10 Best Crossbow Scopes of 2021
Even if you own the most sophisticated crossbow with all the fancy accessories and have many years of bow hunting or shooting experience, you still need to have the best crossbow scope on the bow to get accurate shots.
With a good crossbow scope, you get improved overall accuracy, wider field of view, improved vision in low light and reduced stray light glare.
Crossbow scopes will come in different types, styles and with different features and varying performance capability.
But, choosing the right one for your bow is a pretty straightforward affair if you have the right information. And this is just what our top 10 crossbow scopes review and buying guide below will provide.
10 Best Crossbow Scopes – Review
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1. Excalibur Tact-Zone (Best Overall) |
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2. Barnett Multi-Ret 17060 (Best Full-size) |
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3. UTG SCP-M4CR5WQ (Best for 300 FPS Crossbows) |
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4. BSA RD30 with 5 MOA (Best for the Money) |
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5. Truglo TG8504C3 (High-Performing & Consistent) |
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6. Hawke HK3259 (Accurate Low Light Shooting Guaranteed) |
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7. Tenpoint HCA-09811 (Fantastic for Both Beginners and Pros) |
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8. Hammers 4x32CBT (Reliable Illuminated Fixed Magnification Scope) |
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9. Beileshi Green & Red Dot Scope (Well-Built with Nice Optics) |
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10. Excalibur Shadow Zone (Best Illuminated) |
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PRODUCT |
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1. Excalibur Tact-Zone (Best Overall) |
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2. Barnett Multi-Ret 17060 (Best Full-size) |
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3. UTG SCP-M4CR5WQ (Best for 300 FPS Crossbows) |
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4. BSA RD30 with 5 MOA (Best for the Money) |
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5. Truglo TG8504C3 (High-Performing & Consistent) |
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6. Hawke HK3259 (Accurate Low Light Shooting Guaranteed) |
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7. Tenpoint HCA-09811 (Fantastic for Both Beginners and Pros) |
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8. Hammers 4x32CBT (Reliable Illuminated Fixed Magnification Scope) |
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9. Beileshi Green & Red Dot Scope (Well-Built with Nice Optics) |
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10. Excalibur Shadow Zone (Best Illuminated) |
1. Excalibur Tact-Zone – Best Overall Crossbow Scope
Photo: Excalibur
- Magnification: 2.5-6x
- Eye Relief: 3.2 inches
- Objective Diameter: 32 millimeters
- Length: 13 inches
Everything about Excalibur's Tact-Zone is just perfect, and so it is the kind of scope that will almost never disappoint any archer. This, its variable magnification decent size 32 mm objective diameter make it our best overall model.
It also includes a new reticle with an updated design for top-notch performance and versatility. This top-rated crossbow scope is also illuminated with dual red and green options.
With the high-quality fully multicoated lenses, you also get an exceptionally clear sight picture even in low light conditions. Many shooters will also love that it allows for speeds between 275 and 410 FPS, and its precise 1/2-inch click adjustments will make sighting in easier.
The scope has been designed to handle everything you throw its way, and it is completely water, fog and shockproof.
Its 13 inches might seem a bit too long, and this is more so given that it is the longest on our list. But, the good news is that it is still small enough to fit almost all crossbows currently on the market .
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2. Barnett Multi-Ret 17060 – Best Full-size Crossbows Scope
- Magnification: 4x
- Objective Diameter: 32 millimeters
- Length: 8 inches
What many archers will love most about Barnett’s Multi-Ret is that it is designed to be compatible with most full-size crossbows and can also work on many other types.
Also, this scope is designed for rapid target acquisition which is what every archer wants whether shooting competitively or not.
The rapid target acquisition is mostly thanks to the five-point programmed and multi-reticle crosshair system that also makes aiming a breeze and will ensure you get more accurate shots.
With this scope, you also get a solid construction designed to take a beating and withstand the harsh outdoor environment, and it is completely water and shockproof. And it also comes with dovetail mount rings and is backed by a lifetime warranty.
The rings can be a little hard to center and might not fit some scopes, but this is a small problem to work around, and you can even buy new ones as they are cheap and widely available. And even without significant eye relief, this is still an easy to scope to shoot with.
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3. UTG SCP-M4CR5WQ – Best Scope for 300 FPS Crossbows
Photo: UTG
- Magnification: 4x
- Eye Relief: 3.8 inches
- Objective Diameter: 32 millimeters
- Length: 8.19 inches
While there are several things that make this UTG model one of the best crossbow scopes out there, the Pro 5-step reticle that is specifically designed for 300 FPS crossbows is one of the main ones.
