Standard rifle scope reticles work well in most conditions, but they can become difficult to see when their color blends with your target’s background—whether that’s autumn foliage, dark timber, or an animal’s fur. This visibility challenge is exactly why illuminated reticle scopes exist.
Many shooters misunderstand what illuminated reticles actually do. They don’t illuminate your target or enable shooting in complete darkness like night vision. Instead, illuminated reticles improve the contrast between your aiming point and the target, making it easier to align your shot accurately.
Illuminated reticles prove most valuable in two scenarios:
- Low-light conditions: During dawn, dusk, overcast days, or in shadowed areas where standard black reticles become hard to distinguish
- Contrast problems: When your reticle color matches the target’s background, such as a black crosshair against dark timber or a brown animal
Most quality illuminated scopes include adjustable brightness settings, allowing you to dial the illumination up or down based on ambient light conditions. This prevents the reticle from being too bright (which can obscure the target) or too dim to see clearly.
This guide covers six illuminated reticle scopes across different price points and use cases, from budget-friendly options under $200 to premium optics over $1,500. We’ll help you understand which scope best fits your specific shooting needs.
What is an illuminated scope?
An illuminated scope uses internal lighting—typically battery-powered LEDs or battery-free tritium/fiber optic systems—to make the reticle glow. This illumination helps shooters see their aiming point clearly in challenging light conditions like dawn, dusk, rain, snow, fog, or when shooting into shadows.
The key advantage isn’t about seeing in the dark; it’s about maintaining contrast between your reticle and your target regardless of lighting conditions or background colors.
Top 6 Best Illuminated Reticle Scopes
Here are the best illuminated scopes for the money:
| Model | Magnification | Illumination | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burris XTR II 8-40x50mm | 8-40x | FFP, 11 settings, red | F-Class/Benchrest Competition | $700-$1,055 |
| Trijicon TR23 AccuPoint 5-20×50 | 5-20x | Tritium/Fiber (battery-free) | Extended Backcountry Hunts | $1,049-$1,551 |
| Athlon Argos BTR 6-24×50 Gen 2 | 6-24x | FFP, 11 settings, red center | Budget Long-Range/PRS Entry | $299-$405 |
| UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact | 3-12x | 36-color spectrum | Airgun/Rimfire/Recreational | $99-$200 |
| Vortex Crossfire II 6-18×44 V-Brite | 6-18x | V-Brite red, 11 levels | All-Around Hunting | $191-$269 |
| TRUGLO TRU-BRITE 30 Series 1-6×24 | 1-6x | Dual-color red/green | AR-15/Close-Quarter Tactical | $113-$214 |
1) Burris XTR II 8-40x50mm Riflescope
The Burris XTR II 8-40x50mm is purpose-built for F-Class and benchrest competition shooters who need maximum magnification and precise adjustments. With its 8-40x range—the highest in Burris’s lineup—this scope excels at stationary target shooting where you need to resolve targets at extreme distances.
Key specifications:
- 34mm tube diameter (requires specific mounting rings)
- 50mm objective lens
- First Focal Plane (FFP) illuminated F-Class MOA reticle
- 3.5-4.25 inches eye relief
- XT-80 click adjustment (80 clicks per rotation)
- Parallax adjustment: 50 yards to infinity
The zero-click stop adjustment turrets are a standout feature—windage, elevation, and parallax turrets all provide precise tactile and audible feedback. The FFP reticle means your holdover points remain accurate at any magnification level, critical for competition shooting.
However, this scope has specific trade-offs. The illumination system uses red lights spaced at 5 MOA intervals rather than illuminating the entire reticle, which some users find limiting. Image quality is excellent up to about 32x, but users report brightness and clarity degradation at maximum 40x power.
