I’ve been fortunate to try a lot of scope manufacturers.
There are a TON of rifle-hunting scopes that seem to make our heads pop after learning about the sheer vastness of manufacturers.
How do you know the BEST one to use for hunting? That’s why I’m here.
Today, I’ll list down a selection of the best and most reliable scope manufacturers a hunter can find.
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Reliable Scope Manufacturers Made
There are a lot of rifle scope manufacturers that have come out through the years, offering some of the newest and most innovative rifle scopes a hunter can find.
Nevertheless, the earlier rifle scope brands aren’t to be outcompeted.
Let’s learn the different rifle scope manufacturers and why you should check them out.
1. ATN
ATN remains one of the leading rifle scope manufacturers and designers for quality digital rifle scopes, and it’s for an excellent reason.
I see them as a brand that combines the old AND the new.
With ATN, you can find your classic rifle scope favorites with a new modern twist.
But if there’s one thing worth mentioning about ATN, they have some of the best night vision scopes I have ever seen.
One example is their ATN X-Sight 4K Pro, which I have a handy review of.
Engineered with perfection in mind, their night vision devices are worthy of being part of your equipment.
Even while you’re hunting at night, you’ll still be able to get your game!
Their night vision devices have advanced infrared or thermal imaging, which you wouldn’t usually find from other rifle scope manufacturers.
Besides that, they also offer a great selection of binoculars and laser rangefinders.
2. Barska
Barska has a diverse line of rifle scopes for all your needs. They’re a one-stop scope shop for your rifle scopes.
The best part of it all, their products come in an EXCELLENT pricing range! You’ll find a scope for each type of budget and more!
To help you get started, I have an in-depth review of Barska’s 4-16×50 IR Scope!
This USA brand gained a lot of followers thanks to its product specialization. Besides offering rifle scopes, they also sell:
- Biometric safes
- Binoculars
- Spotting scopes
- Sports optics
Barska is one of the leading brands for precision target shooters and hunters.
If you’re a hunter who needs a rifle scope that suits your taste, best believe that Barska can do it for you.
They do custom builds, making sure their clients only get the best rifle scopes from them, whether sports optics or tactical optics!
I’m super lucky and grateful to have a few scopes from them that catered to my needs!
So much so, their tactical rifle and long-range rifle scopes have become staple equipment for police units and even SWAT snipers. It’s that good!
3. Burris Optics
To say that the brand carries a lot of experience and craftsmanship is an understatement.
Before the 1970s, Don Burris had already been in the world of rifle scope making, albeit as an employee.
Believing that he could do better and having many innovative ideas in mind, Burris Optics came to life.
Sure enough, their rifle scopes live up to why the brand came to life in the first place.
Whether you’re a long-range shooter or a tactical shooter, this brand has got something extraordinary stored for you.
Plus, all their rifle scopes are made with quality materials, guaranteed to last you a LONG TIME.
And if you’re worried about the price, no problem!
Burris Optics combines QUALITY and AFFORDABILITY, making it one of my go-to brands not just for long-range rifle scopes but just about everything.
4. Bushnell
Bushnell has been around for quite a while now, or about SIX DECADES, to be exact. Best believe that by now, they already know what they’re doing.
The company started off manufacturing binoculars.
Since then, they have expanded into a wide range of products beloved by many enthusiasts.
One of the reasons why I love Bushnell is because of the quality of their rifle scopes. The terrific clarity is hard to beat!
You’ll get a crystal clear image from their scopes all the time. Just imagine how better your visuals will be when you go hunting!
Now, that’s an expectation that won’t disappoint you.
Besides their incredible rifle scopes, Bushnell has impressive products in its list that you might want to check out as well. They’ve also got
- Trail cameras
- Binoculars
- Spotting scopes
- Magazine loaders
- Telescopic sights
- Rangefinders
Rest assured, you can EXCELLENT quality from their other line of products.
5. Leapers
Truth be told when you think of buying budget scopes, there are probably many questions and doubts going on in your head.
Fortunately, Leapers can take those doubts and throw them out the window! You’ll be amazed at what they offer.
They got high-quality rifle scopes with turret adjustments, lens coating, and many more to make your hunting experience a good one.
These are some of the best budget scopes you can find on the market.
They developed some of the best rifle scopes, and optics hunters fell in love with them through their experience and practice.
Whether you’re looking for highly-priced or affordable rifle scopes, Leapers has it for you.
Their scopes and optics are convenient and easy to use, perfect for hunters who are always on the go.
6. Leupold
By now, Leupold is already a household name when it comes to rifle scopes and optics.
