Today, you will find the best scopes for 30-06 elk hunting to help you prepare for the upcoming hunting season. One of the most popular calibers for elk hunting is the 30-06 Springfield.
The ballistic characteristics of this potent cartridge are what make it a favorite among elk hunters who prefer to pursue games in various ranges. For optimal results when using the 30-06, a high-quality scope is paramount.
When it comes to elk hunting, finding the right hunting scope is very important irrespective of whether you are a seasoned hunter or just a beginner. The best scope for 30-06 elk hunting will maximize your hunting distance and ensure that you have it right once you land in the hunting field.
What Makes a Great 30-06 Scope?
The market offers a spectrum of optics that can be paired with the 30-06 hunting rifle. Not all these rifle scopes are good for you. You can distinguish a 30-06 scope and an ordinary rifle scope by considering the following attributes.
For one, a 30-06 scope should have a tough construction to withstand the harsh weather conditions in the field. The tube housing the optics should be purged with dry gases and completely sealed to deliver a waterproof and fogproof performance.
Secondly, the materials used in the construction should be of the highest quality to ensure long-term use. Besides, the scope should be ruggedly constructed to withstand rifle recoil and hold zero after firing several rounds.
The other key feature of a 30-06 scope is unbeatable optical prowess. The glass used to make lenses should be of the highest quality and fully multi-coated to enhance light transmission for crisp and bright images. Lens coating also boosts resolution and optimizes clarity.
For reliable performance, a 30-06 scope should have finger click adjustment turrets that make audible clicks whenever you adjust. The turrets should also be capped to prevent accidental dials after zeroing in the scope. The turrets should also be easy to turn to allow seamless adjustments in the hunting field.
A 30-06 scope should handle long-range shots well. A large objective lens is useful when taking long-range shots. It helps gather more light to bring the far targets into sharp focus. 40 to 50mm offers the best balance in terms of weight and light transmission.
8 Best Scopes for 30-06 Elk Hunting
However, finding a scope that matches the performance of the 30-06 is not an easy task. You must first familiarize yourself with the ballistic characteristics of this cartridge then find a scope that blends with your hunting habits. The scope has to also fit the characteristics of your hunting firearm and hunting expectations.
These factors plus the multitude of scopes available on the market today make it a daunting task to find the right scope for your needs.
No need to worry as we are here to help. In this post, we have done the homework and put up this review of the best scopes for 30-06 elk hunting.
Without much ado, let’s jump right in.
1) Trijicon Credo CR1542 2.5-15x42mm Rifle Scope
The Trijicon Credo CR1542 2.5-15x42mm scope pairs perfectly with the 30-06 to turn your hunting trips into a success. It is designed for both close and long-range hunting, and it harbors a multitude of functional features that make it one of the best scopes for 30-06 elk hunting.
The scope provides high-quality image views at every zoom power thanks to the 42mm objective lens. It also boasts broadband, anti-reflective lens coatings that optimize the available light to generate bright and crisp views of the target from dawn to dusk.
To survive everyday handling and withstand repeated recoil this cartridge generates, this rifle scope has a lightweight but durable 6061 aluminum 30mm body with a black anodized finish. The housing is also waterproof and nitrogen-filled to be resistant to internal fogging that is caused by extreme changes in temperature and humidity.
The scope also features a rear focal plane illuminated reticle to enhance your accuracy in all light conditions. It also boasts an easy-focus eyepiece for quick and easy image focusing and a generous elevation adjustment range that is optimized to compensate for ballistic drops at long distances.
Features
- Exposed turrets with zero-stop
- Rear focal plane reticle
- Anodized finish
- Waterproof and nitrogen-filled
- Broad-band anti-reflection lens coatings
- Parallax adjustment from 10 yards to infinity
- 30mm main tube
Pros
- Optimized for close and long-range use
- Illuminated reticle
- Extra-wide field of view
- Crisp clear glass
Cons
- The parallax knob is slightly difficult to turn
2) Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm SFP Rifle Scope
Carrying the well-respected Leupold name, the VX-6HD 3-18x50mm SFP Rifle Scope comes with nearly everything you need for elk hunting. It has an ultra-versatile zoom power that makes it ideal for hunting elk in different ranges and environments, in any lighting or weather condition.
