With the advancement in the technology and innovation of muzzleloaders, those days are gone when your muzzleloader was comparatively considered low performing when it comes to shooting with accuracy and power. Nowadays, an experienced shooter holding a muzzleloader can easily compete with a rifle regarding accuracy and precision shooting up to 300 yards.
If you want to maximize the performance and accuracy of your muzzleloader, you should equip a high-quality scope to make the most out of your shooting experience. Since there are hundreds of scope brands available in the market, it is tough for most shooters to find the best muzzleloader scope that aligns with their requirements.
To help you out, I have curated a list of the top best scope for a muzzleloader that you can mount and maximize its performance.
Top 5 Best Muzzleloader Scopes For Shoot
1. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn
When it comes to shooting with low light visibility, the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9×40 is a perfect scope to mount on a muzzleloader. With a twilight light management system, your shooting performance can quickly emerge from daylight to night light.
It comes with adjustable knobs that feature click increments to ensure precise zeroing. The best thing is that it uses a multi-x reticle for a sleek target. You would be amazed to know that it comes incorporated with an o-ring seal, which keeps it protected from fog and water, ensuring a clear lens view.
Not to mention, each lens is coated with multiple layers to improve the light transmission and make it easier for you to see your target. Most shooters love the fast-focus eyepiece, making it convenient for you to adjust the aim according to your requirements.
However, you should know that it features an eye relief of 3.3 inches, which can be pretty close to your range if you decide to keep yourself safe from the powerful recoil of a muzzleloader.
Features
- Made with premium-quality material.
- Integrate a fast focusing eyepiece and 100% water and fog resistance.
- Uses a multi-x reticle for convenient aiming.
- Incorporates adjustable knobs of elevation and windage.
- Suitable for low-light shooting.
Pros
- Affordable and durable.
- Sufficient eye relief.
- Unmatchable low light performance.
Cons
- Poor-quality eye box.
- High magnification power makes the vision blurry.
2. Leupold 170680 VX-3i 3.5-10×40
The Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10×40 is the latest addition to the series of VX, while the company has introduced some new changes that will improve the performance and durability of this product. It is made with premium-grade material, which is equipped with a magnification power of 3.5x to 10x. Even though high magnification is not suitable for hunting purposes, it will provide you sufficient field view to locate your target.
The adjustable eyepiece allows you to make quick focus adjustments, and you can use the turrets to zero your sight without any hassle.
Features
- Made with aircraft-grade aluminum and ultra-light material.
- Integrated with twilight max light management system.
- Twist parallax adjustments.
- Has a matte finish.
Pros
- Rugged and lightweight design.
- Offers a crisp and clear picture.
- Performance better in low-light shooting.
- Comes with adjustable turrets.
Cons
- A little pricey.
- The length might not be suitable for some shooters.
3. Vortex Optics Copperhead 3-9×40
When looking for a sturdy and high-performing scope for your muzzleloader, look no further than this copperhead scope by the vortex. It will deliver unmatchable performance once mounted on your muzzleloader. Most shooters love this because it features an o-ring seal, which prevents any kind of moisture from getting inside the scope and affecting your view.
Another feature they love is that every glass integrated inside the scope is covered with multiple coatings to improve the light transmission while keeping your sight safe from water, fog, or debris. Hence, you will get a crystal clear view of your target.
Not to mention, this scope is made of aircraft-grade aluminum, which comes with an anodized finish for a sturdy construction. The copperhead comes along with every feature required for making your hunting successful, ranging from adjustable knobs, BDC reticle to magnification ring, and a lifetime warranty.
Now you don’t have to worry while hunting in the field as if anything gets damaged during the process. You can get it replaced or returned by the company’s professional and get back to your hunting days.
Features
- Made with premium-grade aluminum material.
- Integrated with an o-ring seal to make it durable.
- Comes with knob turrets for easy adjustments.
- Backed up by lifetime warranty.
- Multi-coated glasses to ensure a clear view.
