Are you in the hunt for the best scope for 50 BMG? If yes, you are in the right place. The 50 Browning Machine Gun (BMG) is a powerful and ultra-versatile round that has been on the market for over a century now. It is majorly used in the military but over the years it has seen a surge in popularity among long-range hunters and shooters.
If you use the 50 BMG for whatever application, a scope is a valuable item to have. You don’t need just any scope, but a scope that offers superior accuracy at extended ranges and one that can handle heavy recoil.
In this post, we have outlined the important attributes that make a great scope for 50 BMG and also shared some of the best models that pair well with this popular cartridge.
What Makes a Great Scope for 50 BMG?
A great scope for 50 BMG is made of several attributes and the first one is high magnification. You can take shots as far as 1000 yards with this round. At such a range, you are going to need a high magnification power to bring the distant targets closer.
Secondly, the scope should have a large objective lens to maximize low-light performance and offer bright image views even at high magnification settings. On top of that, the optics should be made from high-quality glass to enhance image quality and possess quality coatings for bright and clear image views.
Furthermore, the scope should have an accommodating eye relief to safeguard your eye from the heavy recoil the round generates and a lightweight housing to scatter the recoil and enhance mobility. Above all, the scope should be practical, easy to use and reliable in any weather and lighting condition.
Best Scope for 50 BMG – Our Top Picks
Given the wide selection of scopes for 50 BMG available on the market today, picking the right unit is easier said than done. To make your selection process less daunting, here are the top 7 scopes for 50 BMG available on the market currently. Let’s take a look.
1) Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane Riflescopes
The Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 FFP rifle scope offers a plethora of impressive features at a price that is hard to pass. Adding this scope onto your 50 BMG will enhance your shooting accuracy at any range and boost your shooting confidence as well.
It is designed to be used for both long range hunting and tactical shooting. It features a broad 6-24x zoom power which gives you the flexibility to take shorts from medium to extended ranges. It also has a large 50mm aperture which optimizes low light performance and image crispness at every zoom power.
Furthermore, the scope boasts an EBR-2C FFP reticle that aids in ranging as well as holdovers or windage corrections at every magnification. Housed inside the solid block of aircraft grade aluminum is XD elements that optimizes resolution and color fidelity, and fully coated lenses that provide better light transmission for greater image brightness and clarity.
More importantly, the scope is sealed with strong O-rings and purged with nitrogen to be fully waterproof, dustproof and fog proof. Other essential features that makes the scope more functional are a magnification rib, precision-glide erector system and exposed tactical turrets.
Features
- Versatile and variable 6-24x zoom power
- Hard anodized finish
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Precision glide erector system
- XD lens elements
- EBR-2C FFP reticle
- Magnification rib
Pros
- Crisp clear image views
- Lightweight but sturdy
- Easy to use
- Bright glass
- Great value for money
Cons
- No zero stop
- Image becomes less fine at high magnification
2) NIGHTFORCE SHV 5-20x56mm ZeroSet .250 MOA Scope
The SHV 5-20x56mm ZeroSet .250 MOA Scope offers virtually every feature that you require as a long range hunter and shooter. It is designed and built with high-end optics, a broad zoom range and a plethora of other high-end features to boost your precision at extended ranges.
The scope has a 30mm body tube which provides abundant room for reticle movement as well as windage and elevation adjustments. It also has a ZeroSet function that allows for easy and rapid return to your initial zero no matter the number of elevations made and a side parallax knob for parallax elimination.
Furthermore, the scope offers a generous eye relief and field of view, both of which are vital for rapid target acquisition. It also has a lightweight design of 1.8 pounds only so it will be easy to carry in the field.
Features
- 30mm body tube
- Second focal plane reticle
- 5-20x variable magnification range
- Side parallax adjustment
- 80 MOA of elevation adjustment
- ZeroSet technology
Pros
- Excellent long range accuracy
- Good reticle
- Generous eye relief
- Great image brightness and crispness
Cons
- Big budget
- Slightly heavy
3) Leupold VX-3i LRP 6.5-20x50mm Side Focus Riflescope
The renowned reputation of Leupold making outstanding optical instruments is clear with the VX-3i LRP 6.5-20x50mm Side Focus Riflescope. It pairs pretty well with the 50 BMG where it offers match grade accuracy and repeatability.
