If you are preparing for your next hunting trip and looking for the best scope for big game hunting, you are in the right place. We have searched wide and far and put up this post on the best scopes for big game hunting .
As one of the most important hunting accessories, a scope is valuable item to add in your hunting toolset. When it comes to big game hunting, the scope you carry to the hunting ground can either make or break your expedition. It is therefore important to invest in the best scope money can get you.
The best scope for big game hunting will turn your hunting trip into a success once you set foot in the field. It will enhance your speed of target acquisition, improve the views of faraway targets and foster your confidence when taking shots even in difficult situations.
What Makes a Great scope for Big Game Hunting?
A great scope for big hunting is made of tons of features. First, the scope has high-quality optics and solid lens coatings to ensure that images generated are bright and crisp, even in the less ideal lighting conditions. With this, you will be able to increase your odds of placing the shot accurately and in an ethical manner as well.
A great scope for big game hunting also comes with a moderate magnification power. This ensures that you find the distant target with ease even in the most challenging environments. To complement the magnification, the scope has to have a large field of view which is vital when hunting.
Furthermore, the scope should be built to survive everyday use in any hunting environment. It should therefore have a robust housing and be fully waterproof, dustproof, fog proof and shockproof as well.
Last but not least, the scope should be light and compact for mobility convenience, and a have a long eye relief to ensure safe and snug glassing, with or without eyewear.
7 Best Scopes for Big Game Hunting
Today, the market is flooded with all sorts of scopes from different brands. This makes it overwhelming to find a solid and dependable product that matches your hunting needs. If you are having a difficult time finding a scope that fits your hunting habits, these are the optics that made the cut as the best scopes for big game hunting.
Let’s take a look.
1) Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10×40 Rifle Scope
The Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10×40 Rifle Scope is an ultra-versatile scope that is loaded with every feature you need in a big game hunting scope. It is easy to use and suitable for short to long range hunting in a wide range of hunting environments.
The scope features a Twilight Light Management System which balances wavelengths to provide clear and bright image views, even in low light hunting conditions. Further, it has eco-friendly, lead-free optical elements with blackened edges to enhance the image contrast and minimize stray light.
This rifle scope is built ready for hunting. It has a lightweight yet durable 6061-T6 aluminum housing which is fully waterproof and fog proof for use under any environment. Additionally, the twin bias erector system included increases the holding force to resist recoil and maintain zero in all situations.
To further enhance your glassing comfort, this scope offers a long eye relief even at maximum magnification. It also features a duplex reticle that is accurate and easy to use, and an easy turn power selector with large and bright numbering.
Features
- One-piece 1-inch main tube
- Twilight Light Management System
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
- Ballistic aiming system
- Lead-free glass lenses
- Twin bias erector system
- 3.5-10x variable magnification
Pros
- Stunning low light performance
- Bright and clear optics
- Lightweight design
- Durable
- Excellent fit and finish
Cons
- The turrets don’t have a zero stop
- Narrow field of view
2) Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x40mm AO Dead-Hold BDC (MOA) Riflescope
The Crossfire II 4-12x40mm is the best scope for big game hunting for beginners and budget buyers. It is built with tons of solid and reliable features that are easy to use, all at an amazingly inexpensive cost.
The 4-12x variable magnification makes the scope good for hunting big game at medium to long distances. To complement this versatile magnification, the scope further comes with an adjustable objective for parallax correction and a Dead-Hold BDC reticle that is great for hunting at varying ranges where there are issues of estimating holdover.
Construction-wise, the scope is built to be virtually indestructible. It has a single piece tube built from aircraft grade aluminum. The robust construction ensures that the scope weathers anything you subject it to. Furthermore, it has a hard anodized finish to enhance durability by providing extra protection from rust and scratches.
The scope is then purged with nitrogen and O-ring sealed to be fully waterproof and fog proof. It also features a fast focus eyepiece for simple reticle focusing and resettable MOA turrets that are capped to prevent accidental adjustments in the field and provide additional protection from bumps in the field.
