When it comes to hunting, your gun is just as crucial as your scope; however, many people neglect this simple fact. When you’re out hunting, several different factors can get in the way of your overall line of sight and visibility, especially depending on the environment that you’re hunting in. The landscape that you go out to hunt in will have a serious impact on your overall accuracy and ability to kill the specific type of animal that you may be hunting.
One of the best ways to remain focused on your target at all times is by using the right scope adjustment and attachment on your preferred hunting rifle. The type of firearm that you’re using to hunt will also play a huge part in choosing which scope you can use because not all rifles and firearms are compatible with certain scope options currently available on the market. That’s why it’s so important for you to educate yourself about all of the different types of hunting scopes out on the market before making your final purchase decision.
Elevation, the type of animal that you’re hunting, and many more factors will play a huge role in helping you determine which hunting scope is right for your specific needs. There are several different scope types out on the market for you to choose from, so it’s important for you to consider these various factors before making your final purchase decision.
Aside from the different types of rifle scopes out there, there are also a lot of different factors that vary from scope to scope which you’ll have to take into consideration to ensure that you get the level of accuracy and penetration power that you want and need.
Considering all of these factors when purchasing the right scope for your rifle can be quite difficult which is why you need a comprehensive look at everything to take into consideration before going out to purchase the rifle scope that you’re seeking. If you’re someone who has been looking for the right rifle scope but has been having trouble finding the right fit for you, you’ve come to the right place.
In this guide, we’re going to go over all of the most important elements and factors that you need to consider when going out to purchase the right rifle scope for your firearm. We’ll cover in-depth all of the features, configuration options, and capabilities of the various rifle scopes out on the market today so that you will be able to choose the perfect scope for your rifle in no time.
To begin, we’re going to take a look at all of the various factors that you need to take into consideration as it relates to the type of environment you’re hunting in, the type of animal you’re hunting, the type of hunting activities you’re involved in, and the type of rifle that you’re using to hunt.
Top Recommended Rifle Scope
Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope with Truplex Reticle
The Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope with Truplex Reticle comes equipped with a TrueZero wind resistant and elevation adjusting scope that makes it easy for you to get the right shot in virtually all conditions. This Rifle Scope is packing magnification that can be adjusted to up to 9x with the lowest magnification level being 3x so that you can always get the right shot no matter how far you are from your desired target.
The Simmons Rifle Scope also comes with a 3.75 in eye relief component which makes it easy for you to quickly align your line of vision to the scope without having to put too much time into doing it manually yourself. It weighs only 13.2 ounces so it won’t impede on your ability to hold your rifle or get the right precision sight on your target no matter what type of hunting environment you’re in.
This Rifle Scope has a ¼ MOA SureGrip click responsive windage and elevation adjustment mechanism so that you can easily adjust your line of sight with every shot that you take. It provides a field of view that measures 31.4 feet so that you can hit targets with precise accuracy at up to 100 yards away, which is astonishing.
It provides high-contrast against any background that you may be hunting in to ensure that you can always clearly see your target regardless of external conditions and is also waterproof and fog proof so that you don’t have to worry about a moist environment impeding on your ability to get a clean shot.
The Simmons Rifle Scope is also recoil proof so that you don’t have to constantly adjust your sights after every shot that you take and is equipped with a 50mm objective lens which makes it easy for you to get the right sights on your target down to very small differences in distance and elevation.
Additionally, the riflescope has a 16.6 to 5.6 mm exit pupil, which allows you to see downrange at very far distances like you were right on your target with ease. You can find the Simons 8-Point Rifle Scope here on Amazon.
Important Factors to Consider When Choosing A Rifle Scope
Hunting scopes come in a variety of different configurations and types, all of which have different mechanical components that you need to consider related to the specific type of hunting that you’re involved in.
The factors related hunting scopes that we’re going to discuss below are very important for you to consider because they will impact your overall accuracy and ability to precisely target the type of animals that you’re hunting.
Make sure that you read this entire section in full so that you can understand all of the most important features you need to consider before making your final purchase decision.
