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– Best Overall for Hunting: A lightweight, incredibly durable optic that balances magnification with a generous eye box. – Best for Eye Relief: Engineered for forward mounting, this scope provides the massive eye relief necessary for full-arm extension shooting. – Best Value for Money: Offering Vortex's legendary warranty and clear glass at a price point that won't break the bank. – Best for Long-Range Target Work: For those pushing the GP100 to its ballistic limits, this scope offers the high magnification needed for tiny groups. – Best for Low Light: Exceptional brightness during those critical first and last minutes of legal shooting light. – Best Lightweight Option: While designed for rimfire, its shockproof construction handles the GP100 well for budget-conscious shooters.
Magnification: 1.5-4xObjective Lens: 20mmTube Diameter: 1 inchReticle: Hunt-PlexWeight: 9.6 ozLength: 9.35 inchesPros: Ultra-lightweight; exceptional scratch-resistant lenses; waterproof and fogproof.Cons: 1-inch tube limits total elevation travel compared to 30mm versions.
Magnification: 2-7xObjective Lens: 32mmReticle: Ballistic PlexEye Relief: 9.2 – 12 inchesWeight: 13 ozTube: 1 inchPros: Huge eye relief for arm's length shooting; Ballistic Plex reticle for holdovers.Cons: Heavier than the Leupold; can be tricky to mount on shorter barrels.
Magnification: 2-7xObjective Lens: 32mmTube Size: 1 inchReticle: Dead-Hold BDCWeight: 14.3 ozLength: 11.3 inchesPros: Lifetime "No Questions Asked" warranty; very clear glass for the price; fast-focus eyepiece.Cons: Heavier than dedicated handgun scopes; eye relief is shorter than the Burris.
Magnification: 4-16xObjective Lens: 40mmReticle: BDC 600 IR (Illuminated)Tube: 1 inchWeight: 19.1 ozParallax: Side Adjustment (10 yards to infinity)Pros: High magnification; side parallax adjustment; illuminated reticle for low light.Cons: Very heavy; larger footprint on the revolver.
Magnification: 3-9xObjective Lens: 40mmReticle: Multi-XWeight: 13 ozLength: 12 inchesFinish: MattePros: Excellent low-light performance; very affordable; simple reticle.Cons: Long profile; basic turret adjustments.
Magnification: 3-9xObjective Lens: 32mmReticle: TruplexWeight: 10 ozLength: 12 inchesIncluded: Rimfire rings (Note: These won't work on the GP100 rail).Pros: Extremely cheap; very lightweight; easy to use.Cons: Included rings won't fit a GP100; not as recoil-hardened as higher-end models.
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Top 6 Best Scope For Ruger Gp100 of 2026
Finding the best scope for Ruger GP100 requires a deep understanding of how long-range optics interact with the heavy-duty frame of one of the world's most iconic .357 Magnum revolvers. Whether you are hunting whitetail or engaging in long-range silhouette shooting, the GP100 demands an optic with exceptional eye relief and the structural integrity to withstand repeated, high-energy recoil. In this guide, I draw upon years of handgun hunting experience to break down the top performers that turn this rugged revolver into a surgical precision tool.
Top Product List: Best Scope For Ruger GP100
Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm is frequently cited as the best scope for Ruger GP100 because it understands the ergonomics of a revolver. This scope is built with Leupold’s Advanced Optical System, which provides impressive light transmission and glare reduction. It is incredibly compact, ensuring it doesn't make your GP100 feel top-heavy, which is a common complaint with larger optics.
Product Specs
Pros and Cons
Glass Clarity & Reticle The glass quality is classic Leupold—crystal clear with zero distortion at the edges. The Hunt-Plex reticle is simplified, featuring thick outer posts that taper to a fine center, making it easy to pick up against a dark brush or in the dim light of a forest canopy.
Eye Relief & Eye Box This scope offers a very forgiving eye relief of approximately 4.2 to 3.7 inches. While technically a "riflescope," many GP100 owners use it in a "Creedmoor" or rested position where the eye is closer to the optic. The eye box is generous enough that you won't lose your sight picture during rapid recoil recovery.
