Best Pistol Scope Reviews: The Top Nine

The firearm market is teeming with so many scope variants that no matter how small or large your budget is, you will be sure to find a reasonably priced optic to suit your needs.

However, the responsibility of a pistol scope far outweighs that of the shotgun or other rifle types in the sense that when you discharge this firearm and it recoils, the shock is felt wholly by the firearm as opposed to a regular rifle which is worn suspended from your body, helping it absorb the shock with as much intensity as the firearm itself.

As a result, choosing the right optic for your pistol requires even more skill, discretion, and of course ample knowledge about your purchase. Sometimes, people wonder if they really need a scope for their handguns.

Here, we have compiled a comprehensive answer with some of the best pistol scopes in the market right now, starting with (in the usual fashion) our top choice from the pack: the TRUGLO TFX Tritium and Fiber-Optic Xtreme Handgun Sights for Glock Pistols.

The Best Pistol Scopes Are:

Product	Details
1. TRUGLO TFX Tritium and Fiber-Optic Xtreme Handgun Sights for Glock Pistols	Top Pick	Shock-resistant, virtually indestructible and compact TFX sealed capsule design Protected with a rust and stain-resistant fortress finish Consistent brightness in any light or weather condition	Check Current Price
2. CVLIFE 4x32 Compact Rifle Scope Crosshair Optics Hunting Gun Scope with 20mm Free Mounts		Weight: 4 ounces Magnification: 4X Objective Diameter: 32mm Field View: 23 Exit Pupil Diameter: 7.9mm Eye Relief: 4.13" (105mm)	Check Current Price
3. Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sights		Product dimensions: 6.7 x 5.1 x 2.9 inches ; 7.2 ounces 3 MOA Dot Reticle with adjustable auto-brightness intensity mode 1 MOA Windage and elevation adjustments Includes a low rail mount	Check Current Price
4. NcStar 2.5X30 Pistol Scope/Blue Lens/Ring (SPB2530B)		Product dimensions: 10.1 x 3.1 x 2.8 inches ; 14.1 ounces Magnification: 2.5x objective dia. (Mm) 30.00 Plex reticle (non-illuminated) Lens Coating: blue Long Eye relief for extended mounting capability Includes the pistolero series	Check Current Price
5. Pinty Red Green Reflex Holographic Rifle Scope Dot Sight		Weight: 9.6 ounces Object Aperture: 33mm Field of View: 15.8m@100m Output: 1mw Housing Size: 3.2 x 2.6 inches/82 x 66 mm Reticle Selector:4 Patterns and 4 Variable Dot	Check Current Price
6. Leupold FX-II Handgun 4x28mm Duplex		Weight: 7 oz/199 g Magnification Range: 4x Weight: 7 oz. Length: 8.4 in. Main Tube Diameter: 1 inch Eye Relief (in) - Low: 18	Check Current Price
7. Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm Plex Reticle Pistol Scope, Matte Black - 200291		Product dimensions: 12.2 x 3.2 x 2.3 inches ; 1.2 pounds 2-7X32mm, plex, matte, 1-inch tube Free at 100 yds Heat-resistant performance	Check Current Price
8. UTG 3-9X32 1" BugBuster Scope, AO, RGB Mil-dot, QD Rings		Product dimensions: 9.8 x 3.4 x 3.9 inches ; 13.9 ounces Rainproof and Shockproof 1/4 MOA Per Click Adjustment 2 lithium metal batteries included 2" Sunshade, High-Quality Flip-open Lens Caps and Quick-detachable Rings Built on True Strength Platform, Completely Sealed and Nitrogen Filled	Check Current Price
9. AIM SPORTS 2-7X32 Dual III. Long Eye Relief Scope with Red Laser and Rings		Weight: 1 pound 2-7X32 Dual ill. long eye relief pistol/scout scope with red laser Magnification is 2X-7X Tube diameter is 1" Objective is 32 mm Length is 10.5"	Check Current Price

1. TRUGLO TFX Tritium and Fiber-Optic Xtreme Handgun Sights for Glock Pistols

If you have always wanted a glow-in-the-dark, stain-resistant, weather-resistant and dynamic focus scope for your glock pistol, this is IT, and more!

The Truglo TFX Tritium and Fiber-optic xtreme handgun scope come dressed in a virtually indestructible TFX Sealed Capsule Design that offers maximum shield and durability. In addition, its fortress finish feature ensures that your device has a permanent defense against oily and chemical substances, cleaning solvents, and similar materials.

