12 Best Muzzleloader Scopes Worth the Money (2024)
Muzzleloader hunting is great because a one-shot kill makes it much more significant. Black powder shooting offers a lot of opportunities, as most people overlook it and it’s actually a lot cheaper than high-powered rifles. To make your one shot count, you need the best muzzleloader scope. Here are our favorites.
Top options
Best muzzleloader scope
Sig Sauer Sierra
2.5-8x30mm
Best for the money
Steiner GS3
2-10x42mm
Best budget option
Vortex Diamondback
2-7X35mm
Muzzleloader scopes
1. Sig Sauer Sierra 3 BDX 2.5-8x30mm Rifle Scope
The Sierra 3 Sig Sauer features a 30mm objective lens and a variable zoom that goes from 2.5x to 8x. Short-range shooting won’t be an issue for you with this scope.
It is equipped with a BDX-R1 reticle that can assist you in the fast acquisition of your target. Plus, the scope also features a 2nd focal plane that allows you to scope your target at further distances. It is overall the best muzzleloading scope.
These scopes for muzzleloader also come with a wide exit pupil that tops out at 8.8mm. This scope can manage sharper and clearer images, irrespective of any conditions. Its field of view also ranges from 13.2 feet to 39.8 feet at 10 yards and you also get to work with a maximum eye relief of 4.41 inches.
What we liked
- The lens features an anti-reflective coating
- IPX7 rated for water resistivity
- Fully fog proof construction
- Best muzzleloader scope for the money
- BDX-R1 reticle for fast target acquisition
- 2nd focal plane for longer shooting ranges
- SpectraCoat lens coating for durability
- Automatic holdover dot
What we didn’t like
- Higher zooms are slightly blurry
- Not for long-range shooting
Magnification: 2.5x to 8x
Lens diameter: 30mm
Field of view: 13.2 feet to 39.8 feet at 100 yards
Eye relief: 3.46-inch to 4.41-inch
Reticle: BDX-R1
Length: 11.59-inch
Weight: 17.92 oz
Features: 2nd focal plane, SpectraCoat lens coating, motion-activated illumination
2. Vortex Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire Riflescope with V-Plex Reticle
The Diamondback muzzleloader scope features a 35mm objective lens with variable magnification, ranging from 2x to 7x. These Vortex muzzleloader scopes also feature a V-Plex reticle that is excellent for fast target acquisition.
Vortex has used argon gas to purge this scope to ensure that you can conveniently use it in any condition and don’t have to worry about fog or moisture. It also comes with a 2nd focal plane and you can shoot your targets at longer ranges.
The use of quality aircraft grade aluminum in the construction makes it the best scope for muzzleloader. The use of lightweight material keeps the overall weight of your scope low without weighing you down. The optics of this Vortex muzzleloader scope also have multi-coating on them for brighter and sharper viewing.
What we liked
- Hard anodized finish
- Argon purged tube to keep fog and moisture away
- A decent battery life that lasts up to 150 hours
- Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy construction
- Wider FoV
- Lightweight
- Long eye relief that tops out at 3.5-inch
What we didn’t like
- Reticle doesn’t come with illumination
- The ocular lens is too big
- Focus takes a little while to adjust
Magnification: 2x to 7x
Lens diameter: 35mm
Field of view: 19.3 feet to 64.3 feet at 100 yards
Eye relief: 3.1-inch to 3.5-inch
Reticle: V-Plex
Length: 11.6-inch
Weight: 14.2 oz
Features: Aircraft-grade aluminum, argon purged tube, fully multi-coated
3. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 1in Riflescope
Leupold muzzleloader scope comes with a 40mm objective lens with a variable zoom of 3x to 9x. This scope does a pretty fine job when it comes to acquiring targets at different ranges. This viewing device also comes with a 2nd focal plane and you get to take your aim to a farther point with ease. The scope is equipped with pretty goof muzzleloader optics.
The scope comes with an exit pupil of 4.7mm, which is good enough to provide you with sharper images with brighter colors. The top rated muzzleloader scope also comes with a wider field of view that goes from 3.6 feet to 33.1 feet at 100 yards. Plus, you also get to use ranging eye relief from 3.7-inch to 4.2-inch.
