Best Scopes for Elk Hunting
Successful elk hunting relies heavily on one’s ability to aim and accurately shoot the target. This demands a good scope. However, choosing the right scope can be difficult especially when it comes to identifying the technical parameters of the scope that will deliver the accurate aim and hunt of an elk. Various parameters such as the light management features, mechanical reliability, clarity of view, and ruggedness define the ideal scope. I will take you through a number of highly rated scopes that I will evaluate based on a number of key parameters.
Here is a list of the Best Scopes for Elk Hunting
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For years, I have been hunting. However, Elk hunting proved challenging and incomparable to other animals. I realized that my successes relied heavily on the scope that I had. This is an animal that moves to various environments and requires more precision to hit it right where it will give up to the shot. A good rifle proved insufficient. I realized the secret lied on having the right scope for the aim, view, comfort, and one that would withstand the challenges that come with the environment.
Scopes for Elk hunting
Hunting scopes that are ideal for this type of hunting include; The Simmons 511039 22, Nikon Buckmasters II Riflescope BDC Reticle, Leupold VX-I Rifle Scope, and Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle. From my experience, these are the scopes that have the ability to endure the hunting demands and deliver an accurate hit. These scopes are attachable to any rifle. With the right installation and positioning, the scopes can deliver the desired view. There are many features that I noticed that come with the scopes. However, to understand the most productive and effective scope for hunting an elk, it is important to analyse the scopes based on the primary features that that make a good hunting scope as described by Elite outfitters who are established game hunters and from my personal experiences.
Optical quality
From my experience as a hunter especially when I am hunting animals that camouflage within their environment or sensitive animals that require you to hide, optical quality is a key feature in a scope. It is simply the quality of view that you have of the target considering the environment within which you are in. The Simmons 511039 22 comes with a number of features that improves the optical quality. The parallax correction present is one of the features that I have found instrumental during hunting. Every time I go hunting with a scope that lacks this feature, I find it difficult to approximate the distance of the target. I have to keeping looking away from the scope often scaring the prey. However, this scope comes fully installed with a parallax correction from 50 yards onwards. The fully coated optical glass lenses also keep the view bright and realistic.
The Nikon Buckmasters II Riflescope BDC Reticle is installed with an anti-reflective system. However, its feature that enhances optical quality is the nitrogen filling that keeps moisture from the interior. Hunting in foggy and misty areas is challenging without this scope. The Leupold VX-I Rifle Scope comes with a standard multicoated lens system that enhances the brightness of the view. This feature adds value to the optical quality but I prefer the scope for close range hunting. Hunting in thickets desires more than just natural light. The Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle is perfect for hunting under these conditions. It is one of the few scopes that have improved their optical quality with a dusk and dawn brightness multi-coloured lenses to enable hunting under any condition. For optical quality, it is one of the best scopes that you will find in the market.
Elevation and windage
Good hunting demands a crisp and accurate windage with elevation adjustments. Leupold makers of popular scopes emphasize that reliable point of impact across the entire power range can be ascertained through accurate windage and elevation adjustment within the scopes. This is a key feature that should be considered when selecting a good scope for hunting. Riflescopes are known to shift point of impact. From my experience, the change can be as easy as change in magnification.
The Simmons 511039 22 has a sure grip rubber surface that allows the user to simply adjust the scope under various conditions. You can move the scope to the desired angle and height manually. However, I realized that the ability to accurately aim and get the target relies heavily on my ability to set properly the scope in the right position which is a minus for the otherwise good scope. Nikon Buckmasters II Riflescope BDC Reticle is known for their prowess in optics. Nikon is a brand that I love to use when it comes to getting optical instruments that deliver precise and clear view. The scope comes with a BDC reticle trajectory-compensating system. I love using this system when hunting because makes aiming and calibration simple and fast.
Leupold VX-I Rifle Scope is one of the main scopes to that consider the importance of elevation and windage. The scope comes with a micro-fiction windage and elevation adjustment dials that have been instrumental during my hunting. This scope allows you to have a good hit and accurate view. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle is a disappointment when it comes to this. I had to add an accessory to realize this function. That means paying more for additional feature.
Objective lens diameter
Every other hunting blog emphasizes on the role of objective lens diameter when it comes to exit pupil and magnification. The role of the objective lens is to increase the proportionality so that the rifle scope during hunting does not deliver a larger exit pupil. However, there is always the need for a balance because a wider objective lens translates to a bulkier and a heavier scope. The scope becomes cumbersome within the rifle making aiming difficult.