Body
Scopes can be made from a variety of different materials, which is why it’s important for you to take the body material and overall construction of your desired hunting scope into consideration before making your final decision.
The overall construction and body type of the scope you choose will be very important because it will play a very important role in the overall accuracy of your scope. Most very durable scopes are made using a single body construction design which will add extra support and stability to the overall scope itself.
It’s also important to consider if your selected scope is waterproof, especially if you plan on hunting in wetlands or other areas that are known to be dominated by water.
Lenses
The lens of your selected scope is the most important factor to consider when choosing the right scope for your hunting needs. The right lens on your scope will provide you with a clear view of your overall landscape so you want to ensure that your lens provides a clear view with very high magnification levels so that you will be able to gain a clear perspective on the animal that you’re hunting.
Aside from accuracy, the clarity of your lens is really important because it will allow you to maintain a clear line of sight even when winds are really high in the particular areas that you’re hunting in. You need to choose a rifle scope with a very high-quality glass installment because it will allow you to get the best line of sight regardless of the environment that you’re hunting in.
While it’s not always possible, it’s advised that you inspect each scope you’re interested in on an individual basis so that you will be able to decide on which brand and build is right for you.
Reticle
The reticle on your selected scope is going to be the basis on which you put your desired hunting target into your line of sight. Most often, the best type of reticle is going to be one with a single dot that does not spread vertically or horizontally so this is something to consider when choosing the right rifle scope for your needs.
The right reticle on your scope will play a huge part in maintaining accuracy in environments with very high elevations and wind speeds in the local area. Every scope will be different, and they all will take time for you to get used to, so it’s important to have patience when using your new scope. Duplex reticles are the most common type that you will find on the market today in addition to mil-dot and BDC reticles.
Adjustment Range
The range of your hunting target will play a huge role in determining which scope is right for your rifle. If you are hunting at long-ranges, you will need to ensure that you choose a scope that gives you the ability to adjust the turrets on the scope.
Always keep the adjustment range of your desired scope in mind before making a final purchase decision.
Focal Plane
Most scopes come with two different types of focal planes being the front focal plane and the second focal plane. The front focal plane is where the reticle on your scope will change while the reticle will remain the same on the second focal plane.
Most people choose to use scopes with a front focal plane only because the dots and hash marks remain the same no matter what.
Parallax Adjustments
Parallax adjustment abilities typically come with higher-end scopes only, and they give you the ability to automatically adjust the focus of your scope as its position relates to your intended target. If the reticle is too small, you won’t have access to your parallax adjustments because the scope is not able to gain a clear perspective of target relativity and positioning.
Scopes with higher magnification levels will typically always come with parallax settings because the higher magnification levels will be able to hone in on your specific target regardless of its relative location and movement.
Parallax adjustments essentially cancel out any incorrect sights or field perception because it will automatically be corrected if the target happens to get out of your current field of view of representation.
Magnification
The magnification level of your scope is very important because it will determine how accurate of a shot you will be able to receive at prolonged distances. However, you always want to consider the fact that the right magnification level for your desired hunting needs will vary depending on the type of hunting expeditions that you go on and how far of a distance you are trying to hunt prey at.
Magnification levels vary drastically they come in magnification levels of 3x, 6x, 9x, 16x, and a lot higher so you’ll want to know your specific needs in terms of how long of a distance you’ll be hunting at before making your final decision about which scope is right for you.
There is plenty of hunting scope for you to choose from and they all come in varying rifle magnification lengths so consider your personal hunting needs on an individual basis to ensure that you’re making the right decision about which hunting scope is right for you.
Focus
Focus is not directly related to the tightness of your reticle; focus relates to the sharpening ability of you to fine-tune your eyepiece in order to straighten up the line on your reticle which will make the targeting a lot more accurate.
A good way to test the focus on your desired scope is by adjusting once before you use it then leave it alone so that when you begin to use it, you can see how sharp or unfocused the reticle actually is.
