This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Full Disclosure Here.
Deer hunting is an exciting sport that dates back thousands of years. While ancient generations were equipped with bows and sharp arrows, the modern hunter is equipped with a rifle. The thrill of lining up deer in your sight and preparing the shoot is a beautiful and exciting experience.
At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks For Rifle Scope for Deer Hunting in 2024
- Best Overall: Vortex Optics Crossfire II Riflescopes
- Best Budget: Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope
- Premium Quality: Leupold VX-3i Riflescope
- Most Affordable: CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope
- Best for Pistols: BARSKA CO11538 Colorado Rifle Scope
Deer hunting is prevalent in America. To have successful deer hunting expeditions, you need to make the kill. Having the best rifle scope for deer hunting will determine whether your bullet will hit the target or not.
My hunting and target shooting enthusiasm dates back to when I was a kid. Over the years I have mastered the art of target shooting and learnt how to use the various scopes depending on the shooting range and situation. I teamed up with fellow professional hunters to come up with this detailed guide.
In this guide, we look at different types of rifle scopes in the market. We consider multiple factors when compiling the list of the 10 best rifle scopes in the hunting industry.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | Vortex Optics Crossfire II Riflescopes
| VIEW ON AMAZON →VIEW ON OPTICS PLANET → |
Best Budget  | Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope
| VIEW ON AMAZON →VIEW ON OPTICS PLANET → |
Premium Quality  | Leupold VX-3i Riflescope
| VIEW ON AMAZON →VIEW ON OPTICS PLANET → |
Most Affordable  | CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
Best for Pistols  | BARSKA CO11538 Colorado Rifle Scope
| VIEW ON AMAZON →VIEW ON OPTICS PLANET → |
The rifle scopes in this list have been reviewed and tested based on their material, durability, and efficiency in harsh conditions. I am confident in our list of best rifle scopes; you’ll find your ideal rifle scope for your deer hunting needs.
10 Best Rifle Scopes For Deer Hunting
1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II Riflescopes
Vortex Optics is famous for making the best rifle scopes. All the rifle scopes from Vortex Optics are high-quality and come with a lifetime warranty. The brand prides itself in making very durable and high-performing rifle scopes. The Vortex Optics 2-7×32 Crossfire II is one of the many superior models and configurations in the Crossfire II collection. It comes with a V-Plex reticle, a universal hunting reticle suitable for various hunting expeditions.
The ultra-forgiving sight box and long eye relief provide the hunter with a clear sight of the target. The focus eyepiece is fast and allows for a much quicker and accurate reticle focusing, thus giving crystal-clear imagery and focus. The lenses of the Vortex Optics 2-7×32 Crossfire II are fully multi-coated and anti-reflective. They provide the hunter with a clear and bright view. The antireflective properties ensure your eyes are protected from bright light at all times.
Related Article: 13 Best 22LR Scopes (Rimfire) – Ranked by a Marine
You can adjust the capped reset turrets using your fingers by clicking on the MOA clicks. After sighting your target, you can reset the MOA clicks back to zero. To ensure the riflescope has shockproof performance and strong durability, aircraft-grade aluminum is used in constructing the single-piece tube. The riflescope has fog proof and waterproof performance thanks to the nitrogen purged, and O-ring sealed features.
Pros
- Choice of three reticles
- Four magnification settings
- High performance at an affordable price
- Anti-reflective lens
- Generous eye relief
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Lacks light features and extra brightness
- Lacks wind age resets and instant elevation
Take Away
The Vortex Optics 2-7×32 Crossfire II has a Dead-Hold bullet drop compensator (BDC) reticle, which makes it a reliable scope for shooting and hunting at different ranges, especially in situations where holdover estimation is a concern.
2. Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly and reliable rifle scope, the Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm is the best option. The riflescope has robust features like waterproof, fully coated optics, fog proof, and recoil proof despite the low price. It comes with an MOA sure grip and elevation adjustments that bring enhanced efficiency. The TrueZero technology installed on the Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm offers impeccable holding zero, even during harsh conditions.
