Best Muzzleloader Scopes – Reviews & Expert Advice

Unlike in the past when firearms never utilized the advantages of optics, nowadays gun owners can take advantage of the technological advancements in the weaponry field. Scopes help to improve the shooting accuracy of our guns. Muzzleloader scopes are well known for their simplicity over iron sights. You can easily acquire a target through the crosshairs, also known as reticules, especially when taking a long-range shot. Using a scope on your muzzleloader gives you a competitive edge over traditional hunting rifles as you are guaranteed a better shooting accuracy and a faster target acquisition. So, it's always advisable to get the best scope for your muzzleloader. I'm giving you more detail and recommended options for the best muzzleloader scopes in the market currently together with their features. The aim is to help you make a better judgment next time you go out shopping for a muzzleloader scope.

Best Muzzleloader Scopes – Comparison table

Recommended Best Muzzleloader Scopes

If you are hunter, getting a muzzleloader scope can be a great addition. Are you wondering how you will pick the best muzzleloader scope? Here are our top 5 best scopes that you should check.

1. CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope Crosshair Gun Scope

Best Muzzleloader Scopes

This scope is made of a high strength aluminum alloy that guarantees it will last long even in the harshest of conditions. It is also completely sealed and filled with nitrogen to make it water and fog proof. The eyepiece is made in such a way that it allows for an extra field of view while at the same time eliminating most of the image aberrations.

The exterior lenses are protected with a scratch-resistant coating that ensures your scope has a clear view even after your scope comes into contact with a rough surface, oils or dirt.

It consists of a smart design that helps to control the interactions between the inner and outer tubes of the scope. This offers a long-lasting reliability and ensures that the reticule does not rotate while adjusting. This design provides more precise wind-age and elevation adjustment and makes the scope shockproof.

With the help of a fully coated glass, the scope amounts into over 90 percent light transmission, excellent color contrast, and brilliant images. It can be used in diverse environments and also works extremely well under worse lighting conditions. This is as a direct result of the red and green reticle illumination.

As we have seen, the scope comes loaded with excellent features and promises you the best results, clear and wide field of view, durable and can work in less favorable conditions yet produce the expected shooting accuracy.

Pros

  • Extremely helpful reticule color selection.
  • Great aesthetic appearance.
  • Mounts very easily.
  • Waterproof and fog proof.
  • 3 knobs for adjusting. 1 for zooming and two for focus.

Cons

  • Too close or too far it doesn't work.

2. Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40 BDC

Nikon who specializes in optics not only in scopes but also in phone lenses, binoculars, camera lenses and spotting scopes, are probably the most expensive optics company in the world. They specialize from pocket-friendly rifle scopes to expensive and high-end scopes having in-built laser ranger finders.

The Nikon Buckmasters falls in the category of the simple and pocket-friendly. The Buckmasters II is an excellent muzzleloader scope that provides hunters with an affordable and high-quality option for their hunting expeditions .

The scope offers the precision of a quarter adjustments, a quick focus eyepiece and a fully coated optics that make hunting even in minimal lighting seem like a hobby. The coating protects the lenses from scratching and aids in the overall optics clarity and light transmission up to about 92% of the available light.

It has a 3.6-3.6 inch eye relief irrespective of the magnification range, thus allowing the scope to be mounted even on the hard kicking muzzleloaders. The technology behind this scope allows the hunter take a perfect shot from minimum 100 yards out .

Buckmasters II has a bullet drop compensator reticule and a very simple crosshair. The magnification nub is small in size and makes it easy to alter the scopes power and offer a nonslip grip. The scope itself is shockproof, waterproof and also fog proof thus making it very suited for outdoor hunting even in the unfavorable conditions.

In general, the Buckmasters II scope lacks tactical features and looks rather plain. For that, the scope is designed for hunting purposes rather than for sniping.

