Bullet drop is a term experienced long-distance shooters are familiar with, and Mil-Dot scopes are designed to compensate for it. Mil-dots are the best way to magnify your target while compensating for bullet drop and crosswinds. They allow you to improve your strike rate, either on the range or while out hunting.
In this review, we will go through the best mil dot scopes currently on the market and find the perfect one for your needs. We take a look at seven of the very best. There is plenty to look at, including quality scopes for as low as around $100, to pinpoint your shooting accuracy.
So, let’s get straight to it, starting with the…
Top 7 Best Mil Dot Scopes Reviews
1 UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope, AO, RGB Mil-Dot, QD Rings – Best Lightweight Mil Dot Scope
The level of quality that Lepers includes their products while keeping the price down never ceases to amaze us. The UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster is one of the best examples of their commitment to inexpensive excellence.
Airsoft only?
Recommended for airsoft rifles, this scope has satisfied many a shooter using more power, like .22 gauge rimfire and more. Not only does the scope provide excellent state of the art optics, but it is also as rugged as you need.
Out in the rough and tumble of hunting where you inevitably get knocks, this equipment is built for resilience.
Strength aplenty…
UTG has tested its remarkable SSS Smart Spherical Structure system on everything from powerful airguns to high recoil elephant guns. There are no problems with its adaptability and strength.
This scope is especially useful for shooters using holdovers. If you think the red dot illumination is too bright, it can be turned off to use the black dots. You may find the generous eye relief getting a bit close at x9. The stock can be easily collapsed and reset to accommodate for that.
Overall?
A versatile, durable, and highly accurate scope with plenty of extras and high-quality optics for the right price.
Specifications
- Model No: SCP-M392AOLWQ
- Magnification: 3-9×32
- Weight: 13.9 oz.
- Length: 8.11 “
- With sunshade: 10.5”
- Eye Relief: 4.2 “ – 3.2”
- FOV: 37.7 ft – 14 ft @ 100 yards
- Parallax Free: 3 yards to infinity
- Reticle: Illuminated mil-dot
- Mounting: Fits Picatinny rails
- Batteries: CR1620 x 2
- Resistance: Sealed nitrogen filled, rain, and shockproof.
In the package:
- Two Lithium Metal batteries
- 2-year warranty
- QD Scope rings
- Sunshade and lens caps.
(4.4 / 5)Pros
- Lightweight.
- Fine optics.
- Ease sighting in.
- Windage and elevation knobs finger adjustable.
- Plenty of extras.
Cons
- Red dot illumination is too bright for some shooters.
2 Vortex Optics Viper Riflescope – Best Mil Dot Scope with Elevation Turret
The Viper 6.5-20×50 Parallax is yet another great quality product from the extensive Vortex range.
Consistent image…
This is a perfect scope for the serious hunter or long-range shooter. It features the 2nd focal plane (SFP) setup, most often preferred by hunters who want to change the scope’s power quickly. With the reticles situated near the eyepiece, they do not change their size or shape when zooming.
Vortex has been in the business long enough to acquire a serious reputation for building high-quality scopes. This Viper features Vortex’s usual great quality glass and flexible reticle sighting encased in a rock-solid 30mm single-piece tube.
Additional features, such as good hue and an elevation turret…
With some scopes, you may find that things like color resolution hue is not true. When you’re hunting creatures that blend well with their backgrounds and move quickly, you need good color fidelity. And this Vortex provides that.
Ease of use is highlighted by the target type elevation turret for long-distance work. The windage turret is capped to keep the look sleek and to prevent snagging. Inside the tube is protected by sealed O-rings, and it’s argon gas purged.
Built for the outdoors…
This all contributes to a beautifully designed long-distance specialist scope that is great for range and wind variations. Designed for all conditions and built to withstand bad treatment, this is one of the best mil dot scopes in its class.
Specifications:
- Model No: VPR-M-06MD
- Magnification: 6.5 – 20×50
- Weight: 21.6 oz.
- Length: 14.4 “
- Eye Relief (max power): 3.1”
- FOV: 17.4 ft – 6.2 ft @ 100 yards
- Parallax: 50 yards to infinity
- Reticle: Illuminated mil-dot
- Elevation turret: Tactical
- Windage turret: Capped.
In the package:
- 4” Sunshade
- Lens caps
- Lens cloth
(4.7 / 5)Pros
- Color fidelity and elevation turret
- Unique hold overcapacity.
