9 Just-Released Riflescopes From the 2022 SHOT Show

The big trend in riflescopes for 2022 is specialization. You want a new scope designed specifically for your 6.5 Creedmoor? Check. How about one for your straight-wall-cartridge deer gun? Got that. Maybe you need a fast, compact optic for you brush gun, or an extra-high light-transmission fixed-power specifically for hunting in low light. Check, check. This year’s crop of riflescopes also reflects a growth in hybrid riflescopes that blend the best features of a traditional hunting model with those typically found only on long-range optics. The last trend I see may be the best, though: Many of this year’s new models are quite affordable by today’s standard. Of course, if you want to spend thousands, you can do that too. Below is a closer look at nine of the hottest new riflescopes for 2022.

1. Bushnell Trophy 1-6x24mm Quick Acquisition

Bushnell’s latest Trophy is a low-powered variable scope with a 6X magnification range that’s just about perfectly designed to work with lever guns, brush guns, straight-wall-cartridge rifles, shotguns, and ARs. It’s called the Quick Acquisition because the scope’s ½-MOA illuminated dot reticle, with six intensity settings including an “off” position between every setting, is ideal for getting on target fast, as target shooters and big-woods hunters often must do. The reticle features 2 MOA drops for trajectory calculation when shooting at extended range, and it works with Bushnell’s Ballistic APP. It has a fast-focus eyepiece, an integrated power-throw lever, and is built on a 30mm tube. With a length of only 10.3 inches, this is a compact scope that weighs only 18 ounces. Parallax is set at 100 yards, and the scope is covered by Bushnell’s lifetime IronClad warranty.

2. Crimson Trace 4-16×50 6.5 Creedmoor

We should have seen this coming. In fact, we should be surprised it’s taken so long. Riflescopes with reticles designed to compensate for the trajectory of popular cartridges are nothing new; we’ve had them for the .223 Remington, .300 Blackout, and .308 Winchester for some time. For 2022, Crimson Trace has introduced a long-range riflescope in their Brushline Pro line that comes with a reticle made to work specifically with the 6.5 Creedmoor. There’s no questioning the popularity of the Creed, and Crimson Trace has filled a void. This riflescope has a 1-inch tube and a magnification range from 4X to 16X, with a 50mm objective. The CT BDC 6.5 Creedmoor reticle is set in the second focal plane, and it features four diamond-shaped aiming points that allow for eight down-range holds. With its parallax side focus knob and zero-reset turrets, this waterproof, 19-ounce scope is very affordable given its features, and it comes with a lifetime warranty.

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3. GPO Spectra 7.5x50i

You might have thought fixed-power riflescopes were a thing of the past. Well, not as far as German Precision Optics (GPO) is concerned. For 2022, they have introduced the new Spectra 7.5x50i fixed-power riflescope that features a 50mm double-HD objective lens system, coupled with their GPObright high-transmission lens coatings—all in the name of quick target acquisition and better low-light performance. The scope is built on a solid, one-piece, dust-proof, and waterproof 30mm tube for strength and durability. It comes with an illuminated G4i reticle that can be adjusted for bright daylight or low-light situations. This scope provides a wide 15.5-foot-at-100-yards field of view, has a 6.2mm exit pupil, and offers 3.9 inches of eye relief. It also offers 100 inches of elevation and windage adjustment at 100 yards, with a 0.36-inch adjustment value per click. It weighs in at 21.7 ounces and comes with a lifetime warranty.

4. Leupold Patrol 6HD 1-6×24

Low-variable-power optics (LVPOs) with a magnification range maxing out at about 8X have become very popular on rifles configured for tactical applications as well as some hunting rifles, especially those used for feral hogs. Leupold’s newest LVPO is the Patrol 6HD 1-6X24, and two models will be available for 2022. Both have a 30mm tube and a rear-focal-plane reticle. One will have ¼-MOA adjustments with a traditional capped elevation dial and illuminated FireDot Duplex reticle. The other also has ¼-MOA adjustments but features a CDS-SL2 dial system that allows for two full turns of elevation adjustment and costs about $100 more. The 6HD is equipped with Leupold’s Professional-Grade Optical System, which offers top-level light transmission, glare reduction, and resolution. The scopes are fogproof and waterproof, and both come with a removable throw-lever for fast magnification changes.