Night or day, rain or shine, this scope bangs through every situation and the most amazing part? It does not require batteries or light sensors. For even faster focus, this scope keeps it all locked down with its Focus-Lock Ring, and the most amazing thing? It is not one of those scopes that start high and finish low. This one stays TRUE to its word.

Bottom Line

Like the proverbial Oliver Twist, we are definitely taking everything we can out of the legendary  Truglo TFX Tritium and Fiber-optic xtreme handgun scope, and we absolutely recommend that you do too!

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2. CVLIFE 4×32 Compact Rifle Scope Crosshair Optics Hunting Gun Scope with 20mm Free Mounts

Back and better, the CVlife 4×32 Compact Scope is housed in solid aluminum alloy and constructed with the ultra-strong one-piece tube for maximum durability.

It features a 4x magnification range and built for resilience against water, fog and/or shock. Its compactness (with a length of only 7.48″(190mm) allows you to move quickly while aiming at top precision levels.

Bottom Line

The most significant quality about this product from CVLife is the fact that it can boast of extraordinary strength from a small, compact body.

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3. Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sights

How do you write the best pistol scope reviews without including something from Vortex Optics? This brand has carved its niche squarely in the firearms market by producing some of the finest selections of scopes to happen to mankind. The most significant aspect of this scope is that it is packed with enough features to cater to the rifle, shotgun, and handgun.

With a generous range in field view and an auto-brightness mode that uses a  light sensor to control dot intensity according to the shooter’s preference, its most outstanding feature, however, is The Venom Red Dot Sight-3 MOA which enhances rapid target acquisition and accuracy of aim.

Safe to say the Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sights gets the work done, and fast too. Encased in high-strength aluminum material for aesthetics and durability, the recoil power of this optic is of premium standard

Bottom Line

Whether you are target shooting or hunting, you deserve the kind of reliable optical technology that ensures your aims are perfect and your shots precise. What’s more, the Vortex Optics Red Dot Sights is tailored to be environment-friendly with solid features that prevent moisture, dust, and dirt from getting into your device.

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4. NcStar 2.5X30 Pistol Scope/Blue Lens/Ring (SPB2530B)

Perfect for firearms with scout setups, the Ncstar 2.5×30 pistol scope features a blue lens, extended eye relief, clear magnification and Illuminated reticle that helps for great target acquisition. Once sighted in, it can produce optimal performance without needing adjustments for months at a stretch.

It also offers great focus and precision as far out as 50 yards. Nevertheless, we cannot vouch for its recoil strength as this scope is not built for the highest level of shock absorption.

Bottom Line

While it is undoubtedly a great scope for the money, this choice is not guaranteed to stand the test of time but will offer you momentary effectiveness for a considerable period.

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5. Pinty Red Green Reflex Holographic Rifle Scope Dot Sight

This Red Green Reflex Holographic Rifle scope packs a punch with its Red and green reticle that features four patterns for unlimited eye-relief and corrected parallax, making it easily adjustable to your preferred size.

Also, its aircraft-grade aluminum alloy material casing makes it highly durable and easy to clean, further enhancing this durability. Predictably, you can be rest assured that this scope will stay loyal even in the most volatile weather conditions, resilient against water, shock and/or fog.

Bottom Line

We know for a fact that if you find yourself alone in the woods with your handgun and this accompanying scope, make sure you have tons of spare batteries in your backpack. This scope may look fancy, but it also does a decent job.

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6. Leupold FX-II Handgun 4x28mm Duplex

Although we are hardly referring to a building when we talk about the Leupold FX-II Handgun 4x28mm Duplex, this scope definitely feels like one, complete with a sparkling silver finish for that edgy, metallic look. With these scopes, you can finally say goodbye to inaccuracy and hazy focus because nothing stands between you and your target.

Even better, it disperses high recoil energy for shock absorption. Also, it features a unique Twilight Max Light Management System  which offers at least 20 extra minutes of shooting light while reducing the glare in order to ensure premium edge-to-edge image quality.

Bottom Line

In a market overflowing with handgun scopes from top competing brands, we admit that finding a suitable scope may prove to be herculean especially if you are indecisive.

However, we leave you with a word from the manufacturers: BE RELENTLESS. In other words, do not settle until you have found a great buy, perhaps one as good as a Leupold handgun scope.

