Best 56mm Rifle Scopes of 2022: Complete Reviews With Comparisons

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The best 56mm rifle scope will give you an edge and easy maneuverability if you are into long-range precision shooting.

It also provides extensive, bright sight pictures using the finest and most rigid glass lenses.

You may find it challenging to find the right one without checking hundreds of brands and models.

Thus, we checked for you, tapering your choices to our top five recommendations.

You can also check our list of the best long-range scopes if you have a fixed budget.

  1. NIGHTFORCE SHV 5-20x56mm



  2. $1,345.00

    • Second Focal Plane Scope
    • Multiple reticles available
    • Non-Illuminated and Illuminated models


    Buy on Amazon


    Buy at Optics Planet

    Prices correct at the time of publishing

    10/29/2022 05:32 pm GMT

  3. Ade Advanced Optics 6-25X56 Long Range Rifle Scope



  4. $225.00


    Buy on Amazon

    Prices correct at the time of publishing

    10/29/2022 05:57 pm GMT

  5. Monstrum G3 6-36×56 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope with Illuminated MOA Reticle



  6. $329.95

    • Available in Black or FDE
    • Includes Mounts


    Buy Now

    Prices correct at the time of publishing

    10/29/2022 06:02 pm GMT

  7. Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 8-34×56 Riflescope



  8. $459.99

    • Available in MOA and MRAD versions
    • FFP reticle


    Buy on Amazon


    Buy at Optics Planet

    Prices correct at the time of publishing

    10/29/2022 06:17 pm GMT

Best 56mm Rifle Scope Reviews

1. Vortex Optics Hog Hunter Crossfire II 3-12×56 Scope

Vortex Optics is a famous American company manufacturing optical equipment for hunting, law enforcement, outdoor recreation, shooting sports, and wildlife watching.

Its products include binoculars, holographic sights, reflex sights, riflescopes, spotting scopes, and other accessories.

For now, we will focus on one of its best offerings: the Vortex Optics Hog Hunter Crossfire II.

Review

The Vortex Crossfire II, 3-12×56 adjustable objective hog hunter rifle scope, has excellent features perfect for hunting, especially for night hunters.

The scope uses lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum and is coated with a hard anodized finish.

It’s a 30mm single-piece tube body made from a solid block material, providing strength, rigidity, and shock resistance.

This composite construction and material help maximize alignment while improving accuracy and visual performance.

Additionally, the scope is fitted with O-ring seals, making it waterproof.

It prevents debris, dust, and moisture penetration.

Also, the nitrogen gas purging of the Crossfire II makes it fog proof in different temperatures.

In addition to enhancing the image focus, the adjustable objective lens eliminates the need for parallax adjustment.

With the reset turrets, you can easily adjust the scope back to zero using your fingers while the caps protect the knobs from external elements.

You can easily focus the reticle through the fast-focus eyepiece of the Vortex hog hunter scope.

The anti-reflective coating of this Vortex scope’s fully multi-coated 56mm objective lens size helps increase the light transmission.

On the other hand, the second focal plane reticle positioned closer to your eyes maintains the same appearance at any magnification range.

With the illuminated V-Brite reticle matte, shooters will have an accurate point-of-aim even in low-light conditions.

Also, the versatility of the 3-12 power scope ensures flexible magnification settings for crisp and clear sight images.

Pros:

  • Useful in low-light conditions
  • Excellent field of view
  • Easy-to-use controls
  • Provides bright and clear pictures
  • Holds zero well
  • Lifetime warranty offer

Cons:

  • A bit on the bulky and heavy side
  • Fog issues for some users

2. NIGHTFORCE SHV 5-20x56mm Scope

NIghtForce started designing and building rugged, reliable, and repeatable optics and mounting systems in 1992.

All NightForce scopes went through numerous tests under different conditions.

If you need a hunting accessory that works and delivers whenever you need it, the NightForce SHV model is an excellent rifle scope.

Review

The NightForce 5-20x56mm is the most powerful model from the SHV series, making it the perfect scope for long-range shooting and night hunting.

The analog illumination system of NightForce helps power the adjustable brightness and illuminated reticles of the SHV riflescope.

It has a rotary dial to turn it on and adjust its brightness settings.

It’s an effective, reliable, and simple way of shooting in different environments and lighting conditions.

In terms of its magnification range, it’s from five to 20.

Thus, you will get clear, crisp images and excellent color contrast.

Also, the simple and uncomplicated design of the NightForce Forceplex reticle offers a clean and unobstructed field of view.

Its four heavy lines help bring your eyes to the center and focus on your target, with center crosshairs at 0.125 MOA thick.

This design allows an accurate shot placement even at extended distances and the smallest target.

You’ll also love that the zero set technology is specific to the SHV 5-20×56 riflescope model.

It helps users go back to their zero setting quickly and efficiently.

This NightForce scope also features full elevation turrets of 80 MOA and a side parallax knob for easy modification.

A 56mm objective diameter lens lets more light enter the scope, transmitting it into your eyes for a brighter image.

So, what’s inside the box?

Your order will come with a cleaning cloth, a rubber lens cover, loose Allen keys, and an owner’s manual.

Pros:

  • Offers excellent clarity
  • Holds and tracks zero well
  • Solid construction
  • Easy to adjust
  • Great eye relief

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Not very audible turrets

Top Brand Choice


NIGHTFORCE SHV 5-20x56mm


$1,345.00

  • Second Focal Plane Scope
  • Multiple reticles available
  • Non-Illuminated and Illuminated models


Buy on Amazon


Buy at Optics Planet

Prices correct at the time of publishing
10/29/2022 05:32 pm GMT

3. Ade Advanced Optics Long Range Riflescope

Ade Advanced Optics started by making private label products in the firearms accessory industry for major manufacturers and retailers before producing high-quality products under its brand.

