Looking for Best 3-18 Scopes? Read on as we go through the best on the market, with features, pros, and more.
Magnification power is one of the most important factors people consider when choosing a scope. It brings far-away targets closer and improves your shooting accuracy depending on the shooting distance.
The best 3-18 power scope offers the best magnification range. They are versatile and suitable for multiple shooting activities. They also make the best scopes for multi-range shooting.
If you have good marksmanship, you’ll find a 3-18 power scope handy when shooting mid to long-range targets. It gives you better target views which helps you make accurate shots. With that in mind, let’s now look at the best 3-18 scopes available on the market today.
Understanding 3-18 Scopes
3-18 scopes are known for their incredible balance between versatility and precision, the wide range of magnification can handle a wide range of applications including stalking game, competitive target shooting at different distances, medium to long-range range shooting, and more.
The numbers “3-18” refer to the magnification range, which means the scope can be adjusted from a minimum magnification of 3x to a maximum magnification of 18x.
At lower magnifications, such as 3x or 4x, shooters can acquire and track targets quickly, making these scopes ideal for close-quarters engagements or fast-moving targets.
On the other hand, the higher magnification settings, such as 16x or 18x, provide the ability to zoom in on distant targets, enhancing precision for long-range shots.
Another incredible thing about 3-18 scopes is the flexibility in different shooting environments, at lower magnification settings you get a wider field of view for situational awareness. As the magnification increases, the field of view narrows, but the ability to zoom in on specific targets becomes more precise.
Best 3-18 Scopes-Top Picks
1) Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44mm Riflescope
The Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44mm Riflescope stands out as one of the best 3-18 scopes, Vortex scopes are known for their exceptional performance and durability. This riflescope is specifically designed for short-to-long-range applications, with a reputation for consistent and reliable results. You get fully multi-coated lenses for sharp and vivid images when it matters most. The reticle, located in either the First or second focal plane, offers detailed hold points without sacrificing visual clarity for optimal viewing experiences. The streamlined side parallax knob boasts built-in illumination, offering 11 brightness levels for easy adjustment and enhanced visibility. The tactical-style turrets are zero resettable and feature clearly marked adjustment rotation indicators, allowing for precise dialing and easy reference of travel within the optic’s adjustment range. In matters of durability and construction, you get a single-piece, rugged 30mm tube construction, it is built to withstand recoil and impacts encountered during shooting activities. Additionally, the scope is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, providing reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance, ensuring its functionality even in challenging weather conditions. Features
|
2) Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Riflescope
This Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Riflescope is a high-end riflescope with high-end features. This versatile riflescope will help you take down big game in any shooting range. The scope is built to last. It’s crafted with 6061-T6 aluminum which enhances its durability while keeping weight at a minimum. It is also waterproof for reliable performance in any weather conditions making it one of the best 3-18 scopes. When it comes to the optical features, the scope is equipped with a Twilight Max Light Management System for optimum light transmission. The result is bright, clear, and natural images even in low light conditions. The powerful 6:1 zoom ratio provides crisp clear views throughout the whole magnification range. The scope also provides a wide field of view even at the highest magnification setting. The long eye relief keeps your eyes safe from heavy recoil rifles and helps you get on targets quickly. Additionally, the scope comes with a side focus parallax adjustment for easy parallax elimination. If you are looking for high-quality glass for your next shooting expedition, this is the scope to go for. Features
|
3) Primary Arms 3-18×50 FFP Riflescope
If you are looking for a great budget riflescope, the Primary Arms 3-18×50 FFP Riflescope is your excellent option. It is easy to use and suitable for multiple shooting applications. The scope offers an advanced reticle etched into the glass. The FFP reticle remains true at every magnification setting. It is illuminated for better shooting accuracy in low-light conditions. It has 6 brightness settings suitable for adverse light conditions. Thanks to the variable 3-18x magnification the scope is suitable for multi-range shooting. At 3x magnification, you can easily identify close-range targets, while 18x magnification helps you reach up to 1,000 yards When it comes to construction, the scope is durably made to provide many years of field use. It’s made with 6061 aluminum. Besides, it is fully waterproof and nitrogen purged to prevent internal fogging. The scope also features a fast-focus eyepiece for easy reticle focusing and a smooth parallax adjustment for eliminating parallax. Features
