20 Best Rifle Scope Manufacturers: Premium, Budget Brands

Rifle scopes come in all shapes and sizes. Some can even have special functions that help improve your performance in the field, depending on which company made them and their primary objectives.

To find the best rifle scopes possible, looking at scope models and their unique features is not enough.

You must also familiarize yourself with the manufacturers that produce your optics, as this will allow you to find the premium options, the industry leaders, and the brands trusted by shooting professionals.

Allow me to take you through this list of 20 of the best rifle scope manufacturers on the market, their stand-out product lines, and everything else you need to know about them to help you find good quality scopes you can add to your hunting gear or loadout.

1. ATN

American Technology Network Corp, or ATN, is one of the leading rifle scope manufacturers and designers in the optics industry. It’s known primarily for its quality digital rifle scopes.

The company is based in the United States and is well-known for giving classic rifle scope favorites a modern, high-tech twist.

This brand has a wide variety of products, from rifle scopes to thermal imaging and night vision optics. Their rifle scope lines include the following:

• Night Vision Scope
• X-Sight 4K Pro Rifle Scope Series
• X-Sight LTV
• X-Sight 4K INT Rifle Scope Series
• Thermal Scopes

They are able to combine advanced digital technology with old-school hunting scope know-how to give you better performance in the field. Their scopes also utilize advanced image sensors with either infrared or thermal imaging.

Their rifle scopes are highly effective, especially when you are hunting at night. They come with long-lasting battery runtimes and are incredibly durable no matter your hunting environment. ATN is one of the most reliable scope manufacturers out there.

Their warranties will depend on the product. For example, the Digital Night Vision product line comes with a two-year warranty, while their Thermal products come with a three-year warranty.

Accessories come with a one-year warranty, while their batteries come with a six-year warranty.

You can easily contact their customer support through their website if you have trouble with your hunting scope. You can also call them at 1-650-989-5100 if you wish to talk to a representative.

2. Barska

Barska is another famous American scope brand specializing in sports optics, biometric safes, and protective cases. They are one of the optics brands with the most diverse line of products in the hunting industry.

Their wide range of products allows them to cater to different specializations. They are best known as the go-to brand for precision target shooters and hunters. However, they also sell the following products:

• Binoculars
• Biometric Safes
• Spotting Scopes
• Sports Optics

Their rifle scopes, in particular, are made with high-density rated glass and prisms, ensuring their durability while providing the best view of your target.

They can also produce optics with custom builds for certain clients to ensure your scope fits your needs and operations.

They use components outsourced from other leading scope brands inside the US and overseas to provide only the best scopes to their clients. They are well-known for their high-quality rifle scopes and their affordable price range.

Barska believes that you should not have to spend much to have good-quality optics. They have many budget scopes under $100 that provide similar quality to more expensive scope brands.

Their rifle scopes come with a one-year warranty. You can easily contact their customer support by submitting an online form through their website or calling 1-888-666-6769.

3. Burris Optics

Burris Optics is one of the most innovative optics brands in the hunting and tactical shooting industry. With their experience and craftsmanship, you can easily find a scope that fits your needs, whether you are a long-range shooter or a tactical shooter.

Their wide array of product lines is listed below.

• Eliminator Laserscope
• Veracity
• Veracity PH
• Signature HD Riflescopes
• Fullfield IV
• Fullfield E1 Riflescopes
• Droptine Riflescopes

Their innovations include Wideview, the non-magnifying, constantly-centered reticle, and the Accu-Range dual-reticle scope.

These improvements to the classic rifle scope design help enhance the shooters’ performance and make their optics stand out against other manufacturers.

Most of the product assembly of this US company is done in the Philippines as well as Japan to help make it more affordable. Still, they are made from high-quality materials to ensure that they last for a long time.

Their scopes come in varying prices, with their cheapest being less than $200. They also have more high-end models that can be quite expensive. However, they are all worth the price.

Burris Optics provides a forever warranty for their non-thermal optics and a three-year limited warranty for their thermal optics. You can contact their customer service team through the portal on their website or call them at 1-888-440-0244.

