Gun Cleaning HQ

  • Gun Cleaning Kits
    • Best Gun Cleaning Kits – Reviews and Guide
    • The Best AR Cleaning Kits of 2021 – Gun Cleaning HQ
    • Best Universal Gun Cleaning Kits – Under $40
    • Best Handgun Cleaning Kit
    • The Best Shotgun Cleaning Kits of 2021: Gun Cleaning HQ
    • Top 5 Compact Gun Cleaning Kits
  • Gun Maintenance Tools
    • The Best Powder Trickler: A 2021 Guide
    • The Best Bullet Puller: A 2021 Hammer Style Puller Guide
    • The Best Foaming Bore Cleaner: A Top 5 Review
    • The Best Gun Cleaning Brushes: Top 5 
    • Top 10 Best Gun Cleaning Solvents Reviewed
    • Top 10 Best Gunsmith Screwdriver Sets
    • Best Bore Snake Kit Reviews
    • The Best Gun Cleaning Box For You: A 2023 Guide
    • The Best Gun Vise & Maintenance Centers of 2021 – Gun Cleaning HQ
    • The Best AR Cleaning Tools For 2021 – Gun Cleaning HQ
    • Top 5 Best Gun Cleaning Rods Reviewed
    • Top 5 Best Gun Cleaning Mats
    • TekMat Gun Cleaning Mat
  • Gear Reviews
    • The Best Tactical Gloves for Men: 2022 Edition
    • The Best Budget-Friendly Taser for Women
    • The 5 Best Quick Draw Holster Alternatives
    • The Best Gun Ear Protection in 2021
    • The Best Leather Gun Belt in 2021: Top 5 Review
    • Best Eye Protection For Shooting: 5 Top Options!
    • Best Handgun Range Bags
    • Top 5 Best Rifle Case Under $100
    • Best Biometric Bedside Gun Safe
  • Gun Cleaning Tips
    • Identifying and Understanding the Parts of a Pump Action Shotgun
    • How To Clean Bullets Like a Pro
    • How to Check If a Gun Is Clean: Easy Gun Cleaning Tips
    • How To Clean a Bolt Action Rifle
    • How to Clean a Rifle: All About Maintenance in 2022
    • How to Refinish Gun Stock in 7 Easy Steps
    • Can Gunshot Residue Be Washed Off After Discharging a Gun?
    • Can You Over Clean Your Gun?
    • Cleaning Your Guns with WD-40? A Comprehensive Guide – Gun Cleaning HQ
    • Gun Oil Vs Grease: The Best Gun Lubricant
    • How To Use Your Gun Cleaning Kit
    • How to Select the Best Biometric Gun Safe
    • How to Keep Guns from Rusting While in Storage
    • Should You Clean Your Gun After Each Use?
    • How to Build a Gun Safe Room Inside Your Home
    • How to Move a Large Gun Safe in 10 Easy Steps
    • How to Hide a Gun Safe in Plain Sight: 7 Options
    • How to Keep Moisture Out of a Gun Safe and Protect Your Guns
  • Bargains
    • Best Shooting Gifts
  • Blog
    • The Ultimate Guide to the Best Caliber for Concealed Carry
    • 300 Blackout Pistol Build
    • How has COVID-19 Affected Gun Sales?

What Is the Best Scope for a Muzzleloader? Here’s Our Complete Guide

June 12, 2022 By Edwin Leave a Comment

Successful hunting requires precision and accuracy. The first step to a good shot is pinpointing the target and this is where a scope comes in handy. Here’s a comprehensive guide on finding the best scope for muzzleloader. 

best scope for muzzleloader on the market

How Does a Scope Work?

Before we get down to the nitty-gritty of how you can choose the best scope for a muzzleloader, let’s talk about how it operates and what its mechanics are. Knowing what the firearm is constructed of is one step closer to learning how to get the best one.

Objective and Ocular Lens

The objective lens on a scope gathers light in and the larger its diameter is, the more light it can pull through which will produce a brighter image. Generally, an objective lens diameter for a muzzleloader scope ranges between 32mm and 44mm. 

