Quick Comparison Table

Nikon

Ultimate Arms

UTG

Excalibur

Truglo

Barnett

Hawke

TRUGLO

SA Sports

Wizard

Price $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
Warranty Lifetime warranty Not specified Not specified Not specified Limited lifetime warranty Limited lifetime warranty Not specified Lifetime warranty Not specified Not specified
Weight 11.2 ounces 9.3 ounces 1.59 pounds 1.6 ounces 1.03 pounds 0.8 ounces 16 ounces 16 ounces 2.4 ounces 20.2 ounces
Dimensions 12 x 3.8 x 2.8 inches Not specified 9.9 x 3.6 x 2.9 inches 25 x 13 x 3 inches 9 x 1.8 x 2.8 inches 8 x 2 x 2 inches Not specified 15.6 x 6.6 x 7.8 inches 14 x 3 x 3 inches 12.3 inches long
Magnification 3x 4x 4x 6x 4x 4x 1.5 to 5x 4x 3x 3-9x
Lens size 32mm 32mm 32mm 44mm 32mm 32mm 32mm 32mm 32mm 50mm
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How to Choose the Best Crossbow Scope on the Market?

If you’re participating in archery, or bow hunting, a crossbow scope is a must. A crossbow scope can magnify your target – enabling you to have a better chance of successfully making the kill, and minimizing the pain and suffering of the animal in the process.

There are many different models and brands of crossbow scope on the market. Some feature night vision, while others are designed with premium optics for both practice and real-life targets.

It can take a lot of shopping around to find the best crossbow scope for the money, especially if you’re not quite sure what you need. We’ve put together this buying guide to make the process easier. It features 10 top-rated crossbow scopes on the market, alongside necessary information that should help in the decision-making process.

 

Activity Type

The type of crossbow scope you choose for yourself can depend on your activity, and how lucrative you wish your hunting experience to be.

Typically, the more you spend, the more features your crossbow scope has. For many different hunting activities, you can choose from red dot sight, a reticle scope, or laser scopes.

 

Safety

The crossbow scope itself is not a dangerous item. It magnifies your target, and overall can make your hunting experience a more lucrative one. However, crossbows can be quite deadly and can cause a significant amount of damage when misused.

Most crossbows come with a manufacturer’s guide outlining specific safety advice, and we’ve also included additional safety tips below:

  • Treat your crossbow like a loaded gun. Point it in a safe direction at all times.
  • If you’re hunting in a tree stand, never keep it loaded during entry or exit.
  • Always keep your fingers below the rail of a cocked crossbow.
  • Do not dry fire a crossbow.
  • Always keep the safety engaged unless you’re ready to take the shot.
  • Do not de-cock your crossbow by hand.
  • Always keep your bolt firmly against the string.
  • Ensure your foot stirrup is secure before drawing the bow.
  • Always use bolts as recommended by the crossbow manufacturer.

 

Features

The features of a quality crossbow scope can vary depending on who the manufacturer is. All are adjustable, and some are more suitable for long range hunting than others. However, there are a few basic features that very rarely differ.

A crossbow scope consists of a long tube with an eyepiece at one end, and an ocular lens. At the other end, there will typically be a zoom lens ring which can be adjusted to suit the distance you require.

Not all crossbow scopes have this feature, however. In some models, you can also adjust the elevation, as well as the wind. Some even have a bell shape and an area to mount the scope to your bow.

 

Efficiency

The way to get the best efficiency out of your crossbow scope is by choosing one that’s fit for purpose. You would use a red dot sight crossbow scope if you were using single style distance settings, but if you had an older scope, or wanted to use the most common and trusted scope, you would use one with a reticule function.

A reticle scope has crosshairs which are either illuminated, wired into the scope or are etched on the lens. If you wanted the most efficiency in shooting moving targets, it might work in your favor to purchase a laser sight. They are attached above or below your crossbow and are better than other scopes at determining mid-range targets.

As a rule of thumb, especially for beginners, you will get the most efficiency from a 1-inch tube scope with a 32mm optical lens, a 1-4x variable zoom, and 35-50 yard adjustable parallax.