The company has used 6061-T6 Aluminum alloy for the construction of this Leupold black powder scope and it stays durable for a long time. The scope features fully multi-coated glass optics to provide you with a superior viewing experience.
What we liked
- Aluminum alloy construction
- Scratch-resistant optics
- Fog proofing along with water resistivity
- 2nd focal plane for longer shooting range
- Wider exit pupil for better viewing
- Wider FoV at higher zoom
- Controls are very easy to use and operate
What we didn’t like
- Battery life could have been better
- Turret knobs have a play
- Some users might find the reticle a bit too fine
Magnification: 3x to 9x
Lens diameter: 40mm
Field of view: 13.6 feet to 33.1 feet at 100 yards
Eye relief: 3.7-inch to 4.2-inch
Reticle: Duplex and FireDot
Length: 12.39-inch
Weight: 12.2 oz
Features: Twilight management system, aircraft-grade aluminum, one-inch tube diameter
4. Meopta Meopro 3-9x40mm Muzzleloader Scopes
This high-end scope comes with a Z-Plex reticle, which is designed to be very versatile across different applications. This scope is also equipped with a 40mm objective lens and a variable zoom of 3x to 9x. The scope is well equipped to handle long and short-range targets.
With the help of an SFP reticle, this scope for muzzleloader rifles can take longer targets pretty well. It also comes with an exit pupil that goes from 4.4mm to 13mm. It can acquire light from the surroundings pretty well to present you with brighter images with higher contrast.
This Meopta Meopro scope has a wider FoV with a minimum of 11 feet to a maximum of 33.9 feet at 100 yards and it is good scope for muzzleloader for its specs. You might still think that the 4-inch eye relief of this scope is not that great for you to work with if you wear spectacles, though.
What we liked
- Meopta has nitrogen purged this scope for better outdoor performance
- Variable magnification works well at shorter ranges
- Wider operable temperature ranging from -25C to 55C
- MeoShield and MeoBright lens coating for sharper imaging
- Aluminum construction for durability
- Wider FoV even at high zoom
- A better option than any camo muzzleloader scopes
What we didn’t like
- No reticle illumination
- Doesn’t handle heavy recoils pretty well
Magnification: 3x to 9x
Lens diameter: 40mm
Field of view: 11 feet to 33.9 feet at 100 yards
Eye relief: 4-inch
Reticle: Z-Plex
Length: 13-inch
Weight: 15.7 oz
Features: MeoShield, MeoBright, 2nd focal plane, parallax optimized
5. Steiner GS3 2-10x 42mm Riflescope
This high-end Steiner scope comes with a 42mm objective lens and has a variable zoom of 2x to 10x. The scope comes with a Plex S1 reticle that performs well when it comes to fast target acquisition. You can do that at longer ranges with smaller targets using the scope’s second focal plane.
These muzzleloading scopes feature an exit pupil that tops out at 16.8 and you can have a clear view of your target in every range. Variable magnification does a fine job when you look to aim at shorter ranges with smaller targets.
Moreover, its wider field of view even at high zooms. And it keeps you well aware of the situation. These are the best scopes for muzzleloaders for their performance. The illuminated reticle allows you to take your aim comfortably in dim light. And with universal mounting, you can easily fit it on your muzzleloader without an issue.
What we liked
- Full protection against all the external elements
- Illuminated reticle with a second focal plane for better long-range performance
- Very easy to use controls
- Slightly better eye relief of up to 4.25 inches
- Plex S1 reticle for quick aim-and-shoot use
- 0.25 MOA clicks for elevation and windage
- Crystal clear glass
What we didn’t like
- Doesn’t have great low light clarity
- Not suitable to use with left-hand bolt action rifle
- A bit heavier
Magnification: 2x to 10x
Lens diameter: 42mm
Field of view: 10.5 feet to 52 feet at 100 yards
Eye relief: 3.5-inch to 4.25-inch
Reticle: Plex S1
Length: 13.5-inch
Weight: 18 oz
Features: second focal plane, universal mounting, color adjusted transmission
6. Sig Sauer Sierra 6 BDX 3-18x44mm Rifle Scope
The Sierra 6 scope is equipped with a BDX reticle that is pretty good and accurate in terms of target acquisition. These scopes for muzzleloader rifles feature a 44mm objective lens with a variable zoom of 3x to 18x. These muzzleloader rifle scopes are pretty powerful and are suitable for the professionals of muzzleloading. If you are new to your muzzleloader rifle, then you need to go for low-end scopes.
