UTG Scopes – 2021 Complete Review

Tactical shooters and hunters alike use UTG scopes. These scopes are some of the most popular on the market, and they come in a wide variety of options.

We’ll not only go into the differences between the scopes but also what you need to look for before you buy. We’ve also picked out the top UTG scopes available in our UTG scope review.

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Best overall
  • Built on True Strength platform
  • Premium zero lockable and zero resettable target turrets
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  • Nitrogen filled and sealed for weather resistance
  • Comes in a range of colors for use in different environments
  • Easy to adjust magnification for both short and long-range targeting
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  • Best value for the money
  • Mil-dot reticle is illuminated and features a 36-color mode system
  • Emerald lens coating offers clarity
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  • 30mm tube with multi emerald coated lenses
  • Scope holds zero and has great clarity
  • Additional colors on the reticle is a good bonus, making it easier to see
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  • Has 36 color options for the illuminated reticle
  • Classic Six O'clock bubble leveler in the etched glass Mil-Dot reticle
  • One-click illumination memory feature
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Are All UTG Scopes The Same?

It’s easy to think that all Leaper UTG scopes are the same, but they aren’t. Each scope has a different range, weight, and magnification.

Some models will come with a mounting system, making assembly a breeze. Other UTG scopes come with MIL-dot reticles, giving a boost to the precision that you don’t get from MOA reticles.

However, all UTG scopes have a lifetime manufacturer warranty. UTG scopes also tend to be durable and steady, with emerald-coated lenses, regardless of the model.

What to Look for When Buying a UTG Scope

Before you invest in a scope, you want to make sure it has the features you need to make shooting easier.

Illuminated Reticle

The reticle is what makes aiming easier, like the lines and dots in a Mil-Dot. Most scopes come with a reticle, but if it isn’t illuminated, it can be difficult to see in adverse conditions or at night.

The illumination is a way to make sighting simple, but you will want one that includes an automatic switch off to save battery.

Shockproof

Not only will you want a UTG scope that’s weatherproof but one that is also shockproof. This way, no matter what the conditions are or how violent the recoil on your rifle, your scope will endure. Otherwise, you may lose focus when you need it most because your scope is loose.

Wide Field of View

If you’re going to do long-distance hunting, you will want a scope with the appropriate magnification and width. This way, you will take care of your eyes and give yourself relief in the field, keeping you sharp and ready.

If you’re not interested in long-distance shooting, you won’t need as great a level of magnification. That being said, you will still want a scope that’s wide enough for you to be comfortable using.

Review of UTG Scopes

Now that you know what to look for before you buy, let’s jump into our UTG scope reviews of our top 5 picks.

Top Pick

Leapers UTG BugBuster 3-9×32 Riflescope

UTG 3-9X32 1' BugBuster Scope, AO, 36-color Mil-dot, Rings , Black

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers have pointed out the easy installation, as well as the durable design. The affordability and light-up reticle are seen as welcomed bonuses. Some purchasers have said that they encountered problems with its ability to hold zero. 

Why It Stands Out to Us

The BugBuster is ideal for the beginner. It’s durable and lightweight design allows it to withstand the elements as well as shock. The illuminated TRE Mil-Dot reticle comes with nine dots, giving the operator 21 aiming points.

At its highest magnification, the scope can hit targets in excess of 300 yards. Nor does the scope struggle in relatively close quarters, with it being useful at 100+ yards. These features combined make it an excellent choice for hunters and shooters.

Bottom Line

The scope’s overall construction, durability, and ease of use make it stand out. With an illuminated TRE Mil-Dot reticle and good magnification, the BugBuster can be a trusted asset when hunting. 

Runner Up

Leapers UTG 4-16×44 Compact Scope

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers have consistently highlighted how reliable the scope is in holding zero. Users find that the scope sights in well while the emerald-coated lens offers clarity, especially in low light conditions. Some reviewers found that the reticle itself was difficult to see under bright lighting.

Why It Stands Out to Us

The scope’s mil-dol reticle utilizes a 36-color mode EZ-TAP, which can be beneficial when hunting in low-light conditions. This system is made more intuitive through a one-click feature that remembers the last color and brightness setting you used. 

Clarity is excellent thanks to its emerald-coated lens. Magnification can be adjusted with a quick-power selector ring for swift targeting. Its turrets are both resettable and lockable, ensuring operators can zero in quickly. Thanks to the scope being fully sealed and nitrogen filled, it remains effective in any conditions. 

Bottom Line

This is an adaptable scope full of features to make it a go-to scope for all kinds of conditions. The EZ-TAP’s 36-color mode might sound like a novelty, but when used only adds to the scope’s versatility.

Best Budget Option

Leapers UTG 3-9×40 Hunter Scope

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report

Reviewers adore the clarity, as well as the ease of sighting in once the scope has been mounted. The illuminated reticle deserves recognition, though some have described the reticle as being too thick.