“I have that scope and really like it. 350 rds thru it and the gun absolutely no problems. It returns to zero in my opinion perfectly. The glass in it daylight normal conditions is as good as my buddies $2200 NF.” — Accurate Shooter Forum
“I have one… The glass is great, and I’ve had it on some heavy recoiling guns with no problems. The clarity and eye box at 40x is great.” — Sniper’s Hide Forum
“The Burris XTRII F-Class are good scopes. They are clear on 40x and turrets are repeatable but not super tactile like high end optics.” — Accurate Shooter Forum
“The illumination feature is lacking. Instead of lighting up a good portion of the reticle, it has red lights spaced out at 5 MOA distances, which are very hard to see unless fully zoomed in and near pitch black outside.” — Long Range Hunting Forum
“The Burris XTR II was as good as any and better than most as far as clarity.” — Long Range Hunting Forum
Pros
- Glass clarity rivals scopes costing $2,000+ in normal daylight conditions
- Reliable return-to-zero performance verified by multiple competition shooters
- Handles heavy recoil without losing zero or causing mechanical issues
- Zero-click stop turrets with excellent tactile feedback for competition use
- Good eye box and clarity maintained at 40x magnification
- Parallax turret allows fine-tuning at extended ranges
Cons
- Limited illumination design—red dots spaced at 5 MOA intervals, difficult to see except at high zoom in dark conditions
- Image quality degrades above 32x—loses brightness and clarity at highest power settings
- 34mm tube requires more expensive, less common mounting rings
- Parallax only adjustable from 50 yards to infinity—unsuitable for close-range shooting applications
- FFP reticle appears very small at 8x, making it hard to use at lower magnifications
- Made in Philippines—some users report quality control issues including anodizing flaking inside the tube
- Turret feel not as refined as high-end Nightforce or Leupold competition scopes
- Limited retail availability may affect warranty service options
2) Trijicon TR23 AccuPoint 5-20×50 Riflescope
The Trijicon AccuPoint 5-20×50 stands apart from every other scope on this list because it requires no batteries. Its dual-illumination system combines tritium (a radioactive isotope that glows continuously) with fiber optics that harvest ambient light. The result is a reticle that’s always illuminated and automatically adjusts brightness based on lighting conditions.
Key specifications:
- 30mm tube diameter
- 50mm objective lens with fully multi-coated glass
- Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticle
- 3.8 inches eye relief
- Field of view: 19.1-4.2 ft at 100 yards
- Parallax adjustment: 10 yards to infinity
- Weight: 26.9 oz
- 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Waterproof to 10 feet
The zero-forward emission design prevents the illuminated reticle from projecting light toward your target—a critical feature for hunting where you don’t want to spook game. The tritium element has a half-life of approximately 12 years, meaning the illumination gradually dims over time but remains functional for well over a decade.
This scope is ideal for hunters on extended backcountry trips where battery failure isn’t an option. The glass quality consistently impresses users, with many comparing it favorably to Nightforce optics that cost significantly more.
“The glass on this scope is just as clear as that of my Nightforce and better than my Leupold VX-3L scopes.” — OpticsPlanet Verified Review
“The reticle is thick, not unusably so, but not great for precise work.” — Sniper’s Hide Forum
Pros
- Zero battery dependency—tritium/fiber optic system is always on and self-adjusting
- Glass clarity rivals Nightforce and exceeds Leupold VX-3L according to verified owners
- Zero-forward emission prevents light from alerting game
- Manual brightness override available despite automatic adjustment
- 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum with waterproof rating to 10 feet
- Wide parallax range (10 yards to infinity) suitable for varied shooting distances
- Tritium element functional for 12+ years
Cons
- Premium price ($1,049-$1,551) is the highest on this list
- No turret locks—potential for accidental adjustments when brushing against cover
- Reticle is relatively thick—not ideal for precision target work or small targets at distance
- Cannot manually set specific brightness levels—auto-adjustment may not suit all preferences
- SFP reticle means holdover marks only accurate at one magnification (typically max power)
- Tritium will gradually dim over years—not user-replaceable
- Green dot illumination only—no red option available
3) Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24×50 (FFP) Illuminated Reticle Gen 2
The Athlon Argos BTR Gen 2 has become a go-to recommendation for shooters entering PRS (Precision Rifle Series) competition or long-range shooting on a budget. It offers features typically found on scopes costing $800-$1,000—including a true zero-stop system and FFP reticle—at roughly one-third the price.
Key specifications:
- 30mm aircraft-grade aluminum tube
- 50mm objective lens with XPL coating
- First Focal Plane (FFP) APMR or APRLR2 reticle options
- 11 brightness levels for illumination
- 3.3 inches eye relief
- Field of view: 16.7-4.5 ft at 100 yards
- Side parallax adjustment: 10 yards to infinity
- Weight: 30.3 oz
- Length: 14.1 inches
- Argon-purged for waterproof/fogproof performance
The illuminated reticle is etched directly onto the glass rather than being a separate wire element, which improves durability and ensures the reticle won’t shift or break under recoil. Glass clarity is excellent up to about 16-18x magnification, matching optics costing significantly more in that range.
The honest trade-off: above 18x magnification, image quality noticeably softens. If you primarily shoot at max power, this scope will disappoint. But for hunters and recreational long-range shooters who spend most of their time in the 6-16x range, it delivers outstanding value.