There was this day when I was hunting in the mangrove. I appreciated the cost of a larger objective lens even as I suffered the associated consequences. Ever since, I have learnt that it is important to relate the hunting environment to the desired size of the scope. This assignment should be performed before going for the hunting exercise. The Simmons 511039 22, Nikon Buckmasters II Riflescope BDC Reticle, Leupold VX-I Rifle Scope, and Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle all have their objective lens diameter optimized for portability and ease of attachment to the rifles. You will barely notice the challenge associated with exit pupil as you will not be affected by the weight of the scope on the rife.
Main tubes and warranty
One thing that I have learnt is that you need the right size of the tube for your rifle to be a good hunter. Moreover, the tubes have to be made of a good resilient material. There was a time a bought a scope whose tube cracked while I was moving to my hunting site. Most of the time, the hunting environments are extreme terrains that require equipment that are made of tough materials that can withstand the hard conditions. This is a condition that should not be overlooked. Also critical is the issue of warranty. Every good manufacturer should be confident enough to give a warranty of the product if it good. A one year warranty is sufficient for the scopes.
The best size of a scope tube that will work out well with any rifle is one that does not exceed 50mm. all the listed scopes are below this value. With a scope length of 50mm, you get the right distance between the lenses that gives an ideal magnification for hunting. The strength of the lenses will vary to accentuate the scope of sight. This length value is also optimized for positioning the eye on the scope and having a good handling of the rifle. A longer scope may require a bigger rifle or the scope would be attached further from the viewer’s eyes.
The scopes and their features
The Simmons 511039
>>View The Simmons 511039 here<<
This affordable brand optimizes the costs and its functionality. I have used this scope for most of my daunting and challenging hunting expeditions. It is also good for sporting activities because of its small size and its openness to be accessorized.
The key strength of this scope is the materials that are used to make it. It is made of a fully coated optical glass lenses for clearer view and longevity.
With its parallax correction that allows a 50 yards to infinity clarity, it is one of the optically clear scopes.
The other advantage that I have enjoyed with the hunting gear is its Hydro Shied lens coating that maximizes the clarity of the target. The grip is perfect with a dovetail mounting ring for firmer grip. It is adjustable through simple levers. This is one of the best scopes for hunting elk in varying environments and climate. It surely meets its purpose.
Nikon Buckmasters II Riflescope BDC Reticle
>>View Nikon Buckmasters II Riflescope BDC Reticle here<<
With the confidence of a lifetime warranty let alone the brand strength that Nikon holds, I knew that is a product to desire.
The scope is made for durability which is a feature that you will feel immediately you hold it. it is endowed with an anti-reflective system that is enabled by multiple coated lenses. With this feature, I got to enjoy 92 per cent anti reflection. I often use the scope in glaring environments.
The scope is known for its versatility. It is the result of renowned brands Nikon who are masters in optics and Buck masters who are the elite brand in hunting. I enjoyed the service and experience of a collaboration of some of the best brands in their specific areas of operation.
The scope is simple and small. With two adjusting and magnification knobs, I enjoyed the versatility to adapt the instrument to the best focus.
Leupold VX-I Rifle Scope
>>View Leupold VX-I Rifle Scope here<<
Leupold is a respected brand in rifle scopes because of the predecessors of the Leupold VX-I Rifle Scope. My attraction to the scope was intrigued by the other previous products that I have enjoyed under the brand name. this scope is simple but speaks of class. It is a passionate hunter’s scope. The price is also good for the standard of quality delivered and the features that come with it.
I find the micro-friction windage and elevation adjustment the most appealing feature of the scope. I get to choose the position and angle of focus of the scope with ease. Moreover, the features make the scope applicable and useful in any environment. Hunting may become an unstable expedition. This is the desired product under these conditions.
The standard multicoated lenses completed the scope to be a perfect instrument for accuracy. If I am going to hunt an animal that moves swiftly and is agile, this is the scope that I chose because of its size and adaptivity to movement.
Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle
>>View Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle here<<
From a far look, it appeared as a simple scope. The size of the scope and the attached features gives it a simple appearance that should not be confused to be an implication of its performance.
One of its primary features it its reticle adjustable objective lens. This is intended for accuracy and clarity of view. With these features, the target is brought right in front of the shooter. It is also good for observing the target and having a clearer view of the target from a distance.
The scope comes with a dusk and dawn brightness designed lenses that has impeccable clarity and brightness. It has a windage and elevation adjustment supported by the multi-x reticle feature.
The 100 percent waterproof feature that you enjoy makes it last longer than most scopes. The scope gives a 4-12x magnification and a 40mm objective lens. It is the scope for going hunting in low lighting areas. The scope served me well in deep thickets that are dark.
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