This reticle includes integrated rangefinder lines that will be very useful when lining up for a shot and with dual red/green illumination and with an ergonomic side wheel adjustable turret.
With the premium zero resettable and lockable turrets, windage and elevation compensation should be an effortless task, and this scope also includes a special lens coating to enhance light transmission.
The 50-yard parallax setting will ensure that you get a parallax-free view when shooting from typical crossbow distances, and this scope also has an integrated sunshade, flip-up lens caps and comes with mount rings.
When you compare it to others on our list, it seems a little bulkier and taller, but it should still fit your crossbow well without affecting its balance.
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4. BSA RD30 with 5 MOA – Best Crossbow Scope for the Money
Photo: BSA
- Magnification: 1x
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- Objective Diameter: 30 millimeters
- Length: 5.85 inches
Being the cheapest on our crossbow scopes review, this red dot BSA scope will be ideal for archers looking for something that provides a clear sight picture but without having to pay lots of cash.
BSA makes this scope with versatility in mind as its 5 MOA red dot has multiple brightness levels to allow you to use it in different conditions and scenarios.
Also, its adjustable mounting system adds to its versatility as it makes it usable on other things like rifles and shotguns besides crossbows.
With this scope, you also get simple brightness control for use in both low and bright light conditions. And its lightweight (just 11.4 ounces) and compact design make it ideal for small calibers and for plinking.
There is no magnification on this scope, but for its intended purpose which is shooting from short and medium range, it will still work incredibly well. The mounts also work well enough despite not being the best quality.
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5. Truglo TG8504C3 – High-Performing and Consistent Scope
Photo: Truglo
- Magnification: 4x
- Eye Relief: 4 inches
- Objective Diameter: 32 millimeters
- Length: 9 inches
For an under $100 crossbow scope, this model by Truglo is as good as they get, and it is designed to deliver a high performance and do it consistently.
It includes a special reticle that will be handy for trajectory compensation and range finding and generous 4-inch eye relief that stays consistent when shooting from different distances.
Compensating for windage and elevation is also made more precise and easier by the fingertip adjustments. And shooting will be much safer thanks to the rubber eye guard.
Durability has also been assured by the single piece aluminum construction and the matte finish that is both scratch resistant and non-reflective. With the limited lifetime warranty, you can also be confident that this scope will last many years.
While the 4x magnification might limit the versatility of this scope, for crossbows, this is in most cases all you need for most shooting conditions and ranges.
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6. Hawke HK3259 – Accurate Low Light Shooting Guaranteed
Photo: Hawke
- Magnification: 1.5-5x
- Eye Relief: 3 inches
- Objective Diameter: 32 millimeters
- Length: 8.3 inches
An illuminated scope like this one is designed to make it easy to shoot in low light and to ensure that you always get more accurate shots.
It has a dual red/green illumination that can be adjusted to allow for comfortable shooting in almost any light condition and shooting scenario.
Also, the company makes it with a crossbow specific speed selector that will be very handy when lining up for a shot as it will allow you to match the scope settings to almost any bow.
With its fully multicoated lenses, you can be sure of always getting an exceptionally clear sight picture and its precision reticle has been built to offer aiming points from 10 to 100 yards with 10-yard increments.
The speed and zoom selector is the same which can pose a challenge to some archers, but the good news is that all you need is to get used to it, and you will be able to select your preferred settings with ease.
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7. Tenpoint HCA-09811 – Fantastic Scope for Both Beginners and Pros
Photo: Tenpoint
- Magnification: 1.5-5x
- Eye Relief: 3.5 inches
- Objective Diameter: 32 millimeters
- Length: 8.25 inches
The HCA-09811 Pro is an amazing scope that you will enjoy owning whether you are a beginner or more experienced archer as it has lots of fantastic features.
One of these amazing features is the variable speed/arrow drop compensating setting that will be very useful for 265 to 425 FPS crossbows. And the best thing about it is that it will not require you to make any adjustment to the distances.
Its non-illuminated dots that can be turned on to red or green and its illuminated color dots that have 5 brightness levels combine to make this scope ideal for most shooting conditions. The multiple dot options are also why this is our best crossbow scope for low light use.
The etched glass reticle is also a great addition to the scope which also has fully multicoated lenses for maximum light transmission and a solid and more spacious 30 mm main tube.
