Tactical rifle scopes are mostly used by the military, police, or other special forces around the globe. In this comparison, we have 15 of the best tactical rifle scopes that are currently on the market, and all have to be in MIL/MIL configurations since these are mostly used by professionals.
For all newcomers in the world of sports optics, there are 2 different options in what subtensions the rifle scope ˝clicks˝. The most rifle scopes on the market have clicks in MOA, but true tactical and the most European rifle scopes have clicks in MILs. MIL stands for Miliradian which is an angular measurement, but on rifle scopes, the clicks are counted in 0.1 of a MIL. One click on a rifle scope with 0.1 MIL clicks is always 1 centimeter on 100 meters, or 0.9144 centimeters on 100 yards. Because the clicks are exact 1 centimeter, it is much easier to work with round numbers than with numbers with decimals.
In our comparison, all tactical rifle scopes have the reticle set in the first focal plane, what means that the reticle changes simultaneously when changing the magnification. This is an important feature, because all rifle scopes have Mil-based reticles, where the lines in the reticle and the clicks on the turret are matched on all magnifications. This means, if you shoot at a distance where the bullet drop is 3.5 Mil, you can make either 35 clicks, or simply go with the reticle upwards, and aim with the line which is 3.5 MIL under the center of the reticle. So, with the reticle set in the first focal plane, the user does not always need to ˝click˝ for each shot, but he can engage targets at different distances only with changing the target placement in the reticle. Rifle scopes with this feature are true MIL/MIL scopes.
Another important feature of the first focal plane reticle is that the user can make distance measurements only with the reticle. If you know the size of your target it is really easy to get the distance. You have to measure the target with your reticle, how many mils does the target cover. So if you have a plate that measures 50 centimeters in high (or in wight), and the plate covers 2 MILs in the reticle, the distance to the target is 250 meters. You get this number by multiplying 0.5 meters (target) with 1000, and then dividing with the number of mils that the object covers (2 MIL). This method works also in yards, and you always get the distance in the same units you entered for the target. So if you take the first number (target size) in meters, you get the distance in meters.
Another feature we have taken into account was the big objective lens diameter of 56 millimeters, because all rifle scopes for extreme long range shooting have big magnifications, what decreases the light transmission, and consequently the image gets darker. A big objective lens is that’s why an important feature, so the shooter can engage targets in low light conditions. Tactical rifle scopes are often used also in twilight or in the night, so every percentage of a brighter picture is desirable.
For shooting on targets at different distances at low light conditions, a good illumination system has to be integrated into the rifle scope. This means, the illumination has to be very precisely adjustable, for different light conditions. When it is dark, the illumination does not make sense if it is too bright, and the user does not see the target anymore.
Here is the list of the top 15 best tactical rifle scopes money can buy in 2018:
12. Tangent Theta TT525P 5-25×56
11. Nightforce ATACR 5-25×56 F1
8. Vortex Razor HD Gen. 2 4.5-27×56
5. Nightforce B.E.A.S.T. 5-25×56
4. Schmidt & Bender PM2 High Power 3-27×56
3. Schmidt & Bender PM2 High Power 5-45×56
| Rifle Scope |
Field of view |
Eye-relief |
Approx. price in € | Length [mm] | Weight [g] | Elevation [ MIL ] |
| 15. March FX Tactical
5-40×56 |
7 m / 0.9 m | 92 mm – 100 mm | 3439 | 387 | 890 | 24 |
| 14. Kahles K624i
6-24×56 |
6.8 m / 1.7 m | 90 mm | 3000 | 407 | 950 | 25 |
| 13. Minox ZP5
5-25×56 |
7.6 m / 1.6 m | 90 mm | 2849 | 415 | 970 | 28 |
| 12. Tangent Theta TT525P
5-25×56 |
7.6 m / 1.6 m | 90 mm | 4750 | 425 | 1150 | 30 |
| 11. Nightforce ATACR
5-25×56 F1 |
5.7 m / 1.5 m | 85 m – 90 mm | 4752 | 390 | 1108 | 34.9 |
| 10. Leupold Mark5 HD
5-25×56 |
6.8 m / 1.4 m | 91 mm – 97 mm | 2769 | 398 | 850 | 35 |
| 9. Steiner M7Xi
4-28×56 |
9 m / 1.42 m | 90 mm | 2900 | 387 | 950 | 26 |
| 8. Vortex Razor HD Gen. 2
4.5-27×56 |
8.4 m / 1.5 m | 90 mm | 2819 | 366 | 1375 | 33 |
| 7. Kahles K525i
5-25×56 |
7.1 m / 1.5 m | 95 mm | 3300 | 377 | 970 | 29 |
| 6. Leupold Mark 8
3.5-25×56 M5B2 |
10.8 m / 1.6 m | 83 mm – 94 mm | 5929 | 406 | 1049 | 25 |
| 5. Nightforce B.E.A.S.T.