Durability Built to withstand a lifetime of abuse, the VX-Freedom is tested to the same standards as Leupold's higher-end lines. It handles the "snap" of .357 Magnum and even .44 Magnum recoil without any internal shifting or lens fogging.
Elevation & Windage Knobs The turrets provide 1/4 MOA finger-click adjustments. They are tactile and audible, though they lack the high-profile "tactical" feel of more expensive models. For a hunting setup, the low profile is preferred as it prevents snagging on holsters.
Magnification & Parallax The 1.5-4x range is perfect for the GP100's effective range. At 1.5x, you have a wide field of view for moving targets, while 4x is plenty for a 100-yard heart-lung shot. Parallax is fixed at 150 yards, which is standard for this class.
Mounting & Accessories I mounted this using a Weigand Machine Design GP100 rail. It paired perfectly with low-profile 1-inch rings. It does not come with lens covers, so you’ll want to pick up a set of Alumina covers for maximum protection.
My Personal Experience During my testing, I mounted this on a 6-inch GP100 using 158gr Federal Fusion rounds. I was able to achieve 2-inch groups at 50 yards consistently. The light weight of the optic meant the gun still balanced well in a two-handed standing grip. It felt "natural" on the revolver, which is hard to achieve with glass.
Online Customer Comments Reddit users in the r/revolvers community often praise this scope for its "immortal" build quality. One user noted, "I've had my VX on a GP100 for three seasons; it hasn't shifted zero once, even after a fall in the mountains."
Verdict The Leupold VX-Freedom is the gold standard for those who want a reliable, lightweight, and incredibly clear hunting optic for their Ruger.
Burris Scout Scope
When shooting a revolver at arm's length, the Burris Scout Scope is an essential contender. It is specifically designed for "Intermediate Eye Relief," making it the best scope for Ruger GP100 shooters who prefer a traditional handgun stance rather than a braced, close-eye position. Its 2-7x magnification provides a significant step up in versatility.
Product Specs
Pros and Cons
Glass Clarity & Reticle Burris uses high-grade optical glass with index-matched, multi-coated surfaces. The Ballistic Plex reticle is a game-changer for the GP100, providing simple hash marks to compensate for the significant drop of a .357 projectile at 125+ yards.
Eye Relief & Eye Box With nearly a foot of eye relief, this scope allows you to hold the GP100 comfortably at full extension. The eye box is slightly tighter at 7x, but at the lower 2-3x settings, it is very fast to acquire, behaving almost like a red dot with magnification.
Durability The Scout Scope is double-spring tensioned to hold zero against heavy recoil. It is nitrogen-filled and completely waterproof. I’ve seen these scopes survive years of use on high-recoil rifles like the .45-70, so the GP100 poses no threat to its longevity.
Elevation & Windage Knobs The turrets are low-profile and require a coin or screwdriver to adjust, which is a "set it and forget it" design. This is ideal for hunters who don't want their zero accidentally bumped while trekking through thick brush.
Magnification & Parallax The 2-7x range is very flexible. For closer shots (25 yards), the 2x setting offers a wide view. If you are hunting from a blind and have a steady rest, the 7x power allows for precise placement on a deer’s vitals at 100 yards.
Mounting & Accessories Because of the long eye relief, you must mount this as far forward as possible. On a GP100, this requires a full-length rail. It comes with basic lens caps, but they are somewhat flimsy; I recommend upgrading to flip-ups.
My Personal Experience I used this scope on a GP100 Match Champion. Shooting 125gr Hornady Critical Defense, I found that the long eye relief allowed me to keep both eyes open more easily, improving my situational awareness. It turns the GP100 into a "mini-carbine" in terms of accuracy potential.
Online Customer Comments Forum members at The Firing Line often recommend the Burris Scout for "scout-style" handgun setups. Users frequently mention that "the eye relief is exactly what you need for a revolver; anything less and you're straining your neck."
Verdict If you want to shoot your GP100 like a handgun and not like a short rifle, the Burris Scout Scope is your best bet.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane
The Vortex Crossfire II is a staple in the optics world, known for providing professional features at an entry-level price. For many, it's the best scope for Ruger GP100 because of the balance it strikes between optical performance and the peace of mind provided by the Vortex VIP Warranty. It is a rugged, no-nonsense tool.
