One of the most hunted games by hunters all over is deer. While some do it as a hobby, deer hunting is also a source of livelihood to those who sell deer meat, fur or hide. To successfully take down this large game, every avid hunter requires proper hunting gear.
In addition to their favorite hunting rifle, every hunter needs a good quality deer hunting rifle scope to enhance their shooting accuracy. To help you find the best riflescopes for deer hunting, we have highlighted top-notch scopes of exceptional optical quality that we believe will be great for your hunting expeditions.
What Makes a Great Deer Hunting Scope?
Over the past few years, the quality of deer hunting scopes continues to get better. The key to finding the best riflescope for deer hunting is first knowing the important features attributed to 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. Deer hunting scopes must have their lenses fully coated to enhance light transmission, especially when hunting at dawn or dusk.
The scope should also have a variable magnification suitable for shooting at varying ranges and a rugged and durable construction capable of withstanding the harshest hunting environments.
The scope should also be fully waterproof, fog proof and shockproof as well. For your own convenience, the scope should be lightweight as it is convenient to carry around and easy to use.
What Magnification Do You Need?
Deer are highly alert animals that run away very quickly. This calls for a scope with a high zoom power that shouldn’t go less than 9x. With image clarity and sharpness always going to be better at lower power scopes, 3-9x scopes are best suited for hunting deer in country settings where it is easy to spot these animals.
On the other hand, if you go hunting in areas where it’s difficult to spot a deer, you’ll need a long-range rifle scope with a magnification power of at least 6-18x.
10 Best Riflescopes for Deer Hunting
Always alert and extremely fast, deers make for the most challenging target. This calls for a good quality scope that suits the target and the rifle that you are using as well.
With the market offering a multitude of deer hunting scopes to choose from, it becomes a little overwhelming to choose the best scope especially if you are in the market for the first time. However, here is a review of the best deer rifle scopes worth your consideration. Let’s take a look!
1) CVLIFE 3-9×40 Optics R4 Reticle Crosshair Scope
CVLIFE 3-9×40 is one of the best riflescopes for deer hunting. This scope comes with a wide range of impressive features suitable for deer hunting. Built on a sturdy 1” machined aluminum tube, this scope is extremely durable and reliable.
Made for all hunters, beginners, and professionals alike, this scope has a smart design that’s intuitive and easy to use. The fully multi-coated lenses enhance optimal light transmission which results in the production of bright target views especially when hunting at dusk or dawn.
A scratch-resistant lens coating offers protection against scratches, oil, and dirt while a fast-focus eyepiece provides quick target acquisition. The windage and elevation adjustment turrets are easy to use while the user-friendly 3-9x power ring makes it easy to zoom the target in and out.
Made to last as long as your rifle, this scope is fully sealed and nitrogen-filled to make it fully waterproof and fogproof. The scope is also easy to install, lightweight and easy to move around with while hunting.
Key Features
- Fully waterproof and fogproof.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Easy to use and install.
- Fully multi-coated lenses.
- Scratch-resistant lens coating.
- Generous eye relief,
- Versatile 3-9x zoom range.
- Precise elevation and windage adjustment turrets.
- Fast focus eyepiece.
- Sturdy and durable aluminum construction.
- Second focal plane reticle
2) Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Black Matte Riflescope
Advance your deer hunting skills to a whole new level using the Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Black Matte Riflescope. Other than the reasonably affordable price, this riflescope offers numerous features suitable for hunting deer.
First, the scope is extremely lightweight so it doesn’t add extra weight to your hunting gear. As one of the best riflescopes for deer hunting, Nikon Prostaff delivers relentless performance to the amusement of every hunter.
The versatile 3-9×40 zoom range makes it ideal for shooting at varying ranges while the 40mm objective lens gathers optimum light. Made from the highest quality materials, this scope is extremely durable and sturdy enough to withstand the harshest hunting environment.
The fully multi-coated optical system enhances light transmission to deliver bright and clear image views regardless of the lighting conditions. Furthermore, the generous and constant eye relief boosts the shooter’s confidence while also offering protection against heavy recoil rifles.
