Are you confused about which scope to get for your 30-60 rifle? Then you are in the right place.
After spending more hours in the wild than even my dog would love, trying 20+ 30-60 rifle scopes, and also putting in hours of research into this that includes talking to scope/hunting nerds on forums, reading 100+ customer reviews, seeing countless videos of people using these scopes, I picked 5 of my favorite 30-60 scopes for 2023.
These scopes have been reviewed based on durability, range estimation, optics quality, price, etc. to help you find the best scope for 30-06 scopes based on your budget and needs.
So let’s dig right into those.
Here’s a summary of my favorite 30-06 scopes in case you are looking for a quick-fire purchase.
- Vortex Optics Viper HS-T – Top Pick
- Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
- Vortex Optics Diamondback – Budget Pick
- Nikon Prostaff P3 2-7×32 Rifle Scope
- Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope – Costs less than $100
Below is also a comparison table that compares the products in brief.
Best Scope for 30-06 for 2023 Reviewed
| Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|
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Our Top Pick
Vortex Optics Viper HS-T
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VIEW ON AMAZON → READ REVIEWS → |
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Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
| VIEW ON AMAZON → READ REVIEWS → |
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Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12x40 Riflescope
|
VIEW ON AMAZON → READ REVIEWS → |
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Nikon Prostaff P3 2-7x32 Rifle Scope
|
VIEW ON AMAZON → READ REVIEWS → |
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Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope
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VIEW ON AMAZON → READ REVIEWS → |
And if you like to know the nitty-gritty stuff before buying scopes, below are detailed reviews:
1. Vortex Optics Viper HS-T
If you have the big bucks and want something high-quality that delivers amazing optics and allows you to aim at longer distances look no further than the Vortex Optics HS-T. Here’s all about it.
With a premium lens that has multiple layers of anti-reflective coating, the Vortex Optics delivers exceptional visuals irrespective of the light or the magnification. Yes, even at 24x magnification, there’s barely any distortion allowing you to aim at distances of above 500 yards.
Further ensuring this is the side parallax adjustment. Unlike others, here it is easier to adjust as it is on the side rather than the top. Plus, you can adjust it from 50 yards to infinity which is much higher than on most scopes.
When you are spending the big bucks on a scope you also want amazing accuracy, right? Well, that’s exactly what the scope delivers. The reticle has hash marks that account for holdover while the quick eye focus means it takes mere seconds to acquire targets (even the moving ones).
The reticle is also an SFP reticle which means it maintains its large size irrespective of the zoon thus remaining crystal clear at all times making it ideal for long-range shooting.
Also, adding to the comfort of using the scope (say goodbye to black eyes) while improving target acquisition is the long 4” eye relief.
You also want your scope to last long and not crack with a few bumps or even if it were dropped by mistake, right? Well, the HS-T is a beast when it comes to durability
Thanks to its aluminum build, this bad boy can take a real beating. It is also weatherproof. Snow or rain, the tightly sealed o-rings ensures not a drop of water seeps in while the nitrogen purging keeps the lens from fogging up (you can even leave it submerged in water).
But that’s not all.
Apart from an anti-reflective coating, the lens also has a special armored coating that keeps it protected from dust, dirt, oil, water, and even scratches further adding to the durability.
Vortex Optics also takes your safety to a whole new level by providing the scope with a hard-anodized finish that does not just add to the durability but also reduces reflection. This, in turn, improves your camouflage so the hunter never becomes the hunted.
As for the turrets, I am a fan. They are tall so gripping them under any situation is easy peasy. Plus, they have a loud clickety sound which in tandem with the white, clear marking, and numbers makes adjusting them to the tee a breeze.
They are also pretty smooth and thus require minimal force to adjust. Even the magnification dial is simple so you are locked and loaded onto targets in seconds.
The only downside of the scope is that the reticle isn’t illuminated. While that reduces the hassle of carrying and charging batteries, it does mean that the scope struggles in low light. It isn’t as bad as some of the cheaper Vortex scopes since this is a fiber optic reticle but definitely does not match up to the performance an illuminated reticle delivers in low light.
Pros
- It is waterproof and works in extreme temperatures
- The lens is protected by a special armored coating
- Get excellent visuals even at full magnification
- Turrets are smooth and tall for easy grips and adjustment
- They are also numbered and good audibility
- The hard anodized finish reduces glare for better camouflage
- Quick focus eyepiece helps acquire targets in a jiffy
- Nitrogen purge prevents the lens from fogging up
Cons
- No illuminated reticle
2. Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
If you are talking about top-notch rifle scopes, a Leupold is likely to be always there and the VX-5HD shows exactly why.
