6 Best Handgun Scope for Hunting

For most buyers, the Burris 2×20 Handgun Scope is the best handgun scope because its fixed 2x magnification keeps aiming simple at typical handgun distances. Its 20mm objective supports a compact profile, so it adds less bulk than a larger variable-power optic. That straightforward setup suits hunters and range users who value quick target acquisition over high magnification.

This guide is for handgun owners comparing scopes for hunting, target practice, or field carry. Focus first on eye-relief distance and overall weight, since both affect comfort, safety, and handling on a powerful sidearm. Reticle clarity and adjustment durability also matter when shots need consistent placement. The six picks below are ranked with clear reasons and honest drawbacks for each, so you can match the optic to your firearm and shooting plans.

Quick Comparison

6 Handgun Scopes Worth Considering

This ranked list counts down from sixth place to the top pick, with each scope matched to different handgun needs and budgets.

6. BSA Optics Edge PS27X32 Pistol Scope

Best for: Handgun hunters needing variable magnification

The BSA Optics Edge is a variable-power scope designed for pistols. Its 2-7x magnification range supports a wider field of view at low power and more detailed aiming at higher power. The 32mm objective lens gathers more light than many compact handgun optics. A 30/30 Duplex reticle provides a familiar aiming pattern without extra electronic controls. The scope uses a 1-inch tube, so buyers should check that their pistol rings match this diameter.

Its 1/4 MOA click value allows small windage and elevation corrections, while the adjustment range reaches 25 MOA for each direction. Fully coated optics are designed to improve light transmission, contrast, and image clarity. The body is rated waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof, which suits the recoil and changing conditions common with hunting pistols. Around $117, it offers useful features at a midrange price, though the included specifications do not state eye relief, overall length, or weight. Those details matter when balancing a scoped handgun.

Pros

• 2-7x magnification works for close and more distant targets.
• 1/4 MOA clicks allow precise sight adjustments.
• Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof construction handles demanding conditions.

Cons

• The 32mm objective and 1-inch tube may add bulk to a pistol.
• The non-illuminated duplex reticle may be harder to see in low light.

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5. UTG 2-7X32 Handgun Scope

Best for: Handgun hunters needing variable magnification

The UTG 2-7X32 is a handgun scope with a 1-inch tube, 2-7x magnification, and a 32mm objective lens. Its long eye relief reaches up to 25 inches, giving you more flexibility when mounting it on a handgun. That distance can also help keep the optic away from heavy recoil and your face. The scope costs around $169, though prices change.

Its PDC reticle provides holdover references for different shooting distances, so you can account for bullet drop without adjusting the elevation turret for every range. The reticle still depends on your cartridge, bullet, and zero. The housing is sealed and nitrogen filled, with protection against shock, fog, and rain. Those features suit outdoor use, but they do not make the scope indestructible or waterproof for indefinite submersion. The 2-7x range covers close shots and moderate distances, while the 32mm lens keeps the overall format practical for handgun mounting.

Pros

• Up to 25 inches of eye relief suits handgun use and helps maintain a safer viewing position.
• The 2-7x magnification range supports both closer targets and longer shots.
• Sealed, nitrogen-filled construction resists fog, rain, and shock during outdoor use.

Cons

• The PDC reticle may not match your ammunition’s trajectory, so you must confirm its holdover marks.
• A 32mm objective lens gathers less light than larger scopes, which can limit low-light visibility.

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4. BSA Optics Edge Adjustable Power Pistol Scope

Best for: Handgun hunters needing variable magnification

This BSA Optics Edge is a pistol scope built for handgun shooting at changing distances. Its 2-7x power range lets you use lower magnification for a wider view, then increase power for more precise aiming. The 28mm objective lens admits light to the sight picture, while the 30/30 duplex reticle provides a familiar crosshair layout. It uses a standard 1-inch tube, so buyers can focus on compatible pistol-scope rings instead of an unusual mounting size.

The main draw is its combination of adjustable power and long eye relief. That eye distance matters on a handgun, where the scope sits closer to the shooter and recoil can feel sharper than with a rifle. The one-piece tube avoids a multi-section body, which suits a hard-kicking setup. Its black matte finish keeps the exterior low-key. Around $100, it targets buyers who want variable magnification without paying for a higher-priced specialty optic. The listing does not provide an eye-relief measurement, weight, or weather-resistance rating, so confirm those details before buying.

Pros

• 2-7x magnification covers short and moderate-range handgun aiming.
• Long eye relief suits pistol recoil and mounting distance.
• One-piece, 1-inch tube simplifies ring compatibility.

Cons

• The listing omits the exact eye-relief distance, weight, and waterproof rating.
• A 28mm objective lens gathers less light than larger rifle-scope lenses.

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3. Burris 2-7×32 Handgun Scope

Best for: Stainless revolver and pistol hunters

The BURRIS 2-7×32 Handgun Scope pairs a silver nickel finish with a variable 2-7x magnification range. Its silver exterior is designed for stainless steel revolvers and single-shot pistols, where a black scope may look out of place. The 32mm objective lens gathers light, while the precision-ground glass uses a larger lens design than many comparable handgun scopes.

Long eye relief lets you use the optic with your arm fully extended, a key requirement for handgun shooting. At 2x, the scope supports faster target acquisition at closer distances. At 7x, it gives you more detail for deliberate shots farther away. The Plex reticle keeps the sight picture open and uncluttered, with no busy illumination or extra aiming marks. Around $390, it sits in the premium price range for a handgun optic. Burris covers the scope for life with a fully transferable, no-questions-asked warranty, which adds value for buyers who keep equipment for years.

