Are you looking for the best scope for big game hunting? By the end of this post, we are sure you will find a reliable scope for the money.
Big game hunting is by far the most thrilling hunting experience for hunters. However, it is no mean feat. Whether you are a seasoned big game hunter or a beginner, it takes a lot of dedication, patience and skills to take down the animal successfully without exposing yourself to any danger.
To have a successful big game hunting expedition, you need to have the right hunting equipment. This includes the right rifle, correct ammo and hunting accessories. Today, the most important hunting accessory is a scope. A quality scope will help you easily find the target, provide the correct aim point and ensure that you make a clean and humane kill.
However, finding the right scope for your hunting needs isn’t easy and varies greatly based on many factors. If you are having difficulty finding the best scope for big game hunting, we are here to help. In this guide, we have narrowed down some of the top rifle scope options ideal for big game hunting.
Without wasting any more time, let’s get started.
6 Best Scope for Big Game Hunting
1) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
First on our list is the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope. This multi-purpose rifle scope is built with hunters in mind. It is easy to use and ideal for hunting all game types, regardless of size. The scope features a 3-9x magnification, ideal for hunting from close to long ranges. It employs Leupold’s Custom Dial System, which you can use to tailor the turrets to your exact ballistics and environmental conditions. It also comes with a traditional eyepiece lock ring to lock in a focus setting that is most comfortable for your eye. Moreover, the scope is built to offer unbeatable durability and ruggedness to stand up to rough hunting environments. It also brings an advanced optical system that offers the best-in-class glare reduction and bright image views. All VX-freedom scopes are designed to be fully waterproof, dustproof and fog-proof to provide a lifetime of reliable performance in all weather conditions. Features
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2) Vortex Crossfire II Adjustable Objective, Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescopes
The Crossfire II 4-12×40 AO rifle scope is the best scope for big game hunting for beginners and budget buyers. It is loaded with an array of user-friendly features at a remarkably inexpensive cost. The scope features a Dead-Hold BDC MOA reticle, which is good for hunting at varying ranges where estimating holdover is a concern. Furthermore, it brings an adjustable objective for parallax correction and a fast-focus eyepiece that makes reticle focusing a breeze. In terms of construction, this optic is built to be virtually indestructible. It has a single-piece tube made of aircraft-grade aluminum. The robust construction makes the scope tough enough to take in any beating. Besides, it is operable in any weather condition thanks to the waterproof and fog-proof construction. Other notable features include capped reset turrets to prevent accidental dialing, fully multi-coated lenses and long eye relief. Features
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3) Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Waterproof Fogproof Matte Black Riflescope
If you want to hone your hunting skills and take them to a higher level, the Simmons 3-9x32mm is your ideal option. As one of the most popular Rimfire scopes, this model has everything you need to hunt all game, big, medium and small. The scope delivers unmatched performance in any hunting environment. It offers parallax-free viewing from 50 yards to infinity and long eye relief to ensure rapid target acquisition and comfortable glassing. It also comes with a QTA eyepiece for easy image focusing. Furthermore, it features high-quality optical glass and fully-coated optics, which optimize light transmission to deliver bright, clear and sharp images. The scope also brings to the table a water-repellent lens coating to help maintain a clear field of view, and with Simmon’s SureGrip rubber surfaces, you are guaranteed easy adjustments in any hunting conditions. Features
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4) Burris Veracity 5-25x50mm Hunting Rifle Scope
The Burris Veracity 5-25x50mm is the best scope for long-range big game hunting. It also features a vast and ultra-versatile 5-25x magnification range ideal for medium and long-range hunting and target shooting. The scope also features a large 50mm objective lens for maximum light collection to complement the broad magnification. It also employs high-grade optical glass for optimal brightness, clarity and color accuracy from dawn to dusk. Construction-wise, the scope has a 30mm body tube that is waterproof for use even in not-so-ideal weather conditions. For parallax elimination, it has an ergonomic side focus that is easy to reach from any shooting position. The scope also brings multi-turn target knobs that offer up to 15 MOA of adjustment per rotation. Features
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5) Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm FFP Rifle Scope
