Best Small Tactical Scope (Compact Tactical Scope)
When it comes to finding the best tactical scope, size matters a lot. Generally, the shorter and lightweight the scope, the easier it will be to carry around and balance on your firearm. If you have a firearm that is light, a big and heavy scope can interfere with its accuracy, and if your rifle is heavy, you wouldn’t want to add more weight to it.
However, with the multitudinous scopes available in the market, finding a tactical scope that is compact and well-built can be pretty overwhelming. To help, we are going to review the top 6 best tactical scopes suitable for anyone looking for a compact, quality and functional scope. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Best Small Tactical Scope-Our Top Picks
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Pinty 2.5-10×40 Red Green Illuminated Mil-dot Tactical Rifle Scope with Red Laser Combo
The Pinty 2.5-10×40 Tactical Rifle Scope is one of the best small tactical scopes out there. Its dimensions are 8.5x3x3inches. In addition to being compact, this rifle scope is light as feather for easy portability. It is simple to use and ideal for multiple hunting applications.
Featuring a variable 2.5-10x magnification, the scope is ideal for both close and long-range applications. With the low magnification, the scope offers a wide field of view that is essential for quick target location. Furthermore, with the high 10x magnification, it brings distant targets closer and offers richness of every detail.
The scope also comes with a dual color illuminated reticle which provides outstanding sight range for sharp shooting even in subpar lighting conditions. The 40mm objective lens is multi-coated to boast light transmission and glare. This provides better image clarity and sharpness.
Another good thing about the scope is the durable construction. It features a solid aluminum alloy construction which stands nay punishment you throw at it. Moreover, the scope is sealed with strong O-rings and nitrogen filled to offer reliable waterproof and for proof performance. Above all, this Pinty riflescope brings to the table long eye relief for comfortable glassing and precise windage and elevation adjustments.
Features
- Wide field of view
- 5-10x variable magnification
- Multi-coated optics
- Red and green illuminated reticle
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Solid aluminum alloy construction
- Precise windage and elevation adjustments
- Powerful red laser
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Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane Riflescopes
If you are looking for a compact rifle scope for long-range hunting or shooting, look no further than the Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane 4-16×44 rifle scope. It features a wide 4x to 16x magnification which offers impressive long-range performance.
Excellent optical performance awaits you when you purchase this rifle scope. First, it has Extra-low dispersion glass which provides high-quality images. In addition to that, the scope boasts a large 44mm objective lens and fully multi-coated lenses which optimize light transmission for bright and crisp image generation.
All vortex optics are built to provide unbeatable durability and this rifle scope is no different. It features a 30mm tube that is made from aluminum. It is shockproof to stand rough handling and recoil resistant to endure high recoil from heavy caliber weapons. Moreover, it is filled with nitrogen to be fog resistant and has strong O-rings that prevent entry of dirt and moisture into the optics.
And that’s not all. This rifle scope features a FFP reticle that is glass-etched to keep sub tensions accurate throughout the 4x zoom range. It also comes with a side-mounted parallax knob for parallax correction, a fast focus eyepiece for quick reticle focusing and a precision-glide erector system for smooth magnification changes.
Features
- Glass-etched FFP reticle
- 1-piece main tube
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Robust aluminum construction
- Precision-glide erector system
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- High-quality Extra-low dispersion glass
- Versatile 4x zoom range
- Fast focus eyepiece
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CVLIFE 4×32 Tactical Rifle Scope Red & Green Illuminated Reticle Scope with Fiber Optics Sight
If you prefer fixed power scopes, this CVLIFE tactical rifle scope suits you. It is compact in size for easy packability and lightweight for easy maneuverability. With the 4x magnification and fiber optic sight, this scope offers quick aiming and shooting.
While this rifle scope is compact, it is virtually indestructible. It is crafted with high-quality aluminum alloy which optimizes its durability. Moreover, it is shockproof, recoil resistant and nitrogen filled to prevent internal fogging which occurs when there is a rapid change in temperature and humidity.
This scope also offers exceptional optical performance. It features green multi-layer lens coatings that increase light transmission for bright and clear image views. It also features a glass-etched reticle with three illuminations; green, red and blue. Plus, each color has 3 levels of brightness suitable for different lighting and weather conditions.
In addition to everything else, the scope comes with a Weaver mount slot on both sides where you can mount your additional accessories.
Features
- Lightweight and compact design
- Glass-etched reticle with three illumination colors
- Fiber optic sight
- Adjustable parallax from 100 yards
- Fixed 4x magnification
- Multi-coated lens
- Durable matte finish
- Shockproof and recoil resistant
- Weatherproof construction
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TRUGLO TRU-BRITE 30 Series Illuminated Tactical Rifle Scope
Another best small tactical scope on our list is the TRUGLO TRU-BRITE 30 Series Illuminated Tactical Rifle Scope. It features a BDC which can be calibrated to majority of .223 and .308 cartridges and accommodate targets that are as far as 600 yards away. The reticle has dual illumination for easy aiming in low light settings and it is glass-etched for greater durability.
This scope is well-crafted to stand any punishment you subject it to. It features a 1-inch tube which is crafted from aircraft grade aluminum which maximizes its durability. Additionally, the scope is shock resistant for added durability and fog proof and water resistant for use even in harsh weather conditions.
For added convenience, this tactical rifle scope comes with a quick zoom lever for easy magnification adjustments and a long 4-inch eye relief which aids in quick target acquisition. Overall, it makes an excellent scope for hunting and tactical applications.
