10 Best Muzzleloader Scopes

Going on a hunting trip without the best scope mounted on your muzzleloader would make the experience more stressful and less productive.

The muzzleloader has been in use long before the advent of most common rifles found on the shelves today. Accuracy is vital while hunting with a muzzleloader because you get just one shot, and if you miss that, you’d have to start all over again.

Unlike the rifle, the muzzleloader is loaded from the gun’s muzzle rather than changing the magazine. One other feature that mainly differentiates the muzzleloader from a rifle is its reticle. Unlike that of the rifle, the muzzleloader’s reticle is very easy to select, as most reticles work perfectly on the average muzzleloader. On the other hand, the rifle’s reticle has to be selected directly in line with the rifle’s features.

The eye relief a muzzleloader scope offers is also very different from that of a rifle scope. The muzzleloader scopes are designed to provide a large amount of eye relief as they are not structured like the rifle scopes.

The amount of eye relief a muzzleloader offers is higher than that of a rifle in order to avoid the scope bumping into your eyes from the recoil while hunting or shooting.

To make your selection process easy and even fun, we have created a list of top 3 best you can easily lay your hands on.

Top 3 Best Muzzleloader Scopes

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope, Sabot Ballistics Reticle (174184)

Model #174184 – VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm with UltimateSlam reticle and Matte finish; 100% Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.

$299.99

PROSTAFF P5 2.5-10×42 Matte BDC

Spring-Loaded Instant Zero-Reset Turrets and Aluminum Turret Caps; one-inch main tube; 4x zoom ratio

$229.00

Bushnell Trophy Scope with DOA 600 Reticle, 3-9 x 40mm, Matte Black

Fully multi-coated optics and rain guard HD offer 91% light transmission in any weather; 3-D magnification with doa 600 reticle and 4 inch eye relief, bone Collector edition

The best muzzleloader scope is designed to offer the hunter sharp and quick responses from close and far ranges, as the best scope is an excellent additional feature for your muzzleloader.

A good hunter is aware of the fact that the best way to take down your target is to equip your muzzleloader with the best scope.

Making every single shot count is important when handling the muzzleloader, which is why selecting the best scope for your muzzleloader is very crucial to achieving a bullseye on your target.

Purchasing the best scopes for your muzzleloader largely increases your chances of hitting a bullseye on the first shot!

Selecting the best muzzleloader scope might not be easy, especially if you’re not familiar with the muzzleloader. To make your selection easy here is a list of our ten best products.

10 Best Muzzleloader Scopes (Reviewed and Ranked)

1. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope, Sabot Ballistics Reticle (174184)

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions: 14 x 3 x 2.75 inches
Weight: 0.63 pounds

At the top of our list is the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope, Sabot Ballistics Reticle (174184). With a magnification range of 3x-9x and a brilliantly designed main tube diameter of 1 inch, this riflescope is one you don’t want to ignore while shopping.

This riflescope features excellent eye relief abilities, included to help the shooter a great deal while hunting. It offers an eye relief of 4.17″ in low light conditions and an eye relief of 3.66″ in high light conditions.

It also includes the Twilight Max Light Management System. This feature is designed to provide brightness and superb clarity, even in the harshest of weather conditions. The Twilight Max Light Management System achieves this by balancing light transmission, glare reduction, image contrast, and resolution, thereby ensuring a crystal clear image in any lighting condition.

The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope, Sabot Ballistics Reticle (174184), built to offer rugged reliability, is also equipped with the Ultimate Slam reticle. A reticle designed to provide superb hunting sights for the hunter or the shooter.

Its proprietary gas blend and seals are tested to a 33-foot depth, and a whole multitude of pressure changes. This rifle scope is solidly designed to survive a minimum of 5,000 impacts on the punisher, which is its recoil simulation machine. Take note that the force of each impact is three times (3x) the recoil of a .308 rifle.

Its exterior layer is made with 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum and punisher; both tested to guarantee a lifetime of rugged performance even under the harshest recoil.

It also features precision 1 / 4 MOA finger click adjustments for windage and elevation that offer all-round dependability and repeatability over a lifetime of extreme use.

This rifle scope is certified 100% fog proof, shockproof, and waterproof. Now you have a rifle scope, built to function excellently even in the harshest of weather conditions!

The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope, Sabot Ballistics Reticle (174184), is backed by a reliable manufacturer’s warranty. This warranty guarantees that if your rifle scope doesn’t perform as it should, the manufacturers would gladly repair or replace it for you; how cool is that!

This new and improved rifle scope readily delivers the ultimate performance hunters and shooters have been craving for years!

