Best Rifle Scope for Deer Hunting in 2022

Are you a hunting geek? Do you prefer rifles for hunting? Preparing for a shot is the most exciting part of the experience. You take a deep breath, press the trigger, and watch your bullet fly wide as the buck bolts off into the distance.

What’s going on? No matter how carefully you prepared, you could not connect on this shot. You made a mistake in selecting your scope, and you’ve had to pay the price ever since.

We understand because we’ve been there, so we put together this detailed rifle scope buying guide for you!

In this article, we’re going to go into great detail about the best riflescopes available for your deer hunting rifles so that when you’re ready to buy one, you know what to look for in terms of quality, price, and more. Let’s hunt!

Overall Best Rifle Scope for Deer Hunting	Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope
Most Durable Rifle Scope for Hunting	Vortex Optics Crossfire II Adjustable Objective, Second Focal Plane, 30mm Tube Riflescopes
Best Waterproof Rifle Scope for Deer Hunting	Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Waterproof Fogproof Matte Black Riflescope
Deer Hunting Rifle Scope With Best Design	Burris Fullfield II Hunting Scope
Most Compact Rifle Scope for Deer Hunting	Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope
Best Premium Quality Rifle Scope for Deer Hunting	Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane Riflescopes
Best Deer Hunting Rifle Scope With Night Vision	Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 Night Vision Digital Riflescope
Deer Hunting Riflescope With Best Adjustment	Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope with Truplex Reticle
Best Day/Night Rifle Scope for Deer Hunting	ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope
Most User-Friendly Rifle Scope for Hunting Scope	CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope

Things to Consider While Buying a Rifle Scope for Deer Hunting

The optics industry has progressed by leaps and bounds. When you are out in the market to buy a scope for your rifle, certain features and factors are necessary for a deer hunting riflescope. Which must possess features like lens size, weight, lens coating, etc. all these features are required; we will give you a detailed discussion of them. A rifle scope is an investment that pays dividends in the long run. Modern scopes make a wide range of shooting disciplines more accessible and accurate, including hunting, competition, target, and long-range shooting.

However, the possibilities are virtually limitless. So how do you know which one to choose? How to buy a riflescope is explained in this guide.

Magnification

A riflescope’s magnification is one of its most essential features. It is the ability to increase the visual range of the human eye by a factor of two or more. An unaided eye can view twice as clearly with a 2x magnification scope.

Dimensions of the Objective Lens

The diameter of the objective lens nearest to the barrel of the rifle and the most distant from the rifle’s stock is what determines its size. To transmit more light, you must have a larger objective lens. Although a larger objective lens allows more light into the scope and produces a clearer image, the scope is heavier.

Weight

Weight is an important consideration before making a purchase. It’s important to consider where you’ll be shooting the most. With a bipod or sandbags to support your rifle, a heavier scope won’t make much difference in long-distance shooting.

While hunting deer in the mountains, a lighter riflescope may be beneficial because the constant lifting and holding of a heavy rifle can take a toll on your body.

Elevation/Windage Adjustment

The impact position of the bullet is fine-tuned using windage and elevation correction turrets. Adjusting the reticle will allow you to move the bullet’s point of impact either to the left or right.

It’s possible to move the point of impact up or down with the Elevation adjustments.

You can fine-tune the scope by using milliradians or minute angle units. You won’t have to adjust the windage and elevation turrets again after you’ve sighted in your rifle. Long-range shooters, on the other hand, will benefit from these alterations.

The Lens Coating

When determining light transmission, lens coatings come in second place to objective lens size. You want to see the most crystal clear image possible when looking through the scope. Lenses and the amount of light passing through them impact how much light is reflected.

Reticle

You can improve accuracy by using a riflescope’s “crosshair” or “reticle” to predict where the bullet will ultimately land. A riflescope’s reticle is similar to the iron sights for lining up a shot. As with eye-relief, reticle options are all about personal preference. The crosshairs’ thickness directly influences the accuracy of your shot.

The Plane of Focus

Your choice of focal plane depends upon the type of hunting you do. If you want to shoot long distances or compete, a first focal plane (FPP) scope is the way. Get a second focal plane (SFP) extension if all else fails. It’s less expensive, more mainstream, and has a visible reticle.

