6 Best Scopes for Elk Hunting.Elk Hunting Optics

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Best Scopes for Elk Hunting.

Elks are fast and fierce albeit being one of the favorite animals to hunt. Elks have the ability to easily knock out a human and can be dangerous especially when you get close to them. Elk hunting has gained popularity over the years definitely because it’s a bomb and satisfying than small game hunting. Elk hunting is full of action, thrill, and adventure.

To have the best experience and to be certain you’ll make a kill, It is important to get the right scope for elk hunting to improve on your accuracy and avoid making empty shots. Given the fact that elks are fast, bigger than other game and you must hit the right spot to take down an elk a reliable scope is key.

To help you get a good rifle scope for your next elk hunting expedition, here are the best Scopes for Elk Hunting.

 

1) Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18×44 AO SFP Rifle Scope

Vortex Crossfire II 6-18x44 AO Rifle Scope

 

 

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This Vortex Crossfire II 6-18×44 AO Rifle Scope is sleek, reliable, streamlined, and accurate for Elk hunting. The scope features a wide magnification range to choose from for different distances. The varying magnification is very useful in finding the right settings for clearer and accurate imaging.

The superior anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses guarantee bright and clear images while the adjustable objective provides image focus and parallax removal. The scope’s long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box come in handy in quick sighting and target acquisition.
You also get finger adjustable capped reset turrets with MOA clicks which can easily be zeroed in after sighting in. The scope’s single-piece tube construction is shockproof and strong thanks to the aircraft-grade aluminum material. For a waterproof, fog-proof performance the riflescope is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged. This is one of the best scopes for elk hunting thanks to its highest levels of performance and reliability in hunting.

Features                               

  • Anti-reflective and fully multi-coated lenses
  • Waterproof and fog-proof performance
  • One-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube construction
  • Wide magnification range
  • Generous eye relief
  • Adjustable objective
  • Fast-focus eyepiece

Specifications

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
  • Magnification: 6 – 18 x
  • Tube Diameter: 1 in
  • Exit Pupil: 2.4 – 7.3 mm
  • Field of View, Linear: 5.3 – 15.2 ft at 100 yds
  • Eye Relief: 3.7 – 4.3 in
  • Weight: 19.6 oz
  • Illumination Type: LED
  • Adjustment Type: MOA/ Click Value: 0.25 MOA/Range: 50 MOA
  • Parallax: 10 yds to infinity
  • Focus Range: 10 yds to infinity

 

2) Primary Arms 4-16X44mm Mil-Dot SFP Riflescope

 

Primary Arms 4-16X44mm Mil-Dot SFP Riflescope

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This Primary Arms 4-16x SFP scope features a Mil-Dot reticle for easy ranging of targets even at the highest magnification. The scope features locking turrets with resettable zero with audible and tactile 1/4 MOA clicks.

The scope is made of high-quality aluminum making it durable and rugged. It is versatile and is powered by a CR2032 battery that illuminates the red dot in the center. It has 12 different brightness settings that make it perfect for elk hunting regardless of the lighting condition.

It is reliable as it delivers a waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof performance. The lenses are fully multi-coated for maximum light transmission for clear and bright images. It has a second focal plane design that keeps the reticle at the same size even when the magnification changes.

Features

  • Mil-Dot reticle is illuminated
  • Second Focal Plane Riflescope
  • Multi-coated lenses ensure maximum light transmission
  • 12 brightness levels
  • Rugged and durable construction
  • Waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof performance
  • Finger adjustable parallax adjustment
  • Includes Butler Creek flip caps

Specifications

  • Magnification: 4 – 16 x
  • Tube Diameter: 30 mm
  • Exit Pupil: 2.75 – 11 mm
  • Battery Type: CR2032
  • Illumination Type: LED: Red
  • Adjustment Type: MOA :Click Value: 0.25 MOA

 

 

3) Burris Veracity 5-25x50mm Hunting Rifle Scope

Burris Veracity 5-25x50mm Hunting Rifle Scope

 

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Burris Veracity 5-25x50mm Hunting Rifle Scope as one of the best scopes for elk hunting is designed for serious and demanding big game and varmint hunting. The scope has a versatile 5-times zoom system for a larger and better field of view at close ranges and the best target acquisition at long range.

