A rifle scope made in the USA has an inherent best built quality, that makes them durable and accurate. Because of this, they are popular amongst many hunters and shooters who want something dependable for everyday use.
Additionally, many USA scope manufacturers have a reputation for providing excellent customer service and support, especially to consumers closer to home, which can be important for customers who need help with their product.
This article highlights the various USA brands in existence and reviews some of their most popular rifle scope that will provide value to any user.
Brands of Rifle scopes from the USA
There are more than ten brands of scopes designed and manufactured in the United States, but the most popular are;
- Nightforce Optics
- Vortex Optics
- Leupold & Stevens
- Trijicon
- U.S optics
- Burris Optics
- Bushnell
Best Rifle Scope Made in the USA
- NightForce ATACR 5-25x56mm
- Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm
- Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope
- Trijicon AccuPoint TR-20 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
- Burris Veracity 2-10×42 mm
1. NightForce ATACR 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope
This first focal plane (FFP) rifle scope is designed, and built in the USA for long-range shooting and tactical applications. It provides a wide range of magnification, reticle options, and precise adjustments, all housed in a rugged and durable package. The large 56mm objective lens provides a bright and clear image, making it an excellent choice for serious shooters and hunters who demand the best in performance and accuracy.
Magnification-With a magnification range of 5-25x, this scope provides a wide range of magnification options that are ideal for both close-range and long-range shooting. The 25x magnification provides a clear, detailed view of distant targets, making it a great choice for long-range shooting and tactical applications.
Reticle-The ATACR 5-25x56mm is available with several different reticles, including the popular MOAR reticle, which is a precise, hash-marked reticle that provides quick and accurate holdover points. The reticle is located in the first focal plane, which means that the reticle will always be proportionally sized to the target, regardless of magnification. Moreover, it is illuminated to make it clearly visible in all conditions
Adjustments-This scope features precise, zero-stop elevation adjustment. It has a throw lever for quick and accurate diopter adjustments, a well-marked side parallax adjustment, and a capped turret with a positive click feel and easy adjustment for elevation.
Objective Lens Size-With a 56mm objective lens, the ATACR 5-25x56mm provides a large, bright, and clear image that is ideal for long-range shooting. The large objective lens also allows for a wider field of view, making it easier to acquire and track moving targets.
Specifications
- Magnification Range 5-25x
- Focal Plane First Focal Plane (F1/FFP)
- Body Tube Diameter 34mm
- Overall Length 4 in/390 mm
- Mounting Length 5.9 in/150 mm
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in/90 mm
- Field of View: 18.7 ft-4.9 ft
- Exit Pupil: 8.3 mm-2.3 mm
- Weight 1066 g
2. Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Scope
Vortex is a renowned brand from USA and, this rifle scope, in particular, is reputable and loved by many shooters who favor it for both close range and long range shots, its characteristics are;
Magnification-The 5-25x magnification is both versatile and effective for a different range of targets, both in the long medium and short ranges. the scope also allows you to easily switch between the range of magnification for optimal performance.
Objective lens diameter-The 50mm sized objective lens lets in ample light, that brightens up the target especially when there is low light or when you are aiming at a long-range target. It is also paired with an Extra-low dispersion (XD) glass and a multicoated lens that allows maximum transmission of light.
Reticle-This scope comes with a glass etched EBR-7C (MOA) illuminated reticle that is hash-marked using MOA or MRAD-based sub-tension lines and floating wind hold dots for ranging, holdover, and windage corrections. The reticle is also located on the first focal plane meaning it will easily adapt to the magnification.
Adjustments– The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm comes with a tactical turret that’s easy to adjust and gives the shooter an unbelievable edge out in the field. The zero stop can be adjusted at any value even between the clicks. In addition there is a fast-focus eye piece for quick focus of the reticle.
