Best Muzzleloader Scopes for Every Hunter’s Budget

Best Muzzleloader Scopes for Every Hunter’s Budget

The days of having to hunt to survive, like in the era of Boone and Crockett, are long gone. Instead, hunting has become increasingly popular as a recreational activity. The struggle to obtain desired tags is intense. To have a reasonable chance of getting a license if you want to hunt in a trophy unit, you might have to settle for muzzleloader hunting.

Your muzzleloader rifle has a wide range of alternatives, from expensive Burris and Nightforce scopes to more reasonably priced options from Vortex, SIG SAUR, and Konus.

Before you buy the first flashy new muzzleloader scope you see on this list, let’s establish the basis for choosing a wise purchase that’s the best fit for you.

We created this buyer’s guide specifically for you in the hopes of matching you with the best muzzleloader scopes for your budget.

Best Muzzleloader Scopes for Every Hunter’s Budget-Our Top Picks

1. NightForce NX8 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope

 

 

First up on our best muzzleloader scopes with this sight and its ability to boost the range and effectiveness of a muzzleloader rifle, Nightforce has excelled itself. The NX8 is designed for the no-nonsense gearhead who demands the finest from their gear and seeks every edge possible.

The NX8 1-8X24 F1 is a class-leading, compact, and lightweight scope designed for close-range shooting.

The NightForce AR15 Rifle Scopes have a novel center dot that is visible in daylight for quick target acquisition and engagement, and the built-in power throw lever aids in quick magnification changes.

The NightForce NX8 1-8x24mm Illuminated Rifle Scope is made of high-quality materials and has a 30mm body tube for added strength and durability.

Its agility is no accident; it is the result of Nightforce’s revolutionary center dot, which illuminates in the daylight and allows for quick target acquisition, seamless magnification, and a large and clear first focal plane reticle, which means less visual noise in your eyepiece, allowing the shooter to focus on their target.

Features

• Focal Plane: First
• Magnification Range: 1-8x
• Objective lens diameter: 24 mm
• Tube diameter: 30 mm
• ZeroStop elevation adjustments
• Capped windage adjustment
• Integrated power throw lever
• Two-piece locking diopter
• Daylight illuminated reticle

Pros

• The scope is light and compact.
• Target acquisition is quick.
• High levels of reliability and performance.
• Excellent in both low and high light environments.
• The sight picture is very clear.
• Construction that is long-lasting.

Cons

• Aside from its expensive price, we can’t think of any drawbacks.

2. Leupold VX-6HD 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope

 

 

The Leupold VX-6HD is an easy decision for a lethal setup on your next big game hunt. At long ranges, this scope gives pinpoint accuracy. With High Definition lenses and the Twilight Max Light Management System, these tough anodized aluminum AR15 Rifle Scopes from Leupold operate admirably at dawn and twilight.

It’s simple to use. This scope’s Custom Dial System makes it the best choice for hunters who want to be able to make quick and accurate shots.

A laser etched turret dial is produced specifically for your load, caliber, and shot. There is no need for guesswork; simply range your target and adjust the dial to that range. Leupold glass is good for low-light circumstances, which are typical when hunting big animals.

The Leupold VX-6HD is the one you want if you have a craving for quality and an important hunt coming up.

Features

• Magnification Range: 1x-6x
• Weight: 13.4 oz.
• Length: 10.8 in.
• Maintube Diameter: 30mm
• 100% Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
• ZeroLock CDS-ZL2 (Custom Dial System)
• Twilight Max HD Light Management system
• Illuminated Reticle
• Twin Bias Spring Erector System
• Zero Lock Windage Adjustment

Pros

• Simple, reliable ballistics
• Long-lasting and top-notch glare reduction.
• HD lenses with edge-to-edge clarity.
• Incredible precision
• Excellent for dim lighting situations.