Next, we have the SLX 4-14x44mm FFP Rifle Scope from Primary Arms. This rifle scope has an adjustable magnification that spans from 4x to 14x, and a 44mm objective lens maximizes visibility, even in low-light settings. The scope is equipped with a traditional MIL-Dot reticle that can range and holdover accurately. It is put on the first focal plane to stay true at every magnification. Besides that, the scope comes with a side adjustable parallax and a fast-focus eyepiece for crisp focusing of both the reticle and the target. Above all, this model has shockproof housing to withstand rough handling and waterproof and fog-resistant housing for use in all weather conditions. Pros
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6) Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
Lastly, we have the Diamondback 4-12×40 BDC riflescope. When it comes to image quality, build quality and overall performance, this rifle scope is second to none. It features a variable 4-12x magnification ideal for varmint, predator and big game hunting. It is compatible with a wide range of firearms, including slug shotguns, muzzleloaders and long-range rifles. Another outstanding feature of the scope is its durability. It has a solid one-piece tube crafted from aircraft-quality aluminum and coated with a hard anodized finish to prevent scratches and corrosion. With this robust housing, it is resistant to magnum recoil and virtually indestructible. The scope is also built to deliver stunning image quality from dawn to dusk. It employs advanced, fully multi-coated optics, delivering crisp, clear, tack-sharp image views across the entire light spectrum. All Diamondback 4-12×40 BDC riflescopes are argon purged, and O-ring sealed, providing a lifetime of fog proof and waterproof performance. Features
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Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Scope for Big Game Hunting
When shopping for the best scope for big game hunting, here are a few factors you consider.
Hunting Environment
Since big game hunting is pretty broad, the hunting environment varies greatly. If hunting in large, open plains, get a scope with high magnification, wide viewing angle, and long eye relief.
On the other hand, big game hunting in forested regions calls for a scope with a large objective lens, ample magnification and a large field of view.
Skill Level
The hunting skills go a long way in determining the scope you get. If you are a beginner, it is best to start with an inexpensive and moderate power scope which is comfortable for you. Afterwards, you can advance to a high-powered scope as your hunting skills advance.
Glass and Lens Coatings
When hunting, having a clear view of the target is very important. Without a clear view of the target, knowing where to place the shot will be difficult.
The best scope for big game hunting should have good lens coatings. Quality lens coatings, it will prevent glare and light loss through reflection. This translates to having better light transmission, which helps with image brightness and clarity.
When it comes to the glass quality, invest in the best glass money can get you. Premium quality scopes that use high-end glass usually have outstanding optical clarity free of distortion and color fringing.
Magnification
The ideal scope magnification depends on the distance you will be hunting at, the hunting environment and your preference.
When hunting in thickly forested regions where having a wide viewing angle is more important, you will need a variable power scope with not more than 9x. Conversely, if you are hunting at extremely long ranges in large and open plains, investing in a high-powered scope with 10x maximum magnification or more is best.
Reticle
The other thing to consider is the reticle. This is the aiming point you see through the scope. A Duplex reticle is arguably the best you can get for big game hunting. It has heavy sidebars that allow for rapid target acquisition irrespective of the target’s distance. Other reticles that are also ideal include BDC, Mil-Dot and tactical reticles.
It is also wise to get a scope whose reticle is illuminated. It will enhance the contrast of the image and the reticle and give you an edge when hunting in low-light settings.
Weatherproof
Lastly, ensure you pick a scope built to survive under any weather condition. The best scope for big game hunting is an O-ring sealed to keep the optics free of moisture. The scope should also be operable in a wide range of temperatures and be filled with an inert gas such as argon or nitrogen to provide a lifetime of fog-free performance.
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FAQs on the Best Scope for Big Game Hunting
1) What size scope is best for big game hunting?
It depends on the hunting environment, range and individual preference. Variable power with 10x or less maximum magnification is ideal for magnification. Regarding the objective lens, a scope of 40mm to 50mm offers optimal light collection without being too big and bulky.
2) Which is the best scope for big game hunting?
With the plethora of scopes from different brands available on the market currently, there is no one scope fits all. You must consider your hunting skills, habits and individual needs, then look for a scope that works best for you.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you have found this guide comprehensive, insightful and helpful. When selecting, remember that a light scope that is not too big will be easy to carry wherever you go. Also, consider your hunting habits and needs, as they significantly determine the model you select.