12 Best Crossbow Scope For Hunting: An In-depth Review

On a fine early morning, you are waiting for that big buck to cross your path. You take a breath and tighten your grip on the crossbow, preparing to let fly. Suddenly you see movement in the distance, and without hesitation, you pull the crossbow’s trigger, letting go of the arrow with all of your strength. You watch as it flies through the air, narrowly missing your target by inches.

But what if you could do all that without missing a single shot? What if you had the best crossbow scope possible to help you hit your target every time? Not only would this give you an advantage over other hunters, but it would also make the experience even more rewarding. So what are the best crossbows scopes on the market?

To find out the best scope for the crossbow, my team members and I have spent countless hours researching, testing, and comparing crossbow scopes from leading brands to come up with this comprehensive guide. We understand that selecting the best crossbow scope for your needs can be daunting, so we have chosen the best scopes for various budget and performance requirements. We go over all the essential factors, such as optics, reticle, and mounting, to help you make the right decision. So, read on to find the best crossbow scope for your needs.

Before going to features that make up a quality crossbow scope, I would like to introduce my Top 12 picks. Here they are –

A Quick View Of Our Top Crossbow Scope Selections

Last update on 2023-09-07

Last update on 2023-09-07

Why Crossbow and Crossbow Scope?

Crossbow hunting is all the rage nowadays, with more and more people joining the crossbow-hunting bandwagon every day. So how can you become a successful crossbow hunter when you have millions of competitors all over the country?

Well, first, you will need a scope for your crossbow. A good crossbow scope will improve your shot accuracy and, in turn, contribute to ethical and quick kills. With everyone advocating for the ethical and humane killing of whitetail deer and other prey, you do not want to be that hunter who causes wild animals to suffer.

The scope will also help you spot the game before sunrise or after sunset. That being said, it is important to note that crossbow scopes are different, even from budget rifle scopes.

Rifle Scope Vs. Crossbow Scope

The main difference between the rifle scope and the crossbow scope is in their construction. While rifle scopes tend to be longer with bigger objective lenses, crossbow scopes are shorter with smaller objective lenses.

But just like rifle scopes, crossbow scopes can be divided into red dot sights and reticle scopes. The latter uses crosshairs, while the former uses a red dot to aim at targets. Also, you can use the archery target to hone your skills. Usually, reticle scopes come with either varied or fixed magnification. The primary characteristics of a decent crossbow scope are listed below so you can determine the type you require.

Features That Make Up A High-Quality Crossbow Scope

Magnification

A good or top crossbow scope must have a magnification of between 1.5X and 6X. This is because a higher magnification will give a scope of a narrow field of view. Therefore, go for a crossbow with a maximum magnification of 6X. For a fixed magnification crossbow stick with a magnification of between 3X and 6X.

Objective Lens

The objective lens is the part of the scope that allows light to enter and thus makes it possible for you to see your target. While in most cases, a large objective lens is preferred, in a crossbow scope, a large objective lens will be a disadvantage.

This is because a large objective lens will add to the overall weight of a scope. And the last thing you need is a bulky scope on top of your weighty crossbow. Thus, I recommend going for an objective lens of 40 mm maximum. Most crossbow scopes have objective lenses of 32 mm.

Field of View

Field of view (FOV) in a rifle scope refers to the amount of the scene that is visible through the scope at a given distance. It is typically measured in feet at a distance of 100 yards. A larger field of view allows the shooter to see more of the target and surrounding area. A smaller field of view allows for more magnification and a more detailed view of a specific area. The field of view can be adjusted by changing the scope’s magnification or by using a different size objective lens. Some scopes also have a variable field of view, which allows the shooter to adjust the magnification and field of view to suit their needs.

Optics/lenses

Having a good magnification and objective lens does not always translate to good image quality. You will need a scope with fully multicoated optics or lenses to guarantee that you can see targets clearly and brightly. This means a scope whose lenses are covered with a layer of a reflective coating. This coating will increase light transmission and reduce glare giving you a crisp and clear image quality.

Illumination

Given that most of us hunt early in the morning before the sun comes up and late in the evening after sundown, illumination is another vital feature.

Thus, I recommend settling on a scope with an illuminated reticle. The illumination will put you on the same level as the animals you are hunting, which have a natural advantage when it comes to seeing at night.

Camouflage Color

The last thing you want is to be spotted by your prey. It is for this reason that top-rated crossbow scopes come with camouflage colors. This makes them inconspicuous of wild animals and thus makes it harder for you to be spotted.

