In my opinion, choosing the best muzzleloader scope is one of the hardest parts of preparing for the hunting season. Even seasoned hunters can have a hard time choosing the best ones on the market. But I will make it easier for you. In this post, I will share my top muzzleloader scope choices and things that make each of them special.

It’s important to understand that muzzleloader scopes are not essentials to make you a better shooter; but it can help you to improve your accuracy. So don’t just go for the most expensive one – choose one that fits your needs. Now, keep reading because this buyers guide can help.

Top 9 Best Muzzleloader Scopes Reviews

Best Overall
Our Score 9.4 Out of 10
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Our Score 8.9 Out of 10
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Our Score 8.6 Out of 10
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Our Score 7.5 Out of 10
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Our Score 7.2 Out of 10
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Our Score 6.8 Out of 10
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1. Nikon INLINE XR BDC 300 Muzzleloader Scope – Best Overall

Our Score 9.6 out of 10
Nikon Inline XR BDC 300 Riflescope, Matte Black, 3-9x40
Nikon Inline XR BDC 300 Riflescope, Matte Black, 3-9x40 amazon.com Check price

Featuring Nikon's Patented BDC 300 Reticle with a unique, open circle design that makes long-range shots easier
A consistent 5-Inch of eye relief keeps your brow safe – even against the heaviest re...

What I love most about this Nikon scope is the 5-inch eye relief which helps me see the target better. The optics are very clear and easy to adjust. This Nikon INLINE is entirely da good choice. The magnification selector wheel adjusts smoothly to give you the magnification you need. The selector wheel also has enough resistance to prevent you from accidentally moving it. You will find that wasting time adjusting (sometimes losing the target) is unlikely with this scope.

This muzzleloader scope also helps you locate your target even in low light settings. I was able to shoot a deer from a distance of 175 yards in the woods. It is lightweight, easy to mount, and it doesn’t fog the lens especially if you are sweaty. The optics chamber is nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed therefore it won’t easily accumulate moisture inside.

What I don’t like about Nikon INLINE XR BDC 300 is that it failed after only 50 rounds. A friend of mine even sent his scope back to Nikon for repairs. Also, the reticle is not illuminated so it can get a little confusing sometimes (I’m wearing eyeglasses because my eyesight is declining). The rings are also not included in the package.

Pros
  • The 5-inch eye relief
  • Clear optics
  • Very good in low light
  • Waterproof and fog proof
  • Extremely durable
  • Hand-turn windage and elevation turrets
Cons
  • Reticle is not illuminated
  • Rings are not included in the package
  • No focus look

All in all, I believe that Nikon INLINE XR BDC 300 is a great product. It delivers what it promised in the advertisement. The scope is easy to mount and use, plus it works perfectly even under low lighting conditions. The image is crisp, so you’d be able to spot your target easily at 300 yards. The scope is absolutely durable, so you won’t have to purchase another one for a very long time, therefore saving your money. In my opinion, this is the best long range muzzleloader scope in the market today. I would definitely recommend this scope to my friends and fellow gun enthusiasts.

2. Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40mm BDC 1in Waterproof Matte Riflescope – Budget-friendly Scope for Muzzleloader

Our Score 9.1 out of 10
Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40 BDC
Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40 BDC amazon.com Check price

Extremely bright sight picture
Fully multicoated lenses
Patented BDC reticle
Generous, consistent eye relief
Waterproof, fog proof, shockproof

What I like about this particular scope is how I can clearly see the target. The exit pupil is wide enough to allow plenty of light to penetrate the objective lens. The optics are multi-coated which maximizes the light transmission inside the scope chamber. This results in crisp and colorful image with lots of color reproduction and contrast. The lens may not be as powerful as other products in the market, but it certainly does the job.

Another plus factor for me is how the scope is entirely waterproof. I won’t have to worry about moisture getting inside the scope chamber anymore.

What I don’t like about Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40mm BDC is the short eye relief. I’m wearing glasses and I have to extend myself a little bit just to clearly see the image inside the scope. Also, the reticle is not illuminated, so I have to focus harder to bring the target inside of it. Mounting the scope takes a little time so it’s really annoying if you see a deer or any other game while setting up your rifle. Other than these concerns, I have no issues with this riflescope so far.

Pros
  • The exit pupil allows plenty of light to enter the scope
  • The open circle markers let you see the target as you aim the rifle
  • The positive-click adjustments won’t alter your settings even after heavy recoil of magnum loads
  • The scope is shockproof and waterproof
  • Multi-coated optics
Cons
  • Short eye relief
  • The reticle is not illuminated
  • No rings included in the package

In conclusion, the Nikon Buckmaster II 3-9x40mm BDC 1-inch Waterproof Matte Riflescope is a reliable piece of hunting equipment. The eye relief may be slightly shorter compared to Nikon INLINE XR BDC 300 Muzzleloader Scope, but it allows you to locate your target clearly through the positive-click BDC reticle. This product is certainly worth every penny. I will continue to use this riflescope.

3. Nikon Prostaff P3 Muzzleloader 3-9X40 BDC 300 Riflescope – Newer Model of Nikon INLINE XR

Our Score 8.7 out of 10
Nikon Prostaff P3 Muzzleloader 3-9X40 Bdc 300 Riflescope
Nikon Prostaff P3 Muzzleloader 3-9X40 Bdc 300 Riflescope amazon.com Check price

Fully Multicoated Optical System
BDC 300 Reticle
Hand-Turn 1/4 MOA Adjustments and Spring-Loaded Instant Zero-Reset Turrets
Rugged One-inch Aircraft Grade Aluminum Main Tube
Aluminum Quick Focus Ey...

Some of the best features of the Nikon Prostaff P3 Muzzleloader 3-9×40 BDC 300 Riflescope that I enjoyed the most are the multi-coated optical system, and the design of the eye relief.

The multi-coated optical system transmits light properly, allowing me to see the targets even during critical moments of sunrise or sunset. The lenses minimize glare, which is another nice feature of this product. The eye relief, on the other hand, has a wide field of view that allows me to view the adjustable BDC reticle properly. Accuracy becomes natural whenever I’m using this particular scope in the field. And the customer service is quite nice that I can ask for support whenever I need.

This scope is a great pair with Remington 700 in .308, AR15, and even Tikka T3.

What I don’t like about the Nikon Prostaff P3 Muzzleloader 3-9×40 BDC 300 Riflescope is its size. Petite people may find this a little bit harder to control. I’m not a huge guy so I find this scope particularly big for my build. Also, the mount rings are not included in the package so I had to purchase it separately, which is a kind of a hassle.

Pros
  • The exit pupil allows plenty of light to enter the scope
  • Ergonomic adjustment knobs that provide quick control
  • Adjustable BDC reticles for better accuracy
  • The positive-click adjustments won’t alter your settings even after heavy recoil
  • Good for 50 to 200 yards long-range shooting
  • The scope is lightweight, shockproof, and waterproof
  • Manufacturer’s lifetime warranty
  • Multi-coated optics for maximum brightness
Cons
  • Petite people may find this a bit hard to control
  • No mount rings included in the package

All in all, the Nikon Prostaff P3 Muzzleloader 3-9×40 BDC 300 Riflescope is a great piece of hunting accessory. It holds a zero with high powder and heavy bullets. I have thoroughly enjoyed using it out in the field. I found it a reliable scope whether for target shooting practice or on an actual deer hunt. The scope’s performance in the field greatly outweighs the slight disappointment that there are no mount rings included in the package.

4. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 – Dead-Hold BDC MOA – Best Vortex Scope for Muzzleloader

Our Score 8.4 out of 10
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescope - Dead-Hold BDC Reticle
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescope - Dead-Hold BDC Reticle amazon.com Check price

The 2-7x32 Crossfire II riflescope is one of many configurations in the Crossfire II line. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is good for hunting/shooting at varying ranges where estimating holdover is a co...

I love this particular brand of muzzleloader scope because of its multi-coated optics, which allow light coming inside the chamber as much as possible. Therefore, I can see the target in a crisper and more detailed image. The adjustment controls are very easy to use and the reticles are clear enough that would allow you to zero in on your target smoothly.

I also love the construction and materials used in making this scope. The aircraft-grade aluminum protects the optics inside the chamber well enough, especially during recoil. The waterproofing and fog-proofing features are also remarkable; it didn’t allow my sweat to blur my vision while aiming at my target. Actually, it rained a little when I tested this scope out in the field, and I can attest to its superb waterproofing quality.

I am confident that I am not going to be replacing my Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 because of its durability. Even a complete beginner will feel confident using this scope on the field or target shooting practice.

