To have a successful hunt with the .35 Whelen, you should mount a dependable scope on your rifle. In today’s post, you will find the best 35 Whelen scopes combining high-quality features to create a reliable shooting solution for this cartridge.
In the hunting arena, few cartridges match the performance and versatility of the 35 Whelen. Its ability to produce hydrostatic shock makes it ideal for hunting medium and big game where it makes fast and ethical kills. Besides, it is ideal for hunting across different environments at medium to long distances.
Pairing the .35 Whelen with an efficient scope ensures that you unlock its full potential. When making your selection, it is important to consider factors like magnification power, low light visibility and durable construction to withstand the rigors of hunting fields.
8 Best 35 Whelen Scopes
We have done all the leg work for you and put together a list of scopes meticulously built to match and complement the versatility and performance of the 35 Whelen.
From crisp clear optics to ruggedized construction and uncluttered reticle systems, these scopes make an invaluable companion in all hunting fields.
So, with all that said, let’s jump right in.
1) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is one of the best 35 Whelen scopes. The scope’s dependability, unrivaled accuracy and robust construction are some of the incredible facets of this rifle scope.
It is packed with a comprehensive set of features that make it an ideal choice for hunting game in all kinds of fields. With this rifle scope, you will have a reliable and efficient scope on your gun
The scope features an adjustable 3-9x optical zoom offered in the rear focal plane. It maintains a large depth of view even at the highest zoom power for easy target scanning and acquisition. Besides, the reticle is clear and uncluttered to ensure precision aiming.
As one of the best 35 Whelen scopes, this optic has a lightweight construction of 12.2oz only. Though lightweight, its build quality is ruggedized to weather whatever punishment you throw at it.
Moreover, it is fully waterproof, fogproof and shockproof to enhance durability and enable use even in harsh weather conditions.
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope has generous eye relief to enable snug shooting, with or without eyewear.
It also brings to the table a Twilight Light Management System, an optical coating that brings more glassing light in twilight conditions.
Features
- 1-inch tube diameter
- Second focal plane reticle
- 1/4 MOA finger click adjustment
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Twilight Light Management System
- Scratch resistant lenses
- 3:1 zoom ratio
- 6061-T7 aircraft aluminum housing
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Ease of use
- Great quality glass
Cons
- No lens covers.
- Non illuminated reticle
2) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is an affordable yet durable variable power rifle scope ideal for a wide range of applications including hunting making it a top contender among the best 35 Whelen scopes.
It is a reliable optic for hunters looking to make the most out of their hunting expeditions. The rifle scope is packed with essential features that will transform your hunting experience for the better.
The build quality of this scope is admirable. It is built with rugged aluminum housing which guarantees unmatched durability.
Furthermore, the optical tube is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to perform in driving rain and extreme humidity without fogging up.
Cementing the unmatched durability is an outstanding optical system. The large 40mm aperture works in tandem with the anti-reflective lens coatings to ensure the transmission of bright and detail-rich images across the entire 3-9x magnification range.
Moreover, the Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope has a Dead-Hold BDC reticle put on the second focal plane. This reticle is ideal for hunting at distances where calculating accurate bullet drop is vital.
Features
- One-piece main tube
- Waterproof and nitrogen-purged
- 3-9x total magnification
- Anti-reflective lens coatings
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Rugged aerospace aluminum housing
- Low-profile capped turrets
- 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustment
Pros
- Easy to zero
- Great eye relief
- Bright and clear optics
- Lightweight and durable
Cons
- No parallax adjustment
3) Trijicon Credo CR940 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Designed for close and mid-range applications, the Trijicon Credo CR940 3-9x40mm rifle scope offers the best value for money and is a force to be reckoned with among the best 35 Whelen scopes.
One of the positive attributes that defines this rifle scope is versatility. It provides fast target acquisition on low power and the ability to precisely place shots accurately at all ranges.
This rifle scope excels at close to medium-range engagements making it a prime choice for hunters looking for a reliable shooting solution for the next hunt.
Trijicon builds its optics with durability in mind and this rifle scope is not any different. It is made of 6061-T6 aluminum with a weight-saving 1-inch main tube diameter.
The robust construction coupled with waterproof and fogproof protection makes the scope usable in all weather conditions.
Not only is the build quality of the Credo CR940 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope outstanding but also the optical clarity.
It is built with high-quality glass elements to optimize resolution and color accuracy. In addition, the optics have anti-reflection coatings to maximize light transmission in low light.
