Global Riflescope Market Assessment, By Magnification Range [Fixed, Mid-Range, Long-Range], By Lens Objective [Up to 40 mm, 40–50 mm, 50 mm+], By Usage [Military, Law Enforcement, Commercial], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2018-2032F

Global riflescope market is projected to witness a CAGR of 4.83% during the forecast period 2025-2032, growing from USD 6.96 billion in 2024 to USD 10.15 billion in 2032. The riflescope market is undergoing a significant transition, driven by increasing interest in precision shooting, hunting, and tactical applications. Optical technologies dominating the market are changing user expectations and putting pressure on manufacturers to offer more performance and flexibility in their products, which includes improved magnification, digital implementations, and thermal optics. Demand is increasing from both non-lethal and lethal civilian use, and the defense sector is seeking ruggedized and lightweight options with customization capabilities to meet operational requirements in various environments. The demand has further increased due to modernization programs and the growth of shooting sports. Manufacturers are incorporating modularity and innovative features to address the broadest range of operational considerations. With an increase in digital transformation occurring in tandem with a massive resurgence in outdoor recreation, the riflescope market is poised for continued growth. Design improvements in user-based experiences, along with extended global interest in high-performance optics, sustain this growth.

Report Attribute	Details
Base Year	2024
Forecast Period	2025-2032F
Historical Period	2018-2023
Projected Growth Rate	CAGR of 4.83% between 2024 and 2032
Revenue Forecast in 2032	USD 10.15 billion

For instance, in October 2024, HIKMICRO’s STELLAR 3.0 thermal riflescope introduced a new benchmark in hunting optics with its high-resolution thermal sensor and shutterless imaging system. It delivers sharp, uninterrupted visuals even in rain or fog, aided by an integrated laser rangefinder and advanced ballistic calculator for precise targeting.

AI-Driven Innovations Powering the Global Riflescope Market Growth

Artificial intelligence is transforming the riflescope landscape, enabling the development of more innovative and more adaptive optics, regardless of the shooting context. AI-influenced features, including real-time ballistic calculations, automated target recognition, and environmental sensing, enhance precision and improve user interaction with shot placement in hunting, tactical, and competitive shooting scenarios. The AI innovations have compounded an increase in demand for integrated, modular systems that combine traditional optics with digital intelligence features, while also modifying expectations for performance, customization, and situational awareness. As the definition of AI advances, it is not only redefining the capabilities of riflescopes but also broadening the user audience and creating more interest in an advanced, intuitive offering.

For instance, in June 2025, the U.S. Army began deploying the SMASH 2000L, an AI-enabled innovative riflescope developed by Smart Shooter Ltd., to counter small unmanned aerial systems. During Project Flytrap, a live-fire exercise in Germany, soldiers from the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment successfully used the system mounted on M4A1 carbines to engage drones.

Adoption Of Advanced, High-Strength Lightweight Materials Accelerates Market Development

Utilizing advanced, high-strength, lightweight materials represents a revolution in the riflescope marketplace, enhancing durability and portability while maintaining user comfort without compromising structural integrity. These materials, including reinforced polymers, magnesium alloys, and carbon composites, allow for a slimmer, tougher look and performance that suits the usage in various environments. These materials enable extended operational use, enhanced recoil protection, and digital enhancements, including thermal and AI-assisted targeting. As users consider portability and accuracy more seriously, lighter-weight construction is becoming one of the most critical differentiators to drive innovation and expand the riflescope market from tactical to hunting to recreational applications.

For instance, in January 2024, the Burris Eliminator X digital riflescope combined traditional optics with innovative technology, offering a built-in laser rangefinder and ballistic calculator for real-time aiming. Its heads-up display and app-based customization simplify long-range shooting by adjusting for distance, angle, and environmental factors.

Military Applications Dominates Global Riflescope Market Share

Military use is a significant impetus for growth in the riflescope marketplace, as the defense modernization plans of major militaries around the world continue to evolve and become increasingly relevant, as well as the need to target with precision in complex combat conditions. Armed forces are implementing advanced optics, systematically integrating thermal targeting, AI-assisted targeting, and embedded ballistic attribution in compact, rugged modules to improve situational awareness, increase mission effectiveness, and improve safety. This realization of demand from the military is enabling innovations in ruggedness and efficacy within a compact size, as well as digital enhancements to accuracy and usability, positioning the military as a driver of technology development and sustained growth in the riflescope industry.

