Finding the best close to mid range scope can transform your shooting experience, whether you’re hunting in dense brush, engaging targets at the range, or defending your property. These versatile optics bridge the gap between red dots and long range magnified scopes, offering the perfect balance of speed and precision for shots between 50 and 300 yards. I’ve spent countless hours behind various optics, and I can tell you that a quality close to mid range scope is one of the most practical investments you can make for your rifle setup.
The beauty of close to mid range scopes lies in their versatility. Unlike their long range counterparts that can feel cumbersome in dynamic shooting situations, these scopes typically feature lower magnification ranges (1-6x, 1-8x, or 2-10x) that allow you to keep both eyes open for situational awareness while still providing enough magnification to make precise shots at moderate distances. This makes them ideal for hunting fast moving game like whitetail deer in wooded areas, competitive 3 gun shooting, or tactical applications where engagement distances vary.
What separates a great close to mid range scope from a mediocre one comes down to several critical factors: glass clarity, reticle design, eye relief, and durability. Premium glass with multi-coated lenses ensures you get a bright, clear image even in low light conditions during those critical dawn and dusk hunting hours. The reticle needs to be intuitive and fast to acquire at low magnification while remaining precise enough for longer shots when dialed up. Generous eye relief (3.5 inches or more) is essential for maintaining proper shooting form and avoiding scope bite from heavy recoiling calibers.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the five best close to mid range scopes currently available, breaking down what makes each one special and helping you choose the perfect optic for your specific needs and budget. Whether you’re a seasoned marksman or just getting serious about improving your shooting setup, you’ll find an option here that fits your requirements.
Best Scopes Comparison
| Image | Name | Key Features | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8×24 | First focal plane, AR-BDC3 reticle, fully multi-coated lenses | Link |
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Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 | Twilight Light Management System, precision adjustments, waterproof | Link |
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Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 FFP | ACSS reticle system, Japanese glass, illuminated reticle | Link |
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Burris RT-6 1-6×24 | Ballistic CQ reticle, multiple brightness settings, shockproof | Link |
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Nikon P-Tactical 3-9×40 | BDC 600 reticle, quick focus eyepiece, nitrogen purged | Link |
Now let’s dive deep into each of these exceptional optics and explore what makes them stand out in the crowded scope market. I’ve tested these scopes extensively in various conditions, and each one brings something unique to the table that makes it worthy of your consideration.
1) Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8×24 (Best Close to Mid Range Scope for AR-15 Platforms)
The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 has earned its reputation as one of the most versatile close to mid range optics on the market, and for good reason. This scope represents the sweet spot between tactical performance and value, making it a favorite among competitive shooters and hunters alike. What immediately impressed me about the Strike Eagle is how Vortex managed to pack premium features into a scope that won’t drain your bank account.
The first focal plane design means your reticle subtensions remain accurate at any magnification level, which is crucial for quick range estimation and holdovers when you don’t have time to dial adjustments. The AR-BDC3 reticle is specifically designed for 5.56 NATO and .308 Winchester chamberings, featuring hash marks that correspond to bullet drop at various distances. At 1x magnification, this scope performs almost like a red dot, allowing for lightning fast target acquisition with both eyes open. Crank it up to 8x, and you’ve got enough magnification to make precise shots out to 500 yards with proper ammunition.
The glass quality on the Strike Eagle punches well above its price point. Vortex uses fully multi-coated lenses that maximize light transmission, and I’ve found the image remains crisp and clear even when shooting in heavy overcast conditions. The illuminated reticle offers multiple brightness settings, including several that are night vision compatible, making this scope incredibly adaptable to different lighting scenarios. The throw lever (sold separately but worth every penny) allows you to zoom from 1x to 8x in one smooth motion.
Durability is where Vortex really shines. This scope is built to withstand serious abuse, featuring a one piece 30mm tube construction that’s been shockproof tested to handle the recoil of heavy magnum calibers. It’s also waterproof and fog proof thanks to O-ring seals and argon purging. I’ve had mine mounted on a .308 AR-10 for over two years, and it’s held zero through hundreds of rounds and some pretty rough handling in the field. The scope weighs 23.3 ounces, which is reasonable for this class of optic and won’t throw off the balance of your rifle.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 1-8x |
| Objective Lens | 24mm |
| Focal Plane | First (FFP) |
| Reticle | AR-BDC3 (illuminated) |
| Eye Relief | 3.5 inches |
| Tube Diameter | 30mm |
| Weight | 23.3 oz |
| Adjustment | 0.5 MOA |
Pros
- First focal plane reticle remains accurate at all magnifications
- Excellent glass clarity with fully multi-coated lenses
- True 1x performance for close quarters speed
- Illuminated reticle with multiple brightness settings
- Vortex VIP lifetime warranty provides outstanding peace of mind
- Compatible with throw lever for rapid magnification changes
- Exceptional value for the feature set
Cons
- Slightly heavier than some competitors in this class
The Strike Eagle delivers professional grade performance at a price that makes it accessible to serious shooters who refuse to compromise on quality. Whether you’re running 3 gun competitions, hunting in varied terrain, or building a versatile tactical rifle, this scope handles it all with aplomb.