In case meeting any issues about this scope, you can contact the seller to ask for support.

What I don’t like about the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 is its heavy feel. I’m not a big guy, and I can certainly feel that this particular scope feels a little bulky.

Pros
  • Illuminated reticle
  • Ease of use and reliability
  • Waterproof and shockproof
  • Good customer service
Cons
  • Heavier than average weight
  • Feels a little bulky

In summary, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 is a terrific muzzleloader scope. It performs admirably under normal conditions. Even though I felt a little awkward using it because it felt a little heavy, I was still able to shoot accurately. I will definitely recommend this product to any hunter or rifle enthusiasts who are looking for a reliable muzzleloader scope that won’t hurt their budget.

5. Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm Compact Riflescope – Excellent Leupold Scope for Muzzleloader

Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm Compact RiflescopeIn terms of clarity, magnification, brightness, and durability, the Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm Compact Riflescope is another masterpiece from the long line of Leupold muzzleloader scopes that you should seriously consider adding to your shopping list.

What I like about the Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm Compact Riflescope is the DiamondCoat system that protects the lenses from scratches. I have to admit that I’m a little reckless out there in the field, and there are moments where I go from bush to bush in pursuit of my target. One of the things that get damaged because of my behavior is the scope. The scratch-proof lenses are a positive thing for me because today, I won’t have to worry about nasty little scratches in my scopes anymore.

What I don’t like about the particular scope is how it fogs occasionally. I am a very sweaty person especially when I’m out there in the field hunting. When I was using this scope, I have observed a tiny build-up of fog on the eye relief and it really delayed my hunting as I had to wipe it off. I have also noticed that the adjustment for windage and elevation don’t reset back to zero. The parallax adjustment is also noticeably absent.

Pros
  • Terrific image quality
  • Shockproof and waterproof
  • DiamondCoat system that protects the optics from being scratched
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • The windage and elevation adjustment don’t reset to zero
  • No parallax adjustment
  • At less than 50 yards, the image doesn’t feel good at 9x magnification
  • Fogs up occasionally

All in all, the Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm Compact Riflescope can provide you a clear image of your target. This is good enough for hunting and target shooting practice. This item is absolutely durable; you can bring it along in harsh environmental conditions. The optics can even withstand a sandstorm and come back without a single scratch. I will recommend this to beginners and reckless hunters like me who unintentionally scratch their muzzleloader scopes in the field. If you ever happened to break it while using it, you can always ask for support from the manufacturer.

6. Thompson Center Predator Max 1 Camo 3-12x40mm – Best Muzzleloader Scope Under 200

Our Score 7.9 out of 10
Thompson Center Predatorx 40mm Max 1 Camo 3-12x40mm W/Rings
Thompson Center Predatorx 40mm Max 1 Camo 3-12x40mm W/Rings amazon.com Check price

Designed to compliment the Thompson center Venture and encore Pro hunter predator 35005428 rifles
Includes color matched rings that fit any Weaver style base
Polished and fully coated lenses for ex...

Aside from the clear image inside the scope, what I like about the Thompson Center Predator Max 1 Camo 3-12x40mm is the camouflage finish. This certainly matches my other rifles that have camouflage finish as well. Meanwhile, the scope’s centerplex reticle can be clearly seen during the daytime. It holds zero well and can be adjusted easily. The glass is clear and provides a good image of the target.

In terms of durability, I can tell that it can hold its candle when compared to other products in the market. It may not be weatherproof but it doesn’t build up moisture inside the lens chamber easily.

What I don’t like about this product are the rings. As I turned them to secure the scope, they started falling apart. The screws were poorly made. With 12 lbs of torque, the first ring stripped. This can cause accidents in the field and can greatly affect the hunting mood. Also, when I went to 100 yards, I got inconsistent sub MOA probably because the reticle is not fine enough to detect the ½ dot on the target.

Pros
  • Excellent camouflage coating
  • Camouflage rings are included in the package
  • Great eye relief
  • Crisp and clear image
Cons
  • The reticle is a bit off for precision shots at 100 yards
  • Great for hunting during daytime but not during dusk or dawn
  • The rings are weak; the screw heads can twist off unintentionally

In summary, I can honestly say that the Thompson Center Predator Max 1 Camo 3-12x40mm is a decent scope. Apart from its weak rings and screws, everything works perfectly. I may have some issues with this particular scope but I think I can adjust to it accordingly. While it may not be a great scope, it’s good enough considering the price range. I may be able to recommend this camo muzzleloader to beginners but not to seasoned hunters who have sensitive tastes when it comes to muzzleloader scopes.

7. Blackpowder Products Inc. CVA Muzzleloader Scope

Our Score 7.6 out of 10
Blackpowder Products Inc. CVA AA2002 Universal Scope Kit
Blackpowder Products Inc. CVA AA2002 Universal Scope Kit amazon.com Check price

Includes all necessary screws and rings for mounting
Blue Finish; Low mount
Kit includes variable power 3-9X32 Sharpshooter scope and the CVA universal mounts

What I like about Blackpowder Products Inc. CVA Muzzleloader Scope is the way it easily mounts with almost any inline muzzleloader. I have a CVA Wolf .50 caliber and this works great with it. The scope may feel generic but it performs quite well in specific locations such as target shooting range. It may seem to be a little weird to use at first but after 10 shots, I finally got the hang of it. The KONUS scope that came with it has an etched reticle, which is nice. The image is crystal clear if used on a bright light setting.

What I don’t like about Blackpowder Products Inc. CVA Muzzleloader Scope is how it doesn’t work well with low light conditions. I used this on a target shooting range before dusk and I found out that it doesn’t reflect light properly. Also, the adjustment knobs feel a bit difficult to adjust. If you are in a hurry to take out the game in front of you, you will certainly miss your opportunity because of the hassle the control knob could bring. Meanwhile, the glass lenses can get dirty after firing, so I had to wipe them clean after using it.

Pros
  • It includes all the important rings and screws for mounting
Cons
  • No lens covers
  • The scope feels tough to adjust
  • The lenses can easily get dirty after firing many shots

In summary, the CVA Muzzleloader scope delivers a promising service to any hunter or rifle enthusiasts out there who are looking for an affordable scope. This may seem like a generic scope that can fit most muzzleloaders but it will surprise you when you are using it during target shooting practice or actual hunting session. The issue about the package having no lens covers can be solved by using other covers. In addition, if you take time practicing adjusting the knob beforehand, you will definitely get the hang of it later on. This may be a good fit for beginners, but I highly doubt that seasoned hunters will add this to their collection.

8. Traditions Performance Firearms Muzzleloader Hunter Series Scope

Our Score 7.0 out of 10
Traditions Performance Firearms Muzzleloader Hunter Series Scope - 1x32, Matte Finish with Circle Reticle
Traditions Performance Firearms Muzzleloader Hunter Series Scope - 1x32, Matte Finish with Circle Reticle amazon.com Check price

Multi-coated crystal lenses provide increased clarity even in low-light conditions
Nitrogen Filled, Compact Design
3" eye relief with rubber fast-focus eye piece
Waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof

What I love about this scope is the clarity of the image of the target. I can easily spot my target without having to adjust the magnification ranging too much. The control knob is stable enough; it maintains the adjustments that you made even after recoil. Moreover, the scope doesn’t easily fog up on the lens even if you are sweaty or the environment is foggy.

Another thing that I love about this scope is how it easily fits with other rifles. This is an attractive feature to those who have a limited number of hunting rifles in their collection. I can confidently say that even a beginner won’t have any trouble mounting this scope in their rifles.

Meanwhile, I consider the 3-inch eye relief a positive feature of this particular scope. It has a rubber end which can be pretty useful if you are carefully aiming for a target in the field or in the shooting range.

What I hate about Traditions Performance Firearms Muzzleloader Hunter Series Scope is it feels like an excellent copy of the Bushnell, so it feels like a knockoff. But with a muzzleloader scope as affordable as this, you certainly can’t complain. Also, there are no mounting rings included in the package, so I had to find suitable ones from my existing collection.

Pros
  • Accurate
  • Clear image
  • Weatherproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
Cons
  • No mounting rings

All in all, the Traditions Performance Firearms Muzzleloader Hunter Series Scope is the ideal one for those who are looking for an affordable scope. Best for beginners and may be good enough for experienced hunters and rifle enthusiasts who don’t mind using a scope that feels like a copy from other brands.