Product Specs
Pros and Cons
Glass Clarity & Reticle The glass is fully multi-coated, which helps with light transmission. While not as bright as a Leupold, it’s more than adequate for most conditions. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is excellent for estimating holdovers and windage, which is helpful given the "rainbow" trajectory of .357 Magnum.
Eye Relief & Eye Box The eye relief sits at 3.9 inches. This means you’ll need to use a braced shooting position (like sitting with the gun between your knees) rather than a standing arm-extension. The "Fast Focus" eyepiece makes it easy to sharpen the reticle to your specific vision.
Durability Machined from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, the Crossfire II is O-ring sealed and nitrogen-purged. It is shockproof, though I always recommend ensuring your mounting rings are torqued to spec to handle the revolver’s unique vibration.
Elevation & Windage Knobs Vortex equipped this with capped reset turrets. You can re-index them to zero after sighting in, which is a premium feature at this price point. The clicks are audible but slightly "mushy" compared to the Viper line.
Magnification & Parallax The 2-7x range is a "sweet spot" for revolver hunters. You can crank it down to 2x for close-range shots in the timber or up to 7x for a 100-yard zero check at the range. Parallax is fixed at 100 yards.
Mounting & Accessories Due to its 11-inch length, it can look a bit large on a 4-inch GP100, but it fits perfectly on 6-inch or 5-inch models. It comes with removable lens covers and a lens cloth, which are nice additions.
My Personal Experience I tested the Crossfire II during a rainy weekend at the range. Despite the humidity, there was zero internal fogging. I was using 180gr Buffalo Bore heavy loads, and the scope held its zero perfectly through 50 rounds of punishing recoil. It’s a workhorse optic.
Online Customer Comments Reviewers on Amazon often point out the value: "You get a lot for your money here. The warranty alone makes it worth it for a gun that kicks as hard as a GP100."
Verdict The Vortex Crossfire II is the ideal choice for the budget-conscious shooter who wants a high-quality, warrantied optic for hunting and target practice.
Athlon Optics Talos 4-16x40 SFP
The Athlon Optics Talos 4-16x40 is for the GP100 owner who wants to treat their revolver like a precision rifle. While 16x might seem like overkill for a .357, it allows for incredible precision when testing handloads or shooting at long-distance steel plates. It is a high-magnification option that remains surprisingly affordable.
Product Specs
Pros and Cons
Glass Clarity & Reticle For an entry-level precision scope, the glass is quite good. It features multi-coated lenses that provide a bright image. The BDC 600 reticle is illuminated, which is a massive advantage when hunting in the shadows or at twilight.
Eye Relief & Eye Box Eye relief is 3.8 to 3.3 inches. This scope requires a very consistent cheek weld or a solid rest. The eye box tightens significantly at 16x, so it is not a "fast" scope, but rather a "calculated" one.
Durability The Talos is designed to be waterproof and shockproof. While it handles the recoil of the GP100, the weight of the scope (nearly 20 oz) puts a lot of stress on the mounting system. You must use high-quality steel rings with this setup.
Elevation & Windage Knobs The turrets are capped to prevent accidental movement. They provide 0.25 MOA adjustments. The side parallax knob is a standout feature, allowing you to get a sharp image and eliminate parallax error from 10 yards all the way out to "way past where a .357 can reach."
Magnification & Parallax Having 16x magnification on a GP100 is a unique experience. It allows you to see your bullet holes at 50 yards without a spotting scope. The side parallax is smooth and very helpful for those transition distances.
Mounting & Accessories You will need a sturdy rail. Because of the 40mm objective lens, you may need medium-height rings to ensure the front of the scope clears the top of the revolver's frame or barrel.
My Personal Experience I used the Talos for a "benchrest" style session with my GP100. At 100 yards, I was able to place shots with extreme precision that I simply couldn't see with a 4x scope. The illuminated reticle helped significantly when the sun started to dip behind the tree line.
Online Customer Comments On various precision shooting forums, Athlon is praised for "punching above its weight class." One GP100 owner noted, "It's a big scope for a handgun, but if you're shooting groups, you can't beat the magnification for the price."
Verdict The Athlon Talos is the best choice for the "accuracy nut" who wants to see exactly where every .357 round is landing.