The ocular lens is also known as the eyepiece and it works as a magnifier, zooming in on the image produced by the objective lens so the shooter can pin the target accurately. Typically, an ocular lens has a 25mm focal length, and most advanced scopes also come with a waterproof coating on the ocular lens for safety measures.

Power Ring

A power ring on a scope allows the shooter to adjust the magnification (zoom in or out on the target) when needed. The magnification permit is provided in the specs of the scope and they’ll generally be written as the first number.

For example, the Vortex Diamondback muzzleloader scope has a 1.75-5×32 magnification range where its minimum magnification is 1.75 and its maximum magnification is 5. The 32mm signifies the objective lens diameter which also plays a part in how large and bright the target image is projected.

Some scopes do not have variable zoom or magnification so they do not come with a power ring.

Eye Relief

Firearms have quite the recoil which is why when a scope is mounted, the distance between the scope’s lens and the tip of the shooter’s eye is taken into special consideration and this is known as eye relief.

Besides protecting the hunter’s eyes, the eye relief also helps you view the target clearly. When the distance between the lens and the eye is correct, the field of view is bright and the image seen is clear. However, when it is incorrect, the field of view may be dark, have a black ring surrounding it or the image will be blurred and distorted.

Elevation and Windage Knobs

On a scope, an elevation knob is present on the top and allows vertical adjustment of the reticle, meaning the shooter can adjust the shot up or down. Similarly, a windage knob is fitted at the side and allows horizontal adjustment of the reticle, meaning the shooter can adjust the shot left or right. 

Such fine-tuning is done in small increments, also known as ‘clicks’ which are measured in MOA or MRAD. Most scopes come with elevation and windage knobs that can be adjusted by hand but some may need a screwdriver to correct the settings.

Do I Need a Special Scope for a Muzzleloader?

In most cases, yes. Muzzleloaders do need a special scope because the heavy recoil can damage a rifle scope and its inner glass construction if the caliber of the optic is not strong enough to handle the muzzleloader’s recoil.

Generally, the larger the caliber, the better it can handle the recoil of a muzzleloader. So rifle scopes with a .308 or .270 recoil may work suitably when mounted on a muzzleloader.

Also, the construction of the scope adds an extra element of durability – the tougher the optic, the better it will be able to handle the recoil.

What Is the Best Range to Sight in a Muzzleloader?

Generally, 50 yards is the recommended range to sight in a muzzleloader. For the perfect shot placement, it is vital to determine the most effective hunting range first and then sighting in the muzzleloader by adjusting the shots up, down, or sideways using the elevation and windage knobs. 

The smaller the area, the more precise the sight-in of the muzzleloader should be. At 50 yards, the scope’s projectile shoots up to 3 inches above the point of aim which allows the shooter average precision and foolproof accuracy.

What Is the Difference Between a Muzzleloader and a Rifle?

vintage muzzleloader gun with horn attached

The biggest difference between a muzzleloader and a rifle is their velocity. A muzzleloader is slower much slower, resulting in a shorter hunting range. Where a rifle can effectively shoot at a range of 200 yards, a muzzleloader can only shoot precisely under 100 yards.

This is why shooters with a muzzleloader practice bringing down game at a closer range. The better the practice, the more successful the hunting will be. But knowing the effective hunting range is just the first step to shooting accurately. There’s tracking the kill, learning its vulnerabilities, and also maintaining the firearm so it performs well on the field.

How Do We Choose the Best Scope for a Muzzleloader?

Now that we’ve covered the mechanics and the basics know-how of all that a muzzleloader scope entails, here’s a brief guide on how you can choose the best scope for a muzzleloader and shoot game effectively, almost making the kill foolproof.

Vision Clarity

Since a scope’s job is to help you have a better field of view and pinpoint the target easily, it is imperative to have an optic constructed with high-quality glass. 

Look for scopes labeled with fully-coated lenses, they will provide a brighter picture result as the coating on the exterior lenses is specially made to increase light transmission from the lens to the hunter’s eye.

You can also take it a step further and opt for a muzzleloader scope with multi-coated lenses in which every single lens will not only be coated to increase light transmission but it will also improve the clarity of the field of vision and cut down on glare resulting in a clear, bright and anti-reflective image. 

