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The Best Handgun Scopes

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Selecting the right handgun scope can significantly enhance your accuracy and effectiveness, whether for competitive shooting, hunting, or personal defense. A well-chosen optic provides a clear sight picture and reliable performance in various conditions. Investing time in understanding key features will lead to a more satisfying and successful shooting experience.

Looking for the best Handgun Scopes?

Discover now our comparison of the best Handgun Scopes. It is never easy to choose from the wide range of offers. On the market, you will find an incalculable number of models, all at different prices. And as you will discover, the best Handgun Scopes are not always the ones at the highest prices! Many criteria are used, and they make the richness and relevance of this comparison.
To help you make the best choice among the hundreds of products available, we have decided to offer you a comparison of the Handgun Scopes in order to find the best quality/price ratio. In this ranking, you will find products listed according to their price, but also their characteristics and the opinions of other customers. Also discover our comparisons by categories. You won’t have to choose your products at random anymore.

SaleNo. 1
BURRIS 2x20 Handgun Scope, Plex Reticle, Matte Black (200218)
  • Designed for handgun hunters who need a robust scope to handle the harshest recoil
  • Long eye relief, ideal when hunting with a powerful handgun
  • High-grade optical glass for excellent brightness and clarity and lasting durability
  • Quality, precision-ground lenses are larger than comparable scopes for better light transmission
No. 2
BURRIS 2-7x32 Handgun Scope, Ballistic Plex Reticle, Matte Black (200279)
  • 2-7x32mm provides handgun shooters a wide, flexible range
  • 2x low end magnification offers quick target acquisition and a very large field of view
  • 7x zoom at the top provides accuracy at handgun stretching distances
  • 200279 uses the Ballistic Plex reticle, in matte black
No. 3
UTG 2-7X32 1" Handgun Scope, Long Eye Relief, PDC Reticle
  • Built on true strength platform, completely sealed and Nitrogen filled, shockproof, Fogproof, and rainproof
  • UP to 25 inch of Eye relief allowing for effective Use on handguns
  • Projectile drop compensation reticle assists Shooting at difference distances
No. 4
BURRIS 3-12x32 AO Handgun Scope, Ballistic Plex Reticle, Matte Black (200309)
  • Features the Ballistic Plex reticle, the most simple, effective, and elegant trajectory-compensating reticle for hunting
  • Long-range accuracy in a simple design that’s easy to use
  • Can be matched with any caliber or bullet weight
  • Compact designed for handgun hunters who need a robust scope to handle the harshest recoil
  • Burris Forever
No. 5
BSA Optics Edge Pistol Scope 2-7x28mm 30/30 Duplex Reticle, Black Matte
  • Adjustable power pistol scope
  • 1 inch tube
  • Long eye relief
  • Solid one piece tube
  • 2-7 variable power
No. 6
BSA Optics Edge Pistol Scope 2-7x32mm 30/30 Duplex Reticle, Black Matte
  • 2-7x32 scope for pistols;1/4 MOA click value
  • 25 MOA windage and elevation adjustment range
  • 1" diameter tube
  • Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof contruction
No. 7
Handgun Scope 2X-7X
  • 2-7x Magnification
  • 32mm Objective
  • Plex Reticle
  • MOA 0.25
SaleNo. 8
Burris Optics Handgun Scope 2X Plex Reticle in Nickel
  • Magnification 2x
  • Objective Lenses Diameter 20mm
  • Field of View (FOV) 21 ft. at 100 yds.
No. 9
Hammers Long Eye Relief Pistol Scout Scope 2-7X32 Silver Chrome with Weaver Rings
  • Zoom power from 2x-7x
  • Long eye relief for use in pistol target shooting or forward mounting on scout rifles
  • Fine line 4plex reticle
  • Attractive silver chrome finish
  • Matching weaver mounting rings included
No. 10
NcStar 2-7X32E Red Illuminated Pistol and Long Eye Relief/Ring/Blue Lens (SEPB2732B)
  • Long eye relief for extended mounting capability - Multi coated lenses - variable power magnification - illuminated reticle
  • Includes one inch aluminum weaver style rings and lens caps - MAGNIFICATION: 2X-7X - TUBE DIA. 1"
  • OBJECTIVE DIA. (MM) 32.00 - FOV (FEET AT 100 YARDS) 14-4.5 - EYE RELIEF (in) 8.7-10.67
  • EXIT PUPIL(MM) 16-4.6 - RETICLE: PLEX - CLICK VALUE : 1/2 M.O.A
  • Made by NcStar
  • Pistolero series
  • See description

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Last update on 2026-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Handgun Scopes

Magnification Needs

Consider the intended use of your handgun scope. For close-range defense or general plinking, lower magnification (1-4x) is often sufficient, allowing for a wider field of view and faster target acquisition. For longer-range shooting, such as hunting or precision target practice, higher magnification (4-12x or more) becomes beneficial to identify targets and make precise aiming decisions. Variable magnification offers versatility, adapting to different shooting scenarios.

Objective Lens Diameter

The objective lens is the front lens of the scope. A larger objective lens (e.g., 32mm, 40mm) gathers more light, resulting in a brighter image, especially in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. However, larger lenses can add weight and bulk to the handgun. For most applications, a balanced size between 20mm and 32mm offers a good compromise between light-gathering capability and portability.

Reticle Types

Reticles come in various designs, each suited for different purposes. Simple crosshairs offer a clean aiming point. Dot reticles, especially illuminated ones, are excellent for quick target acquisition in any lighting. Bullet drop compensating (BDC) reticles feature markings to help estimate holdover for different distances, useful for long-range shooting. Choose a reticle that complements your shooting style and the distances you typically engage targets.

Durability and Mounting

Handgun scopes must be robust enough to withstand recoil. Look for scopes built with durable materials like aircraft-grade aluminum and sealed construction for water and fog resistance. Ensure the scope you choose is compatible with your handgun's mounting system. Common mounting options include Weaver or Picatinny rails, so verify the scope's mount type matches your firearm's receiver or accessory rail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between fixed and variable magnification?
Fixed magnification scopes offer a single, constant magnification level, providing a clear and simple sight picture. Variable magnification scopes allow you to adjust the magnification up or down, offering flexibility for different shooting distances and scenarios.
How does objective lens size affect performance?
A larger objective lens gathers more light, resulting in a brighter image, which is particularly helpful in low-light conditions. However, larger lenses also increase the scope's size and weight.
What is a BDC reticle?
BDC stands for Bullet Drop Compensating. These reticles have markings below the main aiming point that help shooters estimate holdover for different distances, improving accuracy at longer ranges.
Are handgun scopes waterproof and fog-proof?
Many quality handgun scopes are sealed and nitrogen-purged to be waterproof and fog-proof. This ensures reliable performance even when exposed to moisture or rapid temperature changes.
What is the best magnification for hunting?
For hunting, magnification needs vary by game and distance. For closer shots on medium game, 2-7x might suffice. For longer shots or smaller game, 4-12x or higher could be more appropriate.