This is a good muzzleloader scope with a pretty decent battery life and you can take your shot in longer range with its 2nd focal plane. You can also enjoy the scope’s maximum exit pupil of 8.2mm, which ensures you get brighter images even in low light conditions.
A wider FoV of this muzzleloader rifle scope ranges from 5.8 feet to 34.9 feet at 100 yards. It means that even at higher zoom, you can enjoy a good bit of FoV to have a clear sight of the surroundings of your target.
What we liked
- 10 different display brightness settings
- Illuminated reticle with orange sight
- Second focal plane available for longer target shooting
- Wider FoV at higher zoom
- MOA clicks for elevation and windage adjustments
- Adjustable parallax
- KinETHIC technology for better ethical shots
What we didn’t like
- A bit distortion at high magnification
- Higher price tag
Magnification: 3x to 18x
Lens diameter: 44mm
Field of view: 5.8 feet to 34.9 feet at 100 yards
Eye relief: 3.7-inch to 3.9-inch
Reticle: BDX R2
Length: 11.2-inch
Weight: 23.8 oz
Features: KinETHIC, multiple ballistics profile, Advanced HDX system
7. Thompson Center 1x Fixed Power Hawken Hunter Riflescope
This best muzzleloader scope under 200 features a Centerplex reticle with an inner circle. You will be on your target before you even know it. If you are looking to improve your accuracy, there is no better option for you than this muzzleloader scope.
It might come with a fixed zoom of 1x, but the scope works pretty well for short-range shooting. You will sight your game very comfortably and, of course, will take your shot accurately. If you are looking for a 1x muzzleloader scope for low light conditions, there is none better than this one.
These scopes for muzzleloaders also come with a special coating that reduces reflection. And their overall design is to gather the maximum amount of light to present you with a clear and vivid image. The settings and adjustment of these Thompson Center muzzleloader scopes are pretty straightforward.
What we liked
- This 1 power scope for muzzleloader improves light gathering for better performance
- Handles light reflection pretty well
- An excellent choice for low light environments
- Accuracy shots without taking much time
- Quickly sight the game and take your shot with its quality objective lens
- Effortless to mount
- A top choice for short-range hunting of small game
What we didn’t like
- No high-powered zoom
- Too simple for experienced professionals
Magnification: 1x
Lens diameter: 32mm
Field of view: 60 feet at 100 yards
Eye relief: 3.3-inch
Reticle: BDC
Length: 9.4-inch
Weight: 10.2 oz
Features: Quick focus eyepiece, multi-coated optics
8. Hi-Lux Toby Bridges 3-9X40mm Muzzleloader Riflescopes
This Hi-LuX Toby black powder scope features a variable magnification that goes from 3x to 9x and an objective lens of 40mm. The scope is very simple to use and you don’t have to go through much to operate it. It has a very ergonomic and simple construction.
This scope for muzzleloaders is suitable for long range shootings. It comes equipped with a TB-ML reticle with an aiming point and also features a 2nd focal plane. Deer hunting will become a true art for you when you make your shots with this best inline muzzleloader scope.
It comes with a wide field of view ranging from 13 feet to 39 feet and an eye relief ranging from 2.7-inch to 3.4-inch. The scope’s exit pupil tops out at 13.3mm and if you wear spectacles, you won’t have any issue using this scope.
What we liked
- The high-powered objective lens of 40mm with a variable magnification
- TB-ML reticle for quick aiming
- Wider linear FoV
- Aluminum construction for durability
- DiamondTuff 14 coating for resilience
- Wider operating temperature range
What we didn’t like
- The flip-up cover lens doesn’t stay on
- Reticle comes without any illumination features
Magnification: 3x to 9x
Lens diameter: 40mm
Field of view: 13 feet to 39 feet at 100 yards
Eye relief: 2.7-inch to 3.4-inch
Reticle: TB-ML
Length: 12.25-inch
Weight: 15.4 oz
Features: DiamondTuff 14 coating, IP65 water-resistivity, aluminum construction
9. Konus Pro 3-10x44mm 275 Muzzleloading Riflescope
The Konus rifle scopes for muzzleloader are equipped with a 44mm objective lens and a variable zoom that goes from 3x to 10x magnification. These Konus muzzleloader scopes are equipped with a dual illuminating center dot reticle in red and blue colors.
