There's a lot of places to buy rifle scopes online. We've bought dozens of scopes from all the big guys. Find out our best picks considering prices, selection, returns, and more.
There’s a lot of places to buy scopes, right?
We’ve bought dozens of scopes and optics from almost all the big online sites out there.
Find out which ones we like the best. Dual Schmidt & Bender PMIIs
We’ll take into account selection, price, availability, shipping, returns, and more. And at the end we’ll also put our favorite scopes & optics.
If you can’t wait, here’s our list of best online stores before we dive into the details:
It all comes down to the money.
Fun Coupons, Wolf of Wall Street
Or rather…how can you save the most.
Chances are it won’t be at your local gun store. As much as I support local businesses…if it’s a fairly large purchase that I can buy online with possibly no sales tax…I’m going to take it.
Amazon
Amazon
Yes…Amazon really does have everything nowadays. Maybe not firearms and ammo…but they are awesome in terms of scopes and optics.
Unless you’re going ultra-high end (thinking $2k and above), chances are Amazon has it…and it’ll get to you via Prime in 2 days.
Everything from sub-$200 red dots to magnifiers and even $1200 scopes…I’ve bought from Amazon.
Unfortunately it most likely has sales tax, but if I want it quick with an easy return policy…I go for Amazon.
Brownells
Brownells
My go-to place for firearm parts and accessories…Brownells. Chances are they will have the optic of your dreams. And a lot of the time…at a cheaper price than Amazon.
And that’s because of their plentiful coupons ranging from free shipping to % off (usually listed on the homepage). Plus it might be no sales tax for you (sorry Iowans).
A little slower than Amazon (we’re so spoiled) but with a solid return policy and great customer service to boot.
If you’re buying other gun stuff anyways…you can’t go wrong with Brownells.
Optics Planet
OpticsPlanet
Sounds legit…and Optics Planet is…especially for harder to find optics like expensive scopes and night vision.
My previous complaint would be that they sometimes sell stuff that they don’t have on hand…but they’ve fixed this with an “In Stock” and remaining number indicator.
Plus free shipping and returns with orders over $49…which your order probably will be since you get what you pay for in the world of optics.
Also be on the lookout for “OPMOD” items which stands for Optics Planet Modification. This is where they’ve combined forces with manufacturers to upgrade popular optics.
OPMOD EOTech and Magnifier
EuroOptic
EuroOptic
Short answer…whenever someone asks where to buy “expensive” scopes…I send them over to Euro Optic. It’s where my buddies and I have bought our Nightforce and Schimdt & Bender scopes.
I have a good amount of experience…so here’s why I like them:
1. They Hold Scopes in Inventory
A lot of other online shops do “drop-shipping” where once you order and pay, they order the item from a distributor warehouse. Normally this works fine, but sometimes stock is incorrect or there’s delays.
I’ve had this occur to me from a fairly large retailer and after 2 weeks with no news…I called to cancel and bought from Euro Optic instead. It shipped and got to me pretty quickly.
Euro Optic also has almost all the variants for Nightforce scopes…check out their search page for “NXS 2.5” vs one from Brownells or OpticsPlanet.
2. A Dozen Dudes Who Know Their Stuff
Try calling into a big online retailer of general firearms stuff…and ask them which reticle they’d recommend for shooting man-sized targets out to 500 yards on your .308 Winchester bolt gun. You’ll likely be met with “ummm…”
I’ve spent my fair time researching scopes (I mean…they cost a pretty penny) and when I was finalizing my decision, I called up Euro Optic to talk about reticles. I got all the answers I needed to make my decision.
3. Prices
If you’re going with top tier scopes…they are usually like Oakley and strictly enforce their pricing structure. But you’ll likely get free shipping and no sales tax (sorry Pennsylvania).
Lastly…
4. Wall of Shame
I was lucky enough to have begun shopping on Euro Optic while they still had their Wall of Shame. Here’s a snapshot of one of the stories from 2011.
Wall of Shame
They probably got too popular and had to take it down because of legal reasons…but I like taking my money to a place that shows their human side. Just make sure you pay your bill, lol.
5. Easy Exchanges/Returns
When I upgraded to Schmidt & Bender scopes…I first bought one from them and ended up changing my mind on the reticle. A quick call was all that was needed to send it back and get the one I wanted. Just keep in mind you’ll probably have to pay shipping & handling (fair enough) and not have mounted the scope.
Best Scopes & Optics
If you are still in the process of looking for what to buy..check out our carefully compiled lists. Or check out our complete Reviews Section for even more on guns and gear.
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19
Leave a Reply
Bruce
Hi Eric,
May I ask, do users buy more scopes online or in stores?
July 20, 2023 6:49 am
Dane
Do to MAP pricing these guys all have the same prices.
January 24, 2023 2:02 pm
T
Does anyone have any feedback on Scopelist?
March 16, 2021 5:54 am
David, PPT Editor
Scopelist is good to go, I've used them several times!
March 11, 2021 3:36 pm
Becky buck
Is the Nikon blackfx1000 4 16 a good scope I have also looked at the gen 1 vortex viper pst4 16 which would you buy
August 30, 2020 2:15 pm
Dan
Not sure how optics planet made the list. I bought a scope from them weeks ago and it never left their building and they are not doing anything to rectify the situation. So, if you are looking for a place with hard to get your hands on ever- then maybe optics planet is your place
March 29, 2019 6:14 am
Dan 2
i purchased vortex scope and mount 2 weeks ago.... got an email a few days later about how busy they are and that the item would ship soon, please be patient and give them a few more days... still no change in the status.... likely going to cancel and purchase elsewhere... total bummer
December 11, 2020 4:30 am
Jim
Eric, Can we get an article on Binoculars?
