Are you looking for a scope to enhance your shooting experience with a muzzleloader? If yes, you have come to the right place? In this guide, we’ll explore the best scopes for muzzleloader and the key factors to consider to ensure the right selection.
With the advancements in optics, muzzleloader scopes offer improved clarity, durability, and ballistic compensation to maximize your shooting potential. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, competitive shooter, or history enthusiast, choosing the right scope for your muzzleloader will go a long way to enhance precision, performance, and overall enjoyment in any shooting environment.
What Makes a Great Muzzleloader Scope?
Here are the key factors that make a muzzleloader scope stand out:
Variable Magnification Power: A great scope for muzzleloader features variable magnification power for shooting at short, medium, and long distances.
Durability & Recoil Resistance: Muzzleloaders produce substantial recoil, requiring shockproof construction. A scope with a single-piece tube construction adds strength and reinforced internal components prevent reticle movement.
Generous Eye Relief: Furthermore, it is essential for the scope to have a minimum 3.5-4 inches of eye relief to avoid scope bite from heavy recoil and ensure comfortable shooting with or without eyeglasses.
Crisp Reticle: The best scopes for muzzleloader feature a crisp, easy to use reticle.
Optical Clarity & Lens Coatings: It is also important for the scope to have fully multi-coated lenses to improve light transmission for a clearer image.
Weather Resistance. The scope should be fully waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof to handle extreme hunting conditions. On the exterior, a great scope will feature anti-glare & anti-fog lens coatings to help in various weather conditions.
Best Scopes for Muzzleloaders
1) Vortex Diamondback 1.75-5x32mm
Specifications
- Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
- Eye Relief: 3.5″
- Weight: 12.8oz
- Length: 10.2″
The Vortex Diamondback 1.75-5x32mm riflescope is the best scope for muzzleloader. Its exceptional optical performance, rugged construction, and budget-friendly price make it a great choice for hunters and shooters looking for a dependable riflescope without breaking the bank.
Featuring a variable 1.75-5x magnification range, this scope is ideal for short- to mid-range shooting applications. The 32mm objective lens allows for sufficient light transmission while keeping the scope compact and lightweight. Furthermore, the lenses are fully multi-coated to provide excellent clarity and brightness, even in low-light conditions.
Regarding construction, the scope is built to withstand harsh environmental conditions. It is constructed from a single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube which provides superior durability and shock resistance. The hard-anodized finish helps protect against corrosion and scratches while reducing glare for better concealment. It is also O-ring sealed and nitrogen-purged, making it both waterproof and fog-proof.
Other essential features included are capped reset turrets that allow for easy re-indexing to zero after sighting in and a smooth and precise magnification ring that ensures quick adjustments when needed.
Pros
- Large field of view
- Bright and clear optics
- Generous eye relief
- Outstanding durability
- Affordable
Cons
- Non illuminated
2) Crossfire II 1x Muzzleloader Scope
Specifications
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 11 Ounces
- Eye Relief: 3.8 inches
- Field of View: 30m @ 100m
The Crossfire II 1x Muzzleloader Scope is an excellent choice for beginners in hunting. It is built with ease of use in mind and comes at a reasonably affordable price.
With its fixed magnification, this scope is designed to meet legal requirements in states where magnification is restricted while still providing clear and accurate target acquisition. Furthermore, the scope employs a versatile V-Plex reticle and has a fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick reticle adjustments, ensuring that shooters can acquire their target with speed and precision.
Optically, the fully multi-coated lenses deliver impressive light transmission, ensuring bright and sharp images even in low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk. The scope also features a generous eye relief, which makes it comfortable to use and reduces the risk of recoil-related injuries.
Built with durability in mind, the Crossfire II 1x Muzzleloader Scope features a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum body that is both shockproof and resistant to harsh environmental conditions. It is also nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, providing waterproof and fog-proof performance even in extreme weather.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Rugged construction
- Generous eye relief
- Ease of use
Cons
- Fixed zoom power
3) Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Specifications
- Reticle: Multi-X
- Eye Relief: 3.46 Inches
- Weight: 0.81 Pounds
- Length: 16.3″
As one of the best scopes for muzzleloader, the Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope is an excellent choice for hunters looking for an affordable yet reliable optic for low-light conditions.