It’s up to you to decide whether FFP or SFP extensions are better for you. If you’re not sure, try them both. Choose the best option based on your shooting needs.

Dimensions of the Tube

Choosing the correct mounting rings for your scope means considering the importance of tube size, which is something that even a novice should be able to grasp. 30mm and 1-inch tubes are the most common sizes. Both have no advantages other than increasing the internal adjustment range, and a larger tube does not always let in more light.

When using your scope, you’ll need to know the diameter of your tube so that you don’t try to mount 1-inch mounting rings on a 30-mm tube.

Top 10 Rifle Scopes for Hunting Deer

Here we will enlighten you about the topmost sought-after deer hunting scopes. For your convenience, we are going to review them for your help.

1. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope

Overall Best Rifle Scope for Deer Hunting

• On the money
• Offers outstanding clarity
• Zeroing is very cool to do
• A bright reticle is available
• Weather and shock-resistant
• External lens surfaces have multiple coatings

• Easily losses accuracy
• Mount is not that great
• Certain quality control problems

If you’ve been hunting for a long time, you know that the early morning hours are ideal for hunting, so there’s a need for a unit that works exclusively. Dusk & Dawn rifle scope has a 32mm objective lens specifically designed for the low-light conditions you will encounter in the early morning hours.

We loved the unit’s simple, quick, and brief sighting. It has eyepieces with grip zoom rings and power models that allow you to adjust and focus on your target quickly.

It has a red and green dot reticle on the lit center-fire 500 as well. We tested the scope and learned that you could use it in any weather conditions. It is filled with dry nitrogen and is completely submersible.

In conclusion, if you want a riflescope that is both waterproof and fog proof and works well in any light, be it at dusk or dawn? If so, Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn scope is the best choice. Besides, these compact scopes are tough to beat and are well worth the money.

2. Vortex Optics Crossfire II Adjustable Objective, Second Focal Plane, 30mm Tube Riflescopes

Most Durable Rifle Scope for Hunting

• On the money
• Lightweight
• Eye relaxer
• Best for buck hunting
• Waterproof
• Unconditional warranty

• Not very illuminated reticle
• On high magnification, the glass is insufficient

When you need a highly durable scope at a reasonable price, you need not look beyond this famous brand’s Crossfire II series. The Vortex Optics Crossfire II has an anti-reflective lens, ensuring that you always have a bright, clear view.

We love its ergonomic design that ensures that you won’t strain your eyes. And with the eyepiece’s quick focusing, you’ll never miss a shot again. Instead, the fast-focus eyepiece makes the reticle focusing quick.

We were impressed by how durable these scopes are. The solid aluminum constitution provides strength to the tube. The waterproof O-rings ensure that the elements do not harm the scope’s internals. The construction is also fog proof, allowing for a clear sight picture, and shockproof, allowing it to withstand recoil.

With its VIP unlimited lifetime warranty, the brand stands behind the quality of its products. The warranty covers damage and defects, and it will service or replace the item at no cost to you.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a riflescope that will last long, Vortex Optics Crossfire II is for you!

3. Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Waterproof Fogproof Matte Black Riflescope

Best Waterproof Rifle Scope for Deer Hunting

• Excellent build quality
• Affordably priced product
• Superb clarity
• Provides eye relief
• Works well in low-light conditions.

• The knobs are too tight
• The windage and elevation adjustments get disrupted after every shot

Sometimes keeping things simple is the best option. However, it is especially true for Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Waterproof Fogproof Matte Black Riflescope’s construction.

We found that the riflescope has a single entity design and doesn’t require you to cram separate parts together. The result is a solid mass that can withstand anything. This type of construction, in particular, favors high-impact conditions. Even recoil from some powerful firearms will not harm the Simmons 3 932.

The Simmons 3’s versatility, on the other hand, is one of its strong points. As a result, you can move into various situations. For example, the only case in which it would be wholly inappropriate would be for short-distance target shooting. Aside from that, you can use it for just about anything.

The coating around the scope ensures that water does not affect its overall performance. It makes it a perfect match for any outdoor environment. Rain, mist, and fog are rendered ineffective. It’s an ideal match for a.22 rifle.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a riflescope that can withstand any weather condition, rain, or shine, the Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Waterproof Fogproof Matte Black Riflescope is the one you should go for.

