M1903 Springfield is a bolt-action rifle that has been in use for over a century now. It was first made for military use after which it became a popular choice for civilian shooters. If you are looking to accessorize your M1903 Springfield, we have put together this best scope for M1903 Springfield comprehensive guide to help you find the best model for your needs.
The primary function of a scope in M1903 Springfield is to boost your aim and ensure that you acquire targets accurately. On top of that, a scope is important for maximizing visibility especially in low light settings, bringing you close to the targets at extended ranges and making your overall shooting performance more competitive.
However, finding the best scope for M1903 Springfield is no mean feat. Today, you will find an array of rifle scopes in different sizes and designs available on the market. These scopes vary in features and performance so you need to make your selection carefully. Luckily, we are here to help. Below, you will find a roundup of the features that make a great scope for M1903 Springfield and a list of the best-rated rifle scopes to choose from.
What Makes a Great Scope for M1903 Springfield?
A great scope for M1903 Springfield balances a wide range of features and the first one is versatile magnification. This rifle has an effective range of 100-300 yards. It is therefore important for the scope to have a magnification that is versatile enough to cover such range with ease.
Furthermore, the ideal scope for M1903 Springfield should have an optical system that is of high quality to complement the magnification and provide clear views of targets in all lighting conditions.
The other essential features that the best scope for M1903 Springfield should have include:
- Lightweight and portable design to enable easy maneuverability in the field
- A reticle system that is user-friendly, accurate and uncluttered
- Generous and accommodating eye relief
- Durable and robust construction to handle the environments that you will be using it in
- A housing that is fully waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
Best Scopes for M1903 Springfield
1) Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope is our first scope recommendation for the M1903 Springfield. Built with durability in mind, this variable powered rifle scope harbors a multitude of highly advanced features that make it the best scope for M1903 Springfield.
With the variable 3.5-10x magnification, the scope is ideal for hunting and shooting applications at close to long ranges. The magnification is offered in the second focal plane reticle for easy target acquisition at all the distances.
Furthermore, the scope is built like a tank. It is crafted with an extremely durable and robust body to guarantee many years of field use. On top of the quality construction, this rifle scope is argon purged and sealed against dust and moisture so you can trust it to stand up to any cold and wet conditions.
Another impressive thing about the scope is optical performance. It has a Xtended Twilight Lens System for unequaled light management. It also features a Diamondcoat 2 lens coating that works together with the large 40mm objective lens to enhance light transmission and maximize optical clarity.
Features
- Lockable fast focus eyepiece
- 5-10x variable magnification
- DiamondCoat 2 lens coating
- Twin bias spring erector system
- Waterproof, dust proof and fog proof
- 1-inch body tube
- Second focal plane reticle
- 6061-T6 aluminum material
- Xtended Twilight Lens System
Pros
- Good eye relief
- Large field of view
- Plenty mounting space
- Bright, crisp and clear optics
- Clear optics with great low light visibility
2) Bushnell Prime 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Bushnell is a household name in the industry of optics. It has a reputation of manufacturing premium quality, easy to use and cost-effective optics and this is clear in the Prime 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope.
The foundation of this versatile optic is the variable 3-9x magnification power which is offered in the rear focal plane. At close ranges, the scope provides an extremely large field of view for quick target finding. Furthermore, you get rapid acquisition of targets when you ramp up the zoom to 9x.
In terms of construction, this rifle scope is built in a 1-inch tube which is durable enough to withstand any abuse, yet lightweight for convenient carrying in the field. Over and above that, the tube is fully protected from water, dust and other elements for all weather use.
The aiming point of this rifle scope is a Multi-X reticle. It uses thick lines for rapid and accurate target acquisition in any environment. Better yet, it has an illuminated dot in the center that enables confident aiming in low level light settings.
Features
- Second focal plane Multi-X reticle
- 1-inch body tube
- Robust aluminum housing
- Variable 3-9x magnification
- Capped finger-adjustable turrets
- Broadband anti-reflection lens coatings
- 60 MOA windage and elevation adjustment range
- Protective EXO barrier coatings
- Waterproof and nitrogen filled
- Red 1/2 MOA center aiming dot
Pros
- Partially illuminated reticle
- Generous eye relief
- Excellent finish quality
- Clear glass
- Low cost
Cons
- Battery life
3) Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Third in our list of the best scope for M1903 Springfield is the Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope. This rifle scope is a popular choice for all-round hunting, but it is also ideal for target shooting.
