If you are a newbie in the hunting game, it is reasonable to start with a rifle scope that helps your first-hand experience more of a pleasure, but with perfect accuracy.
To get the most out of your favorite scope, here is what you should take in from the outset: the best scope for 30-06.
Stop hanging on; it’s time to find a bang for your buck!
Comparison guide
| Product Name | Product Detail |
|---|---|
| Editor's Choice Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes  Highlights ● Highly versatile magnification ● Extremely durable ● Crystal clear image ● Precise adjustments | |
Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40mm BDC 1in Waterproof Matte Riflescope  Highlights ● Generous eye relief ● Extremely durable lens ● Large exit pupils ● Affordable | |
Leupold 110797 VX-2 3-9x40mm Compact Waterproof Fogproof Riflescope,Duplex Reticle, Matte Black  Highlights ● Ruggedness ● Absolute waterproof integrity ● Good optical performance ● Versatility | |
Nikon 6729 ProStaff 4-12 x 40 Black Matte Riflescope (BDC) Highlights ● Durable ● Affordable ● Sophisticated images ● Strong, powerful body | |
Nikon ProStaff 3-9 x 40 Black Matte Riflescope (BDC)  Highlights ● Low price ● Flexible in usage ● Fogproof, weatherproof ● Generous eye relief |
Review of the top 5 best scope for 30-06
1. Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
Hats off to Vortex manufacturers. They must be well acknowledged for their generous offer of such a classic, yet high-performance riflescope.
The Vortex’s Diamondback 4-12×40 is proverbial in the hunting community since it puts into practice a wide array of advanced features that are appreciated by solid performers of both big and small game hunting, varmint hunting, and target shooting.
When it comes to image quality, this scope is unbeatable. The interiors are fully multi-coated for the maximum transmission of light to provide you with a squint-less and glare-less shooting experience, while the 40mm lens is made of Xd extra-low dispersion glass for the sake of the highest resolution and color fidelity.
If this feature fails to impress you, then this one will do!
Hunting is no longer mere guesswork as it used to be since dead-hold BDC reticle will be a helpful tool to estimate holdover and windage corrections for its users, making shooting at varying ranges nothing short of absolute precision.
Additionally, the turrets allow for an immediate zero reset right after sight-in, whereas the precision glide erector system helps guarantee users get the most accurate tracking and repeatability.
With a solid one-piece tube body, your riflescope will be durable, shockproof, and weatherproof.
A big con of this unit lies in the eye relief which is difficult to manage in some high caliber weapons. Also, there are several complaints regarding its random quality control issues, but they then will be tackled by the brand.
What we liked
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Durable, strong
- Optically perfect
- Support precise shooting
What we disliked
- Random defects
- Problem with eye relief
2. Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9 x 40mm BDC 1in Waterproof Matte Riflescope
Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40mm BDC 1in Waterproof Matte Riflescope
If you are on the market for a riflescope tailor-made for deer hunting, look no further than this Buckmaster II.
This scope hosts the right abilities to help cement its position as one of the best scopes for 30-06. Reinvigorated with a highly durable lens, Buckmaster II is a real warrior under even the most extreme terrain. It can withstand strong recoil, full submersion in water, and many types of natural elements without compromising on the topmost image quality.
Multi-coated lenses mean you get perfectly clear, anti-reflective images for every minute of your shooting experience. Besides, the BDC reticle with its unique see-through ballistic circles offers significant advantages by discovering exact aiming points for both long and short range shooting.
Its multiplier ring is highly adjustable and maneuverable, with the 1/4″ click adjustment ensuring that you get zeroed in apace without any hassle. Another noticeable pro comes from its quick focus eyepiece that will come in handy during hunting at varying ranges. Users love the sharp focus offered in the blink of an eye and the zero-in position which performs exceptionally well.
Hunting in low-lit conditions is easier than ever when your scope has large exit pupils to gather more light for a better-vision experience.