“This is a value lens – not the value that means ‘cheap’ to some people, but the value that means ‘money well spent.'” — Industry Outsider
“Crystal-clear glass performs admirably up to 16× magnification, matching optics costing significantly more.” — Scopes Field (Richard Douglas – 14 months testing)
“Pretty hazy once you get above 16 power… the glass isn’t great for target shooting.” — Sniper’s Hide Forum
Pros
- Exceptional value—zero-stop system and FFP reticle at $299-$405
- Glass clarity matches $800+ scopes up to 16-18x magnification
- Illuminated reticle etched into glass for superior durability
- 11 brightness levels with off positions between each setting
- Precise turret tracking verified by multiple long-term reviewers
- Argon-purged with XPL lens coating for harsh weather performance
- Includes flip-up lens covers and sunshade
- Lifetime warranty from Athlon
Cons
- Glass becomes noticeably hazy above 16-18x—not suitable for target shooting at max power
- Tight eye relief (3.3″) can be punishing with heavy-recoiling rifles
- No turret locks—risk of bumping adjustments in the field
- Illumination can be hard to see in bright desert or snow conditions
- Heavier than competing scopes at 30.3 oz
- Some optical softness at edges of field of view at high magnification
- FFP reticle very fine at 6x—may be difficult for older eyes
4) UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope
The UTG 3-12X44 is specifically designed for airgun, rimfire, and recreational shooting applications. Its standout feature is the 36-color illumination system—far beyond the typical red/green options—allowing shooters to fine-tune reticle color for any background or lighting condition.
Key specifications:
- 30mm tube, nitrogen-filled and sealed
- 44mm objective lens with Emerald coating
- Mil-dot reticle with 19 aiming points
- EZ-TAP illumination system with 36 colors and memory function
- 1/4 MOA click adjustments with zero-locking turrets
- Field of view: 34 ft at 3x, 8.4 ft at 12x (at 100 yards)
- Side wheel parallax adjustment: 10 yards to infinity
- Weight: 23.2 oz
- MSRP: $279.97
The EZ-TAP system includes a one-click memory feature that returns you to your last-used color and brightness setting—a thoughtful touch for consistent setup. The zero-locking, resettable turrets with tactile 1/4 MOA clicks provide reliable adjustments, and the scope consistently returns to zero after adjustment.
The trade-off for this feature set at under $200 street price: edge-of-field clarity suffers above 9x magnification, and the scope weighs nearly 1.5 pounds. It’s not a hunting scope you’d want to carry all day, but for stationary shooting or applications where weight isn’t critical, it offers exceptional versatility.
“Reliable, precise, budget-friendly, and backed by a lifetime warranty.” — National Interest
“The glass is clear as anyone could want, the side AO is dead on, the thing returns to zero as it should. Box test was right on at 30 meters.” — Airgun Nation Forum (bchannell)
“If there is a better scope out there for under 500 dollars, I would love to see it!” — Pyramyd AIR Customer Reviews
Pros
- 36-color illumination system with brightness memory—unmatched customization
- Clear glass in central 70% of field of view
- Accurate side-adjustable objective for precise parallax correction
- Verified return-to-zero performance in box tests
- Zero-locking, resettable turrets with crisp 1/4 MOA clicks
- Handles recoil well—circuitry designed for consistent illumination under impact
- Includes flip-open lens caps, sunshade, and mounting rings
- Lifetime warranty from Leapers/UTG
- Street price under $200
Cons
- Heavy at 23.2 oz (nearly 1.5 lbs)—not ideal for mobile hunting
- Edge distortion noticeable above 9x magnification
- Crosshairs relatively thick—may obscure small targets
- Some users report internal fogging in heavy humidity that takes minutes to clear
- Not designed for extreme long-range precision—best for recreational shooting under 300 yards
- “Compact” designation is misleading—scope is similar size to full-size optics
- Made in China—quality control can be inconsistent between units
5) Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18×44 V-Brite Illuminated MOA
The Vortex Crossfire II 6-18×44 with V-Brite reticle represents the best balance of features, reliability, and value for general-purpose hunting. It’s the scope most hunters should consider first if they primarily shoot deer-sized game at ranges under 400 yards.
