Finding a scope that is built for a particular type of rifle or cartridge is not mean feat. There are tons of models available on the market today and in our post today, we will focus on the best scope for 30-06.
With the ever-advancing technology, scopes have changed greatly. We now have a plethora of models from different brands that excel in different areas for us to choose from. When you are making your selection, know what you will be using the scope for is a good place to start. After that, you can break down the features you need and those that you can live without.
In this post, we have done the legwork for you. We have scoured the market and put together a list of the best performing scopes for 30-06. These rifle scopes are outstanding in quality, features and functionality. But first, let’s start our review with the attributes that make a scope great for 30-06.
What Makes a Great Scope for 30-06
There are several attributes that make a scope great for 30-06. First is premium build construction. A scope that is made with durability in mind will give you many years of use and guarantee uninterrupted performance in the field.
Furthermore, a great scope for 30-06 should be built with high transmission glass which maximize resolution and image detail. Its lenses should also be fully-coated with anti-reflective coatings.
The other important attributes of the best scope for 30-06 include:
- A housing that is fully protected from weather elements
- Long eye relief
- A reticle that is accurate, fine and easy to use
- Versatile magnification power
- A lightweight construction
- Crisp adjustments
Best Scopes for 30-06
Let’s now get on with the best scopes for 30-06 that are ideal for every avid hunter and shooter looking to take their performance to the next big level. Let’s get started.
1)Trijicon Credo CR940 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Trijicon Credo CR940 3-9x40mm is by far the best scope for 30-06. It is built in a 1-inch tube and comes with an array of features that you will need to make the most out of your hunting.
This rifle scope boasts a variable 3-9x zoom power built in a second focal plane reticle. Though the whole zoom range, the reticle maintains the same size. Furthermore, it is illuminated and there are adjustable brightness settings to pick from based on the lighting environment you will be shooting in.
The illuminated reticle paired with Trijicon’s Bindom aiming concept provides a clear point of aim that enables both eyes open shooting. This is important for fast target engagement and increasing situational awareness.
Furthermore, the scope built with fully multi-coated optics that are responsible for boosting light transfer. It also features an ultra-durable 6061-T6 aluminum housing which is waterproof, fog proof and usable in temperatures ranging from -20 to 140℉.
Features
- LED illumination
- Second focal plane reticle
- 3-9x total magnification
- Waterproof and fog proof
- 1-inch single-piece main tube
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Repositionable magnification lever
- Easy focus eyepiece
- Ultra-durable 6061-T6 aluminum housing
Pros
- Generous windage and elevation adjustment
- Quick and easy adjustments
- Wide field of view
- Excellent craftmanship
- Illuminated reticle
Cons
- Battery life
2)Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope
Carrying the respected Leupold name, the VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope is an excellent addition to any 30-06 rifle. It excels in a wide range of hunting environments where it offers super precision even in low light.
The scope features a variable magnification power from 3.5x to 10x. At close and medium ranges, the scope provides a wide field of view for quick target scanning, monitoring and acquisition. It also provides speedy target acquisition at extended ranges with the high 10x zoom.
When it comes to construction, the scope has a twin bias erector spring which is responsible for reducing backlash on high-tech components. The housing is made from 6061-T6 aluminum, a material that is known for being lightweight but durable.
On top of the quality construction, this rifle scope is fully waterproof, fog proof and shockproof. It has a lightweight construction of 12.6oz for easy maneuverability in the field. Besides that, the windage and elevation adjustment range is broad enough to ensure maximum travel.
Features
- 5-10x magnification
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- Second focal plane reticle
- 1-inch tube diameter
- 6061-T6 aluminum housing
- 57 MOA adjustment range
- Twin bias erector spring
- Lockable fast focus eyepiece
- DiamondCoat 2 lens coatings
Pros
- Crisp clear glass
- Lightweight
- Generous eye relief
- Easy to zero
- Crisp and repeatable adjustments
Cons
- Non illuminated
3)Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Third in our list of the best scope for 30-06 is Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope. This optic is crafted with beginners in mind. It is very simple to use and versatile to meet your various shooting needs.
