Best Scope For Long Range Elk Hunting
A successful elk hunt is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most avid hunters. Elks are more difficult to hunt than deer and other game animals. They are larger in size and have a sparse population.
Because it is such a large and dangerous animal, elk hunting necessitates tact and a powerful rifle. Precision and accuracy also necessitate the use of a high-quality riflescope. This article will teach you everything you need to know about the best elk hunting long-range scopes.
Best Scope For Long Range Elk Hunting
Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope
For decades, the VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm has been one of the most popular models; it simply works in almost any hunting situation. With this magnification range’s versatility, tight brush and long-range shots are no problem.
What features do hunters look for the most in a scope? Outstanding low-light performance and an incredibly tough, lightweight design The VX-3i provides all of this and more. It features Leupold’s Elite Optical System, which provides the light transmission, glare reduction, and resolution that serious hunters and shooters demand for all-day performance.
The Custom Dial System (CDS) from Leupold allows you to tailor your turret (adjustment dial) to your specific ballistics and conditions. Simply range the target, turn the dial to that number, and aim on once your new custom dial is installed.
The internals of the optics are designed with advanced sealing methods that withstand extreme temperatures, elevation changes, and shocks, ensuring that moisture is kept out and the optics remain crystal clear for the rest of their lives. Every Leupold riflescope is built to withstand at least 5,000 impacts on the Punisher, the company’s recoil simulator. Each impact has a force 3 times that of a.308 rifle’s recoil.
Specifications
- Magnification Range: 3.5x-10x
- Weight: 13.5 oz.
- Length: 12.67 in.
- Maintube Diameter: 1 inch
- Eye Relief (in) – Low: 4.4
- Eye Relief (in) – High: 3.6
- Linear FOV (ft/100 yd) – Low: 29
- Linear FOV (ft/100 yd) – High: 11
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
The updated Strike Eagle 1-6×24 is known for its speed and versatility. A true 1x adapts to a variety of scenarios on the low end, allowing shooters to engage targets quickly from point-blank range to long distances. The magnification ring has been updated to include a threaded throw lever and magnification indicators that can now be seen without having to remove the scope.
The new illuminated BDC3 reticle quickly focuses the shooter’s eye on the target, and holdovers enable immediate use for known-distance targets out to 650 yards.
The eyepiece’s fast focus dial allows for quick and easy reticle focusing. All air-to-glass surfaces have anti-reflective coatings that increase light transmission for better clarity and low-light performance.
For water and fogproof performance, it is nitrogen purged and o-ring sealed. The 30mm tube is made of one piece of aircraft grade aluminum and is shockproof, allowing it to withstand recoil and other impacts.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
- Magnification: 1 – 6 x
- Reticle: AR-BDC3
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 19.2 – 116.5 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
- Weight: 18.5 oz
- Extra-low dispersion (XD) glass increases resolution and color fidelity
- Waterproof
- Fogproof
- Shockproof
Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II First Focal Plane 3-18x50mm Riflescopes
The Razor HD Gen II 3-18×50 is ideal for tactical shooting and precision shooting. A locking mechanism in the L-TEC Turret System prevents accidental adjustments. A visual rotation indicator allows shooters to keep track of the turret’s revolutions.
The EBR-7C is designed for long-range competition hunting and shooting. The lower quadrants have a windage tree for quick wind/elevation corrections. For less obstruction around the vertical stadia, the numbers on the lower stadia have been moved outside the windage dots.
It has a 6x zoom range and a fast focus eyepiece that adjusts the reticle into sharp focus. Easy access and streamlined performance have been achieved by combining side parallax adjustment and illumination controls into a single knob.
Through premium, high-density, extra-low dispersion glass, the APO optical system produces stunning image quality. To increase light transmission for incredible brightness, all lenses are fully multi-coated with XR plus anti-reflective coatings.
The Razor is also O-ring sealed and argon purged, making it waterproof and fogproof, and the single-piece, aircraft-grade aluminum construction ensures shooters have a stable platform. Scratch, oil, and dirt are all protected by Armortek lens coatings.
Specifications
- APO System (Index-matched lenses correct color across the entire visual spectrum)
- Optically Indexed Lenses
- HD Lens Elements
- XR Plus Fully Multi-Coated
- Aircraft-Grade aluminum
- Waterproof, Fogproof, Shockproof
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Magnification: 3 – 18 x
- Tube Diameter: 34 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 6.25 – 37.8 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.7 in
Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope – Dead-Hold BDC Reticle (MOA) with Vortex Hat
The Diamondback 4-12×40 riflescope is one of many options available in the Diamondback lineup, and it’s great for big game, predator/varmint, muzzleloader, slug shotgun, and long range shooting. Hat by Vortex Optics is included; however, the color of the hat may vary. It features a Dead-Hold BDC reticle, which is ideal for hunting or shooting at various ranges where estimating hold-over is a concern.
From dawn to dusk, its lenses are fully multi-coated for crystal clear, bright images. The fast focus eyepiece makes reticle focusing quick and simple. It has metal-on-metal precision turrets that can be zeroed after sighting in. Accurate tracking and repeatability are ensured by a precision glide erector system.
A solid one-piece tube with a hard anodized finish makes for a shockproof and durable scope that also helps hide the shooter’s position. The scope will provide a lifetime of fog proof and waterproof performance after being purged with Argon and sealed with an O-ring.
Specification
- Magnification: 4-12x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Eye Relief: 3.1 inches
- Field of View: 32.4-11.3 ft/100 yds
- Tube Size :1 inch
- Turret style capped
- Fully multi-coated
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Rugged construction withstands recoil and impact.
