Crossbows are used for shooting sports and bow hunting in modern archery and for blubber biopsy samples in scientific research.
Crossbow scopes have transformed hunting and shooting. With the right scope, you can significantly enhance your accuracy and precision, making it easier to hit your targets. Although, with lots of options available, it can be tough to know which scope is appropriate for your needs. Let us check out the top crossbow scopes of 2023, examining their features, benefits, and drawbacks.
Best Crossbow Scope Comparisons
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Vortex Crossfire II Crossbow Scope |
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Garmin Xero X1i Crossbow Scope |
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TruGlo Opti-Speed Crossbow Scope |
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CVLIFE 1.5 5x32 Crossbow Scope |
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Hawke Spot Optics XB30 |
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What are the Best Crossbow Scope Available?
Vortex Optics Crossfire crossbow scope provides hunters looking for accuracy and dependability and everything they need to start stacking bolts and filling tags. The 2-7×32 crossbow scope measures 9.5 inches length and features a standard 30mm tube size. It has 2.7 inches eye relief and it weighs 14 ounces.
Vortex Optics Crossfire
Check The PriceThe illumination attributes of the Vortex Crossfire lights up the XBR-2 reticles in either red or blue, providing incredible clarity in low-light situations. It is easy to set up. Once you sight in and set your zero at 40 yards, it provides ideal holdover reticles at 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 yards.
The magnification and feet per second on the magnifier ring keep the scope compatible with a variety of bows and setups, and a wide field of view makes it perfect for a variety of shooting situations. It has an adjustable magnifying ring to adjust the FPS (feet per second) of a crossbow in such a way that it will work with any crossbow on the market.
The exclusive coatings increase light transmission with multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces. It rugged construction allows it withstands recoil and impact. It has the O-ring sealed and it is nitrogen purged. This provides reliable waterproof and fog proof performance in all environments and over various temperatures.
Pros:
- The illuminated reticle stands out in low-light conditions.
- The FPS/magnification adjustment allows it to be used on any type of crossbow.
- It is fully waterproof and fog proof.
- It is lightweight at only 14 ounces.
- It is a good eye relief for eyeglass wearers.
- It has an excellent field of view.
- Vortex VIP Warranty
Cons:
- The numbers on the reticle are very small.
Garmin Xero X1i crossbow scope
Check The PriceGarmin Xero X1i crossbow scope is the best high end scope on the market. It has a built-in laser rangefinder. The auto-ranging crossbow scope with 3.5X magnification automatically measures the distance to the target. It also provides a precise illuminated aim point for the shot by using a wired trigger or device range button to activate ranging.
The aim points automatically adjust brightness based on how much light is outside. It also compensates for ambient light automatically, getting lighter as the light fades, making it ideal for low-light hunting.
The Xero X1i has the Laser Locate waypoint projection feature. This uses a compatible Garmin GPS device (sold separately) to show the target’s exact location when the shot or range was taken. In addition, it also comes with custom bolt profiles for more accurate shooting across a variety of setups.
Pros:
- It has a high-tech design.
- It takes all of the guesswork out of ranging shots.
- Has an automatic brightness feature.
- It has automatic illumination of the correct aim point.
- Lithium batteries are included.
Cons:
- It is expensive and out of reach for most hunters.
- It is heavy, at 1.9 pounds.
TruGlo Opti-Speed Crossbow Scope
Check The PriceTruGlo Opti-Speed Crossbow Scope is a revolutionary sight designed to give you the best accuracy and speed when shooting your crossbow. This scope features a unique illuminated reticle that allows you to easily adjust your aim and get a perfect shot every time. The reticle also has a speed indicator to let you know exactly how fast your arrow is traveling, so you can make adjustments to your aim accordingly.
The TruGlo Opti-Speed Crossbow Scope is the perfect choice for the serious crossbow hunter. Its advanced features and superior quality will help you hit your target every time.
Pros:
- Very bright and crisp images.
- It has a very simple BDC reticle.
- Works with almost any crossbow.
- Comes with scope rings.
Cons:
- It has a 24-mm objective lens.
- The warranty could be better.
CVLIFE 1.5-5×32 Crossbow Scope
Check The PriceAre you in the market for a crossbow scope that will deliver accurate shots? If so, you’ve likely heard of the CVLIFE 1.5-5×32 Crossbow Scope. This scope is popular among hunters and other crossbow enthusiasts due to its impressive features and accuracy.
It features an illuminated reticle and a 32mm objective lens for excellent light gathering capabilities, as well as being nitrogen-filled and sealed for waterproofing and fog-proofing.
Additionally, the scope is shockproof and features an adjustable eye relief of 7.5-8.5 inches. However, the scope is not compatible with crossbows that are very heavy and it has no parallax adjustment.
Pros:
- Excellent for short and medium range.
- Illuminated reticle
- Waterproof and fog free
- Affordable
- Adjustable eye relief of 7.5-8.5 inches
Cons:
- Not for heavy crossbows with weight of 200 lbs. or more.
- Not suitable for long range.
Hawke Spot Optics XB30
Check The PriceThe Hawk Spot Optics XB30 with its exceptional low-light capabilities and suitability, having crossbow speeds of 250 FPS–450 FPS, the Hawke XB30 is one of the favorite crossbow scopes for hunting.
Hawke uses the larger 30mm scope tube; this allows more light into the XB30, making it perfect for low-light hunting.
The XB30 has aim points from 20 to 100 yards and shows 5-yard increments. It has windage bars and dots that compensate for 10 mph and 20 mph crosswinds. The reticle is illuminated in either red or green and has five brightness levels.
The wide-angle optics let in more light and provides a wide field of view, which is awesome for hunting.
Pros:
- It works with faster crossbows up to 450 FPS.
- wide-angle optical system feature.
- It has a compact size and lightweight design.
- It has a no-fault warranty.
Cons:
- Magnification is fixed based on crossbow speed.
FAQ
I. Do Crossbows Require Special Scopes?
The short answer is yes, crossbows do require special scopes. Crossbow scopes are designed to compensate for the unique trajectory of a crossbow bolt. The scope features a reticle that is specifically designed for the trajectory of a crossbow bolt, which allows you to accurately aim your shot at longer ranges.
II. What Do the Lines Mean on a Crossbow Scope?
The reticle on a crossbow scope is designed to make aiming the crossbow easier. The lines on the reticle indicate various distances, allowing you to adjust your aim for the range of your target. The reticle is usually calibrated for 20, 30, 40, and 50-yard distances.
III. What Distance Should I Zero My Crossbow Scope?
Zeroing your crossbow scope is the process of aligning the reticle with the actual trajectory of your bolt. This is done by shooting your crossbow at a known distance and adjusting the reticle until it is aligned with the point of impact. It is recommended that you zero your crossbow scope at the furthest distance you plan to shoot.
IV. Can I Use a Red Dot on a Crossbow?
Yes, you can use a red dot on a crossbow. Red dots are a popular choice for crossbow hunters as they allow for fast target acquisition and are relatively inexpensive. Red dots are designed for close-range shooting, so they are not recommended for hunting at longer distances.
Final Verdict
Choosing the right crossbow scope is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable hunting experience. Each of the options mentioned above offers unique features and benefits to cater to different preferences and needs. The best rangefinder crossbow scope is the Garmin Xero X1i, while the most efficient for most hunters is CV LIFE 1.5- 5×32.