The Best Mil-Dot Scopes in 2022

Basically, a mil dot reticle is a range finding device that makes use of a sighting tool’s optics as well as the grid dimensions or the reticle at unknown distances in order to estimate a target’s sighted distance. Now if you’re looking for the best mil-dot scope, you’re in luck!

While it can be a challenge and time consuming to find a good one, you can do well by knowing what to expect including the top picks in the category. As a beginner, we understand how it can be confusing to pick the right one for you. For this reason, we’ve created a buying guide that highlights top seven best products, each with their special features, pros and cons. Keep reading and learn more.

Best Mil-Dot Scope Reviews of 2022

UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster AO RGB Mil-Dot Scope

The UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope is yours no matter you are a novice or an expert. You will love to know that it’s completely sealed for integrity. This scope is also nitrogen filled for added efficiency. More so, you can rely on the scope that is with maximum reliability for fogproof, rainproof and shockproof performance.

The UTG cheap mil-dot scope is ideal for mounting on an airgun or firearm, too. If you find yourself in a dark or dim environment for combat or tactical operations, you need illumination.

This item has green and red illumination that helps you see clearly even in a dark environment. So regardless of the weather, you can be certain you’d be using a reliable mil dot scope.

When it comes to the reliability, you can count on this scope. It can keep up with diverse and changing conditions. Also, it is notable for the accessories included like quick detachable rings and lens caps.

Beginners who want an easy to use scope to meet their demands and help them improve their shooting skills can also depend on the scope that is ready to perform out of the box.

However, it has a limited eye relief.

While it might not be the best budget mil-dot scope, it is a top quality one that has a design for lasting reliability, responsiveness and precision. Check it out if you’re looking for a mil dot scope that can meet your hunting or shooting needs.

Vortex Optics Viper 6.5-20×50 Mil-Dot Riflescope

For one, it has varying magnification settings that let you choose how much power you want your scope to have. The high quality mil dot scope for 308 also has XD Lens Elements that work by delivering superior color fidelity and increasing resolution. As a result, you will get sharp and clear images all the time.

In addition, the scope has XR Fully Multi-Coated lenses, adding to its integrity and performance. The coatings work by improving the light transmission using multiple anti-reflective coatings. With that said, you could expect better performance.

In addition, this model has a MAG-Bar. It results to easy and quick magnification setting changes. You might want this feature for your riflescope if you are planning to use it for a wide range of applications.

This high-quality mil-dot scope for the money is a Single-Piece Tube that allows for precise alignment for great visual performance and accuracy. It can also help in enhancing waterproof performance and strength.

It is also for rugged performance for its rugged and shockproof construction that can deal with impact and heavy recoil.

On the cons, there was some visibility issues reported, though.

Overall, you might want to take a look at the Vortex Optics Viper whether you’re looking for a high-quality mil-dot scope under $100 or higher because it is reliable and high in performance. You might want to get it for yourself whether you’re a newbie or seasoned shooter.

UTG 4-16X44 30mm AO 36-color Mil-Dot Scope

The sighting tool is also good as a long range scope because it offers adjustable magnification settings between 4 and 16. You might want to take a look at it if you’re using your weapon for short to long-range distances.

The UTG ACCUSHOT scope is one of the finest AR 15 mil-dot scopes to rely on for its ability to manipulate the tool for quick and zero adjustment as well as retention that can take only a few seconds.

It is also built with 30mm main tube that can offer a large room for a wide range in terms of adjustments for windage and elevation. This model also has 1-click illumination memory for its Illumination Enhancing System. It features different brightness and colors for reticle illumination.

This sighting tool is also great for its rainproof and fogproof performance, allowing you to get more out of your hunting adventures. It can also work even in a poor lighting condition, letting you hunt or shoot no matter the time of the day.

However, the scope can be tricky to use for adjusting for first timers, though.

Overall, the high-quality mil-dot scope under $300 is a great choice for newbie and experienced hunters and shooters because of its integrity and long-lasting construction. It is with the heavy-duty built and nice design that adds to its better performance.

