Best scopes for deer hunting.
For many generations, deer hunting has been very popular. Hunting is well recognized in America as one of the activities that help in balancing the ecosystem thus hunters and conservationists work together to ensure that the deer are neither too many nor too few.
Whitetail deer being the most popular game animal when it comes to hunting is very smart, always guarded, exceptionally fast, and has a keen sense of smell. For you to increase the chances of hitting one, you need a rifle scope for deer hunting.
What Makes the Best Scopes for Deer Hunting?
A good riflescope for hunting deer should boost your confidence when in action.
For you to achieve this, you should get a riflescope that matches your desired features and one that also considers the characteristic of your target.
A scope with a large objective lens will give you a clear image during hunting. Such a riflescope will allow you to have a successful hunt despite the lighting conditions thus giving you an incredible experience.
A good riflescope should also be user-friendly. You should be able to easily mount it, carry it around, and most importantly use it.
Due to the nature of hunting where every moment counts, you should always be in a position to aim and lock your target deer.
The rifle should have the ability to withstand the test of time and harsh environmental conditions to serve you effectively and for a long time.
What Magnification Do You Need?
Deer are known to be extremely swift thus a good magnification will help in locking in your target more precisely during hunting.
For close-range shots during the day, 3-9X scopes will suffice. However, most shots are not below 200 or 100 yards thus a hunting scope with a powerful zoom of about 6-18 X is more preferred.
A powerful scope will give you more clarity and allow you to aim and lock your target. Generally, get a rifle that has more than 9X magnification for quality hunting.
Best Scopes for Deer Hunting-Top Picks
1) CVLIFE 3-9×40 Optics R4 Reticle Crosshair Scope
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Are you looking for a riflescope that can perform in any condition or environment? Then the CVLIFE Rifle would be a good choice. It has fully multi-coated lenses that can transmit up to 95 percent light across and 300 percent more of the visual light spectrum resulting in high-contrast and brilliant pictures making it one of the best Scopes for Deer Hunting. The lenses keep off fog, rain, and dirt to ensure that you always have a clear image during your hunting escapades. This rifle scope has a magnification of 3-9X and an objective lens diameter of 40mm to allow you to get the best shot of your prey. The interaction of the inner and outer tubes of the scope is controlled by the inner and outer structure resulting in high dependability of the interaction while still keeping the reticle stable in that it will not rotate while adjusting. This deer hunting scope is completely sealed and filled with nitrogen to make it rain and fog-proof. It is scratch-resistant and has a smart design that not only makes it shockproof but also provides a precise windage and elevation allowance. Features
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2) Nikon ProStaff 3-9 x 40 Black Matte Riflescope (BDC)
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This riflescope boasts of a patented BDC reticle with see-through ballistic circles that will allow the hunter to hold targets at ranges that have previously been deemed impossible. Therefore, this would be a perfect rifle for long-range shooting that will also give clear pictures for short-range shooting with the aiming point being the crosshair. The riflescope gives brilliant, clear, and high-contrast images as it has multicoated lenses that allow a 98 percent light transmission making hunting possible in all conditions. The spring-loaded zero-reset turrets of this rifle make field adjustments as easy as dialing subsequent ranges. The scope has a generous 3.6mm eye relief to give the hunter the confidence and comfort that they desire. It is nitrogen-filled and has an O-ring making it weather and fog-proof. The magnification of 3-9x, the objective lens diameter of 40mm, and the quick eyepiece focus give you enough power to get the best of shots. The riflescope comes with support for an optional sunshade accessory. It is compact to make your hunting escapades much more convenient. Features
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3) Vortex Optics Viper HS Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
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This riflescope has a scratch-resistant Armortek coating to protect the exterior lenses of the scope and Argon purging to make the rifle rain and fog-proof. If you are looking for a rifle with an advanced optical system then this is the rifle for you. The scope has an XD glass that extracts clear and brilliant images that are sharp from edge to edge. The XR glass lenses are multicoated to allow maximum light transmission making hunting possible from dusk to dawn. It has a CRS zero stop that allows a reliable return to zero capability after some elevation corrections. The Vortex Optics Viper HS Second Focal Plane Riflescope rifle has 4 times zooming power to allow you to magnify your target and a fast eye focus piece that will let the shooter properly adjust the reticle. This riflescope gives optimal image focus and removes parallax as it has side focus parallax adjustments. The scope has target-style turrets that are exposed and constructed for accurate and finger-adjustable clicks to make hunting more optimal. Features
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4) Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope with Truplex Reticle
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Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope with Truplex Reticle is an incredible riflescope at an affordable price. It is an 8-point riflescope with fully coated optics for bright and high-contrast images. The matte black finish gives it a sleek appearance. The true zero windage and elevation adjustment stay locked to zero despite the conditions. These adjustments are also Sure Grip and have an audible click. This rifle also has the Quick Target Acquisition (QTA) for fast and quick target acquisition. This riflescope is water, fog, and recoil-proof and has a triplex reticle. The 3.75-inch eye relief makes this rifle safe and comfortable to use. It has a 3-9X magnification that will help you zoom in on your target during your hunting escapades and a 50mm objective lens to keep your target in focus and let light in. This rifle weighs 13.2 ounces thus it is convenient to carry around. Features