Outstanding optical clarity awaits you when you get this scope. Even in low light settings, it offers outstanding image brightness, sharpness and vividness. This is thanks to the Twilight Max Light Management System and the large 50mm objective lens.
Moreover, the scope brings to the table a zero-stop feature that makes it easier for you to get back to your initial zero settings and a quick-turn throw lever that makes magnification adjustment a snap. Construction-wise, it has a lightweight and shockproof design that disperses the heavy recoil the round produces for unrivaled durability.
The scope is also tested to perform from -40 to 160℉ and is fully waterproof and fog proof for use under all weather conditions.
Features
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- First focal plane T-MOA reticle
- 100% water, fog and shock proof
- 30mm main tube diameter
- 5-20x magnification range
- Zero-stop feature
Pros
- Long range precision
- Lightweight design
- Crisp image views
- Solid construction
- American quality
Cons
- Costly
4) Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24x50mm Riflescope
Next up is the Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24x50mm Riflescope. It is equipped with a vast 6-24x magnification for taking shots at medium to long ranges. It also features a user-friendly design that makes it ideal for all users no matter their skills and experience.
This rifle scope is ideal for hunting and shooting under virtually any lighting condition. It has a fine illuminated second focal plane reticle to ensure that you place the shot precisely in any hunting situation. Better yet, the scope employs tried-and-true Zeiss optics that generate high-quality sight pictures from sunrise till sunset.
In terms of construction, this top-performing scope is built to offer unbeatable durability. It has a ruggedized 30mm body tube that is rigid enough to stand up to whatever you and nature throw at it. It is also fully waterproof and fog proof to ensure that you get clear views and reliable performance even under bad weather conditions.
Features
- Versatile 4x zoom ratio
- Tactical MOA turret
- 30mm main tube
- Second focal plane reticle
- Waterproof and fog proof design
- High-end optics
- Side parallax adjustment
- Exposed elevation turret
Pros
- Reticle illumination
- Rugged and functional design
- Superb glass quality
- Great light gathering ability
Cons
- Big budget
- Slightly heavy
5) Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24×50 First Focal Plane Riflescope
The Argos BTR GEN2 6-24×50 is the best scope for 50 BMG for the money. It has features found in high-end scopes at a price that is easy on your wallet. This plus the user-friendly design makes it ideal for all users, even beginners.
One of the features that make the scope stand out is the superior optical finesse. It boasts fully multi-coated optics which reduce light reflection and increase the transfer of light. This gives you brilliantly crisp and color rich image views from sunrise till sunset. It is also equipped with an XPL lens coating, a protective coating that provides extra protection from dirt, oil stains and scratches.
The scope is also equipped with capped turrets to prevent accidental dialing while you are on the field and a generous eye relief that maximizes eye comfort when you are hunting for an lengthy period of time. It also has a precision Zero Stop system, a glass-etched reticle and a weatherproof construction.
Features
- 30mm main tube
- Glass etched first focal plane reticle
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Precision true zero stop
- Waterproof and fog proof
- XPL coating
Pros
- Easy to use
- Reticle illumination
- Clear glass
- Good reticle
Cons
- Narrower field of view
6) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope
Another best scope for 50 BMG on our list is the Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope. It designed with an array of high-end features to enhance your rifle’s accuracy and efficiency.
Firstly, it features a broad and versatile 5-25x magnification ideal for taking shots at varying ranges and a large 50mm aperture that provides quality image views even at the highest magnification. Even better, the scope boasts XD lens elements and XR fully multi-coated lens which generate bright and crisp clear image views from dawn till dusk.
In terms of construction, this 30mm tube scope is built to last. It has a robust aircraft-grade aluminum body that is tough enough to stand up to the heavy 50 BMG recoil. It is also equipped with a fast focus eye piece for swift reticle focusing and a precision glide erector system that guarantees reliable tracking and repeatability.
Above all, the scope is waterproof and fog resistant to offer dependable performance under any weather condition.
Features
- Hard anodized finish
- XR fully multi-coated lens
- Water, fog and shockproof
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Precision glide erector system
- 30mm body tube
- First focal plane reticle
Pros
- Built-in accuracy features
- Solid construction
- Bright and clear optics
- Easy to use
Cons
- Poor battery
- Shorter eye relief
7) Burris Fullfield II Hunting Scope, Ballistic Plex Reticle
Last but not least is the Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14x42mm Hunting Scope. If you chiefly use the 50 BMG for hunting, this rifle scope is your ideal option.
