Best SKS Scopes of 2020 – Complete Round-up

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The SKS does not come with a built-in scope. In this situation, you need to buy your optics and its mount separately.

This is not an easy task, considering the abundance of options on the market.

This is why we put together some guidelines for you, as well as a complete round-up of the best SKS scopes of the year. 

Comparison of the Best SKS Scopes

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Best SKS scope overall
  • High-quality with fully multi-coated lenses
  • Crisp sight picture and optimal performance in low-light settings
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  • Emerald coat for enhanced luminosity
  • Clear vision even during the nighttime
  • Enhanced precision during deep fogging
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  • Best for the money
  • Duplex center dot reticle
  • Built for durability
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  • Multi emerald-coated lenses
  • Best clarity amongst similar products
  • Shockproof, rainproof, and fog proof
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  • Ultra-compact with crystal-clear targeting at 4x magnification
  • Eye relief of 2.5 inches
  • Rangefinder reticle with markings
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What Size of Scope Do I Need on an SKS?

The size of the scope you need depends on your preferences and personal needs. For instance, if you want more coverage regarding the image picture, you need a scope with a larger objective. Most commonly, the scope’s overall diameter will be around an inch, which ensures that it fits in most scope ring mounts or flat mounts. 

What Should I Look For When Buying a Scope?

An SKS is not a very expensive or high-end rifle, so it is normal to stick to scopes that are also medium-priced. It is important to keep in mind your purpose and what you intend to shoot with it, as well as your skill level. If you want to shoot during the daytime, a basic scope will serve you well. Alternatively, you will need a better scope with optical coatings for nighttime or dusk hunting. 

Magnification

Considering that the SKS is a 3-4 MOA rifle, you should consider scopes suitable for a range of approximately 300 yards. 

Objective Lens

The larger the objective lens, the more light enters the scope and the easier you can see in low-light conditions. Keep in mind, however, that a larger objective lens will make the entire package quite bulky and heavy, while a smaller lens will make a scope lightweight. This depends on your preferences, but, for nighttime or dusk hunting, it is better to go for larger objective lenses. 

Reticle

This is a bit of a whim for some, but an illuminated reticle can help you find your target better, whether it is in broad daylight or low-light settings. This is a feature that can make the scope stand out from the rest!

Review of the Best SKS Scopes

Once you know what you are looking for based on the above information, take a look at these scopes below to find one that suits your needs.

Best Overall:
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6x24

Pros

  • Easy to tune
  • Great for low-light conditions
  • Durability and superior quality
  • Clear, crisp sight with speed and versatility
  • Resistant to adverse weather conditions, water, and shock

Cons

  • No scope mount included
  • Battery life is not very long
  • Reticle is quite difficult to use

What Recent Buyers Report

This model performs up to expectations during both low-light conditions and in broad daylight. You can hit your target from an impressive distance, and the adjustment knobs are extremely easy to use. The highlights of this model are speed and versatility, but a scope mount needs to be purchased separately. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

Vortex Optics is one of the best products in terms of reliability and durability. It is versatile and quick, with a ranging magnification from 1x to a maximum of 6x. It is well-built, and the multi-coated lenses deliver clear and crisp sight pictures with optimal performance in low-light settings. 

Who Will Use This Most

If you want excellent durability, this is the product for you. It is perhaps one of the most durable products due to its high-quality construction. Do you want a scope to last you for a long time that is resistant to harsh weather conditions and has a nearly indestructible design? If so, this is your one-stop solution. 

Bottom Line

Overall, the Vortex Optics outshines most of the scopes on the market in terms of reliability and durability. If you are hunting or target shooting, it is the best solution. It is suitable for long distances and delivers crisp and clear sight pictures, and the build is resistant to any conditions. 

Runner-up:
UTG 3-9X32 1" BugBuster Scope

Pros

  • Shock, fog, and rain-proof
  • High protection and sturdiness
  • Made with premium-quality materials
  • Compact design with enhanced portability
  • Sturdy construction with enhanced precision

Cons

  • Control button battery door loosens when you twist the knob
  • MIL-dot reticle turns black if the illumination is not used correctly

What Recent Buyers Report 

This product is greatly praised for the assembly quality, and it has a sturdy feel to it. It is constructed with optimal strength, and it has a changeable aim from 3 yards to perpetuity. It also keeps the target locked and has the biggest field of view with appropriate eye-relief. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This scope is made with premium-quality materials and is filled with nitrogen, ensuring that it is resistant to shocks, fog, and rain. It delivers maximum protection and sturdiness, and the parallax setting allows you to zero in on a target from only three yards on. 

Who Will Use This Most

The UTG 3-9X32 1" BugBuster Scope is ideal for shooting medium and long-range targets. It comes with simple access to reticle light, mounting rings, and focal point covers. You can rely on it during any adverse weather conditions, and it can withstand great shock and abuse. 

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this product is a high-quality scope that is ideal for an SKS. It embeds numerous features that allow you to fully benefit from easy targeting. Also, it is suitable for use in low-light environments, light rain, and other conditions. It keeps the target locked, and it is extremely well-built. 