5-25×56 |
5.7 m / 1.45 m | 85 mm – 90 mm | 6285 | 390 | 1162 | 34.9 |
| 4. Schmidt & Bender PM2
High Power 3-27×56 |
13 m / 1.4 m | 90 mm | 4499 | 395 | 1128 | 26 |
| 3. Schmidt & Bender PM2
High Power 5-45×56 |
7.8 m / 0.9 m | 90 mm | 4659 | 434 | 1106 | 27 |
| 2. Nightforce ATACR
7-35×56 |
4.6 m / 1.05 m | 93 mm – 91 mm | 5519 | 406 | 1113 | 27.3 |
| 1. Hensoldt ZF
3.5-26×56 |
10.1 m / 1.4 m | 85 mm – 95 mm | 5591 | 360 | 1300 | 40 |
On the last, 15th place we put the March FX 5-40×56. This rifle scope has an 8 times zoom factor, with a big maximal magnification of 40 times. It has a very good field of view at the smallest magnification, but only 0.9 meters view at the biggest magnification. The field of view decreases with bigger magnifications, but if we compare it with the Schmidt and Bender at 45 times, the FOV is the same, despite the smaller magnification.
As most tactical rifle scopes, also this one has a 34-millimeter big main tube. The one disadvantage of this rifle scope compared to the other 14 is the small elevation and windage range, which is only 24 MIL. It is very much, but nowadays shooters push the boundaries of each cartridge, and here this elevation is definitely not enough.
The turrets are low-profile, what is in our opinion very good, but they don’t have a good visible and tangible turn indicator, just lines under the turret for each revolution. Because of this, the user can’t see the lines in a darker environment.
But, despite the big zoom range and big maximal magnification, this rifle scopes still comes in a pretty light-weight package of only 890 grams.
The Kahles K624i was a long time on the top of tactical rifle scopes, but because super zoom rifle scopes with even a better glass quality are constantly coming on the market, Kahles did lose some positions. In our comparison, the Kahles got the 14th place, what is still good for a 4 times zoom factor rifle scope.
With this rifle scope, Kahles entered the prestige line of tactical rifle scopes, and it was their first breakthrough on the market against other well-known manufacturers. The big novelty was the parallax wheel, which Kahles still produces on the same way on their new rifle scopes. This is also the main advantage over other manufacturers, because it is easy to reach for left and right-handed shooters. This parallax wheel has also markings for different distances, which are very close to the actual distance.
Also some advantage over other manufacturers is the windage turret positioning. The buyer can decide if he wants to have the windage turret on the right or on the left side of the turret.
The main disadvantage of these rifle scopes is definitely the small magnification range, because of only 4 times zoom factor. The smallest magnification of 6 times is pretty big, what makes it difficult to engage targets at small distances which are moving. Also, the maximal magnification with 24 times isn’t as big as some competitors, so you don’t have the advantage to see more details against other rifle scopes with bigger magnifications.
The parallax is adjustable, and like said, the ring under the elevation turret is very precise and on the perfect position for right and left-handed shooters. But, the parallax is adjustable only from 50 meters upwards, so on closer distances, the user can not focus on the target.
The price is also quite high with 3000 euros for a 4 times zoom factor rifle scope.
On the 13. place we put the Minox ZP5 5-25 rifle scope. This one is made in Germany and has some patents of the premium rifle scope manufacturer Premier Reticles, which closed the production line before a couple of years. The Minox comes in a magnification range where they have the most competitors, 5-25×56. For this magnification range, Minox has a very good field of view, because it has no tunneling effect even at the lowest setting, not like the Schmidt & Bender PM2 5-25×56 for comparison.