In addition to having an ultra-versatile zoom power, it boasts high-quality, precision-ground lenses that offer better light transmission for bright and quality image views. Even better, all the lenses are multi-coated to let you hunt with great clarity in all lighting conditions.
This high performance scope is built to be operable in any weather condition. It is waterproof, dustproof and filled with nitrogen gas to be fog free. It also has a knurled zoom ring which provides greater durability and an easy grip even in wet weather conditions.
Above all, the scope has a durable, 1-inch single tube that is tough enough to endure shock, impact and high recoil.
Features
- 1-inch tube
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Adjustable objective lens
- High-grade optical glass
- Hunter turrets
- 5-14x magnification
- Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses
Pros
- Excellent brightness and clarity
- Affordable pricing
- Top notch quality
- Crisp adjustment
- Superb low light performance
Cons
- It is a 1-inch scope
- Reticle not illuminated
Read Also
- Best Scope for 300 Win Mag
- Best Scope for 450 Bushmaster
- Best Scope for 350 Legend
- Best Vortex Scopes for Elk Hunting
Best Scope for 50 BMG Buyer’s Guide
When you are shopping for the best scope for 50 BMG, here are the essential factors you need to consider.
Magnification
Given that the 50 BMG is mainly used for long range shooting and hunting, it is important to get a scope with a high magnification. The higher the magnification the scope has, the longer the distance you will be able to cover.
At the very least, you will need a variable scope with 10x maximum magnification. It is also important to choose a scope with a vast magnification to get the most out the round. The broader the zoom of the scope, the more flexible it becomes for taking shots at varying distances and in different environments as well.
Lens Material
To take an accurate shot at extended ranges, you must have a clear view of the target. This calls for a scope that employs high-grade lens such as ED, HD or any other better lens. To add on that, the lenses should be fully coated or multi-coated for optimal image brightness and sharpness.
Tube Size
When it comes to taking shooting at extended ranges, it is wise to get a scope with a 30mm body tube or more. This is regardless of the shooting or hunting activity you are engaged in.
The larger the body tube, the more room the scope offers for reticle movement as well as windage and elevation adjustment. This can enhance your aiming and the durability of the scope.
Reticle
The next important feature to take into account is the reticle. Go for a reticle that is easy to use even if you are a seasoned hunter/shooter. You will have an easier time in the field which translates to greater performance.
You also need to consider if the reticle is put on the first or second focal plane. For the first focal plane, the reticle changes in size throughout the zoom. This allows for accurate ranging, windage and holdover corrections.
On the other hand, a second focal plane scope stays at a constant size at every zoom. This keeps the sub tensions accurate through the whole zoom.
Build Quality
The best scope for 50 BMG must have a robust housing. It should be sturdy enough to take in the heavy recoil this round produces. In addition, when you have a scope that is well-built, you will find it to be more reliable across various situations.
The scope you get should also be rated to be fully waterproof, dust proof and fog resistant.
Weight
Whether you purpose to use the scope for hunting, competitive shooting or tactical applications, choose a unit that is lightweight. It will be portable, easy to mount and sight. A lightweight scope will also do a great job at dispersing the high recoil the 50 BMG produces.
Best Scope for 50 BMG FAQs
- What is the effective range of the 50 cal?
This depends on numerous factors. In the hands of a marksman who is trained well and well-practiced, they can shoot the 50 caliber rifles out to 2000 yards accurately. A less experienced shooter/hunter on the hand can shoot the 50 caliber rifle accurately to about 1000 yards when all other factors are in their favor.
- Is the 50 BMG legal?
It depends. In many places, it is legal to use it for hunting and shooting applications. However, it is illegal in California.
- What scope magnification is needed for 1000 yards?
If you are looking to place an accurate shot for a target that is 1000 yards away, you need a scope with at least 10x magnification. You can also go higher to make target finding more convenient.
- Do I need a special scope for 50 BMG?
Yes. You need a scope that is rated for 50 BMG or higher calibers. This ensures that the scope is sturdy enough to handle the heavy recoil the round produces.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you have found some insight into the best scope for 50 BMG and you can now make the right selection. All the scopes listed above perform exceptionally well when paired with the 50 BMG. Invest in any one of them and use it to take your hunting and shooting skills to the next big level this season.