Are you looking for the best scope for the 30-06? It turns out that there are many options to choose from, and in this article, we are going to reveal the best one out there.
Did you know:
The .30-06 Springfield is a very famous round and is one of the most popular hunting cartridges today. It is hard to believe that it was created back in 1906, which means it has been around for a long time.
The thing is...
When it comes to choosing the right scope for your .30-06, you need one that meets the needs of your specific situation at an affordable price.
Let's look next at the different criteria to look for in picking the right scope for you.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, where I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Best Scope For 30-06 Criteria
Here are the top 5 factors to consider when looking for a scope.
Magnification
A big factor to consider is to figure out what distances you plan on shooting.
The average hunter takes shots that are less than 300 yards. Sport shooters on the other hand, might want to be shooting up to 1000 yards.
This distance will ultimately determine how much magnification you need in your scope.
Naturally, the price of scopes starts going up with more magnification.
Scopes will have several digits designating what their magnification capabilities are.
There are also fixed and variable mag scopes available.
For example, a common hunting scope is the 3-9x40, where the 3-9 numbers designate a minimum magnification of 3x and a maximum magnification of 9x.
The 3-9x40 is a great scope setup for hunters shooting under the 300 yard range.
Objective Lens
The objective lens is something to consider because its size is what determines how much light enters the scope. This affects the brightness of the image that you see looking through the scope.
The size of the objective lens is given in the scope digits after the "x". For example, in the common 3-9x40 scope, 40 is the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters (mm).
The typical user will do just fine with a 40 mm lens. If you are a hunter that is interested in doing more hunting at dusk or dawn, then consider getting a bigger objective lens to help you see better in lower light conditions.
Temperature
You should think about the environments that you will be shooting in, and consider that temperature can affect how the scope performs.
Many higher quality scopes have their inner air chamber purged with another gas to help prevent fog up. If you plan on shooting in more extreme environments, consider getting this feature.
Durability
You need a scope that can hold up well to the demands of the range or the wilderness. Durability is critical because you want a scope that won't easily get damaged and one that can also "hold zero" once you have it sighted in.
Price
For most of us, price is always a big factor. There are cheap, mid range, and expensive scopes out there on the market. The typical user should opt for the mid range scope so that they get high quality that won't break the bank.
Product Overview
The best 30-06 scope out there for most users is the Leupold VX-2 3-9x40.
Leupold is a company that has been making scopes for over 70 years and has a proven track record of quality and performance.
The VX-2 product line consists of mid range scopes that are loaded with features, and yet still affordable. The VX-2 line is one of the most popular ones on the market.
The Leupold VX-2 3-9x40 is one of the best mixes of quality, features, and capability for its price range. It has a magnification range of 3.2x up to 8.8x, so it is great for most hunters.
The eye relief is about 4 inches. The elevation adjustment range is 52 MOA, which offers plenty of adjustment space.
The frame is made from aircraft grade Aluminum, making the scope rugged and durable.
There is also a lifetime guarantee. I have a video of it for you below.
Pros
The Leupold VX-2 3-9x40 is one of the most popular hunting scopes that people buy.
It is waterproof and fog proof thanks to its Argon/Krypton gas mix design.
The scope has a generous eye box, which means that you can quickly shoulder your rifle and acquire your target without any scope image alignment problems.
The optics are a great mix of design and coatings, providing fantastic light transmission through the scope. This helps create a really crisp image.
Cons
There aren't many bad things to say about this scope. It has been around for a long time and Leupold has worked all of the problems out of it by now.
There is a reason why this is a top seller, and it shows in the craftsmanship of this scope.
Conclusion
In summary, out of all of the 30-06 scopes out there, the Leupold VX-2 3-9x40 is a clear winner. It has a magnification range of 3.2x to 8.8x, giving you good versatility for most of your shooting needs.
The objective lens is the popular 40 mm diameter, creating bright images under most conditions. The scope is water proof and fog proof. It is built out of high quality materials making it very durable.
The Leupold VX-2 3-9x40 is undoubtedly the one to get for the money for this type of scope and is a perfect addition to your rifle.
And if you also need a .308 scope, I've got a great run down for you.
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