Pistols are handguns with short barrels and are used for firing at stationary targets. Pistol scopes are typically optical devices mounted on pistols to zoom on your targets. Many shooters use hunting pistols scopes due to their significant benefits.
For starters, they have enough magnification that lets you locate and sight your target faster. They make you aware of your shooting blunders and rectify them.
Apart from that, they come in handy in long-range shooting as they increase accuracy in aiming and shooting. If you are a shooting or hunting enthusiast, you require the right tool to maximize your experience in the field.
What Makes a Great Hunting Scope for Pistols?
- Durable construction, which is commonly aircraft-grade aluminum for long-lasting performance
- Adequate eye relief to fight off recoil
- Objective lens diameter of about 8 to 32mm in diameter size.
- Lightweight construction for easy moving and maneuverability
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof performance for performance in all weather conditions
5 Best Hunting Pistol Scopes
You have come to the right place if you are in search of the pistol scope. Pistols are usually fun to use and will make you hunt like a pro. It is paramount to equip them with the proper scope to get the best out of them. Having the appropriate scope will lead to mind-blowing results. It can be daunting to know the appropriate scope for your pistol. Below are the best hunting pistol scopes:
1) Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm Ballistic Plex Reticle Pistol Scope
Buying Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm Ballistic Plex Reticle Pistol Scope is one of the wisest purchasing decisions you could ever make as this pistol scope hosts an array of impressive features; no wonder it begins our list of the best hunting pistol scopes. The scope boasts a 32mm clear objective lens that makes mounting a breeze.
The lens is also made to deliver clear optics and images in all lighting conditions. Thanks to its lightweight and compact design, the scope is easy to maneuver.
It combines a 2x to 7x magnification with an eye relief that lets you aim and focus your sight on the target without difficulty. It nonetheless allows you to acquire your target quickly, making it a perfect choice to use in the field.
Besides, it has premium quality Ballistic Plex reticle that is simple yet highly effective. This kind of reticle allows for bullet drop compensation and more accurate aiming with each shot you make.
Nevertheless, it is made with outstanding durability and ruggedness, and it perfectly holds up zero. It can also endure recoil associated with big bore pistols and Magnum revolvers and is dependable.
Also, it is constructed of aircraft-grade aluminum, and its main tube is nitrogen-filled and sealed for relentless waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof performance. With this scope, you can be confident that all your needs as a hunter or shooter will be met.
Features
- High-quality optical glass
- Ballistic Plex reticle
- Rugged construction
- Adequate eye relief
- Variable magnification
- 32mm objective lens
- Lightweight and compact structure
- Endures any recoil subjected to it
- Reliable performance
2) BSA Optics Edge 2-7x28mm Pistol Scope
If you are in search of a perfect pistol scope for target shooting or hunting, look no further. BSA Optics Edge 2-7x28mm Pistol Scope is what you need to change your hunting experience for the better.
A pistol scope is an excellent option for a smaller pistol that produces less recoil. It has a variable 2-7x magnification handy in multiple hunting and shooting conditions.
Being lightweight, the scope is easy to use and carry around without pain in the neck. Additionally, it is equipped with multi-coated optics that ensure clear and bright target views, allowing fast target acquisition. There is also a generous eye relief of 12 to 20 inches, making this scope an excellent scout scope.
Long eye relief is another exciting feature of this scope. This function is to fight off recoil, thus protecting your brows. A solid, one-piece tube construction makes this product ideal for outdoor use since it can withstand any abuse or impact thrown at it. It is waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof for relentless performance for a long time.
Features
- Multi-coated optics
- Variable 2-7x magnification
- Lightweight design
- Versatile thus ideal for various hunting conditions
- Generous eye relief
- One-piece tube construction
- Waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof
- Matte black finish
- Limited life warranty
3) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Scout Riflescope
Next up is this Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Scout Riflescope that will get the job done perfectly. The main tube of this product is built of a one-piece hard-anodized aircraft-grade aluminum for exceptional durability.