Pros

  • It's built to last.
  • Has an excellent visual quality regardless of the weather conditions.
  • It has a trajectory compensation system for a hassle-free aim.
  • Lifetime warranty.
  • Waterproof and shockproof.
  • Relatively cheap.

Cons

  • It is somewhat heavier than other scopes because of its solid construction.

3. Vortex Optics Crossfire II Muzzleloader Riflescope

According to the manufacturer, the Crossfire II scope satisfies ‘no magnification' rules but at the same time, it provides a crystal clear and ultra-bright unmagnified view.

It has a 3.8-inch eye relief, a vast 95-foot field of view at 100 yards for faster target spotting, acquisition and tracking, fully multicoated optics for protection against dirt and scratching, and a V-Plex reticle that assures for accurate shot placement even in low lighting conditions.

It is extremely versatile and is built to withstand the harshest environments. It's filled with neutral pressure nitrogen that makes it waterproof at any elevation.

The adjustments nubs are designed to allow the shooter to re-index the zero indicators after sighting the scope to easily return to the zero position after making any temporary corrections. It has a 1-inch aluminum body that has a scratch resistant matte-black anodized finish that ensures extended lifetime for your scope.

Pros

  • Easy to use so it's a better option for beginners.
  • Possesses high accuracy.
  • Made to last longer.

Cons

  • Three inches eye relief is a bit problematic.

4. Traditions Firearms Muzzleloader Hunter Series Scope

Avoid guesswork and expedite on more confidence when taking shots on your next hunting expedition and get this scope at a very affordable price. This scope makes long distance muzzle-loading easy.

With the help of its range finding reticule, the scope can make an accurate shot up to 200 yards. It's filled with pure nitrogen that makes it totally waterproof, shockproof and fog proof. It contains multi-coated lenses that provide increased clarity even in low lighted conditions.

This scope is designed to shoot a 250-grain bullet with 150 grains of powder with extreme accuracy and precision up to 200 yards out. It offers a generous 3-inch eye relief with a rubber protected fast focus eyepiece. This makes it take accurate shots even with muzzleloaders with higher recoil power. It has finger raised controls that allow for easier adjustments.

Pros

  • Its solid construction makes it a dependable piece of kit.
  • It's not affected by the weather.
  • Does not fog up.
  • You can easily see the target even in the evening dusk.

Cons

  • Has thick crosshairs that can disrupt your shot for an inexperienced shooter.

5. Nikon INLINE XR BDC 300 Riflescope

Nikon is well known for producing outstanding products and their scopes are no exception when it comes to quality. This scope is designed with inline muzzleloaders in mind so you are assured it will hold up even with powerful recoils. 

With that in mind, it is good to know that this particular scope is intended to be used for long-range shooting, up to about 300 yards out. It is relatively lightweight at just 15 ounces although not the lightest it offers better maneuverability. It offers a generous 5-inch eye relief that ensures the eyepiece doesn't hurt your head in the event of recoil.

This scope has a very strong magnification that ranges from 3X to 9X alongside a power selector wheel that rotates smoothly but with enough resistance to prevent accidental adjustments. It offers excellent image clarity and contrast throughout all the magnifications levels.

Nikon INLINE scope has multi-coated optics that ensures serene light transmission. It uses the Nikon's patented BCD 300 that provides perfect range markers for shooting targets at various ranges. It also has a quick focus wheel that lets you to rapidly get the reticule clear. The only disadvantage is, it does not have a focus lock to prevent you from knocking things out of order.

The scope itself is very easy to mount on your muzzleloader. All you have to do is put the rings on your scope, attach them to the rail and adjust the setup forward until you get a perfect image through the eyepiece with your cheek welded to the butt-stock. The rings are not packed with the scope so that you will purchase separately or just use any 1-inch rings you can find.

