This post focuses on the best moose hunting scope recommendations, highlighting their features, pros, and cons. When it comes to moose hunting, the right equipment can make all the difference between a successful expedition and a disappointing trip.
One of the most crucial pieces of gear for any hunter is the rifle scope. Moose are known for their elusive nature and can often be found in dense forests or expansive, open areas, making a high-quality scope essential for accurate and ethical hunting.
Selecting the best moose hunting scope involves considering factors like magnification, light transmission, durability, and reticle options. A good scope will enhance your accuracy and provide clear visibility in low-light conditions, often when moose are most active. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a beginner, investing in a top-notch scope can significantly improve your hunting experience and increase your chances of success.
How Much Magnification Is Suitable for Moose Hunting?
When moose hunting, the ideal magnification for your scope generally falls within the 3-9x range. This range provides versatility for various hunting scenarios, allowing for clear, precise shots both at close range and at distances up to several hundred yards.
A 3x magnification is useful for quick target acquisition in dense forests or brush where moose are often found, while the higher end of the range, around 9x, offers the necessary clarity and detail for longer shots in open terrains.
Balancing magnification with other factors, such as light transmission and field of view, is essential to ensuring optimal performance in the diverse environments where moose roam.
Key Features to Look at When Choosing the Best Moose Hunting Scope
Magnification Range
The magnification range is the first element to consider when buying the best moose hunting scope. A variable magnification range, typically between 3-9x or 4-12x, offers both close and long-range shots versatility.
Lens Quality and Coatings
Superior lens quality ensures sharp, clear images, allowing you to see fine details of the moose and its surroundings. This is essential for accurate target identification and precise shot placement.
High-quality lenses with advanced coatings maximize light transmission, providing brighter images, especially in low-light conditions such as dawn and dusk when moose are most active. Better light transmission can make the difference between a booming shot and a missed opportunity.
High-grade lenses preserve the natural colors of the environment, which can help distinguish the moose from its background. This is particularly important in dense forests or brush where moose can blend in with the surroundings.
Objective Lens Size
A larger objective lens allows more light to enter the scope, producing brighter and clearer images. This is particularly beneficial during dawn and dusk, when moose are most active, and light conditions are often poor.
The increased light transmission from a larger objective lens enhances image brightness and contrast, making it easier to spot and accurately identify moose at various distances.
Durability
The best moose hunting scope should be robustly constructed. Hunting exposes you and the scope to various conditions outdoors, so you must be equipped with gear that withstands anything thrown at it.
Look for a unit constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum. The scope should also be waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof to prevent moisture, dust, and debris penetration and to withstand harsh recoil and impact.
Eye Relief
Adequate eye relief is a critical feature for the best moose hunting scope, especially given the power and recoil of the rifles typically used in moose hunting. Eye relief refers to the distance between your eye and the scope’s eyepiece while still being able to see the entire field of view.
Moose hunting often involves using high-caliber rifles with significant recoil. Sufficient eye relief helps prevent the scope from hitting your face or eye during recoil, reducing the risk of injury. For high-recoil rifles, at least 3.5 to 4 inches of eye relief is recommended.
Sufficient eye relief allows for a more comfortable shooting position and ensures that you maintain a safe distance from the scope. This is especially important when taking shots from awkward angles or in rapid succession.
Best Moose Hunting Scopes
Let’s get into the top-ranking models to help you find the one that suits you best.
1) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Riflescope
The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm riflescope is a highly efficient and versatile tool that will always get the job done. Its high durability, revealed by the aircraft-grade aluminum formation, capped turrets, and machine-locked lenses, allows you to take it on any hunt without fear of scratches or breakage.
A good hunting scope should be vivid and clear. The Crossfire II features fully multi-coated lenses that allow plenty of light to pass through, resulting in brighter and clearer views of the target.
As the best moose hunting scope, it is suitable for any lighting condition be it when the sun is brightly shining or when it is gloomy. A sunshade reduces glare when hunting in the scorching sun. This scope will perform at its best from sunrise to sunset.
Another noteworthy addition is the fast reset to zero function on the windage and elevation turrets, which keeps the scope sighted longer. The turret adjustments are easy and precise, ensuring uncompromised accuracy in the heat of action.
Weather resistance is one vital factor for a hunting scope. The Crossfire II is fully waterproof and fogproof, making it a reliable partner through thick and thin. It is also shockproof to withstand knocks, recoil, bumps, and drops.
