Best scope for muzzleloader.
In the past few years, the popularity of muzzleloaders has been on the rise. Since muzzleloaders are remarkably affordable and user-friendly, the majority of hunters are using them for their hunting expeditions.
Besides that, modern muzzleloaders are accurate to about 300 yards, something that was impossible before.
To acquire your targets at such a range, you will need a good-quality scope.
If you are on the hunt for the best scope for a muzzleloader, this is the guide to help you find the perfect partner for your muzzleloader. So read on.
Best Scope for Muzzleloader-Our Top Picks
1) Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire Riflescope
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The Crossfire II SFP riflescope is an excellent choice for a typical muzzleloader rifle. This riflescope is designed for all-purpose hunting. It is simple to use and mounting it on your muzzleloader will make your hunting expedition worthwhile with the highest level of performance and reliability. The scope comes with a variable 2-7x magnification which is ideal for both close-quarter and mid-range hunting. It provides a long eye relief at every magnification range for comfortable shooting and greater eye safety. It also boasts a forgiving eye box for quick target identification in any environment. Moreover, the scope features a V-Plex Rimfire reticle and fully multi-coated lenses which makes it ideal for hunting in low light conditions like dawn or dusk. In terms of construction, it is crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum that maximizes its strength and rigidity. It is also fully waterproof and fog proof so you will be able to go hunting in any weather condition. Overall, it is a great hunting optic that is reliable and long-lasting. Features
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2) Nikon Omega Muzzleloading BDC 3-9×40 Riflescope
The Omega Muzzleloading riflescope from Nikon comes with a BDC reticle to help you maximize the potential of this rifle. It is designed for use with the .50 caliber muzzleloaders using either 250-grain bullets or 150-grain Pyrodex charge pellets. With this scope, you will be able to hit targets that are up to 300 yards with ease. It is easy to mount, sight, and shoot with. Moreover, it brings to the table long 5-inch eye relief so you can comfortably and safely use it even with the muzzleloaders that produce the highest recoil. It also features a fully multi-coated lens that lets you hunt even in low-light settings. When it comes to construction, the scope has a durable 1-inch tube that has a 100-yard parallax setting and a hand turn 0.25 MOA adjustment. It is also fully waterproof and fog proof for use in any weather condition and shockproof for greater durability. Features
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3) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Riflescope
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Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 riflescope is tough and redesigned to exceed the performance of top-tier riflescopes. This riflescope is 100% waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof. It is crafted with 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum and punisher tested to stand the harshest recoil and provide a lifetime of performance. The scope provides unmatched optical clarity. It has a Twilight Light Management System that provides 10 extra minutes of shooting light in low-light settings. It also reduces glare when hunting in broad daylight for crisp and tack-sharp image quality. Moreover, the external lens surface is scratchproof to stand extreme abrasion. For added convenience, this riflescope is light as a feather for easy carrying in the field. It has a versatile 3:1 ideal for hunting at varying ranges and with the wide field of view, you will be able to spot and track fast-moving game with ease. To top it all, the scope provides a long eye relief for comfortable glassing in any shooting position. Features
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4) Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope
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If you are in the hunt for the best scope for muzzleloader for the money, look no further than the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope. It is a quality optic that provides stunning HD quality at a remarkably affordable price. The scope is 100% waterproof and fog proof. You can use it in any weather condition and it will still perform. Moreover, it is made with high-quality materials that are tested intensively to provide unbeatable durability. Another impressive feature about the scope is that it provides excellent optical performance. It has fully multi-coated lenses that provide bright and crisp images from dusk to dawn. It also comes with a Multi-X SFP reticle for fast target acquisition. The reticle is simple to use and easy to see even in low light conditions. Above all, the scope has a fast-focus eyepiece that aids in quick retile focusing and resettable windage and elevation adjustments that are capped for added protection from bumps and rough handling. Features
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5) Sig Sauer Sierra6BDX 3-18x44mm Rifle Scope
Sig Sauer Sierra6BDX 3-18x44mm Rifle Scope will transform how you hunt with the muzzleloader. It provides unmatched performance and the ultimate reliability to help you get the most out of your hunting adventure. It features a light wave DSP rangefinder that gives you accurate yardage of how far your target is and a Hyperscan that updates the yardage 4 times every second. Furthermore, it is relatively light for easy carrying in the field. It also boasts a side-focus parallax adjustment and HD glass that provides outstanding resolution and great optical clarity. Features
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6) Burris Fullfield 3-9×40 E1 Ballistic Plex Muzzleloader Scope
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7) KONUS CVA AA2005 Scope Kit w/Medium Mounts
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The CVA AA2005 is a 3-9x40mm scope that is compatible with rifles and muzzleloaders. The scope comes with a universal muzzleloader scope mount that makes it is easy to mount and detach. The scope features a 40mm objective lens that maximizes light collection when shooting in poor light settings. It also provides a wide field of view that is essential for smooth target spotting. To top it all, the scope is nitrogen-filled to provide reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance. Additionally, it comes with a BDC reticle that provides accurate aiming points from 75 yards up to 275 yards. With this reticle, you will be able to eliminate any guesswork out of hold over angles even with the most difficult shots. Features
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See Also
- Best Vortex Scopes for 223
- Leupold Air Rifle Scopes
- Best Scopes for 450 Bushmaster
- Best AR 308 Scopes
- Best Leupold Scopes for 30-06
What Makes a Great Scope for Muzzleloader?
