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10 Best Muzzleloader Scopes 2026 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Illum. FireDot Duplex Reticle Riflescope

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,466
Magnification
Reticle
Field of View

Most important from
375 reviews

Magnification
Its magnification range perfectly suits hunting distances without unnecessary complexity.
Reticle
The FireDot reticle is thoughtfully designed for quick target acquisition and reliable tracking.
Field of View
The scope delivers exceptionally clear optics and is easy to adjust in the field.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The scope consistently holds zero and performs dependably under typical hunting conditions.

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 riflescope is a solid choice for muzzleloader shooters who want flexibility and precision. Its magnification range from 3x to 15x lets you zoom in for distant targets or keep a wider view up close, which is helpful in different hunting situations. The 44mm objective lens, coated with Leupold's Guard-ion, offers clear and bright images while repelling dirt and water, making it easier to maintain in the field. The illuminated FireDot Duplex reticle is simple and effective for quick target acquisition, and the Side Focus parallax adjustment helps keep your shot accurate from various distances and shooting positions.

One standout feature is the CDS-ZL2 system, which allows for precise bullet-drop adjustments tailored to your specific ammunition, preventing accidental changes with a push-button lock—great for hunters who want to dial in their shots without fuss. Made from durable aluminum, this scope is designed to be waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring it withstands rough outdoor conditions. At about 1 pound, it’s lightweight enough to avoid adding bulk to your rifle. This scope does not have night vision capabilities, so it's less suited for very low-light hunting, and while it comes with a neoprene cover for protection, some users might find the price higher compared to simpler scopes.

Backed by Leupold’s lifetime guarantee, it is a dependable option for hunters seeking a high-quality, versatile scope that balances performance and durability for muzzleloader setups.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,466
Magnification
Reticle
Field of View

Most important from
375 reviews

Magnification
Its magnification range perfectly suits hunting distances without unnecessary complexity.
Reticle
The FireDot reticle is thoughtfully designed for quick target acquisition and reliable tracking.
Field of View
The scope delivers exceptionally clear optics and is easy to adjust in the field.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The scope consistently holds zero and performs dependably under typical hunting conditions.
#2

Vortex Crossfire HD 3-9x40 Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescope - Illuminated Dead-Hold 2A BDC MOA Reticle

Rating
8.5
Magnification
Reticle
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
100 reviews

Magnification
The magnification ring may feel stiff initially but loosens with use, allowing smooth zoom control.
Reticle
The illuminated reticle significantly improves low-light shooting, making target acquisition faster and more precise.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Built tough with a compact and handy design, it balances durability and portability for general-purpose use up to 300-400 yards.

The Vortex Crossfire HD 3-9x40 riflescope offers versatile magnification ideal for muzzleloader hunting, allowing clear target views from close to mid-range distances. Its 40mm objective lens provides solid light gathering, helping with clarity in low-light conditions. The illuminated Dead-Hold 2A BDC MOA reticle is designed for quick and precise aiming with holdover adjustments useful for varying distances—an advantage for muzzleloader shooters who often estimate bullet drop. The fast-focus eyepiece lets you quickly adjust the reticle for a sharp sight picture, aiding fast target acquisition. While the scope does not have night vision or advanced parallax adjustment features, it covers basic parallax needs typical for its magnification range.

Made from aircraft-grade aluminum with a matte black finish, it is rugged, waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, which suits outdoor use in different weather conditions. Weighing about 2 pounds, it balances durability with manageable weight. The 1-inch tube size is standard and fits most mounting rails easily. Included accessories like a sunshade and neoprene cover add value. Its lifetime warranty is a strong plus, giving confidence in long-term reliability. This scope is well-suited for hunters and shooters looking for a dependable, easy-to-use scope with solid optics and durability, while those needing specialized features like night vision or more advanced parallax controls might want to consider other options.

Rating
8.5
Magnification
Reticle
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
100 reviews

Magnification
The magnification ring may feel stiff initially but loosens with use, allowing smooth zoom control.
Reticle
The illuminated reticle significantly improves low-light shooting, making target acquisition faster and more precise.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Built tough with a compact and handy design, it balances durability and portability for general-purpose use up to 300-400 yards.
#3

Vortex Optics Venom 5-25x56 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-7C (MOA) Reticle

Rating
8.5
Magnification
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
868 reviews

Magnification
Magnification is mind-blowing, providing clear visuals and proving its worth for the price.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The build quality is impressive, with the scope holding zero well even on a 338 Lapua Magnum.