The contrast and lighting of the riflescope are abundant enough to allow easy tracking of your target, even in a poor visibility environment. The good magnification range of the rifle scope starts from 3x magnification to a maximum of 9x magnification. The magnification offers an impressive view range. With 3. 9X magnification and a 50 mm objective lens, you get a 31.4 ft field view at 100 yards. With 3X magnification, you get a 10.5 ft field view at 100 yards at 9X.
The elevation adjustment system and true zero windage remain locked to 0 even during strenuous conditions. Hunters enjoy easy target acquisition thanks to the QTA eyepiece. The fully-coated optics provide a brighter and higher-contrast image.
Pros
- TrueZero for excellent zero holding
- The image contrast is sharp and high
- Very affordable
- Impressive magnification range
Cons
- Lacks crystal-clear clarity
- Harsh eye relief
Take Away
The Simmons 8-Point scope is an 8 point scope that combines affordability and reliability. Equipped with fantastic features like 1/4-MOA SureGrip and QTA eyepiece, the scope offers more than what most basic scopes offer.
3. Leupold VX-3i Riflescope
All rifle scopes from Leupold are of premium quality. The Leupold VX-3i Riflescope is equipped with a Twilight Max Light Management System that offers maximum brightness in different colors. The system also intensifies the contrast across the field of view. It enables you to enjoy outstanding performance even in low-light environments. You can use the Dual Spring Precision Adjustments and enjoy match-grade precision. The plain design and layout are incredibly lightweight and rugged.
The riflescope boasts a lens combination that delivers premium edge-to-edge clarity. Thanks to glare management and the fully visible-spectrum lens coatings, hunters enjoy an additional 20 minutes of hunting light. The riflescope has advanced sealing methods, which can withstand shocks, elevation changes, and extreme temperatures. The internals of the riflescope can keep the moisture away, maintaining crystal-clear visibility at all times.
Related Article: 15 Best Scopes for 308 Rifles in 2022 (All Price Ranges)
The Leupold rifle has been designed to function effectively from -40ºF to 160ºF. Just like the other Leupold rifle scopes, the Leupold VX-3i Riflescope can withstand more than 5,000 impacts. When using the scope, hunters are guaranteed a fog-free performance. The rifle scope comes with a straightforward power selector.
Pros
- DiamondCoat 2 offers durability and extra light transmission
- Impressive magnification range
- Enhanced lighting in poorly-lit situation
- Two reticle options
- Generous eye relief
Cons
- Lacks lower magnification range
- Expensive
Take Away
The Leupold VX-3i is rugged and lightweight scope, which offers hunters simple and outstanding performances even in low lighting situations. If you want unparalleled low light performance, the Leupold VX-3i becomes the best option to go for.
4. CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope
The CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope is one of the most affordable rifle scopes in our list of the best rifle scopes for deer hunting. The riflescope has fully multi-coated lenses, effectively delivering high light transmission with high contrast and accurate imagery. The bonded coatings of the riflescope are built to last the test of time and withstand the normal tear and wear.
The riflescope has an adjustable objective lens, which the scope’s parallax dial can move. When adjusting the objective lenses, the hunter gets sharper target imagery while eliminating the range estimation and parallax. The riflescope has an adjustable eyepiece that has a dioptric adjustment lens, hence eliminating image aberration.
The adjustable ocular provides clear vision both for far-sighted and near-sighted users without using glasses. When using the CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope, you enjoy reliable windage and elevation, thanks to the unique construction of the turrets. The turrets allow for elevation adjustment and consistent, precise windage. The rifle scope provides an easy aim with the unique precise Hand-Turn 1/8-inch at 100 Yards Click Adjustments.
You can easily mount the CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope and it fits all standard Weaver rail or 20mm Picatinny.
Pros
- Five brightness levels
- Very affordable
- Extensive magnification range
- Reticle with two illumination colors
Cons
- Very sharp eye relief
- Lacks a lower magnification
Take Away
The CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope is a hunters’ best friend, by providing illumination versatility. The scope has the illuminated rangefinder reticle equipped with two illumination colors (green and red). Hunters can find optimal brightness suitable for every shooting situation.