The other noteworthy features included are a second focal plane reticle that is partially illuminated and precise 1/4 MOA per click impact point correction.
Features
- Versatile 3-9x magnification range
- 40mm objective lens
- Second focal plane reticle
- 11 illuminated levels
- Easy-focus eyepiece
Low-profile capped turrets
- 50 MOA windage and elevation adjustment ranges
- Durable 6061 aluminum housing
- Scratch-resistant anodized finish
- Fully waterproof and fogproof
- 1-inch tube diameter
Pros
- Lightweight
- Lighted reticle
- Quick and easy adjustments
- Outstanding durability
- Great glass clarity
Cons
- Comparatively expensive
4) Athlon Optics Talos 4-16x40mm Rifle Scope
Athlon Optics Talos 4-16x40mm Rifle Scope is one of the best 35 Whelen scopes for low-light hunting. It provides great low-light visibility to get you on target quickly and ensure accurate shot placement.
This rifle scope is built ready for use in the wild. It has a robust aircraft-grade aluminum body which provides high levels of durability and strength over any terrain.
Furthermore, it is fogproof and IPX-7 rated against moisture and dust for performance in all kinds of weather conditions.
With a weight of 19.1oz only, this optic is lightweight, portable and easy to shoot with. This coupled with the intuitive design makes it an ideal choice for hunters of all levels, including beginners.
Moreover, the scope has fully multi-coated optics that maximize light transfer to provide bright, clear and sharp sight pictures from sunrise to sunset. Other than that, the parallax is adjustable from 15 yards to infinity to ensure precision shooting at long ranges.
Features
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- Waterproof, fogproof and shockproof
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Heat-treated 1-piece tube
- Matte finish
- Second focal plane reticle
- 4-16x variable magnification power
- Adjustable parallax
Pros
- Great low-light visibility
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
- Ease of use
Cons
- Narrow eye relief at max power
5) Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 mm Rifle Scope
Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm is another budget-friendly rifle scope that offers the perfect balance of value and performance. It is ideal for nearly all types of hunting activities where it excels at close and medium ranges.
With the adjustable 3-9x magnification power, this rifle scope provides a significantly spacious field of view at close ranges for rapid target finding. Additionally, it provides a distinct aiming point when you ramp up the zoom power up to 9x.
Solid construction is another attribute that makes the scope stand out. It is made of a lightweight but durable aluminum body to weather the harshest levels of abrasions.
Furthermore, the optical tube is fully protected from rain, dust, fog and other elements to ensure reliable use in all weather conditions.
What’s more, the Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope has finger adjustable turrets which ensure that you compensate for changing conditions in the field quickly and smoothly. It also has a lightweight construction for easy carrying in the field.
Features
- Robust aluminum housing
- Second focal plane reticle
- Index-matched multi-coated lenses
- 50 MOA windage and elevation adjustment
- Matte black anodized finish
- Waterproof and nitrogen-filled
- Capped, low-profile turrets
- One-piece 1-inch main tube
- 3-9x total magnification
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight construction
- Budget-friendly
- Quality construction
- Simple to operate
Cons
- Mushy clicks
6) Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
The resilience and exemplary performance of the Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm rifle scope make it one of the best 35 Whelen scopes.
It has a versatile 4-12x magnification power to get you close to targets at different ranges and enhance your precision at all ranges. This hunting rifle scope delivers all the power you need for medium to long-range shooting.
The build quality of this rifle scope is a force to reckon with. It is crafted from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum which guarantees unrivaled durability without being unnecessarily big and bulky.
Moreover, this rifle scope is purged with argon gas to be thermal stable. It is also waterproof to ensure smooth operability in less ideal weather conditions and hard anodized against scratches and corrosion.
And that’s not all. The Diamondback 4-12x40mm SFP Rifle Scope has a lightweight construction of 14.0z so you don’t have to worry about it affecting the balance of the rifle.
It also boasts a broad 60 MOA adjustment for both windage and elevation for use in all kinds of terrains. Mount this rifle scope on your .35 Whelen for a good hunting experience.
Features
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 1-inch tube diameter
- 1/4 MOA adjustment range
- 4-12x magnification range
- Hard anodized finish
- SFP Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Pop-up dials for windage and elevation adjustment
Pros
- Bright and clear optics
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Unrivaled accuracy
- Lightweight
Cons
- Small eye relief
- Non illuminated reticle
7) Bushnell Engage 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Next up, we have the Bushnell Engage 3-9x40mm rifle scope, which is suitable for hunting in dense brush where low light visibility and a large field of view are essential.
