Are you on the hunt for the best deer hunting scope for 30-06? Investing in a high-quality scope can make all the difference in your hunting success. But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to determine which one is the right fit for you. Fear not, as we’ve researched and tested a variety of scopes to bring you the top contenders for taking down that perfect trophy buck. So, whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a beginner, we have you covered with the best options to enhance your 30-06 rifle for deer hunting. Let’s get started!
Comparisons Table Of Best Deer Hunting Scope For 30-06
1. Built for Battle: Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane Riflescope
The Crossfire II 2-7×32 riflescope is a versatile and reliable option with a Dead-Hold BDC reticle that’s perfect for hunting or shooting at varying ranges. With a forgiving eye box and long eye relief, acquiring your target is quick and easy. Plus, the fast focus eyepiece allows for easy reticle focusing. It has fully multi-coated lenses that provide bright and clear views of your surroundings. The scope also features capped reset turrets that are finger adjustable with MOA clicks, which can be reset to zero after sighting in.
Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, the Crossfire II riflescope is both strong and shockproof. The scope is also O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, delivering waterproof and fogproof performance, making it ideal for activity in any weather. With a single piece tube, this riflescope is designed to withstand the toughest environments while ensuring consistent accuracy. Whether you’re hunting or shooting targets, the Crossfire II 2-7×32 riflescope is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile option.
Features
- Magnification range of 2-7x for versatile use
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle for compensating for bullet drop at various ranges
- Forgiving eye box and long eye relief for quick and easy target acquisition
- Fast focus eyepiece for easy reticle focusing
- Fully multi-coated lenses for bright and clear views
- Capped reset turrets that are finger adjustable with MOA clicks, and can be reset to zero after sighting in
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction for strength and shockproof performance
- O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged for waterproof and fogproof performance in any weather
- Single piece tube design for consistent accuracy and durability in tough environments
Pros
- Versatile and reliable riflescope
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle is perfect for hunting or shooting at varying ranges
- Forgiving eye box and long eye relief make acquiring your target quick and easy
- Fast focus eyepiece allows for easy reticle focusing
- Fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear views
- Capped reset turrets are finger adjustable with MOA clicks and can be reset to zero after sighting in
- Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, making it strong and shockproof
- O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, delivering waterproof and fogproof performance
Cons
- Limited magnification range of 2-7x
- May not be suitable for long-range shooting or precision work
- Some users may prefer a different reticle style or type
- Eye box may be too forgiving for some users, leading to potential parallax errors if not properly adjusted.
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is a crosshair style reticle that has additional markings to help with bullet drop compensation at different ranges. As the name suggests, BDC stands for bullet drop compensation, which is a feature that helps hunters and shooters know where to aim to hit their target at long ranges. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle has a series of dots that act as aiming points for different distances, making it easier to adjust for bullet drop.
Yes, the Crossfire II riflescope is both waterproof and fogproof. The scope is O-ring sealed to prevent any moisture from entering and damaging the internal components. Additionally, the scope is nitrogen purged to prevent any moisture or fog from forming inside. This feature makes it an ideal option for hunters and shooters who may encounter various weather conditions.
MOA stands for Minute of Angle, which is a unit of measurement used for sighting in a rifle. The turrets on the Crossfire II riflescope are adjustable in MOA clicks, which
2. See Every Detail: The Vortex Crossfire II Rifle Scope
The Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 is a top-tier riflescope perfect for long-range tactical missions, competition shooting, and hunting. Its advanced reticle system and tactical turrets allow for quick and precise adjustments to windage and elevation. This scope features a PST Zero Stop elevation turret that allows instant return to zero and a fiber optic rotation indicator that ensures proper tactical shooting techniques.
The Viper PST Gen II is built with a durable single piece, aircraft-grade aluminum tube that is waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof. Its XR fully multi-coated lenses offer exceptional light transmission for bright and clear images even in low-light environments. Additionally, the scope’s ArmorTek coating protects against scratches, oil, and dirt, making it a reliable option for any shooter.
