Best Crossbow Scopes for Deer Hunting in 2023

If you’re serious about hunting with a crossbow, you know that having a reliable and accurate scope is essential. A high-quality crossbow scope can make all the difference when hitting your target with precision and ease.

Traditional iron sights can be limiting, especially in low-light conditions or at longer ranges. A good scope is a must-have for any serious hunter or target shooter. Without a proper scope, you may struggle to hit your target consistently, leading to wasted time, money, and frustration.

In this article, we’ll highlight some of the best crossbow scopes available on the market, providing you with the information you need to choose the right one for your needs. 

Vortex Crossfire II Crossbow Scope

Vortex has a reputation for producing top-quality optics, and the Vortex Crossfire II lives up to this reputation. This scope offers excellent performance and value for the price, making it a popular choice among crossbow hunters and shooters. 

The 2-7×32 scope has a standard 30mm tube size and offers dual red/green illumination, making it versatile in various lighting conditions. The aiming points on the reticle stretch out to 100 yards, and the scope is zeroed at 40 yards. Thus it provides spot-on holdovers for long-range shots.

The Vortex Crossfire II scope is also built to last, with tight tolerances and excellent build quality. The scope feels solid and durable in your hand, and the lifetime no-questions-asked warranty ensures that you can rely on it for years to come. The scope is also lightweight, weighing only 14 ounces, making it easy to carry on long hunting trips.

Ravin 450 Illuminated Scope

For hunters who want to upgrade their crossbows without breaking the bank, the Ravin 450 scope is an excellent option. This scope features a clear reticle with aiming points from 20 to 100 yards, making it versatile for different shooting situations.

The build quality of the scope is top-notch, as you would expect from Ravin, and it offers bright and clear optics. One of the standout features of the Ravin 450 scope is its ability to compensate for speeds up to 450 fps. 

This makes it a great choice for hunters who may upgrade their crossbows in the future, as the scope can grow with them. The scope also offers the choice of red or green illumination, with adjustable levels of illumination for low-light conditions.

While the Ravin 450 scope may be a bit pricey for some hunters on a budget, it is an investment in quality equipment that can significantly improve accuracy and performance.

Garmin Xero X1i Crossbow Scope

The Garmin Xero X1i is an innovative and one of the best crossbow scopes that functions as both a scope and a laser rangefinder. It features an easy-to-use rangefinder button that can be mounted anywhere on your crossbow, allowing for quick and accurate range measurement without having to take your hands off the crossbow. 

Once the target is ranged, the scope automatically adjusts the aiming point based on the range and your crossbow’s speed and specifications. The illumination also adjusts automatically based on the available light, making it easy to use in any condition.

The high-quality scope has a clear and bright display and precise aiming points. It is also durable and has reliable build quality, as you would expect from Garmin. 

While the price point is definitely at the high end of the market, the dual-purpose functionality of the Xero X1i is truly unique. It can make a significant difference in your hunting experience.

TruGlo 4×32 Compact Scope

The 4×32 Compact from TruGlo is a budget-friendly option for those seeking a reliable crossbow scope. Despite its lower price tag, it offers solid performance with a BDC reticle that makes shooting at longer distances easier with well-marked holdovers. 

The illuminated model features red or green options, and it uses a standard CR2032 battery, making it easy to replace. One of the drawbacks of the TruGlo 4×32 is its build quality. It is not as durable as some of the higher-end scopes on this list, which may be a concern for those who frequently use their crossbows in harsher conditions. 

The optics are also less high-quality than more expensive models, which may result in a slightly dimmer image. It is not designed for long-range shooting, with optimal performance at distances of 50 yards or less.

EVO-X Marksman Elite Scope

The EVO-X Marksman Elite is a top-of-the-line scope from TenPoint’s EVO-X line. One of its standout features is its ability to offer variable speed and arrow-drop compensation, which ensures reliable accuracy regardless of your crossbow’s speed or the weight of your hunting arrow. This makes it a great choice for long-range shooting.

In addition, the reticle setup of the Marksman Elite is user-friendly and easy to understand. The scope includes crosshairs for the common distances of 20, 40, and 60 yards, illuminated dots at 30 and 50 yards, and non-illuminated chevrons at 70, 80, 90, and 100 yards. This makes it easy to aim accurately at any range.

The external micro-adjustable turrets make it easy to adjust the scope’s settings on the fly, ensuring quick and efficient adjustments when needed. This feature is especially useful for hunters who need to adjust their scope quickly in the field.

CVLIFE 4×32 Compact Crossbow Scope 

The CVLIFE 4×32 Compact Crossbow Scope is a solid choice. It may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive scopes, but it gets the job done at a fraction of the cost.

Despite its low price point, the CVLIFE scope is surprisingly durable. It’s both fog proof and waterproof and shockproof enough to handle minor bumps and jolts. This means that it holds its zero well, saving you the hassle of constantly re-zeroing your scope.

The built-in Weaver mounts make it easy to attach the scope to most crossbows without requiring any extra parts or adapters. However, the short eye relief may be uncomfortable, especially if your crossbow has a lot of kick. Additionally, the clarity of it can suffer beyond 50 yards, making it less ideal for long-distance shooting.

Hawke Sport Optics 12221 Crossbow Scope

The Hawke Sport Optics 12221 is a premium option that delivers exceptional performance in a variety of weather and lighting conditions. Its nitrogen-purged weatherproofing ensures that it is protected from rain, fog, and dust, allowing you to take it out in any weather without worry. 

The etched glass reticle features aiming points every 10 yards out to 100 yards, while the 11-layer multicoated optics provide excellent optical clarity in any lighting situation. This scope even offers excellent low-light performance, making it ideal for shooting at dawn or dusk.