Durability-the scope uses a single-piece aluminum tube that is well put together. O-rings seals prevent the entry of moisture, dust, and debris. Moreover, Argon gas purging prevents any fogging over a wide range of temperatures
Features
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Magnification: 5 – 25 x
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Exit Pupil: 2 – 10 mm
- Field of View: 4.8 – 24.1 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.4 in
- Dimensions:16 x 6 x 2.3 in
- Weight: 31.2 oz
3. Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold brand of rifle scope, made in USA, is best known for their toughness and high performance at an affordable price. Each of their scopes has been impact tested using the most rigorous tests to ensure field survival. this particular scope carries the following characteristics;
Magnification-The 5-25x magnification allows you to dominate mid-range as well as long range target shooting. The scope also uses a First focal plane meaning that the magnification will result in changes in the size of the reticle.
Objective lens size- the 56mm objective lens allows maximum light permeability being one of the biggest sizes on the market. This paired with the Leupold Professional-Grade Optical System allows for maximum permeability of light and a resulting bright image even under low light conditions.
Reticle– The scope has over ten well-calibrated reticle options and uses hash marks instead of dots for increased ranging and holdover precision. The TMR (MK) reticle, for example, will adapt well to different caliber weapons and compensate for both windage and bullet drop. The reticle can also be illuminated or non-illuminated.
Adjustments-The scope comes with a fast focus eyepiece and a side parallax adjustment that can be easily adjusted to keep the reticle in line. The windage dial is capped, but the elevation dial is easily adjustable, and lockable to prevent any unwanted changes.
Durability– This scope has been tested for over 5000 hours for impact. Its waterproof and fog proof and has a scratch resistant lens. The use of a high quality aluminum also makes this one of the lightest scopes weighing a meagre 850 grams
Features
- Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
- Magnification: 5 – 25 x
- Tube Diameter: 35 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2.2 mm
- Field of View: 4.2 – 20.4 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.6 – 3.8 in
- Weight: 850 g
4. Trijicon AccuPoint TR-20 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
This is a perfect option if you need a versatile rifle scope for use for targets positioned at various distances, from medium to long range. It’s good for shooting competition as well as tactical operations and carries the following characteristics;
Magnification-the 3-9x magnification gives the shooter precise targets acquisition at varying distance of the target. the small 3x magnification is good for short to medium targets while the 9x magnification can work with medium to long range targets.
Objective lens diameter-The lens is 40mm wide which will suffice for medium targets, but will fall a little short if you are aiming for anything greater than 500 yards. meanwhile, a coated lens and an anti-reflective glass will give you a clear image of the target.
Adjustments– This rifle scope can be adjusted in a variety of ways. firstly, there is a fast-focus eyepiece that will accommodate any shooters individual prescription. Windage and elevation adjustments are generous and can be made without the use of any tools, Meanwhile, the magnification is controlled by a conveniently placed lever that can be easily repositioned.
Reticle– The scope shines when it comes to the various reticle options, each of which provides the user with a distinct advantage on the shooting field. All reticles favor quick target acquisition and provide holdover at different distances. All of the reticles are illuminated by a savvy fiber optic technology that does not require batteries. The brightness of the reticles automatically adjusts to give the optimum target/reticle contrast.
Durability-the Trijicon brand is renowned for ruggedness, because its scopes have been thoroughly tested to meet military standards.
Features
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4.4 – 13.3 mm
- Field of View: 3.8 – 11.3 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.6 – 3.2 in
- Dimensions: 12.2 x 1.9 x 1.9 in
- Optical Coating: Fully Multi-Coated
- Weight: 13.4 oz
5. Burris Veracity 2-10×42 mm Rifle Scope
The Burris velocity rifle scope made in the USA can be used at short-range distances as well as medium and long range. All this versatility comes from the wide 2-10x magnification, and the ample objective lens diameter of 42mm. other specifications for this scope include;
Reticle-This scope uses a FFP so the reticle will adjust with magnification and has been designed designed for both the big game and varmint. A Progressively Thick Crosshairs (PTC) that is very fine in the center and progressively thicker away from the center, gives ultra-fast target engagement at close ranges and in low-light conditions. Additionally, it has a trajectory compensating technology, for up to 600 yards, and cascading dots for wind drift compensation.