A highlight of this variable-powered scope is low light visibility. It employs index-matched fully multi-coated optics which maximize light transmission for optimal performance in low light.
Besides, the exterior lenses have an EXO barrier lens coating which improves color fidelity while ensuring that the lenses are protected from scratches and dust.
Moreover, the scope has a crisp, uncluttered reticle put on the second focal plane. It is a simple duplex crosshair reticle that is illuminated to ensure precision and confidence aiming in low light.
Over and above that, the scope has precise 1/4 MOA per click impact point correction and 60 MOA adjustment for both elevation and windage. It also has a lightweight but sturdy aluminum housing which is fully waterproof, dustproof and fogproof.
Features
- Traditional crosshair duplex reticle
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Textured, slip-resistant zoom collar
- Capped turrets
- Index-matched fully multi-coated optics
- 1-inch tube diameter
- Proprietary EXO barrier lens coatings
- Matte anodized finish
- IPX-7 waterproof rating
- 3-9x zoom range
Pros
- Quality construction
- Lighted reticle
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Stiff illumination control
8) Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Last on our list of the best 35 Whelen scopes is Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope. This rifle scope is designed as a multi-purpose, utilitarian mid to long-range optic which is suitable for use in all situations.
The optical performance of this scope is phenomenal. It boasts a large 40mm objective lens that collects generous amounts of light to enhance optical clarity.
Additionally, the lenses are fully multi-coated to ramp up the light transmission in low-level light settings. Complementing the optical performance is a lightweight and durable aluminum body that is anodized against scratches and rust.
On top of that, the scope is O-ring sealed and nitrogen-filled to ensure reliable waterproof and fogproof performance. This guarantees superior durability even with everyday use.
The other noteworthy features that make the Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope stand out are a fast focus collar, low-profile turrets and a duplex crosshair style reticle located on the second focal plane.
Features
- 3-9x zoom range
- 40mm objective lens
- Fast focus collar
- 11-layer fully multi-coated optics
- Second focal plane reticle
- 1-inch one-piece main tube
- Waterproof and nitrogen-filled
- Durable aluminum alloy housing
- Low-profile covered turrets
Pros
- Good eye relief
- Lightweight
- Excellent finish
- Great clarity in low light
Cons
- None
Further Reading
- Best Scopes for 350 Legend
- BDC Scopes for 450 Bushmaster
- Best Burris Scopes for 6.5 Creedmoor
- Best 30/30 Scopes
Tips to Choosing the Best 35 Whelen Scopes
Here are a few factors you should consider when shopping for the best 35 Whelen scopes.
Magnification Range
You need a scope that has a powerful magnification to cover the distance you will be shooting at with ease. For close and medium range shooting up to 300 yards where the 35 Whelen excels, a scope with 3-9x is sufficient. Above 300 yards, you will be a scope with a higher magnification of more than 10x.
Reticle Type
Go for a scope that uses a user-friendly reticle system. The most popular reticle types to choose from include, BDC, Duplex, Mil-Dot and traditional crosshair.
It is also better to get an illuminated reticle for confident aiming in all lighting conditions.
Read: Best FFP Scopes for Hunting
Weight
Make sure that you get a scope that is crafted with portability in mind. The best 35 Whelen scopes have a lightweight design of less than 2 lbs. This way, they are portable, easy to shoot and more effective at scattering recoil.
Construction Quality
Look for a scope with a ruggedized construction, preferably from high-quality materials like magnesium alloy or aircraft-quality aluminum. They are sturdy and rigid enough to withstand high levels of abrasion.
The best 35 Whelen scopes also feature reliable waterproofing and fogproof properties to be usable in all weather conditions.
See Also
Best 35 Whelen Scopes FAQs
Q: What is the 35 Whelen Cartridge Used for?
Hunting. The 35 Whelen is a popular medium and big game hunting cartridge. It is known for its multi-functionality and power where it makes ethical kills on the first shot.
Q: What type of Reticle is Best for 35 Whelen?
The ideal type of reticle to use on 35 Whelen depends largely on personal preference. But most hunters prefer to use either the duplex reticle or BDC reticle which offer uncluttered view and enable easy calculation of accurate bullet drop respectively.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you have found our article on the best 35 Whelen scopes to be informative and helpful. With the right scope by your side, you will make every hunting expedition successful and worthwhile. Consider your hunting needs and habits, and use this guide to find the scope that works best for you.