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The .30-06 Springfield is a widely popular caliber for hunting rifles with excellent versatility and performance. Thousands of big game animals are taken down with .30-06 every year – and you can bet that lots of those hunting rifles had a good scope attached.
You should mate a rifle of this caliber with an excellent scope so you can achieve the best results.
As you might expect, there is a surplus of scopes on the market. We did the homework for you and looked into the top contenders.
At A Glance: Our Top Picks For Best scope for 30-06
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If you’re new to hunting and wondering what a rifle scope is, I can help you with that. Simply put, it is a miniaturized telescope that sits on top of your rifle. It can be beneficial if you’re shooting long distances in less than optimal weather.
Some confuse rifle scopes with gun sights. While both devices help shooters aim, a rifle scope provides some level of magnification. Finding the right scope will let you shoot further and with more accuracy–making your rifle much more lethal.
Lastly, since not all hunts are the same, not all scopes are the same either. There are even thermal scopes for hunting in the dark!
There are several things you want to look for when buying a scope for .30-06. While each hunter has unique needs, three things prove consistently vital in a scope.
Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope’s front lens while still being able to see. If you don’t have enough eye relief, you can seriously damage your eye if your gun kicks back. To protect yourself, look for at least 4 inches of eye relief.
Bullet-drop compensators allow you to gauge where a bullet will land after shooting it a certain distance. They’re calibrated in yards rather than the standard MOA (Minute of Angle). If you desire the most precision at the greatest range, ensure it is a BDC reticle.
When buying a scope, look for words like “fully coated” or “multi-coated,” or “fully multi-coated.” This will tell you if the glass on the scope gives you a clear and sharp view. It also protects your lens from dirt and damage.
Overall, here is the lowdown:
Below you will find the pros and cons of the top scopes on the market. Indeed, no scope is perfect for everyone, but these are pretty good.
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane is our top pick.
This product has overwhelmingly positive reviews on Amazon. People say it’s easy to zero, holds the zero once you’ve found it, has excellent focus and clarity (even in fog/rain), looks nice on the rifle, is easy to install, and that Vortex customer service is top-notch.
Some people note that focusing is a problem and that the reticle becomes blurry when you use the zoom feature.
First, the second focal plane reticles do not visually change in size when you change the magnification, and thus it always maintains the same appearance.
Second, its ability to zero and hold in heavy rain and some light wind surpasses even more expensive models.
Third, it’s small and aesthetically pleasing. Many hunters don’t like heavy, unattractive scopes on their rifles. That is certainly not a problem here!
Fourth, the magnification settings work with a 44 mm objective lens, a far-reaching lens.
Fifth, the turrets are easy to adjust and click after each adjustment.
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane is a popular scope with a lifetime warranty. Its capability goes head-to-head with more expensive models. You get good value for your money, and many happy hunters are using this scope.
The Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope with Truplex Reticle is the best budget option.
The reviews on Amazon are mostly positive. People say that it’s a fantastic deal, holds zero, and has excellent clarity and accuracy.
One reviewer said his scope broke after a single use and wasn’t worth returning.
Also, the eye relief is not 4”, which some report as less than ideal.
First, beginners and even experienced hunters choose this affordable scope for accurate short-range to mid-range shooting. Its resolution is sharp and focused at all magnification levels, which is more than we expected given the price.
Second, the windage dials on this scope are top-notch. They are very accurate as well as responsive.
Third, its rugged design and ability to perform in harsh shooting conditions are exemplary.
Fourth, it’s recoil-proof. If you’re using a high-power rifle, you will be facing a lot of recoil while using it. This scope does a superb job of keeping that recoil to a minimum.
The Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope with Truplex Reticle provides all the requirements without breaking the bank. It is by no means an excellent scope for long-range shooting, but it makes the average, budget-conscious hunter pretty happy.
The Vortex Viper 6.5-20×50 PA Matte Riflescope is the best 30-06 scope with a bullet drop compensator.
People tend to like this product. They praise Vortex’s crisp and clear optics, easy adjustment, range of shooting, and lifetime warranty.
Many note that it is of outstanding quality and reasonably priced scope to recommend to their friends.
Others believe the zoom adjustment knob could be smoother; the reticle is a little thick and too heavy, and difficult to mount.
First, the Vortex Viper 6.5-20×50 PA Matte Riflescope is well-built. It is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, has a hard-anodized finish, and an ultra-hard, scratch-resistant coating called ArmorTek, which protects exterior lenses from scratches, oil, and dirt.