Nitrogen Filled Tube

The best scope for crossbow hunting is one with a nitrogen-filled tube. The nitrogen prevents water and fog from filling the inside of the tube. This makes a scope fog proof as well as waterproof. Thus, for a scope to survive the great outdoors, it needs to have a tube filled with nitrogen.

Reticle Types

There are several different types of reticles (also known as crosshairs) that can be used in crossbow scopes. Some common types include:

Duplex reticle:

This is a simple crosshair design that consists of a thicker outer line and a finer inner line. It is designed to be easy to see and allows for quick target acquisition.

Mil-dot reticle:

This type of reticle is used for range estimation and holds. It consists of a series of dots along the crosshair that can be used to determine the distance to the target.

Illuminated reticle:

An illuminated reticle is a type of reticle that is equipped with a light source, typically a small LED, to make it easier to see in low-light conditions.

First focal plane reticle:

A first focal plane reticle is a type of reticle that is located in the front part of the scope, near the objective lens. This allows the reticle to change size as the magnification of the scope is adjusted.

Second focal plane reticle:

A second focal plane reticle is a type of reticle that is located in the rear part of the scope, near the eyepiece. This means that the reticle does not change size as the magnification of the scope is adjusted.

Overall, the type of reticle you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your hunting or shooting situation.

Lens Coating

Lens coating refers to a thin layer of material applied to the surface of the lenses in a crossbow scope or any other type of optical instrument. The purpose of lens coating is to reduce the amount of light that is reflected off the surface of the lens, which can cause glare and reduce the overall clarity and contrast of the image.

There are several different types of lens coatings that can be applied, including anti-reflective coatings, scratch-resistant coatings, and coatings that protect against water, dirt, and other environmental contaminants. In general, a crossbow scope with lens coating will provide a clearer, more accurate image than one without it.

Red – Dot Scopes

A red dot scope for a crossbow is a type of optical sight that projects a red dot onto a lens, allowing the shooter to aim at their target more accurately. The red dot appears to be superimposed on the target, making it easy to align the crossbow with the target. Red dot scopes are often used on crossbows because they are quick and easy to use, and they allow the shooter to keep both eyes open while aiming, which can help with accuracy and situational awareness.

Some red dot scopes are designed specifically for crossbows and have features that make them well-suited for use with these weapons, such as reticles that are calibrated for the trajectory of crossbow bolts and adjustable windage and elevation controls.

Reviews Of The Best Crossbow Scopes

Sightmark Core SX Scope 1.5-4.5 x 32 Crossbow

The first scope on my list is one that has all the qualities of a good crossbow scope. Dubbed the Sightmark Core SX scope, the latter has a rugged body and measures 13 inches long. Based on my analysis, this scope is best suited for targeting medium-sized games.

As for crossbow speeds, the 1.5-4.5X magnification is best suited for bows with speeds of between 250 and 400 FPS. Of is worth noting that this scope has an illuminated reticle with 11 brightness settings. This is of great benefit as it makes it capable of adapting to different hunting conditions. And while it does not look like much, this Sightmark can hold its own against most crossbow recoil.

Specification

• Illuminated reticle
• 32 mm objective lens
• 1.5-4.5X magnification
• 3.5-inch eye relief
• 30 yards parallax setting
• 1-inch tube diameter
• 9.5-inch mounting length

Should You Buy The Sightmark Core SX Scope 1.5-4.5 x 32 For crossbow

In all honesty, the Sightmark Core SX has no cons worth mentioning. This, coupled with its affordable price tag, makes it one of the best hunting scopes for the medium-sized game. Additionally, it is one of the best scopes in its price segment.

Excalibur Twilight Dlx Scope Multirange Reticle

If you use an Excalibur crossbow, you will need a scope to match the performance of your Excalibur bow. And of the many scopes out there, the Excalibur Twilight Dlx scope is the best for an Excalibur bow. With a variable magnification of 3X to 6X, this scope allows you to get precise shots on target. And with a 44 mm objective lens, you get a pretty fantastic field of view as well.

This scope is made to work with bows that fire at speeds between 300 and 400 FPS so that it performs similarly to the Excalibur crossbows. The scope is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, which means it can withstand the occasional knocks and bumps.

