In my opinion, scope mounting is not about mechanical accuracy or sight picture, but rather for utility. Although a scout scope is not a requirement for a scout rifle, its purpose is to get on target at 100 yards or more for quick vitals shot at that distance. In my opinion, the traditional scope setup is what I would prefer for longer range shooting where a slow aimed shot is the whole point.
Although its purpose isn’t sub MOA target shooting, clearly that’s possible. The scout scope in configuration is largely a tool to allow for close up target acquisition. Since the usage of it allows for both eyes to be open, it is capable for a personal defense situation, whether it is by man or animal. Furthermore, it is better for fast moving targets whether it is at close or long range. Also, don’t forget to pair your scout rifle either with a laser bore sight or red dot sight to ensure maximum accuracy.
Hence, check out this review to choose the best scope for your Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle.
Top 5 Rated Scope for Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle Comparison Table
| Name of product | Magnification | Weight | Eye relief length | Objective lens diameter | Price | link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Riflescope - Scout Scope; 1-Inch Tube - V-Plex Reticle (CF2-31002) | 2-7x | 1.35 pounds | 9.45" | 32mm | $$ | https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optics-Crossfire-2-7x32-Riflescope/dp/B01AWB3JPE |
| Aim Sports 2-7x42 8.5-10.5" Long Eye Relief 30MM SCOUT SCOPE/MIL-DOT | 2-7x | 1.4 pounds | 8.5-10.5" | 28mm | $ | https://www.amazon.com/Sports-2-7x42-8-5-10-5-Relief-MIL-DOT/dp/B005MR5QK0 |
| Aim Sports 2-7X42 30mm Scout Scope/Rangefinder | 2-7x | 1.4 pounds | 8.5-10.5" | 41-50mm | $ | https://www.amazon.com/Sports-2-7X42-Scout-Scope-Rangefinder/dp/B005N82V6K |
| Burris 200261 Ballistic Plex 2-7x32mm | 2-7x | 13 ounces | January 17, 1900 | 32mm | $$$ | https://www.amazon.com/Burris-200261-Ballistic-Plex-2-7x32mm/dp/B00AU694YM |
| Leupold FX-II Scout 2.5x28mm Duplex | 2.5x | 16 ounces | 9" | 28mm | $$$ | https://www.amazon.com/Leupold-FX-II-Scout-2-5x28mm-Duplex/dp/B003NZ7TWQ |
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Riflescope
The first product in this best Ruger Gunsite review is the Vortex Optics. The product offers 2-7x magnification with 9.45 inch eye relief. The Vortex optics scope has second focal plane reticle. The scope is made out of aircraft-grade aluminum tube to provide shockproof performance.
The 1 Inch single piece tube with capped reset turrets offers a field of View of around 5.2 to 18.3 feet at 100 yards. The objective lens diameter is 32 mm. The Gunsite scope is nitrogen gas purged and has secure O-ring seals to provide fogproof and waterproof performance regardless of any environment.
The Ruger scope versatile, practical and just plain cool. After all, scout rifles hold a special place in many hunters’ and shooters’ hearts. Therefore, this scope is created specifically to optimize the performance characteristics of the platform.
The scout scope has an incredibly generous 9.45” eye relief to accommodate forward mounting. With a 2 to 7 zoom range, the Vortex Scout Scope is the ideal optic for any job you may want to use your scout rifle for.
The adjustment graduation is 1/4 MOA while the travel per rotation is 15 MOA. This best Ruger Gunsite scope is also incredibly lightweight -around 12 oz. The max elevation and windage adjustment is 60 MOA. The parallax setting is at 100 yard.
This could help to minimize the overall weight of your scout rifle. On top of that, it’s affordably priced which is in par with its quality. One of the key features of a scout rifle is a forward mounted scope which allows you to keep both eyes open as well as to maintain better situational awareness.
To that end, the Vortex allows forward mounting and the use of back-up iron sights. The hard anodized finish with low-glare matte surface promises superior durability and scratch resistance. Meanwhile, the multiple anti-reflective coating increases light transmission on all air-to-glass surfaces.
The second focal plane reticle helps to maintain consistency while the listed reticle subtensions which are used for estimating range, holdover and wind drift correction are precise at the highest magnification. The capped reset turrets allow re-indexing of scope to zero the scope after sight-in.
The scout scope includes removable lens covers and lens cloth for free. The reticle of the scope is V-plex which maximizes the effectiveness of your rifle with a high-quality Vorte. As a side note, the scope does have lots of parallax at 2x magnification but it becomes much less noticeable as the power is increased.
Finding the ideal spot to mount this scope on the scout rifle when going from 2x to 7x magnification and having the correct eye relief throughout the power range was very easy. It is lighter than many of the more expensive alternatives and it is fairly compact.
