Do you want to buy the best scope for close-range hunting? We have rounded up the top-recommended options to improve precision and accuracy.
To have a successful hunting expedition, you need to have a scope. Having the best scope for close-range hunting will help you find targets effortlessly, compared to hunting with bare eyes. A scope will also magnify the smaller game, enhance your shooting precision and make the entire hunting expedition more fun and rewarding.
However, choosing the right scope is easier said than done. With the plethora of options available, the technical jargon and the unique features to consider, it can be overwhelming to find the right product, especially if you are a first-time buyer. But worry not, as we are here to help.
In this guide, we will take you through 7 rifle scopes built for close-range applications. We have also compiled a comprehensive buyer’s guide to help you make a well-informed buying decision.
Let’s take a look.
7 Best Scope for Close Range Hunting
1) UTG 3-9×32 1” BugBuster Scope
First up is the UTG 3-9×32 1” BugBuster Scope. As one of the most efficient UTG scopes, this 3-9x scope is built with hunters in mind. It offers everything you need to enhance your shooting precision and be a better hunter. The scope is ideal for use under any weather condition. It is completely sealed to free the internal optics of dust and moisture. Furthermore, it is filled with nitrogen to be fog resistant for maximum reliability when mounted on your firearm or air gun. Another feature that makes the BugBuster shine is its durability. It is built on a True Strength Platform to provide long-lasting reliability. It also features a Smart Spherical Structure, guaranteeing precise and responsive windage and elevation adjustment over time. Moreover, the scope offers a parallax-free view from 3 yards to infinity. It also features long eye relief, a wide field of view and a 2-inch sunshade that minimizes glare in broad daylight. The scope also brings a range estimating Mil-dot reticle, which is illuminated to enhance its visibility in poor lighting conditions. Features
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2) Vortex Optics Crossfire II Adjustable Objective, Second Focal Plane, 30mm Tube Riflescopes
If you want a scope that offers high performance at an economical cost, you have found it in the 1-4×24 Crossfire II Riflescope. It is one of the multiple configurations in the Crossfire II line that is ideal for close and medium-range hunting. Stunning optical performance awaits you when you get this scope. It has anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses, which provide ultra-bright and clear views for the user from dawn to dusk. It also features an illuminated V-Brite reticle for effortless aiming when hunting in extra-low light conditions. Construction-wise, the scope has an aircraft-quality aluminum housing which optimizes sturdiness and shockproof performance. It also features finger-adjustable turrets that are capped to provide additional protection from bumps. Best of all, the scope is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to deliver waterproof and fog-proof performance. Features
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3) Bushnell Optics Drop Zone Reticle Riflescope with Target Turrets
The Bushnell Optics Drop Zone Reticle Riflescope is the best scope for close-range hunting for beginners. It is built with the accuracy and reliability you need to master every hunting scenario and is very easy to use. The scope features a variable 1-4x magnification which provides an edge in close quarters while allowing you to reach out further when needed. It also features low-profile capped turrets that ensure precisely and pinpoint adjustments and a drop zone reticle that offers stunning accuracy from close to medium ranges out to 500 yards. When it comes to construction, the scope is made of high-quality aluminum alloy to offer many years of use. It is sealed to protect the inside from the elements and finished with a hard anodized coating to keep it free of rust and scratches. The scope also brings to the table fully multi-coated optics, which offer outstanding image brightness and a fast-focus eyepiece for easy reticle focusing. Features
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4) Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
Vortex is a renowned brand in the optics industry. It makes many high-quality scopes, and the Strike Eagle 1-8×24 Second Focal Plane Riflescope is no different. It is simple to operate and ideal for hunting at close to medium ranges out to 600 yards. The scope features a BDC-3 MOA reticle that is improved for ranging distances and holdovers and illuminated for clarity when hunting in low-light settings. Moreover, the scope has a thread-in throw lever for easy magnification adjustment and a fast focus dial on the eyepiece for quick and straightforward reticle focusing. Like any other Vortex optic, the Strike Eagle scope is built to last. It is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum which is rigid enough to weather impacts and shrug off recoil. The scope is also sealed with O-rings and nitrogen purged to be fully waterproof and fog proof. Features
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5) CVLIFE 2.5-10×402 Red & Green Illuminated Scope with 20mm Mount