Designed, machined, and assembled in the USA, the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope, Sabot Ballistics Reticle (174184) is a hunting force to reckon with.

Pros

Cons

2. PROSTAFF P5

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions: 12.6 x 1.5 x 1.5 inches
Weight: 1 pound

Another scope brilliantly designed to suit your muzzleloader perfectly is the PROSTAFF P5. This Nikon made muzzleloader scope is built with the hunters’ needs in mind.

It features a versatile zoom ratio of 4x the magnification of the average rifle scope. Its 4x zoom ratio offers the wide field of view needed for close up shots or moving targets and the increased image detail that comes with higher magnification scales.

The PROSTAFF P5 is equipped with a one (1) inch main tube, a zoom ring, a fast-focus eyepiece, and turret caps made from aircraft-grade aluminum. It’s matched knurling on all controls is ergonomically designed for visual appeal and an increase in the firm grim which is in use.

This rifle scope also features a BDC reticle that allows hunters to aim sharply at ranges higher than those no one thought was possible! The BDC reticle is equipped with see-through ballistic circles that offer an incredible advantage, especially for long-range shooting.

Even with its see-through ballistic circles, it also allows for a normal picture sight for much shorter range shots.

It also includes spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets that are precise and accurate. Its precise, positive click ¼ – MOA reticle adjustments get you zeroed quickly and equally maintains your setting, even in a heavy recoil.

This rifle scope is also shockproof, fog proof, and waterproof, a 3-in-1 rifle scope! It is O-ring sealed to prevent moisture from entering into its body. With the aid of a nitrogen-purged technology, this same body easily shrugs off hard recoil, extreme and rugged use, offering you total reliability against internal fogging and thermal shock.

The PROSTAFF P5 is a compact rifle scope, ideal for your muzzleloader to create a perfect fit and give you the speed and accuracy you need!

Pros

Cons

3. Bushnell Trophy Scope with DOA 600 Reticle, 3-9 x 40mm, Matte Black

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions: 17 x 3 x 3 inches
Weight: 0.89 pound

The Bushnell Trophy Scope with DOA 600 Reticle, 3-9 x 40mm, with a Matte Black coating is a new breed of riflescopes designed to offer maximum performance in any weather along with your muzzleloader.

This technologically advanced rifle scope gives the hunter an unbeatable edge to edge clarity, superb light transmission, and the best any muzzleloader rifle scope can offer.

The Bushnell Trophy Scope with DOA 600 Reticle, 3-9 x 40mm, with a Matte Black coating features seven (7) different configurations and six (6) unique reticle options. These settings are designed to suit every hunting application during a hunt comfortably.

Its fully multi-coated lenses work to provide unbeatable image quality, regardless of the weather conditions or light condition, thanks to its superb rain guard HD lens coating.

It is also equipped with a short one piece that comes with an integrated saddle that stays out of your way and doesn’t hinder your shootout. A fast-focus eyepiece and brilliant side parallax adjustment on the riflescope makes dialing turrets super easy and stress-free.

This rifle scope is a hundred percent waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof. Giving you the confidence to venture out in any weather conditions and still achieve the perfect shots!

Its 3-D magnification with a doa 600 eye reticle offers you a clear magnification within your choice range, no matter how close or how far it is. Its reticle also provides top-notch image quality regardless of how harsh the weather conditions are, as it still maintains its brightness even in the lowest lighting conditions.

This riflescope offers a superb eye relief level measuring 4 solid inches in high and low light conditions.

The Bushnell Trophy Scope with DOA 600 Reticle, 3-9 x 40mm is solidly backed by a manufacturer’s warranty that guarantees a lifetime usage and rugged reliability and whole dependability.

Pros

Cons

4. Burris 3-9 x 40mm Fullfield II Ballistic Plex Rifle Scope

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions: 12 x 4 x 4 inches
Weight: 368.54 grams

The Fullfield II, since its introduction into the market in the year 1957, has not failed to continue to win the hearts of hunters and muzzleloader owners.

The Burris 3-9 x 40mm Fullfield II Ballistic Plex Rifle Scope is a product of the Fullfield II model and has not failed to live up to its standards on the hunting ground.

Its high-performance optical glass is designed to provide superb clarity and contrast while on the hunting fields. Its multi-coated, no-glare lenses allow the hunter to execute activities with no stress in all lighting conditions.

Its quality precision ground lenses offer improved light transmission as they are larger than the average scopes out on the market shelves.

