In this post, we look at the Best Handgun Scopes. A handgun is a one-hand use short-barreled firearm. The most common types are revolvers and semi-automatic pistols.
The less common handguns are derringers and machine pistols. Handguns are close-range weapons except when taken up by hunters as a primary field weapon.
When using a handgun to shoot targets and objects, it is really fun when the targets are close. It becomes difficult when the objects and targets begin to get farther away making it hard to have an accurate shot. A handgun scope helps you to shoot targets that are farther away with no difficulties.
A handgun is different from a standard rifle scope. It has to be compact, and lightweight with long eye relief. To help you narrow down the best handgun scopes, here is a comprehensive review.
Best Handgun Scopes-Our Top Picks
1) UTG 2-7X32 1” Handgun Scope
Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Opticsplanet
This is one of the best handgun scopes on the market, it’s built on a true strength platform bringing forth a shock, fog, and rainproof performance thanks to the complete sealing and nitrogen filling. With up to 25″ eye relief, the scope is perfect for handguns. Shooting at different distances is made easy by the Red/green illuminated PDC. More incredible features include screw lockable turrets with precise and consistent windage and elevation adjustments, an adjustable eyepiece and Emerald coated lenses. Pros
Specifications
|
2) Vortex Optics Venom 3 MOA/6 MOA Red Dot Sights
|
3) Burris 2-7×32 Handgun Hunting Scope
Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Opticsplanet
This Burris Handgun scope is known for its PosiLock system that utilizes a retractable steel post with the normal adjustment springs for firm turret adjustments for extra security even with high recoil associated with handguns. The scope’s optical system uses multicoated index-matched optics for bright and clear views. Its long eye relief is crucial for high-power handgun use. The scope’s optical tube is nitrogen-filled and o-ring sealed to deliver a performance that is waterproof and fog proof. Covered turrets provide protection against rain, mud, and dirt while ensuring there are no accidental adjustments while moving through the heavy bush. Pros
Specifications
|
4) Leupold FX-II 4x28mm Handgun Scope
Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Opticsplanet
This Leupold FX-II helps is made to fully get rid of the inaccuracy of a handgun’s short sight radius. The scope features the Twilight Light Management System that balances transmission of light, image contrast and reduces glare leading to bright and clear images no matter the lighting condition. It is rugged and reliable as it delivers waterproof and fog-proof performance. For total repeatability and dependability for a lifetime of extreme use, the scope has precision 1/4 MOA readjust able windage and elevation. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry for your hunting expedition. The scope is ideal for varmint hunting. It is clear and crisp and helps users to go back to the medium height rings instead of the extra big rings that are equipped in the preceding models. Pros
Specifications
|
5) Hammers 2-7X32 Long Eye Relief Pistol Scout Scope
Check Price on Amazon
This Hammers Long Eye Relief Pistol Scout Scope is one of the best handgun scopes. As the name suggests, it has a long eye relief that is required to set up for pistols or revolver target shooting. It is a perfect choice for use as a forward mounting scout scope on rifles like the famous Mosin Nagant. The scope has a quick eyepiece focus ring and windage and elevation screws that are finger adjustable. It has an anodized black matte finish. Besides that, the scope has top-quality optics that provide clear and sharp views. Pros
Specifications
|
6) BSA 2-7X32 Edge Series Pistol Scope
Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Opticsplanet
If you are a shooter who doesn’t want to spend too much but not too little either, this is the perfect scope for you. The scope has a 1-inch tube that provides 32mm of overall diameter. The long eye relief is suitable for not only those who like shooting close to the gun but also for those who require extra space. The elevation and windage are adjustable. It also has a Duplex reticle design with a 12-inch length helping you to get great handling. Get the scope so as to take your shooting demands to the next level. Pros
Specifications
|
Related: 6 Best Pistol Scopes for 44 Mag
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Handgun Scopes
- Magnification-When it comes to handgun scopes, magnification is as important as it is in rifle scopes. It is important to take a good look at the magnification range depending on the use of your handgun to help you get better accuracy and aim over short, mid, or long ranges. The more the magnification, the more practical the scope will be. But, you also get less short-range accuracy with more magnification.
- Eye relief-This is the distance in which a shooter needs to look through the lens. This makes all the difference between a model that provides a large field of view and magnification and one that doesn’t. Go for a scope with an eye relief between 4 and 12 inches if you want the best field of view and magnification. An eye relief between 15 and 30 inches will be good for you if you do not need much magnification. Most red dot sights have unlimited eye relief making them ideal for handguns.
- The resilience of lens-This is basically how lenses handle fog, water, and shock. Look at any type of unique construction for the most resilient lens. These are things such as nitrogen fillings, scratch-resistant coatings and shatter-resistant builds.
- Size-Most handgun scopes tend to have a diameter of the lens between 20mm and 32mm in size. You will have to consider the tube which is normally 1-inch in diameter. If your scope goes beyond or below those measurements, it is not good for your handgun.
- Weight-The biggest scopes are the heaviest. It is recommendable to go for a light option that doesn’t exceed 12 ounces. A model that is below 10 ounces is even better.
Why We Chose the Above Scopes for the Best Handgun Scopes
- Better accuracy-The accuracy of a handgun increases whether it is a medium or long distance. The scope helps you aim more accurately. Placing your eye on the lens and looking through will help improve your vision and help you aim through the reticle.
- Long-distance application-A scope will help you see things that are far more clear. You are also able to zoom in to objects or targets with a scope.
- Waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof performance-This scopes have nitrogen fillings and are sealed making them water, fog, and shockproof hence ideal to use in all conditions
- Durable-These scopes have a rugged and tough construction that give them the ability to withstand even the roughest conditions
- Lightweight-The scopes have a lightweight design that makes them easy to carry and use in the field without them being bulky.
Best Handgun Scopes FAQs
- Do I need a variable or fixed magnification?
This comes down to your needs, For instance, a fixed magnification provides between 2x to 4x or 7x but that cannot be changed. This adds on durability but lacks versatility. You have tons of options while shooting with variable magnification but you lack resilience.
- What is parallax
This is the accuracy of the reticle inside the scope.
When you see dark edges while looking through the lenses that are parallax. You are parallax-free when you move your head back and forth until the edges disappear.
Conclusion
Handguns demand scopes built to handle shot after shot pounding that comes with pistols and revolvers with tremendous recoil. The above-reviewed scopes have been tested and proven to be very reliable and effective for handguns.
See Also: 9 Best Scopes for 9mm Pistol/Handgun