Riflescope Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Telescopic and Reflex), By Magnification (Less than 8x, 8x–15x and More than 15x), By Technology (EO/IR, Thermal Imaging and Laser), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 2.82 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	6.95%
Fastest Growing Segment	Telescopic
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 4.22 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Riflescope Market will grow from USD 2.82 Billion in 2025 to USD 4.22 Billion by 2031 at a 6.95% CAGR. A riflescope is a magnifying optical instrument containing an internal reticle designed for mounting on firearms to enhance aiming precision. The market is primarily supported by rising participation in recreational shooting and hunting activities alongside consistent defense spending for military modernization programs. These foundational drivers ensure functional demand that exists independently of shifting consumer preferences for specific technical features or temporary design trends.

However, the industry faces substantial hurdles regarding strict international trade regulations that limit market access in various regions and complicate supply chains. According to the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers, in 2025, rifle scope shipments declined by 24% during the first quarter compared to the prior year due to inventory adjustments. This contraction highlights the significant challenge manufacturers face in maintaining consistent growth amidst economic fluctuations and the complex compliance requirements governing firearm accessories.

Key Market Drivers

Accelerated Military Modernization and Defense Expenditure acts as a primary catalyst for the industry as nations prioritize upgrading infantry capabilities amidst geopolitical instability. Governments are systematically replacing legacy optical systems with versatile fire control units that offer enhanced durability and environmental adaptability. This sustained procurement momentum is evident in major defense agreements that secure long-term manufacturing output. According to Leonardo DRS, August 2024, in the 'Leonardo DRS Awarded $117 Million Production Order for Family of Weapon Sights' announcement, the company secured a contract valued at $117 million from the U.S. Army to continue the production of next-generation thermal sights. Such investments ensure a consistent revenue stream for manufacturers and accelerate the deployment of combat-ready optical solutions across allied forces.

Integration of Thermal Imaging and Night Vision Technologies represents a critical evolution in aiming precision, shifting the market from traditional glass optics to digital, sensor-based systems. These smart riflescopes enable target acquisition in low-light and obscured environments, significantly improving operator effectiveness in diverse conditions. This technological shift is validated by international demand; according to Teledyne FLIR Defense, July 2024, in the 'Teledyne FLIR Defense Receives $15 Million Contract from NATO Partner for Advanced Weapon Sights' report, the firm received a $15 million award to deliver high-performance thermal weapon sights. Furthermore, this innovation cycle supports the broader optical ecosystem; according to Vista Outdoor Inc., in 2024, the Revelyst segment reported quarterly sales of $315 million, driven partially by new product introductions in precision sports technology, highlighting the commercial viability of advanced targeting solutions.

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Key Market Challenges

Strict international trade regulations and complex compliance requirements constitute a primary obstacle currently hampering the expansion of the Global Riflescope Market. These regulatory frameworks, which often involve rigorous export controls and licensing procedures for dual-use technologies, create significant operational bottlenecks. Manufacturers must navigate intricate approval processes that delay product shipments and restrict entry into potential high-growth regions. The administrative burden associated with ensuring adherence to these evolving legal standards increases operational costs and diverts resources away from innovation and market expansion efforts. Consequently, companies face difficulties in maintaining efficient supply chains and meeting international demand promptly.

This friction in the cross-border movement of goods directly impacts market volume and accessibility. The inability to seamlessly source components or export finished products results in tangible contractions in availability and sales. According to the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers, in 2025, overall optics shipments declined by 11% during the first quarter compared to the previous year. This contraction underscores the severity of these structural barriers, as restricted market access and compliance-driven supply chain complexities prevent the industry from fully capitalizing on global demand.

Key Market Trends

The Global Riflescope Market is increasingly shaped by the Integration of Artificial Intelligence for Target Recognition, which marks a transition from passive observation to intelligent threat detection. Manufacturers are embedding software-defined capabilities into optronic systems, enabling scopes to automatically identify, classify, and track targets such as drones or vehicles in complex environments. This shift reduces operator cognitive load and accelerates the sensor-to-shooter cycle, creating a new standard for fire control efficiency. According to Hensoldt AG, February 2025, in the 'Financial year 2024' report, the company achieved a revenue of €2.24 billion, driven largely by strong double-digit growth in its optronics division which is heavily investing in software-defined defense and AI-assisted solutions.