Features
- 32mm lens diameter
- 2x to 7x magnification
- A fast-focus eyepiece
- Matte anodized finish
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Armortek lens treatment
- Shockproof
- Waterproof
- Fogproof
- 3.9 to 4.7 inches of eye relief
- One-inch main tube
- Second focal plane
- Machine-locked lenses
- Capped turrets
Pros
- Durable
- Smooth turret rotations
- Budget-friendly
- Glass clarity
Cons
- Reticle is non-illuminated
2) Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x50mm Riflescope
The VX-3HD features Leupold’s Elite Optical System, which provides incredible light transmission from dawn to dusk for a stunning image when it matters most, elite-level glare reduction in bright sunlight, and the resolution and clarity that avid moose hunters demand.
The gigantic 50mm lens gathers tons of light, increasing the brightness and clarity of the image viewed. Hardened surface coatings are added to meet extreme standards in scratch resistance and added lens protection. The scope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, making it suitable for anything mother nature throws at it. It will remain operational come rain or shine.
Magnification varies from 4.5-14x, which is ideal for various ranges. The removable, low-profile throw lever makes magnification adjustments a walk in the park. It includes a thread protector plug to use when the lever is removed.
The CDS-ZL ensures quick dialing of elevation adjustment while restricting unwanted dial movement with the push-button ZeroLock system. It also has Leupold’s Custom Dial System, which enables the shooter to match their exact ballistics and conditions.
Features
- Scratch-resistant lens
- Lockable eyepiece
- Elite optical system
- 50mm objective lens
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Weighs 16.5 oz
- Second focal plane design
- Custom dial system
- Duplex reticle
- 0.25 MOA adjustment click value
- Diamond Coat 2 optical coating
- Zerolock dial
Pros
- Very clear and collects a lot of light in dim conditions
- Decent eye relief
- Excellent quality
Cons
- No parallax adjustment
3) Burris Veracity 5-25x50mm Riflescope
The Burris Veracity 5-25x50mm riflescope enables you to shoot far and maintain accuracy using its magnificent magnification. The 50mm lens complements the powerful zoom by allowing lots of light to pass through for brilliant images.
The glass is fully coated, amplifying light transmission for wonderfully crisp images. It uses Hi-Lume multi-coating, which ensures dawn-to-dusk performance and excellent glare reduction.
The Ballistic Plex E1 reticle has a first focal plane design and offers a precise platform for measuring distance and determining target size. The measurements of the reticle remain correct and proportional to the target as you increase or decrease the magnification.
Windage and elevation adjustments of this best moose hunting scope are accurate, easy, repeatable, and fast. Zero click stop adjustment knobs make returning to the original zero effortless and quick.
And tough? You bet thanks to the aircraft-grade aluminum construction, nitrogen-filled tubes for fogproof performance, and the waterproof and shockproof capability of the riflescope.
Another valuable addition is the ergonomic side focus, making it easy to reach for parallax adjustment from 50 yards to infinity.
Features
- Hi-Lume multi-coated optics
- Ballistic Plex E1 reticle
- Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum
- 50mm lens diameter
- High-grade optical glass
- Zero click stop adjustment knobs
- Side focus for parallax adjustment
- Nitrogen-filled for anti-fog
- 3.9to 4.2 inches of eye relief
- Matte finish
- 5x low magnification
- 25x high magnification
- 30mm tube diameter
Pros
- Very clear glass
- Solid construction
- Turrets are crisp
Cons
- No flip-up covers
4) Bushnell Legend 3-9x40mm Riflescope
The beauty of the Bushnell Legend 3-9x40mm riflescope is that you can do much more with it if the moose attempts to escape in case you’ve missed your close-range shot.
When moose hunting, you should concentrate on one area so that when they run, you know where they are headed, and you can make a kill with the up to 9x magnification of the Bushnell Legend.
The Multi-X reticle is illuminated and offers all the perks of a simple-to-use reticle, with the added benefits of the center dot being illuminated and glass-etched. The illumination control button features 6 brightness levels with an off position between each for hassle-free adjustments.
This riflescope is constructed from a one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube for resilience while keeping weight at bay. It is nitrogen-purged for fog-free performance and IPX7 waterproof to prevent moisture entry.
Another attribute of this best moose hunting scope is the fully multi-coated lens for excellent imaging, which has the RainGuard HD lens coating, which keeps the pristineness of your view even in rainy conditions.
Features
- 40mm lens diameter
- Multi-X reticle
- The glass is fully multi-coated
- Modelled from aircraft-grade aluminum
- Reticle illumination with 6 intensity settings
- Nitrogen-purged for fogproofing
- 3x to 9x power range
- IPX7 waterproof
Pros
- Superb image quality
- Illumination capabilities
- Intuitive adjustments
Cons
- No night vision
5) Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x40mm Riflescope
The Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x40mm riflescope is perfect for taking down moose at long range to hurt them enough to not be able to run away or short range. The 40mm objective lens is decently sized to collect a good amount of light for clarity and crispness.