- Smooth and efficient magnification.
- Ease of rapid adjustment.
- Rock-solid build.
Cons
- No issues.
3 UTG 4-16X44 30mm Scope, AO, 36-Color Mil-Dot, w/ Rings – Best Budget Mil Dot Scope
Officially known as the UTG 30MM AccuShot 4-16X44 IE Scope, this is another low-cost classic scope offering from Lepers. Once again, we can wonder how Lepers can market such quality at such a low price.
Super performance and value…
Testing the scope over time, most users report about the scope staying reliable after extensive use. It is hard to beat in the value for the money area, and for anyone on a budget, it is easily one of the best mil-dot scopes you can take home.
This sturdiness comes from UTG’s’ True Strength Platform. This is a combination of the high-quality aluminum 30mm tube, great sealing, and nitrogen purging.
What is the difference?
A great enhancement to this model is UTG’s patented EZ-TAP 36-Color Illumination Enhancing System. Improving on the normal red and green reticles, you get a nice selection of contrasting illumination colors, brightness, and glow.
These provide easy and quick resets in the field. The illumination qualities of the scope are very noticeable in lowlight conditions and remain clear in dimly-lit situations.
Mounting strength…
Another notable addition is the provision of the Quick Detach mounting rings. Once set up and fastened, these rings provide perfect accuracy on detaching and attaching. This is a versatile setup, and the mounts and reticles combined are highly resistant to recoil.
Note: It is a two-mount setup, and some shooters prefer a one-clip design.
Specifications:
- Model No: SCP3-U416AOIEW
- Maginification: 4 – 16 x 44
- Weight: 21.8 oz.
- Length: 18 “
- Eye Relief (max power): 3 – 3.4”
- Parallax: 10 yards to infinity
- Reticle: 36-Color Illumination
- View: Eyepiece diopter
- FOV: 24.4 ft – 6.8 ft @ 100 yards.
In the package:
- Angled Sunshade
- Flip open lens caps
- QD mount rings.
(5 / 5)Pros
- Excellent value for money.
- Very clear lowlight optics.
- Easy to detach and reattach.
- Extensive and easy parallax adjustment.
Cons
- Some shooters prefer one-piece mounts.
4 Pinty 4 -16X40 Rifle Scope AO Red Green Blue Illuminated Mil Dot – Most Powerful Mil Dot Scope
The Pinty RGB 4 – 16 x 40 Mil-Dot is a very good buy. It’s an inexpensive scope that will satisfy shooters without straining a meager budget. It certainly deserves to be in our list of best affordable mil dot scopes.
Visual values…
It’s always a pleasure to find an inexpensive scope that delivers really good results with its optics. On this level, it’s hard to fault the Pinty. It retains great focus throughout its magnification range, and the RGB mil dots work perfectly. Although some shooters think the brightness of the mil dots is a little high.
This scope takes your accuracy out to 500 yards and more with great clarity. Shooters wanting a clean hit at that yardage in hunting will not be disappointed. You also get plenty of eye relief, and all the hand adjustments are easy to make. The Pintyl will give you nice clear images in varied lighting conditions.
How about build strength?
Excellent strength all round is wrought with the high-quality one-piece aluminum tube. This tube is water, shock, and fog proof and as strong as you need a hunting scope to be.
In short, this is a great product at the lower end of the price market, with lots of accessories.
Specifications:
- Model No: PintyAOL05
- Magnification: 4 – 16 x 40
- Tube Diam: 1 inch
- Weight: 66.9 gm
- Length: 375 mm
- Objective Diameter: 40 mm
- Eyepiece Diam: 40mm
- Eye Relief: 6.5 – 3.9”
- Click adjustment: ¼
- Reticle: Illuminated Mil-Dot RGB
- FOV @ 100 yards: 30 @ 4x / 8 @ 16x
Included in the package:
- Sunshade
- Two Heavy Duty Ring Mounts
- Two Lens Covers
- L Shaped Wrench
- Manual
- Cleaning Cloth
- CR2032 battery
(4.3 / 5)Pros
- Good construction.
- Clear lenses.
- Excellent magnification.
- Comprehensive accessories.
- Good in low light.
- Value for money.
Cons
- Rings do not mount on AR-15 Picatinny rails.
- Double mounting rings.