5. BARSKA CO11538 Colorado Rifle Scope
The Barska 3-9×40 Colorado Riflescope is the best rifle scope for deer hunters looking for rifle scope with a wide range of essential features. The scope has been designed to function effectively when hunting or target shooting . With the fully-coated optics and 100 yards parallax-free, the 3-9×40 Colorado Riflescope is graded as a high-value but cost-effective rifle scope.
The design and construction of the Barska 3-9×40 Colorado Riflescope are compact and straightforward. The file scope is lightweight and durable, making it ideal for target practice and deer hunting. The 3-9x zoom adjustment feature allows the hunter to have a close-up view of the target. The zoom adjustment features make the riflescope ideal for short to medium shooting ranges.
Popular Article: 18 Best Air Rifle Scopes (Ranked by a Marine)
The riflescope is equipped with a unique crosshair 30/30 reticle. The reticle and the rugged monotube construction make it easier for the hunter to quickly aim and shoot his target. Barska provides additional accessories of the rifle scope meant to increase its efficiency. These accessories are a set of rings, scope caps, and lens cloth.
Pros
- Good magnification range
- 100 yards parallax free
- Lifetime warranty
- Easy to adjust and create windage elevation
- Affordable
Cons
- Eye relief can be as low as 2.3″
- Hard to hit targets at long range
Take Away
The features of Barska 3-9×40 Colorado Riflescope scream accuracy and precision. With the 3-9x magnification range and 1/4 MOA click windage and elevation adjustments, precision aiming becomes a walk in the park.
6. Nikon Prostaff P3 Predator Riflescope
Upgrade your hunting experience with the Nikon Prostaff P3 Predator rifle scope. It offers hunters a bright and multi-coated optical system. The reticle of the riflescope is designed to give hunters the ability to shoot a fast-moving target. It also has open circle targeting points that don’t obscure the hunter’s view. Additionally, you can get maximum versatility and precision by optimizing the reticle. You can also load the reticle with Nikon’s Spot on Ballistic Match Technology web software or mobile application. Both the app and web software are free of charge.
The glass surface is covered by many layers of anti-reflective compounds that offer bright and clear imagery. The optical system also provides maximum brightness and optimum light transmission. Hunters can use the 1/4 MOA click-stop to make crisp reticle adjustments, and Nikon has marked the elevation and windage turrets for much easier adjustments.
The windage and elevation adjustment knobs are spring-loaded. You can easily set the knobs back to zero after spotting your target, making it easy to reference your target and make field adjustments. For lasting durability, Nikon has used all-aluminum turrets. The all-metal construction of the riflescope allows for rugged performance and trouble-free rotation, with ample eye relief, hence easy to spot and shoot your target. Despite the exquisite construction, the riflescope is lightweight.
Pros
- Good combination of performance and affordability
- Instant zero resets
- Integrated Nikon application and software
- Multi-coated optical system
Cons
- Sharp eye relief
- Not ideal at long distance
Take Away
One of the best scope for fast moving targets. The Nikon multi coated optical system has BDC Predator reticle and open circle targeting points, which allow for clear and speedy target acquisition of moving targets.
7. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope
The Bushnell Banner Multi-X Reticle is a classic rifle scope used in low lighting conditions like dusk or dawn. The riflescope offers a crisp and clear image, with its waterproof construction and fully multi-coated optics. The waterproof construction prevents fogging. If you want a fast and straightforward target location, the Bushnell Banner Multi-X Reticle has a Multi-X reticle. The Multi-X reticle offers classic and super imagery.
The rifle scope comes with a Multi-X crosshair reticle and a second focal plane (SFP),which enhances clear visibility in poorly lit environments. The riflescope is ideal for hunters who practice deer hunting at dawn and dusk. The fast-focus eyepiece enables the hunter to adjust the scope’s reticle to the eye; this enhances clarity and focuses on the target.
Popular Article: 17 Best Long Range Scopes in 2022 (Ranked by a Marine)
The Bushnell Banner Multi-X Reticle is equipped with elevation adjustments and resettable windage features, which are capped for added protection against any bumps and challenging environments. The classic rifle scope has an ideal magnification range of 3x to 9x. The extra brightness and little distortion ensure that you get very clear images.
