Best Hunting Scope for Deer: Top Picks for Clear and Accurate Shots
Deer hunting is a popular activity among hunters, and having the right equipment is crucial to a successful hunt. One of the essential pieces of equipment for deer hunting is a hunting scope.
A hunting scope allows hunters to get a clear view of their target and make accurate shots. However, with so many options available on the market, it can be challenging to choose the best hunting scope for deer.
When looking for a hunting scope, there are several critical factors to consider. The first factor is the magnification power of the scope.
A scope with a higher magnification power will allow hunters to see their target from a greater distance. However, higher magnification also means a narrower field of view, which can make it more challenging to track moving targets.
Another important factor to consider is the size of the objective lens. The larger the objective lens, the more light the scope will gather, resulting in a brighter and clearer image. However, a larger objective lens also means a heavier and bulkier scope, which can be challenging to carry around during a hunt.
We spent hours researching and testing various hunting scopes to identify the best hunting scope for deer. In this article, we will discuss the critical factors to consider when choosing a hunting scope for deer and provide our top picks for the best hunting scope for deer on the market.
Best Hunting Scopes for Deer
We have researched and tested various hunting scopes to bring you a list of the best options available for deer hunting. A good hunting scope is essential for a successful hunting trip, allowing you to accurately aim and shoot your target. We have evaluated factors such as magnification, lens quality, durability, and price to create a well-rounded list of the top hunting scopes for deer. Check out our recommendations below.
TRUGLO 4x32MM Compact Tactical Hunting Shooting Durable Waterproof Fogproof Scratch-Resistant Aluminum Tube Diamond Reticle Riflescope with Weaver-style Rings & Lens Covers Included Realtree Xtra
If you’re looking for a high-quality riflescope that can withstand harsh conditions in the field, the TRUGLO 4x32MM Compact Tactical Hunting Shooting Durable Waterproof Fogproof Scratch-Resistant Aluminum Tube Diamond Reticle Riflescope is a great option.
Pros
- The diamond reticle is perfect for shotgun hunting and is great for turkey and deer.
- The riflescope is fully waterproof and fog-proof, making it ideal for use in any weather conditions.
- The scope comes with Weaver-style rings and a lens cover, making it easy to install and protect.
Cons
- The scope does not have an illuminated reticle, which may make it difficult to use in low-light conditions.
- The scope is designed for use with rimfire rifles and shotguns, which may limit its versatility.
- The scope may be a bit heavy for some users, which could affect accuracy and ease of use.
Overall, the TRUGLO 4x32MM Compact Tactical Hunting Shooting Durable Waterproof Fogproof Scratch-Resistant Aluminum Tube Diamond Reticle Riflescope is a great choice for hunters and shooters who need a reliable, durable riflescope that can stand up to tough conditions in the field.
With its diamond reticle, fully-coated lenses, and waterproof construction, this scope is sure to provide years of reliable service.
Bushnell Legend 3-9x40mm Illuminated Riflescope
If you’re in the market for a reliable and affordable hunting scope, the Bushnell Legend 3-9x40mm Illuminated Riflescope is worth considering.
Pros
- The illuminated Multi-X Reticle is perfect for low-light conditions and offers six different brightness settings.
- The fully multi-coated glass provides crystal-clear images and the RainGuard HD coating ensures you won’t miss a shot even in rainy conditions.
- The one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube is lightweight and durable, making it easy to carry with you on your hunting adventures.
Cons
- The scope’s eye relief may not be ideal for everyone, so it’s important to test it out before making a purchase.
- Some users have reported issues with the reticle plane, so it’s important to inspect the scope carefully upon arrival.
- The scope may not be suitable for long-range hunting, as it only has a 3-9x magnification.
We recently tested out the Bushnell Legend 3-9x40mm Illuminated Riflescope on a deer hunting trip and were impressed with its performance.
The illuminated Multi-X Reticle made it easy to aim for low-light conditions and the fully multi-coated glass provided crystal-clear images. The scope’s RainGuard HD coating also came in handy when we encountered some light rain.
One thing to note is that the scope’s eye relief may not be ideal for everyone, so it’s important to test it out before making a purchase. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the reticle plane, so it’s important to inspect the scope carefully upon arrival.
We would recommend the Bushnell Legend 3-9x40mm Illuminated Riflescope to anyone in the market for a reliable and affordable hunting scope.