4. Bushnell

Bushnell is one of the optics industry’s most affordable and reliable rifle scope manufacturers.

This brand started out by producing binoculars but have since expanded their products for hunting. They are known to be an excellent choice for rookie hunters who are looking for their first reliable scope.

They have a variety of hunting scopes that can cater to your different needs, especially if you are a beginner. You can look into the following products they offer:

• Long Range Rifle Scopes
• Hunting Scopes
• Target Shooting Scopes
• Telescopic Sights
• Spotting Scopes

Bushnell is also best known for the clarity of their lenses, especially with their Elite series being built with Japanese glass. You can expect to get a crystal clear image of your target and improve your performance on the field.

Most of Bushnell’s scopes are made in China and South Korea, while their Elite Tactical Scopes are made in Japan. This allows them to sell their high-quality optics at an affordable price.

Since they are one of the most affordable scope brands in the optics world, they make quality scopes accessible to different people regardless of budget or skill.

Every Bushnell rifle scope comes with a no-questions-asked lifetime warranty. You can do this by contacting them through their website’s Contact Form or by calling 1-800-423-3537.

5. EOTech

EOTech is a scope brand trusted and highly valued by law enforcement agencies, armed services, and competition shooters.

While their scopes are not commonly seen at the shooting range, they still offer a significant amount of configurations that can fit your needs and uses.

That said, their rifle scopes are limited to their Vudu series, which provides some of the best precision you can get in a scope on the market. Their lack of scopes may be one of the company’s most significant downsides.

You can also look into their other products that have won the troops over, such as the following:

• Holographic Sights
• Magnifiers
• Equipment and Gear

Their rifle scopes are best known for their compact design. Their long-range rifle scopes are only 2/3 the length of other long-range scopes in the market. They also use top-tier Japanese glass for a clear view of your target.

This optics company provides undoubtably-durable scopes. However, their product functions and builds may make them better suited for media events and shows rather than competitions or the range.

Their long-range precision scope series also tends to be expensive, which might not be ideal for most people. However, if you want to really work on long-range precision shooting, their scopes are worth the price.

Their scopes come with a NoBS or limited lifetime warranty. You can contact the scope manufacturer directly through their website.

6. Leapers

Leapers is another American-made affordable scope brand. They are popularly known for manufacturing some of the best budget scopes on the market. They have also become one of the most preferred brands by practical hunters.

This brand has a decent variety of hunting rifle scopes and accessories, including the models listed below.

• INTEGRIX
• Bug Buster
• UTG
• True Hunter

Their excellent rifle scopes come with crisp turret adjustments and unique lens coatings that allow you to improve your performance on the field. Their technology is easy to use, convenient, and perfect for hunters on the go.

Their high-quality scopes are durable and long-lasting, perfect for outdoor use despite being a budget scope company. They use German and Japanese glass lenses to provide a clearer view of your target.

They produce some of the most affordable rifle optics on the market. However, they are also one of the best scope manufacturers, given their high-quality optics. You can easily find many scopes under $100, making them accessible to everyone.

They provide a lifetime warranty on all their products. You can contact customer support through their website or call (734)542-1500.

7. Leupold

Leupold has been in the business for more than 100 years. However, this brand didn’t start manufacturing rifle scopes until World War 2.

Since then, it has become a world-class optics company commonly compared to its competitor, Vortex Optics. Both brands are the darlings of military and law enforcement shooters across the globe (and personal favorites of mine).

Leupold scopes come in a wide variety, especially since this scope manufacturer is known for their superb quality scopes, optics, and laser range finders. You can look at the following list to help you find the best Leupold scope for your needs.

• VX-Freedom
• FX-I Rimfire
• FX-II Ultralight
• FX-3
• FX-II
• Mark 3HD
• VX-3HD
• VS-3 Handgun
• VX-5HD
• Patrol 6HD
• FX-4.5HD
• Competition Series
• Mark 5HD
• VX-6
• VX-6HD

Most of their scopes come with illuminated reticle technology, which gives shooters pinpoint shot placement in low-light conditions. They are also designed for a more natural shooting position so that you can remain comfortable despite long hours in the field.