The scope also features a 2nd focal plane for long-range aiming and you can enjoy a wider FoV that goes from 10.8 feet to 35.1 feet at 100 yards. The scope comes with an eye relief of 3-inch and you might feel that it weighs slightly on the higher side while benign at 23.8 oz.
The glass optics of this scope come fully coated and the scope is fully shock, fog, and moisture-proof. If you like to use an airgun, you can use this scope well because it is rated for an airgun as well.
What we liked
- Quick adjustments for elevation and windage
- Single-piece tube construction for durability
- The reticle is engraved and it can take hard recoils
- Cheap muzzleloader scope
- Large objective lens diameter for clear images
- Variable magnification for better short-range shooting
- Dual illuminated reticle for low light performance
What we didn’t like
- Not a very long eye relief
- Higher zooms are blurry
Magnification: 3x to 10x
Lens diameter: 44mm
Field of view: 10.8 feet to 35.1 feet at 100 yards
Eye relief: 3-inch
Reticle: Dual Illuminated Center Dot
Length: 5.4-inch
Weight: 23.8 oz
Features: Nitrogen-purged, engraved reticle, finger adjustable elevation and windage
10. Mueller Optical 2-7x32mm Multishot Waterproof Riflescope
This waterproof muzzleloader scope is equipped with a 32mm objective lens with a variable magnification of 2x to 7x. This copy features a multipurpose crosshair reticle you can use for a range of different shooting and hunting purposes.
Its exit pupil can range from 4.57mm to 16mm and you can enjoy brighter images even when the lights are dim. The scope for black powder rifle also comes with a wider FoV that tops out at 47 feet at 100 yards.
Eye relief is only 3.5-inch, which might not be that much for a muzzleloader scope. So it is a huge let down if you wear eyeglasses. But you also get to use a red illuminated reticle that allows you to take your aim in dim light pretty effectively.
The lenses of these scopes for black powder rifles come with water resistivity and they can handle external elements pretty well. This scope is an excellent option for an all-weather construction. The eyepiece on this red dot scope for muzzleloader comes with a quick focus.
What we liked
- The sturdy construction handle external elements
- One-inch tube diameter is excellent for maximum light transmission
- 11 different brightness settings
- The scope can handle recoil pretty well
- Wider exit pupil for brighter images with sharper contrast
- Multipurpose crosshairs work well for a range of different shooting conditions
- Variable magnification for better close-range accuracy
What we didn’t like
- There is no reticle illumination available
- No automatic shutoff feature
Magnification: 2x to 7x
Lens diameter: 32mm
Field of view: 18 feet to 47 feet at 100 yards
Eye relief: 3.5-inch
Reticle: Multipurpose Crosshair
Length: 11.3-inch
Weight: 13.3 oz
Features: Water, fog, and Shockproof, fully multi-coated, quick focus eyeball
11. Traditions 3-9x40mm Muzzleloader Riflescope Kit w/ Weaver Rings
With this muzzleloader scope, you can sight your targets in low light conditions. The scope comes equipped with a 40mm objective lens and a variable magnification of 3x to 9x. The scope has a solid construction and you can easily spot your near targets with ease.
What makes it the best scope for a muzzleloader is its ability to perform well at longer ranges too. And with the help of this Duplex reticle, you can quickly acquire your target without wasting time. It would have been so much better if the reticle was illuminated, but that’s not the case. Still, the scope is equipped with enough power to provide you with accuracy in low light conditions.
Your package includes all the mounting accessories along with a 2-piece base and rings. These black powder rifle scopes can conveniently manage an exit pupil ranging from 4.44mm to 13.33mm. You can easily see your target with clear and bright images.