Simultaneously, there is a pronounced Development of Compact and Modular Optical Designs as end-users prioritize weight reduction and versatility without compromising optical performance. This trend drives the demand for low-profile, fixed-power, or dual-role optics that offer rugged durability and ease of maneuverability in close-quarters combat, contrasting with the bulk of traditional high-magnification systems. The sustained relevance of these streamlined designs is evident in major sustainment efforts; according to Guns.com, June 2025, in the 'Marines Sign Contract with Trijicon to Refurb ACOGs' article, the U.S. Marine Corps awarded a contract valued at over $20.7 million to maintain its fleet of compact Rifle Combat Optics, underscoring the operational preference for battle-proven, lightweight sighting systems.

Segmental Insights

The telescopic segment currently represents the fastest-growing category within the global riflescope market, driven primarily by the increasing demand for precision long-range targeting systems in defense and law enforcement sectors. Military modernization initiatives globally are prioritizing optical solutions that enhance operational accuracy, thereby accelerating the adoption of these magnifying sights. Additionally, the rising popularity of competitive shooting sports and recreational hunting necessitates the optical clarity and variable magnification capabilities inherent to telescopic designs, solidifying their expansion across both civilian and government applications.

Regional Insights

North America maintains the leading position in the global riflescope market due to substantial defense expenditure and widespread participation in recreational shooting sports. The United States Department of Defense actively invests in soldier modernization programs, creating consistent demand for optical sights in military applications. Additionally, a strong hunting culture across the region supports steady commercial sales. The concentration of major optical manufacturers within the United States further consolidates this dominance by ensuring a robust supply chain for both government contracts and civilian consumers.

Recent Developments

• In July 2024, Teledyne FLIR Defense was awarded a contract worth $15 million to supply its ThermoSight HISS-XLR clip-on thermal weapon sights to a NATO partner nation. The agreement includes the delivery of more than 150 units of the high-performance thermal optics, along with spare parts and training services. The HISS-XLR system is designed to mount on standard rail interfaces in front of existing day scopes, enabling snipers and precision shooters to detect and recognize man-sized targets at distances exceeding 2,000 meters. This collaboration highlights the growing demand for advanced thermal imaging solutions that enhance operational capabilities in low-visibility environments.
• In July 2024, ZEISS expanded its Conquest V4 riflescope portfolio by launching two new models configured for diverse hunting and shooting scenarios. The new additions, available in 3-12x44 and 3-12x56 specifications, feature illuminated reticles and a Ballistic Stop mechanism that ensures a definitive return to zero. Engineered with high-definition glass and proprietary coatings, these scopes deliver 90% light transmission, providing bright and high-contrast images even in adverse lighting conditions. The release emphasizes the company's commitment to delivering versatile, durable optics with user-friendly features such as multi-turn turrets and shock-tested construction for reliable field performance.
• In January 2024, Leupold & Stevens introduced the Mark 4HD riflescope series, a new product line designed to bridge the gap between the company's legacy models and its premium Mark 5HD collection. The series features a versatile 4:1 zoom ratio and is available in five distinct magnification ranges, catering to applications from close-quarters engagements to long-range precision shooting. Built with a professional-grade optical system, these scopes utilize 30mm and 34mm main tubes and incorporate the manufacturer's proprietary ZeroLock dial system to prevent accidental adjustments. This launch addresses the market need for rugged, high-performance optics that offer advanced features at a more accessible price point.
• In January 2024, Burris Optics announced the release of the Eliminator 6, an advanced laser rangefinding riflescope that represents a significant evolution in its smart optic technology. This new model features a redesigned chassis and an integrated rangefinder capable of measuring distances up to 2,000 yards on reflective targets. The device is equipped with environmental sensors, including a thermometer, barometer, and inclinometer, which work in tandem with the BurrisConnect mobile application via Bluetooth. This connectivity allows shooters to upload custom ballistic profiles directly to the scope, which then projects a precise holdover point on the heads-up display reticle for improved accuracy.

Key Market Players

• Aimpoint AB
• BSA Optics, Inc.
• Beretta Holding S.A.
• Vista Outdoor Inc.
• Carl Zeiss AG
• Eotech, LLC
• Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
• Hawke Optics Limited
• Hensoldt AG
• Leica Camera AG

By Type	By Magnification	By Technology	By Region
Telescopic and Reflex	Less than 8x 8x-15x and More than 15x	EO/IR Thermal Imaging and Laser	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Riflescope Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Riflescope Market, By Type:

• Telescopic and Reflex

• Riflescope Market, By Magnification:

• Less than 8x
• 8x-15x and More than 15x

• Riflescope Market, By Technology:

• EO/IR
• Thermal Imaging and Laser

• Riflescope Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE