Crossbow hunting and shooting have seen a significant surge in popularity over the years. With this rise, the demand for high-quality crossbow scopes has also increased.
A good crossbow scope can enhance your accuracy, providing you with a clear sight picture and precise aiming points.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best crossbow scopes available in 2024.
| Best Overall | BEST ILLUMINATED | BEST WITH RANGEFINDER |
|---|---|---|
   | ||
| This is a scope with a 2-7×32 magnification range, a standard tube size of 30mm, and a length of 9.5 inches. | The reticle of this Ravin scope provides distinct aiming points ranging from 20 to 100 yards. | This is a scope that serves dual functions, featuring a laser rangefinder. |
The Best Crossbow Scopes: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall: Vortex Crossfire II Crossbow Scope
Product Description
The Vortex Crossfire II Crossbow Scope is a testament to high-quality optics at an affordable price.
This scope is designed to provide the shooter with a clear and bright view of their target, regardless of the distance or lighting conditions.
It’s a rugged piece of equipment, built to withstand outdoor elements and the recoil of powerful crossbows.
The Crossfire II offers fast focus eyepiece, allowing for quick and easy reticle focusing.
The fully multi-coated lenses ensure maximum light transmission and optimal brightness, giving you a clear sight picture even in low-light conditions.
It’s a versatile option that delivers excellent performance and reliability without breaking the bank.
Key Features
- Fast-focus eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing
- Fully multi-coated lenses for maximum light transmission and optimal brightness
- Second focal plane reticle that maintains the same ideally-sized appearance
- Rugged construction that can withstand heavy recoil and impact
- Nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed for fogproof and waterproof performance
- Capped reset turrets for quick re-indexing of the turret to zero after sighting in
- Affordable price point, offering great value for money.
Best Illuminated: Ravin 450 Illuminated Scope
Product Description
The Ravin 450 Illuminated Scope is a top-tier choice for hunters who often find themselves in low-light conditions.
Engineered with a variable speed and arrow drop-compensation setting, this scope offers the ultimate accuracy for long-distance shots.
It comes with an illuminated aiming point that enhances visibility, allowing you to make accurate shots even in dim lighting.
The scope features a fully multi-coated lens that provides superior light transmission, contrast, and image clarity.
Its robust construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of the outdoors without compromising its performance or durability. The Ravin 450 Illuminated Scope is a game-changer for any serious crossbow hunter.
Key Features
- Illuminated aiming points for enhanced visibility in low light
- Variable speed and arrow drop-compensation setting for long-distance accuracy
- Fully multi-coated lens for superior light transmission, contrast, and clarity
- Robust construction to withstand outdoor elements
- Nine-dot ranging system allowing for shooting distances up to 100 yards
Best with Rangefinder: Garmin Xero X1i Crossbow Scope
Product Description
The Garmin Xero X1i Crossbow Scope is a groundbreaking piece of equipment that integrates a rangefinder within the scope.
This advanced technology provides automatic range detection up to 250 yards, eliminating guesswork and enhancing your accuracy.
Additionally, it offers a digital auto-brightness control system that adapts to changing light conditions, ensuring a clear sight picture at all times.
Built for durability, the Xero X1i is water and shock-resistant, making it suitable for hunting in various weather conditions.
It also integrates Laser Locate™ waypoint projection feature that lets you use handheld Garmin devices to know the exact location of your target.
Key Features
- Integrated rangefinder for automatic range detection up to 250 yards
- Digital auto-brightness control system for optimal sight picture
- Durable construction that’s water and shock-resistant
- Laser Locate™ waypoint projection feature for precise target location
- Multiple arrow profiles for customizable performance.
Best TruGlo: TruGlo 4×32 Compact Scope
Product Description
The TruGlo 4×32 Compact Scope is a high-quality, compact scope offering a blend of simplicity and performance.
Its 4x magnification provides a clear and precise view of your target, while the 32mm objective lens allows for ample light transmission.
The scope’s fully-coated lenses ensure maximum brightness, clarity, and contrast, giving you a clear sight picture even in low-light conditions.
It features a durable leaf-spring click adjustment for windage and elevation, providing reliable precision. The lightweight and compact design make it easy to handle and perfect for those who prefer a lighter setup.
Key Features
- 4x magnification for clear and precise viewing
- Fully-coated lenses for maximum brightness, clarity, and contrast
- Durable leaf-spring click adjustments for windage and elevation
- Lightweight and compact design for easy handling
- Non-illuminated reticle for those who prefer a simpler setup
Best TenPoint: EVO-X Marksman Elite Scope
Product Description
The EVO-X Marksman Elite Scope from TenPoint is a premium option designed for serious crossbow hunters.
This high-end scope offers variable speed and arrow drop compensation settings for unmatched accuracy at long distances.
