If you are like me you love optics, and you will spend a lot of time and money to find the perfect one for you. Luckily for you I have compiled some of my favorite crossbow scopes below!
Disclaimer: I may be able to buy a cup of coffee if you purchase something from the following links.
1. Best on the Market #1 – Barnett 1.5-5×32
Barnett is known for making crossbows, so why wouldn’t they develop crossbow optics. I am happy they did, due to the Barnett 1.5-5×32 being a truly outstanding option!
Barnett makes one of only a handful of VPOs (Variable Power Optic) for crossbows. This implies you can change the magnification anywhere in the range of 1.5x and 5x. Remember variable power optics are usually more costly, and heavier. Regardless, they are substantially more flexible.
To make your shot even more precise, Barnett incorporated aiming focuses into the reticle. These aiming focuses are intended for crossbows with a rating between of 300 FPS and 425 FPS. Altogether, they go from 20 to 70 yards. You’ll feel like you can simply reach out and smack the target, literally!
The Barnett 1.5-5×32 additionally sports a lit up reticle with both red and green alternatives. This allows you to have faster sight acquisition even in low light settings. Lastly, I think this optic is extraordinary compared a lot of the competition!
2. Best on the Market #2 – TenPoint Range Master Pro
The RangeMaster Pro crossbow optic is a remarkable and a very well developed design. This should be expected as TenPoint also makes Crossbows! This is the reason the RangeMaster crossbow scope has so many perks that make it priceless to hunters.
Initially, the RangeMaster Pro packs a variable 1.5 to 5x amplification rating. Keep in mind, variable optics are very flexible at both close and long ranges. They enable you to shoot with the most extreme certainty, precision, and security.
The optic has an arrow drop compensator built into the reticle. The markers are from 20 to 60 yards, and it is adjusted for bolts flying Barnett of 275 and 425 feet per second. Shooting has never been simpler, even at longer ranges! The reticle is additionally illuminated and includes 5 brightness levels. You also can pick among red and green reticles.
3. Best for Value #1 – Monstrum 2-7×32
The Monstrum Tactical S2732-R-RG is an elite tactical optic, giving window-like clear optics at 2x to 7x magnification levels for near to mid range shooting.
It comes furnished with an illuminated Rangefinder reticle which can be seen in red or green settings with many brightness settings. This reticle can also be viewed without illumination thanks to it being etched!
Your glass will be protected from scratches and fog thanks to multiple lens coatings.
4. Best for Value #2 – Prostaff P3 3×32
Famous Nikon optical performance paired with a proprietary BDC reticle designed specifically to maximize the range and efficiency of your hunting crossbows. Multiple layers of anti-reflective coating on every piece of glass to provide vivid sight pictures, maximum light transmission and optimum brightness from morning to night. BDC 60 reticle is engineered for a great deal of crossbow bolts, point weights and velocities. The reticle’s 20-yard ‘zero’ allows for corresponding aiming points for shots up to 60–80 yards or further depending on your bolt length, point weight and velocity.
5. Best Cost Friendly Option – UTG 4X32 1″ Crossbow Scope
If you are in the market for a high value but low cost optic, the UTG 4×32 Crossbow Scope is difficult to beat. As of late, UTG has devoted their time to making cost efficient and durable optics.
The 4x amplification is ideal for a crossbow, and the 32mm lens calls for a bright and crystal clear sight picture. The fixed 4x magnification makes this optic extremely easy to use at the same time of keeping the UTG compact
The reticle is flexible and comprised of 5 level lines adjusted for 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50-yards when matched with a 300 FPS crossbow. As you can likely guess, the UTG’s reticle configuration makes range estimation and drop compensation an outright breeze!
As most the the optics on this list , also uses an illuminated reticle in both green and red, making it simple to use in every light condition. Also the reticle is glass etched. Meaning regardless of whether the battery bites the dust you have a usable black reticle!
6. Ultimate Rangefinder – Trijicon ACOG
Despite of the fact that this is not a rangefinder in the regular sense, the Trijicon ACOG Crossbow Scope has heaps of features that make it truly outstanding and by a long shot the best range estimation optic.
First of all, it is perhaps the lightest optic weighing 5.89 ounces. For a smaller shooter saving on weight, that is unbelievable. The unit doesn’t bother with a battery yet runs off a fiber optic cable design that has served the military for over 10 years.
But How Does it Work?
The rangefinder works by utilizing an easy cross hash design that enables you to arrange the animal and afterward measure the distance much like using a measuring tape. At that point use the ballistically aligned reticle to ensure the shot is valid and clean, and pull the trigger!
8. Best for Low Light Settings – Vortex Crossfire II
The Crossfire II scope is one of many product in the Crossfire II line. The V-Brite reticle uses the V-Plex format with battery-powered electronics to illuminate the center dot for hunters during extreme-low light conditions.
You will like the great price but you’ll love the long eye relief, fast focus, resettable turrets, multi-coated lenses, and the high performance.
Things to Note Before Spending Your Hard Earned Money
POA vs. POI (Point of Aim vs. Point of Impact)
It is crucial to first remember that crossbows do not shoot bullets at 3000 FPS like rifles do. This means that as soon as the arrow leaves your bow it is dropping at an exponential rate. While most scopes will greatly improve your accuracy at range, they only predict where the arrow will go at one specific distance.
Think of a crossbow optic like a traditional archery sight, to a specific distance they will work wonders. After this its up to your guessing ability.
Weight and Size
The size obviously is related to the weight. The larger the scope typically the heavier it will be. With this said larger scopes have some advantages over smaller ones. A big scope will gather more light and is typically more clear. This is advantageous in most situations but more specifically in low light situations. The smaller the optic the lighter it will be. This is good if you prefer a light crossbow but you also lose out on the features of the bigger optics.
The Right Scope For you
As I said earlier different scopes offer different features so it is vital that you find out what you need.
When will you be hunting? Where will you be hunting? Do you want to lug around a heavy crossbow all day? These are some of the questions you need to ask yourself before you purchase your scope.
If you prefer to hunt in the early morning and evening then you might want to go with one of the bigger scopes above. These will allow you to see more through your optic when there is very little or dim light.
If you commonly go hunting in the early afternoon and light isn’t a concern you may want to go with a lighter smaller optic. This will help you save on weight lowering your likelihood of fatiguing when you have your animal in the sights.
Helpful Tips
- Know what features you want and what features you could go without. This can save you both time and money.
- Use the return policy – If you don’t like an optic don’t be afraid to return it and get one better suited for you.
- Look for scopes that have warranties – for example Vortex has a wonderful warranty system that can save you a lot of money if you break your sight.
- Look for small signs of quality like finishes or glass clarity. These small signs will point you to a truly nice optic.
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