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10 Best Muzzleloader Scopes 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Vortex Optics Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC Reticle Riflescope, 3-9x40, Black (CF2-31007)

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC Reticle Riflescope is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable muzzleloader scope. It offers a versatile 3-9x magnification range and a 40mm objective lens, which balances brightness and clarity effectively, making it suitable for various hunting situations. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is designed for quick targeting at different ranges, which is particularly valuable for hunters who need to estimate holdover accurately.

One of the standout features is the long eye relief of 3.8 inches, allowing for a comfortable viewing experience, even with heavy recoil. The ultra-forgiving eye box makes it easy to find the sight picture quickly, which can be a significant advantage in the field. Additionally, the anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses enhance image clarity and brightness.

Durability-wise, the scope is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring it can withstand tough conditions. It is also O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, providing waterproof and fogproof performance, which is essential for outdoor use. Plus, Vortex backs this product with an unlimited lifetime warranty, adding extra peace of mind.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Magnification
This budget hunting scope is excellent for shooting up to 500 yards, offering clear optics and sufficient magnification.
Reticle
The glass is generally clearer, and the reticle is crisp, making it a quality optic for its price range.
Eye Relief
Great eye relief with minimal black eye ring, providing a full image at both low and high power.
Durability and Weather Resistance
It won’t replace a $3000 scope, but it’s highly functional for a hunting rifle that will endure field abuse.
#2

Vortex Optics Venom 1-6x24 Second Focal Plane Riflescope

The Vortex Optics Venom 1-6x24 Second Focal Plane Riflescope is a solid choice for both entry-level competition shooters and hunters. With its 1-6x magnification range, it offers versatility for short to mid-range shooting. The 24mm objective lens, combined with the XD optical system and fully multi-coated lenses, ensures clear images even in low-light conditions, which is valuable during dawn or dusk hunts.

The illuminated BDC3 reticle is particularly helpful for quick target acquisition and accurate shooting up to 600 yards, thanks to the ranging feature. This makes it suitable for both hunting and competitive shooting scenarios where speed and precision are crucial. One notable strength is its durability; the scope is built from shockproof, aircraft-grade aluminum and is nitrogen-purged for waterproof and fogproof performance. The Armortek coating also adds an extra layer of protection against scratches and oil.

The inclusion of tactile turrets and a throw lever allows for easy adjustments, even with gloves on, making it user-friendly in various field conditions. However, the 24mm objective lens might be limiting for those who require extensive light-gathering capability in very dim environments. Additionally, the scope's weight of 1.2 pounds could be considered on the heavier side for some users. The absence of night vision capabilities might be a drawback for users who need such functionality. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Vortex Optics Venom stands out with its robust build, clear optics, and lifetime warranty, providing great value for its price.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Magnification
Reliable performance up to 500 yards, though a first focal plane scope may be better for distances over 500 yards.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Better than some more expensive scopes, with clear glass and positive turret clicks, making it reliable and well-built.
#3

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 (1 inch) Hunt-Plex Reticle Riflescope

The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 riflescope is a solid choice for hunters looking for a reliable and versatile scope. Its 3-9x magnification range offers flexibility, allowing for both close-range and long-distance shots, which is particularly beneficial for various types of game. The 40mm objective lens diameter enhances light transmission, ensuring you can spot your target even in low-light conditions, a crucial factor during early morning or late evening hunts.

One of its standout features is the Hunt-Plex reticle, designed to help hunters quickly and easily acquire targets. Coupled with a generous 3 inches of eye relief, this scope minimizes the risk of recoil injury, making it comfortable to use over extended periods. Durability is a key strength as well; the scope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, built to withstand harsh weather conditions and rough handling.

There are considerations to keep in mind. The magnification range, while versatile, may not satisfy those who require higher magnification for very long shots. Additionally, the absence of advanced features like parallax adjustment means users may need to be mindful of their shooting distance, as it might not be as effective for precision shooting at varying ranges. This riflescope is particularly suitable for recreational hunters and those who value quality craftsmanship and dependable performance in the field.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Reticle
The Hunt-Plex reticle is simple and effective, enhancing target acquisition.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The scope is very light but still feels tough, perfect for a lightweight deer or bear hunting setup.

Buying Guide for the Best Muzzleloader Scopes

Choosing the right muzzleloader scope can significantly enhance your shooting accuracy and overall experience. A muzzleloader scope is a specialized optical device designed to help you aim more precisely when using a muzzleloading firearm. When selecting a scope, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure it meets your needs and preferences. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and find the best fit for your shooting style and conditions.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because it helps you see distant targets more clearly. Scopes typically have fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes are simpler and often more durable, while variable magnification scopes offer more flexibility. For general hunting, a 3-9x magnification range is common, providing a good balance between close and distant shots. If you primarily shoot at long distances, you might prefer higher magnification, such as 4-12x or more. Consider your typical shooting range and choose a magnification that suits your needs.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting image brightness and clarity. Larger objective lenses (e.g., 40mm or 50mm) allow more light, which is beneficial in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. However, larger lenses can also make the scope heavier and bulkier. If you often hunt in low-light conditions, a larger objective lens might be advantageous. For general use, a 32mm to 40mm lens is usually sufficient.
ReticleThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle designs can suit different shooting styles and preferences. Common types include duplex, BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator), and mil-dot reticles. A duplex reticle is simple and easy to use, making it a good choice for beginners. BDC reticles help compensate for bullet drop at various distances, which is useful for long-range shooting. Mil-dot reticles provide precise aiming points for range estimation and windage adjustments. Choose a reticle that matches your shooting needs and experience level.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope's eyepiece while still seeing the full field of view. This is crucial for comfort and safety, especially with muzzleloaders that have significant recoil. Scopes with longer eye relief (3-4 inches or more) help prevent the scope from hitting your face during recoil. If you wear glasses or have a powerful muzzleloader, prioritize scopes with generous eye relief to ensure a comfortable and safe shooting experience.
Field of ViewField of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the scope at a specific distance, usually measured in feet at 100 yards. A wider FOV allows you to see more of the surrounding area, which is helpful for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. Lower magnification scopes generally offer a wider FOV. If you often hunt in dense woods or need to track fast-moving game, a scope with a wider FOV can be beneficial. For long-range shooting, a narrower FOV might be acceptable.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment helps ensure that the reticle remains on target even if your eye position shifts slightly. This is important for maintaining accuracy, especially at longer distances. Some scopes come with a fixed parallax setting, typically at 100 yards, while others offer adjustable parallax. If you plan to shoot at varying distances, an adjustable parallax feature can be very useful. For most hunting situations, fixed parallax scopes are usually sufficient, but for precision shooting, consider a scope with parallax adjustment.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance are critical for a muzzleloader scope, as it needs to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. Look for scopes that are waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. These features ensure that the scope remains functional in rain, snow, and varying temperatures, and can handle the recoil of a muzzleloader. High-quality materials and construction contribute to the overall durability of the scope. If you hunt in challenging environments, prioritize scopes with robust weather resistance and durability features.

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