In fact, Leupold is closely compared to Vortex Optics as one of the more esteemed optics brands on the market.
Leupold is one of the oldest rifle scope manufacturers out there, dating back as early as 1907.
However, they didn’t start manufacturing rifle scopes until the Second World War.
Since then, you can expect great things from Leupold and their riflescopes.
From its inception up until today, Leupold remains true to what the founders originally envisioned for the brand – providing great quality scopes, laser rangefinders, and optics for everyone.
If there’s one thing you can expect from Leupold, it’s their promise to provide you with excellent rifle scopes and optics that can last you a LIFETIME.
Plus, pricing is a non-issue because you’ve got many scope choices for your budget and needs.
That’s one promise you can bank on when discussing Leupold scopes. Check out our review on Leupold’s VX-R rifle scope!
7. NcSTAR
NcSTAR started as an optics and sporting company, which remains the same until today.
Since its beginning, NcSTAR always envisioned itself as a manufacturer that provides high-quality optics and scopes at a reasonable price point.
True enough, you’ll find that many of their products come at a decent price point, making their optics and rifle scopes HIGHLY accessible.
Now, regardless of the rifle scope you buy, you can expect the quality of each scope component to be at 100%!
Regardless of the riflescope and optics you choose, I’m sure you’ll enjoy their clear glass, durable body, and elegant finish.
What’s not to love?
Besides offering rifle scopes and sights, NcSTAR also has a long list of remarkable gun cases.
It’s perfect for hunters who want to keep their rifles stored safely. Plus, their gun cases look stylish and come at an affordable price range.
8. Nikon
Who doesn’t know of the brand Nikon?
With more than 90 years in the industry, you know Nikon offers a great selection of hunting scopes or target shooting scopes for your different needs.
You’ve got a great selection of binoculars, spotting scopes, rangefinders, field scopes, to name a few!
Not to mention, their scopes have an impressive magnification range. If magnification range matters to you, then you should check them out.
You can enjoy Nikon scopes almost ANYWHERE you bring them. It can survive under any weather condition or environment!
The cherry on top for me is their reasonable pricing!
Because of their wide range of selection, there’s always something for your needs. They’ve got rangefinders, binoculars, rifle scopes, to name a few.
I even have a comparison review about some of their more popular products, the Nikon Buckmaster 2 vs. Nikon Prostaff, if you’re interested to learn more.
9. Simmons
Simmons is a subsidiary of one of the oldest scope manufacturers in the United States, Bushnell.
You can reasonably expect the same quality and craftsmanship from Simmons. Consistency and reliability at its finest!
Despite being a subsidiary of one of the best scope manufacturers out there, Simmons has set itself apart with its awesome and unique scopes and optics.
Their Aetec series is one of the most popular products on their list, a MUST-HAVE for many hunters.
The comfortable eye relief helped improve my overall hunting experience! You’ll get accuracy and precision each time.
Also worth mentioning is that the glass of their scope is clear, thanks to its edge-to-edge nature.
You can see all the images with excellent quality, regardless of the distance!
One example is their 8 Point 3-9×40 scope, which I have a full review on here!
They also have your standard binoculars and spotters, rangefinders, spotting scopes, trail cameras, and more!
Rest assured, their rifle scopes and hunting optics will pair well with their accessories.
10. Sig Sauer
Many law enforcement agencies look to Sig Sauer to supply their needs. They’re that awesome!
They’ve got some high-performing firearms, which pair well with their optics and scopes.
Through the years, Sig Sauer has manufactured a lot of awesome products that I’ve had the pleasure of trying!
I will say that it’s clear as day why the military and law enforcement agencies rely on these optics for their missions.
Whether it’s with their firearms, optics, rifle scopes, and more, and through all those years, their SBT system has stood out in the market.
The Sig Sauer SBT system provides unparalleled accuracy in each shot you make, regardless of the distance.
And this is probably all thanks to its high-quality glass, which gives you an HD view of your target.
Thus, you can always expect to hit the target all the time and NEVER MISS!
Well, maybe there’s a slim chance you still might… It’s how you treat your scope in the end!
They’ve also got a variety of rifle scopes that come with an impressive magnification range.
Whether you’re looking for short or long-range scopes, you’ll always find one for yourself.
11. Steiner Optics
Like other rifle scope manufacturers, Steiner Optics didn’t start with manufacturing scopes or optics.
Instead, the brand placed most of its attention on making high-quality binoculars for law enforcement personnel.
Later on, the brand has branched manufacturing products and accessories for outdoor activities, including optics and rifle scopes.