Pros
- Durable and rugged design.
- Great eye relief and eye box.
- Easy to adjust elevation and windage.
- Offer a crystal clear image.
- Great magnification power.
Cons
- Lacks low light visibility.
- Takes time to sight it properly.
4. Leupold 174180 VX-Freedom 3-9×40
Leupold is a top leading company that produces high-quality products, and VX-freedom is not an exception. The company has used 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum for sturdy construction and unmatchable durability. It comes integrated with multi-coated lenses, which makes it resistant to water and fog, offering you a crystal clear picture of your target.
With a magnification power of 3x-9x, you can shoot your target from a distance. The scope uses a twilight light management system, which improves the speed of light transmission.
This feature comes in handy when you are on a hunt. Professional shooters also love the ultimate slam reticle that compensates for the holdover and the knurled knobs for adjusting the elevation and windage angle.
Features
- Made with durable aircraft-grade aluminum.
- Certified for shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof.
- Suitable for all kinds of muzzleloaders.
- Integrated with knob turrets for accurate adjustments.
- Comes with fixed parallax to 60 yards.
Pros
- Rugged and lightweight.
- Offers a crystal clear picture.
- Unmatchable low light performance.
- Features adjustable knobs
Cons
- A little pricey.
- Some shooters might not like the length.
5. Burris Optics 200161 Fullfield II 3-9×40
One of the best budget-friendly scopes that you would see in the market by Burris optics. Even though this scope comes under an affordable range, it is still made of high-grade material integrated with multi-coated optical glasses to improve light transmission.
Not to mention, most elite shooters love the low-light performance of this optics by Burris. The fullfield II features an adjustable eyepiece for convenient magnification adjustments. The best thing is that it comes integrated with superior gas sealed and knob turrets for seamless performance as it becomes resistant to shock, fog, and water. The ballistic plex reticle makes it an incredible scope for a muzzleloader.
Overall, it is a perfect scope for your muzzleloader as it comes packed with every feature you need to maximize the performance of your firearm and, plus under an affordable budget. You should consider this scope if you are looking for a budget-friendly option and probably want your hunting trip to be memorable.
Features
- Made with aircraft-grade aluminum material.
- Comes integrated with multi-coated hunting glass.
- Integrated with an adjustable eyepiece.
- The magnification power of 3x-9x.
- It weighs only 13 ounces.
Pros
- Rugged and solid construction.
- Convenient to zero your sight.
- Easy to mount.
- Clear and crisp picture of the target.
- Quality low light visibility.
Cons
- Comes with a poor eye box.
| Image | Name | Editor’s Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn | 5 Out Of 5 ★★★★★ | View On Amazon |
| Leupold 170680 VX-3i 3.5-10×40 | 5 Out Of 5 ★★★★★ | View On Amazon |
| Vortex Optics Copperhead 3-9×40 | 5 Out Of 5 ★★★★★ | View On Amazon |
| Leupold 174180 VX-Freedom 3-9×40 | 4.5 Out Of 5 ★★★★ | View On Amazon |
| Burris Optics 200161 Fullfield II 3-9×40 | 4 Out Of 5 ★★★★ | View On Amazon |
✅ Why Is It Important For You To Mount A Scope On Your Muzzleloader?
Muzzleloaders have a powerful recoil, which can easily reach your eye. You probably don’t want the recoil slamming at your face and giving you another eyebrow. That’s why mounting a muzzleloader scope helps you keep your eye at a safe distance while you shoot at your target.
Remember to keep your eyes at least 4 inches away from the muzzleloader scope to get a nicer and clever view. Once you have mounted the scope on your muzzleloader, you can aim at your target within the 200-300 yards range with utmost accuracy and precision.
Not to mention, rifle scopes don’t provide sufficient eye relief and target view, which enable you to aim at your target. You should consider choosing a scope that comes with some magnification attributes, enabling you to position the aim at your target comfortably.
Once you have found the perfect scope for your muzzleloader, you can optimize the performance of your gun without compromising accuracy and precision shooting.
