Finding the best scope for 30-60 elk hunting is challenging. This is why we compiled a list of the top options to help you make an informed purchase.
As the hunting season approaches, there is no better way to stay prepared than investing in a quality scope. Elk hunting is hardly an easy task. These creatures are hard to find in the woods and difficult to hunt down. With a good scope, you can increase your odds of having a successful hunting trip.
If you are hunting for the best scope for 30-06 elk hunting, you have come to the right place. We have a list of the top-rated scopes for elk hunting.
These scopes will help you easily locate the elk depending on the distance you are hunting and help you plan your shot.
With that in mind, let’s get started.
5 Best Scope for 30-06 Elk Hunting
1) Vortex Razor HD Gen II 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Razor HD Gen II 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope offers ultimate precision when hunting at close and long ranges. This makes it a favorite among most elk hunters. It features a versatile 6x zoom and a wide-angled field of view that is important for quick target location. This riflescope is designed to meet the needs of every elk hunter out there. It has a 34mm single-piece tube that provides more room for windage and elevation adjustments. It also features a rugged aircraft-grade aluminum housing, maximising its durability and strength so you will get many years of use. Moreover, it is waterproof and fog proof for use in extreme environments. Another strength of the scope is its excellent low-light performance. It features optically indexed lenses and HD lens elements which provide top-tier image views. The lenses are fully multi-coated with XR coatings for bright and crisp image production from dawn to dusk. Additionally, the scope features an illuminated reticle for precise aiming even in poor light settings. Pros
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2) Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
If you are hunting for the best scope for 30-06 elk hunting for the money, look no further than the Diamondback 4-12×40 BDC (MOA) Riflescope. The scope is packed with lots of features suitable for elk hunting and hunting in general. It is also simple to use and remarkably affordable. The scope features exceptional build quality. It has a solid one-piece tube that is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum. The study housing makes it virtually indestructible and resistant to magnum recoil. It is also argon purged to provide a lifetime of waterproof and fog proof performance. Moreover, the scope brings fully multi-coated lenses that provide bright, clear crystal images from sunrise to dusk. The fast-focus eyepiece allows for straightforward reticle focusing. With the Dead-Hold BDC reticle, you can hunt at varying ranges where estimating hold-over would be a concern. The scope also features metal-on-metal precision, generous eye relief and a precision glide erector system for accurate tracking and repeatability. Pros
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3) Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope
Next on our list is the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope. This is a multi-purpose scope suitable for every hunting expedition. It offers a wide array of high-quality and functional features at a remarkably affordable price. The scope makes hunting in poor light settings a five-finger exercise. It has an SFP Multi-X crosshair reticle which is easy to see even in poor light environments. It also features Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses, which provide optimal clarity and brightness from sunrise to when the sun sets Another good thing about the scope is that it offers unbeatable durability. It has a waterproof construction which prevents the entry of dust and moisture, which can cause damage to optics. It is also filled with gas to prevent internal and external fog build-up when you move between environments with a substantial temperature and humidity gradient. The scope comes with capped resettable windage, elevation turrets for added protection, and a fast-focus eyepiece for fast and straightforward reticle focusing. Pros
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4) Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescopes
Another best scope for 30-06 elk hunting is the 2-7×32 Crossfire II Riflescope from Vortex. It is one of the most versatile models in the many configurations of Crossfire II riflescopes. It is feature-rich and very easy to use. A Dead-Hold BDC reticle awaits you when you buy this scope. With it, you will have an easy time hunting elks at ranges with a concern about estimating holdover. Besides that, the scope features fully multi-coated lenses, optimising light transmission to provide bright and clear image views. For added convenience, it is equipped with a fast-focus eyepiece for simple reticle focusing and a long eye relief that aids in quickly acquiring targets. Another strength of the scope is that it is built for performance. It has a mono-piece tube which is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum. This maximizes its durability while remaining lightweight. Additionally, the scope is sealed with strong O-rings and nitrogen purged to provide reliable waterproof and fog proof performance, respectively. Above all, it is lightweight for easy portability and has capped reset turrets that are finger adjustable for easy windage and elevation adjustment without changing your shooting position. Pros
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5) Athlon Optics, Argos BTR, Riflescope
Next up we have the Argos BTR Riflescope from Athlon. This scope offers a wide array of high-end features at a price that is easy on the wallet. It has a variable 6-24x magnification suitable for multiple hunting and shooting disciplines. The scope minimizes light loss through reflection and increases light transmission by featuring fully multi-coated optics. This results in the production of brighter and clear images, even in dismal environments. The optics also feature an XPL coating which shields the external lenses from dirt, oil and scratches. When it comes to construction, the scope is crafted with 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. It is exceptionally durable and sturdy enough to stand any punishment you throw at it. It is argon purged to provide better thermal stability and waterproofing performance. For added convenience, the scope is ultralight for easy portability. It is easy to mount and easy to shoot with. Furthermore, it features a first focal plane reticle which stays true at every power setting. The reticle is also glass-etched to provide greater durability and higher resistance to shock and recoil. Pros
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See Also
- Best Scope for Deer Hunting with Shotgun
- Best Hawke Scope for Air Rifle
- Best Schmidt and Bender Hunting scope
Criteria for Choosing Best Scope for 30-06 Elk Hunting
Hunting
The primary factor you should consider is your hunting range. This will help you know which magnification power to go for. A short-range scope will do if you are looking to hunt elks at close quarters. On the hand, if you are looking to hunt elks at distant ranges, go for a long-range scope.