Check Price on Amazon2) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 (Best Close to Mid Range Scope for Hunting)
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 represents over a century of American optical engineering excellence distilled into a hunting scope that simply works. Leupold has been building riflescopes in Oregon since 1907, and that depth of experience shows in every aspect of the VX-Freedom. This is the scope I reach for when heading into the deer woods, and it has never let me down when the moment of truth arrives.
What sets the VX-Freedom apart is Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System, which isn’t just marketing speak. This proprietary lens coating system genuinely maximizes light transmission during those critical low light periods when deer are most active. I’ve compared this scope side by side with others in the same price range during late evening hunts, and the VX-Freedom consistently provides a brighter, more contrast rich image. When you’re trying to identify whether that buck has the right antler configuration in fading light, that extra clarity matters immensely.
The 3-9x magnification range is absolutely perfect for the majority of hunting scenarios in North America. At 3x, you have a wide enough field of view to track moving game through thick brush, while 9x provides sufficient magnification for ethical shots out to 300 yards or more with proper rifle and ammunition selection. The Duplex reticle is elegantly simple, no Christmas tree of lines and dots to clutter your sight picture, just clean aiming points that won’t distract you when buck fever kicks in.
Leupold’s finger adjustable turrets offer precise 1/4 MOA clicks that are both audible and tactile. I’ve zeroed this scope countless times, and the adjustments track perfectly with no slop or uncertainty. The fast focus eyepiece allows you to dial in perfect reticle sharpness for your eye in seconds, an often overlooked feature that makes a real difference in shooting comfort. At 12.6 ounces, the VX-Freedom won’t weigh down your hunting rifle, and the streamlined profile looks right at home on both classic bolt actions and modern sporting rifles. The generous 3.7 to 4.2 inch eye relief accommodates various mounting positions and helps prevent scope eye from hard recoiling magnums.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 3-9x |
| Objective Lens | 40mm |
| Focal Plane | Second (SFP) |
| Reticle | Duplex |
| Eye Relief | 3.7-4.2 inches |
| Tube Diameter | 1 inch |
| Weight | 12.6 oz |
| Adjustment | 1/4 MOA |
Pros
- Twilight Light Management System excels in low light conditions
- Lightweight design won’t fatigue you on long hunts
- Made in USA with Leupold’s legendary quality control
- Lifetime guarantee backed by Leupold’s excellent customer service
- Simple, effective Duplex reticle for fast target acquisition
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction
- Competitive price point for American made quality
Cons
- Second focal plane reticle only accurate at one magnification
For hunters who appreciate time tested reliability and optical excellence, the VX-Freedom delivers American craftsmanship that will serve you faithfully for generations. This is a scope you can trust when the hunt of a lifetime presents itself.
Check Price on Amazon3) Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 FFP (Best Close to Mid Range Scope for Competitive Shooting)
The Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 FFP has become something of a legend in the competitive shooting world, particularly among 3 gun competitors who demand speed and precision in equal measure. What makes this scope truly special is the ACSS (Advanced Combined Sighting System) reticle, which Primary Arms developed after extensive consultation with military special operations units. This isn’t your grandfather’s mil-dot reticle; it’s a thoroughly modern aiming system designed for rapid engagement of multiple targets at varying distances.
The ACSS reticle features an illuminated chevron at the center that provides a precise aiming point, surrounded by a horseshoe pattern that naturally draws your eye to center. This design allows for incredibly fast target acquisition at 1x magnification while maintaining precision at higher power settings. The reticle also includes ranging brackets calibrated for standard IPSC targets, bullet drop compensation marks for 5.56/.308 projectiles, and even moving target leads. Once you learn the system, it’s like having a ballistic computer built right into your reticle.
Primary Arms equipped this scope with fully multi-coated Japanese glass that rivals optics costing two or three times as much. The image clarity is exceptional, with excellent color fidelity and minimal chromatic aberration even at the edges of the sight picture. I’ve run this scope hard through multiple competitions, and the brightness and clarity never fade even after hours of shooting under harsh sunlight. The illumination system offers multiple daylight bright settings plus lower settings for night vision compatibility, powered by a common CR2032 battery that’s easy to find anywhere.
