Elk is one of the most sought large games by hunters and taking down this huge animal is not only exciting but also challenging. Elk are fast and highly alert animals whose sense of smell, sight, and hearing is remarkable.
This means that having the best riflescopes for elk hunting is imperative to having a successful hunting experience. Having a good scope on your hunting rifle enables you to cover different ranges which contributes to increased shooting accuracy.
What to Look for in the Best Elk Hunting Riflescopes
The key to finding the best riflescope for elk hunting is first knowing the important features needed during hunting. Such features include lens quality, magnification, construction design, and ease of use.
The quality of the glass in any scope plays an important role in the clarity of the images you’ll get. Elk hunting scopes must have their lenses fully coated to produce bright and clear image views from dawn to dusk.
The scope should also have a variable magnification suitable for shooting at varying ranges. The main tube should have a rugged and durable construction capable of withstanding the harshest hunting environments while also withstanding shock and recoil. T
o ensure all-weather reliability, the scope you choose to buy should be fully waterproof, fog-proof and thermal stability. Lastly, the best elk hunting scope should be easy to use, lightweight and easy to carry around.
What makes a Good Scope for Big Game Hunting?
Multiple features make for a good scope for big game hunting. First, the scope must have a long eye relief. Scopes with long eye relief not only boost the shooter’s confidence but also provide a wide field of view. Additionally, scopes with long eye relief make it easier to rapidly load your firearm.
A big game hunting scope should also durable and sturdy enough to withstand the different kinds of environments that these animals live in. The scope should also be lightweight, portable, and have the proper reticle.
10 Best Riflescopes for Elk Hunting | Big Game Scope
Whether you are in the market for a new elk hunting riflescope or you are looking for an upgrade, you are in the right place. With the market offering numerous rifle scopes to choose from, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the best elk hunting riflescopes available in the market today.
1) CV-LIFE 3-9×40 Optics R4 Scope
CV-LIFE 3-9×40 R4 Scope is proof that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a quality scope for elk hunting. Built on a true strength platform, this scope is durable and rugged enough to withstand the harshest hunting environments. The versatile 3-9x magnification works well in varying ranges, both short and long.
The fully multi-coated lenses deliver exceptional light transmission even when hunting under low light conditions. A scratch-resistant exterior lens coating offers protection against dirt, oil, and scratches. To ensure reliable performance in all weather conditions, this scope is fully waterproof and fog proof.
To accommodate all hunters, beginners and professionals, this optic features a user-friendly 3-9x power ring as well as precise windage and elevation adjustment turrets. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry around and you can easily mount it on any rifle that accommodates a 20mm Picatinny mount.
Key Features
- Long and consistent eye relief.
- Versatile 3:1 zoom range.
- Shockproof and recoil resistant.
- Fully multi-coated HD lenses.
- Completely waterproof and fog proof.
- Precise windage and elevation adjustment turrets.
- Lightweight and convenient for hunting.
- Scratch-resistant and protective exterior lens coating.
- User-friendly 3-9x power ring.
- Fit on 20mm Picatinny rails.
- Fast focus eyepiece.
2) Nikon ProStaff 3-9×40 Black Matte Riflescope
Nikon is a well-known brand in the world of optics and the ProStaff 3-9×40 Black Matte Riflescope is one of their best riflescopes for Elk hunting. Made of high-strength aluminum, this optic is extremely sturdy and durable.
Its lenses are fully multi-coated to produce bright and clear image views even at dusk or dawn. The generous 3.6-inch eye relief boosts the shooter’s confidence by keeping their eyes safe from heavy recoil rifles. A quick-focus eyepiece enhances rapid reticle focusing for quick target acquisition.
Other important features include an optional sunshade accessory for minimizing broad daylight glare and precise hand-turn 1/4″ click adjustments. For all-weather reliability, this optic is fully waterproof, shockproof and fogproof as well. Weighing just 1 pound, it is lightweight, portable and convenient for elk hunting.
Key Features
- Generous 3.6” reticle.
- Fast focus eyepiece.
- Fully waterproof and fogproof.
- Lightweight, compact and convenient for hunting.
- Versatile 3-9x magnification power.
- Fully multi-coated optical system.
- Zero-reset turrets with spring-loaded adjustments.