4. Burris Fullfield II Hunting Scope

Deer Hunting Rifle Scope With Best Design

• Price
• There is a ballistic reticle available
• Weatherproof and shockproof
• Lightweight
• Compact

• Integrative focus/power ring

The Burris rifle scope is just what you need if you hunt big game, especially long-range. For example, you can use Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm scope magnification and the 6.5-20x50mm scope magnification at up to 500 yards, depending on your skill level and preferences.

We found Burris Fullfield’s scopes hard to beat at their price point. You can have bull’s eye accuracy and precision at all zoom levels with reticle options like the ballistic plex, regular plex, and ballistic mil-dot reticles. Furthermore, we got excellent brightness and clarity on each model.

We were especially impressed by its performance at long distances, and the way Fullfield Mark II easily handles rifles’ recoil makes it an excellent choice for long-distance shooting.

In conclusion, Burris Fullfield II Hunting Scope should be your choice if you want a deer hunting scope with the best design.

5. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope

Most Compact Rifle Scope for Deer Hunting

• For the price, the quality and features are incredible
• Durable and robust construction and design 
• Comes with a mount
• Optics that are clear and have good low-light capabilities
• In any lighting condition, the red dot is easily visible

• Because of its small size, it may be too small for a larger rifle
• There is no automatic shut-off to conserve battery power
• The brightness control is a little finicky
• Can become a little fuzzy when the red dot is turned on too brightly in low-light conditions

The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 red dot sight is a low-cost, high-quality sight that you can use on rifles and in shooting situations. Whether you want to use it on a range, for target shooting, or even for hunting, it will not disappoint you.

The only drawback we found with the Bushnell TRS-25 is that the rubber scope cover that comes with it is not integrally attached, which isn’t a deal-breaker given the amount of accuracy that the sight provides.

Some features we would like to point out are that it is waterproof and shockproof and performs well in temperatures as low as zero degrees Fahrenheit. The Bushnell TRS-25’s best selling point has to be its excellent price point, which gets you a sturdy red dot sight with plenty of features for unrivaled accuracy.

In conclusion, if you want a compact solution for your riflescope problem, Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope would be an excellent choice.

6. Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane Riflescopes

Best Premium Quality Rifle Scope for Deer Hunting

• Strong construction
• The turrets are tight and greatly mounted
• Simple to use
• The reticule is exceptionally sharp and defined

• At a higher magnification range, it is unclear
• Does not work well in low light

The Diamondback Tactical is a long-range wolf disguised as a sheep. We tested and found that rather than cramming features at the expense of turret performance and optical quality, the Diamondback Tactical pares it down, focusing on what matters.

The 4x optical system is housed in a long-lasting, one-piece aluminum tube that provides excellent edge-to-edge clarity and resolution.

We found that despite the low-profile design, exposed elevation and windage turrets offer the speed, ease, and precision needed to make accurate long-range shots.

We would like to point out that by eliminating parallax error from 20 yards and beyond, an adjustable side parallax provides shooters with a sense of security. Investing in a good shooting rifle and one of the first focal plane models will allow you to build a competitive rig without breaking the bank.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a riflescope with all the premium features, Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane Riflescope is for you!

7. Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 Night Vision Digital Riflescope

Best Deer Hunting Rifle Scope With Night Vision

• Clear image
• Good night performance with the included illuminator
• Built like a tank
• Very accurate
• On the money

• Large and hefty
• Poor battery life

The Sightmark Wraith HD Digital Riflescope is a high-end option for deer hunters who want to hunt in low-light conditions. Furthermore, it allows you to record your hunt through your scope, so no one can ever question your knowledge again.

But during our research, we found that it’s not the end of the scope’s distinguishing features. It also has a night-vision mode, allowing you to go out at any time and quickly line up your shot. Even better, you have a choice of ten different reticle options and the ability to cycle through nine other reticle color options.

Finally, with a magnification of up to 32x, locating your target has never been easier. However, not everything about this scope is perfect.

We found some drawbacks as well. To begin with, it is prohibitively expensive. Second, the optical magnification is limited to 4x, with the rest being zoom-powered. Also, while it has many cool features, the battery life is only 4.5 hours, so you’ll have to swap out batteries several times during your hunt.

