Are you a hunting enthusiast? Hunting is not only a favorite pastime activity but also a primal lifestyle for individuals, especially those who depend on animal products for a living. Whether you use a bow or a rifle for hunting, this sport is demanding and requires precision. Therefore, you need one of the best rifle scopes to carry out your hunting activity.
When you think about what is the best rifle scope for deer hunting? You might opt for FFP reticles, thick tubes, and long-ranging systems. The truth is: These features may never help you in your hunting lifetime. These scopes may look magnificent when you are out in the field. However, you might get shocked if you have a peek at other rifle scopes. There are various rifle scopes that you can purchase for the same price or less. When it comes to purchasing a rifle, many people ask: What is the best rifle scope on the market, and how much will it cost?
What Should I Look For When Buying a Rifle Scope?
There is a bewildering array of options when it comes to choosing rifle scopes. Here is a guideline that we've compiled to help you choose the best rifle scopes for hunting. There are several and affordable scopes on the market. Modern hunting rifles come in various sizes, shapes, and functionality. Choosing one that suits your needs can be an overwhelming task.
Here are some of the few things to look at before you spend your money on a rifle scope. We have provided a hands-on experience that will help you find the best rifle scopes for hunting.
Objective Lens
The diameter of the lens is one of the key factors. It determines how much light a rifle scope allows in. If you are likely to hunt in low-light conditions, you should opt for a bigger hunting model. However, as the size of the lens increases, the distance that it must be mounted above the barrel also increases. If the scope gets higher, it becomes difficult to achieve a proper eye alignment. In turn, accuracy gets affected. Also, you do not necessarily need a scope with a large hunting lens. If you are looking for a general-purpose model, 42mm or 40mm are probably the best that you can go for.
Glass
The lenses are essential in a rifle scope. Make sure you choose an affordable glass that is effective. You can opt for extra-low dispersion, which is commonly known as ED. This glass minimizes any chromatic aberration in an attempt to provide real colors and sharp images. Keep in mind that the coatings applied to the lenses affect the image quality by improving light transmission. The more coatings the better. Select a scope in which all exterior lenses are covered in more than one coatings.
Magnification
The magnification a scope should have depends mainly on your hunting game. Also, it depends on the range at which you will be shooting. Big game-hunters should choose the traditional 3X-9X or 4X-12X. The modifications in scope design have given hunters greater zoom rangers. You can now buy a scope with a power range from 2 to 20. Essentially, this is an added advantage to those who hunt different animal species with the same rifle. However, you need to pay a premium price for these assets.
Gas Filling
Nitrogen is used for displacing water vapor in a scope. Besides, it also prevents the scope from fogging up. During the past few years, many manufacturers are slowly turning to argon. The reason for this is because argon has a larger molecule than nitrogen. Also, argon is more resistant to temperature changes compared to nitrogen. That means it does not matter what gas your scope is filled with. If you move to an environment with a big temperature gradient, the exterior is likely to fog.
Main-Tube Diameter
A while ago, almost every hunting scope had a 1-inch main tube. However, scopes with 30mm or 34mm main tubes are becoming common in the industry. A tube with a larger diameter provides the reticle more room to move. In turn, this increases the range of adjustment. Bigger tubes are heavier and cost more than smaller tubes. When shopping for the best rifle scope 2021, keep in mind that a 1-inch tube is also effective.
Adjustment Options
Riflescopes have moving parts to make them easy to use. They have adjustment options that help one to focus. For instance, the diopter has to be adjusted to bring far objects closer. Any experienced hunter will tell you that you need to have a big animal insight for you to take it down. Trust me, you would not be content with a scope that lacks the right adjustment settings.
Compatibility
As a hunter, invest in a rifle scope that is compatible with your rifle. Depending on the type of rifle that you have, you need to be aware that scopes are specific to different types of rifles. Also, you need to determine your hunting rifle scopes. Not all hunting rifles can be effective in combat.
Accuracy
A scope can improve accuracy. How is this possible? By magnifying and clarifying the target. Look through the scope, adjust the turrets and parallax. And this improves the accuracy of your rifle. You will, however, need to sight in your rifle scope for some practice shots, and you are good to go. The best thing for shooting long-range distance shots is that the rifle will have better accuracy.