Even though the Bushnell Banner Multi-X Reticle is very affordable and efficient, it has harsh eye relief and, at times, won’t be able to hold zero. The sharp eye relief makes it uncomfortable to use for a prolonged period.
Pros
- Great clarity
- Extra light courtesy of brightness lenses
- Impressive magnification range
- Affordable
Cons
- Sometimes fails to hold zero
- Harsh eye relief
Take Away
If you are willing to sacrifice eye relief for the sake of stunning HD clarity, the Bushnell Banner Multi-X Reticle will be the best choice.The scope dusk and dawn brightness multi coated lenses that provide brightness and image clarity.
8. Burris Fullfield II Hunting Rifle Scope, Ballistic Plex Reticle
The Burris Fullfield II Hunting rifle scope is one of the most expensive rifle scopes in the industry. Burris has included several features to justify their price range. The riflescope has two main magnification settings (3x to 9x), which can be supercharged to (6.5x to 20x.). It offers a knurled knob grip which is easy to maintain when aiming for a target. The zoom or magnification ring is made from high-quality metal, ensuring durability and resistance from any wear and tear. Burris offers a lifetime warranty on the rifle scope.
You can efficiently use this scope in any harsh weather conditions, thanks to the waterproof and fog proof features. It’s also shockproof and filled with nitrogen. Compared to other rifle scopes in the market, the Burris Fullfield II Hunting rifle scope is fitted with large precision-ground lenses. The precision-ground lenses are high quality and ensure better light transmission.
The Burris Fullfield II Hunting riflescope is available in three main variations:
- Fullfield II Riflescope 4.5-14x42mm
- Fullfield II Riflescope 6.5-20x50mm
- Fullfield II Riflescope 3-9x40mm
The key differences among the three variations are the:
- Magnification
- Objective Lens Diameter
- Clear Objective Lens Diameter
- Field of View
- Elevation Adjustment, Total Capability
- Exit Pupil
- Parallax/Focus
- Windage Adjustment
- Adjustable Parallax
The variations give one the freedom to pick the rifle scope that will meet their hunting needs.
Pros
- Fantastic clarity and contrast
- Two magnification settings
- The riflescope can be used in low lighting conditions
Cons
- Lacks illuminated reticles
- Harsh eye relief
Take Away
Hunters who are looking for a budget friendly traditional hunting scope, will find the Burris Fullfield II Hunting rifle scope to be the best option for them. Even though one has to deal with harsh eye relief, the scope offers fantastic clarity and contrast even in low lighting conditions.
9. UTG 3-9x 32mm Compact Rifle Scope
The UTG 3-9x 32mm Compact rifle scope is one of the most reviewed rifle scopes online. The rifle scope allows easy adjusting of the lenses based on one’s position and location. Its 30mm tube is installed with high-quality multi-emerald coated lenses, which enable the best clarity through maximum light transmission. With the custom-built color rifle scope, users can pick any of the 36 different colors.
The riflescope has a compact design that is nitrogen-filled and completely sealed. It’s also fog-proof, shockproof, and rainproof. It has a magnification range of 3 – 9x and eye relief of 3.4″ – 3″. The riflescope has a high-tech illumination memory option, which will take you back to the brightness /color settings you last used. The quick detachable rings, quality flip-open lenses, and integral angle sunshade make the rifle scope ideal for deer hunting.
The UTG 3-9x 32mm Compact rifle scope has a detection range of up to 500 yards and a field view of up to 100 yards (at 32.1-12.6 ft). The main demerit of the riflescope is its weight. With a weight of 23.2 oz., the riflescope is quite heavy. The riflescope has a 13.0mm exit pupil, 30mm tube diameter, and 32mm objective diameter offering 100 yards of field view.
Pros
- Detachable rings and resettable turrets
- 10 yards Parallax setting
Cons
- Relatively heavy
Take Away
The 32mm objective lens of the UTG 3-9x 32mm Compact scope offers maximum light transmission. Larger lenses come with more weight hence the 23.2 oz. of the scope. To compensate for the weight, the scope has green and red dual illumination.