Specification

• Fully multicoated optics
• 3X-6X magnification
• 44 mm objective lens
• 30 mm tube
• Dual red/green illuminated reticle
• 12.9 inch long
• 1.6-pound weight

Who Needs This Excalibur Twilight Dlx Scope with Multirange Reticle

In summary, the Excalibur scope is designed for use with powerful crossbows. That being said, this is the kind of scope I would recommend to any serious hunter, in particular, hunters who are accustomed to taking down big games.

NIKON Prostaff P3 Crossbow 3×32 Matte BDC 60 Scope

I have always loved NIKON scopes. Thus it should come as no surprise that one of my favorite scopes is the NIKW9 Prostaff P3 Crossbow 3×32 Matte BDC 60. I have used this scope several times and have always been satisfied.

With a fixed 3X magnification, this scope can zero in on targets from up to 60 yards. This, paired with the 32 mm objective lens, means that you get a scope that is both clear and bright. The construction of this scope is top-notch. The scope is moderately long, measuring 8.2 inches. It is also intended to be water and fog resistant.

Specification

• Fully multicoated optics
• 3X fixed magnification
• BDC 60 reticle
• 3.4-inch eye relief
• 32 mm objective lens
• 35.6 feet field of view

Who Needs This NIKON Prostaff P3 Crossbow 3×32 Matte BDC 60 Scope?

When you get past the Nikon XR’s lack of an illuminated reticle, it is a really great scope. First of all, it is affordable and comes with some of the features found in pricier models. That being said, it is the kind of scope I would recommend to a new crossbow hunter. Furthermore, it is lightweight, small in size, and affordable.

Best Cheap Crossbow Scope: Excalibur Tact-Zone Illuminated Scope

One of my favorite crossbow scopes is the Excalibur Tact-Zone Illuminated Scope. Since I bought this scope, it has been my go-to scope for most of my crossbows, and for good reasons. One, the scope is compatible with bows with speeds of between 275 and 400 FPS. Therefore, it fits in well with a wide variety of crossbows. In regards to magnification, this scope boasts of a 2.5X to 6X magnification backed by a 32 mm objective lens.

Specification

• Illuminated reticle
• 2.5X to 6X magnification
• 45 feet field of view
• 13-inch length
• 32 mm objective lens
• 30 mm tube diameter

Is this Scope Worth Buying

There are very few scopes that offer a better balance of affordability and quality than the Excalibur Tact Zone. To put things into perspective, this is arguably the best cheap crossbow scope from Excalibur. In fact, the scope is so good that it has close to no cons to speak of. In summary, this Tact Zone scope is the best scope for you if you are looking for an affordable scope.

Hawke Sport Optics 12221 XB1 Crossbow Scope

I am always open to testing new crossbow scopes. And since I have many crossbow hunting buddies, I have used quite a number of scopes, one of which is the Hawke Sports Optics. The latter scope is a great scope to have.

To start with, it is pretty short and lightweight. Secondly, it comes fitted with resettable and adjustable turrets. But what makes this scope exceptional is its speed selector. With this feature, you can make the scope fit with any crossbow with speeds of between 275 FPS and 425 FPS. Thus, in terms of versatility, this scope is versatile scope with a lot to offer.

Specification

• 32 mm objective lens
• 1.5X to 5X magnification
• 1-inch mono-tube
• 5 levels of brightness
• The fast-focus eyepiece
• Nitrogen purged tube

Why Should You Consider Hawke Sport Optics 12221 XB1 Crossbow Scope

I was not disappointed by this Hawke crossbow scope. It has everything you would need from a crossbow scope. Also, its size was a big plus for me as I’m not too fond of big and bulky scopes. Additionally, the fact that it works with a wide variety of crossbows, you can choose it as your go-to crossbow scope.

Trophy Ridge Speed Comp XV525IR Crossbow Scope

I am always looking for new scopes to add to my collection of cheap but high-quality scopes. So when I stumbled upon the Trophy Ridge Speed Comp scope, I was not about to pass out on it.

I have been using this scope for about one and a half years, and it has proven itself to be reliable. In fact, it is one of the scopes I use most frequently. The reason is that it has all the features I was hoping to get out of it, an illuminated reticle, a compact size, fully coated optics, and a wide field of view to match.

Specification

• BDC illuminated reticle
• Coated optics
• 32 mm objective lens
• 1.5X to 5X magnification
• Adjustable turrets

Does Trophy Ridge Speed Comp XV525IR Crossbow Scope Worth Buying

For a scope that costs less than $ 200, the Trophy Ridge Speed does a pretty good job of keeping up with the competition. It has most of the premium features you find in pricier models. Also, it has close to no cons making it an excellent scope for crossbow hunting.