Hunters can also appreciate some of their models with a duplex reticle for easier shooting.

They are one of the scope brands guaranteed to provide amazing scopes that will last you a lifetime, ensuring they only sell the best scopes on the market.

Their products are also built for any weather condition, so finding a waterproof and fog-proof scope in their catalog is typical.

Their scopes are available across a wide price range, making it easy to find one that will fit your budget. You are guaranteed to get a hunting scope with reliable performance regardless of the price, especially if you are looking for a duplex reticle.

They also have a lifetime guarantee to ensure the quality of their products. You can contact their customer support through their website or by calling 1-800-LEUPOLD.

8. NcSTAR

NcSTAR is a Southern California brand that started as an optics and sporting company. They aim to provide competitive shooters and hunters with reliable scope performance at a reasonable price.

They are best known for their variety of tactical rifle scopes. Some of the most notable tactical optics are the following series:

• Mark III Tactical Series
• Long Eye Relief Series
• Compact Tactical Series
• Shooter Series

Their rifle optics are made with sturdy bodies, clear glass, and a sleek finish, balancing performance and aesthetics for your shooting needs.

Their products are made in China, which allows them to be more affordable than other scope manufacturers. You can expect these tactical scopes to have more than decent quality, especially if you are looking for a budget scope.

This scope brand has been known to make optics highly affordable and accessible to the general public.

A lifetime warranty covers all their products. You can contact their customer service through their website or by calling 1-866-627-8278.

9. Nightforce Optics

Nightforce Optics is one of the industry’s most well-known rifle scope brands. They are best known for their excellent tactical and hunting scopes. All their products are proudly made in the United States.

They have a variety of scopes and lines to choose from.

• ATACR
• NX8
• SVH
• NXS
• Competition
• BENCHREST

You can expect only the best rifle scopes from this brand. They are designed to provide maximum transmission of light through their optics.

You can also expect Nightforce’s reliable tracking and reticles to consistently hit your target, ensuring efficient ammunition.

Nightforce Optics is also best known for its durability. Their scopes are incredibly long-lasting and can even outlast almost anything you own.

Since this brand is more on the premium side, you can expect it to be more expensive than most brands on this list. However, the quality and precision they provide make their tactical scopes worth it.

They also provide a limited lifetime warranty for their scopes. You can visit their website or call 208-476-9814 ext 3 to contact customer support.

10. Nikon

Nikon is a Japanese brand famous for many types of optical equipment, particularly cameras. However, they are known to have some of the best optics among scope manufacturers.

They provide an excellent combination of affordability and performance, providing users with some of the best rifle scopes for the field.

Unfortunately, the brand has discontinued its line of rifle scopes. If you’re lucky, you might still find a few of their scopes floating around the internet.

They are also known for selling other products you might need, like the following:

• Binoculars
• Spotting scopes
• Field scopes
• Rangefinders

While you may have to do some digging, you can expect each rifle scope in their catalog to have the best magnification range among scope manufacturers. They were designed to help you shoot your target from almost any position on the field.

Their scopes were also engineered to last a long time and withstand any environment. You can take one of their scopes to your adventures without worrying about it, whatever the weather.

While not the cheapest scope brand, Nikon is still one of the more affordable manufacturers, especially for the quality they provide. With their excellent magnification range, durability, and performance, these scopes are worth their weight in gold.

Despite their discontinuation, Nikon’s optical systems are covered by their limited lifetime warranty. You can contact their customer support through their website’s live chat or by calling (800) 645-6687.

11. Primary Arms

Primary Arms is a scope brand with products manufactured across different parts of Asia. They are known to provide a variety of quality optics without compromising the price of their products.

They provide a wide rifle scope selection with three main lines — PLx, GLx, and SLx. They also offer other merchandise, including the following, to help you on the field.