What about durability and warranty? Amazingly, this scope comes with a lifetime warranty. The INLINE XR has lenses that are O-ring sealed and a nitrogen-purged optics chamber that helps the scope withstand plenty of abuse no matter how sunny, foggy or rainy it might get. This makes it waterproof and fog proof.

Pros

  • Best suited for long range shooting.
  • Waterproof and shockproof.
  • Maximum light transmission even in low light.
  • High image quality.

Cons

  • Relatively narrow field of view.
  • No focus lock.

6. Simmons 517793 Prodiamond Shotgun Prohunter Riflescope (4 x32, Matte)

This is one of the best muzzleloader scopes with high optics that are multi-coated. The scope provides sharp and high quality images. 

With good qualities, it has exclusive true zero windage and elevation adjustment system. During the most extreme hunt periods, the scoper has a locked-in zero that is able to last this period.

Can have an easier and a firm and sure grip of the scope since it has a raised tab on the power change ring. The shotgun riffle has a magnification length of up to four times and 33 mm objective lens making the view so easy and close to especially the hunter. The images that are produced are very sharp and clear since the multi-coated optics are of very high quality. 

The muzzleloader scope has a true zero windage that has an elevation adjustment that stays locked up to zero. This scope will be so important to an especially a hunter for it has a Quick Target Acquisition eyepiece which has a magnification of four times hence eye relief.

The Pro diamond muzzleloader is waterproof, fog proof and weighs 8.6 ounces this means that it can be great in times of critical weather hunting expeditions making the work easy for the hunter. You really need to get this muzzleloader for your hunting sprees.

Pros

  • High magnification
  • Eye relief features
  • Waterproof and fog proof
  • Affordable prices
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • It is heavy and bulky
  • Battery life is not specified

7. Primary Arms 1-4X 24 Illuminated Scope, Black

This is a quality scope that has a 24 mm objective lens. The lens allows more light so that you can see clear images when you are viewing. Additionally, it features an illuminated center dot. The field of view is at 100 yards and has a high magnification power.

It is easy to adjust the brightness because the scope has brightness knob to the left. You will also enjoy a comfortable eye relief of 3.5-4.9 inches depending on the level of magnification. This durable scope also features an adjustable ocular to ensure that the reticle is always sharp for your eyes.

The scope is also fog resistant as well as waterproof so you don't have to worry about the weather condition. The scope is one of the best scopes in providing good views for the hunter at all weather times be it rainy or even when there is fog.

Pros

  • Well illuminated
  • Fog resistant
  • Durable and waterproof
  • Comes at a reasonable price
  • Comfortable eye relief

Cons

  • Heavy and bulky.

8. Vortex Optics Crossfire ii Second Focal plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescopes

In the Crossline ii, the 2-732 is one of the best and of many configurations. This scope is good for hunting and shooting at many different ranges and the estimated hold over is of concern. This scope is also considered Best Muzzleloader Scopes among serious hunters.   With a Dead-Hold BDC reticle that is so important to hunters.

The scope has eye relief features that have an ultra-forgiving eye box that allows you to see the sight and view your target accordingly. It has an eyepiece that allows quick and easy eye focusing. The scope has a multi-coated lens as well as anti-reflective that allow and provide a bright and clear view for the user of the scope.

The Vortex scope has also got capped turrets that can rest up to the value of zero and are easily adjustable with MOA clicks. The tube is strong and made of aircraft aluminum that gives enough strength and is also provides protection against shock. The ring is sealed as well as nitrogen purged with the crossfire providing waterproof and fog proof performance.

Pros

  • Eye relief features
  • Shockproof
  • Water and fog proof
  • Well illuminated
  • Nitrogen sealed

Cons

  • Not easy to mount
  • Battery life not specified

9. Thompson Center T/C 9948 Muzzleloader Scope Kit

The scope is 3-9 x40mm is a great model that is designed with a larger lens diameter for maximum light transmission. The scope has high Weaver rings and has a great and huge base. The waterproof and fog resistant features make it easy to be used in circumstances of all weather.