Cons

• Not the finest choice for shots over 200 yards
• Quite pricey

3. Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope

 

 

The PSE Gen II is designed specifically for tactical rifles like the AR-15. And for the same reasons that make this lethal on the AR platform, it works just as well on muzzleloaders. The Vortex Viper PSE is among the top muzzleloader scopes for hunting thanks to its quick target acquisition and illuminated reticle.

The Viper PST Gen II raises the bar for outstanding performance and unbeatable features. The 1-6×24 second focal plane riflescope is very adaptable and perfect for close-to-medium range situations.

The laser etched turrets, adjustable parallax, and RZR zero stop will be valued by those who tweak their turrets for drop and wind compensation. You can easily keep track of the position of your turret thanks to a fiber optic rotation indicator.

Extra-low dispersion glass in this scope improves color fidelity and resolution. Full multicoating on the XR lenses improves light transmission. The lenses are shielded against scuffs, oil, and grime by Armortek coatings.

The Viper provides waterproof and fogproof performance and is O-ring sealed and argon purged, while the single-piece, aircraft-grade aluminum structure offers a sturdy foundation.

Features

• Extra-low dispersion (XD) glass
• XR Fully Multi-Coated
• Second Focal Plane Reticle
• Illuminated Reticle
• Tube Size: 30 mm diameter
• Aircraft-Grade Aluminum
• Fast Focus Eyepiece
• Built-In Accuracy Features
• Hard Anodized Finish
• Precision-Glide Erector System
• Waterproof, shockproof and fogproof

Pros

• Clear, sharp images.
• Precision aiming in dimly lit areas.
• Made of aircraft-grade aluminum for stiffness and strength.
• Exterior lenses are shielded from scratches, oil, and dirt by a scratch-resistant coating.
• Enables rapid and simple reticle focussing.

Cons

• Windage and elevation settings are more difficult to modify, similar to the higher-end scopes on this list.

4. SIG SAUER Sierra3BDX 2.5-8x32mm Rifle Scope

 

 

The SIG SAUER SIERRA3BDX 2.5-8x32mm Rifle Scope is a small, light-weight rifle scope made for crossbows, muzzleloaders, and ultra-lightweight rifles.

When used in conjunction with a KILO rangefinder that supports BDX, the built-in BDX technology delivers your precise holdover dot location on targets. The SIERRA3BDX 2.5-8x32mm is highly user-friendly and has excellent SpectraCoat lenses, LevelPlex digital anti-cant, and KinETHIC kinetic energy transfer indicator.

Additionally, it has a digital reticle that puts this electro-optics scope on par with much more expensive products. Additionally, it has cutting-edge software that warns shooters when their energy threshold is too low for the target, which is an excellent feature for muzzleloader hunters, high-strength waterproof and fog-proof aluminum housing, and other features that can withstand abuse in the woods.

Budget-conscious serious black powder shooters don’t have to sacrifice quality. With the SIG SAUR Sierra 3BDX, clients receive all the traditional characteristics they require to conduct an ethical harvest without having to spend a fortune.

Features

• Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
• Magnification: 2.5 – 8 x
• Integrated BDX Ballistic Data Xchange
• Updated SIG BDX App
• MOTAC TM (Motion Activated Illumination)
• SpectraCoat lenses
• Tube Diameter: 30 mm
• Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)

Pros

• Anti-reflection lens coatings
• ultra-wide bandwidth reduce reflection over the visible light spectrum.
• Most light transmission possible.
• Digital reticle and ballistic technology.
• Cost-effectiveness
• Calculations for energy loss

Cons

• Nothing noteworthy

5. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1×24 Muzzleloader

 

 

The small, tough Crossfire II 1x Muzzleloader scope complies with “no magnification” regulations and offers a brilliant, crisp unmagnified view.

The completely multi-coated optics and V-Plex reticle ensure accurate shot placement in poor light thanks to their large 3.8 inch eye relief and expansive 95 foot field of view at 100 yards.

