In today’s post, we will look at the best scopes for .357 Lever Action available. The .357 Magnum is a popular handgun round used for self-defense, big game hunting, and silhouette shooting. It can also be employed for dangerous game like bears, provided you have the right handload.
Introduced in 1934, the round has a bullet diameter of .357 inches and provides slightly more power than the .338 special cartridge.
Choosing the best scope for your .357 lever action is a paramount decision. The right scope can up the ante significantly, both in terms of accuracy and range. A fitting scope is arguably the easiest part of the exercise. Selecting the best scope is not the easiest thing, as there are many options on the market, each offering a distinct set of features and benefits.
What To Look for In the Best Scopes For 357 Lever Action
Objective Lens
The objective lens is a crucial part of a scope as it determines the light-gathering capability. For the best clarity and maximum accuracy, it is vital to get a lens that is multi-coated or fully multi-coated.
The size of the lens also matters. If the scope has a large objective lens, you will receive clear images with high resolution and color fidelity. Although a 50mm diameter is preferable, smaller ones, like 38mm, will still do a good job.
Also, remember that a larger objective lens implies a heavier scope and more cost. So, it is up to you to decide on the perfect balance between a brighter picture and increased bulk/price.
Magnification
When choosing the best scopes for 357 lever action, it is important to evaluate the magnification to get a scope that is compatible with your rifle and its cartridges. The scope you opt for should provide adequate magnification. However, you don’t need a high-magnification scope, as it will be overkill.
Durability
Falls and knocks on surfaces are inevitable during the adrenaline rush of a hunt. So, your riflescope should be able to withstand abuse and hence needs to be shockproof. The scope should be built out of aircraft-grade aluminum and have argon or nitrogen purging for fogproofing. What else? The scope should be o-ring sealed for waterproof integrity.
In addition, prioritize a scope with a lifetime warranty as it shows that it is built to last.
Reticle Placement
One of the main points of contention among shooters is the difference between the first and second focal planes. In actuality, neither performs better than the other, and both are excellent under certain circumstances. Is it truly a question of which you like better.
In a first focal plane, the reticle changes depending on the magnification. In a second focal plane, the reticle stays constant as you adjust the magnification levels.
It comes down to personal preference. However, most marksmen favor reticles in the second focal plane for lever action rifles as they don’t use scopes that need extended changes of magnification, as for example, a sniper would.
Price
The price is another vital component to consider when looking for the best scopes for .357 lever action. The cost of a scope depends on its features and capabilities. The brand reputation also matters. Frequently, you get what you pay for. However, some scopes offer over-the-top features for a price that is not bank-breaking.
Eye Relief
A scope with generous eye relief, preferably at least 3.5 inches, is vital irrespective of the shooting you will be doing. You don’t want to put your eye at risk of injury when you use a scope with short eye relief. Therefore, ensure you get a unit that provides decent eye relief across the entire magnification range.
Best Scopes for 357 Lever Action
Now that you know the key pointers to look at before determining the scope to choose, let’s get straight into the models.
1) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Riflescope
Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm is a high-performing riflescope made for those on a tight budget. It comes with a Dead-Hold BDC reticle set on the second focal plane, which remains the same as you increase or decrease the magnification.
A versatile magnification range makes it suitable for close-to-medium-range encounters. The objective lens diameter is 32mm. A fast-focus eyepiece makes it easy to keep targets sighted and in focus, even while moving or changing ranges.
Optical-wise, the Crossfire II boasts fully multi-coated lenses that admit tons of light, resulting in brighter, clearer images even in weak lighting scenarios. A sunshade for glare reduction is included for flawless images in the glowing desert sun.
Extreme durability is ensured by the single-piece tube made of aircraft-grade aluminum, capped turrets, and machine-locked lenses, which allow you to use the scope in any circumstance without fear of scratches or breakage. It is also shockproof, so recoil and impact will not damage it.
As one of the best scopes for 357 lever action, the Crossfire II is a reliable companion in fluctuating temperatures and rainy weather as it is completely fogproof and waterproof.
The zero reset function on the windage and elevation turrets keeps the riflescope sighted longer. They have 0.1 increments for precise aiming at various ranges.
Features
- Adjustable 2x to 7x magnification
- Anodized finish
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Single-piece tube aircraft-grade aluminum tube
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Capped turrets with a zero-reset function
- Armortek coating that protects the lenses from dirt, scratches, and oil
- 32mm objective lens
- Anodized finish
- Second focal plane
- Machine-locked lenses
Pros
- Top-notch durability
- Easy on your pocket
- Light and accurate
Cons
- No reticle illumination
2) Trijicon Accupoint 1-4x24mm Riflescope
The Accupoint is designed with a true 1x magnification that stretches up to 4x magnification with a straight 30mm tube, ensuring consistent eye relief at all power levels. The 30mm tube provides more adjustment range and more variety of mounting options.
As is the norm in Trijicon riflescopes, the TR24 is fashioned with fiber optics and tritium, providing a battery-free reticle that promotes quick target acquisition and ridiculous accuracy in any light.
The reticle is found on the second focal plane and stays constant as magnification varies, providing a more exact point at higher magnification. Multi-layer coated lenses further enhance visibility for stunning clarity, light collection, and zero distortion.
The housing is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum for protection against the toughest elements. It is an all-weather scope, so you can rest easy when the weather becomes hostile, as the internal components will remain free of moisture, dirt, and harsh elements.