The Vortex Optics Venom 5-25x56 First Focal Plane Riflescope is tailored for long-range shooting and competitive use, offering a wide magnification range of 5-25x. This scope is built with a robust 34mm aluminum tube, which provides a significant amount of turret travel for elevation and windage adjustments, making it versatile for various shooting conditions.

The XD Optical System and fully multi-coated lenses ensure high resolution and clarity, even in low-light situations, which is excellent for hunting at dawn or dusk. The EBR-7C MOA reticle is precise and helps in accurate target measurement across the magnification range, and the fast-focus eyepiece enhances reticle focusing ease. Additionally, the scope's side knob parallax adjustment feature is user-friendly, allowing quick adjustments during use.

Durability is a strong point with this riflescope, as it is nitrogen purged, o-ring sealed for water and fogproof performance, and the lenses are protected by an Armortek coating against scratches and oil. The included RevStop Zero System facilitates a reliable return to zero. One potential downside is its weight, at 2.2 pounds, which might be on the heavier side for some users. Moreover, it lacks night vision capabilities, which may be a consideration for those needing all-day performance. However, Vortex's unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty provides peace of mind, ensuring support for any damage or defects. This riflescope is best suited for hunters and competitive shooters looking for reliable performance, durability, and precise long-range targeting.

Rating
8.5
Magnification
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
868 reviews

Magnification
Magnification is mind-blowing, providing clear visuals and proving its worth for the price.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The build quality is impressive, with the scope holding zero well even on a 338 Lapua Magnum.

Buying Guide for the Best Muzzleloader Scopes

Choosing the right muzzleloader scope can significantly enhance your shooting accuracy and overall experience. A muzzleloader scope is a specialized optical device designed to help you aim more precisely when using a muzzleloading firearm. When selecting a scope, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure it meets your needs and preferences. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and find the best fit for your shooting style and conditions.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because it helps you see distant targets more clearly. Scopes typically have fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes are simpler and often more durable, while variable magnification scopes offer more flexibility. For general hunting, a 3-9x magnification range is common, providing a good balance between close and distant shots. If you primarily shoot at long distances, you might prefer higher magnification, such as 4-12x or more. Consider your typical shooting range and choose a magnification that suits your needs.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting image brightness and clarity. Larger objective lenses (e.g., 40mm or 50mm) allow more light, which is beneficial in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. However, larger lenses can also make the scope heavier and bulkier. If you often hunt in low-light conditions, a larger objective lens might be advantageous. For general use, a 32mm to 40mm lens is usually sufficient.
ReticleThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle designs can suit different shooting styles and preferences. Common types include duplex, BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator), and mil-dot reticles. A duplex reticle is simple and easy to use, making it a good choice for beginners. BDC reticles help compensate for bullet drop at various distances, which is useful for long-range shooting. Mil-dot reticles provide precise aiming points for range estimation and windage adjustments. Choose a reticle that matches your shooting needs and experience level.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope's eyepiece while still seeing the full field of view. This is crucial for comfort and safety, especially with muzzleloaders that have significant recoil. Scopes with longer eye relief (3-4 inches or more) help prevent the scope from hitting your face during recoil. If you wear glasses or have a powerful muzzleloader, prioritize scopes with generous eye relief to ensure a comfortable and safe shooting experience.
Field of ViewField of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the scope at a specific distance, usually measured in feet at 100 yards. A wider FOV allows you to see more of the surrounding area, which is helpful for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. Lower magnification scopes generally offer a wider FOV. If you often hunt in dense woods or need to track fast-moving game, a scope with a wider FOV can be beneficial. For long-range shooting, a narrower FOV might be acceptable.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment helps ensure that the reticle remains on target even if your eye position shifts slightly. This is important for maintaining accuracy, especially at longer distances. Some scopes come with a fixed parallax setting, typically at 100 yards, while others offer adjustable parallax. If you plan to shoot at varying distances, an adjustable parallax feature can be very useful. For most hunting situations, fixed parallax scopes are usually sufficient, but for precision shooting, consider a scope with parallax adjustment.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance are critical for a muzzleloader scope, as it needs to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. Look for scopes that are waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. These features ensure that the scope remains functional in rain, snow, and varying temperatures, and can handle the recoil of a muzzleloader. High-quality materials and construction contribute to the overall durability of the scope. If you hunt in challenging environments, prioritize scopes with robust weather resistance and durability features.

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