Key specifications:
- 1-inch tube diameter (most common mounting rings)
- 44mm objective lens with fully multi-coated glass
- Second Focal Plane V-Brite reticle (illuminated center dot)
- 11 brightness levels
- 3.7 inches eye relief
- Field of view: 15.2-5.2 ft at 100 yards
- Adjustable objective parallax: 10 yards to infinity
- Capped, finger-resettable turrets (50 MOA total adjustment each)
- Weight: 20.8 oz
The V-Brite reticle uses the familiar V-Plex design—thick outer lines that taper to thin crosshairs—with a battery-powered illuminated center dot. This is specifically designed for low-light hunting scenarios at dawn and dusk when most game movement occurs.
The 1-inch tube means you can use standard, affordable mounting rings. The adjustable objective eliminates parallax issues without requiring a side turret. Vortex’s unconditional lifetime warranty (VIP Warranty) covers the scope against any damage, including accidents—a significant advantage for hard-use hunting optics.
“The Vortex Crossfire II 6-18×44 has proven itself as a reliable and versatile optic that performs well beyond its price point.” — Scopes Field
“the illuminated V-Brite reticle has proven invaluable during dawn and dusk sessions” — Scopes Field (Richard Douglas, Firearms Instructor)
“The largest drawback in the Crossfire II series is the glass clarity at extended ranges. Pushing out beyond 250-400 yards, the glass loses some of its ‘crispness’ and the sight picture becomes a bit blurrier.” — Vyce Outdoor
Pros
- Performs well beyond its $191-$269 price point
- V-Brite illuminated center dot excels at dawn and dusk—the prime hunting hours
- 11 brightness levels for precise illumination control in varying conditions
- Capped, finger-resettable turrets protect against accidental adjustment
- Adjustable objective eliminates parallax from 10 yards to infinity
- Forgiving 3.7″ eye relief accommodates quick mounting
- 1-inch tube compatible with inexpensive, widely-available rings
- Vortex VIP Warranty—unconditional lifetime coverage including accidents
- Includes sunshade, lens covers, and lens cloth
Cons
- Glass clarity noticeably diminishes beyond 250-400 yards—not suitable for extreme long-range work
- Crosshairs may be too thick for small targets like prairie dogs
- Some blurriness at maximum 18x power
- SFP reticle means holdover marks only accurate at 18x
- V-Brite illumination only illuminates center dot, not entire reticle
- Not as bright in extreme low-light as tritium-based systems
- Outperformed by Vortex Diamondback series in glass clarity (at higher price)
6) TRUGLO TRU-BRITE 30 Series Illuminated Tactical Rifle Scope
The TRUGLO TRU-BRITE 30 Series is designed for AR-15 and similar tactical platforms where true 1x magnification enables both-eyes-open shooting and fast target acquisition at close quarters. The 1-6x range covers most practical engagement distances for home defense, 3-gun competition, or hog hunting.
Key specifications:
- 30mm tube (improved light transmission over 1-inch tubes)
- 24mm objective lens
- Duplex Mil-Dot reticle with dual-color illumination (red/green)
- True 1x for both-eyes-open shooting
- 4 inches eye relief at 6x
- Field of view: 103.7 ft at 1x, 18.15 ft at 6x (at 100 yards)
- 1/2 MOA click adjustments
- Weight: 15.1 oz (lightest on this list without mount)
- Length: 10.39 inches
- Includes offset, reversible 30mm scope mount
- Pre-calibrated BDC turrets for .308 (165gr) and .223 (55gr)
The included CNC-machined scope mount is a significant value-add—most competitors in this price range sell the mount separately. The reticle is etched into the glass for durability, and the dual-color illumination allows you to choose between red and green based on your background.
Trade-offs at this price point include mushy illumination adjustment, some reported blurriness at 6x, and return-to-zero that’s “close but not perfect.” For precision work, look elsewhere. For a budget LPVO (Low Power Variable Optic) that gets you on target quickly at practical distances, the TRU-BRITE delivers solid value.