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5) Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 SFP Riflescope
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These riflescopes are virtually indestructible and shockproof courtesy of the high-quality aircraft-grade aluminum alloy construction. Besides, the scopes are resistant to magnum recoil. Argon purging and O-ring seals support reliable performance in different weather conditions by preventing internal fogging when the temperature changes. The advanced fully multicoated optics give crystal clear and tack sharp images despite the lighting conditions while the second focal plane dead hold BDC reticle makes shooting at varying ranges seamless even where estimating hold-over would be a problem. This reticle also helps in eliminating guesswork on holdover and windage corrections during hunting. The scopes have zero-reset after sight as they feature metal-on-metal precision turrets. The precision glide elector system makes tracking and repeatability accurate. These riflescopes also have a fast eye-focusing eyepiece that makes eye-focusing quick and easy. Weighing only 1.4 pounds the scope does not add unnecessary weight to your rifle and hunting gear. Features
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6) Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope
This riflescope works in almost any hunting environment. It can stand extreme climatic exposure and is waterproof and fog proof as it has proprietary gases and seals that have been tested to withstand 33 –foot depth and varying pressure changes. It is shockproof and has been impact tested to survive a minimum of 5000 impacts. This riflescope will work well in all light conditions as it has premium lenses for clarity, full visible spectrum lens coatings, and glare management to give bright, sharp, and clear images. The Ion-assist coatings are also abrasion-free. The Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope has a magnification of 3.5- 10X thus bringing images closer to make long-range hunting easier for you. The objective lens diameter is 40mm and has unparalleled low-light performance. This riflescope is lightweight and thus convenient to move around with. It is very durable and can withstand even the harshest recoil as it has aircraft-quality aluminum construction. It also has precision finger clicks windage and elevation adjustments that give absolute dependability and reliability. Features
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7) Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24 x 50 FFP Riflescope
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This riflescope features a first focal plane reticle that shrinks or grows along with your target as you zoom in and out allowing you fully utilize the specially designed reticles. The illuminated reticles make it possible to use this riflescope in all light conditions. The reticles are also fixed on the glass to provide great support, offer durability and create shock resistibility. It also has fully multicoated optics to allow maximum light transmission resulting in clear and bright images. The argon purging on this riflescope makes it waterproof and gives it some thermal stability. It has an aircraft-grade one-piece aluminum tube that is heat-treated to ensure that it withstands any weather condition and guarantees durability. Features
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8) Vortex Optics Crossfire II Riflescopes
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If you are looking for a riflescope that is efficient for hunting at varying ranges, then this is the rifle for you. The dead-hold BDC reticle will come in handy in cases where estimating holdover is a problem. The many configurations of this rifle make it easy to use the rifle in all conditions. It has a long eye relief for safety during usage and an ultra-forgiving eye box that allows you to get sight of your target in a jiffy. The eyepiece gives a fast and easy focus while the turrets are easily adjustable with maximum elevation adjustment clicks can be reset to zero after sighting your target. The multi-coated and anti-reflective lenses of this scope result in clear images giving you an easy time during hunting. The aircraft-grade aluminum used to construct this single-tube optic makes it shockproof and durable. It is also fog and waterproof as it is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged. Features
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9) Hawke Vantage 3-9x50AO Riflescope
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This riflescope boasts layers of fully multicoated optics to let in maximum light and give top-notch clarity and contrast. This riflescope will give you an easy and smooth magnification that will not be distorted after recoil as it has a fast-focus eye bell and high torque zoom ring. The objective lens of this scope is adjustable for parallax correction thus making it a perfect riflescope for close-range shooting. It has a mil-dot reticle that has multiple aim points for both hold-over and hold-under to make up for both close and long-range hunting. The durability of this riflescope is out of the question as it has a one-inch aircraft-grade aluminum monotube chassis. The optics are nitrogen purged making them waterproof and shockproof. It is lightweight thus carrying it around is less cumbersome. The objective is threaded for optional accessories and exceptional engineering for precision and reliability. Features
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10) Bushnell 3-9×40 Riflescope
Are you a mid-range shooter? If you are then this is the riflescope for you. It features a magnification of 3-9X with an objective lens of 40MM that is perfect for mid-range shooting. It has fully multi-coated lenses for brightness and clarity during your hunting escapades making it one of the best scopes for Deer Hunting. The power change lever on this rifle allows you to set it up at two different heights. It has a sturdy construction and is also water and fog-proof making it suitable for even rugged conditions. The throw lever is easily adjustable to allow for fast magnification changes when aiming your target. It has exposed target turrets that will allow you to dial windage and elevation adjustments quickly and accurately. Features
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See Also
- 6 Best Leupold Scopes for Elk Hunting
- 7 Best Vortex Binoculars for Whitetail Hunting
- Affordable Deer Feeders
- 6 Best Vortex Scopes for Hunting Elk, Deer & More
Choosing the Best Scopes for Deer Hunting
Bearing in mind the important attributes of rifle scopes for deer hunting mentioned above, below are the factors that you should consider when choosing the best rifle scopes for deer hunting.