5 Sig Sauer Whiskey 3 4-12x50mm Riflescope – Best Mil Dot Hunting Scope
The Sig Sauer Whiskey 3 4-12x50mm is an excellent hunting and target scope nicely positioned in the affordable range. Solid construction and weatherproofing make it a perfect scope to take hunting. With the IPX7 rating, it can even take immersion in water.
It is a great contender to be in our review of the best mil dot scopes for hunting and has a lot going for it. This includes credits from people that have owned these scopes over some time.
Whiskey 3 details…
The Sig Sauer’s lens is probably its finest feature. The low dispersion glass lens technology produces some of the clearest glass optics you will ever sight through. Developed to deal with the wide variety of optical challenges you find in the field, this is great glass to take into the hunting domain.
This is backed up by the rapid European style fast focus eyepiece, which retains a useful width at full magnification.
There’s more…
The reticles are excellently designed, and the dot functions beautifully. These are very useful in lowlight conditions and good for people with compromised eyesight.
The ‘no tools’ turrets are easy to use. And being a ‘light to carry’ scope, means longer periods of better accuracy.
Overall, it is a user-friendly scope in a very friendly price range.
Specifications:
- Magnification: 4 – 12 x 50 mm
- Tube Diam: 1 in
- Illumination: Red
- Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane
- Weight: 18.9 oz
- Length: 16.25 in
- Objective Diameter: 50 mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Eye Relief: 3.5”
- Parallax: 100 yards
- Field of View @ 100 yds: (Linear) 23.6 – 7.9 ft
- Adjustment: .25 MOA
- Lens: Low dispersion glass
- Water Resistance: IPX – 7.
In the package:
- Wrench
- User Manual
- Cloth
Pros
- Ease of adjusting.
- Crystal clear glass.
- Value for money.
- Substantial eye relief.
- IPX – 7 waterproofing standard.
Cons
- The focal point could be larger for some.
6 Bushnell Trophy 3-9x40mm Riflescope, Color: Black – Best Big Game Mil Dot Scope
If you want to improve your big game hunting success, the Bushnell Trophy 3-9 x 40mm Riflescope is for you. This is a very nice looking clean scope with excellent optics and is ruggedly built. A worthy entrant into our review of the top-7 mil dot scopes you can buy.
This is a versatile scope, and users report an above-average sight picture. This is not a case of seeing what you get because you get to see a lot more. The glass offers a very crisp, clear view up to 10x magnification. With 91% light transmission, you will have no worries at all, focusing on your game at the maximum distance.
Let’s look at more…
One of the great features of this scope is rapid eye focus and greatly assisted by a generous eyepiece. Your focus will be as quick as your eye allows it. You can draw your bead using the Multi X mil-dot reticle with great confidence and accuracy.
Your windage and elevation adjustments are easily changed with finger adjustable turrets, which have an audible click to them. This also goes for the side parallax adjustments.
Build quality…
All the weatherproofing you need is built into the Bushnell with sealed O rings and sturdy dry nitrogen filled tube. This unit is very reasonably-priced, considering the quality of the optics.
This is a great buy.
Specifications:
- ASIN: B01MY5A7IR
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x 40mm
- Tube Diam: 1 inch
- Reticle: Tre Mil-Dot
- Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane
- Weight: 14.3 oz
- Length: 12”
- Tube Diameter: 1”
- Eye Relief: 4”
- Parallax: Fixed
- Lens: Fully multi-coat
- FOV @ 100 yards: 13 – 38 ft
Pros
- Clear multi-coated lens.
- Bright images.
- Multi-X Reticle.
- Excellent weatherproofing.
Cons
- Watch out for knock offs.
- No dust caps are supplied.
7 Primary Arms SLx3.5 4-14X44mm FFP Rifle Scope – Best First Focal Plane Mil Dot Scope
The PA SLX 3.5 4 – 14×44 is one of Primary Arms’ most versatile mil dot scopes. It is very popular with shooters in the mid to inexpensive range of scopes on the market. It provides excellent value, traditional Primary Arms durability, and all the bells and whistles a modern shooter can expect.
Looking at the details…
The reticle is as fine as you get, and the First Focal Plane reticle will stay true at any magnification. It is highly suited for shooters that like to go by the audible clicks that are accompanying the adjustments: This first focal plane reticle can be leveraged at every magnification.
The turrets are fully exposed, tactical, finger adjustable, and easy to get your zero reset. Counting your clicks, the turrets track the whole 17.5 Mil range accurately.