|
4) MEOPTA Optika6 3-18×56 SFP Hunting Riflescope
This MEOPTA Optika6 3-18×56 is the ideal riflescope for avid hunters looking to take their hunting skills to a new level. You can use it for hunting both small and big game. If you prefer to hunt at dusk or dawn, the scope never disappoints. It features proprietary ion-assisted multi-coating on all air-to-glass surfaces for optimal light transmission. The lenses are also coated with MeoShield coatings to prevent the lenses from getting scratched. The scope has numerous reticle configurations among them optional illumination and DichroTech. The illuminated reticle comes in handy when hunting in dismal environments. To top it all, the scope is incredibly light. It is easy to carry around and it won’t add unnecessary weight to your hunting rifle. Features
|
5) Trijicon AccuPoint TR-34 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope |
6) Leupold VX-6HD 3-18×44 Riflescope
This Leupold VX-6HD 3-18×44 Riflescope delivers accurate and reliable performance. It is lightweight so you can have an easy time carrying it around. The scope is designed to last. It features a robust 6061-T6 aluminum housing for long-lasting durability. The scope is shockproof and recoil-resistant for added durability. It is also waterproof and shockproof for use in extreme conditions. Featuring a Twilight Max Light Management System, the scope provides crisp clear, and brilliant images even in lower conditions. The lenses are also coated to provide bright, clear, and true-to-life images. The long eye relief and generous eye box provide comfortable target views and keep your eyes safe from heavy recoil rifles. Besides, the scope has a side focus parallax adjustment for simple parallax elimination. At the price, this scope offers great value for your hard-earned money. Features
|
7) Sig Sauer SIERRA6BDX Rifle Scope 3-18x44mm
The Sig Sauer SIERRA6BDX Rifle Scope offers the best long-range accuracy. It’s equipped with the latest electro-optic technology for ultimate accuracy and ease of use. The riflescope is highly efficient. It has a Motion Activated Illumination System that powers it up when it detects motion and powers down when there is no motion detected. The ultra-wide broadband, anti-reflection lens coatings reduce light reflection and enhance light transmission for bright, clear, and more natural images making it one of the best 3-18 scopes. The scope also distributes the light evenly using professional technology. The BDX-R2 Digital Ballistic Reticle gives shooters greater accuracy and resolution to every single shot made. The illuminated reticle also has aiming aids for aligning elevation and wind indicators. Features
|
How to Choose the Best 3-18 Scopes
- Quality Lenses
You need the riflescope to produce bright, crisp, and more natural images from dusk to dawn. High-quality lenses allow optimum light transmission for perfect images regardless of light conditions. The lenses should also have quality layered coatings as well as scratch and debris-repellent coatings.
- Eye Relief
Eye relief refers to the distance between your eye and the eyepiece of the scope. Look for a scope with at least 3” eye relief. Such a scope will give you snug target views while keeping your eyes safe from heavy recoil rifles.
- Parallax Correction
3-18 scopes are made for shooting long-range. You are going to require a parallax correction turret when shooting long-range. This is important in enhancing your accuracy.
- Durability
If you want great value for your hard-earned money, you will want your riflescope to last for decades. Scopes made with aluminum alloy offer great durability. These scopes are mostly shockproof, impact-resistant, and recoil-proof. The scope should also be fully waterproof and fog proof for all-weather reliability.
- Reticle
When shooting long-range targets, you are going to need a scope that’s able to compensate for bullet drop over long-range. The scope should also have holdover positions as well as bullet trajectory.
If you intend to shoot in low light conditions, you should look for a scope with an illuminated reticle. The reticle should have numerous brightness settings for use in adverse light environments.
Best 3-18 Scopes FAQs
- How much objective lens do I need?
You are going to need a large objective lens of at least 50mm if you are going to be shooting long-range targets. However, you can go for a lower size if you intend to shoot close to mid-range targets.
- How much should I spend on a riflescope?
The price of a quality long-range rifle scope varies greatly. How much you spend largely depends on your set budget. If you want the best quality with the best features, be ready to pay more.
- How long should the eye relief be?
If you are using a heavy recoil rifle, make sure that the riflescope has a minimum eye relief of 3.5-inches. This will keep your eyes safe and give your snug views of the target you are shooting.
Conclusion
I trust that you have this post helpful. If you are into long-range hunting and shooting, a good quality long-range scope is indispensable. The scopes listed above offer the best long-range performance in terms of accuracy, optical performance, and reliability. Grab any one of them and increase your success this hunting season.
See Also