In conclusion, if you’re a hunter who loves to find game in the night, then go for Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 Night Vision Digital Riflescope.

8. Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope with Truplex Reticle

Deer Hunting Riflescope With Best Adjustment

• A very low-cost scope
• A sleek, elongated design complements the majority of rifles
• Good build quality and an easy-to-clean matte finish
• Very simple to mount
• An all-weather scope as it is waterproof, recoil proof, and fog proof
• It has fully coated lenses that produce sharper, brighter, and clearer images
• Capping of knobs ensures obstruction-free shooting

• Not easy to mount because of the large size
• Does not include mounting rings
• Can use for short-range to mid-range shooting only

The Simmons 8-Point 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is an excellent choice if you’re looking for the best rifle scope for deer hunting for the money. For starters, it’s incredibly cheap, but the company didn’t skimp on performance to get there.

We were impressed by Simmons 8-Point 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope because it excels at maintaining zero, even in extreme conditions, thanks to TrueZero technology. Furthermore, there is plenty of contrast and light, making it simple to locate your target. It also has a good range for hunting, beginning at 3x magnification and progressing to 9x magnification.

However, we found a tradeoff when you reduce the price. It’s the eye relief and clarity for this scope. The eye relief is sharp, but the clarity isn’t perfect, especially at higher magnifications. At this price, you could do a lot worse.

It is the best rifle scope for deer hunting that we have reviewed because it is right on the money. The riflescope’s unique design makes it easy to set up and adjust, which comes in handy when you want to immediately take a shot because it allows for quick target acquisition.

In conclusion, if you want a scope that is easy to set and even easier to adjust, go for Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope with Truplex Reticle; you won’t be disappointed.

9. ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope

Best Day/Night Rifle Scope for Deer Hunting

• Excellent performance during the day
• Lightweight and long-lasting
• Ballistic calculator built-in
• Excellent value for money
• Storage capacity is expandable
• It comes with a plethora of accessories
• Complete 2-year warranty

• Nighttime performance is average
• Zeroing gets reset on turning on or off

Using night vision scopes can be a massive advantage for farmland guards in the face of foxes and other wild animals that prey on farmland at night. As far as we can tell, that’s a thing of the past now. We did examine the scope in great detail and found that it has some fascinating features!

The Riflescope’s far superior quality and performance impressed us. The fact that it is also significantly less expensive than any of its rivals is also a plus. With the X-sight II’s groundbreaking quality and innovation, this scope has the same high standards. Moreover, it expands the capabilities of digital scopes with new features that are usually absent on most rifle scopes.

We found that the ATN X-Sight 4K PRO’s powerful night vision is another central selling point, as it does not degrade the quality of the images it produces. With a single push of a conveniently located button, you can switch from day to night vision. It is the ideal scope for hunting and comes with the added feature that allows you the option to record your hunting experience.

The ATN X-Sight 4K is significantly larger than its predecessors, with a large objective lens and a long scope tube. Therefore, this scope may be more difficult to transport because of its larger size.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a riflescope that you can use at night, and someone who likes to record their adventures, this ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope is for you!

10. CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope

Most User-Friendly Rifle Scope for Hunting Scope

• Provides a lot of features and high quality for the price
• Sturdy built
• Simple to adjust

• The mount is of poor quality
• It does not fit all rifles

Hunters are well aware that rifle and optics significantly impact their accuracy. In the eyes of many shooters, a cheap scope is a bad one because it doesn’t come from a reputable brand. So it’s hard to say how much better or worse a low-priced scope can be.

At first glance, we could say that CVLIFE is the best budget rifle scope that we reviewed. For example, the company uses black-coated aluminum for the scope tube.

There is a red and green reticle on the hunting scope. You can change the color from red to green depending on your preferences and surroundings.

We found that nothing beats the CVLIFE 624-50mm Hunting Rifle Scope when it comes to long-range hunting and shooting. It’s a solid piece of equipment. As long as you’ve got your rifle’s scope zeroed in, you should be able to hit your target accurately.

In conclusion, if you want a hunting rifle scope that is cost-effective and user-friendly, then CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope is for you!

Frequently Asked Questions About Rifle Scopes for Deer Hunting

What are the Different Types of Rifle Scopes For Deer Hunting?