Another best scope for close-range hunting on our list is the CVLIFE 2.5-10×402 Red & Green Illuminated Scope. It has a special 2 in 1 design of scope and gun sight laser to ensure quick target acquisition and precise shooting. The scope is built ready for hunting. It has shockproof housing to withstand shock, recoil and anything you subject it to. Furthermore, the scope is 100% waterproof and fog proof, so you can confidently hunt even in not-so-ideal conditions. Another stunning feature of the scope is the image’s brightness and contrast. It employs a premium multi-coated green lens, optimising light transmission for brilliantly clear image views. It also features an illuminated mil-dot reticle with 5 brightness modes for various lighting conditions. Features
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6) Trijicon AccuPower 1-8×28 Rifle Scope
Next on our list is the Trijicon AccuPower 1-8×28 Rifle Scope. This versatile rifle scope as your hunting companion will give you an edge in the hunting field irrespective of the game you are hunting. The variable 1-8x magnification of this scope gives you the flexibility to look for game at close and medium ranges with pinpoint accuracy. To complement this zoom power, the scope also has fully multi-coated optics, providing bright and quality image views, even at the highest zoom power. Furthermore, the scope offers an illuminated reticle with 11 brightness settings to ensure optimal image and reticle contrast in all lighting conditions. It also offers a long eye relief for effortless target acquisition and a wide viewing angle to help you easily track a fast-moving game. This rifle scope is water-resistant to 3m and fog-proof for all-weather reliability. Features
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7) Monstrum G2 1-4×24 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope
Lastly on our list of the best scope for close-range hunting is the Monstrum G2 1-4×24 FFP rifle scope. This compact, lightweight, user-friendly rifle scope offers everything you need to hone your hunting skills. The scope features a functionally designed first focal plane rangefinder reticle for quick range estimation and holdover correction. The reticle is etched black for visibility with or without illumination. Further, the scope has an adjustable objective for range estimation, elimination of parallax and precise focus of the target image. In terms of construction, this optic is built to last. It has a 30mm body made from aircraft-grade aluminum. The scope has a standard Type-II anodized finish on the exterior surface, preventing rust, corrosion and scratches. Other notable scope features are a detachable filter sunshade, a set of spring-loaded flip-up lens covers and a long eye relief. Features
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Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Scope for Close Range Hunting
Whether you are a beginner who is in the market for your first rifle scope or a pro hunter looking to add a new scope to your collection, here are the most important factors you should take into consideration when buying the best scope for close-range hunting.
Magnification
Rifle scopes come with different magnification settings. You need a low-powered scope with variable or fixed magnification power for close-range hunting.
If you hunt at constant ranges only, getting a fixed power scope is best. They are easy to use and the best choice for beginners. However, if you want a scope that allows you to take shots at different ranges, go for a variable-powered scope.
Durability
You will want to invest in a well-made scope that is tough enough to weather anything you throw at it. When making your selection, go for a scope that is built of high-quality materials preferably magnesium or aluminum alloy. Such scopes are durable enough to withstand rough handling, impacts and anything nature throws at them.
Weatherproof
The other important factor to consider when purchasing the best scope for close-range hunting is weatherproof construction. When a scope is fully waterproof, dustproof and fog resistant, you will have the flexibility to use it even in the not-so-ideal weather conditions.
Weight
Since hunting involves traversing different fields looking for game, it is best to get a lightweight scope. Heavy rifle scopes will get in your way when hunting and be cumbersome to carry.
Therefore, try and look for the lightest scope possible. It will also be easy to carry around and fun to shoot with.
Eye Relief
How much eye relief do you need for hunting? Whether you wear eyeglasses or not, the scope you get should have a long eye relief. A scope with an eye relief of at least 3.5 inches offers hunters versatility. It will also let you hunt comfortably without getting eye fatigue.
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FAQs on the Best Scope for Close Range Hunting
1) What magnification do I need for close-range hunting?
It depends on the hunting distance and your individual preference. Any variable-powered scope with up to 9x magnification will be ideal for most applications.
2) What reticle is best for hunting?
The duplex reticle is the most common and most copied hunting reticle. It is easy to use, even for beginners, providing a simple aiming point. It is also designed not to obstruct the target for quick and accurate target acquisition.
Final Thoughts
We hope this guide has given you insight into the best scope for close-range hunting. Remember that the hunting you intend to do will play a big part in determining your chosen model.
All the scopes listed above are very functional and offer the essential features a hunter needs. Identify your needs and preference, then use our guide to find a scope that is ideal for your hunting habits, regions, and landscapes.