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10 Best Muzzleloader Scopes 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Leupold Freedom Red Dot Sight, Muzzleloader (34mm) CDS 1.0 MOA Dot

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,445
Reticle
Eye Relief
Field of View

Most important from
328 reviews

Reticle
The 1-minute angle red dot strikes a perfect balance, offering enough brightness for close-up shots without obscuring distant targets.
Eye Relief
Infinite eye relief and the ability to adjust the mount height make it adaptable, though some might prefer to choose their own mounts.
Field of View
Leupold delivers again with a crisp and clear optical field of view that seems larger than it appears, making it worth every penny.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Despite its size, the Leupold Freedom Red Dot Sight feels natural in use, maintaining zero through rough handling and hard training.

The Leupold Freedom Red Dot Sight for muzzleloaders is a solid option for those looking into precision and reliability. It features a 34mm objective lens diameter which provides a clear field of view, a critical consideration for muzzleloader scopes. The red dot reticle is simple and effective for quick targeting, although some users who prefer traditional crosshairs might find it lacking. This scope is specifically designed for muzzleloaders, ensuring a good fit on those firearms. However, unlike more versatile scopes, it may not suit all rifle types.

One of its strengths is the Leupold lifetime performance warranty, which assures users of its durability and reliability. The material is aluminum, offering both sturdiness and a lightweight advantage, as the package weighs only 8 ounces. This could be a significant plus for hunters who need to move easily. The sight, however, does not support night vision, which might be a drawback for those planning to use it in low-light conditions. The 1.0 MOA Dot provides a precise aiming point, although it might take some getting used to for individuals accustomed to more magnification settings.

Despite some limitations, such as the lack of parallax adjustment, the scope's simple design and reliable performance could make it ideal for both novice and experienced shooters who prefer straightforward optics without the complexity of additional adjustments.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,445
Reticle
Eye Relief
Field of View

Most important from
328 reviews

Reticle
The 1-minute angle red dot strikes a perfect balance, offering enough brightness for close-up shots without obscuring distant targets.
Eye Relief
Infinite eye relief and the ability to adjust the mount height make it adaptable, though some might prefer to choose their own mounts.
Field of View
Leupold delivers again with a crisp and clear optical field of view that seems larger than it appears, making it worth every penny.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Despite its size, the Leupold Freedom Red Dot Sight feels natural in use, maintaining zero through rough handling and hard training.
#2

Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x50 (1 inch) Hunt-Plex Riflescope

The Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x50 Hunt-Plex Riflescope is a robust choice for hunters looking for quality and reliability. With a magnification range of 4-12x, it offers versatile viewing capabilities, making it suitable for various hunting scenarios. The 50mm objective lens diameter ensures bright and clear images, even in low light conditions, which is crucial for early morning or late evening hunts.

The Hunt-Plex reticle, being in the second focal plane, remains consistent in size while the target changes with magnification, aiding in low light situations without complicating range estimation. This feature is particularly beneficial for hunters who need quick target acquisition without adjusting to reticle size changes. Leupold is known for comfortable eye relief which would likely make this scope suitable for users wearing glasses or those who require a bit of distance from the scope.

Durability and weather resistance are standout features of this scope. It is 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, making it reliable in harsh weather conditions. Additionally, the hardened surface coatings enhance scratch resistance, ensuring long-term clarity and durability. Designed, machined, and assembled in the USA, it also benefits from Leupold's excellent customer care. The Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x50 is a solid, dependable riflescope with excellent light transmission, durability, and ease of use.

#3

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 (1 inch) Hunt-Plex Reticle Riflescope

Rating
9.9
Reticle
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
691 reviews

Reticle
The Hunt-Plex reticle is simple and effective, enhancing target acquisition.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The scope is very light but still feels tough, perfect for a lightweight deer or bear hunting setup.

The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 riflescope is a solid choice for hunters looking for a reliable and versatile scope. Its 3-9x magnification range offers flexibility, allowing for both close-range and long-distance shots, which is particularly beneficial for various types of game. The 40mm objective lens diameter enhances light transmission, ensuring you can spot your target even in low-light conditions, a crucial factor during early morning or late evening hunts.

One of its standout features is the Hunt-Plex reticle, designed to help hunters quickly and easily acquire targets. Coupled with a generous 3 inches of eye relief, this scope minimizes the risk of recoil injury, making it comfortable to use over extended periods. Durability is a key strength as well; the scope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, built to withstand harsh weather conditions and rough handling.

There are considerations to keep in mind. The magnification range, while versatile, may not satisfy those who require higher magnification for very long shots. Additionally, the absence of advanced features like parallax adjustment means users may need to be mindful of their shooting distance, as it might not be as effective for precision shooting at varying ranges. This riflescope is particularly suitable for recreational hunters and those who value quality craftsmanship and dependable performance in the field.

Rating
9.9
Reticle
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
691 reviews

Reticle
The Hunt-Plex reticle is simple and effective, enhancing target acquisition.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The scope is very light but still feels tough, perfect for a lightweight deer or bear hunting setup.

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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