Another one for the premium buyers, the one big advantage it has over the Vortex Optics scope is the illuminated reticle. Yes, it has been equipped with Leupold proprietary FireDot Reticle that ensures it remains visible irrespective of the background colors or light (dusk or dawn, there’s no stopping you now).
Further adding to the clarity is the Guard-Ion Hydrophobic Lens Coating that disperses light perfectly to ensure an excellent view even at the maximum magnification of 15x. The coating prevents dirt, fingerprints, and scratches from affecting the lens performance.
To top it all, like all Leupold scopes, even this is equipped with the Twilight Max HD Light Management System that gives you a whopping 20-25 minutes of additional light (much higher than on most Leupold scopes).
Also, the reticle is thick on the outside with a thin center. This is great for accuracy while the thick outside improves visibility which comes in handy in case you run out of battery while hunting.
Another standout feature of the scope is the CDS elevation dial. With this dial, you don’t need holdovers or ballistic calculations. That’s because the dial can be customized based on your rifle and ammo.
And thanks to the push-down locking system, the dials don’t accidentally shift either irrespective of how quick or jerky your movements are.
I also love the punisher test that each Leupold scope has to undergo. In this test, only scopes capable of withstanding recoil 3x the times of a .308 rifle get the all-clear so you know the scope is rock-solid.
Furthermore, the aircraft-grade aluminum build also makes it waterproof so even if it had to be submerged in water (33 feet deep), it performs just as well as new. It has also been tested to perform in temperatures varying from -40ºF to 160ºF so weather is never an issue.
Turrets could have been slightly taller like they are on the Vortex Optics scope mentioned above but I am glad they are smooth and numbered. This in tandem with the audible click makes adjusting them precisely during tense situations easier.
Even the magnification scope is numbered and smooth for quick, easy adjustment.
Leupold’s quick-response customer team is also worth a mention. So if you are worried about after-sales service, this is the brand you can trust.
And lastly, backing all their scopes is a lifetime warranty which means all repairs or replacements won’t cost you a penny.
Pros
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
- Leupold’s customer service is excellent
- Undergoes strict recoil resistance tests for durability
- It can be submerged in 33-feet deep water
- Also works in temperatures of -40ºF to 160ºF.
- Turrets are numbered and have good audibility
- Push down locking system ensures they don’t change accidentally
- CDS system eliminates the need for holdovers or ballistic calculations
- The reticle is illuminated for low light
- Get additional 20-25 minutes of light with Twilight Light Management System
- Guard-Ion Hydrophobic Coating on the lens for protection and clarity
Cons
- Battery life could have been better
- Taller turrets would be easier to grip
3. Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 Riflescope
On a tight budget? No problem. It is Vortex Optics to the rescue again this time with their Diamondback scope that punches well above its weight.
For a scope costing less than $200, I was quite impressed with the build and optics quality. It has the same aircraft-grade aluminum build as the other scopes so whether you are careless or handle your scopes roughly, you shouldn’t have any problem with those bumps and hits.
It is also waterproof so using it in rain is hassle-free (just don’t leave it submerged for too long) while the nitrogen purging ensures fog-build up does not hinder your view.
Since it has a single tube build, its recoil-resistance is much better than scopes from other brands like Bushnell, etc. in this price range. Plus, it has the same hard-anodized finish providing added protection to both the scope and you by cutting down glare so your camouflage is never compromised.
Another thing I like about this scope is that it comes with a Dead-Hold BDC reticle. If you are new to shooting, the holdover and elevation estimations provided by the reticle come in handy as it improves your accuracy ensuring you waste less ammo.
Also, the reticle is an SFP reticle so it remains large and clear at any zoom just like with the Vortex Optics Viper HS-T.
Oh, and then there is the quick-focus eyepiece and long eye relief that help acquire targets quickly whether still or moving.
The lens is multi-coated but the lower quality of the lens and multi-coat means you will notice some distortion at 12x magnification. Though at around 9x, I was impressed by the image quality making it easy to aim at distances of about 300-350 yards.
The turrets are covered. Yes, this means you won’t be able to make adjustments while on the go like with the others but it does provide additional protection and they are more likely to hold settings for years.
But if needed, you can remove the covering. Under it, the turrets are numbered so maintaining precision is easy. They could have been a tad louder but their smoothness means adjusting you can adjust them with minimal force. The magnification dial is numbered and smooth as well.
Lastly, the scope is also pretty light at 1.4 lbs and is one of the most compact models on the list which means carrying it around whether on the 30-06 rifle or in a backpack is hassle-free (you barely feel its weight and fits pretty much anywhere).
