Shopping for scopes is a daunting adventure, especially when you are doing it for the first time. With numerous brands on the market, choosing one that will meet your expectations and give you precise performance can be a challenge. There is a lot of knowledge involved to know and choose the best muzzleloader scope.
Today, more hunters are turning to muzzleloader rifles to better their chances in the field. Although you will not require to have any particular skills, for you to use a muzzleloader rifle perfectly, it has to be paired with a great scope.
However, with all the scopes on the market, getting one that is compatible with your muzzleloader is not easy. Each brand on the market has its way of attracting buyers with enticing information to trick them into buying. However, not all scopes are designed to function with your muzzleloader. Therefore, you need to be extra vigilant before committing to buy from a particular brand.
If you are a first-time hunter, it may be difficult for you to understand the specifications required for a muzzleloader scope. But, that should not limit you from getting your hands on a good scope. On this blog, we’ve narrowed down your options to nine of the best muzzleloader scopes on the market from different brands for easy choosing.
| Scope | Unique Feature | Image | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescopes | Has reset turrets |   | [su_button url="https://amzn.to/38nkZ9s" target="blank" background="#3c8922" size="5" wide="yes" center="yes" radius="round" "]Check Price [/su_button] |
| Simmons Truplex Riflescope (3-9X40, Matte) | Has a clear view |   | [su_button url="https://amzn.to/2WysGHx" target="blank" background="#3c8922" size="5" wide="yes" center="yes" radius="round" "]Check Price [/su_button] |
| Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes | Easy to operate |   | [su_button url="https://amzn.to/3sXUCjU" target="blank" background="#3c8922" size="5" wide="yes" center="yes" radius="round" "]Check Price [/su_button] |
| Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40 BDC | Good eye relief |   | [su_button url="https://amzn.to/3kBn6ML" target="blank" background="#3c8922" size="5" wide="yes" center="yes" radius="round" "]Check Price [/su_button] |
| Konus 7249 Shotgun Black Powder Riflescope 1.5x-5x32mm | Good eye relief |   | [su_button url="https://amzn.to/3jsrMoJ" target="blank" background="#3c8922" size="5" wide="yes" center="yes" radius="round" "]Check Price [/su_button] |
| Simmons 517793 Prodiamond Shotgun Prohunter Riflescope (4x32, Matte) | Hydroshield coated lenses |   | [su_button url="https://amzn.to/3zvmDBV" target="blank" background="#3c8922" size="5" wide="yes" center="yes" radius="round" "]Check Price [/su_button] |
| Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Circle-X Reticle Riflescope | Multicoated lenses |   | [su_button url="https://amzn.to/3DwXg55" target="blank" background="#3c8922" size="5" wide="yes" center="yes" radius="round" "]Check Price [/su_button] |
| Burris 200261 Ballistic Plex 2-7x32mm | Durable |   | [su_button url="https://amzn.to/3jygNdL" target="blank" background="#3c8922" size="5" wide="yes" center="yes" radius="round" "]Check Price [/su_button] |
| TB Series ATR Toby Bridges Muzzleloader Riflescope Finish: Matte Black | Has flip up caps |   | [su_button url="https://amzn.to/3kDUMcr" target="blank" background="#3c8922" size="5" wide="yes" center="yes" radius="round" "]Check Price [/su_button] |
Best Muzzleloader Scopes
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Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescopes
Vortex optics crossfire series is a solid performer when it comes to muzzleloader scopes. It has a generous eye relief of 9 inches, which guarantees to keep your eye from knockback injuries. Additionally, this eye relief ensures that you are comfortable even while your glasses are on.
The scope is designed to provide you with durability and quality. Its made of unique and strong material, assuring you that the scope will serve you for an extended period. Additionally, the scope has high magnification power allowing you to enjoy quality hunting sessions, especially on a long-distance.