Features
- Magnification range of 3-15x
- 44mm objective lens
- Second focal plane reticle allows for consistent subtensions at all magnifications
- Tactical-style, exposed elevation and windage turrets with capped zero-reset
- RZR Zero Stop elevation turret allows for quick return to zero after making adjustments
- Glass-etched illuminated reticle offers clear sighting in low-light conditions
- ArmorTek coating protects against scratches, oil, and dirt
- O-ring sealed and argon purged for waterproof and fog proof capabilities
- XR fully multi-coated lenses offer bright and clear images even in low-light situations
- Single piece, aircraft-grade aluminum construction provides durability and reliability for heavy use.
Pros
- Advanced reticle system and tactical turrets for precise adjustments
- PST Zero Stop elevation turret for instant return to zero
- Fiber optic rotation indicator for proper tactical shooting techniques
- Durable single piece, aircraft-grade aluminum tube
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- XR fully multi-coated lenses offer exceptional light transmission
- ArmorTek coating protects against scratches, oil, and dirt
Cons
- Higher price point compared to other riflescopes on the market
- Limited range with a maximum magnification of 15x
Yes, the scope’s XR fully multi-coated lenses provide exceptional light transmission, making it suitable for use in low-light environments.
Yes, the scope is built with a durable single piece, aircraft-grade aluminum tube that is waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof.
The PST Zero Stop elevation turret allows instant return to zero, which means that the shooter can make adjustments to the elevation turret and then instantly return to their original setting using the zero stop feature. This feature saves time and ensures that the shooter’s adjustments are always precise.
3. Expand Your Shooting Capabilities with Vortex Crossfire II
The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 rifle scope is designed for tactical and precision shooting. It features a first focal plane EBR-7C reticle which maintains subtension values at any magnification level. The XR fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear images, while the extra-low dispersion glass ensures sharp and true color reproduction. The Zero Stop elevation turret allows for quick and easy elevation adjustments, and the fiber optic rotation indicator ensures accurate and easy tracking of turret position. With a durable, shockproof construction, the Viper PST Gen II is built to withstand harsh environments and heavy recoil.
The Trijicon MRO (Miniature Rifle Optic) is a compact and lightweight sight designed for fast target acquisition. Its 2 MOA red dot reticle is ideal for close range shooting, and its brightness can be adjusted to suit any lighting conditions. The MRO features a large objective lens and a wide field of view, allowing users to quickly acquire and engage targets. Its durable construction and waterproof design make it an excellent choice for use in harsh environments. The MRO can be mounted on a variety of rifles using Trijicon’s proprietary mount system.
Features
- First focal plane EBR-7C reticle maintains subtension values at any magnification level
- XR fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear images
- Extra-low dispersion glass ensures sharp and true color reproduction
- Zero Stop elevation turret allows for quick and easy elevation adjustments
- Fiber optic rotation indicator ensures accurate and easy tracking of turret position
- Durable, shockproof construction built to withstand harsh environments and heavy recoil
Pros
- First focal plane EBR-7C reticle maintains subtension values at any magnification level
- XR fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear images
- Extra-low dispersion glass ensures sharp and true color reproduction
- Zero Stop elevation turret allows for quick and easy elevation adjustments
- Fiber optic rotation indicator ensures accurate and easy tracking of turret position
- Durable, shockproof construction can withstand harsh environments and heavy recoil
Cons
- Larger and heavier than some other rifle scopes
- More expensive than some other options
- Limited eye relief, which may not be suitable for all shooters
A first focal plane reticle, like the one found on the Vortex Viper PST Gen II, maintains subtension values at any magnification level. This means that the size of the reticle will change in relation to the target as the magnification is adjusted. In contrast, a second focal plane reticle will stay the same size regardless of the magnification level, making it more difficult to make accurate range estimations at higher magnifications.
Yes, the brightness of the red dot on the Trijicon MRO can be adjusted using the top-mounted brightness control buttons. There are a total of eight different brightness settings to choose from.