 

Maintenance

Everyone knows how important it is to maintain their crossbow. If you fail to do so, you can notice a substantial drop in crossbow accuracy. However, it’s equally as necessary to maintain your crossbow scope as well.

When you notice that it’s becoming smudgy, or hard to see through, give your lens a clean with either lens cleaner or a microfiber cloth. It’s also helpful to keep it free of dust, dirt, and grime, and replace any batteries (if applicable) yearly.

 

Budget

The price tag for a top-rated crossbow scope can vary greatly, depending on its specs, features, and quality. It’s a good idea to have a budget in mind, but don’t let your budget constraints stop you from buying a scope you know will be better for your hunting requirements.

At the low end, you can pay as little as $10. However, for a high-quality scope that’s worth its weight in gold, you can easily pay up to $1,094 when you buy online.

 

10 Top Rated Crossbow Scope Reviews

1

Nikon 8461

Nikon 8461

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It’s priced competitively on the market.
  • The manufacturer is well known and trusted.
  • The lenses are multi-coated for better brightness, contrast, and light transmission.
  • It features anti-reflective compounds.
  • It’s precise up to ¼-inch at 20 yards.
  • It has a 150 MOA adjustment range.
  • You can sight in at 20 yards with ease.
  • It’s parallax-free at 20 yards.
  • It’s waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof.
  • It’s lightweight.
  • It comes with a lifetime warranty.
  • It’s universal and suits a range of crossbows.
  • It offers a quick-focus eyepiece.

Cons

  • The 30-60 yard circles are difficult to see in low light.
  • It can be difficult to line the yardage up.
  • It can fog up for some users.

What’s Included

  • Nikon Crossbow Scope.
  • Nikon lens cap.
  • Nikon windage.
  • Elevation caps.
  • Lifetime warranty.

Specs

  • Weight: 11.2 ounces.
  • Dimensions: 12 x 3.8 x 2.8 inches.
  • Magnification: 3x.
  • Lens Size: 32mm.
  • Warranty: Lifetime warranty.

FAQ

QWhat size is the tube?

AIt has a 1-inch tube.


QDoes it come with rings?

ANo.


QDoes it provide eye relief?

AYes, 3.4 inches of eye relief.

Overview

This Nikon crossbow scope offers exceptional accuracy, high-quality features, and a decent adjustment range. It’s well loved by both professional and amateur hunters and is even more popular for its fog proof, shockproof and waterproof features. It’s well priced, durable, and is considered one of the best crossbow scopes for the money.

Reviews

Check out what other people who purchased this product think about it. Read Nikon 8461 crossbow scope reviews.

 

2

Ultimate Arms Gear

Ultimate Arms Gear

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It’s very affordable.
  • It offers full windage and elevation adjustments.
  • It’s filled with nitrogen and is coated.
  • It’s shockproof, fog proof, and water resistant.
  • You can estimate the range of the target with the illuminated rangefinder reticle.
  • It’s suitable for a range of crossbows.

Cons

  • It’s not waterproof, just water resistant.
  • It’s not as well made as others for sale.
  • The lens cleaning kit that arrives with it is just a microfiber cloth.

What’s Included

  • Ultimate Arms Gear Crossbow Scope.
  • Low profile scope ring mounts.
  • Lens cleaning kit.
  • Lens cover.

Specs

  • Weight: 9.3 ounces.
  • Magnification: 4x.
  • Lens Size: 32mm.

FAQ

QWhat is the tube diameter?

A1-inch.


QWhat eye relief is on offer?

A3.1 inches.


QWhat rails does it require?

A⅞-inch Weaver Picatinny rails.

Overview

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use and affordable crossbow scope that will help you make an accurate shot, this Ultimate Arms Gear scope is a good option for you.

It’s reliable, shockproof, fog proof, and universal for most crossbows. While it’s not waterproof, it is water resistant which can give you peace of mind that it’ll survive in moist conditions.