Because this is our second most expensive scope, some crossbow shooters might find the price a bit too high but it will offer value for every coin you spend on it.
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8. Hammers 4x32CBT – Reliable Illuminated Fixed Magnification Scope
Photo: Hammers
- Magnification: 4x
- Eye Relief: 3.5 inches
- Objective Diameter: 32 millimeters
- Length: 8 inches
At the under $50 price range, one might not think that there will be good crossbow scope options, but this one from Hammers proves otherwise.
It is a dual color illuminated scope with 5 brightness levels that will be ideal for use in a variety of light condition, and with a multi-line reticle that provides more reference points to eliminate guesswork.
The compact 4x magnification scope also has no-tool fingertip windage/elevation adjustments and a quick focus ring on the end of the eyepiece that helps make reticle focusing a breeze.
With its solid one-piece aluminum alloy construction, this scope has also been built for durability, and it also has a 50-yard parallax setting and designed to offer complete water, fog, and shockproof performance.
The crosshairs seem a little thicker than what some archers might prefer, but the good news is that they do not obstruct the target, and so you should still maintain a clear enough sight picture.
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9. Beileshi Green & Red Dot Scope – Well-Built Scope with Nice Optics
Photo: Beileshi
- Magnification: 2x
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- Objective Diameter: 42 millimeters
- Length: 6.2 inches
This scope model by Beileshi is well-built and will outperform many others that cost several times its price and will hence also deliver good value for cash.
What makes it one of the best crossbow scopes for the money is that it has a 42 mm objective diameter that combines with its multicoated lenses to deliver a super bright and clear sight picture.
Also, it uses a 2.5 MOA dot reticle that has been calibrated for easy and quick target acquisition, and with an all-weather construction that offers 100% fog and waterproof performance.
Generally, this is also a more compact scope that is only 6.2 inches long and is designed to make mounting a much easier task. And it will offer a wider field of view than most others in its price range and unlimited eye relief.
Although the laser is a bit weak or at least not as strong as what high-end models provide, it is still good enough for a budget scope like this one and hence not a big concern.
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10. Excalibur Shadow Zone – Best Illuminated Crossbow Scope
Photo: Excalibur
- Magnification: 2-4x
- Objective Diameter: 32 millimeters
- Length: 13 inches
This sturdy and solid Excalibur scope is designed to not only serve you for many years but also ensure that throughout its service life you will never worry about shock, fog or water getting into the scope.
Besides the solid construction, it is also one of the best illuminated crossbow scopes thanks to its dual red and green illuminated reticle that makes it the perfect scope for hunting in low light conditions.
Also, the scope has a unique adjustable crosshair system that will allow you to adjust the crosshair spacing to match that precise trajectory of the crossbow at speeds of between 250 and 350 FPS.
Sighting it in will also take little effort, and it will be a quick process even for beginners and with the multicoated lenses on this scope, you will always get clear and crisp sight pictures.
This crossbow scope is the priciest on our list, but for an illuminated and well-built scope, it is still quite fairly priced. And mount rings are cheap and easy to get and should hence not be a big concern.
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How to Buy the Best Crossbow Scopes
Photo: gameandfishmag.com
You can be confident of getting a good crossbow scope if you watch out for the following things.
1. Types of Crossbow Scopes
The first decision you will need to make when choosing a crossbow scope is the type to buy, and most will fall into two broad categories which are red dot and optics scopes.
Red Dot Scopes
Red dot scopes like BSA RD30 with 5 MOA provide a series of red dots which you line up with your target for accurate aiming and shooting.
These are simple sights that do not have any magnification but they are the easiest to use even for beginners, and they are generally more affordable.
When using a red dot scope, the visibility will depend on the field of view and the dot's brightness, but the lighted reticle on these scopes makes them way better than the regular open sights.
Red dot scopes are ideal for beginners thanks to their ease of use and are great for low-light hunting conditions at dawn and dusk.
Optic Scopes
Unlike the red dot, optic scopes will rely on magnification to help you zero in on the target which is similar to what hunting rifle scopes provide.
Optic scopes will have either fixed or variable magnification, and they also feature a reticle to help in tracking the arc of the bolt.
Many optic scopes and this is more so those with fixed magnification power will also have an illuminated reticle which can either be red or green. And there is a control dial on the side for adjusting the brightness.
Optic scopes offer the convenience of not having to change the sights when hunting different kinds of game, and they are usable in a variety of conditions which makes them the preferred option for professional hunters.
