What Is The Best Rifle Scope For Deer Hunting

 Do you require a scope for your rifle? Buying the right scope is an important decision. To make the best choice, you need to know what you plan to do with it and how you will use it. Buyers should consider a few things before purchasing, like how often are they planning on using this rifle? What type of rifle is it (bolt action or semi automatic)? How many rounds are they planning to fire at the range during their first year of ownership? This review will discuss those details to help buyers make the best decision for their specific needs.

Best Rifle Scopes

If you require the best scope for your deer hunting rifle, here is our top 5 rifle scopes for deer hunting to consider:

best rifle scope

What We Reviewed?

Top 5 Best Rifle Scopes in 2022

best rifle scope

#1. Vortex Optics Viper HS-T

9.9
5/5

#2. Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x50mm

9.9
5/5

#3. Vortex Optics Viper HS SFP Riflescope

9.9
5/5

#4. Nikon Buckmasters II 4-12x40mm Riflescope

9.9
5/5

#5. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 30mm Tube Scope

9.9
5/5

#1. Vortex Optics Viper HS-T

If you want a scope that will last for years to come, look no further than the Vortex Optics Viper HS-T—my personal favorite. The first thing I noticed about this scope was its durable construction.

The body is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, and its O-ring is sealed to guarantee waterproofing. The tube is purged with argon gas to prevent fogging inside the optics, even on cold days. It comes with a sunshade that reduces glare and makes it easier to see your target in bright light.

Features

PROS
CONS
best rifle scope
Shootability
5/5
Accuracy
5/5
Reliability
5/5
Value
5/5

#2. Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x50mm

If you’re looking for the best rifle scope for deer hunting, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a review of the Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x50mm:

Features

PROS

The scope is able to manage light well, making it a great scope for low-light shooting.

The scope has a coating that protects against scratches and abrasion, which means it will last longer than other scopes.

The lenses are lead-free, so they’re safer for the environment and for you.

The lenses have a special coating that protects them from water and oil smudges.

CONS

You might find yourself wishing for a larger magnification (but if this is the case, I recommend taking up bird watching)

Shootability
5/5
Accuracy
5/5
Reliability
5/5
Value
5/5

#3. Vortex Optics Viper HS SFP Riflescope

If you’re looking for a scope to help you hunt deer, then you’ve got to check out the Vortex Optics Viper HS SFP Riflescope. It’s a versatile, high-performing scope that can help you take down your prey.

The Vortex Optics Viper HS SFP Riflescope has been recognized by magazines such as Men’s Journal as one of the best hunting scopes on the market today. I personally love this scope because it’s tough and versatile enough to keep pace with me on my hunts.

Features

PROS
CONS
Shootability
5/5
Accuracy
5/5
Reliability
5/5
Value
5/5

#4. Nikon Buckmasters II 4-12x40mm Riflescope

This scope takes the top spot on our list for good reason. Made by Nikon, a trusted brand in optics and scopes, the Buckmasters II 4-12x40mm Riflescope is definitely a scope that should be taken seriously. In fact, it has been awarded several times by Outdoor Life Magazine as “Best of the Best” and by Field and Stream Magazine as “Best Value”.

Features

PROS
CONS
Shootability
5/5
Accuracy
5/5
Reliability
5/5
Value
5/5

#5. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 30mm Tube Scope

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 30mm Tube Scope is a great option for those looking to upgrade from iron sights or open sights. It offers high-quality performance in a lightweight, compact package and is available at an affordable price point.

Features

PROS
CONS
Shootability
5/5
Accuracy
5/5
Reliability
5/5
Value
5/5

What Does a 3×9 Scope Mean?

So what does 3×9 mean for scopes that have these numbers? Well, these numbers tell us a couple of important pieces of information about this scope. The first number, the “3” in this example, tells us that the scope has 3x magnification. The second number tells us this scope has 9 possible levels of magnification: from 3 up to 9 times the naked eye vision.

What Does 4×32 Indicate on Rifle Scopes?