• Shooting gear
• Laser sights
• Mounting systems
• Cleaning tools

All their lines were designed with perfect tracking to help improve your performance on the hunt. However, their Japanese-made PLx line is their standout product line. Made with mid-tier Japanese glass, these scopes are made to be reliable while shooting.

Primary Arms has scopes manufactured in Japan, China, and the Philippines. However, they all exhibit some of the best craftsmanship in the industry, providing outstanding durability that will last a long time.

They are more affordable compared to other competitive alternatives. They also offer more features than other manufacturers of the same price point.

This makes their scopes more accessible than other more expensive brands that can perform as well as Primary Arms.

All their scopes are backed by a lifetime warranty. You can contact their customer support through their website or by calling 713-344-9600.

12. Sightmark

Sightmark is a relatively new player in the optics industry. However, they already provide a wide variety of products that can help improve your performance on the range.

This brand manufactures a wide range of products, including long-range rifle scopes, night vision devices, and more. You can take a look at their vast catalog to find the best scopes for your needs, whether it is for long-range shooting or hunting. Here are some of the products and product lines they offer:

• Hunting scopes, long-range scopes, night vision devices
• Wraith
• Core TX
• Core HX
• Citadel
• Latitude
• Presidio
• Pinnacle

They have the best night vision scopes out of all the scope manufacturers, especially with their crystal-clear lenses that provide some of the clearest images you can get from shooting optics.

Most of their scopes also function like digital ones despite not being that advanced in terms of the technologies used.

Sightmark aims to provide premium scopes at an affordable price. They design their products with premium lenses and repeatable turret dynamics.

Their scopes are also highly durable and designed to withstand any location and environment.

They have many budget options, making the brand more accessible. This allows users to buy an affordable long-range scope or night vision scope without breaking the bank.

However, their digital scopes tend to be more expensive than their other models.

The majority of their products come with a limited lifetime warranty. You can contact their customer support through their website or by calling 1-817-383-1163.

13. Simmons

Simmons is a subsidiary of Bushnell. You can expect them to provide the same quality and craftsmanship without spending too much money.

They produce a wide variety of scopes, from hunting and tactical ones to long-range optics. You can look into the following lines of scopes to find one that will fit your needs.

• AETEC
• ProTarget
• Whitetail Classic
• ProTarget Rimfire
• ProHunter
• .22 MAG
• 8-Point

Simmons is known to have the best scopes for eye relief, making them more comfortable to use over extended periods. Their lenses also have an end-to-end nature, ensuring all your images are clear regardless of the distance.

Their scopes are also made to be highly durable for a low-budget scope. They stand out over other scope manufacturers because their affordable models have high-end features that you don’t usually find in low-budget models.

While their scopes are incredibly affordable, you can still expect a decent and dependable quality optic that can enhance your overall marksmanship. This brand is one of the best options for beginners looking for a reliable scope to invest in without going broke.

All their products are covered by a lifetime limited warranty. You can connect with their customer support through their website or by calling (800) 423-3537.

14. Sig Sauer

Sig Sauer is a scope brand best known for being used by law enforcement personnel, military snipers, and other uniformed services. Their originally German military-grade optics have become some of the best-known products in the industry for their quality and performance.

They have a plethora of scopes, from entry-level hunting to smart BDX-compatible ones.

They also have other products, like Sig suppressors and even air guns. Whether you are looking for a hunting scope, a tactical rifle scope, or a night vision scope, Sig Sauer can easily provide you with the best rifle scope for your needs.

Here are some of their scope lines.

• Sierra
• Whiskey
• Tango
• Buckmasters
• Easy6-BDX

Their SBT (Sig Ballistic Turret) models are the most popular option, thanks to their unparalleled accuracy. Their scopes allow you to shoot from almost any part of the field and help you hit the bullseye almost every time.

All their optics also provide an HD view of the target to make it easier to zero in on them.

The brand’s military-grade equipment is sure to last you a long time. They are easy to operate and can weather any hardship, making them a great investment for any rifle.