The good, bad , and ugly.
Thanks,
Jim
October 1, 2018 7:27 am
David, PPT Editor
A writer just sent me one a couple of days ago! It's coming soon...ish.
October 1, 2018 11:19 am
Jim
Re: Bob the deadbeat.
I found a system that has always worked for me. Contact Bob and tell him you are coming to his neighborhood looking for him. And that means going to all his neighbors first, asking, Do you know where Bob the deadbeat that does not pay his bills lives?
Funny how they do not want you talking to the neighbors.
October 1, 2018 7:23 am
Edward
Eric, I agree with OpticsPlanet. I frequently use the DVOR site that they have. Recently got a KonusPro F30 (lowest sale price I could find elsewhere was $850) for $349. Normal price on other sites was $1150.
January 17, 2018 7:09 am
Wzrd
Optics Planet, Natchez
January 16, 2018 6:32 am
Joe L
Optics Planet has become my go-to for anything I can't find on Amazon., and even then I check both places for the best price. You can almost always find a coupon code for some percentage off or free expedited shipping at Optics Planet. What's more is Optics Planet allows you to purchase stuff using your Amazon Wallet. ..Sadly, Prime two-day shipping does not transfer to Optics Planet.
January 15, 2018 10:16 am
Eric Hung
Thanks Joe, didn't know that about the integration with Amazon Wallet.
January 16, 2018 8:29 pm
Dennis
B&H Photo of NY also has a great selection of scopes in addition to the the other places you mention. I recently bought a Trijicon Accupower scope from B&H Photo at a nicely discounted price as a Christmas gift to myself. I've bought camera gear and lots of other items over the past 20 years and they are great to do business with and are always quick to ship.
January 14, 2018 10:39 pm
Eric Hung
Thanks for the rec...I've only used them for camera equipment up to this point.
January 16, 2018 8:28 pm
Michael
Eric, I will second your Amazon's placing in your list, I just received my $1299 msrp scope for $850, delivered to my door and not only is it exactly as described but it continues to beat the price I can find anywhere else on the internet. For that price range is it a great choice.
January 14, 2018 5:34 pm
Eric Hung
Thanks! A lot of buddies wonder why I say Amazon...but it's the best for most optics...even the expensive ones!
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Try calling into a big online retailer of general firearms stuff…and ask them which reticle they’d recommend for shooting man-sized targets out to 500 yards on your .308 Winchester bolt gun. You’ll likely be met with “ummm…”
I’ve spent my fair time researching scopes (I mean…they cost a pretty penny) and when I was finalizing my decision, I called up Euro Optic to talk about reticles. I got all the answers I needed to make my decision.
19 Leave a Reply
Hi Eric,
May I ask, do users buy more scopes online or in stores?
Do to MAP pricing these guys all have the same prices.
Does anyone have any feedback on Scopelist?
Scopelist is good to go, I've used them several times!
Is the Nikon blackfx1000 4 16 a good scope I have also looked at the gen 1 vortex viper pst4 16 which would you buy
Not sure how optics planet made the list. I bought a scope from them weeks ago and it never left their building and they are not doing anything to rectify the situation. So, if you are looking for a place with hard to get your hands on ever- then maybe optics planet is your place
i purchased vortex scope and mount 2 weeks ago.... got an email a few days later about how busy they are and that the item would ship soon, please be patient and give them a few more days... still no change in the status.... likely going to cancel and purchase elsewhere... total bummer
Eric, Can we get an article on Binoculars?
The good, bad , and ugly.
Thanks,
Jim
A writer just sent me one a couple of days ago! It's coming soon...ish.
Re: Bob the deadbeat.
I found a system that has always worked for me. Contact Bob and tell him you are coming to his neighborhood looking for him. And that means going to all his neighbors first, asking, Do you know where Bob the deadbeat that does not pay his bills lives?
Funny how they do not want you talking to the neighbors.
Eric, I agree with OpticsPlanet. I frequently use the DVOR site that they have. Recently got a KonusPro F30 (lowest sale price I could find elsewhere was $850) for $349. Normal price on other sites was $1150.
Optics Planet, Natchez
Optics Planet has become my go-to for anything I can't find on Amazon., and even then I check both places for the best price. You can almost always find a coupon code for some percentage off or free expedited shipping at Optics Planet. What's more is Optics Planet allows you to purchase stuff using your Amazon Wallet. ..Sadly, Prime two-day shipping does not transfer to Optics Planet.
Thanks Joe, didn't know that about the integration with Amazon Wallet.
B&H Photo of NY also has a great selection of scopes in addition to the the other places you mention. I recently bought a Trijicon Accupower scope from B&H Photo at a nicely discounted price as a Christmas gift to myself. I've bought camera gear and lots of other items over the past 20 years and they are great to do business with and are always quick to ship.
Thanks for the rec...I've only used them for camera equipment up to this point.
Eric, I will second your Amazon's placing in your list, I just received my $1299 msrp scope for $850, delivered to my door and not only is it exactly as described but it continues to beat the price I can find anywhere else on the internet. For that price range is it a great choice.
Thanks! A lot of buddies wonder why I say Amazon...but it's the best for most optics...even the expensive ones!
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