One of its standout features is the Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses. These lenses provide impressive clarity and brightness during early morning and late evening hunts. Additionally, the 40mm objective lens ensures ample light transmission, enhancing visibility even in challenging lighting conditions.
To complement the optical clarity, the scope features a variable 3-9x magnification range that offers versatility for both short- and mid-range shooting with clear target acquisition. Furthermore, he Multi-X reticle is simple yet effective, providing a crisp, uncluttered sight picture that aids in quick aiming.
Regarding construction, this rifle scope is built with a durable one-piece tube design for ultimate longevity. It is also nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, making it fog-proof, waterproof, and shockproof
In terms of performance, the Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm maintains zero well even after repeated shots, thanks to its ¼ MOA fingertip windage and elevation adjustments that allow for precise tuning. The turrets offer smooth operation, though they are not as refined as higher-end models.
Pros
- Crisp reticle
- Exceptional low-light capabilities
- Budget-friendly
- Smooth to operate turrets
Cons
- Limited eye relief
4) Burris Fullfield 3-9x40mm E1 Riflescope
Specifications
- Tube Diameter: 1″
- Weight: 2 Pounds
- Material: Aluminum
- Length: 19 Inches
When it comes to value and versatility, it is hard to go wrong with the Burris Fullfield 3-9x40mm E1 Riflescope. It combine durability, precision, and ease of use into a budget-friendly package that competes with more expensive models in its class.
Featuring a durable, lightweight construction, this riflescope is built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions while maintaining precision. The 3-9x magnification range provides excellent versatility in the range while the 40mm objective lens ensures ample light transmission for bright and clear images even in low-light conditions.
Another impressive feature of this rifle scope is its reticle. The Ballistic Plex E1 reticle offers trajectory compensation for various calibers while helping to improve accuracy at extended ranges. Additionally, the finger-adjustable windage and elevation turrets allow for quick and precise adjustments without the need for tools.
In terms of performance, the Burris Fullfield E1 delivers crisp and sharp image quality, thanks to its high-grade optical glass and multi-coated lenses that reduce glare and enhance contrast. The scope is also nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed, making it fog-proof, waterproof, and shock-resistant.
Pros
- Great value for money
- High-grade optical glass
- Easy to use
- Solid build quality
Cons
- The 1-inch main tube doesn’t offer as much adjustment range as larger-sized scopes
5) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm
Specifications
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 1.2 Pounds
- Field of View: 13.6 Feet
- Length: 14 Inches
Carrying the respected Leupold name, the VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope is a solid investment for shooters looking for a dependable optic with premium features at an affordable price point.
Built with Leupold’s signature Twilight Light Management System, this scope enhances visibility in low-light conditions, providing a crucial advantage during dawn and dusk hunts. The 3-9x magnification range is versatile for mid-range shooting and it still offers enough power for longer shots when needed.
Optically, the 40mm objective lens ensures excellent light transmission, contributing to a bright and crisp image. Furthermore, the scope features scratch-resistant lenses for durability and consistent performance in the field. The 1-inch main tube is lightweight yet robust, and the matte finish helps reduce glare, adding to the overall stealthy appeal.
When it comes to performance, the VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm excels in precision and ease of use. The finger-adjustable turrets allow for quick windage and elevation adjustments, and the ¼ MOA click adjustments provide reliable tracking and repeatability. The scope maintains zero exceptionally well, even after multiple rounds or transport.
Above all, this rifle scope has a waterproof, fog-proof construction that make it well-suited for various weather conditions.
Pros
- Clean and simple reticle
- Long eye relief
- Impressive optical clarity
- Durable and weatherproof construction
Cons
- Non-illuminated
6) Vortex Diamondback 2-7x35mm
Specifications
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 14.2 oz
- Tube Size: 1 inch
- Length: 11.6 Inches
Next, we have the Vortex Diamondback 2-7x35mm Riflescope. This optic is an outstanding choice for budget-conscious hunters who don’t want to sacrifice quality, durability, or performance.
One of the features that make it a good purchase is optical clarity. The fully multi-coated lenses deliver excellent light transmission and clarity, making it a reliable choice for low-light conditions. Furthermore, the 2-7x magnification range is well-suited for mid-range hunting applications while the precision turrets allow for smooth and accurate windage and elevation adjustments.
