The Best Lightweight & Compact Rifle Scopes in 2022

Shopping around for the best lightweight scope can be a challenge if you’re unaware of the things to look for when comparing your choices.

It is for the same reason you need to understand what makes a good scope and what its useful qualities are.

Today, we’re going to review the top 10 scopes, each with their strengths, weaknesses and qualities that we’re looking for a compact scope.

In the following, we’re also going to highlight a buying guide on the things to look for when weighing your options. If you’re ready, let’s begin and later make a better decision on the scope you need.

Best Lightweight & Compact Scope Rifle Reviews of 2022

UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope

I’d like to note that this model has a one-inch tube, which is a pretty standard in top quality scopes. But this one also has that emerald coating, allowing for max light transmission, helping us see better even in low lighting conditions.

The Outdoor Sunshade Scope is with a red dot, which makes it one of the most efficient. But that is not all, as you can also change it from red to green when the light starting coming on. You can also choose to fix it on a Picatinny 21 mm rail that makes it more functional. I would also like to note that the scope is compatible for airsoft assault rifles.

Other amazing features not to miss include its shockproof and rainproof performance. It is also with ¼ MOA per click adjustment and two pieces of lithium batteries on every purchase.

It also has a reliable design that can increase its responsiveness and precision for windage/elevation adjustment. It also has a true strength platform, which is every good Leapers scope for years.It has also been tested on elephant rifles with heavy recoils and on scope killing airguns.

However, adjustments might take some time to get used to, but other than that, I find no major issues regarding this pick.

Overall, the UTG scope is a favorite among hunters and tactical shooters looking for the best results. It can provide the precision and accuracy needed for a great shot and a rewarding hunting experience.

Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope

The matte scope is with top quality optics that offers us with stunning clarity that matters especially that it is our purpose of using a scope anyway. I would also like to note that this item is with proven and tested quality materials to last for years.

The riflescope is also with a lovely design and has the durability that can also serve us for years. In addition, I would like to note that the scope comes with a top quality optical glass and optics to deliver sharp and bright images.

It is also with a HydroShield lens coating that can keep a clear sight picture, allowing you to use it in all weather conditions. With that said, you don’t have to worry about not being able to see clearly, when there is a poor lighting condition.

You can also look forward to an even easier use for its SureGrip rubber surfaces, which allow for adjusting it in any hunting or shooting conditions. The item is also with the SureGrip™ adjustments that allow for easy and quick setting adjustments.

On the cons, there were some reported visibility issues.

Generally, the Simmons Truplex 22 Mag Riflescope is still one of the best choices out there because it is easy to use and available at affordable prices. This model is also with high quality optics, which can ensure of delivering us with clear sight picture all the time.

Vortex Optics Razor HD LH 3-15×42 SFP Riflescope

Through the years, it has been supplying the world with quality optics systems. One of their best offerings is the Vortex Optics Razor HD LH riflescope.

The RZR-1572 is a scope that can help you achieve success in your mission to improving your hunting or shooting ability.

This product is made with lightweight yet sleek design and construction. More so, the Razor HD LH 3-15×42 is with extra low dispersion lenses and top quality coatings to deliver sharp and clear images from edge to edge.

I’d like to recommend the best lightweight variable scopeto hunters and tactical shooters that want to ensure that their reticle can stay crisp and sharp all the time, and that’s thanks to the locking ocular focus. In addition, this item has a forgiving eyebox for a consistent and generous eye relief.

The Vortex lightweight scope is also built with hard anodized, one-piece tube that can enhance durability and strength. More so, it has the durable and reliable Armortek coatings, which can protect this product’s exterior lenses from dirt, oil and scratches.

On the negative, there was some longevity concerns reported, though.

But still, the Razor HD LH 3-15×42 SFP Riflescope is a decent choice for its great features and functions. It is made of durable and compact materials and gives premium optics system for shooters and hunters.

Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9×40 Circle-X Reticle Riflescope

One of the things to like about the scope for SKS and a multitude others is its DDB multicoated lenses, offering brightness and clarity. It is a significant feature that makes it a top of the line scope chosen by hunters and professionals who want to make more of their day at the field or in the competition.

This model is also built with a fast-focus eyepiece that makes it reliable in the field. You’ll also appreciate it has ease of accessibility in terms of windage and elevation adjustments.

In addition, the product is with a fog proof and waterproof construction, extending its lifespan. It also increases a good performance for a more rewarding experience.

The item also has an ideal length of only 11.5 inches long, making it easier to operate. I would also like to recommend the scope for having a wide magnification range of between 3 and 9 times.

The lightweight scope is also ideal for both amateurs and professionals because it is easy to mount and use. It is also with the heavy-duty performance to work on any hunting conditions.

On the cons, the Bushnell is a bit bulky for some users, though.