Pinty 4-16X40 Illuminated Mil-Dot Riflescope

You can rely on it for the vision aid it can provide you with in addition to its topnotch multiple coated lenses. Even if you hunt at dusk or dawn, you don’t have to worry about anything at all if you have this scope.

The Pinty 4-16X40 Rifle Scope can offer an unbeatable light transmission that helps improve your vision to see even in the dark. You can also count on it for its optical clarity, and that’s thanks to its fully and multiple coated lenses. It can also deliver superior mechanical performance that you can rely on for effective shooting from short to long-range shooting distances.

The Pinty riflescope is also a valuable kit that includes all the accessories you need for clear vision anytime. It can also offer a fogproof and shockproof performance. It can also withstand heavy levels of abuse for long-term use. This sighting tool also has a generous eye relief of 3.9 inches for protection from heavy recoil.

On the downside, there were reports on visibility issues on the scope for sale when adjusted at high magnification settings.

But still, the hunting scope is one of the best choices for its heavy-duty performance and wide magnification settings. It is also with the complete accessories and a manual for your guidance. You might want to check it out yourself.

Tasco Varmint 2.5-10x 42mm True Mil-Dot Reticle Riflescope

One of the things I liked about the scope is that it can offer wide magnification settings up to 10 times. In addition, this model can offer a generous eye relief that may offer protection from heavy recoil. More so, the .22lr scope is a superior scope that works for medium to long ranges. It also has an XL 42 mm objective lens that you can rely on all the time.

In addition, this model has a True Mil-Dot reticle that you can rely on for many hunting or tactical shooting operations. You might want to check it out if you’re looking for this feature for yourself. You can also count on it for its outstanding performance at medium and long distances.

More so, this scope for .30-06 rifle is with adjustable magnification settings that allow you to choose what works based on your needs and situation. Another plus is that it has SuperCon/Multi-Layered coated optics that enhances its performance.

However, there were complaints about the reticle being broken over time.

But overall, the scope for 6.5 Creedmoor is reliable and durable to perform for many years with proper care. You might want to check it out yourself.

Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm FFP Mil-Dot Reticle Riflescope

One of its unique features is its FFP reticle, which can stay true no matter the magnification. This model also has a side adjustable parallax along with a quick focus eyepiece, allowing for a solid and clear view of the reticle and target.

When it comes to durability, you can depend on the scope. It is with resistance to fog, water and shock. With such features, you can have peace of mind that your scope will not be easily broken. In this case, you don’t need to replace it and buy a new one more often.

The Primary Arms 4-14x44mm riflescope is also a cost-effective solution that you can rely on. In addition, this item is with a traditional reticle that can let you find your holdover and estimate range. In this case, you can achieve better results. With this scope, you don’t need to force yourself and use a caliber-specific BDC system.

However, it doesn’t have an illuminated reticle, though, versus others in the mil-dot rifle scopes category.

Still, it is one of the top picks among newbie and seasoned hunters and tactical professionals who want to get more out of their adventures. It is reliable and durable to last for years. It also delivers clear sight picture that you can rely on all the time.

Bushnell Trophy Rifle Scope with Mil-Dot Reticle

This item has fully and multiple coated optics that can enhance its performance and integrity. In addition, you might be able to appreciate that it can offer superior light transmission by up to 91%, no matter the weather condition.

More so, this mil-dot AR scope can offer 100 percent fog proof, waterproof and shockproof performance. With these features, you can be certain that it is durable to deal with various outdoor conditions even from heavy recoil.

This product also has magnification settings up to nine times with a mil dot reticle along with a four-inch eye relief. It is also durable that it’s made from a one-inch one-piece tube that has a built-in saddle.

On the cons, there are some visibility issues reported on the scope, but it is not the majority of the feedback it received.

