- Alfred Mendoza
- June 2, 2023
One of the most respected scopes comes from Osprey, which is even approved by the United States military. Besides being recognized for providing cutting-edge quality at affordable prices, the company flaunts its best customer service and lifetime warranty services. Let’s look at some of the best scopes that this brand produced in this Osprey scope review.
- Incredible quality at low prices
- Multi-color illuminated reticles
- Superb contrast image
- Immense magnification range
- Great for short to medium range shootings
- Illuminated glass reticles
- Designed for three gun competitors
- Lightweight
- Sturdy overall build
- Adjustable turret
- Unobtrusive reticle
- Great for tactical use
- Great fit for Picatinny mounts
Top 5 Osprey Scope Models in 2022
1. Osprey Global Tactical 6-24X50 Mil Dot Signature Series Scope
If you’re a medium to a long-distance shooter, you might consider this tactical scope suitable to your needs as this scope comes with an excellent magnification range. With a 6x to 24x magnification, it can be efficient for gun show, training, target shooting, and hunting.
Based on our Osprey scope review, the company also designed mil dot reticles to help you determine the object distance if the object’s size is known. Additionally, the three-color illuminations at three levels of intensity work well with the 50mm objective lens in giving you a clear image.
PROS
- Incredible quality at low prices
- Multi-color illuminated reticles
- Superb contrast image
- Immense magnification range
CONS
- More ideal for long-range target shooting
- Heaviest in this list at 28.7oz
2. Osprey Global First Focal Plane 1-4×24 Scope
Similar to the first featured model, this comes with three different illuminated reticles: red, blue, and green. But Osprey notably designed this scope with the need of the three gun competitors in mind. Based on reviews and what we’ve researched, this device help lock on targets quickly and accurately, especially at close distance shots (e.g. 100 yards).
You might also find it comfortable to use as it just weighs 18.5 oz, making this model lightweight. Although the objective lens of the scope comes at only 24mm, some people consider it sufficient for sound light transmission.
PROS
- Great for short to medium range shootings
- Illuminated glass reticles
- Designed for three gun competitors
- Lightweight
CONS
- Larger objective lens may be better
3. Osprey CP3942IRF Compact 3-9×42 Ilium Rangefinding Reticle
According to those who bought this, some believe that the optical performance of this particular tactical model is comparable with other Nikon models like Nikon Buckmaster and Nikon Prostaff. It might be somewhat expensive, but others think they would have paid twice as much for this type of quality.
If you’re still considering yourself as an average in shooting or hunting, you may see the rangefinding reticle of this scope as helpful in enhancing your capabilities. The hash marks in the center can also act like BDC for long-range targets during hunting
PROS
- Sturdy overall build
- Adjustable turret
- Unobtrusive reticle
- Great for tactical use
- Great fit for Picatinny mounts
CONS
- Quite expensive
- Non-flip-up lens cap
- Green reticle brightness issue
4. Osprey Global Standard 2.5×20 Duplex Reticle
If you bought one .22 rifle or shotgun, you might want to consider trying out this standard duplex reticle model. Although engineered for close target shootings, this could also be handy in the medium range. Take note, however, that others consider its fixed magnification as one of the limitations.
As per our Osprey scope review, you would also notice that it has the smallest objective lens in this list, with only 20mm diameter. Still, it can provide you with a clear and sharp image, thanks to its light penetration power. You could also find its eye relief as one beneficial feature.
PROS
- Super lightweight
- Generous eye relief at 6.3 inches
- Inexpensive
CONS
- Fixed magnification level
- Small objective lens
5. Osprey Global Standard 3-12×44 Mil-Dot Rifle Scope
Despite being slightly heavy, following the tactical mil-dot signature series, this unit has a gracious eye relief of 4.5 to 7.6 inches. If you’re usually using a firearm with a strong recoil, it could also be a need for your safety consideration.
With a relatively wide 44mm objective lens, Osprey assures you of one sharp and clear image, if you would like one. Not to mention how the illumination would provide contrast between your reticle and target.
