Best Crossbow Scope A Buyers Guide

In this article, you are going to learn everything you need to know about crossbow scopes.

Scopes usually come with the purchase of a crossbow. For times one isn’t included, or when you need a replacement, you’ll need to find the ideal scope model for any level of shooter.

After extensive research, we have identified the pros and cons of each type of scope (some hunters refer to it as a glass), according to each individual’s performance need. To find the best crossbow scope model for you, and to put yourself in the best position to purchase one, stick with us!

Our 5 Favorite Scope Models for your Crossbow

Image	Product	Technical Details	Price
OUR TOP PICK	Pinty 3-9X40 Red Green Rangefinder Illuminated Optical Rifle Scope	Brand: Pinty Color: Black Material: Aluminum-alloy Magnification Maximum: 9 x Magnification Minimum: 3 x Compatible Devices: Rifle	Check Price On Amazon
BEST VALUE	TenPoint Pro View 2 3X Crossbow Scope (HCA-097-II)	Brand: TenPoint Color: Black Style: 3x Pro View 2 Item Dimensions LxWxH: 10.5 x 3.5 x 3.25 inches Item Weight: 0.45 Pounds	Check Price On Amazon
RUNNER UP	UTG 4X32 1″ Crossbow Scope, Pro 5-Step RGB Reticle, QD Rings	Brand: UTG Color: Black Item Dimensions LxWxH: 1 x 1 x 1 inches Sport Type: Hunting Item Weight: 1.59 Pounds	Check Price On Amazon
EDITORS CHOICE	Excalibur Tact-Zone Illuminated Scope, 2.5-6x32mm	Brand: Excalibur Color: Black Item Dimensions LxWxH: 13 x 3 x	Check Price On Amazon
RUNNER UP	BARNETT 17056 40 mm/1.5-5 x 32 Adjustable Illuminated Scope, Black	Brand: BARNETT Color: Black Item Dimensions LxWxH: 10 x 3 x 3 inches Sport Type: Hunting	Check Price On Amazon

How to Buy The Right Crossbow Scope

There are different types of scopes for all kinds of scenarios. When comparing them, here are some features to keep in mind before you spend any amount of money on a new optic.

Size and Weight

Similar to rifle scopes, the size and weight of the scope is one of the first things to look at. You want a scope that is lightweight and compact, preferably less than a pound.

Heavier scopes can throw off the balance of your crossbow, making it more challenging to handle and shoot accurately.

Lightweight scopes are easy to pack with the rest of your gear. Even though you’re looking for the lighter variety, the lens still needs to be wide.

Magnification

You should determine what magnification you need based on your target. Most scopes are fixed to 4X magnification, which is okay for most hunting scenarios.

The fixed 4X or variable 3-9X scopes are a low level of magnification and work fine for targets that are under 100 yards.

A good scope should have lower magnification levels with a 4:1 zoom ratio, or 2.5 – 10X and larger. However, for long-distance shooting, you will need magnification of 12 – 20X.

Higher magnification levels will increase accuracy and make the target seem like it’s right in front of you. That’s only if you plan on doing long range shooting: if not, low magnification is just fine.

Importantly, your bow’s arrow speed is correlated with your scope magnification: the faster your crossbow can shoot, the higher the magnification needs to be.

Scope Reticle

Not all scopes come with a reticle, but they provide a significant advantage and as such, should be considered when purchasing a scope. Reticles are black point markers in your field of view and help you aim and achieve an accurate shot.  And they are way more convenient than carrying an extra laser rangfinder.

Unlike the red dot sight, reticles divide your field of vision instead of focusing on one point. This feature is useful in scenarios where the distance or elevation could affect your chances of hitting your target.  With enough practice, reading your crossbow sight becomes very natural to your eye.

Multi-reticle Scopes

Multi-reticle scopes (also called a drop-compensating reticle scope) have multiple horizontal lines or marks that allow you to accurately shoot at different distances. All the horizontal lines intersect with one vertical line, which marks your aim and helps you understand the power needed for the shots.

A multi-reticle scope is useful because you don’t need to make wind or elevation adjustments on the spot. There are a couple of things to know about multi-reticle crossbows scopes.

First, they usually have preset distances when zeroed at 20 yards. The presets are increments of 10 yards, starting at 20 to 40 yards and sometimes over.

Secondly, they are calibrated at a fixed speed, so the reticles will only cope with those distances if the crossbow speed matches the calibrated speed on the scope. It’s not the end of the world if the speed doesn’t match the calibration, it just means that the reticles will have different yardage.

You’ll need to contact your manufacturer to find out the reticle distance distribution. It should be easy to adjust to the different reticle distances.

Illumination

Without illumination, you’ll only have the plain black reticle, and that’s only useful if there’s enough light out. Illumination features are a massive plus in low-light conditions.

Illumination means that the reticles can be turned to a green or red light, otherwise in low light, you won’t be able to see through the scope at the target.

Optic Lens

There’s no point in having incredible magnification if the lens is of poor quality. A good lens will produce bright, clear images enhancing the user’s ability to identify and accurately shoot at targets.

Make sure that the scope’s lens is multi-coated so that it allows light to flow through and give you a clear view at any distance.

Look for waterproof and fog proof scopes, so you don’t have to worry about the lens getting foggy. Nitrogen in scopes prevents fog, morning dew, or any other moisture from clouding the lens.

A wide lens will provide a larger field of vision, so you don’t miss any potential targets. For those that strictly hunt large game like deer, wide lens isn’t as much of a concern.

If you want to spot smaller game too, you’ll want a wider lens.

Also, a wider lens does not necessarily mean a heavier scope. There are plenty of top crossbow scopes on the market that are capable of having both features.

Scope Durability

You’ll want to invest in a scope that is built to last. Durable scopes are advertised as “shockproof.”

It means you won’t have to stress out as much when you accidentally drop it or bang it against something. To reinforce protection, some crossbow’s scopes come with their own mounting rings which protect your scope if it’s dropped and banged around with some other gear.

Mounting And Adjusting Your Scope

A good crossbow scope is easy to mount, especially if you follow instructions. Be aware, however, that rifle scopes are not compatible with most crossbows!

You’ll need to do research based on your crossbow.

When it comes to mounting your scope, you want one that is easy to calibrate and adjust. Opting for a scope that doesn’t require a tool to calibrate wind speed or elevation is recommended.

You can easily calibrate most scopes with the small dials. The dials should make an audible clicking noise so that you can keep track of adjustments without looking.

Along with added protection, good mounting rings will provide you with a good zero. Having your scope set to a decent zero allows you to hit your target accurately.

Finding The Top Crossbow Scope For Low Light Hunting

The best scope for low light needs to have a couple of features: high-quality illumination and controls for quick adjustments of brightness. Scopes that have illumination have reticles that light up red or green for low light conditions.

Along with good illumination, check the controls and see if it contains quick adjustments, like a clicking dial. Easy access control allows you to switch gears without fumbling in the dark, or if your range finder isn’t working properly.

Night Hunting Crossbow Scopes

You don’t have to go home as soon as it gets dark. Scopes for night hunting are quite rare, but they give you an excellent advantage for those late-night excursions.

For night hunting, you will need a scope that is either thermal imaging or night vision. Both scopes detect targets in the dark and have equal durability, but they have vastly different qualities.

Thermal Crossbow Scopes

Thermal scopes don’t require light to produce an image, only requiring a target that generates heat. They’re able to detect the slightest hint of a target, even from long distance.

Thermal imaging scopes can also function as a standard scope during the day.

When it comes to recognizing game, thermal imaging scopes cannot be inhibited by camouflage or fog. The downside is that identifying a target is difficult at long distances, and images are displayed as color only.

Plus, due to their thermal imaging properties, they will be useless in extreme cold. Thermal imaging is pricier but worth the investment if you want to up your game.

Night Vision for Crossbows

Night Vision scopes require some form of light to detect anything at greater distances. In cases like these, a nocturnal hunter would use natural moonlight, or IR illuminators if it’s pitch-black outside.

Infrared illuminators work as flashlights, but emit enough light for night vision and are not visible to the naked eye. The downside is that night vision scopes cannot be used in bright light; else they will get damaged.

The best night vision scope for crossbow should make your nocturnal shooting as easy as it is during the day.

Recap

After weighing up all the options, the best crossbow scope that just edges out the rest of the competition for me is the Excalibur Tact-Zone Illuminated Scope. It’s the most versatile when it comes to meeting different needs, and while it’s a pricier choice, it does represent good value.

It meets the range requirement for everyday hunting experiences, and its illumination features make for a fantastic low light crossbow scope.

At the end of the day, only you decide what the best crossbow scope is for you. Not only does it have to be the right match for you and your bow, but you also have to check to make sure it adheres to your local hunting restrictions.

Remember, the best crossbow scope you can get is the one that fits your budget, represents excellent value for your money, and is best suited for your hunting style.

Do you own one or more of the crossbow scopes we mentioned? Do you have a trusted scope that hasn’t made the list? Let us know in the comments.

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