Capped reset turrets have MOA clicks that can be adjusted with the finger and, after sighting in, reset to zero. The fast focus eyepiece makes reticle focusing quick and simple.

Aircraft grade aluminum used in a single piece tube construction assures strength and shockproof performance. The Crossfire II’s waterproof and fogproof performance is provided by an O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged design.

Only limited quantities and tiny batches of this scope are produced. If you’re having trouble finding one right away, try again in a month. They’ll be available online every few months.

Features

• Magnification: 1 x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
• Fully Multi-Coated
• Second Focal Plane Reticle
• Aircraft-Grade Aluminum
• Capped Reset Turrets
• Fast Focus Eyepiece
• Vortex VIP warranty

Pros

• The shooter’s position is concealed by the matte finish’s extremely tough low-glare coating.
• Meets specifications for 1x muzzleloader scope.
• Wide field of view.
• Aluminum of the aircraft-grade variety for sturdiness.
• A reticle with holdover markers that is engraved.
• Rugged design withstands impact and recoil.
• O-ring seals stop dirt, dust, and moisture.

Cons

• No magnification

6. Traditions Muzzleloader Rifle Scope Kit

 

If you want dependable performance on a tight budget, take a look at the Traditions scope. Its easily-adjustable magnification empowers shooters to increase the range of their bullets, and its small, nitrogen-filled aluminum housing is compatible with small-profile black powder rifles.

It has qualities like watertightness, shockproofness, and fog resistance, so it can withstand harsh weather conditions and the powerful recoil of a muzzleloader. a distinctive circle-x reticle that aids in finding targets.

Even if this Traditions scope can’t compete with a Nightforce, it will undoubtedly do the job.

Features

• Magnification: 3-9x
• Objective Lens: 40 mm
• Eye Relief: 3″
• Multi-coated lenses
• Nitrogen filled one piece tube
• 1/4” MOA windage and elevation adjustment
• Waterproof, shockproof and fogproof
• Raised finger controls for easy adjustment

Pros

• Improved clarity even in dim lighting.
• Reasonably priced.
• Both compact and lightweight.
• A distinctive circle x reticle

Cons

• Lacks several features and is sent without mounting rings

7. Konus Konuspro-M30 1-4×24 Rifle Scope

 

This high-performance Konus KONUSPRO-M30 1-4×24 Rifle Scope is made to help you shoot more accurately and enjoy yourself while doing it. These Konus rifle scopes have fully multi-coated optics that improve light transmission and offer unparalleled clarity in every vision.

The waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction of the Konus KONUSPRO-M30 1-4×24 30mm Rifle Scope can withstand harsh weather conditions and strong guns. It also features a locking fast focus ocular that enables you to acquire targets at rapid rates.

This scope is sturdy and made for heavy caliber recoil protection and features an illuminated red/blue dot reticle that performs well in a variety of lighting circumstances. Contains holdover marks that are etched to assist with the most challenging black powder shots.

Features

• Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
• Magnification: 1 – 4 x
• Tube Diameter: 30 mm
• Circle-Dot Reticle With Dual Illumination
• Finger Adjustable Tactical Turrets 1/2 Moa
• Waterproof,Shockproof, Fogproof
• Locking Fast Focus Ocular

Pros

• Perfectly sturdy and recoil-proof.
• Able to resist enormous pressures without breaking, shifting, or snapping.
• Give users the greatest flexibility.
• High-quality clarity and focus are present.
• Durable and with an adjustable second focal plane.
• Quite a bit of light enters through the wide objective lens.

Cons

• Very plain Jane; no cutting-edge characteristics

See Also:

• 7 Best Muzzleloader Scope Under 300
• Best Budget Scope for Muzzleloader
• Best Scope for Tactical Shotgun

How Do I Choose The Best Muzzleloader Scopes for Every Hunter’s Budget

Magnification

Given that it gives the shooter a larger target to shoot at and enables you to extend the distance at which you feel comfortable firing a shot, magnification has its benefits.