It also has an illuminated rangefinder reticle which is helpful in low light. All in all, it ticks all the boxes for a range of hunters and is worth your consideration.

Reviews

Check out what other people who purchased this product think about it. Read Ultimate Arms Gear crossbow scope reviews.

 

3

UTG

UTG

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It’s well priced on the market.
  • It offers a wide angle view.
  • It has broadband lens coating.
  • The RGB side wheel is illuminated.
  • It has a zero reset function with knobs.
  • It’s suitable for both beginners and professionals.

Cons

  • It’s heavier than several other top-rated scopes on the market.
  • Illumination doesn’t always work.
  • Sighting it in can be difficult.
  • It can be quite inaccurate.

What’s Included

  • UTG Crossbow Scope.
  • Lens cap.
  • Rings.

Specs

  • Weight: 1.59 pounds.
  • Dimensions: 9.9 x 3.6 x 2.9 inches.
  • Magnification: 4x.
  • Lens Size: 32mm.

FAQ

QWhat is the tube diameter?

A1-inch.


QWhat is the parallax?

A50 yards.


QHow many reticles does it have?

A5.

Overview

If you’re on a budget, but you still want a decent, well-made crossbow scope that ticks all the boxes, this UTG scope is a good option for you. Like most scopes, it does have a few problems.

It’s heavy, illumination doesn’t always work, and sighting in can be difficult. However, it’s also packed full of convenient features with crystal clear optics and competitive pricing. It’s by no means the best option, but it’s well worth your consideration.

Reviews

Check out what other people who purchased this product think about it. Read UTG crossbow scope reviews.

 

4

Excalibur

Excalibur

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It’s very durable and well made.
  • It’s rugged.
  • It’s excellent in low light pre-dawn or pre-dusk.
  • The lens is very crisp.
  • It has a wider lens than many other options on the market.
  • It doesn’t take long to set up on a crossbow.
  • It’s very accurate.

Cons

  • It’s very costly.
  • It’s not suitable for all crossbows.
  • The eye relief isn’t very comfortable.

What’s Included

  • Excalibur Crossbow Scope.

Specs

  • Weight: 1.6 ounces.
  • Dimensions: 25 x 13 x 3 inches.
  • Magnification: 6x.
  • Lens Size: 44mm.
  • Warranty:

FAQ

QHow big is the tube?

A1-inch.


QDoes it have lines for yardage?

AYes, up to 50 yards.


QWhat crossbows is it suitable for?

AExcalibur.

Overview

If your preferred hunting times require you to spend a lot of time in poorly-lit conditions, there’s every reason to consider buying this Excalibur scope.

While it’s priced higher than several other scopes on the market, it is worth the money. It lets in exceptional amounts of light in low light conditions, all the while offering crisp sight up to 50 yards. It’s one of the best crossbow scopes for the money.

Reviews

Check out what other people who purchased this product think about it. Read Excalibur crossbow scope reviews.

 

5

Truglo

Truglo

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It’s very affordable.
  • Its camo scheme helps it blend into any hunting environment.
  • It offers comfortable eye relief.
  • It’s fully coated for better brightness, clarity, and contrast.
  • Under the screw caps, you can adjust the elevation and windage.
  • It’s durable.
  • It has a non-reflective matte finish.
  • It comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
  • It’s scratch resistant.

Cons

  • It’s quite heavy.
  • Sighting in is difficult.
  • Some parts are poorly made.
  • Adjustment is difficult.
  • It fogs up.

What’s Included

  • Truglo Crossbow Scope.
  • Limited lifetime warranty.

Specs

  • Weight: 1.03 pounds.
  • Dimensions: 9 x 1.8 x 2.8 inches.
  • Magnification: 4x.
  • Lens Size: 32mm.
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty.

FAQ

QWhat eye relief does it offer?

A4 inches.


QDoes it have dots or crosshairs?

ACrosshairs.


QIs it waterproof?

AYes.

Overview

While this Truglo crossbow scope has all the makings of a decent product, it falls short on quality. Many parts are poorly made, and there are several inconsistencies in the accuracy of the sighting.