Features
- Adjustable objective
- 4-12x magnification range
- Capped reset MOA turrets
- Waterproof, fog proof and dust proof
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Hard anodized single-piece tube
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Quality construction
- Best value for money
- Wide adjustment range
Cons
- The hand twist objective end adjustments are tight
- Not illuminated
3) Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm FFP Rifle Scope
The Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm is a budget-friendly first focal plane rifle scope built to open a world of possibilities for all hunters and competitive shooters. It is simple to use and suitable for big game hunting in any environment.
This scope is built on a 30mm tube. This makes it compatible and easy to mount on a wide range of hunting rifles. The entire tube is fully waterproof for use even when it is raining and fog resistant to ensure that both the interior and exterior lenses stay fog free in all conditions. It is also shockproof to take in the beating you subject it to.
Furthermore, the scope has a manageable weight which makes it easy to carry around. It also comes with a fast focus eyepiece which guarantees for a crisp view of the target and reticle. To top it all off, the scope deploys a user-friendly Mil-Dot Reticle that helps with accurate range and holdover.
Features
- 4-14x variable magnification
- First focal plane Mil-Dot reticle
- Exposed, finger adjustable turrets
- 30mm main tube
- Side adjustable parallax
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Shockproof, waterproof and fog resistant
Pros
- Solid construction
- Accurate
- Excellent value for money
- Lightweight
Cons
- Non illuminated
- Short eye relief
4) NIGHTFORCE SHV 4-14x50mm F1 Hunting Scope
If you are looking for a scope that will take your big game hunting skills to the next big level, you have found it in the NIGHTFORCE SHV 4-14x50mm hunting scope. It is loaded with tons of solid and dependable features to increase your odds of having it right once you set your foot in the hunting field.
The scope has an adjustable 4x to 14x magnification which gives you the flexibility to hunt big game at varying ranges. It is also offered with a choice of MOAR or MIL-R reticle, both of which are great for hunting. Even better, both the reticles are illuminated for visibility in virtually all lighting conditions and are housed in the first focal plane so they stay true at every magnification.
This long range rifle scope comes with a power zoom ring for rapid and precise magnification adjustments and a fast focus eyepiece that makes reticle focusing a breeze. For added convenience, it features a lightweight design of 30oz only and a ZeroStop function to help you get back to your zero point effortlessly irrespective of the number of elevation adjustments made.
Features
- Vast 4-14x magnification
- First focal plane reticle
- ZeroStop technology
- 30mm main tube
- Fast focus eyepiece
- 50mm objective
- Power zoom ring
Pros
- Manageable weight
- Quality construction
- Bright and clear optics
- Great reticles
- Excellent visibility in low light settings
Cons
- Pricey
5) Burris Veracity 5-25x50mm Hunting Rifle Scope
The Burris Veracity 5-25x50mm is the best scope for big game hunting at extreme long ranges. This top-of-the-line hunting scope offers reliable performance and unmatched accuracy to help you place shots with ease, even in the most challenging situations.
This scope has its trajectory compensation calculated out to 700 yards. Couple this with the versatile 5x zoom system and you will have an easy time making accurate shots at long ranges. Furthermore, the scope offers a larger field of view to ensure that nothing is left undiscovered.
When it comes to construction, the scope has a 30mm main tube which offers more than ample room for reticle movement and adjustments. It is well-built to weather anything you subject it to and has a waterproof housing to ensure operability under any weather condition.
Best of all, the scope employs high-grade optical glass which provides stunning brightness and clarity, from sunrise till sunset.
Features
- 30mm body tube
- Waterproof construction
- Ergonomic side focus
- High-grade optical glass
- Multi-turn target knobs
- Ballistic E1 reticle
- 50mm objective lens
Pros
- Large field of view
- Excellent image brightness and clarity
- Crisp turrets
- Quality construction
Cons
- The turrets design could be better
6) Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
Next up is the Diamondback 4-12×40 BDC (MOA) Riflescope. As one of the best scopes for big game hunting, this model offers a variety of nice and user-friendly features to make your hunting trips fun and rewarding.
Featuring a variable 4-12x magnification, the scope is ideal for hunting at varying distances with any hunting rifle, muzzleloader or slug shotgun. Additionally, it is built to provide unmatched performance under any lighting condition. It has advanced fully multi-coated optics which make images appear bright and sharp from dawn till dusk.
This riflescope is built to last. It has a solid 1-piece body tube that is durable and rigid enough to withstand shock, fierce recoil and anything nature throws at it. For accurate tracking and repeatability, it comes with a precision glide erector system.