Objective Lens
The larger the objective lens, the more objective the rifle is. Large lenses allow maximum transmission of light thus making images appear bigger, brighter, and clearer. However, the bigger the lens, the heavier the rifle thus you should aim to strike a balance between objectivity and weight.
Magnification
You should get a rifle with a powerful magnification that will not go less than 9X, especially for long-range shooting and whose clarity and brightness will not be compromised even by maximum zoom.
Multicoated Lenses
A rifle scope with multicoated lenses has a higher light transmission capability making it easier for you to hunt even in low-light conditions. It produces crisp images making it easy for you to hunt during dusk or dawn. In addition, multicoated lenses assist in glare resistance and light penetration. The multi-coatings protect the lenses from scratches, abrasion, and chipping.
Durability
Get a rifle made of high-quality material that will withstand all weather conditions and last you a long time. Get one that has nitrogen-purged lenses that are weather, fog, moisture, and dust resistant. Multi-coatings also help in protecting your lenses to make them durable.
Reticle
A reticle is an aiming point in a field of view in a riflescope. Depending on where you hunt, the conditions, and the terrain, you should choose a reticle that suits you best. BDC also known as bullet drop compensation is an essential feature on a scope that adjusts height lost as the bullet travels and without it, you will need to do the calculations independently.
Your scope should compensate for the bullet drop over extended distances during long-range shooting. There are many reticle illuminations to choose from and brighter ones are preferred when hunting in dark and bushy areas.
Eye Relief
For safety and comfort purposes eye relief should be at least 3.5 inches. A rifle with eye relief will protect you from the recoil of bullets and offer some level of comfort when you are aiming.
Convenience
Get a riflescope that is easy to use. It should be easy to mount and should not have myriads of complicated adjustments when using it.
Affordability
The price of the rifle scope does not automatically dictate its quality and effectiveness. Get one with your desired qualities while still sticking to your budget.
Best Scopes for Deer Hunting FAQs
Q: How Does a Scope Work?
A: A scope aligns the barrel of the gun to the target. It projects the image to the shooter using the lenses and other assemblies.
There is the objective lens at the front that allows light to get in and the focus lens at the back that allows you to see the image more clearly and helps in focusing on the target.
Between the objective lens and focus lens is the erector tube where the reticle assembly and magnification lenses are located. The ocular lens that makes the image visible to the shooter is located at the rear end of the scope.
When zooming in, the magnification lenses move toward the objective lens and when zooming out, they move toward the ocular lens.
Q: What Do the Numbers on The Scope Mean?
A: The scope has two important numbers. One for the magnification power and the other one for the diameter of the lens. For instance, if the number on the scope is 9-18X 50 mm means the scope can be magnified from 9 times to 18 times and the diameter of the lens is 50mm.
Q: What is MOA on scope?
A: MOA stands for a minute of angle which tells the hunter the extent of shot dispersion in inches per 100 yards. When it comes to hunting, one minute accounts for 1/60th degree in an angle. An MOA of 3inches means that there will be 3-inch dispersion per 100 yards.
Q: What is Focus and Parallax on a Rifle Scope and Why Is It Needed?
A: Focus distance is the range when observing a target that will give you the clearest image in any optical device. Parallax on the other hand is the undesired quality where the image shifts to the reticle upon the movement of the eye from the centerpiece.
Parallax mostly occurs when the image and the aiming mark are not aligned on the same focal plane. If the target is not the focus of sight, the sight will be affected by the position of your head relative to the eyepiece thus affecting accuracy and shooting.
The focus should therefore be set correctly before shooting.
Q: Why Hunt Deer?
A: Most hunters prefer deer mostly because they make a challenging target. They have a strong sense of smell and are very fast and intelligent thus they give the hunter a real challenge.
Male deer have huge antlers which is a sign of the degree of difficulty in hunting down the deer. On taking down the deer you will get the antler that you can use to decorate your home as well as display some sense of achievement.
Deer meat and venison are known for their mildness, flavor, and health benefits. Most Americans will look forward to having a venison party after taking a deer down.
Deer hunting is recognized as a way of balancing the ecosystem. Hunters and conservationists work together to ensure that the number of deer is not too high or too low to keep the ecosystem balanced.
Conclusion
No one riflescope suits all. Each individual will have their preference for a rifle scope for deer hunting.
From the options above, you will be able to choose a rifle that matches your wants and needs much as they all have their pros and cons.
The most essential features of a good rifle scope for deer hunting are accuracy, reliability, and precision. Having this in mind, you can narrow it down to the most appropriate rifle for you.