As one of the best scopes for muzzleloader, this optic is built to last. It features a durable and shockproof construction to withstand abuse and rough handling. Moreover, the optical tube is argon-purged and O-ring-sealed tube to ensure reliable performance in extreme weather conditions.
Pros
- Lightweight construction
- Easy to mount and use
- Built to last
- Stunning low-light performance
Cons
- Slight edge distortion at higher magnification
7) Burris Eliminator IV LaserScope 4-16x50mm Riflescope
Specifications
- Magnification: 4-16x
- Reticle: X96
- Length: 15.5 in
- Weight: 30.4 oz
Last but not least, we have the Burris Eliminator IV LaserScope 4-16x50mm Riflescope. This cutting-edge optic is designed for precision shooters and hunters who demand accuracy at extended ranges.
Featuring a built-in laser rangefinder with an effective range of up to 2,000 yards on reflective targets, the riflescope simplifies long-range shooting by providing automatic holdover compensation. The advanced ballistic calculator is a significant upgrade from previous models, accommodating more ballistic profiles and delivering precise aiming solutions in real time.
Furthermore, the 4-16x magnification range and 50mm objective lens ensure a bright, clear sight picture even in low-light conditions, making it an excellent choice for hunting at dawn or dusk. The glass quality is top-tier, with crisp edge-to-edge clarity, and the illuminated reticle further enhances target acquisition in varying lighting environments.
Durability and ease of use are other strong suits of the Eliminator IV. The rugged, shockproof construction ensures that it can withstand harsh field conditions, while the waterproof and fog-proof design allows for reliable performance in extreme weather. Over and above that, the scope is relatively easy to set up, thanks to its intuitive interface and improved onboard software that simplifies inputting ballistic data.
Pros
- Wireless remote activation
- Premium optics with state-of-the-art technology
- 2,000 yards detection range
- Military-grade durability
Cons
- Big budget
What Magnification Do You Need?
The ideal magnification for a muzzleloader scope depends on the type of hunting or shooting you plan to do, the expected range, and personal preference.
Muzzleloaders are generally used for short to medium-range shooting, typically between 50 and 200 yards, though some modern inline muzzleloaders with high-performance propellants and bullets can push effective ranges beyond 250 yards.
For close-range hunting in dense woods or brush, a low-power scope with 1-4x magnification is ideal, as it provides a wide field of view, quick target acquisition, and better performance in low-light conditions. If you’re hunting in open fields, clearings, or taking longer shots, a 3-9x scope offers a versatile range, allowing for precision at mid-range distances while still maintaining usability for closer shots.
For those who push the limits of a muzzleloader’s effective range (200+ yards), a 4-12x or even a 4-16x scope can be beneficial, especially if shooting in open country or from a stable rest.
Key Factors to Consider when Choosing a Muzzleloader Scope
When searching for the best muzzleloader scope, consider the following key factors:
Magnification Power
A variable or fixed power scope can affect target acquisition, field of view, and versatility. Most muzzleloader scopes fall within the 3-9x or 2-7x magnification range, offering a balance between close-range accuracy and extended reach.
Reticle Type
Ballistic drop compensation (BDC) reticles, duplex reticles, and illuminated options are the common reticles for muzzleloader scopes. Opt for a reticle that is easy to use and enhances aiming precision, especially when estimating bullet drop at longer distances.
Eye Relief
Muzzleloaders tend to have significant recoil. It is therefore important to get scope with a long eye relief, typically 3.5 inches or more to prevent scope bite.
Durability and Construction
The best scopes for muzzleloader should be built to withstand harsh conditions with waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant features for reliable performance in extreme weather. Additionally, the housing should be rigid enough to weather abuse and rough handling.
Low-Light Performance
Since many hunts take place at dawn or dusk, the best scopes for muzzleloader have premium glass elements, large objective lenses, and multi-coated optics to ensure superior light transmission.
Mounting Compatibility
Ensure that the scope properly fits your muzzleloader’s mounting system is vital for stability and alignment. Additionally, opt for a scope that is easy to install with no special tools required.
Final Words
Hopefully, this buying guide has give you insights into the best scopes for muzzleloader. Look at the features that each rifle scope brings to the table and opt for a model that elevates your muzzleloader experience and boosts your confidence in every shot.