The selling point of this optic is optical performance. It is built with high-grade optical glass which provides outstanding brightness and clarity with long lasting durability. Furthermore, the lenses are multi-coated to amplify performance in low light and prevent glare in bright light.
Construction-wise, the scope has a durable integrated eyepiece design with a non-slip grip for easy adjustments. The optical tube is waterproofed and filled with dry nitrogen to prevent fog build up. It is also shockproof to withstand impacts and rough use.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- High-grade optical glass
- Waterproof and fog proof
- 3-9x adjustable magnification
- Durable integrated eyepiece design
- 50MOA adjustment range
- 1-inch single-piece main tube
- Hi-Lume lens coatings
- 1/4 MOA adjustment click
Pros
- Lightweight
- Excellent craftmanship
- Great low light performance
- Ease of use
Cons
- Mushy clicks
- Poor eye relief at max power
4)Athlon Optics Talos 3-12×40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope
Athlon Optics Talos 3-12×40 is another premium-quality rifle scope that is ideal for hunting. This scope is built with the budget buyers in mind. It is reasonably affordable and good for all users no matter the level.
Built with a 3-12x magnification range, this rifle scope will give you great versatility whether you are hunting in dense brush or large open fields. Furthermore, the large 40mm objective lens provides clear views of targets in the whole zoom. The scope also features fully multi-coated optics to boost performance in low light by maximizing light transfer.
This rifle scope is built ready for outdoor use. It has a single-piece 1-inch tube that is fully waterproof, fog proof and shock proof. This guarantees unimpeded performance no matter what nature throws at it. The entire tube is also finished with a non-reflective finish that is scratch resistant.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- Capped turrets
- 1-inch body tube
- Aircraft grade aluminum housing
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- IPX-7 waterproof, dust proof and fog proof
- Heat-treated one piece tube
- Adjustable parallax
- 3-12x variable magnification
Pros
- Robust and reliable construction
- Large and clear field of view
- Compact and lightweight
- Great value for the price
Cons
- Short eye relief at 12x
5)Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
The Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is another budget-friendly rifle scope that offers the perfect balance between value and functionality. It is good for close and mid-range use and is admirably simple to use for beginners, professionals and anyone in between.
Vortex scopes are known for their robust construction and this rifle scope is not any different. It is made from aircraft quality aluminum which is highly resistant to fatigue, wear and tear. Over and above that, this rifle scope is fully waterproof, fog proof and shock proof.
Optically, this rifle scope utilizes fully multi-coated lenses that work in tandem with the professional-grade optics to maximize image brightness and clarity. Other than that, this scope has capped turrets with zero reset.
In addition to everything else, the scope comes with an adjustable objective for parallax correction and a fast focus eyepiece that helps with quick and simple reticle focusing.
Features
- Hard anodized finish
- Second focal plane reticle
- 3-9x zoom range
- 60 MOA adjustment range
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Aircraft grade aluminum construction
- Adjustable objective
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- 1-inch tube size
- Capped reset turrets
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Lightweight
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Blurry around the edges
- It takes time to get a clear view
6)Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Another best scope for 30-06 is our post is the VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope. Having this optic as your sighting tool will boost your accuracy in the hunting fields and make every hunting trip a success.
The scope excels in all types of lighting conditions. It employs a Twilight Light Management System that provides additional shooting light in twilight conditions. When you are hunting in broad daylight, this system alleviates glare and makes glassing more comfortable.
With a lightweight construction of 12.2oz only, this rifle scope is portable, easy to shoot with and effective and dispersing glare. It is made from 6061-T6 aluminum and the entire 1-inch tube is fully waterproof, fog proof and shockproof to be usable in any environment.