It has pop-up dials which provide simple, precise adjustment of windage and elevation. This enables smooth handling and precise shooting when the heat is on. Other than that, the scope has a fast focus eyepiece for smooth reticle focusing and a precision-glide erector system that guarantees accurate tracking and reliability.
Solid construction is another stand out feature of this rifle scope. It is crafted with aircraft grade aluminum which guarantees unmatched durability, even with everyday use. Furthermore, the tube has a hard anodized finish that is scratch proof, rust proof and anti-reflective.
To complement the quality construction, the Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope has a reliable waterproof and fog proof protection. This guarantees reliable performance in all environments.
The other essential features included are MAG-View fiber optic, capped reset turrets and an uncluttered and easy to use reticle put in the second focal plane.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- Aircraft grade aluminum housing
- Capped reset turrets
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Hard anodized finish
- Fully waterproof and fog proof
- Single-piece 1-inch tube
- Precision-glide erector system
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Precision-force spring system
Pros
- Good build quality
- Crisp and clear optics
- Good turrets
- Lightweight
Cons
- Short eye relief
4) Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 mm Rifle Scope
Designed with ease of use in mind, the Fullfield II 3-9×40 mm Rifle Scope is your ideal option if you are just getting started in hunting and target shooting. It is reasonably affordable yet rich in features that you need to make the most out of your expeditions.
This rifle scope has a broad 50 MOA adjustment range for both windage and elevation. It provides stunning accuracy in all ranges no matter the situation. On top of that, it boasts positive steel-on-steel adjustments for repeated accuracy.
Burris makes its optics with durability in mind and this rifle scope is not any different. It has durable 1-inch body tube that protects the optics from impact and abuse. The tube is shockproof to enhance longevity and fully waterproof and fog proof to prevent optics damage when you use it in wet environments.
Moreover, the Fullfield II 3-9×40 mm Rifle Scope is built with high grade optical glass which provides stunning brightness and clarity. It also brings to the table index-matched, Hi-Lume multi-coatings that aid in glare elimination and low light performance.
Features
- 1-inch body tube
- Waterproof and nitrogen filled
- Durable, integrated eyepiece design
- Rear focal plane reticle
- High-grade optical glass
- Positive steel-on-steel adjustments
- 3-9x total magnification
- Aircraft grade aluminum housing
- 1/4 MOA impact point correction
- Non-reflective matte finish
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Crisp clear glass
- Good value for the price
Cons
- Mushy clicks
- Narrow eye relief at max power
5) Atibal XP8 Mirage 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope
The Atibal XP8 Mirage 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope is a practical and versatile addition to any M1903 Springfield. It is ideal for all hunting and shooting applications where quick target acquisition is vital.
The selling point of this rifle scope is construction quality. It is built in a 30mm tube to enhance strength and durability. Furthermore, the aircraft quality aluminum tube is built waterproof, fog proof and dust proof for use even in the adverse weather conditions.
Not only is the build quality of this rifle scope outstanding, but also optical performance. Thanks to the premium-grade glass elements and the fully multi-coated lenses, the scope yields stunning optical clarity from sunrise till sunset.
Furthermore, the reticle is laser etched and illuminated to ensure optimal aiming in low light. Besides, there are 11 different brightness setting to optimize its visibility depending on the lighting condition you will be using the scope in.
Features
- Low profile turrets
- Laser etched reticle
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 11 adjustable brightness settings
- Rapid view lever
- 120 MOA windage and elevation adjustment range
- 30mm tube
- Second focal plane reticle
- 1-8x variable magnification
Pros
- Clear and bright glass
- Illuminated reticle
- Long eye relief
- Large field of view
- Built to last
Cons
- Battery not included
6) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is by far the best scope for M1903 Springfield for hunting. It is designed with the ardent hunter in mind and excels in nearly all hunting environments.
This rifle scope employs a Twilight Light Management System which provides brilliant image clarity and detail even in low light. It also features a large 40mm objective lens that complements the top-notch glass elements by drawing in more light.
In terms of construction, the scope has a robust 6061-T6 aluminum body tube that is rigid enough to take in any abuse. The excellent craftmanship coupled with the waterproof and fog proof protection make the scope ideal for use in any weather condition.
For extra value, the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope has a lightweight design of 12.2oz only for easy maneuverability. It also maintains a generous eye relief across the 3-9x zoom range to ensure comfortable and safe glassing, with or without eyewear.
