Are you a hunting enthusiast looking for the best scope for deer hunting? Your search has come to an end. Today’s article enlists the best shotgun deer hunting scopes to help you make a wise purchase decision. A list of paramount features to look at also follows.
Deer hunting is a fun activity that calls for the right gear. A quality scope is essential since deer are intelligent animals that are easily spooked. Using a shotgun for the activity requires n appropriate scope. A good deer hunting shotgun scope delivers clean and accurate shots. It should be robust, have a wide field of view and feature excellent optics that provide clear and bright images.
What Magnification Do You Need for Deer Hunting?
When deer hunting, getting close to your prey is not a good idea because deer are easily startled. Long-range shots on your prey are the way to go. Consequently, you will require a scope with a maximum magnification of 9x.
You can hit the target at a distance of 300 yards with a 9x or more maximum magnification. For deer hunting, a maximum magnification of 9x is recommended.
7 Best Shotgun Deer Hunting Scopes
With the oversaturation of scopes on the market, choosing the best scope can be overwhelming. We have probed the market and found the best shotgun deer hunting scopes to make it easier for you. Without wasting time, let’s discover more.
1) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Riflescope
Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm tops our list of the best shotgun deer hunting scopes. The scope is made with excellent craftsmanship in mind, yet it comes at an approachable price. It is a true definition of cheap without sacrificing quality.
The 2-7x zoom is perfect for shotguns. Whether you are new in the shooting world or a seasoned hunter, this scope is for you.
Vortex manufactures products suitable for all-weather use, and the Crossfire 2-7x32mm is no exception. Thanks to its waterproofing and fogproofing, you can move with this scope in any weather.
It is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, which makes it durable and shockproof. A hard coat anodize finish is a plus for durability and reduces glare so as not to give away your position.
The renowned BDC reticle is found in the scope and is housed in the second focal plane. The reticle helps in bullet drop estimation and is handy for hunting as the reticle remains unchanged with varying magnification.
The scope also shines when it comes to visibility. It has fully multi-coated lenses that optimize light collection leading to high-quality images.
Another facet that augments the scope as the best shotgun deer hunting scope is its lightweight make that makes transportation and usage super easy.
Features
- Weatherproof
- BDC reticle
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Single piece tube
- Zero reset turrets
- 32mm objective lens diameter
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Lightweight
- Turrets are well designed
- Durable
Cons
- No parallax adjustment
2) Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm Riflescope
Leupold is synonymous with producing exceptional scopes, and the VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm is no different. The scope boasts plenty of features and comes at an attractive price.
First, the scope is Punisher tested for the highest level of recoil resistance. It will withstand recoil even after many rounds.
It is constructed from 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum for resilience and durability. This construction also makes it lightweight, so it will not be a pain in the neck. The lens is well protected by a coating that meets military standards repelling dirt, dust, moisture, and scratches for effective performance at all times.
Speaking of lenses, the one on this scope delivers impeccable clarity. It combines with the Twilight Max coating to deliver outstanding image brightness from sunrise to sunset. Reticle illumination is another inclusion that makes this scope in low-light conditions.
The reticle is a FireDot Duplex type that is handy in target acquisition.
The scope is 100% waterproof and fogproof, meaning it will still do the job in unforgiving weather conditions.
Features
- Matte finish
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Twilight Light Management System
- 3: 1 zoom ratio
- One-inch main tube
- 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments
Pros
- Flawless optics
- Supreme price
- Reticle illumination
- Very durable
Cons
- No lens cover
3) TRUGLO BUCKLINE 3-9x32mm Hunting Riflescope
Truglo Buckline 3-9x32mm Hunting Riflescope is engineered to make your deer hunting fruitful. It combines practicality and affordability in one package making it another best shotgun deer hunting scopes.
The 3-9x magnification is perfect for deer hunting, providing clear views and allowing speedy target acquisition. The lenses are fully coated to allow in as much light as possible, making sure you get bright and clear images.
The BDC Reticle is another highlight of the scope. This is a widely used reticle for hunting as in holdover estimation at various ranges.
The scope is also waterproof and fogproof, ensuring that not even rain or fog will halt your hunting. It has a five-star rating on durability as aircraft-grade aluminum is used in its construction, making it the best scope to withstand anything mother nature brings.
A matte finish that is scratch-resistant and non-reflective makes the scope a perfect best friend that has your back in all conditions.