Pros
- Costs less than $200
- Lightweight and compact and thus easy to carry
- Great build considering the low price
- It is waterproof
- Equipped with a quick focus eyepiece
- Long eye-relief keeps the eye protected
- BDC reticle provides holdover and elevation details for accuracy
- The anodized coating improves camouflage by reducing glare
- The turrets covering cannot be removed
Cons
- Turrets should have been taller
- Slight distortion at full magnification
- The reticle isn’t illuminated
4. Nikon Prostaff P3 2-7×32 Rifle Scope
Not just great cameras, Nikon has been one of the pioneers when it comes to scopes as well and has continued to provide great visuals. Here’s all about the Prostaff P3.
The visuals do not disappoint and even at 7x the visuals were commendable. In fact, much better than most scopes around the $250 price range.
This is all thanks to the lens quality and the multi-coating that ensures good light transmission and improves brightness and contrast for sharper colors.
Even durability was impressive and that’s no surprise considering its metallic build. The scope does not just feel solid but a couple of bumps didn’t even create a scratch. I haven’t drop-tested it but I’ll update you all on that soon.
But I did submerge it in water for 5 minutes and there were no issues. The sealed o-rings are tight and do their job pretty well. Then there is the nitrogen purge as well to keep the lens fog-free.
Talking about the reticle, there are points on it for holdover estimations but if you are a newbie and need a little more help to nail that bull’s eye, there’s the Spot On Ballistic Technology. This gives you the power to adjust the reticle based on your load or caliber.
Another thing that adds to the ease of using the scope is the spring-loaded turrets that reset to zero in a flash after you sight in thus allowing you to take multiple shots.
Also, adding to the accuracy and quick target acquisition is the quick focus eyepiece that has an aluminum ring for smooth turning while the rubber eye guard makes long hours of usage comfortable.
On the downsides, I wish the turrets were numbered, and removing the covering is way tougher here. The magnification is also lesser compared to other scopes on the list which means the distance it can aim to is limited to less than 300 yards.
Plus, the reticle isn’t illuminated so you will have to do all your hunting during the day.
Pros
- Excellent visuals for low-costing scope
- Turrets are smooth
- Covering prevents them from shifting
- Spring-loaded turrets reset to zero almost instantly
- Excellent eye-relief and quick focus eyepiece for faster target acquisition
- Match caliber or load with the reticle using the special ballistic match tech
- The reticle gives holdover and elevation estimations
- It is waterproof and very durable
- Costs around $250
Cons
- Turrets are not numbered
- It only has 7x magnification
- The reticle isn’t illuminated
5. Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope
If you are strapped for cash but still need a scope, you will be glad to know that this Simmons scope will cost you less than $100 (yes, you heard that right).
But its benefits aren’t limited to its low price, there’s plenty to like about it as well.
Firstly, there are the SureGrip Audible-Click turrets that exactly what the name suggests, easy to grip and pretty audible. They aren’t numbered but that’s anyways a rarity on cheaper scopes.
They stay locked for years making it a set it, forget it scope even if you were to mount and dismount it constantly or have it ride around on bumpy roads.
There is also a special QTA eyepiece that in tandem with the 3.75” eye-relief means target acquisition is just as quick as it is with any mid-range scope.
It is also weatherproof. Yes, with sealed o-rings, the scope works pretty well in rain. Though you don’t submerge it in water or drop it too hard.
The scope is also equipped with a 9x magnification that is well-supported by the multi-coated lens. Yes, there is slight blurring on the sides at 9x but I am still impressed as even at this cheaper price, you should have no trouble at distances of about 100-150 yards.
The reticle doesn’t have any crosshair for holdover or elevation estimations but I like the thick outside and the thin center that ensures accuracy both at close-range and long-range
Pros
- Great audibility and grip on turrets
- Good eye-relief of 3.75-inches
- QTA eye-piece for faster target acquisition
- Costs less than $100
- The reticle has a thin center for accuracy
- Matte black finish reduces glare
- Lightweight and compact
- Impressive recoil-resistance for a cheaper scope
Cons
- No holdover estimations
- There’s blurring at full magnification
- Turrets are not numbered
- The reticle isn’t illuminated
All in all, this is a basic scope that is best-suited for anyone on a low budget that does not need any fancy-frills or wants to shoot at ultra-long distances.
Conclusion
Those are my top picks for the best scopes for 30-06 rifles. Vortex and Leupold top the charts and considering the quality and performance these brands have consistently delivered over the years, that comes as no surprise.
In case you have used any of these scopes before and would like to share your reviews, do let us know in the comments section below.
You can also send in your questions about these or other 30-06 scopes that you intend on buying. In case you want to email me, head over to the contact page. I’ll get back to you within 24-hours.
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