Pros

• Silver nickel finish matches stainless revolvers and single-shot pistols.
• 2-7x magnification covers quick close shots and longer-range aiming.
• Long eye relief supports safer, more practical handgun positioning.

Cons

• At 7x, the narrower field of view can make moving targets harder to track.
• The silver finish may clash with blued or matte-black firearms.

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2. Burris 2-7×32 Handgun Scope

Best for: Handgun hunters needing variable magnification

The BURRIS 2-7×32 Handgun Scope uses a 32mm objective lens, a matte black finish, and the Ballistic Plex reticle in model 200279. Its variable power range suits shooters who need one optic for close and extended handgun distances. At 2x, the scope offers a broad view that can help with quick target acquisition. At 7x, the higher magnification supports more precise aiming when targets sit farther away.

The main appeal is flexibility. Low power keeps the sight picture open, while the 7x setting gives shooters more visual detail for careful shots. That range also makes this optic more adaptable than a fixed-power handgun scope. Still, it remains a specialized choice for scoped handguns, not a general-purpose rifle optic. The price is around $355, so buyers should expect a serious investment for a handgun setup.

Pros

• The 2x setting provides a wide field of view for faster target acquisition.
• The 7x setting supports precise aiming at longer handgun distances.
• The Ballistic Plex reticle gives this matte black scope a purpose-built aiming design.

Cons

• Higher magnification narrows the field of view and can slow target acquisition.
• Around $355, it costs more than simpler fixed-power handgun optics.

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1. Burris 2×20 Handgun Scope

Best for: Recoil-heavy handgun hunting

The Burris 2×20 is a fixed-power scope made for hunting handguns that produce heavy recoil. Its 2x magnification gives a wider viewing picture than higher-power optics, which can help with quick target acquisition at typical handgun hunting distances. The Plex reticle offers a familiar aiming pattern, while the matte black finish helps reduce glare.

Long eye relief is a key feature for powerful handguns, where the scope sits close to the shooter’s face. The optical system uses high-grade glass and precision-ground lenses for a brighter, clearer sight picture. Its 20 mm objective lens is larger than those on comparable handgun scopes, which can improve light transmission in lower-light conditions. The fixed 2x design keeps operation simple, but buyers should know it offers less reach than variable-power models. At around $214, it also costs more than many basic handgun optics.

Pros

• Long eye relief suits powerful handguns and recoil-heavy hunting.
• High-grade glass supports brightness, clarity, and long-term durability.
• Larger precision-ground lenses can pass more light than comparable scopes.

Cons

• Fixed 2x magnification limits detail at longer distances.
• Around $214, it may exceed the budget for a basic handgun scope.

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Buying Guide

Eye relief is the most important factor when choosing a handgun optic. A pistol moves closer to your face during recoil, so choose at least 12 inches of eye relief to reduce the risk of injury and keep the sight picture usable.

• Eye relief: Look for 12–20 inches, especially on powerful hunting handguns. Avoid models below 10 inches unless the manufacturer clearly approves them for pistols.

• Magnification: Choose fixed 2x for fast shots at 50–100 yards, or a 2–7x variable model for targets beyond 100 yards. Higher magnification can make aiming harder from an unsupported position.

• Recoil rating: Confirm that the scope is rated for hard-recoiling firearms, such as .44 Magnum or .454 Casull. A rifle-only rating is not enough.

• Size and weight: Keep the optic near 10–12 inches long and under 16 ounces. A heavy tube can make a handgun awkward to carry and slower to steady.

• Reticle and price: A duplex reticle offers a clear aiming point in most light. Expect to spend $150–$300 for a dependable entry-level model, or $400–$800 for stronger glass and adjustments.

If you cannot have everything, prioritize generous eye relief and a recoil rating that matches your handgun.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose a scope for a handgun?

Choose a handgun scope by matching its eye relief, magnification, mounting system, and recoil rating to your firearm and intended range. A fixed 2x optic may suit deliberate shots at moderate distances, while a variable 2-7x model offers more flexibility but adds weight and bulk.

What magnification is best for a handgun scope?

The right magnification for most handgun shooting is 1x to 2x, while 2x to 4x can help with deliberate shots at longer ranges. A 1x or 2x sight keeps the field of view broad and makes target tracking easier during quick practice sessions.

Can I use a rifle scope on a handgun?

A rifle scope usually is not suitable for a handgun because its short eye relief can be unsafe under recoil. Many handgun optics provide roughly 6 to 12 inches of eye relief, while some rifle models sit near 3 to 4 inches.

Are red dot sights better than magnified scopes for handguns?

Red dot sights are usually the better choice for fast, close-range handgun shooting, while magnified scopes suit slower, longer-range work. Some compact red dots weigh under 2 ounces, while a tube scope and rings can add several ounces above the pistol.

Conclusion

The Burris 2×20 Handgun Scope remains the top pick for hunters and target shooters who want simple, fixed 2x magnification with a 20mm objective. If your priority is faster close-range aiming instead of magnified views, choose a compact red-dot sight, since it provides a wider sight picture and allows both eyes to stay open. Before buying, double-check the scope’s overall length, tube diameter, mounting compatibility with your handgun, package quantity, warranty details, and current price, since listings can change and some deals cover only the optic. Also confirm the required mounting hardware, because many handgun setups need a separate rail, rings, or base before installation.