To complement the versatile and vast 3-18x zoom power, the scope is equipped with an ambidextrous reversible throw lever for quick and smooth magnification adjustments. It is also built with a twin-bias spring erector system that prevents accidental adjustments while ensuring that you have a precise return to zero.
Like any other Leupold optic, the scope is waterproof and fogproof for unimpeded field use. Construction-wise, it is crafted from 6061-T6 aluminum that guarantees longevity and durability. The scope also has a side focus parallax adjustment for speedy, straightforward parallax focusing.
The VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Scope also features a Guard ion rain shedding coating and a Twilight Max Light Management System that maximizes low light performance. Include the VX-6HD in your hunting arsenal and have an epic adventure.
Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope is purposely created for taking down big game making it one of the best scopes for 30-06 elk hunting. This scope reveals all the fine details of the target to help you line up a precise shot. Take this optic in your upcoming backcountry hunt and see the difference a high-quality glass makes.
Features
- Ambidextrous reversible throw lever
- Powerful and versatile 6:1 zoom ratio
- Guard ion rain-shedding coating
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- 30mm main tube
Pros
- Lightweight
- Sturdy and well-made
- Great clarity, even in low light
- Tracks well
Cons
- Big budget
3) Burris Veracity 3-15x50mm FFP Rifle Scope
If you are looking for the best scopes for 30-06 elk hunting in low lighting conditions, the Burris Veracity 3-15x50mm is your ideal option. It has an oversized 50mm objective lens that draws in large amounts of light and index-matched multi-coatings that are engineered to maximize light transmission.
Optically, the scope has a variable magnification that spans from 3x to 15x for hunting at varying ranges. It also comes with a Ballistic Plex E1 first focal plane reticle that stays true at every magnification power and fine-tunes your accuracy when hunting elks at extended ranges.
Further, the scope is built ready for hunting. It has a light but durable aluminum housing that is rigid enough to weather whatever you throw at it. On the exterior surface, the scope has a matte black scratch-resistant anodized finish that provides low reflectivity when you hunting in broad daylight.
What’s more, the scope is nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed to provide a lifetime of consistent reliability in all weather conditions. It also comes with capped low-profile elevation and windage turrets for added protection and to prevent accidental adjustment in the field.
Features
- Front focal plane Ballistic Plex E1 reticle
- Low-profile capped turrets
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Matter-black anodized finish
- Ergonomic side focus
- High-Lume multi-coated optics
- Large 50mm aperture
Pros
- Good eye relief
- Great visibility in low-light conditions
- Crystal clear optics
- Repeatable windage and elevation settings
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
4) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm SFP Rifle Scope
The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm SFP Rifle Scope is built for anything including your next epic backcountry hunt. This rifle scope is built with a FireDot illuminated reticle that provides a bright, red dot-like performance when you are hunting during the day.
The scope is built to be virtually indestructible. It has a 30mm body tube that is tested and verified to be shockproof as well as impact and recoil-resistant. It is also fully waterproof, dustproof and fogproof so you can go hunting in any weather.
To promote edge-to-edge image clarity, the scope employs a High-Definition optical system that also enhances resolution. Furthermore, it is equipped with a Twilight Max Light Management System that gives you an edge when you are hunting at dawn or dusk by enhancing image clarity.
The scope is also built with an extremely fast-focus eyepiece to ensure easy reticle focusing and a generous eye box for rapid target acquisition. Combining a litany of excellent features and solid construction, the riflescope creates a highly functional shooting solution that gives hunters a distinct advantage in the field.
Sharpened clarity and stunning performance in low-light environments make the VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Scope stand out as one of the best scopes for 30-06 elk hunting. For precision when taking long-range shots, choose the VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Side Focus Rifle Scope.
