Are you a handgun enthusiast looking for a revolver scope? Look no further. This post sheds light on the best revolver scopes, looking deeper into their features, technologies, and innovations that make them stand tall. The scopes meet all the qualifications for a good revolver scope.
Revolvers have an iconic design and reputation for reliability, explaining why they have remained a staple in shooters’ collections for generations. Their inherent accuracy and undeniable ruggedness demand a precision option to transform their performance to new levels.
Revolver scopes are the perfect pair for these formidable handguns. They provide excellent resistance to the harsh recoil produced by these handguns. These scopes have optical prowess that helps hit the bullseye and stretch range capabilities.
How To Choose the Best Revolver Scopes
Choosing a revolver scope requires familiarization with different aspects to inform a wise purchase. Some factors to have in mind include:
Magnification Power
Magnification power is the first aspect to look out for when selecting the best revolver scopes. It can be either fixed or variable. Variable scopes are mass-approved favorites because of their benefits from several power options.
However, fixed power scopes have an upper advantage when it comes to pricing. They are more friendly to your pocket.
All in all, all revolver scopes are good, depending on the user’s needs and preferences.
The magnification power of a scope determines the limits of its usefulness. A higher magnification strength reduces the area you can see through the scope. That is why the importance of considering the mission at hand cannot be overemphasized.
Scope Adjustment
After analyzing the magnification power, the next thing to consider is the scope adjustment. MOA and MRAD are the two types of scope adjustment measurements.
MOA (Minute of Angle) is the most common adjustment scale in revolver scopes as it promotes a more precise zeroing capability at long range. This adjustment type works best with BDC and Duplex reticles. Its main disadvantage is the complexity of calculating adjustments at ranges other than 100 yards.
MRAD (milliradian) represents a fractional section of an angle.
Reticle
Thirdly, check out the reticle when scouting the best revolver scopes. Reticle lines appear centered in most revolver scopes except European scopes, which have crosshairs that move within the field of view.
Various reticle types available for the best revolver scopes include BDC, Duplex, Mil-dot, and Plain reticles.
When considering the reticle, you also need to consider its position within the scope. Reticles can be on the first or second focal plane.
The reticle increases or decreases in the first focal plane according to the magnification setting. This reticle position is best suited for long-range shooting with high magnification settings. However, it is unsuitable for low-power settings of 3x to 5x because locating the reticle is difficult.
On the other hand, a reticle with the second focal plane design remains the same even with an increase or decrease in magnification. This is helpful as it presents a consistently clear sight picture at various zoom levels. Most revolver scopes have this reticle position.
Weight
Of course, you will use the revolver scope on your pistol, so it shouldn’t weigh your weapon down. A scope that is too heavy will make it tricky for you to get the right feel for your weapon. A scope weighing less than 8 ounces should be a good option for using it with your guns.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Your scope will be exposed to a lot of vibration and recoil, so it should, therefore, have a robust build quality. Other than recoil, you need to consider other factors like weather. Fog, moisture, dust, debris, and snow can damage the internal components of your optic, so the best revolver scopes should be fully waterproof and fogproof.
Extra Features
It doesn’t hurt to check for some extra features that can play an instrumental role in your choice. One such feature is the mounting rings, which have to be of high quality. Otherwise, they will be unable to withstand recoil and will not hold zero.
Another important thing that people often forget is the lens caps. These are vital to protect the lens from water and dust. These kinds of features don’t always come as standard, so it is essential to keep an eye on them and check the product description carefully.
Parallax Adjustment
Last but not least, we have the parallax adjustment. Parallax adjustments are necessary if the object and the reticle are not on the same focal plane, leading to potential misfire.
Before purchasing a revolver scope, checking the settings for parallax adjustment is crucial, especially if you are going for a unit with high magnification. Scopes with low magnification power tend to have zero parallaxes integrated into their designs.
5 Best Revolver Scopes
Finding the best revolver scope is not an easy task. The market is hard to navigate with so many options to choose from. We have navigated it for you and selected the best scopes to turn you into an elite shooter. Let’s see them.
1) Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm Riflescope
Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm begins our review of the best revolver scopes. The riflescope is versatile enough to fit a wide range of pistols and can withstand the high power of many high-caliber weapons.
The 2x magnification on the low end provides fast target acquisition and a wide field of view, while the 7x on the high end offers accuracy at handgun stretching distances. The magnification couples with the 32mm objective lens to provide crisp images.
Another attribute that makes this Bushnell handgun one of the best on the market is its build quality. Its durability is so good that you don’t have to worry about recoil disintegrating the scope. Owing to its waterproof and fog-resistant capabilities, it is also suited for any environment.
The one-piece tube is constructed from durable aluminum with a scratch- and corrosion-resistant matte black finish. The scope is light; hence, it will not alter the feel of your weapon or add bulk that may weigh you down.
The turrets are capped to protect against harsh elements while removing the possibility of unwanted adjustments while navigating heavy brush. They are also finger-adjustable to compensate for evolving conditions on the fly.
Features
- Finger-adjustable turrets
- 2x to 7x magnification
- Matte black, scratch-resistant finish
- O-ring sealed and nitrogen-purged
- 32mm objective lens size
- Ballistic Plex reticle
- Weighs 0.81 pounds
- Index-matched Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses
Pros
- Exceptional clarity
- Sighting in is a seamless experience
- The reticle is accurate and provides holdover points at various distances
- Ease of use and adjustments
Cons
- Eye relief could be better
2) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Riflescope
Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm is another extraordinary scope that is hard to go wrong with. Its 2-7x magnification and 32mm objective lens suit it for close to medium-range engagements. The 32mm lens is fully multi-coated, casting bright and clear images of the target. It includes a sunshade that reduces glare in bright conditions.
The turrets for windage and elevation have a fast zero-reset function that keeps the scope sighted longer. The reticle is on the second focal plane, so it doesn’t change even with an increase or decrease in magnification. A fast-focus eyepiece helps focus the reticle, making target acquisition as quick as a flash.
Durability is a vital component for every scope, and Vortex knows this too well. Vortex Crossfire’s high durability is revealed by the single-piece tube, aircraft-grade aluminum, Armortek-treated lenses, and machine-locked lenses. You don’t have to worry about scratches or breakage when using this riflescope.
For weather resistance, the scope has O-ring seals and nitrogen purging to ensure no entry of moisture, dust, fog, or debris. You can mount it on a high-caliber weapon, which will effectively deal with recoil like a five-finger exercise.
Features
- Eye relief of 3.9 to 4.7 inches
- Anodized finish
- Fully multi-coated lenses with a size of 32mm
- The scale of the reticle remains the same across all magnifications
- An adjustment click value of 1/4 MOA
- Built from aircraft-grade aluminum
- Armortek coating on the lenses fights oil, dirt, and scratches
- A sunshade for glare reduction
- 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
Pros
- Long eye relief makes it easy to focus
- Tough build
- Clear lenses with a full multi-coating
- Economical
Cons
- No illumination
3) NcSTAR 2.5x30mm Pistol Scope
This riflescope features a fixed 2.5x magnification that saves you time that you could have used adjusting and directs it to nail your targets with terrific accuracy. The long eye relief extends your mounting capabilities and makes your shooting safe and comfortable.
The lenses are multi-coated for clear, vivid pictures. It weighs 11.4 oz, eliminating the issue of a scope adding too much weight to your weapon. This weight is ideal, and you will quickly get used to its feel without worrying about it affecting your shots.
The scope has a Duplex reticle and includes a set of 1-inch Weaver-style rings. Its sleek appearance is enhanced by a matte finish.
If the budget is a primary concern for you, go for this scope by all means, and you will not regret it.
Features
- One-inch tube diameter
- Fixed magnification of 2.5x
- Multi-coated optics
- 30mm objective lens diameter
- Matte finish
- Weighs 11.4 oz
- Long eye relief for extended mounting capabilities
Pros
- The sight rings are adequate for their use
- Clear glass
- Precise and responsive turret adjustments
Cons
- The top adjustment directional ring is inappropriately glued and could come off.