9. Konus Pro 275 Muzzleloader Rifle Scope 3-9x40mm

Our Score 6.8 out of 10
KONUS 9x 40mm Zoom KONUSpro 275 Muzzle Loading Scope
KONUS 9x 40mm Zoom KONUSpro 275 Muzzle Loading Scope amazon.com Check price

3-9x40 Ballistic Blackpowder Reticle
Field of View at 100m/yds:
Length-mm/in:
Eye Relief mm/in:
Click Value in@100yds: 1/4 MOA mm@100m: 7.25mm

There are many features that I enjoyed about this muzzleloader scope. One of them is the multicoated lens that allows me to see the target sharply. This scope uses an engraved ballistic reticle. At first, I thought that it won’t make much difference but I was surprised to see it guide me to my target accurately.

The fog-proof and waterproof lens is also phenomenal. After using it for nearly four hours in the field, I haven’t seen any sweat build up in the eye relief. Meanwhile, the adjustment knob is very easy to operate. I used only one finger to adjust the magnification and my settings did not change even after recoil.

What I don’t like about Konus Pro 275 is how it poorly performs under low light settings. I used it until sunset and even though I was able to see the deer with my naked eye, I wasn’t able to locate my target through the scope. This is quite disappointing because, by the time I was able to finally see better through the scope, my target got away.

Pros
  • Fast focus eyepiece
  • Illuminated reticle
  • Crystal clear image
  • Weatherproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
  • Easy to zero
Cons
  • Does not perform well in a low light setting
  • Fixed parallax

All in all, the Konus Pro 275 is an awesome rifle accessory. This is good equipment for hunting and target shooting practice. The illuminated engraved ballistic reticle will effortlessly guide you accurately to your target. This is actually a decent scope that I can recommend to beginners and fellow experienced hunters alike.

What Makes a Great Muzzleloader Scope

Every hunter or rifle owner should have a reliable scope. Whether it’s for hunting, target shooting practice, or for competitive shooting, a great muzzleloader scope will guide the shooter to victory.

In my opinion, a great muzzleloader scope should be able to provide a not only crisp and colorful image of the target, but also withstand the stress of recoil no matter what kind of rifle a hunter is using. The overall construction of the scope is very important, as it would take care of the optics inside the scope chamber. Also, the magnification should always be considered when shopping for a scope. Do you want to use a fixed or variable scope?

Waterproof scopes are also a must because a hunter operates in all kinds of weather conditions. Aside from the rain and fog, your sweat and other kinds of moisture must not be able to affect the performance of the lenses inside the scope. Your scopes must also be shockproof so that you’d be able to enjoy the services of the special optics inside the chamber for a long time. Finally, the scope must be able to receive enough light so that you can easily locate your target at any given time.

The brand and price should not be a top priority when shopping for a muzzleloader scope. A scope might be cheap, but if it presents performance issues in the middle of your hunting, target shooting practice, or even during competitions, it is definitely not worth it. On the other hand, you don’t need to get an expensive brand-name muzzleloader scope if you are not comfortable using it in the field.

Factors to Consider when Buying a Scope for Muzzleloader

This was what I experienced when I was shopping for my very first scope. I thought that brand-name scopes would provide me the best specs that I needed in the field. I did not know then that I have to personally find out what matches my needs out there in the field or target shooting range.

If you are a new rifle owner and would want to buy your very own muzzleloader scope, here are the things that you need to look for:

1. Magnification

In simple terms, magnification is the scope’s ability to enhance the quality of the image of the target from a certain distance. This is where seasoned hunters and rifle enthusiasts are usually picky. The normal magnification is 3-9x while some scopes offer even higher. Before buying a muzzleloader scope, make sure that you read reviews attesting to the product’s magnification.

2. Lens quality

The quality of the lens is another factor that you need to consider when shopping for a muzzleloader scope. You have to remember that the scope you will be using will always be exposed to harsh conditions and locations.

There are multi-coated lenses on the market today that allows light to enter the scope chamber, therefore giving you crisp and crystal clear image of your target. This may come at a price but this feature will allow you to improve your accuracy.

You can also look for muzzleloader scopes that have a scratchproof lens. This will prevent you the hassle of replacing your scopes should you scratch it accidentally during your target shooting practice or hunting trips.

3. Reticle

The reticle is another consideration that you should carefully consider when you are shopping for a muzzleloader scope. This will determine your accuracy out there in the field or in the target shooting range.