Still, you might want to check out the Bushnell Trophy Rifle Scope if you want your scope to have the above-mentioned features. It can offer a solid performance that you can count on for a rewarding hunting or tactical shooting experience. Take a second look at it if you want a reliable and top-performing scope.

What is a Mil-Dot Scope?

This is another type of scope used by hunters and tactical shooters. They also have powerful magnification, quality lenses and rugged durability. They can also be used at dusk or dawn. You can use them to target an object from a distance.

However, there are many of these riflescopes on the market now. In this case, it can be confusing to select one without knowing what to expect. For help, you can refer to the buying guide in the next section.

What to know – mil dot reticle is the specific and standard pattern you will normally find in crosshair reticles that have 4 small dots of 0.25 mil diameter located along every axis. The dots are strategically arranged so that users can estimate the range.

For example, someone trained in the process will be able to calculate the object size and know its size at known distances. These dots can also compensate for wind drifts and bullet drop at a known range that have a mil dot scope on it.

What Makes a Great Mil-Dot Scope?

As there are many mil dot scopes on the market now, you might want to find out what makes one special and why you might want to get it not the next choice. A great mil scope is made of durable materials. In this case, it can withstand abuse and tough conditions. It also means that it won’t be knocked off that easily.

It is also resilient to all weather conditions. The best ones are also with resistance to fog, shock, rain and other elements. No matter the bad condition outside, a special mil dot-sighting tool can keep up with it.

A good mil dot tool is also adjustable, something that makes it versatile for many situations. You might not want to buy one that has fixed magnification if you plan using the scope for many applications.

Nevertheless, a good mil dot riflescope is one that is easy to use, tough and quality. To begin the selection process, you might want to get started with the reviews earlier and buying guide below.

What Magnification Do You Need?

This is an important question to address. While a scope helps users see objects at a known distance, too much of it is no good. It can make an image appear blurry. So the question, what’s the right magnification? The answer can be quite simple.

How do you use your rifle and for what applications? Do you use it for short-range target shooting? If shooting at a distance up to 100 yards, you might want to stick with up to four times the magnification, like for a small game.

For target shooting that reaches up to 200 yards like for hunting in closed landscapes like mountains and forests, you might do well with a magnification up to eight times or between five and eight times.

On the other hand, the experts revealed that if you’re hunting in open landscapes like fields and deserts and at beyond 200 yards, you might do well with a magnification between 9 and 12 times. It is ideal for long-range target shooting, too.

There you have the basics to know about the magnification you need, but nonetheless, it can also be subjective and according to the preference of one user. What can be comfortable for another may not be for you. Thus, you should still determine what works for your needs, situation and preferences.

Factors to Consider when Buying a Mil-Dot Scope

There are so many mil-dot scopes on the market right now due to the high demand of users for these efficient and powerful sighting tools. For this reason, it becomes harder for those who are buying one for the first time. Instead of getting help from the wide range of choices, many hunters and gun enthusiasts are feeling confused and overwhelmed. To help you select the right one, keep reading in the following.

Construction

The overall built quality is important in choosing a mil dot scope because it has to do with its longevity. Remember that the scope will be put to the test by different situations, including weather changes.

Durability is one of the things that you should not sacrifice when shopping around for a new scope, which must be resilient even when exposed to different conditions. The good news is that the best ones from reputable manufacturers are with superior built so that you can expect long-term use.

Adjustable magnification

When looking for a good mil dot scope, you should also look for one that is versatile and adjustable so that you can use it for different applications or situations. If you are planning to use the scope for different distances, you should buy one that has adjustable magnification settings. Especially if you are planning to use the riflescope for long-distance shooting, you should find one that has a wider magnification range.

Illumination

It can help especially if you’re shooting at night or in places where low lighting is common. In addition, it can help during a poor weather condition. It works by providing an illuminated backlight so that you can see clearly. In this case, you will be able to target an object better.

Tube diameter

In addition to the above features, you should also look for one that has 30mm tube, a standard among quality mil-dot scopes. You might want to check one out because it can offer a better sight picture as well as superior light transmission. But then, there are also those with one-inch tube can offer sharp images.