“I had low expectations when I bought this, but I was shocked when I mounted and shot it. It is absolutely the best bang for your buck. The glass is clear from 1x to 6x.” — Reddit User Review
“Quality picture and crisp reticle is unmatched for this price.” — Gun Mag Warehouse – The Mag Life
“The return to zero is ‘pretty close’ but not perfect, and the MOA windage adjustments aren’t perfectly accurate – but you can find the same issues on scopes three and four times the price.” — SHWAT
Pros
- Best value under $200 for a 1-6x LPVO with included mount
- Dual-color illumination (red/green) with side adjustment dial
- Clear glass throughout the 1-6x range for most users
- True 1x allows both-eyes-open shooting for fast acquisition
- Reticle etched into glass for durability under recoil
- CNC-machined, offset/reversible 30mm mount included
- 4 inches of eye relief handles AR-15 recoil safely
- Pre-calibrated BDC turrets for .308 and .223
- Lightest scope on this list at 15.1 oz (scope only)
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Return-to-zero is “close” but not precision-grade
- MOA windage adjustments not perfectly accurate—requires verification
- Illumination adjustment knob feels mushy, not crisp
- Illumination may be too dim to see in bright daylight conditions
- Some users report blurriness at 6x magnification
- Reticle is thick—must “aim around it” for small targets
- 1/2 MOA clicks are coarser than 1/4 MOA standard
- Limited magnification range (1-6x) not suitable for long-range work
- Combined weight with mount (2.2 lbs) is heavier than comparable LPVOs
Which Scope Is Right For You?
Choosing the right illuminated reticle scope depends on your specific shooting needs, budget, and intended use. Here’s a decision guide organized by use case:
For F-Class and Long-Range Competition Shooters:
The Burris XTR II 8-40x50mm offers the highest magnification range with glass clarity rivaling scopes costing twice as much. The FFP reticle and zero-click stop turrets are purpose-built for competition. However, it’s a stationary shooting optic—the 50-yard minimum parallax, 34mm tube requirement, and size/weight make it impractical for field use. Best for benchrest and F-Class shooters who need maximum magnification.
For Extended Backcountry Hunts:
The Trijicon TR23 AccuPoint 5-20×50 is the premium choice when battery failure isn’t acceptable. Its tritium/fiber optic illumination works without batteries for 12+ years and automatically adjusts to lighting conditions. The glass quality matches or exceeds Nightforce at a lower price point. Choose this if you’re spending multiple days in remote areas where you can’t replace batteries and need absolute reliability.
For Budget-Conscious Long-Range Shooters and PRS Entry:
The Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24×50 Gen 2 delivers outstanding value with its FFP reticle, zero-stop system, and glass that performs well up to 16-18x. At $299-$405, it’s the least expensive scope with a true zero-stop. Ideal for hunters and recreational long-range shooters who don’t need maximum magnification clarity. Not recommended if you primarily shoot at 20x+.
For Airgun, Rimfire, and Recreational Shooting:
The UTG 3-12X44 Compact Scope offers exceptional versatility with its 36-color illumination system and reliable return-to-zero at under $200. The zero-locking turrets and lifetime warranty provide peace of mind for casual shooters. Best for stationary applications—the weight (23.2 oz) makes it less suitable for field carry.
For All-Around Deer and Big Game Hunting:
The Vortex Crossfire II 6-18×44 provides the best balance of features, reliability, and value for general hunting applications. The V-Brite illumination excels at dawn and dusk (prime hunting hours), the 1-inch tube works with affordable rings, and Vortex’s unconditional VIP warranty covers any damage. Ideal for hunters shooting deer-sized game at ranges under 400 yards. Not suitable for extreme long-range precision.
For AR-15 and Close-Quarter Tactical Use:
The TRUGLO TRU-BRITE 30 Series 1-6×24 is purpose-built for fast target acquisition with true 1x magnification for both-eyes-open shooting. The included mount and dual-color illumination make it a complete package under $200. Best for home defense, 3-gun competition, or hog hunting. The limited magnification (1-6x) and imperfect return-to-zero make it unsuitable for precision or long-range work.
What to Look for When Buying The Best Illuminated Reticle Scopes
Here are the key factors to consider when selecting an illuminated reticle scope:
Magnification Range
Match your magnification to your intended shooting distance:
- 1-6x or 1-8x: Close to medium range (0-300 yards), tactical/defensive use, 3-gun competition
- 3-12x or 4-16x: General hunting, most encounters under 500 yards
- 6-24x or higher: Long-range shooting, precision target work, competition
Higher magnification isn’t always better—more zoom means narrower field of view, less forgiving eye boxes, and typically heavier scopes.
First Focal Plane vs. Second Focal Plane
First Focal Plane (FFP): The reticle scales with magnification. Holdover and windage marks remain accurate at any power setting—critical for long-range shooting where you frequently adjust magnification. Trade-off: reticle appears very small at low magnification.
Second Focal Plane (SFP): The reticle stays the same size regardless of magnification. Holdover marks are only accurate at one specific magnification (usually maximum). Trade-off: easier to see at low power, but you must verify your magnification before using holdover points.
For hunting, SFP is often preferable. For precision/competition shooting at varied distances, FFP is typically better.