Another advantage of the Hawke Sport Optics 12221 is its versatility. It offers four or eight-inch bracketing, making it easy to mount on various crossbows. It is relatively lightweight at just under 13 ounces, making it easy to handle and maneuver.

On the downside, the Hawke Sport Optics 12221  is more expensive than many of the other scopes on the market. However, its superior performance and versatility make it a worthwhile investment for serious crossbow hunters and shooters.

UTG 4X32 1″ Crossbow Scope

The UTG 4×32 is a lightweight option that won’t add too much weight to your setup, weighing in at just 12 ounces. However, it’s worth noting that it has a rather large profile, which might make it unsuitable for some crossbows with limited space.

Designed to be calibrated for crossbows shooting at 300 feet per second, this scope features five aiming marks for distances up to 50 yards, allowing you to easily adjust your aim at different ranges. 

Additionally, the quick-detach ring mounts make it easy to attach to any crossbow with Picatinny or dovetail mounts, which means that you can easily swap it between weapons. However, you’ll have to zero it again with each weapon, which could be time-consuming.

One unique feature of this scope is the illuminated reticle, which makes it easier to aim in low-light conditions. However, this feature requires two CR2 batteries, which might be difficult to find. Unfortunately, even on the lowest setting, the illumination is too bright for shooting in low-light conditions, making it more suitable only for day shooting. 

Additionally, when the reticle is illuminated, the background is washed out, which could make it 

difficult to see the target clearly.

Aim Sports 4X32 Compact Rangfinder Scope

The Aim Sports compact rangfinder scope is an excellent choice for those who want a lightweight and affordable option. It weighs less than 11 ounces and comes with mounting rings, so it’s easy to set up and use. Additionally, once it’s zeroed in, it holds zero well and doesn’t require further adjustments.

However, the image clarity isn’t the best, and the edges of the image can be blurry, even when the scope is in focus. The reticles are also thick, making it difficult to achieve high accuracy at any distance beyond 50 yards. Additionally, the eye relief is quite short, and the field of view is narrow compared to other scopes.

Despite these drawbacks, the Aim Sports compact rangefinder scope is still a solid option for those on a tight budget. You may need to make some compromises in terms of image quality and accuracy, but it’s a good entry-level scope that won’t break the bank.

MA3TY 1.5-5×32 Crossbow Scope

The MA3TY is an expensive option that doesn’t quite measure up to its cost. Despite being marketed as a zoom scope, it is actually a fixed magnification scope that only changes based on the speed setting. While it’s adjustable for speeds ranging from 300-425 fps, you are stuck with the magnification at that speed.

On the positive side, this scope is nitrogen-purged to make it weatherproof and impact-resistant, ensuring that it can withstand various outdoor conditions. However, the included 12-month warranty doesn’t offer as much protection as the lifetime warranty that comes with other models.

This scope features aiming points up to 100 yards and offers both red and green illumination, but even the lowest illumination setting is too bright for low-light shooting.

TRUGLO Red-Dot Crossbow Scope

The TRUGLO Red-dot is an ultralight and compact option that is ideal for crossbow hunting in states that don’t allow magnification. The Weaver-style mounting system makes it easy to attach to any crossbow, and the optics are designed for all-weather use. Plus, there is a limited lifetime warranty to protect your investment.

However, there are some downsides to this scope. The lens caps can be difficult to flip up, and they tend to pop off entirely. Additionally, the short length of the scope can create parallax issues that make it challenging to shoot accurately.

Killer Instinct LUMIX SPEEDRING Scope

The Killer Instinct LUMIX SPEEDRING scope is an adjustable scope that claims to offer durability, waterproofing, and shockproofing features. However, our experience with this scope was not positive. 

Although the metal chassis seemed sturdy at first, the lens became loose after just a few shooting sessions, making the scope unusable. This was a major disappointment, especially considering the high price tag compared to other options on the market.

One positive feature of this scope is the flip-up lens covers, which are always attached and ensure they are not lost. Additionally, there are multiple aiming reticles for accurate shooting from various distances, but they don’t align in a logical manner, such as in 10 or five-yard increments.

On the downside, this scope doesn’t live up to its claims of being shockproof, which is a significant drawback for hunters who need a scope that can handle the rigors of the field. 

The Qualities Of A Good Crossbow Scope

Before buying a crossbow scope, make sure you look for these qualities. If the crossbow passes these checks, it surely is worth buying a scope.

Magnification:

The amount of magnification you need depends on your hunting or shooting needs. If you are shooting at longer distances, a higher magnification may be necessary, but if you are hunting in close quarters, a lower magnification may be more appropriate.

Objective Lens Size:

The size of the objective lens determines the amount of light that enters the scope, which affects image brightness and clarity. A larger objective lens allows for more light and better image quality but can also add weight and cost to the scope.

Reticle:

The reticle is the crosshair or aiming point that you see when looking through the scope. Some scopes offer multiple reticles to choose from, while others have a fixed reticle. It’s important to choose a reticle that suits your shooting needs and preferences.

Durability:

A crossbow scope should be able to withstand the recoil and shock of a crossbow’s powerful shot. Look for a scope made with durable materials and features such as shockproof and waterproof capabilities.

Mounting System:

Make sure the crossbow scope you choose has a mounting system that is compatible with your crossbow. Most scopes use either a Weaver or Picatinny rail system.

Price:

These can range in price from relatively inexpensive to very expensive. Consider your budget and the features you need before making a purchase.

Summary of Best Crossbow Scopes:

We hope that one of the above-mentioned scopes will cover your needs. We tried our best to be as inclusive about the details as possible. Each scope has its own pros and cons; in the end, it all depends on your individual needs. Your shooting environment is also an important determining factor. Please ensure to be specific about your requirements before buying a crossbow scope.

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