Handgun hunting is a thrilling challenge—blending marksmanship, close-range skill, and true fieldcraft. Whether you’re targeting deer, hogs, or varmints, a quality handgun scope can help you stretch your range, tighten your groups, and get the most from every shot.
But handgun scopes face unique demands: punishing recoil, limited eye relief, and the need to acquire targets fast.
In this guide, you’ll find the best options for hunters at all budgets, a buyer’s guide, detailed reviews, and practical tips to choose the right optic for your pistol or revolver.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Leupold FX-II 4x28mm Handgun Scope — Legendary clarity, fixed power for fast shooting, ultra-rugged
- Best Variable Power: Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm — Flexible zoom, long eye relief, proven hunting durability
- Best Value: Bushnell Trophy 2-6x32mm — Solid glass, forgiving eye box, affordable for most hunters
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look For in a Hunting Handgun Scope
- Eye Relief: Handgun scopes require long eye relief—often 15″ or more—to avoid injury and allow natural arm extension. The more recoil, the more relief you need.
- Durability & Recoil Resistance: Magnum handguns (like .44 Mag, .454 Casull, or .460 S&W) can destroy weak scopes. Look for models tested on heavy calibers and with shockproof construction.
- Magnification: Fixed 2x or 4x is perfect for close/woods hunting. Variables (2-7x, 2-6x) add flexibility for mixed terrain or longer shots, but clarity at higher zoom matters more than max power.
- Reticle Type: Simple duplex or heavy plex reticles are easy to use fast. Avoid cluttered or “tactical” reticles that obscure targets.
- Glass Quality: Fully multi-coated lenses boost brightness at dawn/dusk and make shots in heavy cover possible. Edge-to-edge clarity is vital for quick target acquisition.
- Parallax Setting: Most handgun scopes have parallax set at 50 or 100 yards—ideal for hunting. Adjustable parallax is rare but can be useful on long-range setups.
- Weight & Size: A heavy optic throws off balance; keep it light and low profile for field carry and offhand shots.
- Warranty: Choose scopes with strong, no-fault warranties—critical for heavy-use handguns.
Detailed Product Reviews
Leupold FX-II 4x28mm Handgun Scope
Who It’s For: Serious handgun hunters who want fixed, bright, “set it and forget it” performance on any revolver or single-shot.
- Key Benefits:
- Legendary Leupold clarity and build quality
- Extended eye relief (up to 18″) for hard-kicking handguns
- Extremely lightweight and compact (7 oz)
- Lifetime Gold Ring warranty
- Pros:
- Crystal clear images at dawn/dusk
- Never loses zero, even on .44 Mag/.454 Casull
- Fast target acquisition — perfect for woods and quick shots
- Cons:
- No variable zoom
- Parallax fixed at 100 yards (may require practice at short range)
Final Verdict: The standard by which all hunting pistol scopes are judged—unbeatable reliability and clarity. See latest price
Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm
Who It’s For: Hunters who want a variable scope for flexible ranges, with a proven record on big-bore revolvers.
- Key Benefits:
- Variable 2-7x zoom covers close woods and open fields
- Extremely long eye relief (10–21″)
- Solid steel-on-steel turret adjustments
- Available with Ballistic Plex reticle for long shots
- Pros:
- Great for longer shots or dual-use (pistol and rifle)
- Fully multi-coated for bright, sharp images
- Burris Forever warranty—no questions asked
- Cons:
- Heavier than fixed power scopes (13 oz)
- Eye relief shifts with magnification (test before hunting)
Final Verdict: The most versatile hunting handgun scope—hard to beat for field or mixed terrain. See latest price
Bushnell Trophy 2-6x32mm
Who It’s For: Budget-conscious hunters or those new to handgun hunting who want solid performance without the premium price.