To ensure all-weather reliability, this scope is fully waterproof and fogproof. A quick-focus eyepiece ensures quick reticle focusing while the matte black finish camouflages the hunter’s position.
Key Features
- 3-9x magnification.
- Generous eye relief.
- Fully waterproof, fogproof and shockproof.
- Zero rest turret with spring-loaded adjustment knobs.
- Fast focus eyepiece.
- BDC reticle with see-through ballistic circles.
- Fully multi-coated optical system.
- Black matte finish.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Wide field of view.
3) Vortex Optics Viper HS SFP Riflescope
Vortex is a well-known name in the world of optics and the Viper riflescope is one of their best hunting models. Built to last for decades, this riflescope is made from high-quality aluminum with a hard-anodized black matte finish which camouflages the shooter’s position while also enhancing the scope’s durability.
Featuring an advanced optical system, the lenses are fully multi-coated with XR anti-reflective coatings that enhance light transmission, especially when hunting at dusk or dawn. The versatile 4x zoom pulls you close to the target while the capped reset turrets quickly re-index your zero after sighting in.
This scope is also argon purged to ensure that neither water nor fog will affect its performance. Weighing just 1 pound, this scope is lightweight and easy to move around with.
It also features an ultra-hard Armortek lens coating that protects the exterior lenses against dirt, oil and scratches. Gone are the days of miss shots, add this scope to your hunting gear and realize the benefits that make one of the best riflescopes for deer hunting.
Key Features
- Generous eye relief.
- Multi-coated XR lens coating.
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle.
- Lightweight and easy to carry around.
- Fully waterproof and fogproof.
- Ultra-hard Armortek lens coating.
- Versatile 4x zoom.
- Hard anodized black matte finish.
- Extremely sturdy and durable 1” main tube construction.
- Capped quick-reset turrets.
4) Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope
If you are in the market for a budget-friendly deer hunting rifle scope, you should go for the Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm scope. This scope features an array of high-quality features all at a reasonably affordable price. It’s easy to mount on any rifle and easy to use as well.
The scope’s picture quality is excellent thanks to the fully multi-coated lenses which also enhance light transmission under low-light hunting conditions such as dawn or dusk.
A fast-focus eyepiece allows easy reticle focusing for quick and simple target acquisition. Moreover, this scope is fully waterproof and fog proof to ensure all-weather reliability.
It also features generous eye relief and a Truplex reticle ideal for all hunting conditions. Weighing about 0.63 pounds, this scope is lightweight and ideal for hunting. It is crafted from high-quality materials to enhance strength and durability.
What more would you be looking for in the best riflescopes for deer hunting? Your hunt for great deer hunting scope at a budget-friendly price is over. Consider adding this to your hunting tools and experience deer hunting on a different level.
Key Features
- Superior structural integrity.
- Value-priced hunting scope.
- Waterproof, fogproof and recoil-proof.
- Matte black finish.
- Fully multi-coated lenses.
- 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.
5) Vortex Optics Diamondback SPF Riflescopes
Taking pride in its functionality and reliability, these diamondback scopes are among the best riflescopes for deer hunting. With an extended magnification of up to 1.75-5x, the scope is perfect for both short and medium-range shooting.
The lenses are fully multi-coated to minimize light reflection and enhance light transmission while keeping the image bright and clear. A fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy focusing of the reticle which enhances rapid target acquisition. Crafted with 6061-T6 aluminum, this scope is extremely sturdy and durable.
The solid build also withstands the harshest hunting environments. Additionally, an anodized matte finish enhances the scope’s durability and helps you transition easily to stealth mode. For all-weather reliability, this scope is fully waterproof and fogproof.
Key Features
- Lightweight yet durable.
- Hard-wearing and sturdy construction.
- Fully waterproof and fogproof.
- Affordable price.
- Solid one-piece tube with a hard-anodized finish.
- Fat focus eye eyepiece.
- Fully multi-coated optical system.
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle.
- Precision glide erector system ensures error-free tracking and repeatability.
6) Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Riflescope
Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm is another good pick for deer hunting. It’s a budget-friendly option ideal for both beginners and professionals. Built on s true strength platform, this scope is extremely durable and sturdy as well.
The 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum gives the scope additional strength and resilience to withstand the harshest recoil and toughest terrains. This relentless performance makes it perform well in almost any environment while the unparalleled low light performance makes it the ideal scope for hunting at dusk or dawn.
Moreover, the scope is fully waterproof and fogproof, so you can take it out in any weather condition. Another attribute that makes Leupold VX rank high among the best riflescopes for deer hunting is image clarity. The scope is reliable in all lighting conditions.
The precision 1/4MOA finger click windage and elevation adjustments offer long-lasting repeatability and dependability while the diamond coat lens coating enhances light transmission and also offers the greatest level of abrasion resistance. Weighing just 0.63 pounds, the scope is extremely lightweight and convenient for hunting.
Key Features
- Fully waterproof, fogproof and shockproof.
- Rugged and durable construction.
- Unparalleled low-light performance.
- Extremely versatile 3:1 zoom ratio.
- Duplex reticle.
- Anodizing matte finish.
- Lightweight and convenient for hunting.
- Twilight Max Light Management system.
- DiamondCoat 2 ion assist lens coating.
- Precision ¼ MOA windage and elevation adjustments.
- Generous eye relief.
7) Vortex Optics Crossfire II SFP, 1-inch tube Riflescope
If you are in the market for a new riflescope or an upgrade, the 2-7×32 Crossfire II riflescope is a great choice to go with. Made to last as long as your rifle, this scope is extremely durable and rugged to withstand harsh hunting conditions. It features a Dead-Hold BDC reticle suitable for hunting at varying ranges.
A long eye relief not only provides comfortable views of the target but also keeps you safe from heavy recoil rifles. This scope also features fully multi-coated lenses that have multiple layers of anti-reflective coatings that minimize glare while ensuring that optimal light transmission takes place.
For reliable protection against the environment, the scope is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to deliver waterproof and fog-proof performance. With all these noteworthy features, buying this scope guarantees superb deer hunting performance.
A fast-focus eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing while the capped reset turrets are finger adjustable with MOA clicks that can be easily reset to zero after sighting in.
Key Features
- 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.
- Dead-hold BDC reticle.
- Anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Improved, resettable MOA turrets.
8) Athlon Optics, Argos BTR, Riflescope
If you are a beginner looking for the best deer hunting scope to get you started, the Argos BTR Riflescope from Athlon is an ideal scope for you. This scope makes your hunting experience better as it unleashes super performance that will yield results.
Aside from being easy to use, this optic is easy to mount and highly recommended when it comes to low-light performance. The versatile 4x magnification is ideal for shooting at varying distances while the first focal plane stays valid at all power settings. T
he newly advanced fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission to produce bright and crystal-clear image views regardless of the lighting conditions. Moreover, the glass-etched reticle offers greater durability and much higher resistance to shock and recoil.
Built from 6061T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, the scope is exemplary sturdy and well-protected against anything thrown at it. It is also argon purged to provide better weatherproof and thermal stability.
Key Features
- Hassle-free adjustments.
- Easy to use and easy to mount.
- Lightweight and convenient for hunting.
- Waterproof, fogproof and thermal stable.
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction.
- Advanced, fully multi-coated lenses.
- First focal plane illuminated reticle.
- Exclusive XPR coating that sheds dirt, oil and grease.
- Glass etched reticle.
- 3” eye relief.
9) Hawke Vantage 3-9×50 AO Riflescope
If you are looking for a scope that caters to the standard style of deer hunting, Hawke Vantage 3-9×50 AO Riflescope is your best option. With 3-9x magnification, you get as much power range as you require to get accurate for your distances, both close and mid-range distances.
This scope features 11-layer fully multi-coated lenses that enhance light transmission to produce bright and crystal-clear target views full of color contrast. The adjustable objective offers parallax elimination from 10 yards to infinity, making it the perfect scope for close shooting.
Furthermore, the 1” single-tube chassis is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum which offers superior strength and stability. With its solid construction, this riflescope will deliver reliable performance for a couple of years.