TenPoint Crossbows Illuminating Rangemaster Pro Crossbow Scope

I recently bought the Tenpoint Crossbows illuminating Rangemaster pro scope for my Tenpoint Venom crossbow, and I have to say this scope is pretty impressive. Not only is it shorter, measuring 10.8 inches, but it is also durable thanks to its all-aluminum body. I was pleased with the scope’s illuminated reticle with 5 brightness settings.

Additionally, I found the eye relief of the scope to be quite comfortable. And even though Tenpoint does not indicate it, I put its eye relief in the 3.5 inches range. As for the objective lens, the 30 mm objective lens was smaller than what I am used to but combined perfectly with the 1.5X to 5X magnification to give a wide field of view.

Specification

• Aluminum body
• 1.5X to 5X magnification
• 30 mm objective lens
• Red/green illuminated reticle
• 3.5-inch eye relief
• Fully multicoated optics
• 7/8 inch mounting rings
• 30 mm tube

Is TenPoint Crossbows Illuminating Rangemaster Pro Crossbow Scope really Pro Scope?

Sure, it is not the best scope under 200, but it could be if its price was a little bit lower. Nevertheless, it is a great scope to purchase, considering its features.

Also, considering its weight and size. It weighs less than some of its competitors and costs less. Also, since it’s made entirely of aluminum, it is durable and rugged. In summary, this scope stands out among cheap ten-point crossbow scopes.

Hawke Crossbow 1.5-5X32 IR SR Scope

The Hawke Crossbow 1.5-5X32 SR scope is a favorite among crossbow hunters, the reason being that it is a versatile scope capable of withstanding harsh weather, knocks, and bumps.

Additionally, it works best with crossbows with speeds ranging from 275 to 425 FPS. And that’s not all; the scope has flip covers over its lenses and an illuminated reticle.

Also, to make it more versatile, the scope has a speed adjustment feature. Thus you can adjust it to match the speed of your crossbow. The fully multicoated optics on this scope mean that you get clear and crisp images.

Specification

• 1.5X-5X magnification
• 32 mm objective lens
• 4-inch eye relief
• 8.3-inch length
• 13-ounce weight
• 75 feet at 1000 yards field of view

Verdict About Hawke Crossbow 1.5-5X32 IR SR Scope

This Hawke scope is a great crossbow scope for hunting fast-moving prey. In this regard, it is the kind of scope you want to get when you have a fast-shooting crossbow. Thus, while it is relatively pricier than some of its competitors, it’s worth buying.

TenPoint Crossbows 3x Multi-Line Crossbow Scope

The TenPoint Crossbow 3x Multi-Line crossbow scope is one of the best crossbow scopes on the market. It is lightweight, affordable, and compact, measuring 7 inches long. And as its name suggests, it has a fixed magnification of 3X that is paired with a 32 mm objective lens.

This means that its field of view is fantastic. And while its reticle is not illuminated, it has fully multicoated optics that compensate somewhat for its lack of illumination. Furthermore, the scope comes with mounting rings to make it easy to mount on your crossbow. In regards to weight, it is a lightweight scope weighing 13 ounces.

Specification

• 3X fixed magnification
• 32 mm objective lens
• Duplex crosshair reticle
• 7/8 inch mounting rings included
• 13.6-ounce weight
• 7-inch length

Why Should Beginners Consider This TenPoint crossbow 3x Multi-Line Crossbow Scope?

The Multi-line crossbow is affordable, lightweight, and compact, making it a sure bet for any crossbow hunter interested in a cheap crossbow scope. Also, its lack of illumination is to be expected, given its low price tag. In conclusion, this TenPoint crossbow is a terrific choice for entry-level or beginner crossbow hunters.

Best Crossbow Scope For The Money: UTG 4X32 1.”

The UTG 4X32 Crossbow scope, which costs a little under $100, contains features that you would expect from a more expensive model. Measuring 8 inches long and weighing 12.3 ounces, this UTG model is an excellent option for most crossbows.

In particular, the scope fits well with crossbows with either a Picatinny or weaver mounting rail. Leapers, the manufacturer of this scope, do not mention anything about the scope’s coating. Thus, it is not clear whether it is coated or fully multi-coated. Nevertheless, given the clarity and brightness of the scope, it is fair to say the scope has fully multicoated optics. This is quite impressive for a scope in its price range.