Above all, the scope is argon purged to keep the lenses fog resistant and O-ring sealed to ensure that no water or dust gets inside the optics.
Features
- 4-12x magnification
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Metal on metal precision turrets
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Hard anodized finish
- Waterproof, shockproof and fog resistant
- Fully multi-coated lenses
Pros
- Easy to use
- Quality and reliable construction
- Affordable
- Holds zero well
Cons
- Unforgiving eye relief
7) Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope
Lastly, we have the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9x40mm rifle scope. Built with premium-quality optics and Dusk & Dawn multicoated lenses, the scope provides stunning HD clarity and ultra-bright image views when you are hunting in low light settings of dawn and dusk.
To complement the stunning optical finesse, this riflescope is also built to survive under any hunting environment. It has a waterproof and fog proof construction for use even in the harshest and unforgiving environments. Further, it is built with high-quality materials to weather any rough handling you subject it to.
For added convenience, the scope comes with a fast focus eyepiece to ensure rapid reticle focusing. It also features a Multi-X crosshair reticle that is easy to use and simple to see even in dismal environments.
Other essential features included are 1/4 MOA fingertip windage and elevation adjustments and a compact and lightweight design that makes it easy to carry.
Features
- 3-9x variable magnification
- Fully waterproof and fog proof
- Fast focus eyepiece
- 1/4 MOA fingertip windage and elevation adjustments
- Quality optics
- Multi-X crosshair reticle
- Dusk & Dawn multicoated lenses
Pros
- Compact and ultra-lightweight design
- Super low light visibility
- Inexpensive
- Stunning HD clarity
Cons
- The eye relief is short
Read Also
- Best Rimfire Scopes for 22LR
- Best Scopes for Hog Hunting
- Best Vortex Scopes for Deer Hunting
- Best Scope for 50BMG
How to Choose the Best Scope for Big Game Hunting
Let us now take a look at some of the main factors you should consider when you are shopping for the best scope for big game hunting.
Magnification
For big game hunting, it is best to get a scope with moderate magnification power. A scope with 3-9x or 4-12x magnification range will be sufficient. It will offer a wide field of view at close and medium quarters, and rapid target acquisition at long ranges.
Scope Body Tube
With scopes, the larger the main tube is the more room it provides to turret adjustment and reticle movement. Whether you are a hunting beginner or a seasoned one, go for a 30mm scope. It will be easier to mount on a wide range of firearms. It will also give you ample room for adjustments.
Durability
Choose a scope that is built using high-quality materials. This will guarantee longevity and durability even in the roughest hunting environments. Scopes made of aircraft grade aluminum offer the ultimate durability with the added benefit of being lightweight. Also ensure that you choose a scope that is shockproof and recoil resistant.
Weight
Portability is a feature that every scope for big game hunting should have. It is therefore important that you get a scope that is lightweight yet durable. In addition to being portable, light scopes are simple to use and more accurate. They are also more effective when it comes to dispersing recoil.
Weatherproof
The best scope for big game hunting is one that is made to be operable under any weather condition. With the plethora of options available out there, pick a model that is fully waterproof, dust proof and fog resistant to weather rain, fog and any other precipitation.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is another important feature that you should consider. Whether you wear eyewear or not, the amount of eye relief a scope offer makes a big difference between a pleasant shot and a terrible one.
For comfortable shooting, pick a scope that has an eye relief that is longer than 3.5 inches. It will ensure speedy target acquisition and comfortable shooting, even with your eyewear on.
FAQs
- What size scope is best for big game hunting?
3-9x or 4-12x. For medium range big game hunting in densely forested environments, a scope with 3-9x will do. On the other hand, it is best to get a scope with 4-12x if you intend to hunt the game at long ranges in large, open fields.
- What is the best scope for big game hunting?
With the plethora of scopes available in the market today, the best scope for big game hunting is one that matches your hunting habits, skills and needs.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the features that you need in a hunting scope will help ensure that you make the right buying decision. Access your needs and hunting style first, then focus on finding a scope that has the features that you need.
Choosing the best scope for big game hunting will take some time and research, but whatever your needs are, there is a model out there for you.