Its multi-coated optics provide exceptional brightness and clarity, allowing you to spot and aim at your targets with ease.
The Marksman Elite Scope features an illuminated reticle with five brightness settings, enabling you to adapt to any lighting condition.
It’s built to last with its robust construction that can withstand tough outdoor conditions, making it a great investment for avid hunters.
Key Features
- Variable speed and arrow drop compensation settings for superior accuracy
- Multi-coated optics for exceptional brightness and clarity
- Illuminated reticle with five brightness settings for adaptability
- Robust construction for durability and longevity
- Designed specifically for crossbows for optimal performance.
Things to Consider Before Buying Crossbow Scopes
When purchasing a crossbow scope, there are several factors you need to consider:
- Magnification: The magnification level of your scope will determine how close you can view your target. For crossbows, a magnification of 4x to 6x is usually sufficient.
- Reticle: The reticle or the ‘crosshairs’ of the scope aids in aiming. Some scopes offer illuminated reticles which can be beneficial in low-light conditions.
- Construction Quality: Look for scopes that are built to last with sturdy materials. They should be shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof to withstand various outdoor conditions.
- Lens Coating: A fully multi-coated lens will provide superior light transmission, resulting in a bright and clear view.
- Price: Lastly, consider your budget. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, remember that quality often comes at a price.
FAQs
Q: Can you use a rifle scope on a crossbow?
A: While technically possible, it’s not recommended to use a rifle scope on a crossbow.
Rifle scopes are designed for greater distances and higher velocities than crossbow scopes. Using a rifle scope on a crossbow may result in poor accuracy.
Q: Are crossbow and rifle scopes the same?
A: No, crossbow and rifle scopes are not the same. Crossbow scopes are specifically designed for the trajectory and speed of crossbows, while rifle scopes are designed for higher speeds and longer distances.
Q: Can I put any scope on my crossbow?
A: In general, you can mount any scope on your crossbow as long as it fits the mounting system.
However, for optimal performance and accuracy, it’s best to use a scope specifically designed for crossbows.
Q: What is the best range finding scope for crossbow?
A: The Garmin Xero X1i Crossbow Scope is considered one of the best range finding scopes for crossbows.
It offers an integrated rangefinder that provides automatic range detection up to 250 yards, enhancing your accuracy.
Q: What is a good cheap scope for a crossbow?
A: If you’re looking for a good, affordable crossbow scope, the 4×32 Compact from TruGlo is a solid option. Despite its lower price point, it offers decent quality and performance.
Q: What is a speed rated crossbow scope?
A: A speed-rated crossbow scope is designed to adjust to the speed of your crossbow, allowing for more accurate shooting.
One example is the TenPoint EVO-X Marksman Elite, which is designed to work well with crossbows that have a speed of 400 FPS.
Q: How many FPS is a good crossbow?
A: A good crossbow usually shoots at around 300-425 FPS (Feet Per Second). This range offers a good balance between power and control, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced hunters.
Q: How far should you shoot a deer with a crossbow?
A: Most hunters agree that 40 yards is a reasonable maximum distance for shooting a deer with a crossbow. However, this can vary based on the specific crossbow and the skill of the hunter.
Q: How much does a crossbow drop at 40 yards?
A: The amount a crossbow bolt drops at 40 yards can depend on several factors, including the bolt’s weight, the crossbow’s speed, and the shooting conditions. On average, you might expect a drop of around 6-12 inches.
Q: How fast is too fast for a crossbow?
A: While faster is often better in terms of crossbow speed, there can be diminishing returns above around 400 FPS. At these higher speeds, bolts can become harder to control and may wear out your crossbow faster.
Q: What crossbows shoot over 500 fps?
A: There are a few high-end crossbows on the market that can shoot over 500 FPS. These include models like the Scorpyd Aculeus and the TenPoint Nitro XRT.
Q: What is the best crossbow shot on a deer?
A: The best shot on a deer with a crossbow is typically a broadside shot, where the deer is standing perpendicular to you. This gives you a good chance of hitting the vital organs and making a clean, ethical kill.
Q: What is the farthest shot to take with a crossbow?
A: While some modern crossbows can technically shoot accurately at distances of 100 yards or more, most hunters recommend sticking to a maximum of about 40-50 yards to ensure an ethical, clean kill.
Q: How far are crossbows accurate?
A: With a skilled shooter and good conditions, a modern crossbow can be accurate up to about 60-80 yards. However, most hunters prefer to shoot at ranges of 40 yards or less to maximize their chances of a successful hit.
Final Thoughts on the Best Crossbow Scopes
Choosing the right scope can make a big difference in your crossbow hunting experience.
While there are plenty of options on the market, the key is to find a scope that fits your budget, suits your needs, and works well with your particular crossbow.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hunter, investing in a good-quality scope can help you make the most of your crossbow and improve your accuracy in the field.