Features
- Matte finish
- Second focal plane reticle
- Twilight Light Management System
- Fixed parallax
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- 60 MOA adjustment range
- 1-inch body tube
- Scratch resistant lenses
- 1/4 MOA finger click adjustment
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Lightweight and portable design
- Clear and quality glass
- Ruggedized construction
- Ease of use
Cons
- No covers included
7) Athlon Optics Talos 3-12x40mm Rifle Scope
The last scope recommendation in our list of the best scope for M1903 Springfield is Athlon Optics Talos 3-12x40mm Rifle Scope. Designed for value and versatility, this scope is here to fine tune your accuracy and take your hunting and shooting to the next level.
This rifle scope is engineered stylishly with the most advanced materials to weather any abuse that you subject it to. The one-piece tube construction maximizes durability in all fields and with the waterproof and fog proof design, you can use the scope in any weather condition.
With a weight of 16.2oz, the scope is lightweight, portable and easy to shoot with. It has capped turrets to prevent accidental adjustment in the field and to offer extra protection from bumps and falls.
And that’s not all. The Talos 3-12x40mm Rifle Scope has fully multi-coated optics that increase the transmission of light and effectively reduce reflected light. This guarantees bright and clear image views, even in low light. The scope also features an illuminated reticle which makes it perfect for use the light glow of dawn and dusk.
Features
- 1-inch tube
- Second focal plane reticle
- Aircraft grade aluminum housing
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- IPX-7 waterproof rating
- Heat-treated 1-piece tube
- Fog proof and shock proof
- Capped turrets
- 3-12x total magnification
Pros
- Lighted reticle
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to install and use
- Good value
- Excellent craftmanship
Cons
- Poor eye relief at highest zoom
What Magnification Do You Need?
It is important to have the correct scope magnification when using the M1903 Springfield for either hunting or shooting. Magnification gets you closer to the targets that are far away and enhances your shooting precision at such distances.
Given that the M1903 Springfield has an effective firing range of 100 to 300 yards, you need a variable powered scope with moderate zoom for such a range. And going by the 3x rule for every 100 yards, a scope with 3-9x is the most ideal. It will enhance your speed of target acquisition without compromising on the field of view which is vital especially for hunting.
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Things to Look for in the Best Scope for M1903 Springfield
Build Quality
The first and most important thing to consider is build quality which is generally determined by the quality of construction and the type of materials used.
The best scope for M1903 Springfield is crafted from magnesium alloy, aircraft grade aluminum alloy or any other high-quality material. Such scopes are a force to reckon with when it comes to durability, longevity and overall performance.
Field of View
Field of view is a measure of the whole area you can see when you look through the scope’s eyepiece. It is measured in feet at every 1000 yards and varies from one rifle scope to the other.
Irrespective of whether you plan to use the scope for hunting, target shooting or any other application, it is important to get a model with a large field of view. It will enhance your overall glassing comfort and ensure that you find your targets with ease.
Picture Quality
The next important thing to take into consideration is picture quality which is determined by the glass elements the scope uses and the type of lens coatings. The best scope for M1903 Springfield uses high-grade glass elements to maximize resolution, color and image quality. On top of that, the scope should have solid anti-reflective lens coatings applied on all air to glass surfaces to enhance image brightness and clarity.
Reticle System
Look for a scope that is built with an easy-to-use reticle system. The aiming point should be uncluttered to ensure precision aiming all through. Furthermore, it is wise to get a scope with an illuminated reticle for precision aiming in low light settings of dawn and dusk.
FAQs
- What is the M1903 Springfield good for?
The M1903 Springfield is an iconic bolt-action rifle that is unrivaled when it comes to versatility. With the inherent accuracy and smooth operation, it is well suited for hunting, target shooting and marksmanship competitions.
- What scope size is best for M1903 Springfield?
3-9x and 4-12x are the best scopes sizes for the M1903 Springfield. Scopes with such a moderate magnification power provide a large field of view for quick target finding. Additionally, they offer the ultimate balance of speedy target acquisition and versatility to complement the performance and multi-functionality of this rifle.
Final Words
Finding the best scope for M1903 Springfield does not have to be a hard, unpleasant task. Consider the features and specs that you need the scope to have and then focus on finding a model that blends best with your individual needs. Hopefully, the information in this article has been of significant help to you and you are now well-informed to make the right purchase.