In this review, we comprehensively cover the best scope for western hunting recommendations. Let’s dive in.
One of the most dynamic and fascinating adventures one can engage in is hunting. For some, hunting isn’t just a way to pass time, but also a way of life.
Western hunting is something that takes a whole lot of dedication and well as seriousness. You will have to wake up early at dawn or wait till late in the evening to have high odds of catching your target.
There is also some danger when it comes to hunting in the woods because some of the animals we hunt are incredibly fierce.
Western hunting is much more enjoyable when you have the right scope with you. A reliable scope will help you know when the target shows up and you will then have a good chance of taking it down.
With multiple riflescopes present in the market today, choosing the best scope can be challenging for you especially if you are new in the market.
To help you make the right decision, we have reviewed the best riflescopes for western hunting. Let’s take a look.
Best Scope for Western Hunting-Top Picks
1) Vortex Viper HS 4-16×44 Riflescope
This is one of the Best Riflescopes for Western Hunting. With a Dead-Hold BDC reticle, this Viper HS is good for hunting or tactical shooting at any varying ranges. It advances XD the optical system provides you with crystal clear mages from edge to edge. Furthermore, the XR multi-coated lens allows you to capture your target even under low light conditions such as at dusk or at dawn. The 4x zoom will pull you close to the target. The scope is built on a 30mm main tube which increases the amount of elevation and windage adjustment. Moreover, the 30mm main tube is made from aircraft-grade aluminum which makes the scope lightweight and easier to use when hunting. The exterior lens is Armortek coated which makes it scratch, dirt, and dustproof. For all-weather reliability, the scope is completely sealed and 100% nitrogen filled. The hard-anodized finish makes the scope durable and good-looking as well. Pros
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2) Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope with Truplex Reticle
If you are looking for a hunting riflescope that’s not only easy on the wallet but also easy on the eye, the Simmons 8-point 3-9x50mm Riflescope is your ideal riflescope. This riflescope model features fully multi-coated optics which enhance light transmission resulting in the production of bright and clear target images full of color contrast. The rifle scope provides outstanding precision in a basic riflescope thanks to its ¼ MOA windage and elevation adjustment turrets that are easy to use. The QTA eyepiece ensures easy target acquisition while the generous eye relief keeps your eyes safe from heavy recoil rifles. Another good thing about this scope is the fact that it is fully waterproof and fog proof. That means that you go hunting with it no matter the weather conditions. Well, that’s not all. This scope is easy to mount, has a large field of view and it’s easy to use even with hunting beginners. Pros
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3) Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
Available in different sizes
This is a single one-piece tube riflescope suitable for big game, slug shotgun, and brush hunting applications. Featuring fully multi-coated lenses, this scope provides bright and clear targets that are full of color contrast even under low-light shooting conditions. The fast-focus eyepiece provides quick and easy target focusing and the metal-on-metal precision turrets offer the ability to zero reset after sighting in. The hard anodized finish helps camouflage the shooter’s hunting position which is a good thing when it comes to western hunting. Moreover, the scope is Argon purged and O-ring sealed to deliver a lifetime of all-weather reliability. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle also makes the riflescope suitable for hunting and shooting at varying ranges where estimation hold-over would be a concern. Pros
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4) Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x Riflescope is one of the best western hunting scopes from the Leupold brand. The scope features a versatile magnification ranging between 3x-10x which is ideal for hunting at both short and medium ranges. The lenses offer the greatest level of abrasion resistance by being scratch-proof and are fully coated to enhance light transmission, especially under low light conditions. The Twilight Light Management system provides the best brightness and image clarity by balancing the transmission of light, reduction of glare, and image contrast. The scope is crafted from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum which makes it very durable. For all-weather reliability, this scope is argon purged for total waterproof properties and nitrogen sealed to avoid moisture damage, fogging as well as clouding. This scope also features ¼ MOA tactical-style turrets. Another good thing about this scope is its long and consistent eye relief. Pros
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5) Athlon Optics, Argos BTR, 6-24×50 Riflescope
This is one of the best scope for western hunting recommendations. It has a 4x magnification that makes it versatile for different shooting disciplines. Its lenses are XPL coated to protect them from dirt, grease, and harsh weather conditions. The lenses are also fully multi-coated to enhance light transmission delivering bright and clear images even under low light conditions such as dusk or dawn. Moreover, the scope features a parallax adjustment knob on the side which enables you to easily adjust to any range. With most hunters preferring to hunt at either dawn or dusk, an illuminated reticle provides better visibility at such times. The scope also features a single-piece tube built from aircraft-grade aluminum to enhance strength and shockproof reliability. When it comes to weather reliability, this scope is argon purged for total waterproof properties and nitrogen sealed to avoid moisture damage, fogging as well as clouding. Furthermore, the robust mechanical construction ensures that this scope is completely shockproof. Pros
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6) CVLIFE 3-9×40 Optics
Make your hunting experience more enjoyable by using CVLIFE 3-9×40 Riflescope. This is our first best scope for western hunting recommendation. The small size and low weight make this scope the perfect optic for both short and medium-range shooting. For long-lasting durability and reliability, this scope features a special inner and outer structure to control the interaction between the inner and outer tubes. The smart design of this scope ensures that it is shockproof and offers more precise windage and elevation adjustment. For brilliant images full of color contrast, the scope features a fully multi-coated lens with optimal light transmission. The good thing about this lens is that coating is also scratch-resistant, oil and dirt-proof. Furthermore, the scope is built on an ultra-strong 1-inch main tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum which is not only lightweight but also highly durable. When it comes to all-weather reliability, the scope is completely sealed and 100% nitrogen filled. Since it is fully waterproof and fog proof, you can go hunting under any weather condition. Definitely one of the best Riflescopes for Western Hunting. Pros
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7) Nikon ProStaff 3-9×40 (BDC) Riflescope
A versatile riflescope such as the Nikon ProStaff 3-9×40 can be used for hunting, target shooting as well as personal defense. With its 3-9x magnification, you get to comfortably use this scope to cover various ranges while also increasing good hunting opportunities. The 40mm objective lens is wide enough to gather adequate light into the scope while the fully multi-coated lens boost that light transmission to enhance bright target images that are full of color contrast. With an eye relief of 3.6 inches, you don’t have to worry about your eye-getting hit by a high-recoil rifle. For all-weather reliability, the scope is completely sealed and 100% nitrogen filled. Since it is fully waterproof and fog proof, you can go hunting under any weather condition. The BDC’s unique see-through ballistic circles offer an incredible advantage for long-range shooting, yet still allow a normal sight picture for short-range shots whereby the crosshair itself is the aiming point. Pros
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Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Scope for Western Hunting
Below is an ultimate guide on what to consider when choosing the best riflescope for western hunting.
- Magnification
Western hunting requires you to have a riflescope whose magnification brings the target closer which ensures quick and accurate target acquisition.
The magnification range of any scope will also affect the setting of where you will hunt at. For close-range hunting and daylight shooting, a 3-9×40 scope will be good enough for hunting at places where you are not expected to shoot under 100-200 yards.
On the other hand, a 6-18×50 hunting scope is capable of giving you a powerful zoom ideal for long-range hunting without compromising on the clarity of the target image. Overall, ensure that your hunting scope doesn’t go less than 9x for magnification.
- Multi-coated lenses
A great riflescope for hunting should be able to perform well even under low light conditions such as at dusk or at dawn.
You should not stop hunting when darkness starts to fall in therefore you will need one that will always provide you with bright and crystal-clear images regardless of the light conditions.
- Construction
In most cases, hunting takes place either at dawn or dusk. Hunting at that time can be delicate. Your hunting riflescope should be able to withstand several bumps and falls along the way without getting damaged.
The body of the best western hunting scope is one that’s built from durable and high-quality materials especially aircraft-grade aluminum. Not only is this material durable, but also lightweight.
The scope should also be built of materials that are completely water-resistant, fog resistant, shockproof, and dustproof to ensure all-weather reliability.
- Eye relief
When hunting, one of the worst things that can happen to any hunter is to have his eye hit by recoil from heavy recoil rifles. It is therefore important to look for a rifle scope with generous eye relief especially if you hunting using a high caliber rifle.
The ideal rifle scope should have an eye relief of at least 3 inches.
- Weight
Keep in mind that you are always going to carry the riflescope with you while in the field. So, a lightweight scope will be simpler to carry from one point to the other and easier to keep on target when firing offhand.
However, heavy scopes might be more durable and contain more inbuilt features, so you will need to consider what is important to you as a hunter as well as how you intend to you the thermal scope.
Best Scope for Western Hunting FAQs
- What size of objective lens do I need for my hunting riflescope?
The objective lens should be matched to the magnification of a scope. Always ensure that you look through a scope before buying it to ensure that it is clear and has a bright view.
- Which riflescope reticle should I choose?
Any hunter is recommended to go with a plain reticle with minimal or no internal markings.
- Do I need a fixed or variable magnification scope?
The two have their own pros and cons but, a fixed power scope will be of a higher quality and more durable than the variable scope of a similar cost. Go for the fixed scope as it tends to be more reliable and consistent.
Best Scope for Western Hunting Advantages
- Lightweight and portable.
- Applicable in hunting as well as other shooting activities such as tactical shooting.
- Built to last. These scopes are made from high-quality and sturdy materials.
- The scopes are O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to ensure all-weather reliability.
- The scopes are available in a wide range of magnifications which makes them suitable for shooting in different ranges.
Conclusion
A rifle scope that works best with your neighbor might not as well work best for you.
We have therefore reviewed the best riflescopes for western hunting to make sure that you don’t get left behind when it comes to taking down your favorite target.
We hope that you get to love them too.