Key Features
- Lightweight and portable.
- Aircraft-grade aluminum 1” single-piece tube design.
- 11-layer fully multi-coated lenses.
- Adjustable objective for parallax elimination.
- 1/4 MOA low profile no-snag fingertip turrets.
- Threaded objective for optimal accessories.
- Highly accurate mil-dot reticle.
- Extremely durable and sturdy.
- Long and consistent eye relief.
- Waterproof, fogproof and shockproof.
10) Bushnell 3-9×40 Riflescope
Lastly on this list is the Bushnell 3-9×40 Riflescope. This riflescope features a versatile 3-9x zoom power suitable for close and mid-range shooting. With the fully multi-coated lenses, this optic delivers bright and clear target views even when hunting at dusk or dawn.
One unique feature that makes this scope stand out among other similar products is a throw-down power change lever set able in two different heights, allowing you to customize the scope according to the rifle you are mounting it on.
Apart from that, this scope features a side focus adjustable parallax that eliminates parallax from 10 yards to infinity. The exposed target turrets help you dial for windage and elevation adjustment quickly while the ballistic drop compensated reticle allows for straightforward hold overshooting at 600 yards.
Crafted from tough air-craft-grade aluminum, the scope is also waterproof and fogproof as well. Weighing just 19 oz, this riflescope is lightweight and great for hunting.
Key Features
- 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.
- Waterproof and fogproof.
- Throwdown PCR Lever.
- Fully multi-coated lenses.
- Generous eye relief.
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Best Riflescopes for Deer Hunting Buying Guide & FAQs
Criteria For Choosing the Best Riflescopes for Deer Hunting
With the market offering multiple deer hunting scopes to choose from, here are some of the important factors that act as a guide in purchasing the best deer hunting scope.
Magnification
Having a scope with the right magnification not only provides clear target views but also helps you lock in your target accurately. A scope with a versatile 3-9x magnification is recommended for close-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. Just make sure that you don’t settle for a scope with anything less than 9x magnification.
Eye Relief
Eye relief refers to the distance between your eye and the objective lens. Make sure that the scope you intend to buy has generous eye relief to protect your eyes from heavy recoil rifles and also provides you with comfortable views of your targets. The best scope for deer 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 a 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.
Read: Best RifleScopes For 1000 Yards
Lenses
You should not stop hunting when darkness starts to fall in. A great deer hunting rifle scope should be able to provide clear target views even when hunting from dawn to dusk. The scope you choose should have fully multi-coated lenses to enhance light transmission and provide bright and clear images, regardless of the light conditions.
Reticle
Long-range hunting requires a scope that should compensate for the bullet drop over extended distances. This helps in a great manner especially if you have holdover positions or bullet trajectory prediction systems.
Such a scope is also beneficial if the target turrets are resettable to zero and lockable. Some scopes also have illuminated reticles that are greatly beneficial especially when hunting in the dark.
See Also
Bests Riflescopes for Deer Hunting FAQs
Q: What Magnification is Best for Deer Hunting?
Generally, a basic 3-9×40 scope is good enough for hunting deer. With image clarity and sharpness always going to be better with lower power scopes, 3-9x scopes are the most common and best scopes for deer hunting.
Q: What Range Are 3-9×40 Scopes Best for?
Scopes with a magnification of 3-9c are suited for close and medium-range shooting, which is up to about 200 yards. When you scope in a target that’s 200 yards away using the 9x magnification, it will look like it’s just 25 yards away.
Q: What Size of Objective Lens Do I Need for My Deer Hunting Riflescope?
The ideal objective lens size should be matched to the magnification of a scope. The larger the objective lens the better as it allows more light inside. The only drawback in scopes with large-sized objective lenses is that they are heavier.
Conclusion
Riflescopes for deer hunting work differently and the rifle scope you choose to buy should match your hunting skills and your hunting rifle as well. Finding a scope that’s versatile enough to cater to different hunting needs also provides great value for your money. All of the rifle scopes listed above are quality products suitable for taking with you during your next deer hunting activity.