Nevertheless, this scope is not to forget if you’re finding one with a sleek and elegant design, can deliver superior quality HD images, can work no matter the weather, and has multicoated lenses.

Nikon ProStaff 2-7×32 Black Matte Riflescope

This product is also with the Spot On Ballistic Match Technology. It is designed and optimized to help us discover precise aiming points on the reticle at different yardages based on your specific load and ammunition.

The scope is also with a Nikoplex Reticle, which is the ideal choice for hunters and shooters who want to achieve a clear view field using the more common crosshair. This reticle type lets shooters make use of the spot on innovation while also keeping accurate aiming point on the reticle.

This item also has fully Multicoated lenses that work by boosting light transmission, allowing for high contrast and bright views. You will also appreciate it has shockproof, fog proof and waterproof performance. All these are possible due to the o-ring sealing and nitrogen filling of the scope.

The PROSTAFF Riflescope also has a generous eye relief keeping your brows safe even when using heavy recoil cartridges. This Nikon lightweight scope has an eye relief that measures 3.8 inches, so you can also enhance safety against severe shooting angles and lightweight rifles.

On the negative, it might need some time to get used to its operation.

Overall, it is one of the best in the category for its solid built, fully multicoated lenses, waterproof performance, clear view field Nikoplex reticle, nitrogen purging and o-ring sealing. It only makes sure that it can work well no matter the weather conditions.

Leupold VX-1 2-7x33mm Compact Riflescope

The relentless scope is what you need if you don’t want to give in, but keep up with the game and give it your best shot all the time. If you don’t want anything to stop you, check out the scope. It has the performance you need to stay in the completion or field.

It is also one of the best choices for you to have a durable and top of the line scope that can keep up with your demands. One of the things to note is that the compact scope can offer us with fog proof and waterproof performance.

The 2-7x33mm is also with an aluminum housing that adds to its durability for a long-term use. With it, you can have peace of mind you will be able to get more out of your investment for a new scope. Also, you don’t need to replace your scope from time to time.

The lightweight hunting scope is also with a 3:1 zoom ratio that allows it to stay versatile to keep up with what you need for all hunting conditions. In addition, the scope is with aircraft-grade aluminum alloy that gives it a heavy-duty performance. These and more are why the Leupold is chosen by hunters and tactical professionals worldwide.

However, there was some longevity concerns reported.

Overall, you can rest assured you will be able to use the compact variable rifle scope no matter the weather conditions. It also has a shockproof performance, ensuring it won’t easily be damaged even with drops.

NcStar 4X30 Compact Scope

There is no doubt that the NC Star scope for the Marlin 1895 and other rifles is a great pick among the lightweight scopes on the market now and for reasons. For one, it has the versatility we need that we can use it with an air gun.

More so, I would also like to note that this scope has a lightweight and compact design that makes it ideal for more applications and uses. It is not bulky, too. By choosing the scope, you will not only have a reliable scope but also a compact and solid one that can perform for your needs.

I would also like to note that it has a classic design but in a small package that makes it look appealing aside from being useful. This model also comes in a tactical series. These things and more make the scope one of the best in the category.

However, this product has a shorter eye relief versus other products in the same category do. It doesn’t also have a mount included.

But overall, you can look forward to long-term and reliable use for choosing this scope. It is compatible to use with air guns and includes a lens cover. It is easy to mount and operate and is with durable and top quality materials.

Aim Sports 4X32 Compact Rangfinder Scope

I’d like to recommend the scope for those looking for a complete package. This product is with rings, so you don’t need to look for and find compatible rings to use for it.

The 4X32mm Compact scope is also a top choice in terms of its quality images. With it, you can be certain you can perform and accomplish the job without any doubt.

One of the things I would like to note about the compact scopes for .22 rifles is that it comes with a one-piece tube construction. It makes the scope durable and heavy-duty, not mentioning high quality materials used in the manufacture of the scope.

It is also with a durable construction, giving you years of service in the field or in your hunting adventures. The lightweight scope for mountain rifle is also operational and useful even in low lighting conditions and weather.

There is no doubt it is a great choice for those who want a functional and versatile scope for their hunting or tactical shooting operations.

However, it might take some time to become familiar with it, though.

Generally, this scope receives numerous positive feedbacks and reviews online. It is a decent choice for its great design and solid construction. It is also with a classic design and compact appearance that you might like. The item is also easy to mount, getting you ready fast.

Swarovski Z5 3.5-18×44 Riflescope

The Swarovski Z5 is reliable and handy scope that will not make it hard for you to use and have it mounted on the rifle. It is with a superior quality just like other products from this brand.

The lightweight scope is with 3.5-18x zoom along with an easy to adjust elevation and parallax allowing for superior precision regardless of the weather. Using it, you can rest assured you’re going to use it with ease and without worries about any difficulty on the adjustment.