5. Meopta MeoSport R 3-15×50 RD

This new riflescope from Meopta is designed for hunters who want a scope with high-end features and performance but don’t want the high-end price, which accounts for a lot of us. The MeoSport R 3-15×50 RD is built on a 30mm tube, has a 5X zoom, and comes with the company’s MeoBright lens coatings. For well under $500, you would not necessarily expect a side-focus dial that adjusts from 10 yards to infinity, or the MIL windage and elevation adjustments with locking, zero-resettable turrets. Other features include a fast-focus eyepiece and a low-profile integrated throw lever. The R 3-15×50 RD is nitrogen purged, shockproof, and fully sealed for fogproof and waterproof performance. This riflescope does an excellent job of bridging the gap between a traditional hunting riflescope and a long-range tactical-style model, without the gaudiness and size traditionally associated with the latter. All told, it’s a practical, any-range, hunting riflescope at a solid price.

6. Sightron S6 5-30×56 ED

Intended for hunters and long-range shooters, the new S6 5-30×56 ED riflescope is available with either a first- or second-focal-plane reticle. It is built with premium, extra-low-dispersion Japanese glass that’s been treated with Sightron’s Zact-7 Plus anti-reflection coatings. At 5X, this scope has a very wide 74.4-foot-at-100-yards field of view that only reduces to 12.4 feet at 30X. Eye relief is set to between 3.4 and 3.6 inches, and the side-adjust-parallax correction is adjustable from 10 yards to infinity. The elevation adjustment range is 80 MOA vertically and 60 MOA horizontally, and the large tactical turrets are resettable and easy to read. The illuminated MOA-2 or MH-4 reticle has 11 intensity levels with alternating on/off positions, and the riflescope is built on a rugged, one-piece, 34mm aluminum tube. It also comes with Sightron’s Lifetime Performance Guarantee.

7. Swarovski Optik dS Gen II 5-25×52

Beyond its excellent glass and exacting build, the heart of Swarovski’s dS riflescope is its integrated Class 1 laser rangefinder that will accurately measure distance from 33 to 1,500 yards, with a margin of error of only +/- 1 yard. The riflescope takes this distance and, based on the ballistic tuning you’ve completed with the mobile smartphone APP, provides you with an illuminated, dead-on, aiming point. Some may think this is cheating, but I decided a long time ago to not be bothered about how anyone hunts as long as it is legal. Swarovski has slimmed down the new Gen II version, enhanced the magnification adjustment for better ergonomics, added compatibility with G7 ballistic data, and configured the heads-up display to now show distance, muzzle velocity, energy, bullet flight time, and a level indicator. It weighs 39.3 ounces, is 15.87 inches long, and is compatible with rail or ring mounting. Could the Swarovski dS Gen II riflescope be the most advanced and easiest-to-use long-range optical sighting system for hunting and sport rifles? Maybe, but to find out for yourself, you’ll have to shell out around $5K.

8. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×50 Straight-Wall

It wasn’t all that long ago that specialization with a riflescope was limited to magnification choices. For 2022, Vortex has added a riflescope to their Crossfire II line that is novel and unexpected. Several states require straight-wall cartridges for deer hunting, and if you hunt in one of those states, the Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×50 Straight-Wall riflescope might be just for you. It features a BDC reticle that has been optimized for the .350 Legend, .450 Bushmaster, and .45/70 Government cartridges. It has four additional aiming points for accurate trajectory compensation out to as much as 340 yards, depending on the cartridge. This is a relatively compact riflescope, too, measuring 12.8 inches long and weighing only 18.4 ounces. It is built on a one-inch tube with fully multi-coated lenses, and is waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, and affordable.

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9. Zeiss LRP S5 3-18×50

Zeiss’s latest does not fit into this year’s affordability trend, at over $3K, but it is loaded with features to help you hit at any distance. It’s a first-focal-plane riflescope that can be had with either the ZF-MRi or the ZF-MOAi reticle. Both are illuminated and provide a choice between MIL and MOA corrections. The calibrated reticle adjustment knobs can be externally locked and provide an incredible 140 MOA or 40.7 MRAD range of adjustment, which should take you out to 1,500 yards and maybe beyond. The elevation knob also has a ballistic stop for a blind return to zero setting. With its rugged 34mm tube, the LRP S5 3-18×50 weighs 32.8 ounces, but is only 13 inches long. It is fitted with a quick-adjust diopter for fast focus, has a side parallax adjustment, and has been shock tested at 800 impact cycles at 1,000 g-force. In other words, it’s one tough scope.