Second, the Precision-Glide Erector System maintains that the parts in the zoom lens glide smoothly through all magnification ranges.
Third, the extra-low dispersion glass enhances resolution and color, resulting in sharper images.
Fourth, it was crafted to perform in darkness and moisture, withstand heavy recoil, and takedown targets from afar.
This is a great product that is expertly built and holds up well. It is many people’s go-to scope and offers a range of excellent features for a reasonable price. There is very little to criticize. The main problem is eye relief.
The UTG 4-16X44 30mm Scope is the best scope we have chosen for .30 06 Remington 700s.
Recent buyers love the UTG 4-16X44 30mm Scope. Many applaud the excellent light transfer and clear, sharp glass. One person notes the enclosed manual, lighting, and mil-dot cards are helpful.
Some people complained that this product does not do well in extreme sunlight, the focus is blurry at 14 and above, the illumination features are neat but unnecessary, and the scope doesn’t last long.
First, its illumination is next level. The UTG 4-16X44 30mm Scope is great for shooting in bad lighting, shadowy areas, and back-lit conditions. There is a color or intensity that works in almost any situation.
Second, it is rugged and can take a beating. If you have slippery fingers, you won’t have to worry about damaging this scope. You also don’t have to worry about it self-destructing–it is suitable for modern rifles of any caliber.
Third, this scope is noticeably heavy. However, it also lasts longer and is a high-quality scope with superior accuracy and many high tech perks.
This is a scope for serious hunters. It has excellent illumination and powerful zoom. You can use it on any rifle as it is tough and can handle recoil. The 36 color feature is cool but can be a hit or miss for many people.
The ATN ThOR 4 640 4-40x Thermal Smart HD Rifle Scope is best for night hunting.
Most of the reviews were positive–many like being able to record and live stream. One person called this scope “a total game-changer.”
There were a few notable complaints. First, anything beyond a 20x zoom is slightly grainy. Second, the scope sometimes freezes and crashes. And lastly, it takes some time to learn all the features.
First, the Recoil Activated Video features allow your friends and family to virtually come along with you while you hunt. A very cool perk!
Second, if you want to record your hunt and watch back later, you can do that too! The video is surprisingly HD, and you can save it on an SD card in a MOV format.
Third, the Ballistic Calculator is another cool feature that tells you how far away your target is, the elevation, the wind direction, and a bunch of other information to help you shoot your target.
If you like to hunt at night and like cool gadgets, this scope will be your liking. It’s more for people who are tech-savvy and don’t mind learning about all the different features. Sometimes it crashes, but that happens with a lot of tech.
So, you’re wondering: what are the benefits of investing in a quality scope? Is it really worth the splurge?
Buying a tried and true quality scope for the top of your rifle will allow you to have a better hunting experience for three main reasons:
Scopes give you space and comfort to shoot from far away, take your time, and avoid spooking your prey.
This is probably the most important thing. You want to hit your target with minimal attempts. While you may be an excellent shooter, a scope makes it easier to ensure accuracy–even on your off days.
Many scopes–at least many good scopes–provide tactical details that can help you decipher the drop rate, elevation, and how far away your prey is.
A dependable scope is not just a bogus add-on gadget. It is a must-have piece of equipment for all hunting enthusiasts. In fact, a wise hunter will spend more money on their scope than their rifle.
All in all, the best scope for you may not be the best scope for someone else. All the scopes on our list are winners in their own right.
When buying your first scope, look for proper eye relief, BDC, and fully coated glass.
Hunters do themselves a disservice by not investing in a top-rated scope. It helps you shoot long distance, improve accuracy, and gives critical tactical data/feedback.
Still have questions? We’ve got answers about finding a scope for a 30-06 below.
A lot of hunters prefer the 30-06, especially since it’s one of the most traditional and reliable rifles that you can own.
Most of the time, a 30-06 will hit 2 ½ to 3 inches above where you’re looking in the crosshairs. As long as you’re within 250 yards of your target, you should still stay within that 2 to 3-inch range.
Joseph Fox writes on a variety of topics ranging from reloading ammunition to gun cleaning. He has been featured on various publications like thetruthaboutguns, Sofrep & many more. Joseph is also the founder of Gunloading, where he reviews different types of reloading & firearm products available on the market.
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