For instance, in March 2025, the UK Ministry of Defence prepared to replace over 100,000 SUSAT (Sight Unit Small Arms, Trilux) sights and more than 30,000 Lightweight Day Sights (LDS) as part of Project Upham, a programme aimed at modernising weapon optics for the British Armed Forces. This initiative runs in parallel with Project Grayburn, which seeks to replace the SA80 rifle platform.

North America Dominates the Riflescope Market Share

The riflescope market is primarily categorized by region, with North America being the principal region due to the substantial and rigorous defense structure, extensive civilian ownership of firearms, and historical and cultural importance of shooting sports in the region. Tactical advantage and precision shooting drive demand for optics, including thermal imaging, as well as increasingly integrated optics (involving artificial intelligence). Furthermore, investing in defense modernization and outdoor recreation by consumers helps foster innovation and the continued development of lightweight, durable, and digital existing scopes. The involvement of existing manufacturers and favorable regulations that support growth also helps facilitate the adoption of advanced optics by manufacturers in the area.

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Impact of U.S. Tariffs on Global Riflescope Market

United States tariffs are altering the global market for riflescopes by increasing production costs, disrupting supply chain realignment, and prompting manufacturers to seek new initial sourcing locations. Manufacturers are responding to tariffs by relocating output within the U.S., changing suppliers, and investing in stable logistics capabilities. Tariff-based measures have also accelerated the development of riflescope technologies, as manufacturers seek new features and materials to narrow the cost-related differences. While tariffs and trade policy aim to bolster U.S. domestic industries and increase U.S. competitiveness, they also create unpredictability for all global firms and complicate established relationships that have been in place for decades.

Report Scope

“Global Riflescope Market Assessment, Opportunities and Forecast, 2018-2032F”, is a comprehensive report by Markets and Data, providing in-depth analysis and qualitative and quantitative assessment of the current state of global riflescope market, industry dynamics, and challenges. The report includes market size, segmental shares, growth trends, opportunities, and forecasts between 2025 and 2032. Additionally, the report profiles the leading players in the industry, mentioning their respective market share, business models, competitive intelligence, etc.

Report Attribute	Details
Segments Covered	Magnification Ranges, Lens Objective, Usage
Regions Covered	North America, Europe, South America, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa
Key Companies Profiled	Leupold & Stevens, Inc., Trijicon, Inc., Schmidt & Bender GmbH & Co. KG, Vortex Optics, Inc., Swarovski Optik GmbH, Nightforce Optics, Inc., Kahles (Steiner-Optik GmbH), Aimpoint AB, EOTech LLC, Bushnell Outdoor Products (Vista Outdoor Inc.)
Customization Scope	15% free report customization with purchase
Pricing and Purchase Options	Avail the customized purchase options to fulfill your precise research needs
Delivery Format	PDF and Excel through email (subject to the license purchased)

In the report, the global riflescope market has been segmented into the following categories: 

• By Magnification Range
  • Fixed (1-4x)
  • Mid-Range (4-12x)
  • Long-Range (12x+)
• By Lens Objective
  • Up to 40mm
  • 40-50 mm
  • 50 mm+
• By Usage
  • Military
  • Law Enforcement
  • Commercial
• By Region
  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia-Pacific
  • South America
  • Middle East and Africa

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

The riflescope industry is highly competitive and constantly evolving, with manufacturers investing significant resources into AI, thermal imaging, and new lightweight materials to address shifting tactical and recreational needs. Increased defense budgets, new shooters in shooting sports, and a growing need for precision targeting across multiple environments will continue to push growth in the industry. As manufacturers offer more modular riflescopes, combine digital features into new offerings, and provide ruggedized products, an increasing number of consumers are seeking adaptable, high-performance optics and auxiliary devices. The outlook is positive, with the North American riflescope market leading growth due to the established defense industry and hunt culture. The European and Asia-Pacific markets will also continue to grow as modernized programs roll out and more civilian firearms are purchased.

For instance, in November 2024, Vortex Optics, Inc. developed a prototype riflescope for the U.S. Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon, Fire Control (NGSW-FC) program, known as the 1-8×30 Active Reticle Fire Control. This advanced optic integrates a first focal plane reticle with a digital overlay, combining a laser rangefinder, ballistic computer, atmospheric sensors, and a programmable micro display.

Key Players Operating in Global Riflescope Market are:

• Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
• Trijicon, Inc.
• Schmidt & Bender GmbH & Co. KG
• Vortex Optics, Inc.
• Swarovski Optik GmbH
• Nightforce Optics, Inc.
• Kahles (Steiner-Optik GmbH)
• Aimpoint AB
• EOTech LLC
• Bushnell Outdoor Products (Vista Outdoor Inc.)

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