The front focal plane reticle increases or decreases with changes in magnification. The rear focal plane keeps the reticle clearly visible and doesn’t change with the magnification. Windage and elevation adjustments are advanced, accurate, and repeatable and match with the MOA measurement system of the reticle.

The optical glass is of high quality and delivers maximum brightness and clarity. Nitrogen fillings ensure a waterproof and fog proof performance. Additionally, the ergonomic side focus makes it easy to reach parallax adjustment from 50 yards and beyond.

Features

  • Waterproof and fog-proof performance
  • Lightweight design
  • Advanced windage and elevation adjustments
  • Wide field of view
  • High-quality optical glass for clear and bright images
  • Durable construction
  • Made for serious big game and varmint hunters

Specifications

  • Magnification: 5-25x
  • Objective: 50mm
  • Exit Pupil: 2-10 mm
  • Field of view: 4.3-21 ft
  • Reticle: Ballistic Plex E1 FFP
  • Close Focus: 50y to infinity
  • Eye Relief: 3.5-4.25 in
  • Weight: 28.2 oz

 

4) Simmons 3-9×32 Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope

Simmons 3-9x32 Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope

 

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The Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope is characterized by innovative features. The Quick Target Acquisition eyepiece and SureGrip adjustments combine to offer a generous eye relief and easy adjustment. Not only does the scope have a sleek and attractive design, but also has a matte black finish that is anodized. Besides that, it has fully coated lenses for bright and sharp images with high contrast. . Performance is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof.

Features

  • One-piece tube construction that is strong and durable
  • Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof performance
  • Fully coated lenses for maximum light transmission
  • Quick Target Acquisition eyepiece
  • SureGrip adjustments
  • Sleek and attractive design
  • Use and mounting is easy
  • Truplex Reticle
  • Parallax correction 50 yards to infinity
  • HydroShield coating

Specifications

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
  • Exit Pupil: 10.7 mm
  • Magnification: 3 – 9 x
  • Field of View, Angle: 31.4 – 10.5 degrees
  • Eye Relief: 3.75 in
  • Tube Diameter: 1 in
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Field of View, Linear: 33 – 11 ft at 100 yds
  • Weight: 10 oz
  • Adjustment Type: MOA/ Click Value: 0.25 MOA/ Range: 60 MOA
  • Parallax: 50 yds

 

5) NightForce ATACR 5-25x56mm F1 ZeroStop Riflescope

NightForce ATACR 5-25x56mm F1 ZeroStop Riflescope

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This is one of the best scopes for elk hunting. It has a wide magnification range making it ideal for big game hunting at different distances.

The Nightforce ATACR line is made and designed for discerning professionals. All scopes in this line have ED glass for brilliant, clear images with superb color contrast. The glasses are known for their exceptional resolving power for long-distance target acquisition prowess.

For durability, thermal stability, and strength the scopes are made from solid bar stock 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum alloy making this scope a worth and rewarding investment.

Features

  • Rugged and reliable
  • Standard adjustments w/ Hi-Speed ZeroStop
  • Broadband multicoated lenses
  • Solid bar stock 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum alloy construction
  • Brilliant and superb color contrast imaging
  • Capped windage adjustments

Specifications

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
  • Magnification: 5 – 25 x
  • Elevation: 89MOA/26 MIL
  • Windage:60MOA/ 18MIL
  • Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
  • Weight: 38 oz
  • Eye Relief: 3.54 inch
  • Illumination Type: Digillum
  • Parallax: 45 yds to infinity

 

6) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 1in Riflescope

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 1in Riflescope

 

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This Leupold scope features the Twilight Light Management System that balances transmission of light, image contrast and reduces glare for bright and clear images no matter the lighting conditions. It is rugged and reliable as it delivers a waterproof and fog-proof performance for total repeatability and dependability. For a lifetime of extreme use, the scope features precision 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments windage and elevation. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry on your hunting expedition.

