Hunting with a pistol is a rewarding challenge, combining stealth, marksmanship, and a deep connection to your environment. Whether you’re after whitetail deer, hogs, coyotes, or varmints, the right pistol scope brings your target into sharp focus, helping you make ethical shots at any distance. But pistol hunting scopes need to be tough, have generous eye relief, and deliver a clear sight picture—no matter how rough the recoil or unpredictable the terrain. Here’s your in-depth guide to the best pistol scopes for hunting in 2025, with top picks for every budget and hunting style.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Leupold FX-II 4×28 Handgun Scope
- Best Variable Power: Burris Handgun 2-7×32
- Best Budget: UTG 2-7×32 Long Eye Relief
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in a Hunting Pistol Scope
Pistol scopes face unique demands. Here’s what actually matters when choosing one for your next hunt:
- Eye Relief: This is the #1 factor. A pistol scope must have long eye relief—typically 10″ to 20″—so you can hold the gun at arm’s length and still get a full sight picture.
- Magnification: Fixed 2x, 4x, or variable 2-7x and 2-8x are the sweet spots. More zoom is rarely needed and can make the field of view too tight for field use.
- Durability: Scopes must handle hard recoil from magnum revolvers or specialty hunting pistols (like .44 Mag, .454 Casull, or .460 S&W). Look for fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof models.
- Glass Quality: HD or fully multi-coated lenses bring extra brightness and sharpness, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Reticle Type: Simple duplex or heavy duplex reticles work best for fast target acquisition and clear aiming points. BDC reticles can help for longer shots on big game.
- Weight & Size: Lighter, compact scopes are easier to balance on hunting handguns and don’t throw off the gun’s feel.
- Parallax: Most handgun scopes are set parallax-free at 50 or 100 yards, which is ideal for hunting ranges.
- Warranty: Choose brands with lifetime, no-questions-asked coverage—accidents happen in the field!
Top Pistol Scopes for Hunting
Leupold FX-II 4×28 Handgun Scope
Why it’s best overall: The FX-II 4×28 is a legend in the handgun hunting world. The fixed 4x magnification gives you the perfect balance of field of view and reach for ethical shots out to 100+ yards. Eye relief is an outstanding 18 inches, and the scope is lightweight, compact, and utterly reliable—built to withstand the hardest recoiling magnums and the nastiest hunting weather. Bright, sharp, and backed by Leupold’s Gold Ring Lifetime Guarantee.
- 4x magnification, 28mm objective
- Ultra-long 18″ eye relief
- Fully multi-coated lenses for crisp images
- Duplex reticle for quick, clear aiming
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Lightweight (7 oz)
- Lifetime warranty
Pros:
- Bright, clear optics with wide field of view
- Proven on everything from .44 Mag to .500 S&W
- Easy to mount and sight in
Cons:
- Fixed 4x—no variable zoom (but perfect for hunting)
- Premium price
Final Verdict: For hunters who want absolute confidence in their gear, the Leupold FX-II 4×28 is the top all-around choice.
Burris Handgun 2-7×32
Why it’s the best variable: The Burris Handgun 2-7×32 is the most popular variable power scope for hunting pistols and revolvers. With a wide 2x field for close shots and a crisp 7x for longer pokes, it’s perfect for woods, brush, or open country. The 11–21″ eye relief adapts to any stance, and the scope’s rugged build stands up to hard use. Plex reticle, fast-focus eyepiece, and a lifetime warranty round out the package.
- 2-7x zoom, 32mm objective
- 11–21″ eye relief
- Plex reticle, easy to use and quick to aim
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof
- Lifetime Forever Warranty
Pros:
- Versatile for both close and longer-range hunting
- Wide, clear image at all zoom levels
- Rugged—handles big magnums and rough field use
Cons:
- Eye box is tighter at max power (common for all variable pistol scopes)
- Heavier than fixed power models
Final Verdict: The go-to for hunters who want the flexibility of variable zoom without sacrificing reliability or clarity.