Its control panel is perfectly placed, allowing you to have the ultimate control on the scope. Therefore, it gives you an ideal opportunity to set it as per your expectations and hunting needs. The unit also comes with a reliable warranty cover, which gives you the confidence to use the scope under any circumstances. The scope is also waterproof and fog-resistant, which makes it convenient for use even during tough weather conditions
Pros
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Adjustable capped reset turrets
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Single piece construction for durability
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Anti-reflective fully multi-coated optics
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Cons
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In low light condition, clarity is not as good
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[su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optics-Crossfire-Second-Riflescopes/dp/B085R4DKX6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&tag=MYCOMPANION-20&linkId=e51ba374414209febbcf6cb086721546&language=en_US” background=”#3c8922″ size=”10″ wide=”no” center=”yes” radius=”square” icon=”icon: arrow-circle-o-right”]Check Price [/su_button]
2. Simmons Truplex Riflescope (3-9X40, Matte)
This muzzleloader scope gives you the power to zoom up to 9 times your target size. Therefore, when you are aiming at your target, you are guaranteed to make a precise and perfect shot. The scope also provides you with high resolution, image contrast, and clarity at all zoom levels to ensure image quality is not compromised. This also helps in enhancing your chances of making a perfect shot even when your target is on the move.
It uses the triplex reticle, which makes it easy for you to aim as it doesn’t have any markers. The scope also has a reliable light transmission of about 93%, giving you the ability to aim targets at any distance hence experience the full potential of a muzzleloader.
Additionally, the scope offers a clear and wide field of view, making it easy for you to locate your target. Therefore, when you take this scope for an adventure, you are guaranteed to get the expected results without having to stress. With a wide field of view, even shooting on moving targets will not be a problem.
Pros
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Clear and wide field of view
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High magnification power
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Markers free triplex reticle
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Cons
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Slightly overpriced
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[su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/Simmons-Truplex-Riflescope-3-9X40-Matte/dp/B001RMWTJA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&tag=MYCOMPANION-20&linkId=8bb9d01c70b62c99f7f9a97603f14a7d&language=en_US” background=”#3c8922″ size=”10″ wide=”no” center=”yes” radius=”square” icon=”icon: arrow-circle-o-right”]Check Price [/su_button]
3. Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
This vortex diamondback riflescope is designed to work perfectly on your muzzleloader. It has high magnification power, which guarantees you can zoom on your target from any distance. However, with its high magnification, image clarity and quality are not affected. Therefore, it will be easy for you to spot your target and make a perfect shot.
The scope features a thick tube wall, which guarantees that you cannot break it even when on extreme performances. This enhances its durability, making it a worthwhile investment. Additionally, it features sealed and purged internals, which guarantees to keep the unit together for advanced durability.
Unlike other scopes on the market, its glass is made of a multi-coated technology to ensure there is sufficient light transmission. This guarantees that you can use the scope and enjoy its performances even while on a low lighting condition. Using this unit also doesn’t require any previous skills as the control panel is well placed and labeled.
Pros
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Easy to operate
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Features multi-coated glass technology
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High magnification power
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Cons
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Its reticles are not perfect for black powder
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[su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optics-Diamondback-4-12×40-Riflescope/dp/B01N6Y9QKB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&tag=MYCOMPANION-20&linkId=c47b170ae3ca33805e79d64224482e29&language=en_US” background=”#3c8922″ size=”10″ wide=”no” center=”yes” radius=”square” icon=”icon: arrow-circle-o-right”]Check Price [/su_button]
4. Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9×40 BDC
Nikon Buckmaster riflescope is all you need for your muzzleloader hunting adventure. It offers a generous magnification power range from 3x to 9x to ensure you can perfectly spot your target regardless of the distance difference.
The scope uses the best lens on the optics market, which guarantees that it is a worthwhile investment. Additionally, the scope features a durable design with quality material. Its material is also waterproof and fog proof, making it ideal for use even during harsh conditions.
The lenses are super large, ensuring there is sufficient light transmission for enhanced hunting. This also guarantees that you can use the scope in low light places and still experience the best performance. On the other hand, the scope provides you with a wide field of view, making it ideal for shooting targets while on the motion. Therefore, you are sure that your hunting adventure will not be compromised even when your target spots you before you release the trigger.
Pros
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Easy to operate
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One-shot zeroing guarantee
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High-quality, rugged design
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Wide and clear field of view
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Generous eye relief
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Cons
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Mounting on the rifle is a little complicated
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[su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optics-Diamondback-4-12×40-Riflescope/dp/B001EC7KMY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?dchild=1&keywords=Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes&qid=1600904495&sr=8-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=MYCOMPANION-20&linkId=6e5261afae34f352d4a1e021efce7fdd&language=en_US” background=”#3c8922″ size=”10″ wide=”no” center=”yes” radius=”square” icon=”icon: arrow-circle-o-right”]Check Price [/su_button]
5. Konus 7249 Shotgun Black Powder Riflescope 1.5x-5x32mm
If you are looking for a scope that will spice your hunting adventure, then all you need is this Konus 7249 shotgun riflescope. Unlike other brands, Konus specializes in designing optics that fit various specifications of the users. Therefore, when you get your hands on this device, you will experience professionalism in your hunting adventure.