Features
- 3-9x magnification
- Matte finish
- BDC reticle
- Fully coated lens
- Coin-style windage and elevation adjustment
- One-piece tube
- High-grade aluminum housing
Pros
- Includes lens caps
- Approachable price
- Clear optics
Cons
- Blurry at maximum magnification
4) Nikon ProStaff Shotgun Hunter 2-7x32mm Riflescope
Hunters are dazed by how incredible the Nikon ProStaff Shotgun Hunter 2-7x32mm is. With its crystal-clear glass, the scope delivers stunning results across all lighting conditions.
It is fully coated to amplify light transmission for bright and clear target images. This is a plus for the scope as most deer hunting occurs in the early morning or late evening when there are more chances of spotting prey.
The BDC reticle makes the Nikon ProStaff stand out from competitors. Hunters seek this reticle as it helps them sight in and then use the circles beneath the crosshairs to shoot at various distances.
A cherry on top is the Spot On app that can show you which markings to use on any bullet from any manufacturer of BDC reticle scopes. It can also indicate the target distance.
In addition, the eye relief is generous at 3.8 inches, providing maximum recoil from shotgun recoil.
Features
- Quick-focus eyepiece
- BDC Reticle
- Zero-reset turrets
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Matte black finish
- 2-7x zoom
- 32mm aperture
Pros
- Long range capable
- Holds zero well
- Great reticle
- Phenomenal low-light performance
- Best-in-class clarity
Cons
- Focus issues at maximum power
5) Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope
You need the Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm to nail the shots when deer hunting. The scope is well-priced and delivers great performance. It is designed to excel at dawn and dusk when the light is low. It enhances your focusing ability and provides crystal-clear images at these moments when you are more likely to find deer.
The 40mm lens is multi-coated, contributing to the clarity and brightness of the image by allowing sufficient light to pass through.
The O-ring design of the scope makes it waterproof for excellent functionality in rainy or wet conditions. It is also fogproof to prevent fogging up of the lenses. Its rugged construction makes the scope shockproof.
Also worth mentioning is the fast-focus eyepiece, whose role is to keep the reticle in sharp focus, accelerating target acquisition.
Features
- Multi-X reticle
- Multi-coated optics
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Matte finish
- One-piece tube
- 3 inches of eye relief
- 40mm objective lens
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Solid build quality
- Stylish look
- Easy to use
- Phenomenal low-light performance
Cons
- No reticle illumination
How To Choose the Best Shotgun Deer Hunting Scopes
It is key to get the appropriate scope that will deliver satisfactory results. When shopping for the best shotgun deer hunting scopes, here are some factors to look at:
Weight
Ensure you get a lightweight scope that is easy to carry around without any issues. This is essential as deer hunting may require you to walk long distances looking for the target. After all, you are in a hunting session, not a weight session.
Durability
The best shotgun deer hunting scopes should be made with durability in mind. Ensure the scope you are eyeing is made of high-quality materials such as aircraft-quality aluminum which is built to last. The scope should also be waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, as you are bound to encounter tough conditions.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is pertinent when it comes to shotgun scopes. Get one with at least 3.5 inches of eye relief to ensure you are not a victim of eye injury caused by recoil. Adequate eye relief also means you can comfortably shoot with eyeglasses on.
Optics
Ensure the scope you choose is designed with high-quality as a scope is designed to enhance visibility in the first place. The lens should be multi-coated or fully multi-coated for more light transmission. A glass with HD clarity also doesn’t hurt. Keep in mind that deer are most active at dusk or dawn when the lighting is dismal.
Magnification
We cannot forget to include magnification as another factor when looking for the best shotgun deer hunting scopes. Deer are spooked easily and hence need to be taken down from a distance. Ensure your scope has a 9x maximum zoom. This way, you can be sure of a fruitful hunting expedition.
Related: 6 Best Hog Hunting Scopes for AR-15
Best Shotgun Deer Hunting Scopes FAQs
Q: Is A Scope Necessary for Deer Hunting?
Yes. A scope is a must-have tool when deer hunting as it heightens your chances of taking down the prey from a faraway distance. Deer are easily startled; hence the best way is to not go near them.
Q: Is A Bigger Scope Better?
Scopes with large lenses allow plenty of light, particularly at low magnification, and minimize parallax error as you crank up the magnification. This is beneficial in deer hunting as it mostly takes place at sunrise and sundown when the lighting is poor. Many hunters favor a scope with a wide lens size.
Q: What Is the Ideal Range for Sighting in a Shotgun Scope?
You can align the sights on your scope with your shotgun by sighting it in to make sure your bullet will hit its target accurately. For deer shooting, 100 yards is an excellent range to sight a shotgun.
Final Thoughts
This is undoubtedly the best shotgun deer hunting scopes review. The best scope will come down to your hunting technique and needs. Pick the best from the review above, as the scopes will help you hit your target with pinpoint accuracy for a successful hunting expedition.