Features
- CDS-ZL2 Zero Lock adjustment
- Guard-ion rain-shedding coating
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Blackened lens edges
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- Second focal plane reticle
- 30mm body tube
Pros
- HD image clarity
- Lightweight and functional
- Good eye relief
- Easy to install and use
Cons
- No drawbacks
5) Athlon Optics 2.5-15 x 50 mm SFP Rifle Scope
The Midas 2.5-15 x 50 mm SFP Rifle Scope from Athlon Optics is a premium-quality sighting system that is perfect for short and long-range hunting. At the lowest zoom power, the scope provides a large field of view to ensure that you don’t leave anything undiscovered.
It also offers rapid target acquisition when you ramp up the zoom power. The optical performance this optic provides is second to none. It employs HD glass that maximizes resolution as well as color accuracy.
Additionally, the scope possesses fully multi-coated optics that effectively minimize glare and light reflection. This results in more light transfer, especially in low-light conditions. The stellar performance makes it one of the best scopes for 30-06 elk hunting.
Regarding construction, the scope is built to weather abuse. It has a high-precision CNC machined body with superior shock and impacts tolerance. It is also purged with Argon to provide better waterproofing and thermal stability.
Features
- SFP illuminated reticle
- Fully multi-coated optics
- HD glass
- 10-yard to infinity parallax adjustment
- Argon filled
- Capped turrets
- 30mm main tube
Pros
- Reticle illumination
- Smooth magnification
- Good low-light performance
- Crisp clear glass
Cons
- None
6) SIG SAUER Whiskey3 4-12x50mm Rifle Scope
The SIG SAUER Whiskey3 4-12x50mm is one of the best scopes for 30-06 elk hunting for budget buyers. It has a variable 4-12x magnification suitable for medium to long-range hunting.
This 1-inch tube scope is built for hunting in nearly all lighting conditions. It has a large 50mm objective lens that optimizes low-light performance by collecting large amounts of light. It is also built with low-dispersion (LD) glass that generates a crystal-clear sight picture for your hunting needs.
The scope is built to survive in harsh and challenging weather conditions. It has an IPX7 waterproof rating so it is safe to use in the rain. The scope also comes with a European-style eyepiece for smooth and precise reticle adjustment.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- 4-12x magnification range
- Low-dispersion (LD) glass
- European style eyepiece
- Fog-proof and IPX7 waterproof
- 1-inch main tube
Pros
- Generous and constant eye relief
- Reticle illumination
- Inexpensive
Cons
- The scope has a fixed parallax
7) Bushnell Engage 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope
Gracing our recommendations of scopes for 30-06 elk hunting is the Bushnell Engage 4-16x44mm Rifle. The scope combines dependable optics and a versatile second focal plane reticle to provide a perfect sighting system for intermediate and long-range hunting.
Complementing the vast 4-16x magnification is a large objective lens and wide-band anti-reflection lens coatings that generate bright, clear and true-to-life image views. It also offers a spacious field of view for easy target identification.
Further, the scope is built with ease of use in mind. It has a long eye relief for comfortable use with or without eyewear. It also has exposed zero reset locking turrets for fast finger adjustment and a fast focus eyepiece for quick and simple focusing of the reticle.
When it comes to construction, the optic has durable and lightweight aluminum housing that is also IPX-7 waterproof. The exterior finish is scratch resistant for added protection and the front and rear flip-up lens covers are provided to protect the lens from scratches, dust and moisture.
Features
- Rear focal plane reticle
- 30mm main tube
- Exposed zero reset locking turrets
- Anodized aluminum alloy body
- Fully multi-coated optics
- IPX-7 waterproof rating
- 10 yards to infinity parallax adjustment
- 50 MOA windage and elevation adjustment
Pros
- Vivid visibility in low-light settings
- Lightweight
- Accommodating eye relief
- Clean and clear glass
- Smooth positive dials
Cons
- The reticle is thin in certain environments
8) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
Lastly, we have the Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope from Vortex. This scope is perfect for hunting elks in any environment. It has a variable 3-15x zoom power and a large 44mm aperture that yields quality image views even at the highest 15x power.