The scope has a magnification power range of 1-5x making it ideal for hunting at short range. It also has a duplex reticle design allowing you to have fast shots on targets within your shooting range. Additionally, the fast shot ability guarantees that you can hit your target quite easily to make your adventure successful.
On the other hand, the scope features a unique construction with high-quality material to guarantee durability. Therefore, it will give you extreme performances as well as serve you for an extended period. With the scope, weather challenges will not limit you from hitting your target. It is designed with a water and fog proof design to ensure it can withstand any conditions.
Pros
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Reliable eye relief
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Waterproof and fog proof construction
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Wide field of view
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Strong tube casing
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Cons
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Only suitable for short-range shooting
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6. Simmons 517793 Prodiamond Shotgun Prohunter Riflescope (4×32, Matte)
Additionally, it has a rubberized surface that gives you a perfect grip, especially while adjusting the knobs. Its lenses use hydroshield coating technology to ensure the scope transmits sufficient light for any time hunting. Additionally, this type of lenses protects the scope in rainy and humid weather. Therefore, when you are out for a hunting adventure, you will not be limited to changes in weather conditions.
However, unlike other scopes, this has a fixed magnification power. This allows you to channel all your focus on spotting your target. The less movable parts on the scope also guarantee that the unit is durable and will give you better performance. Additionally, the fixed magnification guarantees that the image clarity will not be compromised at all times. Therefore, you will not have to worry as you try to adjust your focus to get a clear shot.
The scope has a reliable reticle that makes it perfect for large game hunting. Additionally, its crosshair allows you to view objects effectively, even when the surrounding environment is a little dark.
Pros
– Hydroshield coated lenses
– Generous eye relief
– Durable construction style
Cons
– Fixed magnification power limits your shooting options
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7. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Circle-X Reticle Riflescope
Additionally, the scope has a generous eye relief of about 3.3-inches. This guarantees that you are safe from any knock-off injuries from your rifle. Therefore, you will not be worried about shooting on your target at all times. Also, the generous eye relief helps in minimizing eye fatigue, especially if you use the scope for a long period. Therefore, you can comfortably take this device with you and use it for the whole day and be sure that you will not stress your eyes.
The scope is superfast and sighting; it will only take a few minutes. Once its set, you can comfortably make plans to celebrate as your hunting will be a success. Its glasses are the best quality with the ability to withstand water and fog while in the fields. The lenses are fully multi-coated and ultra-bright to give you better performances, especially in low light conditions.
Pros
– Convenient eye relief
– Ultra- bright and fully multi-coated lenses
– High magnification power
– Waterproof and fog proof construction
– Durable, rugged construction
Cons
– Only suitable for short-range hunting
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8. TB Series ATR Toby Bridges Muzzleloader Riflescope Finish: Matte Black
It comes with a standard flip-up cap to keep the lenses secure when it is not in use. Therefore, you will not worry about damaging the scope, especially when you are on the move. Also, it features a duplex reticle that makes it easy for you to adjust and spot your target hustle free. Therefore, when you are in the field, you can easily adjust the settings to meet your current specifications hence make your adventure successful.
On the other hand, this device comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturers. Therefore, when you invest in it, you will not have to keep worrying about possible breakdowns. The manufacturers got you covered hence allowing you to take the scope for any outdoor adventure and experience exceptional greatness. Additionally, it also comes at a competitive price, which makes it ideal for even people who are working on a budget.
Pros
– Fog proof and waterproof construction
– Lifetime warranty cover from manufacturers
– Multi-coated lenses for reliable light transmission
– High magnification power
– Flip-up caps for lens protection
Cons
– The eye relief is not long enough
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9. Burris 200261 Ballistic Plex 2-7x32mm
This scope has a magnification power range of 2-7x, which ensures that it can be used for both short and long-range shooting. Therefore, when you are going for an adventure, you are guaranteed that the scope will not limit your flexibility, depending on the distance between you and your target.