✅ How To Choose The Best Scope For Your Muzzleloader?
Optics is an additional expense that can be added to the overall cost of your firearm. But that doesn’t mean that you would mount a cheap scope at the top of your firearm and think that it would work. We all know that a muzzleloader features a powerful recoil, and you probably don’t want yourself to be in the position where your scope is totally messed up after a few shots from your muzzleloader.
That’s why some top leading companies begin to manufacture scopes specially designed to handle the recoil of a muzzleloader. So, when it comes down to finding an ideal scope, there are many things that you have to consider before making a potential purchase. That means you have to be more selective when you have decided to mount a scope on your muzzleloader.
- Eye Box And Eye Relief
Eye relief is the most important specification of an optic when you are shooting from a muzzleloader, and you cannot ignore it even if you are a professional rifleman. So, remember buying a scope that features a shorter eye relief (maybe less than 3 inches). The powerful recoil of a muzzleloader may embark its presence on your face while shooting.
That’s not only embarrassing but also painful too. So, before you get yourself into trouble, it would be better for you to purchase a scope that comes with an eye relief of at least 4 inches. Not only will it help in keeping your eye away from the powerful recoil, but it will offer a clear view of the target.
Apart from this, you also need to look at the eye box that should come with sufficient room for adjustment to ensure a better optic sight. You should look for a bigger ocular lens as it will give you more room and additional features.
- Reticle And Glass Clarity
The reticle choice depends upon personal preference as some are specially designed for measuring the bullet drop, which enables you to assume the shot holdover. Not to mention, professional shooters prefer using a simple and clean duplex crosshair reticle for easy and precise shooting.
However, if you want to buy an illuminated reticle, you should try it before different things work for different people. Another most important thing you have to consider is the glass clarity, which offers you a crisp and clear view of your target without straining your eyes.
And if you can’t see your target through the optics, then you have wasted your money. Besides, brands like Leupold and Nikon come integrated with high-quality coated glass, which provides you crystal clear picture and color quality. If you are looking for a more affordable option, then you should consider the products of vortex optics, as many optics fall into the category of affordable range that still comes integrated with crystal clear glass.
So, when you are exploring your options, you should choose the product line that comes with coated glass as it makes them resistant to water and fog, giving you a wonderful bright sight picture. Not only will it protect the lens, but it also improves the light transmission to your eye.
Therefore, it will help you see a clear picture of your target and improve your aim. So, it is better to get a multi-coated optic, meaning every lens will have some coatings, which will improve the overall light transmission. Not to mention, some optics are available with anti-glare coatings, which prevent the lens from reflecting light and glaring the view.
- Rings And Mounting
As you know that the recoil of a muzzleloader is so powerful, you need to ensure that your scope is mounted properly on the firearm. Make sure that the scope comes with a sturdy mounting base and rings to withstand the kicks of a muzzleloader.
- Magnification And Parallax
According to the rifle parallax adjustment, these are actually set towards 110-160 yards, but in the case of a muzzleloader, it needs to be fixed near 80 yards. You need this information only when you are using a rifle scope on the muzzleloader. Not to mention, some brands integrate a side parallax adjustment, which can help you to lock and fix the parallax adjustment while zeroing your sight.
Or you can get it adjusted by a professional to get things right. Apart from parallax, you also need sufficient magnification, which will help you target your enemy. Remember buying a high-powered scope means your target will be so close to your eyes, which might make you mad while focusing on your moving target.
Also, when you use a high-powered scope, it narrows down the aiming area, making it harder for you to aim at your target. So, it is recommended to buy a scope that comes with sufficient magnification power, and you can determine by seeing the digits before “x.”
For instance, the 1-4×22 magnification power of a scope, which makes your target 1 to 4 times bigger than what you see. And for optimal range, you need a scope with a maximum magnification power of 5 times. But remember, the smaller the magnification power is, the better field view you will have.