What’s more, the scope maintains a generous eye relief in the whole 3-9x zoom range. This makes it comfortable to use with or without eye wear. On top of that, it boasts a significantly spacious field of view which is vital for quick target finding.
Features
- Twilight Light Management System
- Waterproof and fog proof
- 1-inch body tube
- Second focal plane reticle
- Scratch resistant lenses
- 1/4 MOA finger click adjustment
- 60 MOA windage and elevation travel at 100 yards
- Ruggedized 6061-T6 aluminum housing
Pros
- Lightweight
- Large field of view
- Generous eye relief
- Tough and rigid construction
- Affordable
Cons
- Fixed parallax
7)Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Vortex is committed to manufacturing high-quality optics to meet the demands of avid shooters and hunters. It is known for its cost-effective but quality rifle scopes and this is clear with the Diamondback 3-9x40mm.
This rifle scope is built to last. It is carefully constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum to endure, perform and excel in all environments. Furthermore, it is fitted with a precision adjustment system which allows for a significant amount of correction.
To complement the sturdy and robust construction, the scope has a state-of-the-art optical system that guarantees great resolution and image detail. The lenses are fully multi-coated for a full line of sight and with the 40mm objective lens, the scope provides excellent optical performance in low light.
The entire assembly is purged with argon gas and sealed to provide flawless all-weather performance. The other noteworthy features included are fast focus eyepiece, Dead-Hold BDC reticle and a non-reflective matte finish.
Features
- Low profile turrets
- 1/4 MOA impact point correction
- 1-piece main tube
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Waterproof and argon purged
- Second focal plane reticle
- 1-inch tube diameter
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Hard anodized finish
- 70 MOA adjustment range
Pros
- Durable and reliable construction
- Lightweight
- Accurate
- Versatile
- Crisp clear glass
Cons
- Non illuminated
Also Read,
- https://outdoorandsurvival.com/best-deer-hunting-arrows/
- https://outdoorandsurvival.com/best-backpacking-pillow-for-side-sleepers/
Things to Look for in the Best Scope for 30-06
Magnification Power
The distance you will be using the scope for determines the magnification power that you get. The further the targets are, the more magnification you need to cover grounds effectively.
For the best scope for 30-06, we recommend a variable power scope with up to 9x or 12x magnification. Such a scope will get you closer to the distant targets and enhance your precision in all ranges.
Reticle
Get a scope whose reticle blends with the kind of shooting that you will be doing. There are plenty of reticle shapes and styles available out there for you to pick from.
If you plan to use the scope in low light settings, it is best that you get a model with an illuminated reticle. That way, you will be able to aim with confidence.
Weight
The next important thing to consider is weight. A scope that is lightweight is easier to shoot with compared to a heavy counterpart. Lightweight scopes are also beneficial when it comes to shaking off heavy recoil.
Durability
In rifle scopes, durability is directly proportional to build quality. Go for a scope that is carefully crafted using the most hard-wearing materials. With solid and tough make, the rifle scope will last for ages and deliver unmatched performance in all kinds of environments. The best scope for 30-06 should also have reliable protection from rain, mist, fog and any other precipitation.
FAQs
- What power scope if best for a 30-06?
3-9x is the best power scope for a 30-06. Scopes with a variable 3-9x zoom power are ideal for close and medium range hunting and shooting where this round excels.
- What is better, a 30-06 or .270?
Choosing between a 30-06 or .270 cartridge largely depends on individual preference and the kind of hunting you are doing.
The 30-06 has higher energy than .270 and it hits harder. This makes it more suitable for hunting medium and large-sized game.
On the other hand, the 270 produces negligible recoil and it shoots flatter. As such, it is better suited for small game hunting.
Final Words
Buying a rifle scope for 30-06 is an easy and pleasant process if you have an understanding of what features you need the scope to have. With the right scope, you will be able to make your hunting expeditions more competitive, fun and rewarding. Hopefully, you have found this article to be of significant help.