Additionally, unlike other scopes on the market, it has a generous eye relief of 11-inches. This guarantees that even when the bullet power is extreme, there is not a possibility of knocking your eye with the rifle. Also, the high eye relief ensures that you don’t develop eye fatigue even if you spend the whole day in the fields using the scope.
It also features fully-multicoated lenses that guarantee there is sufficient light transmission even when the surrounding environment is dark. The scope’s tube has been redesigned to ensure it is super-strong hence making this device reliable and durable. The glasses are water and fog-resistant, allowing you to perfectly use the scope even when the weather is not as friendly.
Pros
– High magnification power
– Durable tube construction
– Water and fog-resistant optics
– Generous eye relief
– Fully multi-coated optics
Cons
– Highly overpriced compared to others on the market
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Things To Consider When Choosing Muzzleloader Scopes
There are specific features that you have to put into consideration for you to get the ideal scope for your hunting adventure. However, when it comes to a muzzleloader scope, choosing the right scope will guarantee enhanced performance at any shooting range. Therefore, you need to check on various scope features to ensure you get one that is ideal for your muzzleloader. Here are a few features to consider.
Magnification
Unlike other rifles, muzzleloaders are not designed to very accurate. This is because they use heavier bullets and more muzzle energy. Therefore, when you are choosing a muzzleloader scope, you don’t need to go for o0ne with extremely high magnification. The highest muzzleloader can shot up to 300 yards accurately, so when choosing scopes magnification, going for anything within 9x will work as good.
However, when choosing the magnification power for your muzzleloader scope, it is also essential to put into consideration where you live or the places you will be hunting. For instance, if you are hunting in places with dense woods location, you will require less magnification compared to when hunting in open planes.
Reticle Pattern
The reticle pattern on the muzzleloader scope shouldn’t be as complicated as of regular riflescopes. You don’t require one with bullet drop reticles, as you may not need that with your shooting range. Scopes for muzzleloader use duplex reticle or standard crosshair. These patterns are easy to use and quite accurate to ensure your hunting is a success. However, with such patterns, you are not guaranteed of fast target acquisition, which is often required for riflescopes.
When it comes to reticle pattern for muzzleloader scopes, you will require to go for one that allows you to sight in easily. Therefore, you need to take your time and test different patterns until you get one that works for you. However, as a hunter, its also possible for you to make every pattern work for you. Al you need is to practice more often to understand its limitations and how to perfect sight.
Eye Relief
Most hunters have black eyes since they neglect to look for eye relief as the main feature when buying scopes. When you are using a muzzleloader, the eye relief shouldn’t be an optional feature to consider. The heavier the bullets, the more recoil you are bound to experience. Therefore, rather than feeling the usual snap of a normal rifle, muzzleloader with giving you more of a shove on the face.
To keep yourself safe, you will require to go for a scope that has generous eye relief. A scope with a little more eye relief will guarantee that you are safe from a black eye and also eliminates the possibility of experiencing eye fatigue. On the other hand, anything under 2.5-inches is considered short, and using such scopes can be quite risky for you. This is a feature that can be highlighted on differentiating between a spotting scope Vs binoculars.
Budget
This is often overlooked as most hunters assume that you have to invest in a pricy scope to get better performance. However, as much as this could be true, it is not always the case for muzzleloader scopes. All you need here is a scope with simple and easy to use design, and such scopes are quite affordable.
Some expensive scopes contain features that are advanced for muzzleloader, and you may not require using them. Therefore, instead of focusing more on the price, you need to focus on a device that will give you usable features and it is easy to use. This way, you are guaranteed of not overspending, and in the long run, you will get a scope that will perfectly meet your muzzleloader expectations.
Also, when it comes to budgeting, you are sure that you will only concentrate on choosing a device that is within your limits. Therefore, it will be easy for you to make the decision on which scope to buy based on the ability of your pocket.
Final Words
Getting the best muzzleloader scope for your hunting adventures should be your top priority. It gives you comfort and assurance that your hunting will take a new dimension. However, with all the challenges in making the appropriate choice, it depends on your personalized needs.
Therefore, as you evaluate your options in choosing the right muzzleloader scope, you must put all your options into consideration. However, with the above options, it is easy for you to pick one that will work best for you and will not stress you.
However, if you are a first-timer in muzzleloader scopes hunting, you can as well consider some professional assistance in choosing the right scope. This will guarantee that you get a device that will not complicate your hunting adventures and will help you meet your objectives.