Durability
The durability of any scope will determine how long you can use it. A durable scope is reliable. It will last from generation to generation. Look for a scope that is made from aircraft-grade aluminum or aluminum alloy. Such a durable build will stand to anything you subject it to. Additionally, ensure you get a shockproof scope for ultimate durability and waterproof and fog-resistant for the best performance even in wet conditions.
Magnification
Scopes for elk hunting have different magnification power to suit the needs of different users across the globe. Your ideal magnification power will depend on your hunting range. A variable power scope with about 9x maximum magnification will do for close-range hunting. On the other hand, a high-power scope with more than 10x magnification will be perfect for long-range hunting.
Lens Quality
Elk hunting requires the best visibility regardless of the lighting conditions you are hunting in. You will not know where to place the shot if you cannot see the target clearly. Get a scope that uses high-quality glass to get the most out of your hunting trip. The lenses should also be fully multi-coated to provide bright and clear images even in low-light settings such as dawn or dusk.
Objective Lens
A scope for 30-06 elk hunting worth purchasing should be able to accommodate and handle long-range shots well. The further the elk is, the more light the scope requires to produce clear images. This calls for a unit with an objective lens big enough to collect as much light as possible.
Whether hunting in low light settings such as dawn or dusk or in broad sunlight, it is best to go for a 30-06 scope with a large aperture of at least 40mm. With such a scope, you will be able to spot elks from any distance with ease. However, you should note that an objective lens that is more than 50mm will make the scope more expensive and cumbersome.
Weight
If you intend to use the scope primarily for elk hunting, ensure it is lightweight and portable. You must move from one location to another in search of game. If the scope is bulky, it will weigh you down as you carry it around. A heavy scope can also interfere with the accuracy of the rifle. A tip is to find a scope that weighs only 2 pounds. It will be easy to carry and simple to shoot with.
Price
The next thing you should consider is the cost of the scope. You don’t have to buy an expensive scope if you don’t require the features it offers. The same thing goes with budget scope. You should avoid the cheapest scopes as they have low-tier features.
With so many scopes for 30-06 available out there, you should try to strike a balance between quality and price. Look for a scope with all the necessary features at a cost that aligns with your budget.
See Also
- Best Scope for Deer Hunting with Shotgun
- Best Hawke Scope for Air Rifle
- Best Schmidt and Bender Hunting scope
FAQs on the Best Scope for 30-06 Elk Hunting
1) What magnification do I need for elk hunting?
Choosing the ideal magnification for elk hunting depends on the intended hunting distance. For close-quarters hunting, a scope with a magnification of up to 9x will suffice. At this magnification level, you will get a wide field of view, which most hunters want. However, it is best to get a scope with more than 10x magnification for longer-range hunting.
2) Which is better FFP or SFP scopes?
For elk hunting, both FFP and SFP scopes are ideal. However, getting an FFP scope for long-range elk hunting and an SFP scope for short and medium-range hunting is best.
3) What do numbers on the scope mean?
The numbers on a scope usually represent the size of the objective lens and the magnification power. For instance, in a 3-9×40 scope, 3-9x is the scope’s magnification power, while 40 is the size of the objective lens in millimeters.
Final Thoughts
If you use the 30-06 for elk hunting, having a good-quality scope will make your hunting trip more rewarding. With tons of scopes available, knowing what features you need will help make your purchasing process less daunting. Give any one of these scopes a shot, and it will increase your odds of hunting elks successfully this hunting season.