When using black powder rifles for hunting, a little magnification goes a long way. Anything over 9x is a bit excessive considering that your shot’s range is considerably shorter than that of a centerline rifle. 1-6x is more than adequate for the great majority of black powder hunters.

Price

For around $200, you can get a decent entry-level inline rifle. A scope for your equipment may easily cost two to three times as much. The question then becomes: Is it worthwhile? Is it wise to use such pricey glass on a relatively cheap rifle?

A fruitful harvest is not a result of chance. Success is the result of time, effort, and investment. When it comes to glass, you get what you pay for, and that rule applies just as much to your rifle sight as it does to your binoculars and spotting scope. You can expect additional features as your budget increases.

Parralax: Fixed vs. Adjustable

The distance between your eye, reticle, and target is known as the parallax. Your bullet’s final location may vary significantly if the lens isn’t adjusted for the distance from which it is being fired.

An adjustable parallax is typically an unnecessary luxury when using an inline rifle for hunting. For more precise long-range shooting, some people still like scopes with adjustable settings. The longest shot ever made with a muzzleloader is approximately 900 yards. If you’re a long-range shooter who values precision in your shots, you should take into account the additional cost.

Legal or Illegal for Hunting

According to hunting purists, scopes more closely resemble a centerline rifle than the traditional nature of muzzleloader shooting.

This position is shared by many states. Some people have outright forbidden the use of scopes while muzzleloader hunting, only allowing the use of open sights. In contrast, some states permit non-magnified scopes, while others place no limitations altogether on their use. To ensure compliance, review the rules in the particular state where you intend to hunt.

Clarity of the glass and reticle

The glass quality should be taken into account while selecting a scope. Only what you can see will allow you to shoot. And if your new optic doesn’t allow you to see clearly, you spent your money.

The glass in higher grade scopes from manufacturers like Leupold will be outstanding, providing crystal clear images and true color.

Do not compromise on the glass if you go for a less expensive scope. Many of the scopes produced by Vortex Optics are reasonably priced while still offering fantastic sight pictures.

Durability

if a scope’s o-ring sealing isn’t specified. Avoid it. An o-ring sealed optic is worth the money you work so hard to earn. This makes it waterproof and rainy.

You don’t want bad weather to sabotage a hunt. Purchase a tough optic right away.

Make sure the sight you select for muzzleloaders is shockproof or recoil proof as another important consideration. Compared to many centerfire rifles, your gun recoils more forcefully when you fire.

You’ll need a scope that can withstand the added kick.

Best Muzzleloader Scopes for Every Hunter’s Budget FAQs

Is a 6X magnification setting excessive for hunting?

An experienced shooter can make the majority of reasonable hunting shots with a scope with a 6X maximum magnification. For most general hunting, a hunting scope’s maximum magnification of 10x should be taken into consideration.

What kind of scope can I use on a muzzleloader?

You need a scope that can withstand the recoil when using a muzzleloader. If you have a rifle sight that is rated for a higher caliber, it might be able to withstand a muzzleloader without issue, but you should do some research on the specific scope you have in mind to ensure that it will be as durable as you require.

How far can you reliably shoot a muzzleloader?

Many high-quality muzzleloaders nowadays are capable of pinpoint accuracy at 200 yards. However, shooting small groups with a muzzleloader is more challenging than doing so with a centerfire rifle. You must begin with a strong foundation. You therefore need a high-quality firearm.

Conclusion

The best  muzzleloader scope can mean the difference between bringing home a prize animal and failing to do so. Having a scope on your rifle can make all the difference in the world if you want to increase the length of your shot and want to give yourself every hunting advantage possible.

Picking the best muzzleloader scopes on this list will give you the advantage you need to make that shot of a lifetime if you manage to land one of these tags.

Hopefully you were able to find something that works for you, whether it was a costly Nightforce or Burris or a more reasonably priced Konus or Vortex.