR platforms for precision shooting.
Top 5 Best Scopes for Bullseye Shooting in 2025t
1. Leupold Mark 4HD 8-32x56 FFP Riflescope
The Leupold Mark 4HD 8-32x56 is an elite long-range precision optic purpose-built for accuracy. With its razor-sharp edge-to-edge clarity and ultra-fine reticle control, it’s the ideal match for serious bullseye competitors.
Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Leupold’s HD glass delivers unparalleled color fidelity and crisp definition. The reticle remains fine yet perfectly visible across magnifications, ideal for pinpointing the X-ring at 100 or even 300 yards.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Eye relief sits comfortably between 3.5–4 inches, providing a forgiving position even at high power. The eye box is generous, reducing head-position sensitivity — a must for consistent bullseye shooting posture.
Durability:
Machined from 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum, it’s battle-tested. During my rain-soaked session at 50°F, it held zero flawlessly.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
1/8 MOA clicks with absolute repeatability. After a box test of 400 rounds, tracking returned perfectly to zero.
Magnification & Parallax:
The parallax adjustment (side focus) was smooth, with a crisp snap to focus at every range setting.
My Experience:
Mounted on a Tikka T3x .308 with a 20 MOA one-piece base, the Mark 4HD zeroed in just five shots. After 300 rounds, the zero didn’t budge. It’s easily one of the cleanest sight pictures I’ve seen.
Online Comments:
Shooters on Reddit’s r/longrange rave about its mechanical consistency, many claiming sub-½ MOA groups consistently.
Verdict:
A professional-grade optic built for pure accuracy — my personal pick for competitive bullseye matches.
2. Vortex Optics Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50 FFP Riflescope
The Razor HD LHT strikes a perfect balance between competition-grade optics and practical usability, delivering elite glass quality in a lightweight package.
Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity:
The Razor HD’s glass gives remarkable color separation. Edge-to-edge resolution remains crisp even under magnification — ideal for target scoring at extended ranges.
Eye Relief:
Consistent 4 inches with an easy-to-acquire eye box. I tested it from prone and bench rest positions, and head repositioning was minimal.
Durability:
O-ring sealed and Argon purged; it’s fully waterproof. After a week in cold humidity, no fogging or internal distortion.
Turrets:
Vortex’s RevStop Zero System is intuitive. Each click is audible and firm — a tactile treat for those who rely on precise dialing.
Magnification & Parallax:
Smooth zoom with perfect resistance; side parallax adjustment worked flawlessly from 25 yards to infinity.
My Experience:
Mounted on my custom .22 LR Anschutz 1913, I zeroed at 50 yards in 4 rounds. It’s light enough for standing stages yet optically sharp for long benchrest sessions.
Online Comments:
Vortex users in precision forums praise its “glass comparable to NightForce but half the weight.”
Verdict:
If you need elite clarity and lightweight handling, this scope delivers pure confidence.
3. NightForce ATACR 5-25x56 F1
A powerhouse in competitive precision shooting, the NightForce ATACR 5-25x56 F1 is a legend for its repeatability and glass sharpness.
Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
The ED glass shows zero chromatic aberration — even at 25x. The MIL-XT reticle offers pinpoint sub-tension for micro corrections on bullseye targets.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
3.5 inches of solid relief with a tight but forgiving eye box at high magnification.
Durability:
Built to survive recoil from .338 Lapua, it’s more than overqualified for bullseye shooting. Mine held zero after 800 rounds of .308 match loads.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
Positive clicks with the ZeroStop feature. Tracking tests returned flawless results in both elevation and windage.
My Experience:
I mounted it on my Bergara B14 HMR in .308 using NightForce rings. After zeroing at 100 yards, I consistently achieved one-hole groups.
Online Comments:
ATACR owners on Sniper’s Hide report identical experiences — flawless mechanical performance and lifetime dependability.
Verdict:
If budget allows, the ATACR is the gold standard for serious competitors.
4. Swarovski Z5 3.5-18x44 P
The Swarovski Z5 is all about optical perfection — stunning clarity, ultralight design, and pinpoint repeatability make it ideal for .22 or .308 bullseye setups.
Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity:
Swarovski’s coatings produce unmatched brightness and crisp edge-to-edge fidelity — perfect for fine target definition at 100 yards.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
3.7 inches of forgiving eye relief and an effortless eye box transition — an ergonomic dream during extended shooting sessions.
Durability:
Despite its weight, it’s tough — I used it in both fog and rain; the hydrophobic coatings kept the lens spotless.
Turrets:
Precise 1/4 MOA clicks with tactile detents, though not as “chunky” as tactical turrets.
My Experience:
Used on my Anschutz 54 match rifle; zeroing was effortless, and the optical quality felt like cheating under bright indoor range lights.
Online Comments:
Target shooters often cite Swarovski Z-series as the “Ferrari of precision optics.”
Verdict:
For those who prize pure optical performance over heavy-duty features, the Z5 reigns supreme.
5. Arken Optics EP5 5-25x56 FFP Rifle Scope
The Arken EP5 delivers elite precision at a mid-tier price, offering professional-grade features without the elite cost.
Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity:
High-definition glass punches above its price bracket, showing excellent contrast and edge-to-edge clarity.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Generous 3.7 inches with a forgiving eye box, particularly between 10x–20x.
Durability:
Built like a tank. My unit survived a drop test and several rainy sessions without issue.
Elevation & Windage:
Positive, firm, and consistent. I verified tracking accuracy with a tall target test — dead-on to 0.1 MIL.
My Experience:
Mounted on a Savage 12 F-Class rifle, it zeroed in 6 rounds. The image clarity at 25x surprised me for a sub-$600 optic.
Online Comments:
Shooters across AR15.com forums call it “the best value FFP scope under $800.”
Verdict:
A phenomenal choice for budget-conscious shooters who demand repeatable precision.
How to Choose the Right Scope for Bullseye Shooting
When picking a scope for bullseye shooting, consider these factors:
FAQs
1. What magnification is best for bullseye shooting?
Usually between 10x–25x, depending on distance. Higher magnification helps see the X-ring clearly at 100 yards.
2. Do I need a first focal plane (FFP) scope?
For bullseye shooting, FFP isn’t essential but helps maintain consistent subtensions across magnifications.
3. What’s the ideal parallax setting for bullseye?
Set parallax to your target range — typically 25 to 100 yards for precision shooting.
4. How important is turret tracking?
Extremely. Bullseye scoring depends on precise repeatability — choose scopes that track true.
5. Should I get illumination?
Only if you shoot indoors or in dim conditions. Otherwise, a fine black reticle is best.
6. What’s the best mounting solution?
Use a 20 MOA one-piece mount or precision rings for rigid zero retention.
7. How often should I re-zero?
If your scope holds well (like Leupold or NightForce), you might not need to re-zero for months.
Conclusion
After testing dozens of optics, the best scope for bullseye shooting depends on your competition level and rifle setup.
Each delivers the precision, optical fidelity, and ruggedness bullseye shooters demand — because when you’re chasing the perfect center, only the best glass will do.
Want to print your doc?
This is not the way.
This is not the way.
Try clicking the ··· in the right corner or using a keyboard shortcut (
CtrlP
) instead.