Hammers Cantilever Barrel Deer Slug Shotgun Scope 2-7×32 with Weaver Rings
If you’re looking for a high-quality scope for deer hunting, the Hammers Cantilever Barrel Deer Slug Shotgun Scope 2-7×32 with Weaver Rings is a great choice.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Fine line circle x reticle for quick targeting
- Zoom power from 2x – 7x
Cons
- Eye relief could be better
- Some users have reported difficulty with mounting
- Matte black finish may not be to everyone’s taste
We recently had the opportunity to test out the Hammers Cantilever Barrel Deer Slug Shotgun Scope 2-7×32 with Weaver Rings, and we were impressed with its performance. The scope is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry around in the field.
The fine line circle x reticle is great for quick target acquisition, and the zoom power from 2x – 7x gives you plenty of flexibility in the field.
One downside we noticed was that the eye relief could be better. Some users have also reported difficulty with mounting the scope, so it may take some trial and error to get it set up properly. Additionally, the matte black finish may not be to everyone’s taste.
We would recommend the Hammers Cantilever Barrel Deer Slug Shotgun Scope 2-7×32 with Weaver Rings for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile scope for deer hunting. Just be prepared to spend some time getting it set up properly.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-12×56 Adjustable Objective Hog Hunter
If you’re looking for a hunting scope that excels in low light conditions, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-12×56 Adjustable Objective Hog Hunter might be for you. With a V-Brite reticle and oversized objective, you can take shots from heavy cover with confidence.
Pros
- The adjustable objective provides image focus and parallax removal, while anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear views.
- Long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box allow you to quickly acquire your target, and the fast-focus eyepiece allows for easy reticle focusing.
- The scope is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum and is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, making it waterproof and fogproof.
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with debris or dust inside the scope.
- The scope is on the heavier side, weighing in at 21.1 ounces.
- The reticle may be too thick for some users.
We recently tested out the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-12×56 Adjustable Objective Hog Hunter on a deer hunting trip. The scope performed well in low light conditions, allowing us to take shots we might have otherwise missed.
The adjustable objective and anti-reflective coating provided clear and bright views, and the long eye relief and fast-focus eyepiece made it easy to quickly acquire our targets. However, we did notice some debris inside the scope, which was a bit of a disappointment.
We would recommend this scope to hunters who frequently find themselves in low-light conditions and need a reliable and durable option.
Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope
We highly recommend the Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope for anyone looking for a reliable and high-quality hunting scope for deer.
Pros
- The Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses provide excellent clarity and brightness in low light conditions, allowing for more hunting time in the early morning and late evening.
- The extended 6 inches of eye relief is a unique feature that adds to the comfort and ease of use of this scope.
- The fully multi-coated lenses deliver bright and high-contrast images, making it easier to spot and track deer.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the scope’s adjustment knobs can be difficult to turn.
- The scope may be a bit heavy for some users.
- The scope’s packaging could be improved.
We found the Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope to be a reliable and high-quality scope for deer hunting. The DDB multi-coated lenses provided excellent clarity and brightness, even in low light conditions. The extended 6 inches of eye relief made it comfortable and easy to use, and the fully multi-coated lenses delivered bright and high-contrast images.
While some users have reported difficulty turning the adjustment knobs and finding the scope to be a bit heavy, we did not find these to be significant issues. We believe the Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope is a great choice for anyone looking for a dependable and high-quality hunting scope for deer.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best hunting scope for deer, there are a few key features to consider. We’ve compiled a list of important factors to help you make an informed decision.
Magnification
Magnification is an important factor when choosing a hunting scope. A higher magnification allows you to see your target more clearly from a greater distance. However, a higher magnification can also make it more difficult to keep your target in focus and steady. We recommend choosing a scope with a magnification range of 3-9x for deer hunting.
Objective Lens Diameter
The objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens on the scope. A larger objective lens diameter allows for more light to enter the scope, resulting in a brighter image. However, a larger objective lens also means a heavier and bulkier scope. We recommend choosing a scope with an objective lens diameter of 40-50mm for deer hunting.
Reticle
The reticle is the crosshairs or aiming point in the scope. There are many different types of reticles available, including duplex, mil-dot, and BDC (bullet drop compensating). The reticle you choose will depend on your personal preference and hunting style. We recommend choosing a reticle that is easy to see and aligns with your target.
Durability
Durability is an important factor to consider when choosing a hunting scope. You want a scope that can withstand the elements and rough handling in the field. Look for scopes that are waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. Additionally, consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer.
Price
Hunting scopes can range in price from under $100 to over $1000. It’s important to choose a scope that fits within your budget while still meeting your needs. Keep in mind that a higher price does not necessarily mean a better product. We recommend setting a budget and choosing the best scope within that price range.
In summary, when choosing a hunting scope for deer, consider magnification, objective lens diameter, reticle, durability, and price. By taking these factors into account, you can find a scope that will help you make accurate shots in the field.