There are different kinds of reticles out there:

  • Crosshairs reticle:

This is the traditional + sign with a red dot in the middle that you see at the end of any scope. Some hunters don’t particularly enjoy using it because they tend to miss hitting their target especially if the light is not optimal.

Did you know that human hair was once used in making the crosshairs reticle? When innovation intervened, manufacturers used spider’s silk instead of a human hair. This is because silk does not obstruct light as it enters the scope chamber. However, as time went by and technology became more complicated, wires have become a popular material used in making crosshairs reticle.

  • Engraved reticle:

High-end lenses that are being sold around the globe are now using laser-engraved reticles.

There is a wide misunderstanding that an engrave reticle is weaker compared to traditional crosshairs reticle. The truth of the matter is that engraved reticles are long-lasting compared to traditional crosshairs reticle. You have to damage the whole lens itself before you will be able to damage the reticle.

Engraved reticles tend to be more expensive compared to crosshair reticles because it takes a long time to actually carve the reticle and the other calibrations on the lens such as internal lubrication, coating, weatherproofing, and most of all, the overall integrity of the chamber that will house the lens.

4. Construction/materials

It is pointless if your scope gets damaged easily. This is the reason why every hunter or rifle enthusiast should have a durable muzzleloader scope at their disposal. High-quality scopes are expensive and it would take a toll on your budget if you keep replacing them. If you are a complete beginner, the statistical chances of you breaking your scope are very high.

When shopping for muzzleloader scopes, it is always imperative to look into the materials used in manufacturing them. There are other scopes that use aircraft-grade materials to ensure durability.

5. Customer Service

For all customers, it’s good for you to meet a good seller, who can help you solve product’s issues or give helpful using tips. If you can find a seller with good customer service and product warranty then you don’t need to worry about the scope’s quality.
Because the product warranty might not applied in all cases, then I can’t show you the detail of each scope in the article. I suggest you to review the warranty carefully and ask manufacturer for more details.

Trusting a popular brand of muzzleloader scopes on the market just because it is popular is one of the mistakes that you should avoid. As I have mentioned earlier, not all hunters have the same taste when it comes to scopes. You still need to find the one that would match your specific needs and your existing rifle or muzzleloader. If you are in a bind, just conduct research to learn more about the existing products in the market. You can ask around or just simply launch an internet search. This way, you would be able to determine your needs without sacrificing quality and of course, your money. Also, be informed about state rules regulating the use of magnification scopes on publicly monitored places.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between muzzleloader scopes and rifle scopes?

There are many things that set muzzleloader scopes and rifle scopes apart.

First is the distance limitation. Muzzleloader scopes get less than 100 yards while rifle scopes pick up farther than that.

The magnification ranges are the next thing that differentiates muzzleloader scopes and rifle scopes. You can see small objects better from a great distance through a rifle scope while muzzleloader scopes can only magnify your target within 100 yards.

The use of power is another crucial difference between muzzleloader scope and rifle scope. The power of muzzleloader scopes is usually lower because of the short distance shooting capability of the muzzleloader used. Magnification of 2x or 3x is enough for muzzleloader range means that the scope shows the target two or three times bigger than the actual size.

This is quite different in the case of a rifle scope. Its power is higher because of the long distance shooting. You can even have 10x up to 20x, depending on the power of the rifle.

The reticle can also spell the difference between the two. The muzzleloader scopes are simpler compared to rifle scopes. Because of the great distance involved, the rifle scopes show you many other things such as wind velocity and the actual distance between the shooter and the target. On the other hand, the muzzleloader scopes show you only the round part at the center as it only needs the target and nothing else.

What is the difference between muzzleloader iron sights and muzzleloader scopes?

Muzzleloader iron sights mean you shoot without the help of a scope. You only peep on the extended iron at the top of the barrel as your guide to your target. If the shooters are confident that they can take the target within the bounds of 100 yards, they can get an accurate shot without having the need to use a scope.

Muzzleloader scopes, as discussed above, are tools that aid the hunter to improve his accuracy by magnifying the image of the target through a scope. The scope is mounted at the top of the muzzle loader. This is where the hunter or the shooter places his eye to see the target.

Does a muzzleloader need a special scope?