It is nitrogen purged, and O-ring sealed for waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof performance. This means that you will have a successful hunt regardless of the weather conditions.
It is equipped with a V-Plex reticle is a desirable choice for many hunters as it allows them to see clearly without straining the eye. The reticle doesn’t change with changes in power as it is a second focal plane. This guarantees a better sight picture and makes it easy for the hunter to track a target in motion. It also allows for better shot placement.
To add to that, the scope has an ocular and objective lens that is fully multi-coated and has anti-reflective coatings for superior light transmission.
There is also a fast-focus eyepiece for quick reticle focusing that is a handful in rapid target acquisition. Finger adjustable and zero resettable capped turrets are another premium feature of this product.
Features
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Made of aircraft-grade aluminum
- V-Plex reticle
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Fast focus eyepiece
- 32mm field of view
- Variable magnification
- Hard anodized finish
- Single-piece tube construction
4) Bushnell Trophy Handgun Scope with Multi-X Reticle
You can never go wrong with Bushnell Trophy Handgun Scope. The scope boasts a litany of impressive features that guarantee excellent results in the field. For starters, the scope is affordable and delivers performance that cannot be found in ordinary scopes.
It has entirely multi-coated lenses and rain guard HD lens coating. The primary function of these is to provide a 91% light transmission leading to bright and clear images regardless of the weather condition.
A fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick focusing of the reticle for fast target acquisition. On top of that, the scope has a variable magnification of 2x to 7x, making it ideal for diverse hunting scenarios.
20-inch eye relief is present and is required for extended mounting capability. This scope for pistol allows shooters to seamlessly focus and aim at a target for a long time with no eye strain.
Another major highlight of this model is that it is made with durability and reliability in mind. This is because it is entirely waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof. You are thus sure that your hunting expedition will be successful no matter how bad the weather is.
Last but not least, dialing the scope is super easy, thanks to the 1/4MOA fingertip windage, parallax, and elevation adjustments.
Features
- Rugged build
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Rain guard HD lens coating
- 20-inch eye relief
- Fast focus eyepiece
- 2x to 7x variable magnification
- One-piece tube construction
5) Leupold VX-3 Handgun 2.5-8x33mm Riflescope
Leupold is known to make high-quality scopes, and this Leupold VX-3 Handgun 2.5-8x33mm Riflescope is no exception. Although it is pricier, it is worth buying as it is bestowed with impeccable features.
To start with, the scope has a duplex reticle that makes it a breeze to focus and sight your target, mainly when shooting at long range. 15-inch eye relief is sufficient enough for you to view your target while protecting your brows from recoil.
Another highlight of this great product is its waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof capabilities, making it ideal to use in all weather conditions. Its Twilight Light Management System solidifies its name as one of the best hunting pistol scopes. The primary function of this is to balance the transmission of light and ensure brightness and balance contrast in dark or low light conditions.
It is ultra-lightweight, making it easy to move around with. The fact that it is lightweight doesn’t compromise durability, as this is one of the most durable scopes you can find on the market.
A Matte finish allows the shooter to camouflage position easily. Finally, finger-adjustable windage and elevation adjustments provide reliability and dependability over a lifetime of extreme use.
Features
- Rugged performance
- Lightweight structure
- Adequate 15-inch eye relief
- Duplex reticle
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Twilight Light Management System
- Matte finish
- One-inch tube construction
- Windage and elevation adjustment
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- 33mm objective lens diameter
Related Posts
What Magnification Do You Need?
Magnification settings depend on the shooter’s preferences and shooting style. There are two types of magnification which are fixed and variable magnification. Scopes with a fixed magnification have settings that cannot be adjusted regardless of the situation.
These scopes come in 2x, 4x, or 6x magnification. They are more suitable for close-range shooting and hunting. They usually have a wide field of view leading to quicker target acquisition and shooting. Scopes with variable magnification allow you to adjust the settings depending on your situation.