Sig Sauer offers a wide price range. There are many affordable options to choose from if you are on a budget. However, all their more expensive options are worth the splurge, especially with all the features that go into these scopes.

Their warranty will depend on the model you have purchased. You will have to register your device on their website to know your exact terms. They usually range from five years to a lifetime guarantee.

You can contact their customer support through their website.

15. Steiner Optics

Steiner Optics is another notable German scope brand that focuses heavily on the needs of military personnel when producing scopes. First producing high-quality binoculars, they now produce some of the best scopes and optics in the industry.

They have a variety of rifle scopes, from night vision scopes to long-range optics. You can choose between their military, hunting, and tactical series for the best rifle scopes. You can also look into variable or fixed magnification options.

Steiner Optics stands out as a scope manufacturer because of their invention of the Makrolon housing. It makes their scopes virtually indestructible and safe for all conditions. They are also designed to be used for different light conditions.

Many companies have tried to copy Steiner’s designs and quality. However, no other manufacturer can replicate or match their products. You can expect this brand to provide some of the best in the industry that will last you a lifetime.

Steiner is more expensive than many of the brands on this list. However, each rifle scope is high-performance and high-quality, lasting long and able to keep up with the most demanding missions.

Each scope is backed by a three-year warranty. You can contact their customer support through their website or by calling 1-888-550-6255.

16. Swarovski Optik

Swarovski Optik is an Austrian company that has been in the business for nearly eight decades. They are a premium brand that initially designed their optics for non-military use.

Their brand is mostly known for their spotting scopes. However, they also have many great rifle optics ranging from medium to long-range shots. You can look into the following series for your needs:

• Z8i(+)
• Z6(i)
• dS
• X5i
• Z5(i)
• Z3

Swarovski Optik is best known for its crystal-clear optics, making it easier to get a good view of your target while on the field. They also produce some of the industry’s highest-performing, most intuitive, and high-precision rifle scopes.

Each rifle scope is also manufactured with a robust body. It helps make them durable and rugged, able to handle any terrain and weather. This makes them perfect for your outdoor adventures.

More expensive compared to other scope manufacturers, Swarovski Optik is one of the best scope brands you can choose.

While it might be tempting to keep their scopes in a safe, given their prices, I can assure you that they are best used outdoors.

Its warranty depends on your device. Warranties can range from 2 to 5 years, which you can learn more about once you have registered your device online. You can contact their customer support through their website or by calling +1 800 426 3089.

17. Trijicon

Trijicon is an American scope manufacturer known worldwide for its high quality. It has been used by the US military and police and is well respected for the reliability it provides to law enforcement and warfighters.

Trijicon is most known for its reflex sights (particularly the ACOG line). However, they also have a wide range of scopes that can give you a clearer view of your target. You can look into the following lines for your needs.

• ACOG
• VCOG
• AccuPoint
• Huron
• Ascent
• Credo
• Credo HX
• Tenmile
• Tenmile HX

Each of their scopes is designed for accuracy and precision, especially for tactical shooters. Many are designed for short and long-range shooting, especially with the wide magnification range built into each rifle scope.

Their products also exhibit a military-grade design, perfect for any terrain or environment you want to shoot in. Their scopes are exceptionally durable and will last decades, especially if they are well taken care of.

Trijicon is one of the expensive scope manufacturers. While they have more affordable options, they do not fit in the low-budget territory.

However, you can expect each optic to be worth every penny, especially with how precise your shots can get with the view of the target it gives you.

Their warranty depends on the model you have. It can range anywhere between 3 and 12 years. You can learn more about it once you register your device online. You can also contact their customer service through their website or by calling 1-800-338-0563.

18. Truglo

This American scope brand is still relatively young. However, it has made a name for itself in the industry, especially when it comes to archery scopes. Taking that expertise, they have also created some of the best and most affordable scopes on the market.

They only have some variations for their rifle scopes. However, they are all manufactured to have some of the best performance in the industry. You can look into the following lines to see if they have a rifle scope for you.