Fixed Scopes: In rifle scopes, fixed scopes are the most basic type. The magnification of a fixed scope is fixed, whereas the magnification of many scopes can be adjusted, allowing you to enlarge your target within the scope. You get what you pay for. With a fixed scope, you can’t magnify in or out to understand your target better. As a side benefit, they’re also less expensive.

Variable Scope: Rather than having a fixed magnification level, a variable scope naturally allows you to adjust the level of magnification to suit the particular situation. A series of numbers will refer to these scopes as their names. For example, 5-20X is the magnification factor for the first two numbers. In this case, the magnification ranges from 5X to 20X.

Night Vision Scope: You should consider a night vision scope if you frequently hunt at night or shoot in conditions with little light. You can use this scope even in low-light situations with an infrared illuminator.

Tactical Scope: You can apply the term “tactical” to a wide range of equipment, but a tactical scope is designed for a specific kind of shooting. Tactical scopes have lower magnification levels because they are not for long-range shooting. Though, low magnification and simple reticles allow for rapid target acquisition at close to medium ranges.

Long-Range Scope: The term “long-range scope” encompasses various scopes, including sniper scopes and competition scopes. Magnifications of more than 10X are considered long-range scopes. Some fixed long-range scopes have variable magnification as well.

Hunting Scope: Tactical scopes are more complex, whereas hunting scopes are simpler. Because they’ll be exposed to the elements for most of their lives, they need to be durable and resistant to any weather condition. Hunting scopes typically have a magnification of 20x or less, as hunters rarely hunt at great distances. Make sure to check out our guide to the best hunting scopes on the market!

Scout Scope: Scout Scopes are a go-to option in the military and the field of hunting. Like tactical scopes, you can use a scout scope in dense woodlands. People commonly use Scout scopes in the hunting of deer. Magnification ranges from 2X to 8X, the most commonly used being a 7x magnification. In addition, they are often plain and lack a great deal of adaptability. Some Scout scopes may or may not have turrets that you can shift.

Red Dot Scope: For the most part, red dot scopes aren’t equipped with any magnifying feature whatsoever. In a red dot scope, you will only see one red dot in the optic center when you look through it. It’s the target you’re after. You can only see the red dot when you look through the scope, not when you point your weapon at a target. With little or no magnification, this scope is not suitable for long-range shooting. Using a red dot scope is ideal for close-range shooting, but it can also be helpful at longer distances.

How to Use a Rifle Scope?

Step 1: Mount Your Scope – Mounting your rifle scope secures it safely on top of your rifle. You may need to purchase mounting scope rings to support your specific scope. If this occurs, make sure that the hardware of the scope rings perfectly matches both your device and accessory.

Step 2: Align the Reticle – Your riflescope’s reticle is critical for indicating the direction in which you will aim your scope. Follow the cross figure on your lens, depending on the shape of your reticles.

Step 3: Adjust the Eye Relief – Once you determine the reticle location, the next step is to account for eye relief. You must adjust the distance between the scope’s lens and the rifle recoil or point of impact to accomplish this.

Step 4: Put the Scope to the Test – Remember the parts of your riflescope: the body or tube, the reticle, the elevation and windage knobs, and the sites. Keep in mind that you must also consider its power when using a rifle scope.

Step 5: Aim the Shot – You can now aim the shot with your scopes ready.

Step 6: Zero the Rifle – Zeroing the rifle is hitting the target without moving the rifle a certain distance. Sandbags, a tripod, or a firing table may come in handy for this final step.

Final Words – Best Rifle Scope for Deer Hunting in 2022

With this much information and knowledge on deer hunting rifle scopes, as you can see, we’ve done our best to help you out. Our deer scope reviews include a total of 10 different scopes.

However, we recommend the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope if you want our advice on which rifle scope to buy. This one is an excellent choice for rifle scopes and our criteria. If you want our opinion on the best rifle scope for deer hunting, go for it. You can rest assured that you’re working with the very best.

For deer hunting, you don’t have to break the bank to get an excellent rifle scope, and we hope that this guide on rifle scope reviews has given you the confidence to buy your next rifle scope.

We’re confident you won’t be disappointed if you choose one from this list. You can go on your next hunt with confidence, knowing that you’ve prepared well and will return home a winner!