Looking for the best muzzleloader scope? If yes, you have come to the right place. In our buying guide today, we are going to take you through the best muzzleloader scopes.
Adding a scope to your muzzleloader rifle improves your shooting accuracy. The best muzzleloader scopes will improve your scoreboard regardless of the shooting distance as well as make your shooting activity more competitive.
What makes a great Muzzleloader Scope?
Not every scope out there can fit a muzzleloader. However, some companies make scopes for these guns. Muzzleloaders have simple mechanisms. So, you’ll need a scope that’s simple and easy to use. Muzzleloader rifles are mainly used for hunting.
For you to go hunting, you’ll need a scope that’s rugged to withstand different hunting environments. You’ll need a scope that’s waterproof, fog proof and shockproof. The scope should also deliver clear images regardless of the lighting conditions.
Not to mention that the scope should be durable and rugged enough to withstand the recoil produced by this rifle.
7 Best Muzzleloader Scopes
With the market offering so many muzzleloader scopes, choosing the best model get overwhelming especially for first-time buyers. To help you make the right buying decision, we have come up with a review of the top 7 muzzleloader scopes. Let’s dive in!
1) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Scope
Top on our list of the best muzzleloader scopes is the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Scope. Made by one of the renowned optic brands, the Leupold VX-Freedom scope is a great scope option for anyone with a muzzleloader rifle. The scope is packed with tons of high-end features at a reasonably affordable price.
For starters, the sturdiness and durability of the scope are commendable. Built with aircraft-grade aluminum, the scope will provide you with many years of field use. The scope is impact-tested and verified to withstand the heavy recoil from high-powered muzzleloader rifles.
This USA-made scope is also fully waterproof, fogproof and shockproof. This makes it the ideal scope for hunting in any weather condition. The scope comes with variable 3-9x magnification. It’s perfect for shooting close to mid-range targets.
In terms of optical performance, the Leupold VX-Freedom is unparalleled. The scope features a Twilight Light Management System which ensures bright and crisp images from dusk to dawn. You can also extend the range further depending on the shooting activity you are engaged in.
Another impressive feature of the scope is the generous eye relief. You can easily adjust it between 3.66 and 4.17 inches and enjoy comfortable views of the targets.
To top it all, the parallax on this scope is set for 60 yards. This is an optional range when hunting/shooting with any muzzleloader rifle. Without a doubt, Leupold VX-Freedom is a top contender among the best muzzleloader scopes.
Features
- Versatile 3-9x magnification
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Recoil resistant
- Durable aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- Excellent windage and elevation turrets
- Unparalleled low-light performance
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Made in the USA
- Light and portable
- Multi-purpose application
Cons
- No HD glasses
2) Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire Riflescope
Vortex manufactures high-quality optics and their Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire Riflescope is no exception. This rimfire riflescope is highly versatile and compatible with various muzzleloader rifles hence being one of the best muzzleloader scopes.
Also, the scope has some excellent windage and elevation turrets that are easy to use. The turrets are capped and easy to reset to zero after sighting in. First, the scope offers a relatively long eye relief. At around 3.9 inches, your eyes are kept safe from this heavy recoiling rifle.
Not to mention that it gives you comfortable views of the targets. The scope’s lenses are fully multi-coated to enhance light transmission and reduce glare. This gives you bright and clear images even under low light conditions.
When it comes to construction, the scope is made from aircraft-grade aluminum. This makes it durable while keeping weight at a minimum. Besides, the hard-anodized single-piece tube is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to deliver waterproof and fog-proof performance respectively. You should therefore be able to take the scope anywhere and worry less about reliability or durability.
Features
- Fully waterproof and fogproof
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Anti-reflective, fully multicoated lenses
- Capped reset turrets
- Fast focus eyepiece
Pros
- Multipurpose application
- Quick and easy reticle focusing
- Includes lens cap and a lens cleaning cloth
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
- Made in the USA
Cons
- A bit heavy
3) KONUS 9x40mm Zoom KONUSpro 275 Muzzle Loading Scope
The KONUSpro 275 Muzzle Loading Scope is another high-quality scope for muzzleloader rifles. This scope is easy to use and ideal for beginners and professionals alike. The scope has multicoated lenses for superior light transmission. You can therefore use it under different light settings and get bright and clear images.
Weighing about 1.07 pounds, the scope is light and easy to carry around. It doesn’t add any unnecessary weight to your muzzleloader rifle. Besides, you’ll have an easy time walking around as you look for the targets. As one of the best muzzleloader scopes, KONUS Pro 275 is a dedicated scope that offers relentless performance for a shooting experience like no other.
The scope is made from high-quality materials to ensure many years of field use. It is also waterproof, fog proof and shockproof to withstand the harshest outdoor environments.
Other notable features are the heavy caliber recoil-resistant reticle and the finger-adjustable windage and elevation adjustments that are intuitive and easy to use.