2. Magnification
Magnification is the first number used to indicate a scope's model classification. For example, for a 3x32 scope, the magnification is 3x which means that the image will appear 3 times closer than it is.
A scope with a higher magnification power allows you to zoom in to the target from further away which means you do not have to get very close to the game before shooting.
If you hunt small game like turkey or are a competition archer that wants high accuracy when shooting small targets, a higher magnification power the 2.5-6x Excalibur Tact-Zone will be more favorable.
But because crossbows will not be very useful for distances over 70 yards, a scope with a very high magnification power can be more of a hindrance as it results in a small field of view and reduced clarity.
3. Eye Relief
Eye relief is how close your eye needs to be to the scope's eyepiece for you to get a full field of view, and the longer the distances the better as it will ensure safe shooting.
The ideal eye relief for you depends on the particular crossbow you are using. And it is important to consider things like the stock length and mounting options to determine whether a particular scope will provide enough eye relief or not.
Most of these scopes will give you 3 or 4 inches if eye relief which is often good enough. But, some like the BSA RD30 with 5 MOA have an unlimited eye relief that is even better.
4. Length
The length of the crossbow also matters because if it is too long, it might throw you bow out of balance hence making it hard to aim.
Also, a scope that is too long or even too short will look awkward on your crossbow and might not even fit it.
The right length will depend on the particular crossbow type that you use, but most archers seem to prefer something with a smaller profile and is also lightweight.
5. Mount
Before settling on any scope you need to make sure that it is compatible with your crossbow and the most important thing to watch out for here is the mount it uses.
There are typically three types of mounts for crossbow scopes which are dovetail, weaver and Picatinny rails.
Dovetail rails are some of the oldest types and will have a set of parallel grooves that clamp on tiny ribs on the middle section of the scope’s base. Picatinny rails are quite similar to dovetails but will elevate the scope by about 1/2 an inch and are best for red dot scopes.
Weaver rails, on the other hand, are considered sturdier than the two other types and are designed to clamp to the beveled outer edges of a scope.
6. Parallax
Parallax adjustment is another crucial element that a good crossbow scope should have as it will affect target acquisition and the ease of sighting it in.
The parallax of the scope needs to be adjustable to the distances you will be hunting from or at which you prefer to maintain your shooting form.
While the parallax setting might vary from one scope to the other, something with around 50-yard parallax setting or anything close to that should be good enough.
7. Weather Resistant
Like any other bow type , crossbows will typically be used outdoor and in various weather conditions. Hence, before you choose any model, you need to make sure that it is weather resistant.
The scope needs to be waterproof, fogproof, dustproof and also be able to withstand any shock that may come from the kickback that results from an arrow release.
Before you buy the scope, you need to evaluate the fogproof coating, and this is more so for those that live in wet climates because it will have a huge effect on image clarity and overall shooting performance.
Also, watch out for thing like nitrogen or argon purging and weather sealing as they will determine how weather-resistant a scope will be.
Conclusion
If you are looking to upgrade the scope that comes with your crossbow, you will also not need to spend a lot of time searching for that perfect model. We have done the work for you, and our top 10 crossbow scopes review will provide enough recommendations.
That said, the budget shoppers will be happy with the BSA RD30 with 5 MOA as despite being a more affordable option it still offers a superior quality reticle, easy to use controls and much more.
But, our top recommendation is the Excalibur Tact-Zone thanks to its variable 2.5-6x magnification that makes it more versatile and other amazing features like dual red and green illumination.
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10 Best Crossbow Scopes – Review
- 1. Excalibur Tact-Zone – Best Overall Crossbow Scope
- 2. Barnett Multi-Ret 17060 – Best Full-size Crossbows Scope
- 3. UTG SCP-M4CR5WQ – Best Scope for 300 FPS Crossbows
- 4. BSA RD30 with 5 MOA – Best Crossbow Scope for the Money
- 5. Truglo TG8504C3 – High-Performing and Consistent Scope
- 6. Hawke HK3259 – Accurate Low Light Shooting Guaranteed
- 7. Tenpoint HCA-09811 – Fantastic Scope for Both Beginners and Pros
- 8. Hammers 4x32CBT – Reliable Illuminated Fixed Magnification Scope
- 9. Beileshi Green & Red Dot Scope – Well-Built Scope with Nice Optics
- 10. Excalibur Shadow Zone – Best Illuminated Crossbow Scope
- How to Buy the Best Crossbow Scopes
- Conclusion