• OMNIA Series
• NEXUS Rifle Scope
• INTERCEPT Illuminated Reticle Scope
• EMINUS Series

Their scopes are designed to provide a crystal clear view of the target every time. They feature a 3-point aperture and the Deluxe PWR-DOT colored fiber optics systems to help people with visual acuity problems.

This scope manufacturer is on top when it comes to innovation, especially with the adjustments they made to make their scopes more useful for different kinds of people. They are also reasonably durable for most hunting activities.

Truglo produces some of the most affordable scopes on the market, making it easier to get the scope you need to start hunting. Their products have the technology of many more expensive scope manufacturers but are able to sell them at a cheaper price.

All their scopes are covered by a lifetime warranty. You can contact their customer support through their website.

19. Vortex Optics

Vortex Optics is a notable American scope manufacturer known for having well-crafted optics. They have been recommended by many people over the years, especially with how well they last on the field.

They have a great product line, including red dot sights, binoculars, spotting scopes, and more. They also manufacture a wide range of short to long-range sports optics.

Here are some of the best vortex scope product lines that make them a regular on this site.

• Razor
• Golden Eagle
• Viper
• Strike Eagle
• Venom
• Diamondback
• Crossfire

They are designed for any tactical and competitive shooter or avid hunter, especially with their features. They are also best known for the quality of their optical devices, giving users every tactical advantage when they are operating.

All their scopes are designed to be durable, with only the best materials sourced worldwide. It ensures that your scope will be long-lasting and can withstand almost any weather condition.

Vortex Optics is manufactured in different countries, namely the USA, Japan, the Philippines, and China. This helps ensure that the product can stay affordable despite its high quality. You can also see many budget options in their catalog.

Their products are backed by an unlimited lifetime warranty without the need for receipts or warranty cards. You can contact their customer support through their website or by calling 1-800-486-7839.

20. Zeiss

Zeiss Scopes is a reliable German scope manufacturer founded by the German optician Carl Zeiss. This brand is known and respected in the fields of photography, industrial metrology, medical solutions, rifle sights, and more.

As long as devices for the eyes are involved, Zeiss is a notable brand in that industry.

They have a variety of scopes designed to enhance your view of your target on the field.

• Zeiss V8
• Zeiss Conquest V6
• Zeiss Conquest V4
• Zeiss Victory HT
• Zeiss LRP S5
• Zeiss LRP S3

Given the nature of their company, they stand out because of their exceptional glass quality. It allows you to deliver precision shots, whether it’s 100 or 1000 yards from your target.

Their reliable scopes are great for shooters of different skill levels. Whether you are a novice or a professional, their scopes are durable and reliable enough to help you on the field.

However, given the quality of their optics, Zeiss is one of the more expensive scope manufacturers in the industry, being considered a luxury brand. The quality and longevity of the scope make up for its high price.

All their scopes come with a limited lifetime warranty. You can contact their customer service through their website or by calling 1-800-441-3005.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Let us discuss the common questions people have about rifle scope manufacturers.

What Rifle Scopes Are Made in the USA?

The rifle scopes proudly made in the USA include Vortex Optics, Leupold, Trijicon, Leapers UTG, Primary Arms, Barska, ATN, and NightForce, among others.

What Are the Best Budget Rifle Scope Brands?

The best budget rifle scopes are those from Burris Optics, Leapers, TruGlo, Primary Arms, Vortex Optics, and Bushnell.

Final Thoughts on the Best Rifle Scope Manufacturers and Brands

There are many rifle scope manufacturers on the market, with each brand offering quality products that can address your specific needs and specifications.

Whether hunting for deer or performing covert ops, you would want a reliable, high-quality scope, like the ones from ATN, Leupold, or Steiner Optics, to help improve your performance on the field.

If you are looking for budget options, you can go for TruGlo or EOTech scopes for reliable budget optics that do not sacrifice quality.

Regardless of what brand you get, make sure not to trade the features you need for the price. These optics are great investments, especially if you plan to use your scope for a long time.