Some provide a medium magnification, while others have more than 9x magnification. They are ideal for long-range hunting as they can zoom in and give clear resolutions. However, they are weightier, bulkier, and more complex.
Read: Best Scopes for 400 Yards
Considerations when Buying the Best Hunting Pistol Scopes
Magnification
Although magnification is not a critical factor for handgun scopes, it is still advisable to pay attention to the magnification you are getting from the scope. This is so because you will have a better aim and accuracy when shooting or hunting at long range.
A 4x magnification will suffice for pistol scopes. However, most models can have a range of 2x up to 8x. The more the magnification, the more practical scope will be. You will get less short-range accuracy with more magnification.
Eye Relief
This is the distance a user requires to look through the lens. This makes the difference between a scope with a wide field of view and magnification and one that doesn’t.
Eye relief of 4 to 12 inches will be sufficient if you want the best view area and magnification. If you don’t require that much magnification, an eye relief ranging from 15 to 30 inches will suffice.
Size and Weight
The size of your scope determines how well it will fit your pistol. Most handgun scopes have an objective lens diameter between 20mm and 32mm in size. It would help if you also considered the tube, which is usually 1inch in diameter. A scope with anything above or below will not be a good choice.
Keep in mind that the most extensive scopes are the heaviest in terms of weight. It is wise to go for a lightweight model as it will help you have an easy time in the field.
Lens Resilience
This is fundamentally how well lenses can handle fog, water and shock. Take into account any type of unique construction. This includes scratch-resistant coatings, nitrogen or argon-filled scopes and shatters resistance.
Construction
A good pistol scope should be made with durability. Pistols and handguns generally have stronger recoils compared to other guns. The scope you choose should thus withstand the repeated recoil and shock of the weapon.
If not, the scope’s zero, and your accuracy will be affected. The scope should additionally be made of quality materials. The most common is aircraft-grade aluminum, tested and proven to withstand anything thrown at it.
Read: Best Vortex AR-15 Scopes
How to Mount a Scope on a Pistol
It would be best if you mounted your scope before you used it. To do so, do the following:
- Take the mounting rings and secure them over the mount. Afterward, tighten the screws below them and ensure they remain in place.
- Put the scope into the rings and adjust appropriately to position.
- Place the top rings caps over the scope. Use the rings to connect the rings caps to the rings at the bottom.
- Make sure that both rings are snug and tight against the recoil lug. If that is the case, tighten them until the screws hit the bottom. After that, rotate the scope to its position. Confirm if you have done it correctly by shaking your gun. The scope should stay in place if done right.
- Level your scope. This is pertinent as one wrong move affects the scope’s balance. Ensure that you rotate the scope, especially when precision dial knobs are present. Then, turn the screws and anchor the mount and scope to their final position. Listen for the click as you turn to ensure you are not overturning. You can sojourn once you hear it. A button level can also be used in this step to ensure everything is in position as you tighten everything down.
Read: Best Vortex Scopes for Deer Hunting
Best Hunting Pistol Scopes FAQs
Q: What is the Difference Between a Riflescope and a Pistol Scope?
Riflescopes and pistol scopes are alike but ordinarily mistaken. The former provides magnification for focusing on long-range targets while the latter does not. Another difference is in terms of eye relief length. Pistols require longer and more generous eye reliefs to improve sight and prevent incidents as they have stronger recoils than rifles.
Besides that, rifle scopes are generally heavier and bulkier. It is unnecessary to have all that weight on a pistol as it affects stability and performance. Also, pistol scopes have lower magnification settings, meaning their objective lens is also smaller.
Q: Can You Put a Scope on a Pistol?
Yes, you can. However, you need to keep in mind the caliber and actions of the pistol and get the proper scope for it. Ensure that you don’t waste your money on something that will let you down.
Conclusion
Getting a handgun scope significantly increases the accuracy of your shot. With so many options in the market, it may be hard to get the right one. You will end up with an excellent scope as long as you choose any of the models illustrated above and consider the guide elucidated above. Pick any of them and take your shooting and hunting to the next level.