Looking for the best 3-9×40 hunting scope? You are in the right place. We have put up this scope’s guide to shed light on the best 3-9×40 scopes for hunting.
For innumerable years now, the 3-9×40 configuration has been one of the most popular sizes for hunters across the globe. The reason behind its popularity is largely attributed to its versatility. A scope with this zoom range is ideal for both close and long-range hunting in virtually all hunting environments.
When hunting at close ranges, the scope offers a remarkably wide field of view and when you ramp the magnification up, you get plenty of power to pursue the targets at longer ranges. A 3-9×40 scope is therefore a vital sighting tool that every avid hunter should have in their collection of hunting optics.
Understanding a 3-9x40mm Scope
All rifle scopes have a set of numbers in their description that represent the magnification power and objective lens size. In a 3-9×40 hunting scope, 3-9 is the magnification range that is adjustable from 3x to 9x. 3x is good for hunting small game at close ranges while the 9x is high enough to let you find any game at medium to long ranges.
The 40mm on the other hand represents the diameter of the objective lens. This is the lens that you look out of, not into when using the scope and it is responsible for drawing light inside the optics.
What Makes a Great 3-9×40 Hunting Scope?
For a 3-9×40 scope to be great for hunting, it has to have a wide range of quality features that complement the adjustable zoom power and make it usable every level. Firstly, the scope should have quality glass elements and several layers of anti-reflection coatings applied on the optics.
Quality glass guarantees superior resolution and high-quality image production. Lens coatings on the other hand complement the glass quality by limiting glare and minimizing internal loss of light. The result is higher levels of light transmission for brilliant and vivid views of the targets.
Furthermore, the scope needs to be made with high-quality materials. With excellent craftmanship, the scope will withstand rough use that comes with hunting and last long. On top of that, the scope should be fully waterproof, fog proof and dust proof to guarantee unimpeded field use.
The best 3-9×40 hunting scope should also have a long eye relief which is important as it ensures comfortable and safe glassing. It also has to have a lightweight construction for easy maneuverability when you move from one point to the other looking for game.
Best 3-9×40 Hunting Scopes – Top Picks
There so many scopes with the 3-9×40 configuration. However, not all are great for hunting. This makes the selection process a taxing task that is unpleasant to many. We have curated a list of the best 3-9×40 scopes for hunting to make your selection process simple.
So, without any further delay, let’s jump right in.
1) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
First up, we have the Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope. This rifle scope carries the highly respected Vortex name and a tone of high-quality features that make it by far the best 3-9×40 hunting scope.
Built with professional grade optics, this moderately powered rifle scope is well-suited for hunting in low light environments. It is also equipped with fully multi-coated lenses that ensure efficient light transmission by reducing glare and light reflection. This results to production of incredibly bright and clear image views at any range, in virtually any lighting environment.
Complementing the stunning optical performance is a housing that is durable enough to cart around in any hunting environment. It is made from aircraft grade aluminum, a premium-quality material that is highly resistant to fatigue. The housing is also anodized for added protection from scratches and corrosion that causes rust.
Furthermore, the scope has capped windage and elevation turrets to prevent accidental adjustments and provide additional protection from bumps in the field. It also comes with a built-in sunshade for blocking stray light and a waterproof, fog prof and shockproof body to guarantee total reliability in all weather conditions.
Features
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Second focal plane reticle
- Hard anodized finish
- Capped reset turrets
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Aircraft grade aluminum construction
- Water, fog and shock proof
- 1-inch main tube
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Lightweight and durable
- Clean and quality glass
- Illuminated reticle
Cons
- The reticle illumination is poor in broad daylight
2) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
In spite of having a low cost, the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle offers incredible optical performance similar to other models with higher price tags. It is optimized for hunting and every avid hunter can trust it to revolutionize how they hunt.
The low light performance of this rifle scope is unmatched. It employs a Twilight Light Management System to enhance the visibility of targets in low light settings. It also boasts quality glass elements that maintain a clear field of view in all hunting environments.
Rugged construction is another impressive feature of this rifle scope. It has a single-piece 1-inch tube crafted from 6061-T6 aircraft grade aluminum. The quality construction makes the scope resistant to shock, vibration and impacts. Besides, the optical tube is fully waterproof and fog proof for added protection from elements.
Weighing a mere 12.2oz, the scope is incredibly light and a perfect companion for long hunting sessions. In addition to being portable, the lightweight design scatters recoil effectively to maximize durability. The scope also provides a wide field of view and a long eye relief to maximize your glassing comfort.