Features
- 3-9x variable magnification
- Generous 4-inch eye relief
- Dual color illuminated reticle
- Water resistant, fog proof and shock resistant
- Quick zoom lever
- One-piece main tube
- 40mm objective lens
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
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Steiner T5Xi Tactical Rifle Scope – Close Compact Riflescope for Hunting
The T5Xi rifle scope offers the ultimate versatility and precision in a compact size. It features an adjustable 1x to 5x magnification suitable for hunting and target shooting. With true 1x magnification, the scope increases situation awareness in close ranges for added safety. You also get to use the 5x magnification when you need to engage distant targets.
The scope features a special competition reticle perfect for precision competition use. The reticle is also illuminated for easy and accurate aiming in low light setting. Furthermore, the scope comes with a throw lever for easy magnification changes and a lens cover that protects the lens from dust and moisture. Above all, the scope is waterproof for use in any weather condition and submersible to 33ft for added protection in an event where it falls in water accidentally.
Features
- 30mm tube diameter
- Waterproof construction
- 1x to 5x variable magnification
- Illuminated reticle
- Fixed parallax focus
- Second focal plane reticle
- Razor-sharp image clarity
- Low-profile capped turrets
- Throw lever for easy magnification adjustment
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Beileshi Optics Rifle Scope, 4×32 Tactical Rifle Scope
Beileshi 4×32 Tactical Rifle Scope is another top performing scope that is compact and lightweight. At only 5.5”, the scope is perfect for quick moving and aiming. Additionally, the lightweight design makes it easy to mount, sight and shoot with.
Featuring a fixed 4x magnification, this scope is ideal for shooting at constant ranges. It offers a wide field of view for easy target identification which is what most hunters need. Furthermore, it comes with an illuminated reticle with 3 different brightness settings for use in various environments.
Another strength about the scope is the durable housing. It features an all-metal housing that is both shockproof and impact resistant. To add on that, the scope has a black matte finish that shields it from scratches and camouflages your position when hunting under direct sunlight. It is also filled with nitrogen for reliable fog proof and waterproof performance.
To top it all, the scope comes with a multi-coated green objective lens which optimizes light transmission and resolution for better image brightness and clarity.
Features
- Red and green illuminated reticle
- Weatherproof construction
- Durable all-metal housing
- Fiber optic sight
- Hard-wearing matte finish
- Shockproof and recoil resistant
- Large field of view
- 4x fixed magnification
- Multi-coated green objective lens
See Also
Choosing the Best Small Tactical Scope
When shopping for the best small tactical scope, it is best to get the right scope the first time. Here are some of the important factors that you should consider that should help you choose the best scope for your needs.
Intended Use
When it comes to tactical scopes, there is no one size fits all. A scope that works for your neighbor or friend might not work for you. For this reason, it is important that you consider what you intend to use a scope for before you buy one. This will help you make an informed buying decision.
Weatherproof
Whether you are looking for a tactical scope for hunting or tactical shooting, make sure that you get a model that is built to stand extreme weather conditions. It should be sealed with strong O-rings and nitrogen filled/argon purged to offer reliable waterproof and fog proof performance. Additionally, make sure that you get a scope that is built to stand extreme temperature changes.
Magnification
Another important thing you should consider is magnification. What you intend to use the scope for and how far you will be shooting will determine your ideal magnification. If you are using the scope for one purpose, a fixed power scope will be ideal. Also, fixed power scopes are suitable for close and midrange shooting.
On the other hand, if you intend to use a scope for hunting or shooting at varying ranges, go for a variable power scope with a wide power range. This way, you will be able to use it to engage targets at different ranges.
Eye Relief
Eye relief refers to the maximum distance between the scope’s eyepiece and your eye. A good tactical scope offers a generous eye relief which aids in quick target acquisition. Additionally, a scope with a long eye relief will help keep your eyebrow safe from heavy recoils and lightweight firearms. As a tip, look for a scope that offer a long eye relief of not less than 3.5 inches.
Price
When looking for the best small tactical scope, it is important that you get a product that aligns with your budget. By determining your budget from the beginning, you will be able to save both effort and time. You will be able to narrow down the choices available depending on how much you are willing to spend.
FAQs On The Best Small Tactical Scope
What are compact rifle scopes?
Compact riflescopes are rifle scopes that are small in size that they do not extend beyond the bell of the firearm. Generally, compact rifle scopes have a length that doesn’t exceed 9-inches/23cm.
What is a tactical rifle scope?
A tactical rifle scope is a high precision scope that provide high accuracy when shooting targets at great distances. A quality tactical scope that is properly adjusted can help you hit a target that is as far as 1000 yards.
What makes a scope tactical?
Tactical scopes have turrets that are uncapped. They also feature a first plane reticle and a one-centimeter click. When the turret and the reticle sub tensions are matched, the point of impact shifts for one line on the reticle whenever the turret is turned for ten clicks.
What are tactical turrets?
Tactical turrets are specially designed turrets which provide quick settings when engaging targets on different ranges. Modern tactical scopes have windage turrets that are capped for added protection from rough field conditions.
Conclusion
Hopefully, we have provided you with all the information that you need to find the best small tactical scope. All the scopes listed above are quality, functional and suitable for different applications. Buy any one of them today and watch it help you get the most out of your hunting/tactical shooting expeditions.