- BDC reticle.
- Black matte finish that camouflages the shooter’s position.
- Optional sunshade accessory.
- Wide field of view.
3) Vortex Optics Viper HS SFP Riflescopes
Elk hunting is much more enjoyable when you use a quality riflescope such as the Vortex Viper HS SFP Riflescope. These high-quality riflescopes rank highly among the best riflescopes for Elk hunting.
The scopes pack an array of impressive features suitable for hunting elk. With an advanced optical system plus the XR fully multi-coated lenses, this optic delivers superior edge-to-edge image clarity from dusk till dawn.
The 4x zoom range brings far-away targets closer while the fast-focus eyepiece ensures quick reticle focusing. This all-around workhorse scope also features a Dead-Hold BDC reticle good for hunting at carrying ranges with estimation holdover concerns.
Furthermore, you can take it out anytime regardless of the weather conditions and still expect reliable performance even when it’s raining. This is because the scope is fully waterproof and fogproof. And that’s not all.
The hard anodized black matte finish enhances durability and camouflages the hunter’s position when hunting. An ultra-hard Armortek lens coating offers protection against dirt, oil and scratches. This optic weighs just 1 pound, so it’s lightweight and doesn’t add unnecessary weight to the rifle.
Key Features
- Lightweight and easy to carry around.
- Advanced optical system.
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Ultra-hard, scratchproof Armortek lens coating.
- Hard anodized black matte finish.
- Unlimited eye relief.
- Fast focus eyepiece.
- Dead-Hold BDC MOA reticle.
- XR, fully multicoated lenses.
- Capped reset turrets.
- Versatile 4x zoom.
- Extremely sturdy and durable construction.
4) Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Riflescope with Truplex Reticle
If you are in the market for a cheap yet quality riflescope for elk hunting, Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm is a great choice for you. These high-quality riflescopes feature a wide range of high-quality features suitable for hunting large games including the Elk.
Its lenses are fully multi-coated to deliver brighter, clearer high-contrast images from dusk to dawn. Other than being fully waterproof and fogproof, this optic has a TrueZero windage and elevation adjustment system that holds zero even in the most strenuous hunting environment.
Moreover, it has a quick target acquisition eyepiece for quick and simple target acquisition and 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustment. Weighing just 0.63 pounds, this riflescope is extremely lightweight yet durable and rugged enough to withstand the harshest hunting environments. It also features a black matte finish which reduces glare and camouflages the hunter’s shooting position.
Key Features
- Truplex reticle.
- Quick target acquisition eyepiece.
- Lightweight and easy to use.
- Generous eye relief.
- 1/4 MOA audible and sure grip windage and elevation adjustments.
- Wide field of view.
- Superior structural integrity.
- Value-priced hunting scope.
- Waterproof, fog proof and recoil proof.
- Matte black finish.
- Fully multi-coated lenses.
5) Vortex Optics Diamondback SFP Riflescope
Every hunter can trust the Diamondback SFP Riflescope from Vortex to make their elk hunting activity a success. Good for hunting at varying ranges, this riflescope features a versatile 1.75-5x zoom power and a large 32mm objective lens. The lenses on this scope are fully multi-coated for brilliant and clear images in different lighting conditions.
To prevent the scope from getting damaged by weather elements, the solid one-piece tube is argon purged and O-ring sealed to deliver reliable fog proof and waterproof performance respectively.
This scope also features a fast-focus eyepiece for rapid and easy reticle focusing. The whole unit weighs 1.3 pounds, so it’s lightweight and convenient for hunting.
Key Features
- Solid one-piece tube with a hard-anodized finish.
- Fast focus eye eyepiece.
- Fully multi-coated optical system.
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle.
- Lightweight yet durable.
- Hard-wearing and sturdy construction.
- Fully waterproof and fogproof.
- High-quality budget scope
- Precision glide erector system ensures error-free tracking and repeatability.
- Superb zoom range.
6) Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope
Leupold has become a household name for avid big-game hunters. As one of the best riflescopes for Elk hunting, the VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope is designed with high-quality features at a reasonably affordable price. Designed and assembled in the USA, this rifle scope makes for a bright and clear optic that will last you for decades.