Specification

• 4X fixed magnification
• 32 mm objective lens
• Broadband lens coating
• 1-inch tube
• Side illumination wheel
• Red/green illuminated reticle
• 50 yards parallax setting

Why is UTG 4X32 1.” Value For The Money Crossbow Scope?

When it comes to great bargains, the Leapers UTG is quite a bargain. Though it costs just under 100, it works excellently with fast crossbows. Moreover, the scope’s lens coatings are exceptional and offer a clear and crisp image quality. In summary, this UTG model provides the perfect balance of affordability and quality.

Best Red Dot Scope for Crossbow: Truglo Red-Dot Crossbow 30Mm 3-Dot Sight

Sometimes a Red-Dot (or single pin bow sight for compound bow) is just what you need to make the shot, and there is no better sight than the Truglo Red-Dot 30 mm 3-dot sight. With three target red dots, this Truglo crossbow scope works well with most crossbows. Also, it can be used on a shotgun and on most rifles.

As a red dot sight, it does not magnify the target. Instead, it gives you the ability to view your target clearly. In this regard, the lenses on this red dot sight are multicoated, and the tube is filled with nitrogen to prevent fogging. Since it is designed to work on a shotgun, this scope is exceptionally durable and rugged and is made from aircraft-grade aluminum.

Specification

• Adjustable rheostat control
• Integrated weaver mount system
• Flip-up lens covers
• 9.6 ounces weight
• Fully multicoated optics

Is Truglo Red-Dot Crossbow 30Mm 3-Dot Sight the ultimate Best Red Dot Scope for Crossbow?

For its price, this Truglo Red dot sight is an excellent alternative to iron sights. Additionally, it is designed to work on a wide array of firearms, crossbows included. Thus, it is a multi-purpose sight that you can use with all your hunting firearms. Additionally, thanks to its construction, it does not break down easily.

HHA Optimizer Lite Speed Dial w/Optimizer X 3×32 Illum Scope

The black-colored HHA Optimizer Lite Speed Dial Illum scope has to be one of the best scopes on the market right now. And while it is pricier than most other scopes, its high cost is justifiable. First off, this scope has characteristics that are unique to it compared to scopes in its price range. For example, unlike other scopes, it comes with a lite speed dial. Thus it is customized for fast-shooting crossbows. In particular, it works with crossbows with speeds of 350 FPS.

Specification

• 3X fixed magnification
• 32 mm objective lens
• Lite speed dial
• 1-inch matte black tube
• M.O.A adjustable turrets
• Red/green illuminated reticle

Verdict For HHA Optimizer Lite Speed Dial w/Optimizer X 3×32 Illum Scope

For a scope that costs just above 250, this scope is genuinely worth its price tag. All its features come in handy when hunting using a crossbow. Additionally, it is lightweight and compact; thus, it does not add any bulkiness to your crossbow. In summary, this is a great scope to have and to use on various crossbows.

Can you use a rifle scope on a crossbow?

Yes, it is possible to use a rifle scope on a crossbow. A rifle scope can be mounted on a crossbow just like it would be mounted on a rifle. The scope can be mounted using a crossbow scope mount, which is a special mounting system designed to attach a scope to a crossbow. Some crossbows come with a scope mount already installed, while others may require you to purchase a scope mount separately.

To use a rifle scope on a crossbow, you will need to make sure that the scope is compatible with the crossbow. This means that the scope should be designed to withstand the recoil of a crossbow and should be able to withstand the high levels of vibration that can be generated by a crossbow. In addition, you will need to ensure that the scope is properly aligned with the crossbow, which may require the use of scope mounting shims or other alignment tools.

Once you have mounted the scope on the crossbow, you will need to sight it in. This involves adjusting the scope so that it is properly aligned with the crossbow and so that it accurately reflects the trajectory of the crossbow bolts. This may require you to shoot several shots at a target and make adjustments to the scope as needed.

In summary, it is possible to use a rifle scope on a crossbow, but you will need to make sure that the scope is compatible with the crossbow and that it is properly mounted and sighted in.

Conclusion

The search for the best crossbow scope is always challenging, as you have to do a lot of research before settling on a scope that best suits you. Nevertheless, the above-reviewed scopes offer all the features you require in a crossbow scope. Thus, from this list, you can get crossbow scopes with a rangefinder as well as basic crossbow scopes. I hope this review article has been of help and has connected you to the scope that best matches your crossbow hunting needs.