Why It Stands Out to Us

It doesn’t sacrifice itself in terms of durability and shock resistance. It can be used effectively in challenging conditions thanks to it being waterproof and fog-proof. The illuminated mil-dot reticle won’t let you down if you’re shooting in low light.

The scope’s zero locking and resetting targeting turrets are easy to adjust, making it adaptable. 

Bottom Line

Anyone looking for a budget option should keep UTG in mind. They produce fantastic quality for a modest price, and this model is no exception.

You’ll get all the best features, including the light-up reticle, the emerald coating, and the dials that lock, for a fraction of the price.

Leapers UTG 3-12x44mm

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report

Most buyers are happy with their purchase of the Leapers UTG 3-12x44mm. Because of its size, it’s going to be heavier than less comprehensive scopes, but that weight means you get a big lens.

Reviewers like how well this model holds zero, how easy it is to lock in place, and the clarity of the lens itself, even in adverse conditions.

Why It Stands Out to Us

This model comes with some nice features, like emerald-coated lenses for maximum light and the illumination-enhanced reticle.

This model has a side wheel adjustable turret, called a SWAT. This gives quality parallax adjustment, meaning you won’t lose sight of your target, thanks to how your settings lock in place.

It uses nitrogen to increase its “True Strength Platform” or its ability to remain sealed and steady in all conditions.

The seven brightness settings make for increased reticle visibility, which aids in keeping your target in your sights at all times.

Bottom Line

For anyone looking for a large scope, one that’s over 40mm, this is the best solution. Like all UTG scopes, it holds zero well, is steady even with recoil, and will give excellent clarity.

Leapers UTG 4-16×56 Bubble Leveler Riflescope

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers say that the scope is clear, and it holds zero well. They also appreciate the low-light illumination and how it helps for shooting in the evening or early hours.

Some have mentioned the heft of this scope. It’s about two pounds, which adds substantial weight to the rifle, but that’s because of the quality of the glass and the size of the scope.

Why It Stands Out to Us

Because the lens is 56mm, there’s plenty of room for light to get in, even on cloudy days. For anyone who wants to hunt or shoot in all conditions, this is a good choice.

The bubble leveler gives additional accuracy, but the scope can also take a beating. Even on rifles with heavier recoil, this model stays accurate and holds zero.

We especially like how this scope remembers the previous light and color settings, but also the clarity of the glass itself. UTG scopes usually let in plenty of light, and while that comes with some extra weight, we think it’s a worthwhile payoff.

Bottom Line

When it comes down to it, if you’re looking for a scope that gives accuracy, clarity, and works well in low-light situations, then this UTG Bubble Leveler could be perfect for it.

Advantages of Investing in a Quality UTG Scope

There are a lot of advantages possible when you invest in a quality UTG scope, like the BugBuster. It not only comes with a 2.5mm wrench and a 4mm Allen wrench as well as a cleaning cloth and flip-open lens, but it has both a Mil-Dot chart as well as MOA. The Mil-Dot chart will help you accurately estimate distances, and the chart has been precalculated, so you don’t need to do the math as you aim.

Combined, you can have the most accuracy possible when bearing down on your target. A quality scope like this comes with lever-lock QD (quick detach) rings, which allow for speedy attaching and detaching in the field.

These scopes are shockproof, fog-proof, and rainproof, meaning you can use them no matter the weather or how much kickback your rifle gives.

You’ll also get a side-wheel with red/green illumination. This will allow you to adjust your sights depending on weather and lighting conditions, ensuring you have a clear view at all times.

Best of all, the lens is emerald-coated, giving the user crystal clear view with maximum light transmission.

To Summarize

UTG has a reputation for excellence, producing great-quality scopes for an affordable price. If you’re in the market for a scope with great clarity and an illuminated reticle, then UTG should be your first stop. These models hold up under kickback, storms, and low-light conditions. They’re a fantastic option for any hunter or shooter.

People Also Ask

If you’ve never bought a scope before or are didn’t find your answer in our UTG scope review, you may still have a few questions.

Who Makes UTG Scopes?

UTG scopes are made by the brand Leapers. Their goal is to make technologically-advanced scopes to help hunters and shooters alike. They have also now created the UTG PRO line, specializing in products made in the USA. However, they have factories and production plants all over the world, each committed to making top-quality shooting products.

What Do the Scope Numbers Mean?

Scopes typically have two numbers attached to their names. The first tells you the magnification, and the second, the diameter of the objective lens. For example, the BugBuster enlarges up to 9 times and has a 32mm lens. However, the Bubble Leveler Riflescope has a magnification of 16 with a 56mm lens. The Bubble Leveler’s lens is larger, and it gives more magnification.

Joseph Fox

Joseph Fox

Joseph Fox writes on a variety of topics ranging from reloading ammunition to gun cleaning. He has been featured on various publications like thetruthaboutguns, Sofrep & many more. Joseph is also the founder of Gunloading, where he reviews different types of reloading & firearm products available on the market.