Features
- Fiber optics and tritium illuminate the reticle
- 24mm objective lens diameter
- Built from 6061-T6 aluminum
- The lenses have multiple layers of coating
- 2 inches of eye relief
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Easy-focus eyepiece
- Repositionable magnification lever
- 30mm tube diameter
- Matte finish
- The reticle is on the rear focal plane
Pros
- Stellar glass clarity
- Well-designed and rugged
- Excellent sight window
- Very clear reticle
Cons
- The battery-free design limits illumination capabilities
3) Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9x40mm Riflescope
The Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9x40mm features fully multi-coated lenses that optimize light transmission and reduce glare. This results in bright, clear, and sharp target images even at sunrise or sunset.
The lenses are particularly Dusk & Dawn Brightness multi-coated lenses that yield clarity and brightness on that line between night and day.
A 3-9x magnification range makes it ideal for hunting at short to intermediate distances. The scope offers pinpoint accuracy in a simple, user-friendly design. In addition, it comes with a fast-focus eyepiece that helps focus the reticle to achieve fast target acquisition with perfect clarity.
The optics are o-ring sealed to ensure moisture-free performance when immersed in 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. Dry nitrogen filling ensures fogproof performance.
Another feature is the Multi-X reticle, which provides a classic sight picture. The reticle has a second focal plane design and is easy to see even at first and last light, allowing easy and quick target acquisition.
The turrets are capped for protection from bumps and extreme use and are easy to reset to zero.
Features
- Fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Matte finish
- 3x to 9x magnification
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Multi-X reticle
- inches of eye relief
- Dusk & Dawn multi-coated optics
- Weighs 13 oz
- 40mm objective lens
- 1/4 MOA fingertip windage and elevation adjustments
Pros
- Impressive clarity
- Click adjustments are true to their measurements when sighting in.
- Durable
Cons
- Not suitable for long range
4) Monstrum G2 1-4x24mm Riflescope
The Monstrum G2 1-4x24mm riflescope is built out of aircraft-grade aluminum for excellent durability, and the interior is filled with dry nitrogen gas to prevent lens fogging. The tube is charged putting waterproofing on the agenda.
Sitting comfortably as the fourth candidate for the best scopes for 357 lever action, the riflescope has a functionally designed rangefinder reticle on the first focal plane. It has easy-to-read ranging information that remains constant no matter the zoom for quicker range estimation and holdover correction.
Reticle illumination is controlled through a dial and illuminates in red and green. There are multiple brightness settings for enhanced visibility in different lighting conditions.
A 1-4x magnification range is ideal for various applications at close to medium ranges. There are two turrets for windage and elevation adjustments. The knobs are easy to reset to zero after sighting in.
What’s more? Spring-loaded flip-up lens covers are included to protect the lenses when not in use. Other goodies that come with the scope are a pair of heavy-duty medium profile 30mm rings that mount on any rifle with a Weaver or Picatinny rail. A CR2032A battery is also included.
Features
- First focal plane reticle design
- The construction material is 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum
- 1x to 4x magnification for close to medium encounters
- A 24mm objective lens complements the magnification
- Full multi-layer lens coating
- Illuminated BDC reticle
- Eye relief of 4 to 4.5 inches
- 1/2 MOA click windage and elevation adjustments with the ability to zero-reset
- Adjustable objective
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Crisp and clear imaging
- Robust build quality
Cons
- Eye box forgiveness
5) Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm Riflescope
If you want the best scope for 357 lever action that is also easy on your wallet, the Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm might just be the ticket. This legendary riflescope boasts a host of features that you will absolutely love.
It presents an Advanced optical system that offers unmatched light transmission, glare reduction, and resolution for the best possible images.
The 2-7x magnification is ideal for short to medium range engagements. You can easily adjust the magnification without hassle using the advanced power selector included in the design.
As another of the best scopes for 357 lever action, the VX-Freedom offers lightning-fast target acquisition, guaranteeing victory whenever you are on a hunt. A fast-focus locking eyepiece provides a clear view downrange.
The scope is made to last. Scratch-resistant lenses prevent damage or breakage when things get rough. It is fashioned from 6061-T6 aluminum, which makes it sturdy while keeping weight at bay.
On top of that, it is shockproof to withstand bumps, falls, and knocks. You can hunt or shoot in any weather, as the riflescope is fully waterproof and fogproof.
Features
- Hunt plex reticle
- Advanced optical system
- A fast-focus eyepiece with a locking mechanism
- Ultra-lightweight design
- Scratch-Resistant lenses
- Made from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum
- Matte finish
- Second focal plane
- One-inch main tube
- The scope is weatherproof
Pros
- Lightweight
- Very well built
- The optics are clear and bright
Cons
- Stiff zoom ring
What Is the Effective Range of A 357 Lever Action?
A proficient shooter can hit a human-sized target at 50 yards regardless of the caliber, including the .357 magnum, while a very seasoned shooter can make a shot at 100 or perhaps 150 yards with a lot of practice, and the right firearm and ammunition.
What Do Numbers on A Scope Stand For?
The numbers represent the magnification range and the objective lens size, respectively. So, in a 2-7x32mm riflescope, for example, 2-7x is the magnification range, and 32mm is the objective lens.
Conclusion
We have laid bare the top scopes for the 357 lever action as well as instrumental factors you need to keep in mind to help narrow down your search. We hope the guide has been beneficial and you can now armed with knowledge to make an informed purchase.
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