It comes equipped with a simple integrated fast-focused eyepiece that offers maximum view range and power built with a non-slip grip for quick and easy adjustment. Its positive steel on steel click adjustment offers repeatable settings for superb accuracy at any range on the hunting grounds.

The Burris 3-9 x 40mm Fullfield II Ballistic Plex Rifle Scope features knurled knobs attached to the magnification or zoom ring. These knurled knobs are made with metal and offer an easy grip and a lifetime usage warranty.

It is also nitrogen purged, making it shockproof, fog proof, and waterproof, ready to provide the maximum performance you need to hit your target’s head on!

Its Clear Objective Lens Diameter measures at 40 mm, it’s Ocular Lens Diameter at 39 mm, and it provides a field of view (FOV) measuring at 33 in low conditions and 13 in high conditions, over an ft of 100 yards.

It is equally equipped with super reinforced quad-seal gas seals and Hi-Lume Multi-coated lenses that work to keep your rifle scope functioning even in the harshest of weather climates.

This popular rifle scope is in great demand by thousands of hunters and shooters as it is relatively affordable and still offers excellent value for your money.

A full manufacturer’s warranty backs the Burris 3-9 x 40mm Fullfield II Ballistic Plex Rifle Scope. The manufacturers guarantee a warranty that ensures your rifle scope lasts you for a very long time. You might count forever, too, with how durable and accurate it is.

Equipped with a durable, stable, and stress-free 1 piece outer tube withstands all forms of shock and vibrations of even the heaviest revolving caliber, the Burris 3-9 x 40mm Fullfield II Ballistic Plex Rifle Scope is one remarkably suiting scope for your muzzleloader.

Pros

Cons

5. Thompson Center Rifle Scope 1X32Mm, 1″ Tube, Matte Black

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions: 7 x 7 x 7 inches
Weight: 1 pound

If there is one scope that effectively caters to the needs of hunters and muzzleloader owners, that scope is the Thompson Center Rifle Scope 1X32Mm, 1″ Tube, with a Matte Black coating.

This riflescope features fully multi-coated lenses that effectively provide maximum light transmission, especially for the day’s early hours and late afternoon hunting trips.

It is also waterproof, shockproof and nitrogen filled to prevent fogging on the inside of the rifle scope. Your Thompson Center Rifle Scope 1X32Mm, 1″ Tube, Matte Black, is designed to offer the maximum performance even in the harshest weather conditions.

Its matte black coating is included to reduce light reflection, and its objective lenses measured at 32 mm to 40 mm, respectively, are designed to enhance light gathering ability.

The Thompson center provides an array of magnification ranges for Eastern and Western muzzleloaders and hunters on the plus side.

It also includes fully coated optic lenses, the ability to withstand magnum recoil, and an unbeatable expanse range field of view while hunting.

Looking for a muzzleloader scope to help you achieve accuracy and speed at a budget-friendly cost, look no further than the Thompson Center Rifle Scope 1X32Mm, 1″ Tube.

Pros

Cons

6. Vortex Optics Copperhead 3-9×40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope – Dead-Hold BDC Reticle

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions: 14.3 x 3.5 x 3.2 inches
Weight: 1 pound

The Vortex Optics Copperhead 3-9×40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope – Dead-Hold BDC Reticle with a magnification of 3-9x is a rifle scope built to last!

This riflescope features a locking diopter eyepiece that allows the shooter to set and lock the eyepiece setting once, without need for further adjustments.

Its objective lens measures at 40 mm, and it also offers an incredible level of eye relief. This riflescope offers an eye relief of 3.8″ in

It’s hard-anodized single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube is nitrogen purged, and O-ring sealed, for superior waterproof, fog proof and shockproof performance.

The custom made design of its Dead-Hold BDC Reticle is one of a kind! Its design helps to eliminate doubts and guesswork on windage and holdover corrections. Now you don’t have to bother about calculations at varying ranges while trying to shoot your target.

This rifle scope is equipped with Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticles located behind the image erecting and magnifying lenses. This article’s unique style allows the reticle to maintain its visible size even when you decide to change the magnification.

The superior advantage of the Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticle is that it always retains the same appearance even when magnification is going on.

The Vortex Optics Copperhead 3-9×40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope with a superior Dead-Hold BDC Reticle provides superb Image quality with the aid of its Second Focal Plane reticle and fully multi-coated lenses. Irrespective of the weather climates or conditions, this rifle scope performs excellently, giving you clear images of your target shots.

Its extended eye relief, locking diopter feature, and fully multi-coated optic lenses are a few of the numerous features why the Vortex Optics Copperhead 3-9×40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope – Dead-Hold BDC Reticle is a popular choice amongst muzzleloader hunters.