FFP-First Focal Plane
The FFP indicates the scope's reticle that is located on the FFP. An FFP offers greater shooting versatility for hunters. When you zoom a target using the FFP scope, the reticle size increases. In other words, it makes it easier for a hunter to make simple and accurate adjustments that match the target.
Best Rifle Scopes for Hunting
Nothing fascinates a hunter more than taking down a buck or a deer with a perfect shot. There are some situations where you might miss and your bullet sails wide. In normal cases, it is the scope that is the problem. And this makes one wonder: What should I look for when buying a rifle scope?
We've broken them down in terms of prices and reliability. The list contains the top current and affordable rifles for hunting. We have provided you with all that you need to know when it comes to choosing the best rifle scopes 2021. We assure you that they are worth the hype and are pocket-friendly. Here are the best rifle scopes that you can use for hunting.
Athlon Scope Midas Tactical
The Athlon Scope Midas Tactical is loaded with features that include an FFP with an HD Glass. The Fully Multi-Coated lens can enhance the appearance of a long-range target. It also has a Capped Windage Turret that prevents accidental adjustments. Additionally, it has a hard Zero Stop for a repeatable return to zero. The windage and elevation are properly independent, too. No zero shift will be affected by diopter change, power change, or parallax change.
This model is designed to serve an outdoors person. At such an affordable price, you'll get a compact and durable hunting scope that has a 5X and 6X magnification ratio. Lastly, the lenses are fully multi-coated to help protect the exterior lenses from dirt.
Pros
- Better light transmission
- Sharper images
- Fog proof
- Waterproof
Cons
- Does not have extras such as sunshade, scope caps, or bra
Athlon Scope Argos Btr G2
This scope has some features that are only found on the highest end scope. It is designed with a 4X magnification that makes it versatile in both long-range and short-range hunting. Also, they feature advanced fully-multi coated optics. They can deliver clear and sharp images in low-light environments.
The Argos BTR also comes with an XPL coating designed to protect your lens from harsh weather conditions and dirt . The precision Zero stop system enables you to lock down your target with a sharp and precise stop. This piece is made from aircraft-grade aluminum. In turn, this makes it stronger than most aluminum scopes available.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Shockproof
- Fog proof
- Argon purged
Cons
- A bit costly
Athlon Scope Argos Btr G230mm
The Athlon Scope Argos Btr G2 30mm has an FFP. It stays valid at all power settings to allow you to zoom in or out of your target. It has fully multi coated optics that reduce light and increase the transmission of light giving you a sharp and bright image. Also, it is designed to be waterproof to protect the scope in case of an accident.
When it comes to clarity and reticle, the device manages light levels well. Because it's fully coated, you do not have to worry about light getting reflected and catching a deer’s eye, which can alert it. What's more? The reticle is illuminated, meaning that your dusk and dawn hunts will go off without a hitch.
One of the strongest features of this riflescope is its durability. Even if you bang it around and fully submerge it in water, it will still come out unscathed. Best of all, it will solidly hold your zero.
Pros
- Fog proof
- Shockproof
- Argon Purged
- Strong and Durable
Cons
- The illumination dial is placed in an odd place
Best Rifle Scopes under $200
There is nothing more thrilling than buying a perfect hunting scope worth $200 and below. Imagine a situation where you can take down long-distance prey. If you are interested in practicing hunting as a hobby, you need to choose the best rifle scope within your budget. With the right information, you cannot fail to select one that suits your needs. Here are some of the hunting scopes below $ 200 that we recommend.
Athlon Scope Neos 3-9x40
The Athlon Neos 3-9x40 SFP Riflescope is ideal for those who want to buy a scope with quality features without interfering with their budget. This scope has a list of impressive features that are designed for the outdoors. You don't have to stretch your budget anymore if you desire hunting success.