Durability

Hunting is a field game. Having a successful kill requires protecting your firearm from nature by getting a scope that can withstand all types of weather and shock. 

Search for an o-ring sealed muzzleloader scope, it is code for waterproof. Also, make sure the scope you purchase is either nitrogen or argon purged so the scope does not fog up and blur the image. For extra durability, look for a scope that has a greater recoil so the scope is not vulnerable to the muzzleloader’s heavy kicks.

Eye Relief

One of the most important areas of consideration when zeroing in on a muzzleloader scope is its eye relief because the greater it is, the more accurate the resulting image will be. It also means your eye won’t be harmed by the muzzleloader’s recoil.

Generally, a 3 to 4-inch eye relief is recommended with an objective lens diameter of at least 35mm and an ocular lens of at least 25mm focal length. The bigger the eye box is and the greater in size the lenses are, the clearer and the brighter the field of vision will be.

Turrets

Also known as elevation and windage knobs, turrets are used to sight-in or zero the scope in through horizontal and vertical adjustments. 

To make sure your shots land where they were aimed, get a muzzleloader scope that makes some sound when ‘clicking’ the adjustment in place. To avoid accidental twists on the knobs, look for scopes with screw-on turret caps or elevation and windage knobs that lock into place when adjusted.

You’ll also want to make sure the scope’s turrets can be adjusted by hand. They may cost a little more but it is still better than getting out a screwdriver to adjust the setting in increments or ‘clicks’.

Scope Mount Hardware

Muzzleloader scopes can be quite expensive and considering they are a piece of vital equipment for getting a successful kill, they must be secured well to the firearm. So look for a mount that can handle the muzzleloader’s heavy recoil and rings that are able to withstand the scope’s weight.

No matter how durable the scope is, if the mounting hardware isn’t heavy-duty, the recoil itself is enough to make the glass of the optic vulnerable. Make sure to spend that extra buck, it will last a long while.

Magnification

Since muzzleloaders have a smaller hunting range and a lower velocity when firing the bullet, it is better to have a smaller magnification range than a bigger one – a minimum zoom of 1x to 3x is enough to have a broad field of vision while simultaneously bringing the kill at an optimal distance to shoot accurately.

It is also important to know that a muzzleloader’s parallax is 75 yards. So if you mount a rifle scope on your firearm, make sure to adjust the parallax from 150 down to 75 or less.

Reviews of the Top 5 Best Scopes for a Muzzleloader

We’ve talked about the operations of a muzzleloader scope, its mechanics, the technicalities, and how you can choose the best one. So with all that in mind, let’s go through the top 5 expert-recommended scopes for a muzzleloader and help you zero in on the best one.

1. Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24×50

The Zeiss Conquest V4 scope comes with a high-definition glass that offers up to 90% light transmission, true to its claim. It is one of the best available in the market for traditional hunters that require a scope with a wide field of view.

The scope also performs well in low-light conditions, thanks to the company’s custom-made T coating on the lens. That isn’t all, Zeiss uses a specialized LotuTec coating on all the lenses which protects them from rain, water, and fog – allowing shooters to aim at the target precisely, keeping a clear view.

The lowest magnification of the Zeiss is 6x while the highest 24 with the objective lens diameter of 50mm. This allows hunters to fire at mid-to-long ranges with accuracy and shoot the game down in one go.

The muzzleloader scope is also lightweight so it is easy to carry around. You won’t have to worry about any strain on your shoulders or arms.

Features

  • 90% light transmission
  • Zeiss T-coating for low-light performance
  • LotuTec coated lenses
  • Reticle #20 for long-range aim

Pros

  • The magnification is excellent, view of the target is clear and unhindered
  • The coating on the lens is rain and waterproof

Cons

  • The turrets come with small-sized screws for adjustment

Check Latest Price on Amazon

2. TruGlo 4x32mm Compact

Constructed with a heavy-duty exterior, the TruGlo scope offers great aiming precision through the high-quality, fully-coated lenses. They provide extra definition in the field of view and allow hunters to shoot at a range of 50 yards and more. 