The turrets are exposed tactical and are not lockable. Whatsoever, the clicks are nicely defined and are audible. They are low-profile, and don’t stand much out of the scope. The whole build quality is superb, as well as the glass quality. The entire elevation range is 28 MIL, and in one turn the turret makes 15 MIL. So the turret has a double turn design, what is perfect for tactical operations that you can not get lost in too many turns. When you get in the second revolution, 2 small white dots appear under the turret so the user sees that he is in the second revolution. Unfortunately, this rifle scope has no tangible indicator, what is a small disadvantage.
The magnification ring has a small throw lever for easier and quicker magnification change during stressful situations. The diopter is adjustable and can be locked into the desired position.
12. Tangent Theta TT525P 5-25×56
Tangent Theta rifle scopes are – like Minox, made from patents of Premier Reticles rifle scopes. That’s why these two are quite similar in all aspects, just the outer design is different. Also Tangent Theta rifle scopes have some unique features like the tool-less re-zero system for both turrets. This allows the operator to shoot-in the rifle scope and adjust the zero without any tools. Because of this feature, the turrets are a little bit higher compared to the Minox.
The entire elevation range is 30 MIL, and the turret is double turn. The elevation turret has also a second turn indicator, which pops out between 14 and 15 MIL of elevation. Because of that, the user has a visible and tangible turn indicator.
The clicks are very nice audible and have the right tension between the clicks. The magnification ring has also a small throw lever for easier magnification change, and the diopter is adjustable and lockable at any adjustment.
On the left side is the parallax turret with a smaller illumination control turret. This is almost the same like on the Minox, only the finish is a little bit different. The illumination has 11 intensity settings, all designed for use in low light.
The main difference between the Tangent Theta and Minox is whatsoever the price, because you have to pay almost 2000 euros more for a very similar optic.
11. Nightforce ATACR 5-25×56 F1
Nightforce is known for the high quality of their products, and especially for the superb glass. The elevation turret on the Nightforce ATACR 5-25×56 F1 is exposed tactical for quick elevation or windage adjustment, but the windage turret is capped for protection against accidental movement. The elevation turret of this Nightforce is also the first disadvantage, since it is not lockable and you can easily change your adjustment if you hit with this turret is some obstacle. The elevation turret has also no MTC (More Tactile Clicks) feature, and the turret has no tangible turn indicator, only lines that are visible when the turret travels upwards into the second revolution.
The parallax is on the left side of the scope, and goes very precise to adjust. On this turret is also the illumination knob, which can be adjusted only with pressing the knob and then the illumination brightness gets brighter, and when you get to maximal, then the illumination gets with every press darker. Altogether the scope has multiple brightness settings, and only Nightforce scopes have illumination in red and green. We have to say that the green illumination is one of the best currently on the market, since it is very well visible in the dark, without disrupting the target you are aiming for. Interesting on all Nightforce ATARC rifle scope is the magnification adjustment, since it is a completely different design than rifle scopes from other manufacturers. When changing the magnification, the entire ocular turns around, and not only 1 ring than usual.
The main disadvantage of this rifle scope is whatsoever the price. For 4752 euros, you get any other 5-25×56 magnification range rifle scope and mostly you will still have the money for a mount and other accessories.
Leupold Mark 5HD rifle scopes are completely new on the market and were introduced this year on Shot Show and IWA. This rifle scope has a capped windage turret for protection against accidental movement, and a unique lockable elevation turret, which is locked only on the zero adjustment. The turret can be adjusted after pushing the button on the front, which is very intuitive and easy to use. The elevation turret has also a turn indicator. When you get in the second revolution, the small button which locks the turret gets flush and doesn’t stand anymore out. When you get in the third revolution, the button goes inside the turret so you have a small hole, and additionally, a small pin pops out on the upper side of the turret.
A big advantage of this rifle scope is the big elevation range of 35 MIL, what is more than enough for any caliber for shooting long range. They gained such a big elevation range with a bigger main tube diameter of 35 millimeters. The elevation turret has a multi-turn design with maximal 3 turns, and in each turn, you get 10 MILs of adjustment.
The parallax turret is on the left side like on most rifle scopes, but there are two models available – with illumination or without. If you decide to get a rifle scope with illumination, the parallax turret gets an additional illumination turret with numbers for different illumination brightness settings.