It’s also challenging to adjust. If you’re on a limited budget and you don’t hunt often, it might fulfill your needs just fine.

However, if you’re a professional who needs the best gear money can buy, this scope is not going to suit your requirements at all.

Reviews

Check out what other people who purchased this product think about it. Read Truglo crossbow scope reviews.

 

6

Barnett

Barnett

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It’s affordable.
  • It’s waterproof and shockproof.
  • It offers a multi-reticle crosshair system to help with rapid target acquisition.
  • It’s compatible with a range of crossbows.
  • It’s easy to set up.
  • It’s a good option for beginners.
  • It’s lightweight.
  • It comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

Cons

  • It doesn’t sight in very easily.
  • It’s difficult to mount, and the mount moves.
  • The lens can be quite blurry to see out of.
  • It’s not very well put together.

What’s Included

  • Barnett Crossbow Scope.
  • Dovetail mounting rings.
  • Limited lifetime warranty.

Specs

  • Weight: 0.8 ounces.
  • Dimensions: 8 x 2 x 2 inches.
  • Magnification: 4x.
  • Lens Size: 32mm.
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty.

FAQ

QWhat size rings does it require?

A0.875-inch dovetail mounting rings.


QIs it suitable for low light conditions?

AYes.


QDoes it require a battery?

ANo.

Overview

This Barnett crossbow scope is a good option for beginners with a limited budget. It’s easy to use, easy to set up and even comes with a lifetime limited warranty for your peace of mind.

It ticks all the boxes for a range of features, but it does fall short on quality in some cases. Some customers noted that it doesn’t sight in very easily, and it can also be challenging to mount. Some customers also stated that it wasn’t put together very well.

It’s a good option for new hunters, but it’s not overly suitable for professionals who need the best equipment money can buy.

Reviews

Check out what other people who purchased this product think about it. Read Barnett crossbow scope reviews.

 

7

Hawke

Hawke

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It has a speed selector to enable you to match it to any bow.
  • The optics are multi-coated for high levels of light transmission.
  • The optics are both red and green, whereas many other models are just one color.
  • It has a precision reticle to offer aim points at 10 yards, and intervals from 20 to 100 yards.

Cons

  • It’s costly when you buy online and instore.
  • The 5x magnification only works with a high-speed bow.
  • Clarity and low light visibility are poor.

What’s Included

  • Hawke Crossbow Scope.

Specs

  • Weight: 16 ounces.
  • Magnification: 1.5 to 5x.
  • Lens Size: 32mm.

FAQ

QWhat bow speeds is it suitable for?

A275 FPS and 425 FPS.


QWhat diameter is the tube?

A1-inch.


QCan you still see the crosses if the illumination is off?

AYes.

Overview

For the average bow hunter, this crossbow scope will tick all the boxes. It’s precise, can be matched to most bows, and offers 1.5 to 5x magnification, depending on the FPS of your bow.

Overall, it’s a very high-quality, albeit expensive, crossbow scope. However, the overall clarity and low light visibility are not the best, so it’s best suited to those who prefer to hunt in the middle of the day.

Reviews

Check out what other people who purchased this product think about it. Read Hawke crossbow scope reviews.

 

8

TruGlo

TruGloe

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It’s very inexpensive.
  • It comes with a lifetime warranty.
  • It offers comfortable eye relief.
  • The lens is fully coated for better brightness, clarity, and contrast.
  • You can adjust both the windage and elevation.
  • It’s durable.
  • It has a non-reflective matte finish.
  • It’s scratch resistant.

Cons

  • It won’t hold at zero.
  • It can be hard to sight it in.

What’s Included

  • TruGlo Crossbow Scope.
  • Lifetime warranty.

Specs

  • Weight: 16 ounces.
  • Dimensions: 15.6 x 6.6 x 7.8 inches.
  • Magnification: 4x.
  • Lens Size: 32mm.
  • Warranty: Lifetime warranty.

FAQ

QIs it an illuminated scope?

ANo.


QWhat rings does it require?

AWeaver rings.


QHow many reticles are there in the scope?