On the flip side, the bullet drop reticle fails to provide users with an accurate account of where the bullet will drop. It’s also quite disappointing when the lens which is fog proof may struggle hard in a densely wooded area. But this can be solved by using a glass cleaner towel to make it less blurry.
What we liked
- Good image quality
- Improve light in dark areas
- Quick focus eyepiece
- Nice pricing
What we disliked
- Ineffective bullet drop reticle
- The lens is somehow falsely fog-resistant
3. Leupold 110797 VX-2 3-9 x 40mm Compact Waterproof Fogproof
Leupold 110797 VX-2 3-9x40mm Compact Waterproof Fogproof Riflescope
This rugged go-to hunting scope is among the most crowd-pleasing starts in the VX lineup. It has been referred to as the King of ratings, receiving consistently high positive feedbacks compared to most of its counterparts.
But what adds to such popularity?
Understandably, the ratings are persuasive enough to imply a top-notch optical performance at a fraction of light loss, glare, refraction, image reflection. In fact, Leupold 110797 VX-2 3-9x40mm Riflescope is designed to have its optical surfaces fully coated for authentic color transmission, thus leads to a true-colored, crisp, sharp focus picture even under lousy vision. This is also achieved thanks to the exclusive Index Matched Lens System which focuses on improving resolution and brightness.
DiamondCoat lens coatings make this scope abrasion resistant for lifetime use, while the normal “wear and tear” approach can be avoided since this model is 100% waterproof and fog-proof, with propriety Argon/Krypton gas blend reducing the impacts of thermal shock.
Durable, rugged, and high-quality, this unit is also a “one buy fits all” product. The 3:1 zoom ratio, together with the erector system offers the versatility that is ideal for virtually any hunting scenarios. A ¼ MOA precision finger click adjustments for windage and elevation guarantees accurate tracking and absolute repeatability for stable use.
At times, some customers complain about the price of this scope which is far from affordable for them. However, considering all these unmatched features, it should be well worth the pay.
What we liked
- Durability and versatility
- High-contrast images
- Water and fog proof properties
What we disliked
- Can be rather costly for some people
4. Nikon 6729 ProStaff 4-12 x 40 Black Matte Riflescope (BDC)
Nikon 6729 ProStaff 4-12 x 40 Black Matte Riflescope (BDC)
This contender comes forth in the top pick of 30-06 scopes, but it is by no means an underdog in performance and quality.
See it for yourself!
For beginners, a moderate-priced scope that doesn’t break the bank is a wise choice to start with. With a 40mm objective lens coated with patented multilayer, what ProStaff is aiming at is a free from color degradation and target illuminating which otherwise may hinder users from enjoying their hunting game. Up to 98% of the light will be transmitted via the lens for a high-resolution, and sophisticated image.
The 4×12 magnification range is best suited for mid to long range shooting. The riflescope is nitrogen filled to prevent the internal glass from blurring your field of view, and the O-ring seal ensures a durable, waterproof scope that will definitely not break soon.
Nikon also integrated a zero-reset turret into the riflescope to make the task of field adjustment as simple as dialing your desired ranges. Our testers favor the patented BDC reticle which enhances the ability to hold “dead on” at various ranges.
What bolsters users’ confidence is the generous offer of constant eye relief of 3.7 inches to avoid kickback from heavy recoils, cartridges, and difficult shooting angels.
Sadly, Nikon 6729 scope is lacking in a parallax adjustment which is intended to ensure precise shot placement.
What we liked
- Sunshade compatible
- Excellent light transmission
- Weatherproof
- Highly affordable
What we disliked
- Doesn’t have parallax adjustment
5. Nikon ProStaff 3-9 x 40 Black Matte Riflescope (BDC)
When it comes to the best scope for 30-06, Nikon ProStaff 3-9 x 40 riflescope is among the most potent nominees. For those who pursue big game hunting, this riflescope is a dependable companion to go with. It checks off the two most significant requirements in these activities: magnification and zooming.