- Key Benefits:
- Variable power for woods and open country
- Multi-coated optics, fogproof, waterproof
- Eye relief up to 20″
- Simple, effective Multi-X reticle
- Pros:
- Very affordable — best bang for buck
- Forgiving eye box and quick target pick-up
- Stands up to .44 Mag and similar calibers
- Cons:
- Glass not as clear as Leupold/Burris
- No parallax adjustment
Final Verdict: The best value scope for hunters who want to get started with a reliable, no-fuss optic. See latest price
Nikon Force XR 2.5-8x28mm EER
Who It’s For: Handgun hunters wanting extended zoom and premium build (check used/closeout markets, as Nikon scopes are discontinued).
- Key Benefits:
- Wide 2.5-8x zoom for field and long-range
- Extended Eye Relief (EER), up to 30″
- Bright, clear glass—outperforms most at high zoom
- Pros:
- Perfect for specialty handguns (TC Contender, XP-100, etc.)
- Holds zero on heavy recoil
- Cons:
- No longer in production—buy used or old stock
- No warranty for new buyers
Final Verdict: For those who find one, this is a classic high-performance handgun optic. See latest price
Comparison Table
| Scope | Magnification | Eye Relief | Strengths | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leupold FX-II 4x28mm | 4x (fixed) | 15–18″ | Clarity, light weight, ruggedness | No zoom, fixed parallax |
| Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm | 2-7x | 10–21″ | Variable, Ballistic Plex, warranty | Heavier, eye relief varies |
| Bushnell Trophy 2-6x32mm | 2-6x | Up to 20″ | Price, easy use, solid glass | Basic features, glass “good” |
| Nikon Force XR 2.5-8x28mm | 2.5-8x | Up to 30″ | Zoom, clarity, long eye relief | Discontinued, no warranty |
How to Choose the Right Handgun Scope for Hunting
- Pick the right eye relief for your caliber: Magnum revolvers and single-shots need max eye relief to stay safe under recoil. For .22s or .357, you can use slightly shorter relief.
- Decide on magnification: Fixed 2x or 4x is perfect for woods and up to 75 yards. Variables (2-6x, 2-7x, 2.5-8x) add range for fields or open country, but check clarity at full zoom.
- Check fit and mounting: Short-tube scopes fit more pistols. Rings and base matter—use quality steel mounts to avoid loss of zero.
- Test for tracking and zero: Sight in carefully, shoot a group, dial elevation up/down, and check if zero returns. A good scope holds zero after recoil and adjustment.
- Practice fast target acquisition: Field hunting means odd angles, gloves, and brush. Test the scope’s eyebox and clarity in low light and with both hands.
- Choose a reticle that’s easy to see: Duplex or heavy plex reticles are best for quick shots and moving targets. Avoid “busy” tactical reticles for most game.
- Consider warranty and service: Recoil and field use will eventually test every optic. Choose a scope backed by a real, no-fault warranty.
FAQ
Do I need a special scope for handgun hunting?
Yes! Rifle scopes do not have enough eye relief and may cause injury or fail to hold zero on powerful handguns. Always choose a scope designed specifically for handguns.
Can handgun scopes handle magnum recoil?
The best ones are built to do exactly that. Leupold, Burris, and Bushnell all test their scopes on .44 Mag and .454 Casull—just use quality rings and bases.
Is a variable or fixed power scope better for hunting?
Fixed 2x or 4x is lighter, faster, and more rugged for thick woods. Variables (2-6x, 2-7x) shine for field/long shots. Pick based on your typical terrain and shot distance.
How far can I shoot with a handgun scope?
With practice, ethical shots on deer/hogs are possible to 100–150 yards with a scoped magnum handgun. Variables make longer shots possible, but practice and bullet choice matter more.
What’s the best mounting setup for a hunting handgun scope?
Steel rings and a quality one- or two-piece base designed for your model. Always check torque specs and use threadlocker for magnum recoil.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The right handgun scope will help you take ethical, confident shots—whether stalking deer in heavy cover or reaching out for a coyote on the far fenceline.
The Leupold FX-II 4x28mm sets the standard for fixed scopes, while the Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm offers versatility for mixed terrain.
If you want to stretch your budget, the Bushnell Trophy 2-6x32mm delivers true value and reliability.
Choose a scope matched to your gun, mount it with care, and practice real-world shooting positions.
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