Illumination Brightness Settings
Look for scopes with multiple brightness levels—at least 5-6 settings, preferably 10+. This allows you to adjust the reticle brightness to match ambient light conditions. Avoid scopes with only “on/off” illumination, as the reticle may be too bright or too dim for specific conditions.
Also consider illumination color. Red is most common and preserves night vision well. Green can provide better contrast against certain backgrounds. Some scopes offer both.
Lens Coatings
The coating level directly affects image quality and light transmission:
- Coated: Single layer on some lens surfaces (minimum quality)
- Fully Coated: Single layer on all air-to-glass surfaces
- Multi-Coated: Multiple layers on some surfaces
- Fully Multi-Coated: Multiple layers on all surfaces (best)
All scopes on this list feature at least multi-coated lenses. Better coatings mean brighter images, better contrast, and reduced glare.
Eye Relief and Eye Box
Eye relief is the distance from your eye to the eyepiece where you get a full field of view. For hunting rifles with significant recoil, you need at least 3.5 inches to prevent the scope from striking your brow (“scope bite”).
Eye box refers to how forgiving the scope is if your eye isn’t perfectly centered. A generous eye box allows faster target acquisition—critical for hunting where you may be mounting the rifle quickly.
Tube Diameter
- 1-inch (25.4mm): Most common, widest selection of affordable mounting rings
- 30mm: More adjustment range, slightly better light transmission, common on tactical and precision scopes
- 34mm: Maximum adjustment range, typically found on high-end competition optics, requires more expensive specialty rings
Ensure you purchase compatible mounting rings for your scope’s tube diameter.
FAQs on The Best Illuminated Reticle Scopes
What function does an illuminated reticle scope serve?
An illuminated reticle scope uses internal lighting (LEDs or tritium/fiber optics) to make your aiming point visible in conditions where a standard black reticle would be difficult to see. This includes low-light situations like dawn, dusk, rain, overcast skies, and forest shade, as well as situations where the target’s coloring or background matches the reticle color.
The illumination doesn’t light up your target—it creates contrast between your aiming point and whatever you’re looking at. Most illuminated scopes use red or green LEDs because these colors can be seen in low light without significantly constricting your pupil the way white light would, helping preserve your natural low-light vision.
Can I use an illuminated scope like a non-illuminated scope?
Yes. Every illuminated scope on this list can be used with the illumination turned off, functioning identically to a standard scope. Many hunters keep the illumination off during daylight and only activate it during early morning or late evening hours when visibility decreases. This also extends battery life significantly.
How long do scope batteries last?
Battery life varies significantly by model and usage. Most scopes use CR2032 coin cell batteries and last 50-500+ hours of continuous use depending on brightness setting. At typical intermittent hunting use (turning illumination on only when needed), batteries can last an entire season or longer. The Trijicon AccuPoint is unique in requiring no batteries—its tritium/fiber optic system is “always on” and lasts 12+ years.
Is FFP or SFP better for hunting?
For most hunting applications, SFP (Second Focal Plane) is preferable because the reticle remains a consistent, easily visible size at any magnification. FFP reticles become very thin and difficult to see at low power settings, which can slow target acquisition when you need to shoot quickly.
FFP becomes more valuable when you’re making precision shots at varying distances using holdover points, as the marks remain accurate at any magnification. If you primarily hunt at known distances or dial your turrets rather than using holdovers, SFP works perfectly.
Why are some illuminated scopes so much more expensive than others?
Price differences in illuminated scopes come from several factors: glass quality (premium glass with better clarity, less distortion, and better light transmission costs significantly more), mechanical precision (turret repeatability, zero-stop systems, consistent click values), build quality (materials, waterproofing, durability testing), and warranty coverage. The Trijicon AccuPoint commands a premium partly for its unique battery-free illumination system that no other scope on this list offers.
Conclusion
The best illuminated reticle scope for you depends on how you shoot. Competition shooters need maximum magnification and precise turrets (Burris XTR II). Backcountry hunters benefit from battery-free reliability (Trijicon AccuPoint). Budget-conscious long-range shooters get outstanding value from the Athlon Argos BTR Gen 2. General hunters find the best balance in the Vortex Crossfire II. Tactical and home defense users should consider the TRUGLO TRU-BRITE. And recreational/airgun shooters will appreciate the UTG’s versatility and value.
Consider your primary use case, realistic shooting distances, budget, and whether features like FFP reticles or battery-free illumination matter for your specific needs. Any scope on this list—matched to the right application—will serve you well.
You can also check the Best Hunting Spotting Scope Tripod