Additionally, it comes with a durable rubber eye guard that is not only scratch-resistant but also does not catch glare, maximizing the security of the scope and the clarity of the view.

The elevation and windage knobs are tactile and come with caps for click adjustments, allowing shooters to sight in easily. It has a constant magnification of 4x which is more than enough when shooting at short hunting ranges with a muzzleloader.

Not to mention, the TruGlo offers a set of durable mounting rings in its Duplex model and a Weaver-style locking mechanism in its Diamond upgrade, all at a highly affordable price.

Features

  • Fully-coated lenses
  • Scratch-resistant and anti-reflective rubber eye guard
  • 6-8″ rimfire mount rings installed
  • ¼ MOA capped turrets
  • 3-5 inch eye relief

Pros

  • The field of view is clear, does not fog up at twilight and the crosshair is crisp
  • The eye relief is excellent and the rubber guard further protects the eye from the heavy recoil 

Cons

  • It may not work as a shotgun scope as advertised unless fitted with Weaver mount rings

Check Latest Price on Amazon

3. Vortex Diamondback 1.75-5×32

One of the best expert-recommended muzzleloader scopes on the market, the Vortex Diamondback develops a standard of providing exceptional value at a cost-effective rate and then adding two more benefits.

It features a tough aluminum alloy exterior that protects the scope from impact scratches and breakage. On top of that, it is argon purged so no rainwater, fog, or even recoil can damage the field of view.

The aiming precision is maximized through the multi-coated lenses that project a clear and bright picture of the target, zoomed in up to 5x or zoomed out to 1.75. This is perfect for short-range shooting with a muzzleloader.

The optic zeroes in on-point and can be reset using the adjustable turrets on the side.

Features

  • Aircraft-grade, aluminum alloy exterior construction
  • Argon purged scope
  • Multi-coated lenses
  • 1.75x minimum magnification and 5x maximum magnification
  • Second focal plane dead-hold BDC reticle

Pros

  • Ideal for muzzleloader shooting, the minimum magnification is 1.75 which allows hunters an optimal view of the target at short hunting range
  • The scope is weatherproof – argon purging and o-ring sealing protect the lens from fog, water, and shocks

Cons

  • The eye relief may be factory-set a little too forward for most shooters

Check Latest Price on Amazon

4. Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14×40

A household name among hunting and firearm enthusiasts, Leupold has come out with yet another revolutionary piece of equipment and it is their VX-3i scope that offers high-performance and exceptional durability in a lightweight optic.

It is constructed of punisher-tested, aircraft-quality aluminum that lasts for ages, cleans well, and withstands any ground impact.

Additionally, the scope is coated with advanced solvents that protect the lenses and the turrets from fog, water, and the muzzleloader’s heavy recoil. It can function well in temperatures as low as -40°F and as high as 160°F.

The glass is clear, the field of view is wide and the DiamondCoat 2 improves the light transmission so the scope performs well in low-light conditions as well. The windage and elevation knobs can be adjusted easily and locked in when the optic is sighted-in to prevent accidental movement.

Features

  • 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum construction
  • Water, shock, and fog proof scope
  • 4.5x minimum magnification and 14x maximum magnification
  • DiamondCoat 2 lens coating for increased light transmission
  • ¼ MOA capped turret click adjustments

Pros

  • The scope is lightweight, measuring only 13oz and allowing senior hunters to carry it around easily
  • Has an excellent eye relief, and can be adjusted between 3.7 and 4.4 inches

Cons

  • Does not have a parallax adjustment

Check Latest Price on Amazon

5. Simmons Truplex Prohunter 3-9×40

Simmons Prohunter is a high-performing, best-quality muzzleloader scope that comes with multi-coated lenses that provide a bright and full image. This is especially maximized by the 3-9x magnification which allows hunters to shoot at mid-to-high level hunting ranges and lock in at zero point using the TrueZero mechanism.

The 3.75 eye relief allows hunters to place the scope in a flexible fit on the rifle or a forward-based position and have a clear-cut view of the front undisturbed by low-light and bushy foregrounds, thanks to its TruPlex coating. 