4) Trijicon TR22 AccuPoint 2.5-10x56mm Riflescope
Optimum any-light shooting, superb accuracy, and high transitional speed are top features that make the Trijicon TR22 AccuPoint 2.5-10x56mm one of the best revolver scopes.
The dual illumination technology makes the scope perform splendidly regardless of the ambient lighting. With the advanced tritium/fiber-optic illumination, you are sure of an easy time in the field, with the brightness automatically adjusting to suit the prevailing condition. You will not rely on batteries that are prone to failure, guaranteeing success all the time.
Some scopes struggle with light collection when the light begins to fade, but this is not the case with the TR22. Its 56mm objective lens makes light filtration effortless, resulting in lovely images. The lens is fully multi-coated, which contributes to greater brightness, clarity, and sharpness.
Trijicon’s Bindon Aiming Concept allows shooting while keeping both eyes open, increasing situational awareness. Windage and elevation adjustments are hassle-free and don’t require tools. The turrets are covered for protection and to prevent accidental shifting.
Features
- 50 MOA adjustment range
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Massive 56mm lens with a full multi-coating
- The construction material is 6061-T6 aluminum
- 30mm tube diameter
- A magnification of 2.5-10x
- Fiber optic/tritium illumination
- Bindon Aiming Concept
Pros
- The scope is well-built
- The enormous objective lens gathers light like crazy
- Crystal-clear
- Advanced reticle illumination
Cons
- Heavy
5) Burris Handgun 2x20mm Riflescope
The Burris Handgun is a 2x scope with no zoom. Although it has a fixed magnification, the scope boasts all you need for a handgun experience. One of its selling points is the Burris index-matched Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses. This patented coating helps increase light transmission and reduce glare for the best-quality sight picture.
The scope is built to withstand the recoil from powerful magnums, making it a recommendation on our list of the best revolver scopes.
It features an incredibly straightforward Plex reticle, a 10mm exit eye diameter, and 1/2 MOA windage and elevation adjustments. All these are housed under its stress-free, solid one-piece outer tube, which can take punishment from calibers with the heaviest recoil.
The tube is nitrogen-filled, making the scope fogproof and waterproof. Positive steel-on-steel adjustments ensure repeatable accuracy. To seal the deal, the scope comes with a Burris Forever Warranty.
Features
- Fully waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Aircraft-grade aluminum build
- Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses
- Plex reticle that is easy to use
- Adjustment click value of 1/2 MOA
- Weighs 7 oz
- Fixed 2x magnification
- 20mm objective lens diameter
- Dual internal spring tension system that empowers the scope to hold zero
Pros
- Lightweight
- Top-notch quality
- Unbeatable warranty
Cons
- The tube is prone to scratches
Types of Pistol Scopes and Sights
- Traditional Hunting Scope
Handgun hunting is typically not recommended for various reasons. First, the bullets are small hence have less damage to your target. Second, a handgun may not let you get close enough to your prey to take it down.
If you are target shooting, you can affix a traditional hunting scope to your pistol. This will heighten accuracy at a distance, although you still have to compensate for the bullet drop.
Overall, a scope with a high magnification range, like 10x or more, is not suitable for your handgun. Even if the scope is accurate, you will not be able to reach your target.
- Iron Sights
You’ll probably utilize iron sights on your pistol unless you’re handgun hunting or target shooting. Handguns are meant for close-quarters combat; therefore, adding a scope to the top is typically unnecessary.
Iron sights have an effective range of up to 100 yards, depending on the gun. They are perfect for target acquisition, particularly at short distances, as they don’t need magnification.
- Red Dot Sights
Red dot sights are a great option if you want fast target acquisition but don’t want to rely on iron sights. They can be holographic, red dot, or reflex sights.
Is A Red Dot Better Than a Scope on a Handgun?
A red dot is better than a scope on a handgun if you are only using it for shooting at close quarters. However, if you intend to use your handgun for distance targeting, a scope with magnification is necessary.
Wrap Up
Using a scope is a good way to increase your revolver’s accuracy. Pairing your handgun with any of the best revolver scopes helps you find yourself in a thrilling new world of hunting and shooting. Have you found an ideal scope to match your revolver?
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