Adjustment– The scope has low profile adjustment knobs that can be finger adjusted to zero, with windage and elevation adjustment that matches that on the reticle. an easy to reach parallax adjustment is ergonomically placed on the side.
Durability– The scope is built using a solid piece of aircraft grade aluminum. Its waterproof and the Nitrogen-filled body tubes prevent internal fogging in the cold and rain. Moreover, precision-gauged and hand-fitted internal assemblies maintain a consistent point of impact through the magnification range, regardless of shock and vibration.
Features
- Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm
- Magnification: 2 – 10 x
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4.2 – 21 mm
- Field of View: 10.5 – 52 ft at 100 yds
- fully multi-coated lens
- Eye Relief: 3.5 – 4.25 in
- Weight: 1.42 lbs.
Rifle scopes Made in the USA-Buying Guide
These are the characteristics that a buyer should consider when they are buying a rifle scope.
Image quality
This depends on the quality of the glass on the lens and the number of coatings applied to it. glass coatings help to reduce reflective loss and help the glass to transmit more light inside the lens. A scope with good quality glass/lens will provide a clear and vivid image, even in low-light conditions.
Magnification
It is the number of times that the image of the targets can be enlarged and it’s indicated with an ‘X’. A 3x magnification for example indicates that the image of the target can be enlarged three times over the original. A higher magnification allows for better accuracy at longer distances, but keep in mind that high magnification narrows the field of view.
If you need accuracy for a long-range target greater than 600 yards consider a magnification greater than 12x. Meanwhile, any magnification between 5x and 10x will suffice for medium targets of up to 500 yards.
Objective lens diameter
This is the factor that determines the amount of light that gets inside the lens. A bigger objective lens definitely lets in more light inside the lens resulting in a brighter image of the target.
A larger objective lens however increases the overall size of the scope and might make it unwieldy. So, consider this when buying a rifle scope.
Reticle
This is also known as the crosshairs and it’s the aiming point of the scope. The reticle comes in different shapes and designs, some of which include
- Duplex Reticle– This is the most basic and widely used reticle, with a simple crosshair design that becomes thicker at the center for improved accuracy. It is a good choice for general hunting and shooting.
- Ballistic Reticle– A ballistic reticle has additional markings or holdover points that are specifically calibrated for certain calibers and ammunition. This type of reticle can help improve accuracy at longer ranges by allowing the shooter to compensate for bullet drops.
- Mil-Dot Reticle– A mil-dot reticle has small dots along the crosshairs that are spaced evenly in angular mils. This type of reticle is often used for long-range shooting and can help the shooter estimate range and adjust for wind drift.
- BDC (Bullet Drop Compensating) Reticle– A BDC reticle is similar to a ballistic reticle, with additional markings or holdover points that are specifically calibrated for bullet drop. This type of reticle is often used for long-range shooting and can help improve accuracy at longer ranges.
Leupold and Vortex are well-known for developing innovative and useful reticles that can be used in a variety of situations.
Adjustments
A scope’s magnification, windage, elevation, parallax, and illumination are all adjustable. The best scopes for long-range shooting, in particular, should allow you to make quick and precise adjustments. The changes should also be simple to implement.
Durability
This is the scope’s ability to withstand the harshness of the outdoors. A good scope should be made of long-lasting materials that can withstand recoil and impact. It should ideally be waterproof, fog proof, and dustproof.
CONCLUSION
This article goes through some of the best rifle scope made in the USA, noteworthy however is that there are some other particular models that will also give the user good value from these USA brands. If you want to know when the scope has been made in the United States, the most common way is looking at the labeling to see whether ‘Made in USA’ is displayed.
Keep in mind that some rifle scopes may be partially manufactured in the United States or assembled in the United States from imported components. It is difficult to determine the exact origin of the components unless the manufacturer has expressly stated so, particularly on their website.
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