Features
- 1 piece tube construction
- Engraved SFP reticle
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Dry nitrogen filled
- Finger-adjustable windage and elevation adjustments
- Multicoated lenses
Pros
- Heavy caliber recoil-resistant reticle
- Light and portable
- Matte finish
- Versatile zoom range
Cons
- Eye relief is not so good
4) Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope
If you mostly shoot/hunt with your muzzleloader rifle under low light situations such as dusk or dawn, the Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope is your ideal scope.
This scope delivers unparalleled low-light performance making it one of the best muzzleloader scopes. This is a multi-purpose scope suitable for multiple shooting activities.
The versatile 3.5-10x delivers legendary performance in almost any scenario. Built for rugged outdoor use, this scope handles everything thrown at it. It’s made with advanced sealing methods to withstand extreme temperature changes, shock and recoil. It’s also waterproof and fogproof for reliable performance in any weather condition.
Another impressive feature is the Zerolock custom dial system which eliminates the need for holdovers and ballistic calculations. Simply use this dial and simplify long-range shots. To top it all, the riflescope is designed and made in the USA. This guarantees that you are getting a quality product.
Features
- Duplex reticle
- Zero lock custom dial system
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Unparalleled low-light performance
- Legendary Leupold ruggedness
- Versatile 3:1 zoom ratio
Pros
- Relentless performance
- Matte finish
- Lightweight
- Made in the USA
Cons
- No HD glass
5) Nikon PROSTAFF P3 2-7×32 Matte
Nikon made the PROSTAFF P3 2-7×32 Matte deliver exceptional optical performance and reliability over years of tough field use. For hunters, this scope strikes the perfect balance between a wide field of view at low magnification and enhanced detail at high magnification.
The scope is renowned for its superior optical performance. All air-to-glass surfaces feature fully multicoated anti-reflective coatings which deliver bright, clear and true-to-life images under any lighting conditions. As one of the best muzzleloader scopes, Prostaff P3 provides very clear views regardless of the ambient light.
All PROSTAFF P3 2-7×32 Matte scopes feature a rugged, one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum housing. This durable yet light construction is designed to provide long-lasting durability and ensure many years of field use. Not to mention that they are O-ring sealed to lock out moisture, dirt and debris.
Another notable and impressive feature is the generous and consistent eye relief. It helps you get on target easily while keeping your eyebrows safe from this heavy recoil rifle. The windage and elevation turrets are also marked clearly for quick and easy adjustments.
Features
- Hand-turn 1/4MOA adjustments
- Spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets
- Robust aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- The quick focus eyepiece
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Rubber bumper ring on the outer eyepiece for added protection
Pros
- Lightweight
- Generous and consistent eye relief
- Bright, clear and true-to-life image views
- User-friendly
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- The surface of the scope shows scratches easily
6) Bushnell Trophy Muzzle Loader Scope
If you are on the market for a lightweight muzzleloader scope that is easy to carry around, then you can hardly go wrong with the Bushnell Trophy Muzzle Loader Scope.
The optical performance of this scope is something to be proud of. With fully multi-coated lenses and a rain guard HD lens coating, you get 91% light transmission regardless of the weather or lighting conditions. Not to mention the seven configurations and 6 reticle options.
This scope has been made to withstand anything thrown to it. The 1-inch one-piece tube is made with high-quality materials for durable performance. Besides, the scope comes with an integrated saddle and it is fully waterproof, fogproof and shockproof.
To top it all, the scope has a fast-focus eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing. It also has 1/4 MOA fingertip windage and elevation adjustments. Packed with impressive features, this Bushnell muzzleloader scope promises nothing but an excellent hunting experience.
Features
- Fully multicoated optics
- 100% waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- 3-D magnification
- 1/4 MOA fingertip windage and elevation adjustments
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Rain guard HD lens coating
Pros
- User friendly
- 4-inch eye relief
- Lightweight
- Best-in-class light transmission
Cons
- Smaller magnification capability
7) Burris Fullfield II Ballistic Plex Scope
If you are on a budget, the Burris Fullfield II Ballistic Plex Scope is your ideal muzzleloader scope. It’s renowned for its accuracy, reliability and affordability. Made with hunters in mind, the scope provides unparalleled low-light optical performance.
The high-quality optical glass provides impressive clarity and contrast. Besides, the multi-coated, no-glare optics let you hunt down targets under any lighting conditions.
The scope is very easy to use. It has a simple, integrated eyepiece for quick target acquisition. Moreover, the eyepiece has a powering with a non-slip grip for quick adjustment.
In terms of construction, the scope is very durable. The 1-piece tube construction makes it sturdy and hard-wearing. Plus, it’s fully waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof for rugged outdoor use.
More importantly, this scope offers improved light transmission. It has premium quality, precision ground lenses which are larger compared with similar products.