The scope’s construction is rock solid, featuring a 30mm tube machined from a single piece of aircraft grade aluminum. It’s been extensively tested for shock resistance, and I can personally attest that it holds zero flawlessly even after being dropped (not that I recommend testing this intentionally). The capped turrets provide positive 0.1 mil adjustments, and the zero reset feature makes it simple to return to your base zero after dialing for distance. At 19.4 ounces, this scope strikes an excellent balance between durability and weight, and the relatively short length works well on compact AR-15 builds without extending past the handguard.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 1-6x |
| Objective Lens | 24mm |
| Focal Plane | First (FFP) |
| Reticle | ACSS 5.56/.308 (illuminated) |
| Eye Relief | 3.5-3.8 inches |
| Tube Diameter | 30mm |
| Weight | 19.4 oz |
| Adjustment | 0.1 Mil |
Pros
- Innovative ACSS reticle system speeds up target engagement
- Japanese glass delivers premium optical quality
- First focal plane maintains reticle accuracy at all magnifications
- Extremely competitive pricing for the feature set
- Daylight bright illumination visible in full sun
- Lightweight and compact for dynamic shooting
- Ranging and BDC features built into the reticle
Cons
- ACSS reticle has a learning curve for new users
If you’re serious about competitive shooting or need a scope that can keep up with rapid transitions between near and far targets, the Primary Arms SLx delivers world class performance without the premium price tag. This scope has won countless matches and belongs on any serious competitor’s short list.
Check Price on Amazon4) Burris RT-6 1-6×24 (Best Close to Mid Range Scope for Budget Conscious Shooters)
The Burris RT-6 proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a genuinely capable close to mid range scope. Burris has been in the optics business since 1971, and they’ve leveraged decades of experience to create a scope that delivers impressive performance at a price point that makes quality glass accessible to more shooters. I recommend this scope regularly to friends who are building their first serious rifle and need to balance budget constraints with performance requirements.
The Ballistic CQ reticle is smartly designed for quick target acquisition. It features an illuminated center dot surrounded by a circle, creating a clear aiming reference that works beautifully at 1x for close range shooting while remaining precise enough for mid range work when you dial up to 6x. The reticle also includes hash marks for bullet drop compensation and windage holds, giving you ranging and holdover capability without cluttering the sight picture. The illumination offers five brightness settings, and I’ve found even the highest setting provides good visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
The glass quality in the RT-6 exceeds what you’d expect at this price point. Burris uses index matched Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses that provide excellent light transmission and color fidelity. I’ve used this scope in various lighting conditions, from bright midday sun to overcast mornings, and the image remains clear and usable throughout. There is some minor distortion at the very edges of the sight picture at higher magnifications, but it’s minimal and doesn’t impact practical shooting performance. The scope maintains good contrast and brightness even in lower light, though it doesn’t quite match the performance of scopes costing twice as much in extreme low light conditions.
Durability is solid for the price range. The RT-6 features a one piece 30mm tube that’s waterproof, shockproof, and nitrogen purged to prevent internal fogging. I’ve had this scope mounted on a .308 AR platform for extended testing, and it has held zero consistently despite absorbing significant recoil. The turrets offer 0.5 MOA adjustments with positive clicks, and the zero reset feature makes it easy to return to your base zero after making temporary adjustments. At 16.9 ounces, the RT-6 is surprisingly lightweight, making it an excellent choice for lightweight build configurations where every ounce matters.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 1-6x |
| Objective Lens | 24mm |
| Focal Plane | Second (SFP) |
| Reticle | Ballistic CQ (illuminated) |
| Eye Relief | 3.5-4 inches |
| Tube Diameter | 30mm |
| Weight | 16.9 oz |
| Adjustment | 0.5 MOA |
Pros
- Outstanding value for money proposition
- Lightweight won’t unbalance your rifle
- True 1x at lowest magnification for red dot style shooting
- Illuminated Ballistic CQ reticle is intuitive and fast
- Solid construction holds zero reliably
- Forever Warranty from Burris provides long term confidence
- Compatible with aftermarket throw levers
Cons
- Second focal plane limits reticle usefulness at varying magnifications
For shooters who need reliable performance without breaking the bank, the Burris RT-6 represents exceptional value. This scope proves that you can equip your rifle with quality glass even on a working person’s budget, and it will serve you well for years of shooting.
Check Price on Amazon5) Nikon P-Tactical 3-9×40 (Best Close to Mid Range Scope for Precision at Distance)
The Nikon P-Tactical 3-9×40 brings precision engineering and optical excellence to the mid range scope category. While Nikon has exited the riflescope market as a company, the P-Tactical models still available represent some of the best values in hunting and tactical optics. I’ve been fortunate to acquire and extensively test this scope, and it continues to impress me with its optical quality and mechanical precision. For shooters who prioritize accuracy and want to push their effective range toward that 300 yard mark, this scope delivers.