Special features

In addition to the above things to look into, you should also check for additional features that you might want to take advantage of in your sighting tool. A few of those that you might find useful include zero locking ability, quick focus, multiple coated lenses and superior light transmission.

Price

Another thing to check when looking for quality scopes is the price. Determine how much to spend on a mil dot sighting device before beginning with your search. In this manner, you will be able to save effort and time as well as avoid browsing products that do not fit your budget.

Be able to strike a balance between quality and price. You might want to check out reviews from customers and find out what they’re saying. In this case, you can read their insights about products at varying prices. Those can help you figure out how to choose your scope based on the price that you can afford but with the features that you also want.

FAQs

What is a half mil-dot scope?

Just as the name says, the half mil-dot sighting device is a classic mil dot but with some additions of dashes in half mil in between the primary mil dots. So for many, they choose the half mil dot devices because they may be able to provide them with better holdover points and range estimation.

What is a mil? First of all, it refers to milliradian, not the military. One mil of an angle is about 3.6 inches long, and that is at 100 yards. But to be convenient, it is close enough to 3.5 minutes. The dots’ centers are a mil part in the Leapers mil dot scopes. But if your scope is with a variable power, it is only true for the setting at the highest power.

In many cases, military gun sights and binoculars are with a mil reticle, and on the crosshairs are the short lines with mark mill angles, sometimes also called range finders or range-finding reticles. For what can you use a mil-dot reticle scope? You can use the extra dots in order to compensate for the wind drift.

How to use a mil-dot scope?

There are no complicated steps or calculations, really. All you have to do is to read the distance by looking through the optics system while you’re trying to aim at something. You just have to know the distance.

If you’re looking at a target located 100 yards away using your scope, 3.6 inches is the distance between the centers of the two pieces mil dots. If you’re targeting the chest of a game like an antelope and it’s 18 inches and at 100 yards, then the mil dots it will span is 18 divided by 3.6 inches is equal to five mil dots.

Now, if you’re looking at that antelope with the scope and its chest is spanning to five mil dots, then the animal is at 100 yards away from you.

Then, take note that the distance between the mil dots is at 3.6 MOA and 10 times the magnification, meaning 3.6 inches at a distance of 100 yards. This conforms to standard bullet trajectories, although MOA is changeable between dots by also altering the magnification.

Just remember, if you’re reducing the magnification, take note that the distance spanned between the two dots is also increased. Using the correct magnification for every distance, you can achieve a precise mil dot targeting point.

These are only some general tips on how to use a mil-dot reticle scope that you need to know for an idea. Don’t worry! You will become familiar with the process, as you learn different techniques on how to use a sighting device like a MIL DOT.

How to zero a mil-dot scope?

Some sources say that every dot in the scope is representing a specific aiming point for windage and holdover. It will give you a particular reference for crosswinds and ranges. For backing up to 200 yards, you can line up crosshairs and then fire.

Once done, you can see the dots to find out which one is going to put you back on zero. Check it and then it will be the dot to use for 200 yards.

Then, you need to keep working your way out in range. But in most cases, many mil dots are calibrated for specific rounds. Nevertheless, though, the above example can be used also for varying wind speeds.

[What is zeroing a scope? It means aligning the impact point with the aiming point. It also means the adjusting of the sighting tool in order to ensure that your projectile will be able to impact your aiming point.]

(Source: [1], [2])

Conclusion

Being informed on what to expect on the best mil-dot scope, you will be able to compare and weigh your options well so that you can make a satisfying purchase later. Again, determine your budget, consider the materials and think about the magnification settings, to name some.

Once done, you can make an informed decision that will result to a satisfying purchase. You will also be able to buy a sighting tool that has the features, including multiple coated lenses that you want it to have.

Using the right mil-dot reticle riflescope, you can also achieve a rewarding tactical shooting or hunting experience. Buy your mil-dot sighting device today!

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