10. NIGHTFORCE SHV 5-20x56mm Zeroset .250 MOA Scope MOAR/Forceplex Reticle
The Nightforce SHV is the most powerful rifle scope in the SHV series and performs effectively atshort and long-range. The riflescope is ideal for hunters who prefer using rifle scopes with MOAR reticles. Hunters using the Nightforce Optics SHV 5-20X56 enjoy illuminated control and can comfortably hunt in low light, thanks to the durable scope. Since the rifle scope is a Plane Riflescope equipped with MOAR Reticle, you’reguaranteed a shooting range full of superb clarity, color contrast, and crisp imagery.
Popular Article: 23 Best AR-15 Scopes & Optics (Ranked by a Marine)
The Zero standard setting allows a rapid return to the zero setting, even after many elevation adjustments. The magnification range of 5-20X makes it easy to spot targets easily. The 3.15 – 3.54 inches eye relief and 8.7 – 2.5 millimeters exit pupil make it comfortable to use the rifle scope.
The Nightforce SHV comes in five main styles depending on one’s personal preference. The five main styles are:
- SHV C522 4-14x56mm Scope
- SHV C520 4-14x56mm Scope
- SHV 4-14x50mm Scope
- SHV 3-10x42mm Scope (Moar/Forceplex Reticle)
- SHV 5-20x56mm Scope
The above styles all come with different features and upgrades, which make them more efficient. The main difference can be seen with the following:
- Magnification Range
- Focal Plane
- Overall Length
- Field of View @ 100 yard/m
- Eye Relief
- Illumination
- Elevation Feature
- Internal Adjustment Range
Comparing the various styles of the Nightforce SHV will help you in picking the best rifle scope.
Pros
- Very durable
- Effectively at short and long-range
- Parallax side focus and an Illuminated reticle
Cons
- Expensive
Take Away
Hunters who focus more on optimal functionality and not the price, will greatly benefit from the Nightforce SHV 5-20×56. The 5-20×56 is the most powerful model of the Nightforce SHV series. The scope has been engineered with amazing features like 80 MOA elevation adjustment, ZeroSet technology and side parallax adjustment for maximum functionality.
What Makes a Great Deer Hunting Scope?
When shopping for the best rifle scope for deer hunting, you’ll find plenty of rifle scopes from different brands. All these rifle scopes come with additional features and designs, which determine their effectiveness and functionality. Pro hunters will know what to look for when shopping for a reliable rifle scope; however, the experience can be very challenging for novices. Our comprehensive guide has compiled the best metrics to use when shopping for the ideal rifle scope for your deer hunting expeditions. The following tips can be used by both novice and expert hunters.
Type of Rifle Scope
There are two types of rifle scopes, the fixed riflescope, and the variable riflescope. The fixed rifle scope has a fixed optical magnification.. The variable rifle scope allows the user to alter the optical magnification of the rifle scope. Adjusting the optical magnification is helpful in the magnification of a target. It’s highly recommended for one to go for the variable rifle scope due to its versatility.
Magnification Setting
Rifle scopes come with different magnification ranges. Some have a high magnification setting, while others have low ones. Most rifle scopes have a standard magnification setting range of 3x to 9x. Magnification settings are essential, since they determine how clear the target will be depending on how far you are from the target. The standard magnification range of 3x to 9x can offer clear visibility and allow you to hit your target as far as 500 yards when using maximum power. However, you can easily hit your target when you zoom back, which is as close as 20 yards.
Magnification range comes with plenty of versatility when using a rifle scope. Picking a rifle scope based on the magnification range is based on personal preference. How far or close do you estimate your targets will be? Hunters who anticipate tackling long-range shots should look for rifle scopes with a higher magnification setting range, preferably 4x to 12x magnification. But hunters who are confident they will have short-range targets can use the rifle scopes that come with standard magnification settings. If your hunting experience requires very distant shots, you will need to undergo significant training and gain experience to make a successful kill shot.