Review

If you are looking for a heavy-duty tactical riflescope made from T6 aluminum, check out this model from Ade Advanced Optics.

It has a heavy-duty, single-piece 35mm tube lens that provides the basis for accurate alignment of the glass and other scope components.

This high-precision tactical rifle scope from Ade Advanced Optics will let you hit the target accurately, even at long-distance range.

With a magnification range of six to 25, this tactical scope gives you the versatility and flexibility of shooting a target at various distances.

The 56-millimeter objective lens also gives you excellent brightness and clarity with how you see your target.

This objective diameter is perfect for long-range shooting activities. Just don’t forget to use a higher magnification setting in low-light conditions.

It also has a Mil-dot bar reticle. A Mil-dot is the standard pattern for a duplex reticle.

It has four small dots, measuring 0.25 mil, spread along each axis.

Illuminating the reticle provides a contrast against the target, which makes sighting easier.

Ade Advanced Optics also ensures that the scope is protected against fog and water.

They used synthetic grease, water-resistant sealants, and secure O-ring seals.

In terms of package inclusions, you will receive the tactical scope and the following:

  • 35-millimeter rings
  • An Allen wrench
  • Flip-up covers
  • A lens cloth
  • A scope pouch
  • A sunshade

Pros:

  • Tracks great
  • Clear and bright lens
  • Solid construction
  • Knobs and dials work well
  • Well-sealed

Cons:

  • Too small mil-dots
  • Parallax issues


Ade Advanced Optics 6-25X56 Long Range Rifle Scope


$225.00


Buy on Amazon

Prices correct at the time of publishing
10/29/2022 05:57 pm GMT

4. Monstrum G3 FFP Rifle Scope

Monstrum has been engineering and producing scopes for more than 15 years.

It is one of the top manufacturers of quality but affordable rifle optics.

Review

Monstrum optics provide excellent performance in any surroundings, whether shooting in the range or hunting in the woods.

It is made from 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum material.

Plus, the metal adjustment knobs provide a smoother functionality than the older models.

Even the illumination knob is made of metal for easier lighting control.

The First Focal Plane or FFP is the scope reticle’s position fronting the magnification lens.

With FFP scopes, the reticle’s size can grow or shrink based on your magnification settings.

On the other hand, the reticle’s distance and range information remain constant in any magnification with an FFP scope.

You can efficiently perform bullet drop adjustment, hold-over correction, and range estimation if you have an FFP scope.

The full multicoating on all the Monstrum G3 FFP scope lenses will reduce glare and loss of light.

This coating provides sharper contrast and better light transmission while protecting it from scratches.

Additionally, the scope’s elevation and windage adjustments are 1/4 MOA per click.

That’s all thanks to its turret locks and zero resets.

You’ll also find that it has a custom type-H reticle.

This scope’s customized FFP reticle design and functional MOA markings provide quicker hold-over correction and range estimation.

You can control the red light illumination of the visible black etched reticle.

Are you wondering what’s included in the package?

Apart from the 6-36×56 G3 FFP scope, the package includes a battery, flip-up lens cover, hardware, manual, sunshade, and scope rings.

Pros:

  • Not too heavy
  • Useful reticle at low/mid magnification
  • Easy-to-adjust knob

Cons:

  • Blurred image at high magnification
  • Floating dots, when illuminated


Monstrum G3 6-36×56 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope with Illuminated MOA Reticle


$329.95

  • Available in Black or FDE
  • Includes Mounts


Buy Now

Prices correct at the time of publishing
10/29/2022 06:02 pm GMT

5. Athlon Optics Argos BTR FFP Gen2 Rifle Scope

Athlon is a USA-based company that designs and produces high-quality sports optics products.

Surprisingly, its less expensive scopes can compare well to high-end models.

Review

Look at this budget-friendly riflescope from Athlon Optics, boasting durability, versatility, and top-of-the-line features.

The fully multi-coated lens of the Argos scope helps minimize the reflected light while increasing light transmission for a brighter image.

Plus, it’s purged with argon. Argon purging is a process combining large molecules and inertia gas to remove moisture from the tube for better thermal stability and waterproofing.

On the other hand, its XPL coating adds external lens protection against dirt, oil, and scratches.

Additionally, the precision zero stop system will let you return to the zero position.

All you’ve to do is use the dial and turn it to the right with a quick and precise stop.

Lastly, it has an APLR2 FFP IR MOA reticle.

It displays an etched glass with a large illuminated center, helping you set hold-over positions and lock in the target.

Pros:

  • Properly calibrated MOA reticle
  • Reliable and repeatable functionality
  • Quality made
  • Holds zero well
  • Excellent customer service

Cons:

  • Short eye relief
  • Barely visible reticle


Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 8-34×56 Riflescope


$459.99

  • Available in MOA and MRAD versions
  • FFP reticle


Buy on Amazon


Buy at Optics Planet

Prices correct at the time of publishing
10/29/2022 06:17 pm GMT

Which 56mm Rifle Scope Is the Best?

Choosing the best 56mm rifle scope for distance shooting will give you an excellent light transmission for clear and bright pictures.

After considerable evaluation, we choose the NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm rifle scope as the best, even if it’s pretty expensive.

For a second choice, If you are tight on budget, the Vortex Hog Hunter Crossfire II is an excellent choice.

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