- Hard anodized finish
- Fast focus eyepiece
Bushnell Engage Riflescope, 4-16x44mm, 40mm Tube
The Deploy MOA reticle on the Bushnell Engage rifle scope is useful for hunters, target shooters, multi-caliber enthusiasts, and anyone looking for versatility in a riflescope. The 0.18-MOA crosshairs are visible without obstructing the target image, and there are hash marks every 1 MOA for precise elevation holdover. To aid in accurate windage holds, the hash marks below zero are 2-MOA wide. The Deploy MOA reticle delivers accurate shots every time thanks to precise ballistic calculations.
The anti-reflection coating process used on this riflescope is customized for each lens element in the optical path, allowing the best possible light to pass from the front glass to the eyepiece. As a result, the light spectrum is brighter and more true to color.
Bushnell’s EXO Barrier repels water, oil, fog, dust, and debris by molecularly bonding to exterior lens surfaces. These lenses resist scratches and fogging in critical situations, giving you complete confidence in the field.
The locking turrets on the Engage Riflescope stay set to zero or any other preset value. To dial in the adjustment, simply pull up on the turret, then press down to lock it in. Drops, bumps, or any other form of accidental contact will cause the turrets to lock, and the settings will remain locked until the turret is unlocked. The tool-less zero reset locking turret requires no tools or coins to operate—the turret’s nut holds firm with finger tightening and releases just as easily when it’s time to zero in the scope.
Specification
- Eye Relief (in.): 3.6 in. / 91.4mm
- FOV (ft @ 100 yds): 28ft @ 4X to 7ft @ 16X
- Illuminated: No
- Length (in.): 14.0 in. / 355.6mm
- Magnification x Objective Lens: 4-16x44mm
- Parallax Adjustment: Side Focus, 10 Yards to Infinity
- Reticle: Deploy MOA (SFP)
- Tube Diameter: 40mm
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Multiple layers of anti-reflective coating
- Deploy MOA reticle
- Exclusive EXO Barrier Protection
Burris Eliminator 4-16x50mm Laser Rangefinding Scope with Ballistic Calculator
For the exact ammunition you select for your hunt, the Eliminator III LaserScope 4-16x50mm combines exceptional optics, pinpoint laser range finding, and precision trajectory compensation. It eliminates the majority of the variables and guesswork that cause hunters to return empty-handed. Plus has improved ballistic software, making it a three-in-one woods weapon.
It significantly increases the range and accuracy of your favorite rifle. There is no other riflescope that can match the quality, technology, accuracy, repeatability, speed, or effectiveness of this one. It will greatly expand the range of shots that can be made ethically.
A push button on the Eliminator III LaserScope allows you to calculate the distance to the target in seconds. With a reflective target, it has a range of more than 1200 yards, and non-reflective targets have a range of more than 750 yards.
It’s perfect for those who frequently climb or descend steep hills. The built-in inclinometer can be adjusted up to 45 degrees for greater precision.
The Eliminator calculates the holdover for your specific cartridge at the exact distance you specify. Simply press the button, and a bright red dot will appear on the screen, indicating your new aiming point. Simply put, it’s that simple!
The Burris X96 reticle offers a wealth of through-the-scope information to help you nail that perfect shot. The holdover dot has moved to the precise aim point for a 500-yard shot with a wind value of 0.9 hold-off points.
The Eliminator 4-16×50 now comes with improved ballistic software and an optional remote cable. It is compatible with the majority of rimfire, muzzleloader, and slug guns, as well as centerfire cartridges.
Specifications
- Reticles: X96 Reticle
- Knob Style: Capped Hunter
- Illumination: Yes
- Magnification: 4-16x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 65mm
- Clear Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
- Ocular Lens Diameter: 42mm
- Field of View: 33 – 9 (ft. @ 100 yds.)
- Eye Relief: 3.5 – 4 in.
- Exit Pupil: 16 – 4.2 mm
- Laser Range Finder
- Smart Dope Card
- All lenses are fully multi-coated for sharp, crisp, edge-to-edge clarity
- An internal inclinometer delivers a precise aiming point for angled shots up to 45˚.
- Improved ballistics calculator
See Also:
Choosing the Best Scope For Long Range Elk Hunting
Hunting range
Elk hunting necessitates shooting from a distance, so look for a riflescope that can take precise and accurate shots from a few yards away. Choose a scope with long-range capability, and you’ll be a champion at taking down those elks.
Quality pictures
The magnification and lenses used in the riflescope determine image quality. Because elks are large animals, you’ll need optics that provide the best view, higher magnification, and bright, clear vision.
Durability
Elk hunting, like any other hunting, is an outdoor activity, and external factors are unavoidable while hunting. While working in the field, you will come into contact with moisture and dust. Fog-proof and waterproof scopes are ideal for elk hunting.
Price
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to obtain a scope. All you have to do now is review the scopes listed above to determine which one best fits your budget, as they are all priced differently.
FAQs For Best Scope For Long Range Elk Hunting
What is the difference between a tactical scope and a hunting scope?
Tactical scopes are designed for use in a variety of combat scenarios, whereas hunting riflescopes are designed for hunting. Uncapped turrets, a one-centimeter click, and a first-plane reticle are all common features of tactical scopes.
What range is a 3- 9×40 scope Good For?
The 3-9×40 scopes are best used for close-range and medium-range shooting up to 200 yards. When you scope a target 200 yards away using 9x magnification, it appears to be only 22 to 25 yards away. If you zero your scope correctly, you can consistently hit your targets
Conclusion
Elk hunting scopes should have a low but variable magnification power, and the objective lens of an elk hunting scope should not be so large that it causes problems when moving. You’ll need a scope that can work in rain and fog.
This list’s scopes are well worth your time, and we hope you found this article useful!