All of this in less than $100 is a definite steal.

Features

  • Multi-coated lens
  • TrueZero turret adjustment system
  • Easy-grip raised power ring tab
  • .375 magnum recoil proof
  • TruPlex reticle
  • Water, fog, and shockproof
  • 3.75-inch eye relief

Pros

  • It has exceptional recoil proofing, performing well up to a 1000 rounds without straining the hunter or damaging the scope
  • The windage and elevation knobs can be locked in at zero point, preventing accidental adjustment

Cons

  • Might need a few adjustments right out of the box

Check Latest Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Burris make a muzzleloader scope?

Yes, the Burris Scope Fullfield 3-9×40 E1 Ballistic Plex Muzzleloader is constructed with materials and mechanics that ideally fit every gun scope. The high-quality rifle scope offers exceptional glass clarity, great eye relief, and functions reliably on a real-world hunt. It is also priced at less than $250.

Can you put a red dot on a muzzleloader?

Sure, shooting with a red dot on a muzzleloader is as accurate as firing with a magnified optic. In fact, it’s better than pinpointing a target with open iron sights. It removes the added weight of having a scope mounted on the rifle, allows quick shots, and provides unlimited eye relief.

What is an inline scope?

An inline scope allows hunters to shoot at greater ranges than a magnified optic allows. One of the most recommended inline scopes is the Nikon Inline XR 3-9×40 which is a quick focus eyepiece offering accurate 300-yard shots, generous eye relief, optimum light transmission, and a wide field of view.

What is a good scope for a 50cal muzzleloader?

The best expert-recommended scope for a muzzleloader is the Vortex Diamondback 1.75-5×32 for its multi-coated lenses and bullet drop compensator reticle that allows shots as far as 500 yards. The features, mechanics, and durability it provides are better than muzzleloader scopes that are available for twice the price.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best scope for a muzzleloader is key to bringing down a game in seconds and having a feast ready at the dinner table. Know a muzzleloader’s mechanics, its best range, and the differences with a rifle scope, and your hunting skill will go from 0 to 100 in no time.

Filed Under: Gear Reviews

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Facebook
Facebook
fb-share-icon
Twitter
Visit Us
Follow Me
Tweet

Search
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Search in comments
Search in excerpt
Filter by Custom Post Type
Best Universal Gun Cleaning Kits

The Best Universal Gun Cleaning Kit Under $40 for 2023

We're always searching for the best universal gun cleaning kit and in this list, you’ll discover

Best Gyn Cleaning Solvents

Top 10 Best Gun Cleaning Solvents Reviewed

We’ve received many questions about what we think the best gun cleaning solvents are. In this review from

Best Bore Snake Kit Reviews

Best Bore Snake Kit Reviews

People often ask me what the best bore snake kit is and you'll find them here. We've

Gun Vise

The Best Gun Vise & Maintenance Centers of 2023 – Gun Cleaning HQ

In this review, we take a look at the Top 5 gun vises on the market. A professional gun

gun cleaning case

The Best Gun Cleaning Box For You: A 2023 Guide

Most people don't like the gun cleaning box that comes with their cleaning kit and usually opt to upgrade it.

Best Gun Cleaning Rod

Top 5 Best Gun Cleaning Rods Reviewed

Image by Bryce M. Towsley, http://www.brycetowsley.com The reason why many of the gun cleaning kits get

Best gun cleaning mat

Top 5 Best Gun Cleaning Mats

Gun cleaning mats are designed specifically for gun cleaning. Some of the things you will find in

Best AR Cleaning Tool

The Best AR 15 Cleaning Tool For 2023 – Gun Cleaning HQ

If you own an AR 15 then you know how often you have to clean it. Most people think that they'll

Gun Cleaning Tips

what are class 5 weapons
what are the weapons of class 3
what are the class 1 weapons
The Best Gun Cleaning Brushes
Which Shotgun Choke Is the Most Open

Copyright © 2023 - Gun Cleaning HQ

  • Gun Cleaning Kits
  • Gun Maintenance Tools
  • Gear Reviews
  • Gun Cleaning Tips
  • Bargains
  • Blog