- Construction
When you have decided to mount a scope on your muzzleloader, you should evaluate only those products, which are o-ring sealed sights. It’s worth spending your money on optics that had been o-ring sealed, which makes it resistant to water.
But when this feature is combined with a scope that comes purged with nitrogen or argon, it will improve the light transmission while protecting your glass from fog during cold or bad weather. You probably don’t want your hunting days to go empty by a slight change in the weather. So, it is recommended to invest your money in a sturdy and durable sight.
Another thing you have to consider is that the material used by the company makes the scope recoil-proof or shockproof. We all know that a muzzleloader has a harder recoil when compared to other rifles. It is better to get a scope that can easily withstand the extra recoil from a muzzleloader.
Vortex, Leupold, or whatever brand you choose according to your budget, but you should do proper research before making a potential purchase. Reading the reviews of professional shooters using a scope at the top of a muzzleloader would help you a lot.
- Windage And Elevation Knobs
Having no scope is far better than an untuned one because if your scope doesn’t include adjustments for windage or elevation aspects, you will shoot nowhere. These adjustments are necessary when you are zeroing your sight or adjusting it to ensure that the shoot will land where it needs to be.
The windage adjustment will move your shot from right to left, while the elevation adjustment moves you up and down. You should buy a scope that comes integrated with windage and elevation adjustment knobs that allows you to feel and hear the click when you zero your scope.
Some scopes are even available with a locking feature that keeps the adjustments in place, and you don’t have to worry about tunning them over and over again. Although you might also find something less expensive, like a capped turret in which you use a screw to adjust elevation and windage. Not to mention, some brands even let you know about the bullet drop after making elevation adjustments with a particular load.
These are the things you should look for in a muzzleloader scope before making a potential purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What Are The Best Muzzleloader Scopes?
When choosing the scope for the muzzleloader, it can be challenging for you to choose the best muzzleloader scope for your shooting requirements. So, to help you out You can check charts which one is best for you that you can mount on a muzzleloader for precision and accurate shooting.
- Leupold 170680 VX-3i 3.5-10×40
- Nikon 16596 PROSTAFF P3 2-7×32
- Carl Zeiss 522701-9920 Terra 3X 3-9×42
- Leupold 174180 VX-Freedom 3-9×40
- Burris Optics 200161 Fullfield II 3-9×40
Every scope comes with its fair share of pros and cons, so you should evaluate your options before making a potential purchase.
- Why Do You Need To Install Special Scopes On Muzzleloaders?
When shooting from a muzzleloader, you should install a scope that can withstand the recoil. Even if you choose a rifle scope with a rating of large caliber, it will work fine with your muzzleloader. But remember you need to evaluate your available options to ensure it aligns with your requirements and is strong to withstand the force exerted by repetitive shots.
- Is It Good To Mount A Red Dot Sight On A Muzzleloader?
Yes, mounting a red dot sight would work great on a muzzleloader as it will help you acquire targets. In addition, if you are participating in a shooting competition like 3-gun, then integrating a red dot sight to your muzzleloader would provide a competitive edge over your opponents.
- From What Range Can You Shoot From A Muzzleloader Accurately?
With modernization and innovation, most muzzleloaders can precisely shoot a target at 200 yards. But remember, accurately shooting from a muzzleloader can be tougher than using a rifle to shoot with a tight aim. So, it is better to start with a solid form, which means you have to buy a top-quality muzzleloader to ensure it won’t miss the target.
- Does A Muzzleloader Fall Into The Category Of Firearm?
Any firearm that loads projectiles from the gun barrel is a muzzleloader. However, almost every muzzleloader available on the market is an antique firearm, but according to the gun control act 1968, a muzzleloader is not considered a firearm.
Final Thoughts:
Some scopes are specially designed to be equipped with a muzzleloader and other rifle scopes for better shooting accuracy. The technology used to develop the scopes help you shoot the target with more precision. You can use any product mentioned above that aligns with your requirements and help you shoot from your muzzleloader at an effective range.
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