What does 4×32 mean on a scope? First, there’s the number 4. This is the first number in this type of sight—a variable power scope—and it indicates that the magnification of your view is 4 times larger than if you were looking at something with your naked eye. So if there was a deer 100 yards away from you but you were seeing it through this scope, it would look like the deer was only 25 yards away from you.
Next we have the number 32, which indicates the diameter of your lens in millimeters. A bigger lens means more light will enter into your scope when you’re peering through it, which means a brighter image and better clarity. The more light that enters into your scope, the better (for obvious reasons).

What Power Scope Do I Need for 500 Yards?

Generally, the minimum power you will need for hunting deer at 500 yards is 4x, but if you want to shoot in low light conditions, then you may want to consider a higher-powered scope with more light transmission.

How Do You Zero a Scope?

Here, I will show you how to zero a scope in 5 simple steps.
1. Get yourself a good rifle scope and a gun.
2. Put the rifle on a solid surface, get comfortable and aim at your target with both eyes open and the stock on your shoulder.
3. Adjust the windage and elevation dials to match your target at 100 yards from the top of the center of your cross-hairs (look through the scope first).
4. Fire three shots into your paper target at 100 yards and make sure all of them are near each other and in the center of your target (use bullets that are similar in weight to what you plan on using later).
5. When they hit near each other and close, know you have zeroed your scope.

What Is the Best Scope for 100 Yard Shooting?

We understand that choosing a rifle scope is not an easy task, there are many different factors to take into consideration when making this decision. The first thing you should do is determine which type of rifle scope will work best with your rifle. Some scopes have an illuminated reticle which allows the shooter to see their target even in low light conditions while others have fixed magnification levels (for example, 3x).

You can also choose between scopes with adjustable magnification levels such as 2-7x or 3-9x. These allow hunters to change the magnification from one distance range to another without having to remove their eye from behind the gun’s sights. If this sounds like something that might interest you then read on so we can get started!


What’s the Best Magnification for a Hunting Scope?

For deer hunting, it’s recommended to use a 4-12x fixed magnification scope or a 3-9x variable magnification scope. The reason for this is that it gives you the ability to see your target at close range without having to worry about zooming in too far and losing sight of your prey.

How Far Can a 4×32 Scope See?

In general, most riflescopes are designed to provide optimal performance at 100 yards or less. The maximum effective range for a 4×32 scope is somewhere around 200 to 250 yards. This means that if you’re hunting deer within 200 yards or so and want to get the most out of your rifle, this is the right scope for you.

What Magnification Do I Need for 1000 Yards?

To be honest, it depends on the scope. It also depends on how far out you are shooting and what your targets are. And the distance of your target does not guarantee that you will always need a certain amount of magnification.
If you want to take a deer at 1000 yards, you need a scope with higher magnification. It will help make sure that you have a clear target and hit your mark.

What Magnification Do I Need for 200 Yards?

The first thing to ask yourself when choosing the best rifle scope for deer hunting is how much magnification you’ll need to hunt at 200 yards. If we’re going to be shooting at 200 yards, a scope with a power of 3x or less will not suffice. To take a shot at 200 yards, you’ll need a scope that’s at least 4x power. Here are some great options:
Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Adjustable Objective Riflescope (3-9x 40mm) – This is the perfect scope if you don’t have too much money to spend. It has great reviews and offers plenty of quality optics and features for its price point.
Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope – This scope is also very affordable. It has a simple design, which makes it easy to use and mount in the field.

What Is Objective Size in a Scope?

Simply stated, the main lens at the front of your rifle scope is called the objective, and it’s measured in millimeters. We’ll call it “objective size” for simplicity.
But what does that number mean for you as a deer hunter? Well, put simply: more light equals better quality. The larger the number, the more light is gathered by your scope. There’s more to it than just that! When we’re talking about a deer hunting rifle scope, there are other factors to consider before you make a purchase.
For example: a larger objective size means a heavier overall weight. If you’re going to be carrying this thing around in the woods all day, you’ll want to go with something lightweight. But if you’re not planning on moving much—say, if you’re just sitting on a tree stump waiting for Bambi—then you might be okay with something heavier.