Best for the Money:
Primary Arms Classic Series 1-4x24 SFP

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • 12 brightness settings 
  • Fog-proof and waterproof
  • Ideal for all weather conditions
  • Generous eye relief of 3.5 inches to maximum 4.9 inches

Cons

  • Red dot is hard to see in bright sunlight

What Recent Buyers Report

Users consistently reported that this is one of the best 1-4x scopes that you can find on the market regarding quality to price ratio. It has a lightweight design, weighing no more than 1.7 lbs. It comes with batteries, so you can attach it to your SKS as soon as you receive it. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

The Primary Arms Classic Series 1-4x24 SFP offers the best value for your money. It is an outstanding scope that attracts the attention of potential buyers because of the generous eye relief. The eye relief is a maximum of 4.9 inches. It is fog-proof, waterproof, and extremely durable. 

Who Will Use This Most

This product is recommended for anyone who is budget-conscious. It has a convenient price point, but it also has plenty of features that will improve your shooting experience. It is most recommended for less experienced shooters. Plus, it is easy to use and provides high value for the money. 

Bottom Line

All in all, this is one of the best scopes on the market for beginners. It is waterproof, fog-proof, and easy to use. The Primary Arms Classic Series 1-4x24 SFP is exactly what you need to develop your skills and have improved shooting experience. 

4. UTG 4-16X44 30mm

Pros

  • Nitrogen-filled
  • Superior durability
  • Excellent image quality
  • Sunshade and lens cover
  • MIL-dot is easy to see even in bright sunlight

Cons

  • A bit heavy 
  • Focus knob is difficult to operate

What Recent Buyers Report

What's truly great about this scope is its ability to retain the illumination settings you use in low-light environments. This saves time, as you don't have to adjust it all the time. Instead, all you need to do is press a button and it is restored. Overall, the product is extra durable and precise. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

One of the best features of this scope is its MIL-dot reticle. It comes in different colors so you can choose the one that is most accurate and precise for you. This is useful for any distance up to 500 yards. If you want a scope that goes easy on your sight, this is the product you need. 

Who Will Use This Most

This product should be on your shortlist if you need accuracy for your hunting or target shooting needs. Its multi coated-lenses offer clarity and enhanced light transmission. It is suitable for all-weather and light conditions. The UTG Compact scope will surely give you the optimal performance you deserve. 

Bottom Line

Finally, the UTG Compact scope is one of the best choices for SKS hunters and target shooters. It will help you increase the hit probability immediately. It is easy to use and highly versatile. This scope is an excellent choice with a very functional sight. 

5. Monstrum Tactical 4x30

Monstrum 4x30 Ultra-Compact Rifle Scope with Illuminated Range Finder Reticle | Black

Pros

  • Integrated rail mount 
  • Solid, durable construction
  • Suitable for low-light shooting
  • 12 oz. weight and 6-inch compact design
  • See-through design for low-profile iron sights

Cons

  • Extremely thick reticle
  • Markings are quite wide and dark, so they might obscure the target

What Recent Buyers Report

The optics deliver clear and crisp images, with great contrast and sharpness. The reticle is quite thick, but that is not a deal-breaker. In low-light settings, this scope has adjustable illumination to provide you with the best performance. The turrets are easy to adjust and easy to use. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

The Monstrum Tactical 4x30 Ultra-Compact Rifle Scope is a high-quality scope that provides crystal-clear targets without burdening your rifle. The compact, lightweight design is easy to use and transport. It also comes at an affordable price while delivering optimal value for the money. 

Who Will Use This Most

This scope is compact and lightweight, but this does not minimize its features. It is great for both hunting and target shooting, and it will make a great accessory to your SKS. It has dimming effects that allow you to make necessary changes during low-light conditions. 

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Monstrum Tactical is one of the best SKS scopes of this year. It offers great value for your money and includes numerous features that will improve your hunting experience. It is designed with precision and accuracy in mind, and it is great for hunting and target shooting. 

What Do I Need To Know Before Buying?

Here are some aspects you need to know before you buy your SKS scope:

Size and Weight

The SKS is a lightweight carbine with an intermediate round that was not designed to be used with a magnified optic. However, this can still work out, but make sure that the scope fits the small, handy footprint of the gun. Of course, you might choose a bulky scope, but this will make the overall package heavier. 

Mounting

You need to give extra care when mounting the scope on your SKS because this draws the line between ruining the shot and helping you out. SKS has an open breach and ejects spent brass shells vertically out of the chamber. This requires either an offset to place the scope higher, or you should move the scope forward in order to be out of eye relief, using a handgun scope

Warranty

If you are ready to invest a hefty sum into your SKS scope, make sure you have the manufacturer's warranty to back it up. In order to make the best out of your high-quality scope, try to get one that offers a warranty. 

Conclusion

The bottom line is that an SKS scope needs to be proportional to the gun. Keep in mind that an SKS is lightweight, and a large scope can hinder your activities. Browse our list of best SKS scopes while keeping in mind all of your preferences and needs. 

Whether you need one that is suitable for harsh conditions and extra-durable or one that can hunt in low-light settings, we have an option to suit you.