The finger-adjustable, tactile turrets allow simple, accurate sight-in and field adjustments while the fast-focus eyepiece ensures rapid reticle focusing. The versatile 3:1 zoom range works perfectly in almost any hunting environment.
Made with 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, this scope is extremely durable and rugged enough to withstand the harshest hunting environment. Additionally, it is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to deliver reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance.
For outstanding performance in low light conditions, this riflescope has its lenses fully multi-coated to enhance image brightness and clarity from dusk to dawn. The coating of the lenses also provides a high level of abrasion resistance. In addition to being shockproof, this scope is also good at shrugging recoil, so you can hunt harder than before.
Key Features
- Unparalleled low-light performance.
- Extremely versatile 3:1 zoom ratio.
- Duplex reticle.
- Anodizing matte finish.
- Lightweight and convenient for hunting.
- Fully waterproof, fogproof and shockproof.
- Rugged and durable construction.
- Twilight Max Light Management system.
- DiamondCoat 2 ion assist lens coating.
- Precision ¼ MOA windage and elevation adjustments.
- Unlimited eye relief.
7) Vortex Optics Crossfire II SFP, 1-Inch Tube Riflescopes
When it comes to big game hunting, it’s hard to beat the Vortex 2-7×32 Crossfire II riflescope. This is classic go-to-hunting scope is equipped with all features that an Elk hunter will find useful.
The anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission and provide bright and clear views from dusk to dawn while the fog proof and waterproof design ensure that you can hunt under any weather conditions.
Built to withstand the harshest terrain and hunting environment, this riflescope has its single-piece tube crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum which ensures durability, strength, and shockproof performance. The long eye relief keeps you safe from heavy recoil rifles while the ultra-forging eye box enables you to quickly get a sight picture and capture the target.
The riflescope also features finger-adjustable capped reset turrets with MOA clicks that can be easily reset to zero after sighting in. The whole unit is lightweight and very convenient for hunting. Undoubtedly, Crossfire II Riflescopes are solid contenders for the best riflescopes for Elk hunting.
Key Features
- Dead-hold BDC reticle.
- Anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Improved, resettable MOA turrets.
- Fully waterproof and fogproof.
- Fast focus eyepiece.
- Fully multi-coated lenses.
- 1” piece tube for scope integrity and adjustment precision.
- Long eye relief and ultra-forgiving eye box.
8) Hawke Vantage 3-9×50 AO Riflescope
Hawke Vantage 3-9×50 AO Riflescope is one of the best riflescopes for Elk hunting for beginners. It’s not only easy to use, but also relatively affordable. This riflescope features excellent built quality for superior strength and stability under any terrain.
With 11 layers of fully multi-coated lenses, you are assured of excellent image brightness and clarity in any lighting condition. Furthermore, this riflescope is fully waterproof and fogproof, so you can use it in any environment and not worry about it getting damaged.
The adjustable 3-9x magnification is great for both short and medium-range hunting and it’s at this range that most elks are found. The adjustable objective allows for parallax elimination from 10 yards to infinity while the generous eye relief boosts your shooting confidence.
Key Features
- 11-layer fully multi-coated lenses.
- Adjustable objective for parallax elimination.
- 1/4 MOA low profile no-snag fingertip turrets.
- Threaded objective for optional accessories.
- Highly accurate mil-dot reticle.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Aircraft-grade aluminum 1” single-piece tube design.
- Extremely durable and sturdy.
- Long and consistent eye relief.
- Waterproof, fogproof and shockproof.
9) Athlon Optics, Argos BTR, Riflescope
The Argos BTR riflescope is hard to leave behind when it comes to the best riflescopes for Elk hunting. Built on a true strength platform, this scope has high-end features only found in high-end scopes. The versatile 4x magnification is ideal for a wide range of shooting scenarios.
Aside from being easy to use, this optic is easy to mount and highly recommended when it comes to low-light performance. This is made possible by the fully multi-coated lenses that deliver bright and clear image views from dusk to dawn. Its reticle is on the first focal plane and its glass is etched to enhance durability and shock resistance.
Crafted from 6061-T6 aircraft grade aluminum, this riflescope is exemplary sturdy, durable and lightweight as well. It doesn’t add any unnecessary weight to your hunting rifle. It is also argon purged to provide weatherproof performance and better thermal stability.