Suitable for:
- Durability
- Scratch resistance
- Forward mounting
Aim Sports Gunsite Scout Firearm
The next best scope in this best Ruger Gunsite scope review is from Aimpoint. The scout scope offers magnification of 2x to 7x and the length of eye relief is 8.5-10.5″. The reticle is MIL-DOT and the tube diameter is 30MM. The overall length is around 11.25″ and the net weight is about 14.5 oz.
Equipped with Matte black lens, the lens has green coating. The diameter of the eyepiece is around 42mm (15/8 in.). Removable lens covers are included for free with the scope. The green coating on the lens is even, clear and fantastic to look at.
On the downside this scout scope is just a little heavy for a scout rifle. I would also recommend better scope rings. The Mil-dots on my scope are all clustered very tightly together. This makes them, more or less, not very usable to gauge distance.
This is a low end scope and the reticle is located at the second focal plane. The Mil-Dot Reticle is only near precise for ranging at the minimum 2x power setting. You can use other setting to determine the range if you convert. I used an iPhone app called Mil-Dot Range Finder (which is for free by the way) that worked well.
The elevation range is 9 turns and each rotation is 60 clicks. Each click moves around 1/8 inch at 50 yards or 1/4 inch at 100 yards. My scope was 2.2 inches over my bore and was zeroed at 50 yards. I have around 3.25 turns (200 clicks) before I max out the elevation.
The eye piece has 19 turns of adjustment for reticle focus with a lockring included. The rings included are 1/2” (12mm) too high for me so you may buy low mount rings later.
I get a very clear picture using the scope even in low light and even in the heat or the cold. The Gunsite scope is easy to install on my Ruger Gunsite. For the time being, this scope holds zero and works remarkably well. Furthermore, this scope has protection against lens scratching due to the multi-coated lens system.
The 30mm rings needed for weaver mount are included along. The AIM Sports Scout Scope is made to give a great view of your target as well as to endure plenty of heavy recoil. The scope has repeatability in adjustment and offers a good magnification range.
Overall in Ruger Gunsite review, this is a great product for your Ruger Gunsite Scout rifle which provides safety from heavy recoil and enables fast target acquisition.
Suitable for:
- Heavy recoil
- Fast target acquisition
- Clear sight
Aim Sports Scout Scope/Rangefinder
The third best in this best scope review is also from Aimpoint. The Aim Sports scope offers 2 to 7x magnification with a 42 to 30mm long eye relief. The tube diameter is 30 mm while the objective lens is 42 mm. Overall, the length of the scope is 11.25″.on top that, the scope has green lens coating.
Yes, it has a laser sight and this scope is generally used for target/plinking/hunting. The net weight is around 14.5 oz. and comes with Weaver / Picatinny 1913 ring mounts. The included rings are specified to be attached to any standard picatinny rail.
The Gunsite scope is medium profile neither high nor low. Now some tips on how to adjust the rangefinder. The eye piece usually has a keeper lock ring. If you found it, loosen it. The eye piece then can be turned in or out to adjust clarity. Now, turn it in or out until you see the cross-hairs clearly. After doing so, re-tighten the lock ring to ensure the eye piece is in place.
This model has bullet drop compensator built in. The purpose of this Ruger scope is to sit close to the barrel. If you have the scope sitting around 3 plus inches above the barrel with your high scope rings and high profile mount, it will not zero.
The 42 mm front lens gives great light gathering ability which results in a bright image. The focus and the zero held perfectly over the entire zoom range. I found that I could use the scope easily with my glasses on. I had no trouble holding target using the finest markings of the reticle was a piece of cake.
For me it was easy to “click” the crosshairs over and up till they are centered nicely over the reflected dot of the laser. You must use a screwdriver or any other similar item to adjust the windage and elevation. It is not finger-adjustable.
The only thing I would like to suggest to improve the scope would be to illuminate the reticle. However, rest be assured that with or without the illumination, this is still a great optic.
Although a little large, it sits well with my rifle. I am quite dissatisfied however with the gradients. They are not exactly measured or accurate but I expect them to adapt over time.
Make sure you have a good rail system on your Ruger as this scope may cause the rail to slide on the barrel if mounted. I would like to remind you once again that the 42mm large objective lens means this is a relatively big scope.
Overall in this best scope review, I was able to zero at 25, 50 and 100 yards with 6 shots at each range relatively fine. The adjustments are, so don’t be afraid to make a big move to cut down on how long it takes to zero. Again, this is one of the best for your Ruger Gunsite.
Suitable for:
- Great eye relief
- Relatively light weight
- Anyone looking for a cheap scope
Burris 200261 Ballistic Plex 2-7x32mm
The fifth best for Ruger Gunsite in this review would be from Burris. The adjustment system is steel on steel and the scope has repeatable and audible clicks. The Posi-lock is coil-spring assisted and the steel post is retractable to firmly and securely lock accuracy into place. The scope is guaranteed to be fog, water and shockproof.
This scope makes target acquisition ultra-fast with both eyes open. The lens is multi-coated allowing a brighter and clearer image. The color of the scope is matte black. This Burris Scout scope is designed to be the ideal scope for all of your shooting needs.