What Does Eye Relief Mean on a Scope?

Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the eyepiece of a telescope or microscope. The closer your eye is to the eyepiece, the better the image will appear magnified. If you look through a telescope, you’ll see that the magnification of an object will increase as you move closer to it.
This is because our eyes can only see so much detail in an image before it becomes blurry or distorted. So if we want to get an accurate reading of how far away something is (which we need when shooting a deer), then we need to be able to see details like branches on trees and leaves blowing in the wind.

What Are the Numbers on a Scope?

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when trying to decipher the numbers on scopes. There are numbers on the elevation knob and windage knob, the power ring, and on some scopes, the parallax adjustment knob. Each of these numbers serve a distinct purpose.
The first number that you need to know is your turret adjustment value. This number tells you how many clicks it will take for you to move your bullet one inch at 100 yards. For example, if your turret adjustment value is 1/4 MOA, then it will take four clicks of the knob to move your bullet one inch at 100 yards.
Your scope’s magnification power is the second number that you need to know. This number tells you how much closer an object appears through the scope than with your naked eye. For example, if you have a 4x-12x-50mm scope, then objects will appear four times closer through the scope at 4x magnification than they would with your naked eye, 12 times closer at 12x magnification than they would with your naked eye, and 50mm is the size of your objective lens.

Finally, some scopes have a parallax adjustment knob with numbers on them. The numbers on this knob tell you what distance from where you are.

Does Scope Magnification Change Point Impact?

The answer is yes, and not only that, it’s a matter of common sense if you know anything about shooting. Hunting rifles are used to take down large game, like deer, elk, and moose. If you were to use a scope with low magnification (let’s say 3x), your point of impact will be very different than if you were using a high-magnification scope (10x or more).
Why does this happen? Well, the answer is simple: when you’re looking through a scope with low magnification (3x), you’re still seeing your target in its full size. But when you’re looking through a higher-magnification scope (10x), the image is magnified ten times. So the difference between what you see at 3x magnification versus 10x magnification can be significant enough to change where your bullet hits on your target.

How Far Can You Shoot with a 10x Scope?

If you’re a hunter, you know the excitement of putting down your trusty binoculars and resting your eyes on the crosshairs of a rifle scope. Your prey is locked in, and all that’s left to do is wait for the perfect moment to pull the trigger.
But what if you’re looking through your trusty 10x scope, and it just can’t seem to reach the distance you need? It’s frustrating having to keep your prey waiting because you can’t get close enough, but even more frustrating is not being sure when you should trade in your old scope for something better.

What Is a Good Scope for 400 Yards?

After doing some research, we’ve found that the best scope for 400 yards is the Bushnell AR Optics Drop Zone-22 BDC Reticle Riflescope. The reason we like this scope is because of its powerful magnification, and its quick-focus eyepiece.
It has a 3x zoom ratio and a 40mm objective lens. The Bushnell rifle scope is one of the lightest scopes available on the market today. It’s also shockproof! You can also consider the Vortex Optics Crossfire II. for 400 yards.

What Is the Best Rifle Scope for Deer Hunting?

We’ve got you covered with our list of the best scopes for deer hunting:
VISM by NcStar 3-9x42mm Scope – This is a great scope for the deer hunter on a budget. It has a reticle with a bullet drop compensator, which allows you to know where your bullet will land at any given distance. The magnification range of 3-9x is perfect for shooting in distances up to 300 yards.

Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x40mm – The Leupold VX-3i series of scopes are some of the finest scopes on the market today and many hunters consider them to be the best rifle scope for deer hunting. With a magnification range of 4.5x -14x, it can be used in almost any situation including long range shooting and close range shots in thick brush.

Bushnell Drop Zone Reticle Riflescope – This riflescope has an illuminated reticle with multiple aiming.

What Is a Good Spotting Scope for 1000 Yards?

If you are looking for a good spotting scope for 1000 yards, we have some options for you. Our top choices include:
Vortex Optics Razor HD 4000 Spotting Scope
Barska Colorado 20-60x60mm Waterproof Spotting Scope
Gosky Titan 12×50 High Powered Monocular
All of these scopes come with unique features to best suit your outdoor needs. Each one is highly recommended by experts and reviewers. And, if you don’t want to spend a ton of money on a new scope, they are all quite affordable.