Features

  • Twilight Light Management System
  • Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof performance
  • Scratch-resistant lenses
  • Extended eye relief
  • Finger click adjustments for windage and elevation
  • Heavy-duty and durable construction
  • Lightweight and compact design
  • Great performance in low light conditions
  • Made and assembled in the USA
  • 1-inch main tube design

Specifications

  • Magnification Range: 3x-9x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
  • Main tube Diameter: 1 inch
  • Weight: 12.2 oz
  • Fabric/Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
  • Eye Relief (in) – Low: 4.17
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Exit Pupil: 4.7 mm
  • Eye Relief (in) – High: 3.66
  • Linear FOV (ft/100 yd) – Low: 33.7- High: 13.6

 

See Also: Best Vortex Scopes for Elk Hunting

 

Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Scopes for Elk Hunting

  1. Lens protection-A good lens coating provides protection to your lens from harsh conditions. They should also be scratch-resistant so that they provide long-term protection. Also, check for capping on the turrets and lens covers for protection.
  1. Durability-Elk hunting exposes your scope to very harsh hunting conditions. A poor quality scope will be susceptible to breakage and damage. It is thus important to ensure that the scope that you choose is built of high-quality and heavy-duty materials. Ensure also that it is waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof. The best scopes for elk hunting have an aircraft-grade aluminum construction.
  1. Magnification-This is very crucial. Different kinds of magnifying power are needed for short-range and long-range shooting. Higher magnification scopes are often generally expensive and go along with snippers and long-range precision shooting. It is important to determine the type of hunter that you are before deciding on the choice of magnification. Elk hunting requires a variable magnification for variable distance hunting.
  1. Image quality-The lens and magnification and lens coating determine the image quality. Due to the fact that elks are big animals, you need optics that provide the best view, better magnification, and clear and bright optics. Multicoated and anti-reflective lenses are the best for elk hunting.
  1. Cost-You, do not have to break the bank so as to own a scope. You just have to go through the scopes above and see the one that suits your budget as they have different prices.

Why We Choose the Above Scopes

  • Better hunt-The scopes above magnify the animal and help you to accurately identify targets. They also help spot animals that are hiding or are invisible to the naked eye. They also help you hunt at different distances.
  • Cover long ranges-Elk are animals that are smart and dangerous. It is thus important to maintain a good distance from them, Investing in the right scope for elk hunting helps you cover longer ranges and distances.
  • Durable-The scopes above guarantee long-lasting use as they are made of high-quality materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum for heavy-duty performance
  • Reliability-The scopes are undoubtedly reliable as they are waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof making them ideal to use in all conditions even the harshest and toughest ones.

Best Scopes for Elk Hunting FAQs

  1. What magnification do I need for elk hunting?

A basic 3-9×40 scope is ideal for elk hunting for closer range situations and daylight shots. It is probably the most common and best magnification for elk hunting.

  1. What is parallax

This is the accuracy of the reticle inside the scope.

When you see dark edges while looking through the lenses that is parallax. You are parallax-free when you move your head back and forth until the edges disappear.

Conclusion

As an elk hunting, you need to invest in a good quality scope. You are incomplete without one. Because of the fact that elks are animals with a great sense of smell, sight, and hearing, your hunting expedition will only be successful if you have the best scope on the market. The scope is imperative to make your hunting experience rewarding. The scopes mentioned above are the best for elk hunting.

See Also: Best Scopes for 6.5 Creedmoor [Short, Medium, Long-range Hunting]