The Burris Scout reticle riflescope was filled and purged around at least 24 times. This best scope was filled and purged with high quality and laboratory grade dry nitrogen. This is to absorb airborne and residual surface moisture from the scope.
Not only that, this Burris rifle sight has been tested to extreme recoil tests with impact machines. They are used to duplicate the recoil pulse acceleration and duration. This scope uses lenses with greater diameter to provide you with incredibly clear images regardless of any situation.
The 1/4 MOA eye relief is around 11 to 21 inches in length while the total length would be 9.7 “. The weight of scope is 13 ounces. Do take note that this scope does not come with mounting hardware. Therefore, if you need any, you must buy them separately.
This Ruger Gunsite scope has a simple cross hair with no reticle. The scope requires eye relief for the forward mounted position on your scout rifle. Ruger’s standard rings will not fit so, again, there is a need to purchase them separately.
One of the advantages of this Burris sight is the long eye relief as well as the fact that the scope is completely out of the way when shell casings are ejected. The only problem I had with the scope is the scope’s performance at really low light conditions.
The other thing I feel missing is that this scope should have come with factory lens caps. However, the best part about this scope is the reflex feel to it. You can quickly use it at a lower power. You could also go prone and zoom out to 7 for far shots.
If you are in a humid forest with your Ruger Gunsite, don’t worry as the scope won’t fog. This will prevent any disruption in accuracy while shooting. The eye relief is great even with 7x magnification. The optics is bright and crisp in par with the reticle that is sharp and thin.
If there are bright light or bright colors behind you, you may see it reflecting in the scope’s glass. Other than that, this is an impressive piece and deserves to be one of the best scope.
Suitable for:
- Precise aiming
- Shooting at varying and extended distances
- Heavy recoil
Leupold FX-II Scout 2.5x28mm Duplex
The next best scope in this review for your Ruger Gunsite is from Leupold. This Matte colored scope requires forward mounting so you’ll need to mount it before the receiver. There is no red dot only reticle. The reticle is a duplex reticle. Plus, it is not illuminated. As for the rings, any set of rings that will fit a picatinny rail will work.
Therefore, medium height rings or low profile 1 inch rings works great. The .250 ring height is perfect for the level of clearance. Don’t go any lower or shorter. The 9-plus-inch eye relief as well as the extremely clear lens makes target acquisition very easy.
Often, without having to close my non-aiming eye, sighting is easy. This also ensures that my eye wouldn’t get hit when shooting; even if they are heavy loads. The low profile of the set-up(sitting right on top of the barrel and in front of the receiver) makes a natural sight picture when shouldering your scout rifle.
The sight also features adjustable diopter correction. Therefore, if your vision isn’t perfect, you’d better have your glasses. So far, I could use the scope very naturally and it has held its accuracy. I also had no problem using it with a strong backlight being reflected by the ocular lens — a well-known issue for any forward mounted scope.
Any improvements to make this better would be options for an adjustable focus eyepiece. The scope offers magnification of 2.5x and the objective lens diameter is 28 mm. The Reticle is Duplex and the tube diameter is around 1 inches.
The adjustment click value is 0.25 MOA while the adjustment range is 110 MOA. The total weight of scope would be around 7.5 oz. The field of view is 22 feet at 100 yards. The eye relief is 9.3 inches with the overall length of the scope being 10.1 inches.
The Reticle type is the traditional crosshair and the adjustment type is MOA. One of the advantages of this scope is that the weight of the scope is pretty light. Therefore, you don’t get weighed down when mounting it forward of the receiver.
The 1/4 moa adjustments are accurate and easy to read as they are numbered in 1 moa increments. It is also easy to reset the zeroing of the scope. The only drawback is that with the small objective lens as well as the 1 inch main tube, it does not allow in enough light to shoot in dark conditions.
Overall in this best scope review for Ruger Gunsite, although the crosshairs are a bit tough to use at dusk, because the light transmission is so good you can still see through even long after the sun goes down or shortly before black-out.
Suitable for:
- Tactile click adjustments
- Great field of view
- Quick target acquisition using both eyes
Key Considerations when purchasing a riflescope:
- Magnification
- Weight
- Length of eye relief
- Diameter of objective lens
- Price
Magnifications
A diverse range of magnifications could help you to use your scope at any light conditions whether it is for short distance or long distance.
Weight
A heavy scope may add additional weight to your rifle. This indirectly inhibits movements so make sure you choose the optimum weight for your scope.
Eye relief length
Long eye relief for scopes gives you an added advantage during shooting targets at long range or near point blank. Longer eye relief also allows more shooting positions. However, long eye relief may cause smaller magnifications and may appear bulky as a result.
Diameter of objective lens
The bigger the diameter of objective lens, the more the light that can pass through for a brighter image as well the image would be more detailed.
Conclusion
I hope my best scope review has been helpful for you to decide the best scope for Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle. Hopefully, these best scope review has been one of the best review you have seen so far. Not only that, check out varying scopes for these firearms: