Approximately 8.1 million people hunt deer annually in the United States. Are you looking to join them?
Deer hunting is a popular, time-honored tradition that requires skill, patience, and the right equipment. If you are a beginner looking to enhance your hunting setup, a high-quality rifle scope is a necessity.
It can make all the difference between a successful hunting trip and coming home empty-handed. With a lot of options available on the market, it can be overwhelming for you to choose the best rifle scope for deer hunting. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through the choices.
Nikon Prostaff P3 Riflescope
Among the best rifle scopes for deer hunting, the Nikon Prostaff P3 stands out for its excellent clarity and reliability. It’s designed to provide crisp images and precise aiming points.
Key Features:
- Magnification Range: 3-9x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
- Tube Diameter: Standard 1-inch tube construction
- Reticle Focal Plane: Features a Standard BDC or BDC Active Target reticle
- Parallax/Focus: Adjustable parallax for precise aiming
Pros:
- Rugged and durable construction
- Precision bright optics suitable for deer hunting
- Accurate turret adjustments for accurate shot placement
Cons:
- It may be relatively expensive
- Limited magnification range compared to some scopes
This rifle offers crisp optics and a good magnification range ideal for your deer hunting trips.
Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 Riflescope
When it comes to affordability and performance, the Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 Riflescope is an ideal choice for new deer hunters. Priced under $200, you can get reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
- Tube Diameter: 1-inch
- Turret Click Values: .25 MOA
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second
- Parallax/Focus: Fixed at 100 yards
- Knob Style: Capped
- Illuminated Reticle: No
- Field of View: 34.1-12.6 feet at 100 yards
- Weight: 14.3 ounces
Pros:
- Offers a light and compact design
- Nitrogen-filled construction for fog-proof and waterproof reliability.
- Very reasonable price for those on a budget
- Backed by Vortex’s lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Restrictive eye box
- Absence of parallax adjustment dial or illuminated reticle
- Lower image quality compared to high-quality scopes
The Vortex Crossfire II offers beginners essential features for successful deer hunting. While it may not offer the same level of performance as high-end scopes, it remains a reliable choice.
Leupold VX-Freedom Riflescope
For deer hunters looking for a quality rifle scope at a reasonable price, get the Leupold VX-Freedom Riflescope. With its lightweight design and solid construction, this scope delivers consistent performance in the field.
Key Features:
- Magnification Range: 3-9x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
- Tube Diameter: 1-inch
- Turret Click Values: .25 MOA
- Illuminated Reticle: No
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second
- Parallax/Focus: Fixed at 150 yards
- Weight: 12.2 ounces
- Field of View: 33.1-13.6 feet at 100 yards
- Knob Style: Capped Windage & Custom Dial System-ZL Elevation (CDS-ZL)
Pros:
- Reasonable price point
- Lightweight and compact design
- Good quality glass for improved clarity
- Available with a coupon for a custom dial system matched to your hunting load
Cons:
- Lower image quality compared to other costly Leupold scopes
- Doesn’t have an illuminated reticle or a parallax adjustment dial
The Leupold VX-Freedom is suitable for short to medium-range hunting scenarios. It’s a solid choice for beginners who need a reliable scope at an affordable price.
Trijicon Tenmile 4.5-30×56
If you’re a hunter targeting deer at extreme distances, opt for the Trijicon Tenmile 4.5-30×56 scope. With its advanced features and precision engineering, this scope excels in long-range performance.
Key Features:
- Magnification Range: 4.5-30x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 56mm
- Tube Diameter: 34mm
- Turret Click Values: Extreme adjustment travel with 100 MOA (29.1 MRAD) and 50 MOA (14.5 MRAD) in E/W adjustment
- Illuminated Reticle: Dual illumination in red and green with five intensity settings
- Reticle Focal Plane: Available in both First Focal Plane (FFP) and Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Parallax/Focus: Side focus adjustable from 20 yards to infinity
- Weight: 36 oz
Pros:
- Extreme long-range capabilities suitable for deer hunting
- Dual illumination with five intensity settings for optimal visibility
- Large 56mm lens with ED glass for superior light transmission
- Adjustable parallax correction and wide adjustment travel
- Comes with added rifle accessories, including a sunshade, flip caps, and a throw lever
Cons:
- Costly compared to entry-level scopes
- Warranty coverage may not be as comprehensive as other brands
The Trijicon Tenmile offers exceptional value if you need long-range precision. You can also enjoy its robust construction and advanced features.
Sig Sauer Sierra6 BDX 2-12×40
If you want hunting scopes that leverage technology, the Sig Sauer Sierra6 BDX 2-12×40 is a game-changer. With its BDX feature and digital reticle, this smart riflescope makes long-distance shooting easy.
Key Features:
- Magnification Range: 2-12x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
- Illuminated Reticle: Digital SFP reticle with automatic hold-over dot on a digital focal plane
- Reticle Focal Plane: Digital focal plane with automatic hold-over dot for wind and drop compensation
- Parallax/Focus: Focus down to 50 yards with combined illumination/parallax knob
Pros:
- BDX technology provides ballistic solutions out to 800 yards.
- Digital SFP reticle for precise aiming
- Waterproof design
- Compatible with Sig Sauer BDX rangefinder for seamless integration
- Ideal for long-distance shots on deer
Cons:
- Higher price point thanks to the additional BDX rangefinder
- The new BDX technology might require an adjustment period for some beginners
Despite its premium pricing, the Sig Sauer Sierra6 BDX offers unmatched accuracy and convenience. for hunters. With its advanced technology, it’s a valuable deer hunting tool for successful outcomes.
Riton 3 TACTIX 1-8×24
If you prefer hunting deer with an AR platform, choose the Riton 3 TACTIX 1-8×24 scope. This scope maximizes the effectiveness of the AR platform. It also features a low-powered variable optic and feature-rich design.
Key Features:
- Magnification Range: 1-8x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm
- Tube Diameter: 30mm
- Turret Click Values: .5 MOA
- Weight: 19.3 ounces
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second
- Knob Style: Capped
- Illuminated Reticle: Yes
- Parallax/Focus: Fixed at 100 yards
- Field of View: 105.8-13.1 feet at 100 yards
Pros:
- Reasonable price for the features of AR hunting offered
- Wide magnification range for versatile shooting
- Compact and lightweight design for easy handling
- Streamlined profile for quick target acquisition
- Illuminated reticle for improved visibility in low-light conditions
Cons:
- Relatively heavy
- Non-traditional reticle design
The Riton 3 TACTIX offers deer hunters a practical solution for AR hunting. It offers a versatile magnification range and illuminated reticle to help you get the perfect shot on target.
Athlon Ares BTR Gen2 4.5-27×50
For hunters looking for the best value for money, the Athlon Ares BTR Gen2 4.5-27×50 is an excellent choice. With its FFP illuminated reticle and HD glass, this scope offers impressive long-ranging capabilities for chasing game.
Key Features:
- Magnification Range: 4.5-27x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
- Tube Diameter: 30mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Illuminated Reticle: FFP illuminated reticle with intermittent ‘off’ positions on the third turret
- Weight: 27.3 oz
- Field of View: Ranges from 22.7 to 3.8 ft at 100 yards
Pros:
- HD glass for better image quality
- Zero Stop feature for precise return to initial zero position
- Wide Band Fully Multi-Coated (FMC) coatings for enhanced light transmission
- Exterior Xtra Protecting (XPL) coating on the objective lens for added protection
Cons:
- Some hunters dislike this rifle’s scope and lack of locking turrets
- The price point, although offering good value, might still be a barrier for hunters with strict budget constraints
Despite its budget-friendly price, the Athlon Ares BTR Gen2 offers premium features. As a result, you can get optimal performance for long-range deer hunting.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Rifle Scope for Deer Hunting Beginners
Deer hunting is an exhilarating outdoor pursuit for any new gun owner. As a hunting beginner, selecting the perfect scope can seem daunting. Here are some key factors to consider:
Magnification and Lens Quality
Check the magnification power and lens quality when choosing a rifle scope. For beginners, a scope with moderate magnification- around 3-9x -is suitable. Additionally, look for lenses with excellent light transmission and clarity.
Type of Hunting Scopes
When it comes to hunting scopes, there are several types to choose from. These include variable power scopes, fixed power scopes, illuminated reticle scopes, and long-range scopes. Ensure you choose a deer hunting scope that suits your needs.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Your hunting gear must withstand rugged and wet outdoor conditions. Opt for scopes constructed from durable materials like aircraft-grade aluminum. They should also contain weather-resistant coatings to protect them from water and moisture.
Mounting Compatibility and Ease of Installation
Consider compatibility with your rifle and ease of installation when selecting a scope. Ensure the scope’s mounting system matches your rifle’s rail type. Additionally, choose a scope that is easy to mount and zero.
Reticle Choice
When choosing a rifle scope, consider the type of reticle that suits your deer hunting conditions. For hunting in low-light situations and busy backgrounds, you can get thicker reticles. If you want precise, get the reticle with fine crosshairs.
Shop for Quality Rifle Scopes for Deer Hunting
When it comes to selecting the best rifle scope for deer hunting, beginners have a range of options to consider. From the Nikon Prostaff P3 to the Trijicon Tenmile, there’s a scope to suit your needs and budget.
Ready to elevate your deer hunting trips? RKB Armory has got you covered. We’re dedicated to providing hunters with quality used scopes that don’t compromise on quality. Shop now from our extensive collection.