This hunting scope is coated with Aircraft Grade Aluminium that provides extra strength. It has a fully multi-coated lens, and side parallel technology. Also, it has a robust mechanical system that has special designs on the control system. This feature gives you the ultimate recoil resistance capable of withstanding 1000G recoil.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Fogproof
- Shockproof
- Has a lifetime warranty
Cons
- A little simple for those who need higher performance from their hunting scopes
Athlon Scope Neos 4-12x40
The Athlon Scope Neos 4-12x40 has fully multi coated optics to reduce reflected light. It also increases the transmission of light giving you bright and sharp images that are at a long-range. It features an Aircraft Grade Aluminium that offers it a long life span. The nitrogen gas helps it to reduce the moisture inside the tube and keeps it fog proof and waterproof. Lastly, the robust mechanical system has special designs. These designs give the user the ultimate recoil resistance that’s capable of withstanding 1000G recoil up to 1000x.
Pros
- Fully multicoated
- Waterproof
- Durable and long-lasting
- Shock resistance
Cons
- The instruction manual of this scope needs more details
Atn Ir Illuminator Ir850 Pro
If you are looking to enhance the visibility and range provided, try the ATN IR850 Pro. It has a powerful LED illuminator that can increase visibility in a low-light ambiance. Also, it comes with an adjustable mount. This offers a mounting option and two-axis that help you align it with your eyesight. The housing is crafted from lightweight and durable aluminum material. This material enhances durability. In addition, it is extremely powerful. You can have 300 meters of effective range even in total darkness. Lastly, it is created with waterproof quality materials that give it a modern design.
Pros
- Great clarity
- Good mix of performance
- Generous eye relief
- Affordable
- Good magnification
- Sharp and high contrast image
- Decent eye relief
Cons
- Harsh eye relief
- Not crystal-clear clarity
What Is the Best Rifle Scope Under $300
You don't need to be an expert in optics to purchase the best scope that is worth $300 or below. Incredible scopes are worth more and are complex devices that rely on several moving parts to function properly. If you are aware of how these parts function, here are some of the best rifle scopes under $ 300.
Athlon Scope Talos 6-24x50
The Athlon Scope Talos Optics 6-24x50 is designed to operate efficiently. Even in complete darkness, you can spot your targets. They are outfitted with an illuminated reticle that gives you prime visibility even in a low-light ambiance. It is coated with durable aluminum material to make it waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof. These features enable it to withstand harsh weather conditions.
This scope also uses nitrogen to help it reduce moisture inside the tube. The excellent magnification range provides it with greater versatility in the hunting grounds. The reticle etched on the glass provides the scope with excellent support and resistance to recoil.
Pros
- Strong and durable
- Fogproof and waterproof
- Has an excellent night vision
Cons
- Turret design could be better
Alpen Kodiak Series 4-16x44 Accplx
The Alpen Kodiak rifle scope has several features that make it stand out. These include multi-coated optics, a wide viewing angle, easily adjustable windage, easy-to-read markings on the magnification scale, and a fast-focus eyepiece. The scope can cover various shooting occasions, such as big game hunting, shotgun, and target shooting.
This rifle scope provides the ultimate performance for an affordable price. It comes with an eyepiece focus adjustment to enhance clear vision. The eyepieces can be reset to suit individuals' eyesight. The reticles allow a user to target an animal accurately even in the lowest light setting. Lastly, the riflescope has a lifetime warranty against workmanship defects.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Fogproof
- Shockproof
- Fully Multi-Coated
- High performance
- Cleaning Pen Included
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Lacks windage resets
Aal Ud 30mm Tube 4" Silver
The Ultradot 30 is a modern and effective scope. It is 5.1”long and weighs about 4.1 oz. It features a 30mm diameter tube and a button that can adjust the brightness level. Sight at all ranges comes complete with a battery, polarizing filter, hex wrenches, and mounting rings. This scope has fully functional 11 brightness settings.
Pros
- Great quality
- Good mix of performance
- Three reticles to choose from
- Has a generous eye relief
- Anti-reflective lens for clear image
- Good magnification
- It has a sharp and high contrast image.
Cons
- Expensive
Conclusion
Everyone wants a classic and effective rifle scope to suit their needs. However, it is the budget that drives most of the buying decisions. If you want to take advantage of perfect accuracy, you can opt for an FFP scope. If you need more flexibility, you can opt for the more traditional second focal plane.
That said, it is essential to be thorough and specific when searching for the perfect scope. If you want a fully functional scope with sharp accuracy, visit Rustic Sports Supply. You will find a vast category of the best rifle scopes to choose from.