Yes, the Vortex Viper PST Gen II is designed to withstand heavy recoil and can be used with rifles chambered for powerful cartridges. Its durable, shockproof construction ensures that it can withstand the rigors of tactical and precision shooting applications. Additionally, the Zero Stop elevation turret allows for quick and easy elevation adjustments, making it easier to reacquire targets after heavy recoil.
4. Burris Fullfield II Scope and Ballistic Plex Reticle: The Perfect Duo for Any Hunting Adventure
The Burris Fullfield II Rifle Scope is a popular and high-quality choice for traditional hunting enthusiasts. Its premium optical glass offers excellent brightness and crystal-clear clarity for lasting durability at an affordable price point. Comparably, the precision-ground lenses are larger than those in other scopes, enhancing light transmission for better low-light performance and glare elimination.
Featuring a durable, integrated-eyepiece design with a no-slip grip, the Burris Fullfield II Rifle Scope is ideal for easy adjustments in the field. Additionally, positive steel-on-steel adjustments assure repeated accuracy, making it a reliable choice in any hunting situation. Nitrogen-filled for fog prevention and waterproofing, this scope withstands recoil and shock, making it an excellent choice for serious hunters. Plus, its 1-inch tube, hunter turrets, and hi-lume multi-coated lenses offer an unmatched viewing experience.
Features
- Premium optical glass
- Crystal-clear clarity
- Affordable price point
- Precision-ground lenses for better light transmission
- Durable integrated-eyepiece design with no-slip grip
- Positive steel-on-steel adjustments for repeated accuracy
- Nitrogen-filled for fog prevention and waterproofing
- Withstands recoil and shock
- 1-inch tube
- Hunter turrets
- Hi-lume multi-coated lenses
Pros
- Premium optical glass offers excellent clarity and brightness
- Precision-ground lenses are larger for better low-light performance and glare elimination
- Durable, integrated-eyepiece design with a no-slip grip allows for easy adjustments
- Positive steel-on-steel adjustments assure repeated accuracy
- Nitrogen-filled for fog prevention and waterproofing
- Withstands recoil and shock for reliable use in any hunting situation
- 1-inch tube, hunter turrets, and hi-lume multi-coated lenses offer an unmatched viewing experience
- Affordable price point for a high-quality scope
Cons
- Some users may prefer a larger objective lens for even better low-light performance.
- The reticle may not be to everyone’s preference, but can easily be swapped out for a different one.
- Some users may find the eye relief to be slightly on the short side, but this can easily be adjusted using the integrated eyepiece design.
Larger precision-ground lenses in the Burris Fullfield II Rifle Scope enhance light transmission, which means better low-light performance and glare elimination. This allows hunters to have a clearer view of their target, even in adverse lighting conditions.
Yes, the Burris Fullfield II Rifle Scope is designed to be durable and reliable. It features positive steel-on-steel adjustments that assure repeated accuracy, making it consistent and dependable in any hunting situation. It is also nitrogen-filled for fog prevention and waterproofing, which makes it resistant to recoil and shock.
5. Maximize Your Hunting Precision with CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope
The 6-24x50mm rifle scope is an excellent option for hunters and precision shooters. With its impressive magnification range, you can easily acquire targets from a distance while the 50mm objective lens captures enough light to create bright and clear images. The field of view of 28 ft at 100 yards makes it easier to track moving targets and provides a wide perspective of the surrounding area.
This rifle scope features precise 1/8 inch click values at 100 yards, allowing you to make fine adjustments and achieve accurate shots. Additionally, the red and green illuminated type of the rifle scope makes it suitable for use in various lighting conditions. This feature helps you acquire targets quickly and accurately, even in low light environments. Overall, the 6-24x50mm rifle scope is an affordable choice that delivers excellent optical performance and useful features that make it a versatile and reliable tool for both hunting and long-range shooting.
Features
- Magnification range of 6-24x
- 50mm objective lens
- 28 ft field of view at 100 yards
- Precise 1/8 inch click values at 100 yards
- Red and green illuminated reticle
- Suitable for use in various lighting conditions
- Affordable option for hunters and precision shooters
- Versatile and reliable tool for both hunting and long-range shooting.