Features
- Scratch resistant lenses
- Waterproof and fog proof
- 25 MOA finger click adjustment
- Twilight Light Management System
- 1-inch main tube
- 6061-T6 aircraft grade aluminum housing
- Second focal plane reticle
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Ultra-lightweight construction
- Affordable
- Bright and crisp clear glass
Cons
- Non illuminated reticle
3) Bushnell Trophy 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
The versatility of the Bushnell Trophy 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is second to none. It will help you hunt virtually all types of game in different terrains and across different distances from close to long range. Additionally, it is a simple to operate scope that beginners find very easy to use.
The picture quality of this rifle scope is what makes it ideal for hunting. It has fully multi-coated optics that provides up to 91% of light transmission. This guarantees production of bright, crisp clear and detail right image views even when you are hunting at dawn or dusk.
Moreover, the scope is built to be usable in all environments. It is waterproofed to keep moisture, dust and debris from entering the optics. Additionally, the optical tube is filled with dry nitrogen gas to drive out the internal moisture and prevent the optics from fogging internally.
To fine tune your accuracy, the scope has 1/4 MOA fingertip windage and elevation adjustment. It also features a fast focus eyepiece for simple focusing of the reticle and a long eye relief that remains constant at every zoom setting for quick target acquisition.
Features
- Waterproof, shock proof and fog proof
- 1-inch body tube
- Second focal plane reticle
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Fast focus eye relief
- 1/4 MOA fingertip windage and elevation adjustments
Pros
- Durable construction
- Long, constant eye relief
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Affordably priced
Cons
- No lens caps
4) Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm is the best 3-9×40 hunting scope for low light environments as it offers stunning image clarity even in the dismal environments. This is made possible by the Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses that cast clarity and brightness from when the sun rises to when it sleeps.
At close ranges, the scope offers a remarkably wide field of view of 40 feet at 100 yards. This not only makes target finding a walk in the park, but also ensures that you don’t leave anything undiscovered. Furthermore, ramping up the zoom power to 9x makes target acquisition swift at longer ranges.
Another thing that makes the scope shine is solid construction. It has a high-quality housing that weathers whatever rough handling you subject it to and ensures that you get many years of use. It also boasts a waterproof and fog proof construction to stay ready for anything nature throws at you while out on the hunting field.
Above all, the scope has a lightweight design for convenient maneuverability in the fields and a fast focus eyepiece for easy and quick focusing of the second focal plane Multi-X reticle.
Features
- Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated optics
- 1/4 MOA fingertip windage and elevation adjustment
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Waterproof and nitrogen filled
- 1-piece main tube
- Second focal plane Multi-X reticle
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight construction
- Wide field of view
- Clear and easy to use reticle
Cons
- Short eye relief
5) Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 mm Rifle Scope
The Fullfield II 3-9×40 is another budget rifle scope made with hunters in mind. It is ideal for small and medium game hunting at close to medium ranges and in environments that have ample lighting.
The scope has a lightweight design of 13oz only. This makes it comfortable to carry in the field together with your hunting firearm and any other gear that you carry. For added convenience, its eye relief ranges between 3.1 to 3.8 inches to ensure comfortable glassing with or without eyewear. It also has 1/4 MOA adjustments clicks for both windage and elevation to better your shooting accuracy.
Another selling point of the Fullfield II 3-9×40 rifle scope is the Ballistic Plex reticle. It is put on the second focal plane and has lower vertical crosshair with ballistic lines that compensate for bullet drop automatically from 100 to 500 yards. Furthermore, the scope features a European style adjustable eyepiece for simple reticle focusing.
Construction-wise, this rifle scope has a 1-inch body tube made from aircraft grade aluminum. It is sturdy enough to take in any abuse and fully sealed and nitrogen filled to provide a lifetime of waterproof and fog proof performance.
Features
- Positive steel on steel adjustments
- Waterproof and nitrogen filled
- SFP Ballistic Plex reticle
- Durable, integrated European style adjustable eyepiece
- High-grade optical glass
- Index-matched Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses
- Aircraft grade aluminum body
Pros
- Low cost
- Lightweight and durable
- Good fit and finish
- Clear glass
Cons
- Non illuminated
- Small eye relief at max power
6) Simmons 510513 Truplex Riflescope
Another best 3-9×40 hunting scope on our list is the Simmons 510513 Truplex Riflescope. This optic is made ready for hunting. It is fully waterproof and fog proof to withstand harsh elements and give you reliable performance in all hunting environments.