UTG 2-7×32 Long Eye Relief
Why it’s best budget: UTG’s 2-7×32 is an outstanding value for new handgun hunters or those wanting a scope for .22, .357, or mild-recoil calibers. It’s built with a wide 9.5–11″ eye relief, fully coated glass, and a simple mil-dot reticle for holdover. Durable enough for most revolvers and hunting pistols, and includes rings for easy mounting.
- 2-7x magnification, 32mm objective
- 9.5–11″ eye relief
- Mil-dot reticle for range and holdover
- Shockproof, fogproof, waterproof
- Adjustable objective (AO) down to 10 yards
- Includes rings and lens caps
Pros:
- Great price for hunters on a budget
- Clear, reliable, easy to zero
- Works for rimfires, light and mid-recoil handguns
Cons:
- Eye relief is shorter than premium models (still usable for many)
- Not recommended for heavy magnums (.454 Casull or up)
Final Verdict: The best entry-level scope for those starting handgun hunting or needing an affordable backup optic.
Other Notable Pistol Scopes for Hunting
- Bushnell Trophy 2-6×32: Long eye relief, rugged build, multi-coated glass—ideal for mid-range revolvers and T/C Contenders.
- Nikon Force XR 2.5-8×28 (discontinued, but available used): Superb optics, wide zoom, proven on big bores—worth finding if you spot one.
- Simmons ProHunter 2-6×32: Budget-friendly, waterproof, solid performer for rimfire and mid-caliber handguns.
- Weaver Classic Handgun 2.5-8×28: Variable power, durable, good for specialty pistols and long-range handgunning.
Comparison Table
| Scope | Magnification | Eye Relief | Weight | Best For | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leupold FX-II | 4x | 18″ | 7 oz | All hunting handguns | $350-$450 |
| Burris Handgun | 2-7x | 11–21″ | 13 oz | Versatile, magnums | $220-$320 |
| UTG LER | 2-7x | 9.5–11″ | 13.9 oz | Budget, rimfire/mid-caliber | $70-$110 |
| Bushnell Trophy | 2-6x | 15″ | 10 oz | .357, .44 Mag | $110-$160 |
| Simmons ProHunter | 2-6x | 16″ | 10.8 oz | Rimfire/medium | $70-$120 |
| Weaver Classic | 2.5-8x | 15–17″ | 10.6 oz | Specialty, long-range | $190-$250 |
| Nikon Force XR (used) | 2.5-8x | 12–30″ | 11.5 oz | Big bores, T/C | $220-$350 |
FAQ: Pistol Scopes for Hunting
How much magnification do I need?
Fixed 2x or 4x is perfect for most hunting. 2-7x or 2.5-8x variables are great for those who want extra reach. More power can limit your field of view and is usually not necessary.
Can I use a rifle scope on a handgun?
No. Rifle scopes don’t have enough eye relief and can be dangerous on handguns. Always use a scope designed for pistols or specialty handguns.
What calibers can these scopes handle?
Premium models like Leupold and Burris are proven on .44 Mag, .454 Casull, .460 S&W, and similar magnums. Budget models are best for rimfire, .357, or mild recoiling rounds.
How do I mount a scope on my hunting pistol?
Use a solid one- or two-piece base, quality rings, and follow torque specs. Blue Loctite is recommended for all screws. Check zero after every box of ammo or after heavy field use.
Are illuminated reticles useful for pistol hunting?
Not common in traditional pistol scopes, but red dots and some modern pistol optics offer illumination for low light. A bright, clear reticle is more important for most hunts.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The best pistol scope for hunting brings clarity, durability, and confidence to every shot—whether you’re in thick woods or wide open country. The Leupold FX-II 4×28 is a time-tested classic. The Burris Handgun 2-7×32 brings variable power versatility. The UTG 2-7×32 is a budget-friendly entry to handgun hunting. Choose the right scope for your caliber and hunting style, mount it up, and you’ll be ready for your best pistol hunting season yet.