What we liked
- The variable magnification that ranged from 3x to 9x
- Duplex reticle for better performance in shooting small game at shorter ranges
- Wider exit pupil tops out at 13.33mm for vivid and colorful images
- The scope has a robust construction
- Comes with all the mounting accessories
- Lightweight and compact
- Handles recoil pretty well
What we didn’t like
- High zooms distort images
- Washed out colors in dim light
Magnification: 3x to 9x
Lens diameter: 40mm
Field of view: 13 feet to 39 feet at 100 yards
Eye relief: 3-inch
Reticle: Duplex
Length: 11.2 in
Weight: 13.5 oz
Features: Shockproof, fully multi-coated, 2-piece base
12. Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 Black Powder Rifle Scope
The Banner Bushnell is the best muzzleloader scope under 100 because it is equipped with decent specs. The scope boasts a variable magnification that ranges from 3x to 9x and an objective lens of 40mm. Therefore, if you are looking for some fine performance without spending too much, this scope for muzzleloader is a good choice for you.
It features a Circle-X reticle and allows you to get to your target in no time. The field of view of this scope can range from 12 feet to 36 feet at 100 yards. Hence, it comes with a decent combo of magnification and FoV, which is pretty hard to find, and that makes it the best muzzleloader scope.
And with an exit pupil of 4.4mm to 13mm, this scope can create sharper images pretty well. If you happen to wear glasses, then its 4-inch eye relief will work pretty well for you. It has a single-piece construction and is pretty durable.
What we liked
- Extended eye relief of 4 inches
- Equipped with an eyepiece with fast focus
- Fingertip adjustment for elevation and windage
- Fully, fog, moisture, and shockproof construction
- These Bushnell muzzleloader scopes come with fully multi-coated optics
- Dusk & Dawn Brightness for better viewing
- Circle-X for fast target reading
What we didn’t like
- The adjustment knob for magnification is pretty stiff
- No very forgiving eye relief at high power
- No additional yard crosses
Magnification: 3x to 9x
Lens diameter: 40mm
Field of view: 12 feet to 36 feet at 100 yards
Eye relief: 4-inch
Reticle: Circle-X
Length: 11.5-inch
Weight: 12.5 oz
Features: Single-piece construction, nitrogen-purged, quick focus eyepiece
FAQ
What is the best scope for a muzzleloader?
Overall, the best scope for a muzzleloader is the Sig Sauer Sierra 3 BDX 2.5-8x30mm Muzzleloader Scope. But if you are looking for a high-end scope choose the Sig Sauer Sierra 6 BDX 3-18x44mm Muzzleloader Scope.
Is there a difference between muzzleloader scopes and rifle scopes?
Muzzleloader rifles have bigger recoil so muzzleloader scopes come with bigger eye relief as compared to rifle scopes because rifles don’t have that big of recoil as compared to a muzzleloader.
Can I use a regular rifle scope on a muzzleloader?
If you don’t want to damage your eye, you should use a regular rifle scope on your muzzleloader. Perhaps you can use a rifle scope with longer eye relief on your muzzleloader.
Can you use a scope on a muzzleloader in Colorado?
You can use a scope on your muzzleloader in Colorado during muzzleloader seasons. It is only legal to use sights with fluorescent paints and fibers optics during this season.
Does a muzzleloader need a special scope?
In terms of specialty, a muzzleloader scope needs to come with a long eye relief because these guns have a big recoil and there is a risk of eye damage if you use a scope with shorter eye relief.
Is there a difference between rifle and shotgun scopes?
Shotgun scopes are good for short ranges around 100 yards, on the other hand, rifle scopes are designed for hitting longer ranges of over 300 yards. This is the primary difference between the two.
How does BDC work on a scope?
Bullet drop compensator features a crosshair reticle on a scope and it predicts how much your bullet will drop if you hit a target at a certain range. If you have your rifles zeroed in at 100 yards, the points that you see underneath the crosshair reticle tell you about your bullets impact at 200 or 300 yards, etc.
Does Vortex make a muzzleloader scope?
Vortex does make muzzleloader scopes and the best one to choose is the Vortex Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire Muzzleloader Scope. You can also go for Vortex Crossfire II or Vortex Viper muzzleloader scopes.
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