As said above, this scope was granted with a fairly versatile magnification range (from 3 to 9x) and a 40mm objective lens, therefore, it will help you stay on target under almost every shooting range, from thick woods to open prairies.
Sold at a budget-friendly price, this Nikon riflescope still encompasses multi-coated lens to make sure you enjoy every single moment of shooting in varying lighting conditions. Other main features include zero-reset turret with a spring-loaded adjustment knob, and O-ring sealed so that your scope will deliver a lifetime of fogp roof and weatherproof performance.
We do wish that this riflescope would be more compact in construction so that even petite people can handle it easily. Also, it’s a regret when a mounting ring is not available in this unit, though you can buy it separately.
What we liked
- Cheap
- 3.6 inch worth of eye relief
- Ergonomic control knobs
- Versatility
What we disliked
- Rather large in design
- No mount ring included
What is the best scope for 30-06?
Our testers unanimously give a vote to the Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40 riflescope in recognition of its top-notch performance in the hunting world.
An adequately good scope will help people fit in virtually any environment. And that’s exactly what this friend strives for. With such perfect durability and versatility, this scope promises to match users’ intent on all kinds of hunting against unfavorable weather. That said, it is suitable for all-year-round hunters.
Unique traits are the abilities to produce crystal clear images and improve the certainty of estimating hold-over.
With Vortex Diamondback riflescope, no way will hunters have to face up to the problems of color degradation or close-to-blurry images. A 4x zoom range will guarantee only high-resolution vision at versatile magnification range.
Things to consider when choosing scope for 30-06
Field of view
With 30-06 scopes, you might expect them to reach out to the targets at approximately 400 yards with relative accuracy. To achieve this objective, an ideal range to fall in is from 3 to 9x. But that is not good enough if your scope is not optically adjustable as at times you may want a change of flavor from short-range shooting to a longer range one. Thus, consider picking a flexible scope that will not hold you back from your enjoyment.
Objective lens
A scope with a poor vision is definitely unforgivable. That said, we suggest you go for a scope that works well from dusk till dawn – the time when hunting is at its advantage.
Larger objective lens will allow more light transmission, so look for those scopes with objective lens from 40 to 50mm. But don’t be too ambitious to aim for a larger lens than this standard as you may have a hard time handling its weight.
Scope rings
Your 30-06 scope needs a suitable set of scope rings; otherwise, it might make your sighting inaccurate most of the time. Make sure you have researched carefully for the rings that fit your scope best.
Price
As a rule of thumb, rifle scopes on the market will charge you from $50 to $5,000 or even exceed that range. To get the best price for your scope for 30-06, aim for the one that can balance between quality and budget. An expensive scope doesn’t necessarily work better than a low-budget one.
FAQs
What are windage and elevation?
The windage adjustments decide which is the best position for your aiming point, whether on the left or the right. Elevation, on the other hands lets you adjust your aiming point up and down.
What is parallax?
Parallax happens when your scope strives to touch targets longer than 100 yards away. The reticle will make some slight movements, leading to the displacement of your goals.
Which one is better, a fixed or flexible zoom scope?
The answer is it depends. If you decide to stick to a similar shooting distance, go for a fixed zoom scope. Otherwise, pick a variable one if you crave more versatility. However, we suggest the latter option for complete beginners as it is easier to deal with.
Why can objective lens be adjusted?
To compensate for the effects caused by the reticle’s movement. That’s also why some rifles scopes come with a parallax compensation capability.
How can I solve attachment issues in my scope?
This is a common problem which causes your shooting to be off. To tackle it, you have to make sure the scope is carefully attached to the riffle by reading the manual booklet thoroughly.
Final line
If you want a tried and true riflescope, these are all that you need. They are from world-renowned brands, coming in high quality and definitely not hitting your bank hard. Let us know which of the above scopes is the apple of your eye.
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