Right now, Steiner Optics has made itself a household name when it comes to rifle scopes and optics.
This rifle scope manufacturer released some of the best quality scopes, which you can use in different light conditions.
One of the notable things you need to know from Steiner Optics is their Makrolon housing, which keeps the scope highly indestructible!
I’ve taken their products out for a spin both during the day AND night, rain and snow, and they still felt brand new at the end of the session!
They’re one of the best companies you can TRUST today, that more or less manufactures the type of optics and scope you need.
The classification of their products being a fog-proof scope is a game-changer for them and the rifle scopes industry.
Certainly, many other brands and companies have made an effort to mimic the same quality and design.
12. Swarovski Optik
The Swarovski Optik is an Austrian manufacturer that’s been around for nearly EIGHT decades.
Its humble beginnings with manufacturing binoculars before the brand eventually evolved into the scopes and rifle optics industry.
Sure enough, it’s become a big hit among target shooters and hunters. Nevertheless, Swarovski Optik has a pretty decent line of quality optics I’m sure you’ll love.
Whether you’re into short to long-range scope shooting, there’s always something for you!
Rest assured, the components of their scope are made with durability, from premium glass down to its body.
These are some of the most reliable PREMIUM scopes I’ve ever gotten my hands on!
13. Trijicon
Trijicon is known for its stellar optical devices. Other brands have yet to rival Trijicon, and the whole world is waiting for what’s about to happen.
For many years, Trijicon has rolled out some of the best scopes and rifle optics fit for military and police use.
Their reflex sights and tactical scopes provide excellent precision and accuracy, which is vital for any operation.
A common misconception going around is that the brand is only suitable for short to medium-range shots.
Well, I’m here to tell you that it’s not.
You’d be happy to know that this optics manufacturer produces some of the best long-range rifle scopes, which snipers use!
How’s that for long-range?
Whether you’re a hunting enthusiast or form part of the military or police, you’ll enjoy using Trijicon products.
Their tactical scopes and optics are sure to deliver perfection each time. Plus, their products come with excellent quality!
14. Truglo
I haven’t heard of Truglo before, considering it’s a young brand.
I’m glad I gave them a try, though! Believe me when I say you can expect significant and extraordinary things from them!
Truglo prides itself on producing high-quality optics, giving you a crystal clear view of your target each time.
And with that, you’re guaranteed to make a CLEAR AND PRECISE shot. Now, who wouldn’t want that in their hunting activities?
But of all the products they’ve manufactured, there’s one line they’re very much proud of.
Their innovative archery scopes are unlike other scopes you find out there. And why is that?
Well, archer scopes aren’t for rifles. Instead, they’re for people who still use bows and arrows!
Truglo managed to innovate the traditional way of hunting through their archery scopes.
Whether you need a short or long-range rifle scope, there’s one for you.
There’s barely any optics manufacturer out there who does the same, so this is truly one significant innovation worth celebrating.
Now, I can’t shoot with a bow and arrow to save my life, but I’m glad that if the need to use one arises, I can turn to Truglo!
15. Vortex Optics
The fact that Vortex has been around for only a little over 20 years but still remains one of the TOP choices for any hunter speaks volumes.
Even for such a new entrant in the market, Vortex Optics has managed to get people’s attention with its well-crafted optics.
Whether you’re looking into getting red dot sights, holographic sights, binoculars, spotting scopes/optics, or rangefinders, there’s something for you.
With their wide range of sports optics, spanning from short to long-range optics and scopes, you’ll find a product that suits your needs.
No wonder this manufacturer has a loyal fan base!
Vortex Optics also offers other things, such as binoculars, scopes, and more.
I’m sure you’ll enjoy each of them, as the brand always comes out as having some of the most best scopes and hunting optics.
I talk more about this rifle scope brand in our Aimpoint vs. Vortex Optics article if you’re interested to learn more.
Conclusion
There are many scope manufacturers made in the USA or abroad.
Choosing where to get a new night vision scope, hunting scope, tactical rifle scope, or for your 30-06 rifle can be tricky.
Knowing what each brand specializes in and understanding its history will help you understand whether the brand fits you.
Each brand I’ve mentioned has its specialties, depending on what you’re looking for.
Long-range shooting. Short-range shooting. You name it.
You’ll NEVER run out of an option! Even extra accessories like trail cameras, Picatinny and Weaver rail mounts, and binoculars won’t be an issue!
What are you waiting for? Choose the best scopes for you and try them on your rifles!
FINAL TIP: If you’re looking for brand comparisons, I have a full guide about EOTech and Aimpoint to help you out.