PROS
- Unparalleled eye relief
- Sharp and clear images
- Great for quick, accurate shots
- Lifetime warranty
CONS
- Slightly heavy at 21.8 oz
Buying Guide
Osprey Rifle Scope Durability
When we checked one of the Osprey’s user manuals that we got, it contained details about how they ensure that each scope can endure various weather or environmental conditions. According to the manual, the scopes are waterproof tested at 25cm/40 degrees Celsius for three minutes and fog proof tested at 20 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes.
Some great scopes are also shockproof, so you don’t have to worry when your scope drops. All these lead to the good product durability.
Lens & Coating
Each scope has fully multi-coated glass lenses with anti-reflective paint applied, which helps reduce reflections and offer good low light capabilities. Likewise, it’s behind the brand’s ability to provide high-contrast images.
Regarding the lenses, the manufacturing company has been transparent that their optics use good Hoya glass imported from Japan. The lens sizes and diameters also adhere to the standard 40 to 44mm for a medium rifle scope. Some models also have extensive, objective lenses going up to 55mm.
Magnification
Magnification generally has two types: fixed and variable magnification. With a variable magnification, you can set up your range parameters based on existing conditions or target shooting and hunting requirements.
In the case of Osprey scopes, they use both for their models. For instance, the Standard 2.5×20 Duplex Reticle features fixed magnification.
For some models with variable magnification, you could find a product going up to 24x zooming capabilities. Thus, giving you increased range efficiency without missing your target.
Other alternative scopes with promising magnification are Nikon and Leupold.
Focal Point
For scopes that have a fast-focus eyepiece design, you simply need to rotate the fast focus element in or out so the reticle would appear clear and sharp. Remember, though, that the brand mentioned that these do not include lock rings.
Additionally, a scope either has the first or second focal plane system used. The main difference lies in the reticle behavior whenever you change the magnification. A first focal plane is said to be better for medium to long-range yards, although the second focal plane is traditionally used.
Mounting - Osprey Scopes
Some scope models have ring mounts that may either be Weaver-style or Picatinny rings. For your safety, it’s good to make sure that the scope is mounted, given a sufficient distance from your eyes to prevent recoil contact.
As one additional reminder, you’ll know that your scopes are mounted right if you can look directly through your scope, put the firearms on your shoulder, and observe repeatable stock weld. When in doubt about your mounting, always consult or ask assistance from a qualified gunsmith.
Mass & Dimension
Several Osprey scopes are lightweight and compact, making it reasonably easy for you to carry. If portability used to be an issue for you, there’s a lot of models you could choose from in the lower end of the weight level. Just consider the build of the 8.5 oz 2.5×20 duplex model.
The brand also promises to provide you with top of the line compact riflescope without sacrificing usability and high quality.
Osprey Scope Reticle Orientation
In terms of the illumination system, some use a single color, while others have the three color models of red, green, and blue. Generally, the green one is developed for brighter ambient light, while the red ones are frequently preferred for lower light conditions. You could also notice that some scope models have reticles etched in the glass.
However, the brand has a reminder if you’ll get scopes with illuminated reticles. Based on our research, it would be good to choose the right setting that is not way too bright so as not to create a halo effect and possibly cause image distortions.
Dust Protection
You probably know that a good scope glass doesn’t come cheap. If you want to keep your lenses in great condition, it’s essential to prevent dust from entering.
Thus, Osprey optics makes sure that all their products use a dust cover so dust won’t get in.
For added protection, some brand models reportedly have a dust protection formula as well.
Are Osprey Scopes Worth It?
Yes, based on our Osprey scope review we believe they are worth the money. And among the five best models featured in the list, the best scope of Osprey is the Mil-Dot Signature Series. The multi-color illumination, good eye relief, and strong contrast image capability reflect the excellent optical performance the scope makes.
However, if you’re not into long-range yards shooting or you consider weight as a crucial consideration, then you might want to consider other great scope models in this guide.
If you’re looking for a good read, check out this review on the best rifle scopes for 300 yards.
Our #1 Recommendation
Mil-Dot Signature Series
- Excellent price to value ratio
- Can endure even the harshest weather
- Generally lightweight and compact
- Immense magnification and eye relief
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