All of these factors will play a very important role in deciding on which scope is right for your rifle, so you need to make sure that you keep these factors in mind before making your final purchase decision.
Now that we’ve gone over all of the most important factors to consider when choosing which rifle scope is right for you, we’re going to cover all of the different types of rifle scopes that are currently out on the market right now.
Types of Rifle Scopes
There are several different types of rifle scopes out on the market right now for you to choose from. It’s important for you to know the exact type of rifle scope that you need for your desired hunting experience to ensure that you make the right purchase decision the first time.
By knowing which rifle scope is right for you, you will be able to optimize your hunting experience in order to increase the overall accuracy of your shooting range and capabilities.
Make sure that you read this entire following section in full so that you can be confident in the final choice for the perfect rifle scope that you decide on.
Fixed Scope
Fixed scopes don’t give you the ability to adjust the magnification of your scope, which is why they are oftentimes a lot simpler to use than other scopes that are out on the market.
However, since you can’t adjust the magnification on fixed scopes, that makes their uses limited in terms of how you can use them for hunting in any environment that you decide to use them in.
Fixed scopes are great for those who hunt in the same type of environments at the same distance. However, if you hunt in several different types of environments at different distances, you need another type of scope on your rifle.
Variable Scope
Variable scopes are much more different than fixed scopes because they give you the ability to hunt in different types of environments. Variable scopes are great if you need accurate shots at varying distances and if you commonly hunt in different environments which varying elements that impact your overall ability to hunt the prey in which you are seeking successfully.
With variable scopes, you have the ability to change your magnification levels in order to meet the needs of the environment in which you are hunting. Variable scopes will allow you to zoom in and out on your desired target with ease making them the perfect option for those who need versatility when out hunting.
Variable scopes are the most common type of scope used because they are perfect for long distances and for those that use sniper rifles for their hunting adventures.
Top Hunting Scope Recommendations
Now that we’ve gone over all of the most important factors for you to consider when choosing the right hunting scope for your individual needs, it’s time to look at our top recommended hunting scope options that are out on the market for you to choose from.
We are going to list several different hunting scope options all varying in terms of their magnification levels, rifle compatibilities, build quality, and more so always consider your personal needs before making the final decision about which hunting rifle scope is right for your particular needs.
While you should consider all of the hunting scope recommendations that we list, these are not the only options that you have to choose from so always keep your options and mind open before making your final purchase decision.
#1 Aimpoint H34L Hunter Long Sight with Ring, 34mm
The Aimpoint H34L Hunter Long Sight with Ring, 34mm comes with a 12-position adjustment option which allows you to adjust your scope into 12 different positions with the single push of a digital button.
The scope is also equipped with a multi-coated 39mm objective lens which allows you to bring far range targets into close view with ease and smooth functionality.
Aimpoint H34L Hunter Long Sight scope has two 34mm weavers styled sight rings which give you the ability to replace damaged sights in the event that accidents happen while out hunting. Find this hunting scope here on Amazon.
#2 Leupold VX-R Hog 1.25-4x20mm Riflescope, FireDot Pig Plex Illum.
The Leupold VX-R Hog 1.25-4x20mm Riflescope, FireDot Pig Plex Illum comes equipped with a 30mm main tube which adds stability and overall strength to the design of the scope so that you never have to worry about the scope breaking or becoming damaged while out on the hunt. The scope gives you maximum range and resistance against wind interference with your shot so that you can maintain a stable and steady sight on your target at all times.
Leupold VX-R also gives you the ability to adjust the scope according to varying elevation levels so that you can ensure you get an even and clean shot every single time. It comes with an illuminated FireDot reticle that is ballistic so that you don’t experience sight alterations when enacting the trigger on your rifle. The scope also gives you the ability to hunt in dark environments due to the fact that the reticle is illuminated, so you always have a clear line of vision.
The Leupold scope is made out of aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum, so the scope is capable of being carried through treacherous environments without you having to worry about it breaking off or becoming bent. It is equipped with a tactile finger click mechanism that is repeatable so that you can adjust the sight with every shot seamlessly.