Numerous features make a scope great scope for muzzleloaders. For starters, the scope should be well-built to stand the recoil muzzleloaders produce. You also need a scope with long eye relief.
This rifle produces heavy recoil and the last thing you would want is to end up with an injured eyebrow. Great scope for muzzleloader should also have a decent magnification power, good-quality optics, and be fully waterproof and fog proof for all-weather use.
Choosing the Best Scope for Muzzleloader
Image Quality
The best scope for muzzleloader is one that delivers tack-sharp images even in low-light settings. If you are hunting in a thickly wooded area, you should be able to differentiate a deer from a tree or rock.
Also, make sure that the scope you get has fully multi-coated/fully coated optics. This guarantees bright and clear sight pictures from dawn to dusk.
Durability
A scope for muzzleloader must be toughly built to stand rough handling and heavy recoil. The muzzleloader produces heavy recoil and vibrations. So, you will want your scope to stand up to the recoil.
To add to that, make sure that you get a scope that is waterproof and fog proof for use in all environments and shockproof for added durability.
Eye Relief
Muzzleloaders can be immensely powerful. With the heavy recoil they produce, the scope can slam into your head and leave you with an injured eyebrow. To avoid this, make sure that you get a scope with long eye relief.
A muzzleloader worth buying should have an eye relief of at least 4-inches.
Reticle
For a muzzleloader scope, it’s best to have a scope that has a simple reticle. Scopes with duplex reticles can serve you well especially if you are a beginner. This reticle is simple to read and highly accurate as well.
You can also get a BDC reticle if you plan to use it for long-range applications.
Price
When looking for a muzzleloader scope, it’s best to set a budget and stick to it. Some scopes are a bit pricey and you can still find a budget scope that has virtually every feature that they have. All you need to make sure that you get an affordable model of great quality.
Read: Best Scope for Savage 220
Muzzleloader Scope vs Rifle Scope
Most muzzleloader scope and rifle scopes operate in much a similar manner and in some cases, these rifles are interchangeable. However, there are some key differences between the two firearm scopes.
Muzzleloader scopes are built tough to withstand the high recoil that this firearm produces. They also boast a longer eye relief for safe and comfortable shooting.
On the other hand, riflescopes might not have the high structural integrity found in muzzleloader scopes. They also have a higher magnification range suitable for extreme-long range shooting.
Read: Best Scopes for Gamo Air Rifles
Best Scope for Muzzleloader FAQs
Q: What Magnification Do You Need?
Muzzleloaders have an effective range of not more than 300 yards. Therefore, you don’t need much magnification to hit an object at 300 yards effectively.
For most hunting applications, a variable power scope with 3-9x magnification will be sufficient. Anything more than 9x will be overkill.
Q: Do You Need a Special Scope for Muzzleloader?
Yes. Muzzleloaders can produce immensely high recoil. So, you need a special scope that will stand up to the recoil. Otherwise, the heavy recoil will damage the optics inside the scope if it is not designed to handle such heavy recoil.
Q: What kind of Scope Do You use for a Muzzleloader?
If you are a true muzzleloader fanatic, a high-quality scope is a must-have. The scope must be robust and resistant to the heavy recoil the muzzleloader provides. The scope should also be highly accurate and have a long eye relief.
Final Thoughts
Muzzleloaders make great hunting weapons. With the right muzzleloader scope, you will be able to improve your odds of hitting the target accurately. All the scopes listed above are quality and a great addition to any muzzleloader gun.