The low-dispersion glass offers excellent optical clarity for any scenario. The European-style eyepiece makes reticle adjustment easy, precise, and smooth. Eye relief is sufficient at 3.5 inches, ensuring maximum comfort and safety.
The reticle has a second focal plane configuration. This means it remains static across all magnification settings.
Thanks to the scope’s waterproof and fogproof protection, you can hunt with it near lakes and ponds during breeding season. It is durable and long-lasting and easily withstands various hunting conditions.
Other features of the Whiskey3 include 0.25 MOA adjustment click value, black matte finish, and LED illumination with 10 intensity settings.
Features
- Low dispersion glass
- Waterproof and fogproof performance
- Second focal plane
- Length of 12.3 inches
- Weighs 15.7 oz
- 3-9x magnification
- 40mm objective lens size
- MOA adjustment type
- European style eyepiece
- One-inch tube diameter
- Matte finish
Pros
- Build quality
- Clear glass
- Holds zero well
Cons
- Larger than normal eyepiece
6) Monstrum G3 5-25x50mm Riflescope
The Monstrum G3 5-25x50mm riflescope has a first focal plane reticle etched on glass to ensure it doesn’t break. The reticle is visible in black without illumination or illuminated in red for better reticle visibility in poor lighting. The reticle ensures faster range estimation and holdover correction.
Multiple layers of coating increase the level of light transmission to produce flawlessly clear images. This is important for a successful harvest when hunting moose.
This best moose hunting scope is as tough as nails. It is made of aircraft-grade 6061 aluminum, sealed, and nitrogen-charged to ensure it stands up to the elements with ease. A type III hard anodized finish cements it as a solid and abrasion-resistant riflescope.
It features windage and elevation knobs with 1/4 MOA clicks and a zero-resettable function and turret locks to prevent slippage. A parallax adjustment dial allows for sharper focus of the target image, parallax elimination, and range estimation.
The generous magnification of this best moose hunting scope allows you to take a shot when far away from the animal without the shot falling off the mark.
Features
- 4 to 4.5 inches of eye relief
- Resistant to fog and water
- 5x minimum magnification
- 25x maximum magnification
- Multi-coated optics
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- 50mm objective diameter
- Weighs 14 oz
- 30mm tube size
- Illuminated Custom Type-H reticle
- First focal plane
Pros
- Built well
- Clear optics
- Holds zero
Cons
- Heavy
7) Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24x50mm Riflescope
Last but not least is the Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24x50mm riflescope. It has advanced optics that are clear and protected from moisture, which is a must-have for moose hunting as the creatures go near water.
The optics feature T* six-layer coating for brighter, clearer, and higher-contrast sight pictures. Lotutec makes the lenses repel moisture and dirt, and the illuminated reticle keeps you on the hunt at dusk and dawn, which are the prime hunting hours. There are 10 illumination settings which are rheostat-controlled.
As the other moose hunting scope, the Conquest V4 is formed from aircraft-grade aluminum to withstand the test of severe recoil and harsh field conditions. It is waterproof and fogproof to withstand adverse weather elements with ease.
Further, the side parallax adjustment delivers the absolute best images and most accurate shooting. The 6x to 24x magnification is incredibly versatile. You can use the low magnification to get up close and personal with the moose and shoot it efficiently without giving it a chance to flee.
Features
- 50mm lens diameter
- 3.5 inches of eye relief
- Adjustable parallax
- The reticle is on the second focal plane
- Waterproof
- Fogproof
- Shockproof
- T* six-layer coating
- 6-14x magnification range
- Lotutec lens coating
- A zero-stop function
- A ballistic turret
- Matte finish
Pros
- Rock solid
- Super easy adjustments
- Solid and crisp clicks
- Optical finesse
Cons
- Eye relief is slightly finicky
What Is the Best Time to Hunt Moose?
Early morning and late evening are particularly advantageous times, as moose are more likely to move around in search of food and mates during these cooler parts of the day. Additionally, weather conditions play a crucial role; calm, clear days with little wind are ideal, as moose rely heavily on their sense of smell and hearing.
Final Remarks
If you want to be a great moose hunter, you should know all the tricks and tips to harvest a quality bull, including the kind of scope that suits this activity. The best moose hunting scope offers superb performance and reliability, helping you bag the moose of a lifetime.
This review has provided everything you need to know to make a purchase. The scopes illustrated here differ greatly, and the right one depends on your budget, needs, and preferences.
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