Bushnell Banner 3-9x40 Dusk & Dawn
The Bushnell Banner "Dusk & Dawn" is specifically engineered for the low-light conditions that hunters face most often. It makes our list as the best scope for Ruger GP100 for hunters on a budget who need to maximize their visibility during the Golden Hour. It is a simple, effective tool that prioritizes light transmission above all else.
Product Specs
Pros and Cons
Glass Clarity & Reticle The "Dusk & Dawn Brightness" (DDB) coatings are the star here. They are designed to enhance blue and violet light, which is more prevalent at twilight. The Multi-X reticle is a standard duplex style that is clean and doesn't clutter your field of view.
Eye Relief & Eye Box Eye relief is 3.3 inches. Like the Vortex and Leupold riflescopes, this requires a braced shooting position. The eye box is surprisingly large at 3x, making it relatively easy to get behind the scope for a quick shot.
Durability The Banner is a "classic" design that has been around for decades. It is 100% waterproof and fogproof. While it doesn't feel as "overbuilt" as the Leupold, it has a solid track record of surviving standard magnum revolver recoil.
Elevation & Windage Knobs These feature 1/4 MOA fingertip adjustments. They are covered by sturdy caps. While they lack a "zero stop" or fancy indexing, they hold their position well once you have the gun sighted in.
Magnification & Parallax The 3-9x magnification is the most popular range in the world for a reason—it does everything. At 3x, it’s great for close-range brush hunting, and at 9x, you have more than enough power for any distance a GP100 should be used at.
Mounting & Accessories Due to the 12-inch length, this scope will hang over the barrel significantly on a 4.2-inch GP100. It is much better suited for the 6-inch or the 7.5-inch Super Redhawk (which shares some mounting characteristics).
My Personal Experience I took the Banner out for a late-evening session. As the woods grew dark, the Banner definitely pulled in more light than some of my more expensive "tactical" scopes. It allowed me to clearly see a target at 75 yards that was nearly invisible to the naked eye.
Online Customer Comments Reviewers on OpticsPlanet often call the Banner the "best bang for your buck" for hunting. "I've had one on my GP100 for years. It's nothing fancy, but it gets the job done when the deer come out at sunset."
Verdict The Bushnell Banner is the ultimate "economy" hunting scope for the GP100, excelling when the light is at its worst.
Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32 Rimfire
While the name suggests it's only for rimfire, the Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32 is often used as a "secret weapon" for budget handgun setups. It is extremely light and compact. For the GP100 owner who wants an occasional-use optic without spending hundreds, it is a surprisingly capable choice.
Product Specs
Pros and Cons
Glass Clarity & Reticle The glass is basic but functional. It uses high-quality optical glass and is fully coated. The Truplex reticle is a simple crosshair that works well for target shooting and casual plinking.
Eye Relief & Eye Box Eye relief is 3.75 inches. This is standard for a riflescope and requires the same braced shooting technique as the others. The eye box is a bit tighter than the Leupold, so head position is more critical.
Durability Simmons uses a "TrueZero" adjustment system and a QTA (Quick Target Acquisition) eyepiece. While it is shockproof, I wouldn't recommend it for a steady diet of heavy "Bear Loads," but for standard .38 Special and .357 range ammo, it holds up fine.
Elevation & Windage Knobs The turrets are plastic-capped and offer 1/4 MOA clicks. They are functional, but you can feel the difference in quality compared to a Burris or Vortex. They are strictly "set it and forget it."
Magnification & Parallax The 3-9x range is excellent for versatility. Parallax is set at 50 yards (since it's a rimfire scope), which actually makes it better for a handgun like the GP100, which is most often shot at 25-75 yards.
Mounting & Accessories It comes with 3/8" dovetail rings—throw these away. You will need to purchase standard Weaver or Picatinny 1-inch rings to mount this to your GP100 rail.
My Personal Experience I used this Simmons on a GP100 during a casual range day with .38 Special Wadcutters. It was incredibly fun. The scope made hitting small 4-inch plates at 50 yards effortless. It didn't add much weight to the gun, keeping the experience enjoyable.
Online Customer Comments Reviewers on various retail sites often mention using these on "alternative" platforms. "Surprisingly tough for a 'rimfire' scope. Held zero on my .357 for over 200 rounds now."
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