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7. Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm Plex Reticle Pistol Scope, Matte Black – 200291

We don’t know about you, but there is something decidedly trusting about a product with a matte black finish, so much that we trust the Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm Plex Reticle Pistol scope to take a good beating if the occasion calls for it.

Also, frankly, it is rare to see a scope that actually offers excessive eye relief. Though a lesser-known brand, this handgun scope has definitely proved itself worthy of a glowing recommendation.

Bottom Line

Unlike many other scopes, the Burris handgun scope is designed simply and goes straight to the point. This one definitely belongs in the “No Drama” zone.

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8. UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope, AO, RGB Mil-dot, QD Rings

Built and tested on True Strength Platform, Completely Sealed and Nitrogen Filled, Shockproof, Fog proof and Rainproof, the UTG 3-9X32 1” BugBuster Scope transmits light at the speed of lightning.

Its red dot can switch from red to green when the light comes on. It can be fixed on a Picatinny 21 mm rail and most usually used for Airsoft assault rifles.

Bottom Line

Unarguably one of UTG’s most efficient products, we must not forget one of the product’s most valuable feature: its unrivaled and secure lock system, which allows you to aim perfectly at any time.

In the event of a fall or harsh impact with a solid surface, chances of your aim settings changing are very low. This scope was built as if to say: Hello there, Outdoors!

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9. AIM SPORTS 2-7X32 Dual III. Long Eye Relief Scope with Red Laser and Rings

Thoughtfully put together to cater to people with eye defects, this long eye relief scope performs almost exactly as advertised: with expansive eye relief and superior magnification range, and more. Red lasers and rings to boot!

Bottom Line

One reason to purchase this scope: its eye relief is unparalleled in its expansiveness. One reason to not purchase this scope: its lasers do not function as they should.

Pro Tip if you decide to purchase this scope anyway: Simply buy separate lasers. It will prove to be some worthy bucks spent in the long run.

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Buying Guide

In the meantime, never forget that the experience is always more fun and interesting when you have a scope attached to your firearm. These scopes make you acutely aware of your shooting mistakes and help you correct these errors quickly without necessarily hampering your precision.

Also, getting a scope is great, while understanding its purpose even greater. If you can determine the reason for purchasing a scope, you will be better equipped to make the right choice. However, it is important to note that you never go wrong with asking questions.

The first thing to note when you decide to purchase your pistol/handgun scope is that these scopes are quite different from your rifle/shotgun scopes and you should make no mistakes about that.

Budget

Be rest assured you will find a scope within your budget range because there are so many of them! Also, note that fixed scopes are generally less expensive than their high-range variable counterparts.

Before you determine your budget, ask yourself if it will offer as much value as you require, or if you wouldn’t have to spend on a new scope the following month, thus contradicting the idea of a budget-friendly scope in the first place.

Eye Relief

A standard rifle scope offers eye relief of 2 to 4 inches and says it’s okay, while your handgun scope selections pack as much as 35 inches in eye relief.

Do not compromise on this feature because you think that regular scopes get the job done with less. At the least, look out for a handgun scope with 18 inches of eye relief.

Magnification

What would you rather? A product with fixed power range or the more versatile choice of a variable magnification power in a handgun scope?

Slide Mount

Most handgun scopes come with free rail mounts or you need to purchase separately. Either way, the need for quality when making this purchase cannot be overemphasized.

Size

It is usually a no-brainer: The more compact, the better!

Compatibility

Pay less attention to the ads and more to the reviews. Not every scope is compatible with your pistol!

Recoil Strength

Generally, pistols and handguns possess higher recoil power than other firearms. Find you a scope that disperses power evenly through the body of your weapon while being able to whole absorb shock and go on with its duties like nothing happened.

Final Thoughts

We recommend you solicit the help of someone more knowledgeable at all times before purchasing your scope, whether as a professional or amateur shooter. It is important to note that when paired with a poor performance scope, your firearm reduces significantly in its effectiveness no matter how high its quality is.

Therefore, if you are still not convinced on the idea that you need (no, deserve) a good quality handgun scope, think about the fact that you have probably spent good money on your handgun/pistol and you won’t be enjoying up to half of your money’s worth if you opt for substandard handgun scopes. To that, we say: Namaste! And may the force be with you.

We hope that we have successfully educated you on the contrast between handgun scopes and other riflescopes. Although it was a difficult task, we have chosen the TRUGLO TFX Tritium and Fiber-Optic Xtreme Handgun Sights as our top choice for its exceptional brightness and compact casing.