Pros
- Impressive magnification range for distant targets
- 50mm objective lens captures enough light for bright and clear images
- Wide field of view of 28 ft at 100 yards for tracking moving targets
- Precise 1/8 inch click values at 100 yards for accurate shots
- Red and green illuminated type suitable for use in various lighting conditions
- Affordable choice with excellent optical performance
Cons
- May be heavy or bulky for some users
- Some users may prefer non-illuminated reticles for a more traditional shooting experience
- Some users may prefer a different type of reticle, such as a crosshair or mil-dot, for their preferred shooting style.
The magnification range on this rifle scope can be adjusted by rotating the zoom ring located near the eyepiece. Simply turn the ring clockwise to increase the magnification and counter-clockwise to decrease it.
Yes. The red and green illuminated reticle on this rifle scope allows for improved visibility in low light conditions. You can easily switch between the two colors to suit the lighting conditions you are shooting in.
The click values on this rifle scope are 1/8 inch at 100 yards, which is precise enough to make fine adjustments and achieve accurate shots. This feature is particularly useful for long-range shooting or for situations where a highly accurate shot is required.
Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Deer Hunting Scope For 30-06
A hunting scope for 30-06 is a critical tool for anyone looking to take down deer in the field. When choosing the best scope for this task, it’s important to consider factors such as magnification, lens quality, reticle type, and overall durability.
| Consideration | Description |
|---|---|
| Magnification | Look for a scope with a magnification range of 3-9x, which allows for versatility in different hunting situations. |
| Lens Quality | High-quality lenses are essential for a clear, bright image. Look for scopes with coated or multi-coated lenses to maximize light transmission. |
| Reticle Type | Choose a reticle that suits your personal preferences and hunting style. Common types include duplex, mil-dot, and BDC. |
| Durability | Look for scopes made from materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum or polymer for maximum durability in rugged environments. |
| Eye Relief | A minimum eye relief of 3 inches is recommended to prevent recoil-related injuries and provide comfortable shooting. |
| Field of View | A wider field of view can help you quickly spot and track your target. Look for scopes with a FOV of at least 30 feet at 100 yards. |
| Turret Adjustments | Scopes with easy-to-use and accurate turret adjustments can help you fine-tune your shot quickly and efficiently. |
| Price | Prices for hunting scopes can vary widely, with entry-level options around $100 and high-end models exceeding $1000. Choose a scope that fits your budget while still meeting your needs. |
| Brand Reputation | Look for scopes from reputable brands with a history of producing high-quality optics. Brands such as Vortex, Leupold, and Nikon are popular choices among hunters. |
Conclusions
After reviewing various scopes suitable for 30-06 hunting rifles, it is clear that the Vortex Viper PST Gen II is the best choice for deer hunting. It offers exceptional clarity and brightness, has a versatile magnification range, and is durable and easy to use. The reticle options and adjustable turrets make it easy to customize for different hunting scenarios and the low-light performance is unbeatable. Overall, the Vortex Viper PST Gen II is the top choice for serious deer hunters looking for a reliable and high-performing scope.
Frequently Asked Questions
The key features to consider when choosing a scope for 30-06 deer hunting include the magnification range (typically 3-9x), objective lens size (40mm or greater for low-light conditions), reticle type (either a Duplex or a BDC), and durability (waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-proof).
The recommended objective lens size for a 30-06 deer hunting scope is 40mm or greater. This will allow for better light transmission and visibility in low-light conditions, as well as a wider field of view.
The recommended magnification range for a 30-06 deer hunting scope is typically between 3-9x. This provides a good balance of magnification for both close and long-range shots, without sacrificing clarity and field of view.
Some of the top brands to consider when choosing a scope for 30-06 deer hunting include Vortex, Leupold, Nikon, and Bushnell. These brands offer a range of scopes with features like high-quality optics, durable construction, and reliable performance in the field.
Peter B Brewster is an avid writer who loves to share his knowledge about scopes, binoculars, mounts, sights, and other related products. He has been writing for several years and has gained a reputation for his expertise in the field.