What Is the Difference Between a Tactical Scope and a Hunting Scope?

Well, we’ll explain what each type of scope is used for, and where the main differences lie.
If you’re looking for a gun for deer hunting, then you probably want a hunting scope. This is used to hunt animals from afar, and will help you focus on your target.
A tactical scope is used for military purposes when you need to focus on a target in the distance—but as well as being able to focus on an object in the distance, it also helps with accuracy when firing your weapon.

How Does a BDC Scope Work?

Have you ever wondered how a bullet drop compensator (BDC) scope works? We sure have, and that’s why we’ve gone ahead and done the research for you. Here’s a quick rundown of how these scopes work to help you hit your target, even when they’re at longer distances:
BDC scopes are typically used for hunting. They’re able to account for gravity and wind, which means if you’re aiming at a deer around 500 yards away, for example, the BDC scope will adjust for the effect of gravity on the bullet as it flies toward its target. The BDC scope also accounts for bullet drop rate, so if you know your bullet drops about 3 inches at 200 yards, 2 inches at 300 yards, and 1 inch at 400 yards, the BDC scope will compensate for that as well.
But before you invest in a BDC scope, make sure you understand how it works so that you can use it properly. Now that we’ve explained how they work in general terms, read on to learn more specifics about how they work!

What Distance Is a 3×9 Scope Good For?

I love 3-9X riflescopes. They provide just the right amount of magnification for most conditions and shooting scenarios, and they’re so affordable! But if you’ve never used one before, you might be wondering: what distance is a 3-9 scope good for?
The answer is really simple: a 3-9X rifle scope provides an additional level of magnification for every 100 feet, all the way out to 300 yards (900 feet). For many years, 300 yards was about the limit of what most big-game hunters considered to be an ethical shooting distance.


Of course, some shots are longer than 300 yards—but not many! Which means that, for most hunting situations and most hunters’ needs, a 3-9X scope is going to be about perfect.

What Is a Good Magnification for a Hunting Scope?

The best magnification for deer hunting is probably going to be a 3-9×40 scope. For longer range shots, you might want to go with something that has more magnification, but for the most part, you’re going to find the best success with a scope that has between 3 and 9 power.
You want to get 3-9x40mm because you want it to be 40mm. That’s what gives you the ability to see in low light conditions. Your scope should also have good eye relief so that if you’re out in the woods and accidentally brush your rifle against a tree or something and it goes off, you don’t have shrapnel from the scope hitting your face!

What Does 3x9x40 Mean on a Rifle Scope?

Using a scope on your rifle can help you make a cleaner, more accurate shot, which will yield better results when hunting for deer. You’ve seen all those numbers and symbols on your rifle scope and are wondering what they mean. They denote the magnification power of your scope.
Now for the first number, which is 3 in 3x9x40. 3x means that whatever you’re looking at appears three times (3x) closer with a telescopic lens. If you look at the nine in the equation 3x9x40, you will see that 9x simply means that things appear nine times closer to you.
Finally, we will multiply the last number, which is 40, with three, nine, and forty: 3x9x40. When you’re shopping for a rifle scope, it’s worth thinking about how much light the lens allows through; that is, it’s worth considering the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters. This website tells you all the information you need to know, as well as what kind of scope might work best for you.

What’s a Perfect First Hunting Rifle for Deers?

Have you decided to take up deer hunting? If so, we’re so excited to go on this journey with you! So many people have asked us, “What is the most suitable first hunting rifle for deers?” that we decided to make a list of our top picks.
Here are our favorite choices:
Remington 870 Express
Mossberg 500
Ruger 10/22
Browning X-Bolt Hunter
Winchester Model 70 Sporter

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the choice that best suits you will depend on your budget, your particular needs, and what you want to achieve. In other words, choose the scope that best meets your requirements based on its respective positive and negative points. And as always, we wish you every success in finding the right scope for your rifle.