Eye Relief
How much eye relief will you need when hunting for the deer? Magnification setting and eye relief are highly correlated. Rifle scopes that have a higher magnification setting come with more minor eye relief. It’s highly recommended that a standard rifle scope with 3x magnification should have an eye relief of at least 4″. While professional hunters can easily manage with much less eye relief due to their many years of experience, less-experienced hunters will need higher eye relief.
Eye relief of at least 4″ offers hunters a lot of versatility. It also allows the hunter to spend more time looking through their rifle scope without getting fatigued. One golden rule to remember, the higher the magnification settings, the lower the eye relief you will have to deal with. We have rifle scopes in our list of best rifle scopes with high and low eye relief depending on ones’ personal preference.
Extra brightness
Top rifle scope manufacturers are now equipping their rifle scope with several options and features that can increase the amount of light passing through the lenses. Riflescopes with extra brightness lenses are the best for hunting animals which mostly appear at dusk or dawn. It’s evident that having a rifle scope with extra brightness will determine whether you will have a successful hunt or not. The main downside of rifle scopes with extra brightness is that they are costly. Despite the high price tag, the extra brightness makes a significant difference in visibility and clarity.
Reticle Brightness
When looking through the scope, you’ll see your target. However, this doesn’t guarantee you a successful shot, especially over a long distance. Most rifle scopes will have dashes. When you have the zero setting correct, your rifle scope will assist you in accounting for the bullet drop. Riflescopes that can’t display these significant notches will leave the hunter clueless. You’ll be forced to guess the critical numbers; With the wrong numbers,the bullet could end up flying in the wrong direction. This makes the hunting experience much more difficult, especially for novice deer hunters.
With reticle brightness, you enjoy clear imagery and don’t need to guess the critical numbers. Rifle scopes with reticle brightness come with a control system where the hunter can adjust the brightness and find the optimal illumination for every killer shot. Reticle brightness is significant for hunters, especially if you’re hunting in low lighting environments.
Zeroing Your Scope
One must zero out their scope. Zeroing your rifle scope involves lining up the scope with your rifle so that you can make that killer shot and hit your target. Every rifle scope needs to be zeroed out.
Elevation and Windage
The elevation and windage of your scope are as crucial as zeroing your scope. When it comes to adjusting the elevation and windage of your rifle scope, you should look for the following features:
- Objective lens
- Windage adjustment knob
- Elevation adjustment knob
- Magnification adjustment ring
- Fast focus eyepiece
If you decide to ignore the elevation and windage turrets, you’re likely to miss your shot. When making the adjustments, you need to track your surroundings and your location. If you make adjustments for your next shot without considering your surroundings, you could end up missing your target completely. Due to different designs of rifle scopes, hunters have a different experience when adjusting the elevation and windage. The more modern rifle scopes have features, making it easy to adjust the elevation and windage within seconds, while the standard rifle scopes will require some mental calculations.
When making these adjustments, it’s important to note how far you are from the target. When you are closer to your target, it will be easier to make the adjustments and easily make a successful shot than a far-away target. At 50 yards, you can easily shoot your target without making adjustments, but at 500 yards, you’ll need to make optimal adjustments.
Additional factors a hunter should consider when shopping for a reliable rifle scope are:
- The price of the scope and potential future costs
- Scope formula
- Lens diameter
- Weight
- Reticle style
- Duration of the warranty
- Does it use red dot sighting?
- Weatherproofing features
Conclusion
If you’re a hunter, you want maximum efficiency from your equipment, whether it’s $100 equipment or $1,000 equipment. Your shot is as good as your weakest link, so don’t let your rifle scope be the weak link. In our buying guide, we’ve ensured that we present you with a list of the top rifle scopes in the market.The Vortex Optics Crossfire II riflescope tops the list of the best rifle scopes for deer hunting. The model offers hunters affordability and performance with a lifetime warranty. There are other rifle scopes on our list, which will meet your deer hunting needs and budget. With the above buying guide tips, you can easily compare the various rifle scopes in our list and decide which one will best suit your hunting needs.
We’re confident that our guide will equip you with the necessary knowledge and confidence you need to purchase an excellent rifle scope. Any rifle scope you pick from our list will offer you powerful performance. Head to your next deer hunt with confidence and return victorious.