A4.

Overview

Even though this scope can be difficult to sight in, and on the odd occasion won’t hold at zero, it’s still an excellent example of a low-cost scope for a range of hunters.

It’s easy to use, comes with a lifetime warranty, and is even scratch resistant to ensure it stands the test of time. Overall, it’s a good option for hunters on a budget who don’t wish to skimp on quality.

Reviews

Check out what other people who purchased this product think about it. Read TruGlo crossbow scope reviews.

 

9

SA Sports

SA Sports

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It’s lightweight.
  • It’s affordable.
  • It’s relatively accurate.
  • It’s made of sturdy aluminum.
  • It’s waterproof, shockproof and fog proof.
  • It has both green and red controls for better brightness in low light conditions.
  • The lenses are optical-grade glass lenses with an etched reticle.
  • It offers multiple sight points.

Cons

  • Clarity can be an issue for some people.
  • Some customers believe it’s quite a bulky, cumbersome scope.

What’s Included

  • SA Sports Crossbow Scope.
  • Dust cover.
  • Cleaning cloth.
  • Hex key.
  • Weaver-style mounts.

Specs

  • Weight: 2.4 ounces.
  • Dimensions: 14 x 3 x 3 inches.
  • Magnification: 3x.
  • Lens Size: 32mm.

FAQ

QDoes it come with rings?

AYes.


QDoes it have crosshairs or red dots?

ACrosshairs.


QHow big is the eye relief?

A4 inches.

Overview

This SA Sports scope is one of the most affordable crossbow scopes on the market, yet it’s on-par with some of the more well-known brands. It packs a punch regarding quality and durability and is also very accurate as well.

It’s shockproof, waterproof and fog proof, and even comes to the party with multiple sight points. If you make a comparison between the price and the features, it’s one of the best crossbow scopes for the money.

Reviews

Check out what other people who purchased this product think about it. Read SA Sports crossbow scope reviews.

 

10

Wizard Archery 3-9x50EG

Wizard Archery 3-9x50EG

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It costs very little when you buy online.
  • You can adjust the windage and elevation.
  • It has a decent field of view.
  • It offers red and green illumination for night and day use.
  • It can withstand heavy recoil.
  • It has a fast-focus ocular adjustment for your convenience.
  • The lens is multi-coated for better brightness in low light.
  • It’s waterproof and fog proof.
  • The reticle is illuminated for better accuracy.
  • The lens is larger than most other crossbow scopes on the market.
  • Comparing the features in comparison to the cost on Amazon, you’re able to get the best deal online.
  • The reticle is glass etched with multi-aim points.

Cons

  • It’s very heavy.
  • The lens scratches easily.
  • There aren’t any directions for use.

What’s Included

  • Wizard Archery Crossbow Scope.

Specs

  • Weight: 20.2 ounces.
  • Dimensions: 12.3 inches long.
  • Magnification: 3-9x.
  • Lens Size: 50mm.

FAQ

QWhat size is the tube?

A1-inch.


QHow big is the eye relief?

A3.2 inches.


QWhat battery does it take?

A1x CR2032.

Overview

This Wizard Archery scope represents good value for money. It’s larger than most other scopes on the market, and it offers an exceptional field of view, with decent illumination for use in low light.

It’s also waterproof and fog proof to ensure you can use it in all conditions. While it’s heavy and can be challenging to set up, a novice or professional will find the finished result is one they would happily recommend to others.

Reviews

Check out what other people who purchased this product think about it. Read Wizard Archery 3-9x50EG crossbow scope reviews.

 

Where to Buy Crossbow Scopes?

When you’re in the market for a new crossbow scope, there is a myriad of places to look. There are several different hunting and fishing stores to browse, or you could save time and money by shopping on online platforms such as Amazon.

You can often get the best deal on a top-rated crossbow scope when you compare different brands and models online. You can also review various options to ensure you’re getting the best crossbow scope for the money.

 

Leading Crossbow Scope Brands and Manufacturers
  • SA Sports
  • Excalibur
  • Nikon

 

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