When shopping around for compact scopes, you might also want to consider one with a minimalistic and simple reticle like a PLEX type for easier use. I would also like to note that this scope has a solid design along with a mechanical adjustment.

This model is also with the ballistic turret flex, which you can configure or adjust separately. It will help you keep your eye on the target at chosen distances.

On the cons, the scope for 308 is not the lightest option for those looking for lighter scope, though.

But overall, the compact hunting scope is with the design and features you would want your scope to have. It is competitive and reliable even if it is not the lightest of them all. This product can work on just about any weather and lighting conditions.

CVLIFE 3-9×40 Optics R4 Reticle Crosshair Scope

The lightweight scope for AR 15 has a top quality structure on both its outer and inner parts, designed to control the inner and outer tubes interaction. Such can provide us with a long-lasting reliability. It can also make sure that the scope’s reticle won’t rotate when being adjusted.

The scope also has a smart design and build, making it shockproof. It can also provide users with a better windage/elevation adjustment. I would like to mention that the scope has a durable and one-inch tube.

This scope also has a totally sealed construction for waterproof performance. It is also with nitrogen filling for rainproof and fog proof performance. With all these features, you can also be sure that it can be used on any weather condition.

It is also made with fully-Multi coated lenses to deliver crisp and sharp images no matter the environment and weather condition. This scope can also deliver 95% light transmission across the 300% of the visual light spectrum, providing color accuracy and contrast.

On the downside, this scope is not for those looking for the lightest scope, though.

But for people looking for a durable tube construction, accurate windage and elevation adjustment and wide magnification range, they might want the best compact scope to give them these and more.

Buying Guide

How do you find the right scope that will match your needs, skill level and budget? Among the scopes out there, which one is suitable for your hunting or shooting style? Chances are you’re one of those hunters looking for a good riflescope, whether as a new or as the first scope to buy.

You must know some considerations to help you pick a compact riflescope that has the performance, design and construction that you’re looking for. Let us discuss more of these in the following.

Shooting style, environment and usage

There is no one size fits all when it comes to riflescopes. In this case, what suits your friend hunter might not be yours.

For this reason, you should think about the usage you plan to use the scope for along as the place where you intend to use it, too.

You must also bear in mind that weather and environmental conditions vary from one location to another. In this case, you should factor in extreme temperature, moisture and other weather factors in your location when shopping for a good hunting or tactical scope.

So when trying to shop, you must consider your hunting style, purpose and environmental factors. All of them will affect the results you will be getting along with the satisfaction that a scope you would get from what you end up buying.

Eye relief

Another to consider when buying a scope is the eye relief, which can keep your brows safe from heavy recoils and lighter weight rifles.

Magnification

What is your magnification requirement? Take note that it has to do with the zooming capability you would get for choosing a specific scope. For one, there is what they call a fixed magnification, which can be suitable if you’re using the scope only for one purpose.

Having a fixed magnification also means that you are not getting the image blurred, or you can view it clearly. Most of these fixed magnification scopes are ideal for close to middle ranges but not for longer range shooting distances.

You might also want a lower fixed magnification that can prevent target blurring. It will also aid in quicker target acquisition.

On the other hand, there are scopes with a variable magnification setting, which is ideal for shooting or hunting in different ways. When hunting, you might be into different conditions requiring a wide range of magnification adjustment.

However, do take note that variable scopes are a bit more expensive and needs some adjustment. So depending on your needs, you might want to select between a fixed and variable magnification.

Prices

When finding the right compact optics system, you must also find one that is suitable for your budget. In this case, you will be able to narrow down your choices and avoid spending much money in the process just because you ended up buying a more expensive scope with the features you do not really need.

By determining your budget from the beginning, you can also save effort and time, and be able to narrow down your choices based on how much your budget can afford.

Adjustments

Another thing to look into when buying a new scope is the ease of adjustments. No one would like to have a hard time to adjust a scope before it meets a certain requirement. Thus, you must compare your options based on the ease of adjustments as one of the factors to consider.

There you have some of the factors to look into when shopping around for a good riflescope that will suit your needs, budget and requirements. Be able to compare your choices based on these things and make a better decision in buying your lightweight and compact scope.

(Source: [1])

Conclusion

There you have what to know about a compact scope that can offer you with a great field or competition performance. It can deliver clear and crisp images, has easy to adjust settings and can operate well regardless of the weather and environmental conditions.

But if you would like to find the best lightweight scope, you should look into the things to consider like its price, magnification, your shooting style and eye relief, among other features you deem useful.

To get started, take a look at the products we have featured and compare to find the right riflescope for you. Buy your compact and lightweight riflescope today!

The responses below are not provided, commissioned, reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any financial entity or advertiser. It is not the advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.