The scope has a superior quality optical system designed to give you an upper hand when you are hunting in low light conditions. With the ED optical elements, you are guaranteed stunning resolution as well as color accuracy. It also boasts fully multi-coated lenses that provide bright, clear, and sharp views, even in dismal environments.
To enable fast and accurate target acquisition, the scope comes with an illuminated reticle. It also has a 20-yards to infinity parallax adjustment for fine-tuning your accuracy when taking shots at extended ranges.
Like any other Vortex optic, this model is waterproof and fogproof for all-weather reliability. It is also built around a lightweight and durable 30mm main tube that is easy to mount on various rifles.
Features
- An illuminated second focal plane
- Armortek scratch-resistant lens coating
- XR fully multi-coated optics
- Exposed turrets
- Precision glide erector system
- Waterproof and argon-filled
- High-quality aluminum alloy housing
- 30mm main tube
Pros
- Great light settings
- Illuminated reticle
- The glass is crisp clear
- Solid construction
Cons
- Higher price
Further Reading
- Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting
- Best 270 Winchester Scopes
- Vortex Scopes for Elk Hunting
- Best Elk Hunting Binoculars
- Spotting Scopes for Backcountry Hunting
How to Choose the Best Scopes for 30-06 Elk Hunting
Finding the best scopes for 30-06 elk hunting requires careful consideration before you decide to settle on a particular optic. Explained below are the important factors you should take into consideration.
Magnification
The 30-06 performs well in short to medium distances up to around 300 yards. For this distance, a scope with high magnification isn’t necessary.
Under 200 yards, a variable power scope with up to 9x will do. However, getting a scope with up to 15x will be ideal for hunting above 200 yards.
Read: Best Scopes for 300 Yards
Durability
The durability of the scope is very important as it determines how reliable the sighting system will be. The scope you get has to be sturdy enough to survive everyday use and the rough handling that is often associated with hunting.
Manufacturers of good quality scope use either magnesium alloy or aircraft-grade aluminum. The two materials are lightweight and durable enough to handle outdoor use. The scope should also be weatherproof to be operable even in bad weather conditions.
Weight
When hunting, you will be walking for long distances looking for elk. Having a lightweight scope will make your hunting expedition to be less tiring and more fun. A lightweight and durable scope will also be easy to mount and use.
Read: Best Vortex Scopes for 300 Win Mag
Lens Quality
Look for a scope that is equipped with premium quality glass like HD and ED. It will provide a clear view of the target and enhance your shooting accuracy.
The lenses should also be multi-coated for optimal light transmission and extra protection from scratches.
Reticle
The choice of the reticle is majorly a matter of personal preference. Advice is to get a reticle that is easy to use and one that isn’t too big that it obstructs the targets.
For elk hunting, it is also wide to get an illuminated reticle. This way, you are guaranteed better precision in low-light settings of dawn and dusk.
Field of View
A scope with a wide field of view will let you see more at once and help you find the elks with ease.
On the other hand, a narrow field of view means that you might miss important information when looking for the game.
Eye Relief
To prevent eye injuries, you will need a scope that offers long eye relief. Having an adequate amount of eye relief will also allow for comfortable observation with or without eyeglasses. The best scope for 30-06 elk hunting must have sufficient eye relief of not less than 3.5 inches.
Read: Best Leupold 300 Blackout Scopes
Best Scopes for 30-06 Elk Hunting FAQs
Q: What Power Scope is Best for a 30-06?
The 30-06 performs well at close and medium quarters only. You will therefore need a moderate power of 9x or 12x which is more than adequate to ensure that you find the target easily and put the shot accurately.
Q: What Do Numbers on a Scope Mean?
The two sets of numbers found in scope represent the magnification power and the size of the objective lens. For example, the first set of numbers in a 4-12x40mm scope represents the magnification power, while the second number is 40mm in the diameter of the objective lens.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you have found this post insightful. Whether you are a hunting beginner or not, having the right elk hunting scope will go a long way to ensure that you make a clean, ethical kill.
Understand your hunting habits and how far you will be hunting, then pick a scope that blends well with your rifle’s performance as well as your hunting style and needs.