This Riflescope is waterproof and fog proof so you can take the scope into very damp and moist environments without the outside elements impacting your ability to gain and maintain a clear shot. Check out the latest prices on Amazon.
#3 Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope, Matte Black, Duplex Reticle 110797
The Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope, Matte Black, Duplex Reticle 110797 scope is outfitted with an interchangeable 3:1 zoom ratio which gives you the ability to adjust your sights on your target with ease. It is also equipped with a ¼ MOA precision finger click adjustment so that you can properly fine-tune your scope to account for variables such as wind rates and elevation changes in the environment that you’re hunting in.
This scope also comes with a DiamondCoat lens that provides an extremely durable sight for you to focus with without having to worry about abrasions from dropping the scope accidentally or other factors damaging the overall functionality of the scope. The scope has an integrated index-matched lens system that gives you ultimate brightness and crystal-clear resolution so that you can maintain sharp sights on whatever target you may have in mind.
The Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope, Matte Black, Duplex Reticle 110797 scope is waterproof and fog-resistant so that you never have to worry about the outside elements impacting your ability to gain a clear and precise shot. You can find this Riflescope here on Amazon.
#4 Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Riflescope with Accu-Range Reticle
The Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Riflescope with Accu-Range Reticle scope comes with a steel finer click adjustment which makes it easy for you to get the perfect line of sight on your target no matter what shots you’re attempting to take. The scope is also equipped with a rapid target acquisition eyepiece, which helps you align your sight of vision with the target much faster than other scope options that are out on the market today.
This scope comes made using stainless steel, and the body is crafted out of the same material providing you with ultimate durability and resistance against damage in any type of hunting environment. The scope comes equipped with a premium lens that uses edge vapor deposition coatings, which offer you the ability to see in dark hunting environments that have low visibility in critical blue and low lights situations.
The scope can easily adapt to different wavelengths in your environment so that you can maintain a clear line of sight anytime and always, regardless of where you may be hunting at. The scope is waterproof and fog proof so that you never have to worry about the outside elements and weather conditions affecting your ability to get a clean and precise shot.
Redfield Riflescope is shockproof so that you don’t have to worry about the scope being damaged if you accidentally drop it or hit it against something in your hunting environment. It is perfect for long-range hunting, and you will love all of the features that it comes with. Check out the latest price listing of the Redfield Riflescope here on Amazon.
#5 Nikon ProStaff 3-9 x 40 Black Matte Riflescope (BDC)
The Nikon ProStaff 3-9 x 40 Black Matte Riflescope (BDC) is made out of premium aluminum so that you are guaranteed to get a durable and sturdy scope. The scope comes with a 3x to 9x magnification range so that you can easily adjust your sights to meet your hunting needs on an individual basis without having to change your actual scope.
Nikon Prostaff Riflescope comes outfitted with a multicoated optical system which transmits up to 98% of all visible light so that you can hunt in dark and low visibility environments with no problems. It has an integrated nitrogen-filled o-ring that is sealed, preventing water damage and fog from interfering with your ability to get a clean shot.
In addition, it also has a BDC reticle which allows you to quickly adjust our sights in order to get a clear shot; it also has a zero-reset turret that is spring-loaded so that you can easily adjust the sights on your scope without putting in too much physical energy. You can find the Nikon ProStaff Riflescope (BDC) here on Amazon.
Other options:
Conclusion
We’ve covered all of the most important features and aspects that you need to consider when out looking for the right scope for your rifle. When you begin going out to search for the right scope for your rifle, you need to make sure that you take all of these different variables and factors into consideration so that you can ensure you’re making the right decision about which scope is perfect for our rifle.
Your desired hunting environment will also play a very important role in determining which rifle scope is right for your particular needs, so that is another factor that you want to take into account before making the final decision about which rifle scope is right for you.
As long as you take the time to do your proper amount of research and investigation before going out to buy the scope you’re interested in, you will be able to make the right decision about which scope is right for you in no time. As long as you’ve read this entire guide, making the right decision about which scope is perfect for you will be no problem.