At 100 yards, the scope provides a field of view of 31.4/ 10.5. This makes target finding simple and quick irrespective of how big or small the animals are. Furthermore, the scope comes with fully-coated optics that yield bright, clear and high contrast image views through the entire magnification range.
To withstand the rough handling that is often associated with hunting, the scope is shock proof. Additionally, it is recoil-proof to weather vibrations and recoil from heavy caliber rounds. It also boasts a lightweight design of 10 ounces only for portability convenience, and a long and consistent 3.7 inches of eye relief to keep your eye safe from high caliber weapons.
Features
- High-quality optical glass
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Second focal plane Truplex reticle
- Full-coated optics
- Shock proof and recoil proof
- 1/4 MOA SureGrip audible-click windage and elevation adjustments
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight and user-friendly
- Generous eye relief
- Clear images
- Easy to sight in
Cons
- Less durable
7) Vortex Diamondback 3-9×40 Rifle Scope
When it comes to build and image quality, the Diamondback 3-9×40 Rifle Scope is off the charts. This makes it the classic go-to hunting scope for every hunter looking to become more competitive in the hunting fields.
Built with a second focal plane BDC reticle, the rifle scope is good for hunting at varying distances where estimation holdover is often a concern. More importantly, its lenses are fully multi-coated to boost light transmission and offer crystal clear sight pictures from dawn till dusk. This and the precision glide erector system guarantee accurate tracking and repeatability which are vital for a hunting scope.
The durability of this scope is stunning. It has a solid, one-piece tube that is ultra-sturdy, shockproof and anodized to be rust proof and scratch resistant. On top of that are metal on metal precision turrets that provide greater protection from bumps as well as the ability to zero reset after sighting in.
For added protection from elements, the scope is sealed with O-rings and argon purged so it is fully waterproof, dust proof and fog resistant. It is also outfitted with a fast focus eyepiece that helps with simple and quick reticle focusing.
Features
- SFP Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Metal on metal precision turrets
- Fully waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- One-piece main tube
- Hard anodized finish
- Aircraft grade aluminum construction
Pros
- Great glass quality
- Easy on the wallet
- Ultra-lightweight and durable
Cons
- Short eye relief
- Non-illuminated
Read Also
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- 8 Best Rimfire Scope for Hunting
- Best Budget LPVO Scopes
- Best Scopes for 223 Coyote Hunting
How to Choose a 3-9×40 Hunting Scope
Below is a list of the important things you need to consider when shopping for the best 3-9×40 hunting scope.
Durability
Durability is very important in hunting scopes. Hunting can be rough on the optics and the scope’s entire body especially when you are hunting in the less ideal terrains.
Look at the body of the scope and its construction quality. Normally, the best scopes in terms of durability are made from either aircraft grade aluminum or magnesium alloy. The best 3-9×40 hunting scope should also be shockproof to withstand whatever punishment you subject it to and weatherproofed for all-weather reliability.
Reticle Type
The reticle in a scope determines how simple to use the aiming point will be. Reticle options in hunting scopes range from standard cross hairs to mid-dot reticles that go a long way to fine tune your accuracy at long ranges. Get a scope whose reticle is simple to use depending on your skills and experience. Scopes with illuminated reticles are not a must but they do come as an added bonus when you are hunting in low light settings.
Optics Quality
To place a clean shot on the game you are hunting, you will need to have a clear sight picture of it. This is only achievable if the scope has good glass elements and solid lens coatings. So, ensure that the optic you get is outfitted with quality glass such as extra-low dispersion glass. The best 3-9×40 hunting scope should also have a number of anti-reflective lens coatings put on the optics to enhance light transmission.
Weight
The next thing to consider is weight. For hunting, you will need a scope that is ultralight for easy maneuverability. Aside from that, hunting for an extended period of time often causes muscle soreness. Getting a scope that doesn’t add any unnecessary weight on your rifle will minimize this. Ultralight scopes also have the additional benefit of being simple to use and more durable as they scatter recoil in a more efficient manner.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is a measure of how far your eye has to be from the scope and still provide a full field of view. It is important in that is alleviates eye fatigue and prevents eye injury when you are shooting with a rifle that generates high recoil. A tip is to get a scope that has an eye relief longer than 3.5 inches at both low and high magnification levels. Such a hunting scope will be comfortable to glass with and safe to use with high caliber weapons.
Final Thoughts
Finding a quality and top-performing 3-9×40 hunting scope doesn’t have to be a hard chore. With proper information at hand, it will be easy for you to find a scope that best fits your hunting tactics and needs. Factor in the kind of game you will be hunting, the hunting distance and environment, then use this guide for find the optic that will change the way you hunt for the better this season.