This gives you better light transmission from dusk to dawn. The scope is also lightweight and great for hunting. To top it all, it’s parallax adjustable from 50 yards to infinity.
Features
- Variable 3-9x magnification power
- 1-ich tube construction
- Fully waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Quality, precision-ground lenses
- Hi-Lume multicoated lenses
- Parallax adjustable from 50 yards to infinity
Pros
- Affordable
- Knurled knobs for easy grip
- Rugged reliability
- Lightweight and great for hunting
Cons
- Dirt sticks on the glass easily
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Best Muzzleloader Scopes Buying Guide & FAQs
Things to Consider When Buying a Muzzleloader Scope
Simplicity
Muzzleloaders have been in the market for a very long period. Their simplicity is what makes them a favorite among many hunters and shooters. This rifle deserves a scope with similar values.
A simple yet long-lasting scope with clear optics and an easy-to-read reticle will do. Features such as high magnification, illumination, night vision, and intricate reticles aren’t that necessary.
Durability
A durable scope means many years of field use. Muzzleloader rifles deliver a fairly big kick of recoil. This calls for a durable scope that’s able to withstand such recoil.
Some of the important things to look out for when it comes to durability are glass-etched reticles, single-piece construction and a 30mm main tube. The scope should also be fully waterproof and fogproof.
Magnification
The latest muzzleloader rifles have an effective shooting range of about 200 yards. While you can be tempted to purchase a scope with high magnification, scopes with lower magnification levels are pretty much better for muzzleloaders. Try to get a scope with not more than 12x magnification.
Also, you’ll need to choose between a variable magnification scope and a fixed magnification. If you shoot at varying ranges, get a variable magnification scope. This will let you adjust your magnification depending on the shooting range.
On the other hand, if you prefer trending towards a traditional style muzzleloader scope, then get one with a fixed magnification.
Rifle Compatibility
Most muzzleloader scopes are designed to fit a wide range of rifles. However, there is no one size fits all. Therefore, make sure that the scope you choose to buy is compatible with the muzzleloader rifle. The last thing you would want is to purchase a scope only to find that it’s not compatible with your rifle.
Image Quality
The other important feature to look out for is the quality of images the scope produces. A good muzzleloader scope delivers sharp images in any lighting conditions.
If you are hunting in a thickly wooded area, you should be able to differentiate between a deer and a rock. You should also be able to make out other details.
Related Post: Best Side Focus Rifle Scopes
Muzzleloader Scopes vs Riflescopes
Muzzleloader scopes pack some features that differentiate them from riflescopes. A muzzleloader scope can only magnify the target within 100 yards while a riflescope can extend this range.
This limitation in yardage means muzzleloader scopes will have limited applications. If you intend to shoot beyond 100 yards using a muzzleloader, look for riflescopes engineered to withstand heavy recoil.
The other feature that sets muzzleloader scopes apart is power. Muzzleloader scopes have lower magnification powers because the rifle handles short distances effectively.
Riflescopes have higher power which helps in extending rifle shooting ranges. Muzzleloader scopes are used for hunting in short-range to medium-range quarters while the powerful riflescopes can target sights further away making them perfect for medium-range to long-range shooting.
Another attribute that differentiates between a muzzleloader scope and a riflescope is reticle design. The reticle design in muzzleloader scopes is simpler because of close-quarters applications.
Riflescopes have advanced reticles because of the distance involved. The reticles in the riflescope show wind speed and the actual distance between the game and the shooter while those in the muzzleloader scope only show the round part at the center.
Read: Best Vortex Scopes for Elk Hunting
Best Muzzleloader Scopes FAQs
Q: Does a Muzzleloader Need a Special Scope?
Honestly speaking, muzzleloader rifles can work with or without a scope. However, you’ll need a muzzleloader scope to improve your accuracy. You’ll also need a capable and long-distance scope that’s sturdy to withstand the recoil of this rifle.
Q: Is There a Difference Between a Riflescope and a Muzzleloader Scope?
The main difference here is the eye relief. Muzzleloaders tend to have heavy recoil, so a scope with long eye relief is imperative. A scope with long eye relief will keep your eyes safe from this heavy recoil rifle.
Q: How Far Can You Accurately Shoot a Muzzleloader with a Scope?
Without a scope, you can accurately shoot with a muzzleloader for only a handful of yards. However, when you add a scope on your muzzleloader, you bring your shots up to 100-200 yards.
Read: Best Riflescopes for 6.5 Creedmoor
Conclusion
Trustingly, this buying guide has given you the information you need to know about the best muzzleloader scopes. A muzzleloader scope is an indispensable gear to have if you want to accurately shoot at a distance. All of the scopes listed above are quality and compatible with any muzzleloader rifle. Grab any one of these and increase your success odds this hunting season.