Key Features
- Waterproof, fogproof and thermal stability.
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction.
- Advanced, fully multi-coated lenses.
- First focal plane illuminated reticle.
- Hassle-free adjustments.
- Easy to use and easy to mount.
- Lightweight and convenient for hunting.
- Exclusive XPR coating that shed of dirt, oil and grease.
- Glass etched reticle.
- 3” eye relief.
10) Bushnell 3-9×40 Riflescope
Elk hunting is made simple with the Bushnell 3-9×40 Riflescope. One unique feature that makes this scope stand out among other best riflescopes for Elk hunting is a throw-down power change lever. The lever can be set able in two different heights, allowing you to customize the scope according to the rifle you are mounting it on.
Most mid-range shooters love this scope because of its versatile 3-9x magnification and the large 40mm objective. Apart from that, this scope features a side focus adjustable parallax that eliminates parallax from 10 yards to infinity. The lenses are fully multicoated to provide bright and clear target views regardless of the lighting conditions.
Furthermore, the exposed target turrets help you dial for windage and elevation adjustment quickly while the BDC reticle enables straightforward hold overshooting at 600 yards.
Weighing just 19 Oz, this riflescope is lightweight and great for hunting. The scope is also waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof to ensure reliable performance in rugged conditions.
Key Features
- Waterproof and fogproof.
- Throwdown PCR Lever.
- Fully multi-coated lenses.
- Generous eye relief.
- Fast focus diopter.
- Side focus adjustable parallax.
- Tough aircraft-grade aluminum construction.
- Mil-based elevation and windage target turrets.
- Lightweight and easy to carry around.
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Best Riflescopes for Elk Hunting Buying Guide
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Scope for Big Game Hunting
Whether you are a hunting professional or just a beginner, here are some of the important factors to consider when buying a scope for big game hunting.
Magnification
Big game hunting requires a scope that can handle long-range as well as close-range. Having a scope with the right magnification not only provides clear target views but also helps you scout and see at further distances.
A scope with a versatile 3-9x magnification is recommended for close to mid-range shooting and daylight shooting as well. In hunting settings where it’s not easy to spot or take down the target, long-range scopes with at least 6-18x magnification are recommended.
With the market offering a multitude of big game hunting scopes to choose from, make sure that the scope you settle for has at least 9x magnification.
Eye Relief
Eye relief refers to the distance between your eye and the scope’s objective lens. The amount of eye relief that your scope has directly affected how comfortable you’ll be shooting.
Scopes with long eye relief boost the shooter’s confidence and also protect their eyes from heavy recoil rifles. The best scope for big game hunting should have a generous eye relief of at least 3.5 inches.
Durability
Riflescopes are major investments that we make, so they should be able to last for long. The material used directly affects how long the scope is going to last. Scopes made of high-quality materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum are extremely durable and sturdy enough to withstand the harshest hunting environment.
The scope should also be fully waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant to ensure reliable performance in all weather conditions.
Glass and Lens
Pay attention to the quality of glass, the size of the objective lens and the lens coating. Scopes with good lens coating prevent light reflection and also enhance better light transmission which helps with brightness and clarity. Scopes with high-quality glass usually have amazing optical clarity for higher accuracy, but they tend to be more expensive.
The size of the objective lens also matters as it directly affects the amount of light transmitted. If you prefer to hunt at dawn or dusk, you will need a scope with a big-sized objective lens to gather more light into the lens. Scopes with at least 40mm objective lens diameter will do.
Type of Reticle
One of the best reticles for long-range, big game hunting is the Duplex reticle. A duplex reticle has heavy sidebars that usually taper to fine crosshairs in the center. Such a reticle allows for rapid target acquisition with the thicker lines however you will still be able to see the target at the intersection of the finer lines.
A big game hunter also needs coarse crosshair reticles because anything finer is difficult to see especially in poor lighting conditions. Some scopes also have illuminated reticles that are greatly beneficial especially when hunting in the dark.
Conclusion
The scope you choose to buy will determine how successful your elk hunting will be. Whether you are looking for a new riflescope or an upgrade, all of the scope listed above are quality and best suited for big game hunting. We love how they offer the best value for the price and we hope that you get to love them too. Which of these best riflescopes for Elk hunting will try first?