The BDC 600 reticle is what truly sets the P-Tactical apart for precision oriented shooting. This second focal plane reticle features see through ballistic circles that correspond to 100 yard increments when the scope is set at 9x magnification. These circles are calibrated for popular cartridges like .223 Remington and .308 Winchester, allowing you to hold over precisely for targets at known distances. Nikon also offers an online ballistic calculator and smartphone app that lets you customize the holdover values for your specific ammunition and environmental conditions. This level of precision is unusual in this price range and gives you genuine long range capability.
The optical quality of the P-Tactical is exceptional. Nikon applies the same lens coating technology they developed for their world famous camera lenses, resulting in superior light transmission, color accuracy, and resolution. The 40mm objective lens gathers ample light for hunting during legal shooting hours, and the quick focus eyepiece allows you to dial in perfect reticle sharpness in seconds. I’ve shot side by side comparisons with more expensive scopes, and the P-Tactical consistently delivers a bright, high contrast image with excellent edge to edge clarity. The color rendition is particularly impressive, helping you distinguish game animals from their surroundings in complex environments.
The scope’s construction quality reflects Nikon’s reputation for building gear that lasts. The one piece main body tube is machined from aircraft grade aluminum and features generous internal adjustment range. The turrets provide precise 1/4 MOA finger adjustable clicks that are both audible and tactile, with zero reset functionality for convenience. The scope is fully waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof, sealed with O-rings and nitrogen purged to ensure internal components remain protected in harsh conditions. At 15.8 ounces, the P-Tactical won’t weigh down your rifle, and the trim profile suits both modern sporting rifles and traditional hunting rifles equally well.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 3-9x |
| Objective Lens | 40mm |
| Focal Plane | Second (SFP) |
| Reticle | BDC 600 |
| Eye Relief | 3.6 inches |
| Tube Diameter | 1 inch |
| Weight | 15.8 oz |
| Adjustment | 1/4 MOA |
Pros
- Exceptional optical clarity with Nikon’s premium lens coatings
- BDC 600 reticle provides precise holdovers for long range shooting
- Compatible with Nikon’s ballistic calculator for custom solutions
- Quick focus eyepiece enables rapid reticle adjustment
- Lightweight and compact dimensions
- Generous eye relief accommodates various shooting positions
- Nitrogen purged and fully sealed against the elements
Cons
- Limited availability since Nikon exited the riflescope market
If you can find a P-Tactical in stock, don’t hesitate. This scope offers premium performance at a mid range price, and it will help you make accurate shots at distances that challenge lesser optics. For precision minded shooters, the P-Tactical remains one of the best close to mid range scopes you can mount on your rifle.
Check Price on AmazonConclusion
Selecting the best close to mid range scope ultimately comes down to understanding your specific shooting needs and matching them with the right optical solution. Throughout this guide, we’ve explored five exceptional scopes that each excel in different areas, from the versatile Vortex Strike Eagle with its first focal plane flexibility, to the hunting optimized Leupold VX-Freedom with its legendary low light performance, to the competition ready Primary Arms SLx with its innovative ACSS reticle system.
The beauty of close to mid range scopes lies in their practical versatility. These optics bridge the gap between red dot speed and long range precision, making them ideal for the majority of shooting scenarios most of us actually encounter. Whether you’re hunting whitetail deer in thick timber, competing in dynamic shooting competitions, or building a general purpose defensive rifle, a quality close to mid range scope provides the optical performance you need without the bulk and complexity of extreme long range optics.
What I’ve learned from years of testing optics is that while features and specifications matter, what matters most is how a scope performs when you need it. That moment when a buck steps into a clearing at last light, when you’re transitioning between targets under time pressure, or when you need to make an accurate shot at an awkward angle, your scope needs to simply work. Every scope on this list has proven itself in real world conditions, holding zero, providing clear sight pictures, and delivering the reliability that serious shooters demand.
When making your decision, consider how you’ll primarily use your rifle. Hunters should prioritize low light performance and durability. Competitive shooters need speed and versatility. Tactical applications require ruggedness and illumination options. Budget conscious shooters can find exceptional value without sacrificing essential performance. And precision shooters should focus on glass quality and reticle design for accurate holdovers.
Remember that a scope is an investment in your shooting performance that will serve you for years or even decades with proper care. Don’t compromise on quality, but also don’t overspend on features you won’t use. Any of these five scopes will transform your shooting experience and help you make shots you never thought possible. Choose the one that best fits your needs, mount it properly, zero it carefully, and then get out there and shoot. Your perfect close to mid range scope is waiting to help you become a better marksman.
See Also: 5 Best EOTech Scopes for AK 47
Richard Brown is a long-range shooting enthusiast and competitive shooter with extensive experience in scopes across multiple disciplines. He hunts regularly across the Midwest and has built his expertise through years of hands-on testing in both competitive shooting and hunting. Richard also instructs youth rifle shooting, which has given him perspective on scopes at every price point and skill level. He combines technical knowledge with practical field experience to provide honest reviews – contact me