The magnification ring has a small throw lever for easier magnification change, and the entire rifle scope has only 860 grams, what is the least from all rifle scopes with the same magnification range from 5 to 25 times. The clicks feel very good, but they don’t feature MTC (More Tactile Clicks) for a quicker adjustment in a dark environment.
What we don’t like on Leupold is the price, which is without illumination already very high with almost 2800 euros. With illumination the rifle scope gets even more expensive, with a Tremor 3 reticle the price jumps up to almost 3900 euros. This is in our opinion a big minus point since almost all other manufacturers have their rifle scopes already with illumination for a quite lower price. The only price change with other manufacturers is mostly when you choose to have a Horus Vision reticle.
A completely new rifle scope, introduced on Shot Show 2018 in Los Angeles and IWA Outdoors classics in Germany. Steiner is well known for their superb military rifle scopes, the M5Xi. With the new series, Steiner got a little further and designed an 7 times zoom factor rifle scope. Because of the bigger magnification range, this scope can be used for close range to an extreme long range at once.
The turrets have a completely new design to the older models, and also the turn indicator is now also tangible and not just visible like on the older models. This one pops now out on the upper side, so the user can feel the pin in the dark.
The parallax and illumination adjustment is very similar to the Tangent Theta and Minox ZP5 rifle scopes, the difference is just that the parallax wheel has numbers for distances, so you have a mark for a quicker parallax correction. The illumination has also 11 intensity setting, the difference here is that the first 6 settings are for low light use, from 7 upwards, on the other hand, the settings are for day-time use. The magnification ring has a small throw lever for easier magnification change.
Total elevation of this rifle scope is 26 MIL, what is a little bit less than some competitors. The advantage of this rifle scope is definitely the price, for 2700 euros you get a European made rifle scope with a big magnification range. The Steiner scores also with the weight (950 grams) and with the length (387 millimeters).
If this still isn’t enough, you can get also the more expensive model with electronics build inside, which help you to hit the target in different environments and temperatures. This model is called Steiner M7Xi IFS 4-28×56. The electronics show you in the field of view the most important pieces of information like temperature, air pressure, inclination and wind drift (if programmed). The bad thing about this version is the price. For the electronics, the user has to pay 2000 euros more, so 4800 euros.
8. Vortex Razor HD Gen. 2 4.5-27×56
On the 8. place, we have put the Vortex Razor HD Gen. 2 4.5-27×56, simply because it has all the features someone can imagine in a tactical rifle scope. This rifle scope is on the market already for 4 years and is very popular among many shooters. With its robust and very short design, it is a perfect scope when someone wants to use it with a night vision or a thermal attachment. The one and only downside is the weight. With 1375 grams it is the heaviest tactical rifle scope in our comparison, and that’s why we put it on the 8. place and not further, despite all the features. If you have 2 different rifle scopes in the hands, you notice a big difference in weight. The same is when you put it on a rifle, it gets much much heavier.
The turrets are one of the best against all other 14 rifle scopes, because like previously said, they have all the features a tactical shooter could need. The turrets are lockable with a push and pull design, but not like some cheaper rifle scopes where the entire turret has to be pulled up and down. On this Vortex only the outer ring is movable, so you have to pull the ring up, and then you can adjust your clicks. This turret has a multi-turn design, with a total elevation of 33 MIL. The clicks are very audible, and the feeling is just perfect. Vortex has a slightly different design than other manufacturers since this turret has a total of 3 revolutions and not 2 like most of the competitors. With this design, they made the clicks a little bit further away from each other, and that’s why you have a very positive feeling. Under the elevation turret is a smart turn indicator, which pops out when you come in the second revolution. When you get in the third revolution, the pin pops even more our, so the user can easily see and feel in which revolution he is. The windage turret is the same than the elevation turret, also with the locking function.
The parallax turret is on the left side of the rifle scope and is adjustable from 32 yards (30 meters) to infinity. The parallax wheel has also numbers on, so you can focus on the target quicker if you know the distance. In the parallax turret hidden is the illumination control. With this design, Vortex made even the illumination control lockable. You have to pull the small wheel out and then adjust the brightness of the illumination. You have a total of 11 adjustments, all for low light use.
Another difference against other rifle scopes is the unusual dark brown color. The Vortex can be ordered only in this brown color, not black like most rifle scopes.