Its solid one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum construction gives it an edge over other muzzleloader rifle scopes and makes it highly resistant to magnum recoil and practically indestructible.

The Vortex Optics Copperhead 3-9×40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope with a superior Dead-Hold BDC Reticle also comes equipped with a reticle focus, an elevation adjustment knob, an objective lens, and a windage adjustment knob.

With adjustment graduation of 1 / 4 MOA, a travel per rotation measured at 15 MOA, a max windage adjustment of 60 MOA, and a parallax setting of up to 100 yards, this rifle scope maintains its superior statistics above other muzzleloader scopes.

Pros

Cons

7. UTG 3-9X40 1″ Hunter Scope, AO, 36-color Mil-dot, w/ Rings

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches
Weight: 1.32 pounds

The UTG 3-9X40 1″ Hunter Scope, AO, 36-color Mil-dot, w/ Rings is a durable and very efficient rifle scope built to offer the maximum performance a Muzzleloader owner and hunter needs.

This rifle scope is equipped with premium lockable and resettable turrets; these features make manipulating the scope very easy. Its intuitive zero adjustments and retention takes only a few seconds to adjust, saving you a ton of stress.

It features the UTG’s patented EZ-TAP 36-Color Illumination Enhancing System not common with other muzzleloader rifle scopes. This illumination enhancing system is easily accessible, with a 1 click illumination memory system.

When activated, its 1 click illumination memory system provides a string of different reticle illumination colors and brightness intensities. Making it an addition to the manufacturer’s usual standard colors of red and green.

This rifle scope also includes flip-open lens caps and superior Max strength quick detachable scope rings that provide the much-needed support and pressure needed while hunting.

The UTG 3-9X40 1″ Hunter Scope, AO, 36-color Mil-dot, w/ Rings are specially designed for predator hunting, with its built-in strength platform and remarkable reticle power.

Its eye reticle is a Mil-dot range estimating reticle that allows for the most optimal aiming and shooting performance.

It also features a front Bezel adjustable objective that provides a superb parallax adjustment range. This parallax adjustment ranges from five (5) yards to infinity!

It is equally equipped with the main tube, that is 100% nitrogen filled and completely sealed. Making it fully waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof, giving you a rifle scope that can function remarkably well even in the harshest of weather conditions. This rifle scope also comes with multi-coated lenses and a tailorable eyepiece diopter.

The UTG 3-9X40 1″ Hunter Scope, AO, 36-color Mil-dot, w/ Rings is powered by CR2032 batteries built to last the hunter for as long as needed. It’s UTG True Strength Platform Optic offers the exceptional hunter clarity and Image qualities under any weather condition.

This rifle scope also offers an excellent amount of eye relief in both high and low light conditions. It offers an eye relief of 3.9″ in low light conditions and an eye relief of 3.2″ in high light conditions.

Pros

Cons

8. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope with 3.3-Inch Eye Relief, 3-9X 40mm

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions: 16.3 x 2.5 x 3.12 inches
Weight: 0.81 pounds

Need a reliable and very effective muzzleloader rifle scope? You should check out the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope with 3.3-Inch Eye Relief, 3-9X 40mm.

An average hunter is aware of how many tags are filled in the low light time (early hours of the day and the late hours), which is why the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope with 3.3-Inch Eye Relief, 3-9X 40mm is perfect for this type of lighting condition.

This riflescope features superior lenses coated with Bushnell’s proprietary Dusk and Dawn Brightness (DDB). The DDB multi-coating process provides the hunter with the brightness and clarity needed to make up for the first and last daylight minutes.

The Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope with 3.3-Inch Eye Relief, 3-9X 40mm is the perfect rifle scope for muzzleloader owners as it is built to give you the accuracy and speed you need to hit your big targets right on the spot.

Its one-piece tube design gives it an extreme edge over other scopes, making it the best for a big game, slug, varmint, black powder, and turkey hunting. It is also the perfect addition to your muzzleloader.

This low light rifle scope features a 3 to 9x magnification and brilliantly designed Objective lens measured at 40 mm. It’s Multi X reticle features 1 / 4 MOA fingertip windage and elevation adjustments for fast and easy adjustment even during hunting.

Its fast focus eyepiece easily tracks down your target, giving you a free-range and an incredible view of the target. This rifle scope is designed to also offer unbeatable eye relief in both low and high light conditions. It provides an eye relief of 3.3 inches, comfortable to be used in both high and low light conditions.

The Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope with 3.3-Inch Eye Relief, 3-9X 40mm is certified 100% waterproof and fog proof. Now you have a reliable rifle scope, ready and capable of functioning excellently even in the harshest of weather conditions.

Pros

Cons

9. UTG 4X32 1″ Crossbow Scope, Pro 5-Step RGB Reticle, QD Rings

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches
Weight: 1.59 pounds

Muzzleloader hunters who fancy the crossbow type of scopes, we have one the list that will interest you. Here’s the UTG 4X32 1″ Crossbow Scope, Pro 5-Step RGB Reticle, QD Rings.

This crossbow scope includes five (5) horizontal lines calibrated for 300fps crossbows for fast aiming at 10, 20,30,40, and 50 yards!

The UTG 4X32 1″ Crossbow Scope, Pro 5-Step RGB Reticle, QD Rings come equipped with a Unique Pro 5 Step Red or Green Illuminated reticle. This reticle is designed for crossbows and other applications that require variable velocity compensation.

It also includes a side wheel with a green or red dual illumination control, designed for versatile uses in different light conditions.

This crossbow muzzleloader scope features Premium Zero Lockable and Resettable Target Turrets for Windage and Elevation Adjustment.

It is also complete with low profile quick detach ring mounts, with a patented lever lock feature and durable flip open cap lens, designed to protect your lens when not in use.

With a magnification of 4x, a tube diameter measured at 1 inch, and an objective diameter of 32 mm, this riflescope is perfect for any muzzleloader hunter.

Pros

Cons

10. Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope with Truplex Reticle

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions: 14 x 3 x 3 inches
Weight: 0.63 pounds

The Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope with Truplex Reticle is one rifle scope that continues to win many muzzleloader hunters’ hearts.

This budget-friendly rifle scope offers unbeatable value for your money as it is built to provide more high-quality features than its competitors.

It features a fully coated optic that offers images with a brighter and higher contrast than any other muzzleloader rifle scope on the market.

It also includes 1 /4 MOA SureGrip audible click True Zero windage and elevation adjustments for quick and effortless switching even while hunting.

Its True Zero Windage and Elevation Adjustment system stays locked tight to zero, even when used in challenging situations. Its fast focus QTA eyepiece works perfectly to give the hunter easy target acquisition.

The Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope with Truplex Reticle is waterproof, fog-proof, and extremely recoil proof! Now you have a rifle scope capable of excellent performance even in the harshest of weather climates.

With a magnification of 3-9x, a truplex reticle works together with its Quick Target Acquisition (QTA) eyepiece to give you optimal viewing and a waterproof and recoil proof exterior. This rifle scope is built to last!

Pros

Cons

FAQs

What is the effective range of a muzzleloader scope?

The effective range of a muzzleloader scope is 200 yards.

Does scope magnification affect accuracy?

Yes, a change in the scope magnification predominantly affects the accuracy of your shot.

Does a muzzleloader need a special scope?

No, the muzzleloader does not require a special scope because it can function perfectly with the average scopes found on the market.

Is there a difference between a rifle scope and a muzzleloader scope?

Yes, there is a difference between the two. The major difference is in the amount of eye relief offered by both guns.

Load More

Conclusion

A single shot is all you get when hunting with the muzzleloader rifle, which is why accuracy is key with this type of rifle.

The muzzleloader, unlike the rifle, as stated earlier, works perfectly with any modern-day rifle scope. The current scope is a great additional feature for your muzzleloader as it is a great way to easily improve accuracy, shoot perfectly in low light conditions, and increase your rifle’s effective range.

Durability and simplicity are very vital features needed in scope for your muzzleloader, which is why in selecting one, it is best to seek out a simply designed scope that is durable and doesn’t have too much magnification.

Too much magnification in a muzzleloader scope primarily affects your shots’ accuracy while hunting, as the muzzleloader offers just a single shot.

In the process of selecting the best scope for your muzzleloader, it is essential to note that the muzzleloader works perfectly well with the modern scopes found on the market.

Do take note of the fact that the muzzleloader, like other hunting firearms, can be limited by the eyesight of the user or the shooter. A faulty optic would decrease your chances of hitting your target on the spot and steal a bit of your confidence while trying to shoot again.

The best optic scope, on the other hand, will not only improve your chances of superb accuracy, but it will also boost your confidence remarkably for the next shot.

Being able to get a clear view of your target before taking a shot determines whether you end up losing the shot, getting a near miss, or hitting your target right in the spot you aimed for.

Now that you have a list of the best muzzleloader scopes, you can easily lay your hands on the market shelf; your selection process should be easier.