It has a multiple X-Reticle that allows it to easily have a great objective lens. The magnification power is also high and allows you to have a great view of your target. The muzzleloader is important especially to the hunters and it gives them a good and great time in their hunting expeditions.

The base of the muzzle holder has a fit encore and is also accompanied by Omega and Triumph impact. It features a lightweight construction so you will not have trouble with its weight.

Pros

  • Lightweight scope
  • Great eye relief
  • Good magnification power
  • Water, fog and shockproof
  • Scope works well

Cons

  • Base and the rings are not quality

10. Nikon P-223 3-9x40 Mate BDC 600

The Nikon scope has a generous and consistent eye relief that always keep your brow safe and even with heaviest recoiling cartridges that have lightweight rifles and also severe shooting angles. The BDC 600 Reticle Developed that is specifically made for trajectory 223 Rem /5.56 NATO round with 55 grain and polymer tip bullet.

The BDC 600 reticle offers shooters have a uniquely open and circle aiming points and also hash marks from up to 100-600 yards, a fine quality only exists to the Best Muzzleloader Scopes . The scope is precise and has zero rest features as well as has a hand turn and tactical style. The scope has a reticle adjustment feature that is positive that allows you zero in much fast and maintains the string even when it has repeated recoil.

The muzzleloader has a view that goes from 100 yards and is also accompanied by parallax setting so that it allows for precise shooting. The waterproof feature is also present in this muzzle holder and also it is fog proof.

Pros

  • It is of polymer material
  • Has eye relief features
  • Water and fog proof
  • Has lightweight riffles
  • Designed with an adjustable reticle
  • It is lightweight

Cons

  • Complaints of the lens fogging
  • Optics would have been quality

How to Choose the Best Muzzleloader Scopes

The Best Muzzleloader Scopes come with different features that you must consider in order to get the best value for your money. Here we will are going to view the most obvious factors that should be at the top of your head when deciding the best scope for your muzzleloader.

Image Clarity

You should buy a scope that helps you to see better of which that is the main reason of getting a scope in the first place. A better scope should allow the shooter to see the target better even in the less than optimal conditions such as rain and fog.

Level of Magnification

Magnification allows the shooter to view a target further. The level of magnification of your scope improves your shooting ability and for that reason, a higher magnification scope will ensure that you make a good shot from hundreds of meters away.

Scope Durability

Since the scopes are intended to be used in the actual field or in the wild, you need to consider a scope that will be tough enough to handle harsh conditions. It has to be of the best long-lasting materials that can withstand long term outdoor usage.

Eye Relief

Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the lens of the scope, required for optimal target acquisition. Different scopes have different eye relief specifications that dictate how far you can be able to see well while taking a shot. Depending on your intended use, always pick a scope that will suit your specific objective for better results.

Cost

You don't have to get a scope for your muzzleloader that will break your budget. There are many scopes out there and they all range in their prices. So purchase one that will perfectly fit within your budget. This leaves you will extra cash in your pocket to take off your scope in repairing and maintaining it.

Ease of Use

With the market heavily stocked with different types of scopes , you are assured to get some that are very complicated to use. My guess is that you don't need those. You need a scope that you can easily mount and manipulate. This makes it easy for you to adjust, aim and shoot.

The Conclusion- Finding the Best Muzzleloader Scopes 

It is a daunting task to pick the Best muzzleloader scopes as there are always many factors to consider such as ease of use, durability, the field of view, magnification, light transmission, costs among others. The intention of this article is to help you narrow down your choices so that you can get the best muzzleloader scope that will suit your needs. Always read reviews from several sources to get a better understanding of the scopes and purchase scopes from trusted and genuine manufacturers if you don't want to end up in disappointment. You need a scope that will last long, withstand extreme conditions and offer the best shooting accuracy, but still within your budget. By now I know you have made up your mind, so, happy hunting.

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