Frankly speaking, muzzleloader rifles can work without a scope at all. This is usually referred to as sight-in. Using a scope won’t even increase the firing power of your muzzleloader at all. But technological advancements and hunting rules have become complicated over the years.

However, you need a special scope in order to improve your accuracy. Improved accuracy means you can take a clean shot at your target, therefore saving the game from unnecessary suffering.

For those shooters and hunters who want a consistent clean shot on their targets during big-game hunting, you can download Nikon Spot On app. This ballistic calculator is very handy and easy to use.

How to mount a scope on a muzzleloader?

Most modern muzzleloaders have been pre-drilled and customized for scopes. The first thing that you need to do is to ensure that the mounting accessories that you have chosen are a perfect fit for your muzzleloader.

Next, mount the bases. Make sure that it doesn’t touch the surface of the barrel. Allow clearance at the eyepiece so that the operation of the bolt is not hindered. Make sure that you have to proper tools when attaching scopes to your muzzleloader.

Once you have set the right distance between the barrel and the scope, it is time to tighten the screws. To secure the scope more properly, use a small portion of a thread-freezing compound like Loctite. Make sure that the screws are properly holding the scope and the barrel by alternately tightening them.

How to zero a muzzleloader scope?

An archer or any other marksman knows precisely where their arrows or bullets will hit. You as a hunter should know your muzzleloader’s trajectory as well. However, at the close range, we should consider a zero that allows us to hit on a target without thinking about holdover. This is what we call the point blank range. Determining the point-blank range will guide us to establish the right zero distance.

We need to know at what range we can zero our muzzleloader. For example, if you using a six-inch target, the bullet’s trajectory won’t travel outside the six-inch range. Normally, it is no more than three inches below or above the middle of the reticle. So at 100 yards, the point of impact will be 1.75 inches above the center of the reticle. Anh if this is the 100 yard zero distance, any further distance will make the bullet hit outside the range.

Nikon P-223 3-9×40 vs. Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9×40

If you are looking for a highly-reliable scope Nikon P-223 3-9×40 and Nikon Buckmaster II 3-9×40 are the right ones for you.

Most hunters will say that these two Nikon muzzleloader scopes are practically the same, except for yardage.

The Nikon P-223 was specifically designed for the trajectory of .223 Remington /5.56 NATO round with 55-grain polymer tip bullet. The BDC 600 reticle has small open circles situated at the bottom of the center point to help you hit the targets within 100 to 600 yards. The optics are multicoated for better light transmission. It also has a zero-reset feature that keeps the settings that you made after strong recoil.

Meanwhile, Nikon Buckmasters II has a generous eye relief, 100-yard parallax setting, and multi-coated optics system to provide you with a crisp and colorful image of your target. One thing that sets this scope apart from P-223 is the Nikon’s Spot On Ballistic Match technology. This allows you to see all the exact aiming points on the scope’s reticle at different yardages for your chosen load and ammunition.

So all in all, the two scopes are practically the same in terms of performance. It’s just that in terms of price, Nikon P-223 is more expensive compared to Nikon Buckmasters II. The P-223 is priced around $300 while the Buckmasters II is only about $150. However, even though the P-223 is expensive, it performs better compared to Buckmasters II.

Simmons Truplex Riflescope 3-9×40 vs. Nikon Prostaff P3

In terms of magnification, objective lens diameter, tube size, waterproofing and shock-proofing, Nikon Prostaff and Simmons Truplex Riflescope are pretty much the same. Their eye relief, size, and weight are also in the same area. Both scopes have coated lenses.

However, when it comes to price, Simmons Truplex Riflescope is obviously the leading choice. This scope sells for about $100 while the Nikon Prostaff P3 will cost about $180. However, don’t let the price issue turn you off; Nikon might seem more expensive between the two but it really delivers excellent performance in the field or in target shooting range.

(Source: [1], [2])

Conclusion

In conclusion, these muzzleloader scopes buying guide that I mentioned here are considered as top-of-the-line scopes that are being sold in the market these days. These scopes have been thoroughly tested and rated by both professional hunters and rifle enthusiasts alike, and I can certainly attest to their performance credibility in the field. While some scopes were rated better than the rest, it is still advisable to see their performance first before deciding to buy one. All things considered, if you are looking for the best muzzleloader scope either for practice or for hunting, these are the ones that you should consider first. Not only they are budget friendly, but also durable and can withstand the test of time. That is, until something better comes along.

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