Build…
The scope is constructed from high strength aircraft-grade aluminum. The SLX 3.5 4 – 14×44 will give you all the durability you need for long life. This is a greatly favored scope for owners of AR-15s. Its water, shock proofing, and fog resistance makes it an excellent hunting scope.
This is a good buy and comes with a 3-year warranty.
Specifications:
- Magnification: 4 – 14 x 44 mm
- Tube Diam: 30 mm
- Reticle: R Grid 2B Illuminated
- Focal Plane: First Focal Plane
- Weight: 25.2 oz
- Length: 12.9 in
- Objective Diameter: 44 mm
- Total Elevation: 17.5 MIL
- Total Windage: 17.5 MIL
- Tube Diameter: 1”
- Eye Relief: Low: 3.22 in / High: 3.14 in
- Parallax: 15 yards to infinity
- Field of View @ 100 yds: Low: 27.20 ft / High: 7.85 ft
- Lens: Fully multi-coated.
(4.7 / 5)Pros
- Value for money.
- Plenty of eye relief.
- Six illumination settings.
- Side adjustable parallax.
- Audible reticle settings.
- Excellent weatherproofing.
Cons
- Stiff magnification knob.
- The grid is not illuminated.
- Turret marks are not always centered.
Best Mil Dot Scopes Buying Guide
Advancements in technology and more affordable manufacturing has contributed a lot to the modern shooter’s arsenal. Pristine optics in rugged tubes designed to take a beating have brought the hunter closer to his quarry than ever. To make the most of this technology, it is no longer a necessity to have huge dollars in your wallet.
Lower-end buyers can now purchase the equipment that can improve their results in ways not thought possible, particularly in the field of competition.
Mil-Dot Mania
Mil Dots have also come to mean that there is a much greater choice available when you go shopping. The mil-dot revolution has added accuracy and, coupled with glass coating technology, brings far more success to hunters. This has another added benefit of being able to kill a beast outright, rather than just injuring it.
Added accuracy has meant the number of kill shots going up and misses going down. This is good for the hunter and good for the beast.
A new Complication
One of the few negatives in all of this is the plethora of choices a shooter has when selecting the right scope. The choice level has risen, and consequently added confusion for those that are not sure what to buy. Hence, our reviews of some of the best mil dots money can buy.
You may be guided by price alone and have a budget that includes a lot of other daily expenses. This will include the accessories you need, besides the gun and the scope.
No need to be Rich
The well-heeled amongst us can shoot for the stars; however, the modern budget scope buyers are not going to be disappointed. By that, we mean you will not miss out by buying a low-budget scope.
Your Important Considerations
- Magnification
Apart from price, the next ‘need to know’ is magnification. What is your usual expected use going to be? If your targets are normally under 500 yards, your scope’s power needs to suit that. More magnification will normally add to the price, so buy more than you need.
Most of these scopes will be used up to around the 500-yard mark. Yet those that have tried them report stretching out in the right conditions to 1,000 yards.
- Flexibility
While taking magnification into account, next to that, you will not want to be stuck within one range. The ability to change that magnification becomes something you need to know. Your scope’s ability to zoom between the top magnification and more close up is important. You need to balance your choices, offsetting magnification, and versatility.
- Accuracy
The most obvious reason you are in this market is accuracy. The mil-dot scope has taken accuracy to new heights, particularly in hunting. The mil-dot lets the hunter focus on the target while compensating for bullet drop and windage.
This is a trial and error exercise. The modern hunter has hours of pleasure in-store, getting to know the relationship between the ammunition, the scope’s reticles, and the rifle.
- Build Quality
This is yet another of the most significant advances in scope design. Despite their accessibility, price-wise, all the scopes in our list are made from excellent materials. They will all go the distance regarding durability and range from water and fog resistance to being fully waterproof.
So, what are the Best Mil Dot Scopes?
Always, the raw end of our reviews is choosing a scope from the wide range of choices available. That said, you need to take your time and get to know what you need and your primary uses. The detailed needs you have will be yours alone. Our choice, in this case, takes into account a blend of price, value for money, versatility, and magnification.
Our choice, while focused overall on value for money, came down to two, the…
…and the…
… out of which, we chose the UTG as the top of the two. The UTG offers very worthy extras that we judge as well worth having.
We hope this review of the best quality mil dot scopes was informing. And may you have a pleasant (and accurate) shooting experience.
