The .30-06 is one of the best cartridges for hunting.
I’ve used it to hunt deer and big game in numerous settings from the dense Northeast forests to the prairie provinces of Saskatchewan, at varying ranges from 50 yards to 300 yards.
So whenever I’m choosing the best scope for .30-06, I make sure it meets these criterias:
First, magnification. Most of us hunt at <200 yards in thick brush or deep woods, so a low powered scope is all you need. However, if you’re shooting further out (open country), then you can up the magnification.
Second, clarity. The glass needs to be clear and the objective lens needs to be big enough to allow ample light during dawn/dusk, but not too big where it adds unnecessary weight to your rifle.
Finally, reticle. I dislike cluttered reticles that have multiple aiming points. It’s too distracting. Instead, I prefer simple reticles so I can focus on shot and target placement.
Out of the dozen scopes I’ve hunted with (and tested), the one I keep turning to is the Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10×40. It checks all the boxes and is one of the best 30-06 scopes for big game hunting.
The Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10×40 is the best all around scope for big game hunting.
It has a wide field of view at low power and enough magnification for longer range shots (250 – 300+yards). The glass is clear throughout all settings and the Duplex reticle — which is my personal favorite hunting reticle — is super simple to use.
If you need an ‘all around’ scope for big game hunting, I’d highly recommend the VX-3i. It’s the scope I personally use on my Springfield .30-06 rifle.
If you’re hunting in areas where your average shot is <100 yards, then get the Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20.
This magnification works phenomenal for short range hunting since it has super wide field of view and fast target acquisition (quicker close shots) – just like a holographic sight. The glass is nice and bright in low light conditions, the turrets are repeatable, and the Duplex reticle is easy to use.
Highly recommended if you’re hunting short range. It’s also one of the best AR-15 scopes.
If you’re hunting in open country areas or shooting long range, then the Vortex Razor HD 3-18×50 is for you.
It has generous eye relief (3.7 inches), crystal clear glass (no mirage-effect), zero-reset, and an EBR-7C illuminated reticle that estimates bullet drop, wind, spotting and ranging. However, the scope is very large and heavy (2.9 lbs).
So if weight is a concern, I’d recommend getting the VX-3i. Otherwise, the Razor HD will work wonders for long range shooting.
Can’t spend more than $200? Get the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32.
The 2-7x magnification is perfect for short to medium range hunting (200 – 250 yards). It has enough FOV at lower settings, yet enough magnification for shots across clear cuts and ravines.
Sure, the glass is no Razor HD or VX-3i, but it’s clear enough to hunt. It’s also really good at gathering light at dawn/dusk, a plus for night-time shooters. The turrets are finger adjustable, has an adjustable eye piece, and adequate eye relief.
So if you’re just getting started with shooting or on a tight budget, I wouldn’t hesitate to try out the Crossfire II 2-7×32.
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Why should you trust me?
It’s what I do full-time.
I get paid to buy optics, mount them to my rifles, shoot dozens of rounds, and write a guide detailing my findings. I also have a ton of experience with the .30-06 round.
As I’ve mentioned earlier, I used to do a lot of hunting in different regions from Saskatchewan to Texas (my home town). During those hunts, I tried various scopes from Bushnell to Vortex. So what I’m about to show you are the best scopes for your .30-06 rifle.
Don’t believe me? Good.
Don’t believe anyone that runs a reviewing blog. Consider everyone is being secretly sponsored by scope companies. Use forums you trust as you read my review. Confirm all my sources and check Amazon reviews.
Speaking of sponsors, it’s your right to know any potential biases that may have affected this review.
First, every scope I recommend down below were bought from my own money. I bought them from Amazon and paid the same price as any other customer would.
Second, I didn’t receive any free products or special discounts, nor was this guide sponsored by anyone. In fact, I don’t accept advertising. This allows me to write the most honest review online.
Finally, I do earn money through affiliate sales. Remember when I said I get paid to buy optics? I make that money from you. You see, when you make a purchase through my affiliate link, I get a small commission (between 1-4%).
To be very clear: I don’t see what you purchase, nor does it affect the price you pay.
With the money I make, I use it to keep the reviews unbiased, keep those annoying ads off my site, and put food on my table.
Now that’s out of the way, here are the best 30-06 scopes on the market.
Quick Answer: The Best .30-06 Scopes On The Market
The 4 Best Scopes for 30-06
- Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10×40: Best Overall
- Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20: Runner-up
- Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen 2 3-18×50: Best for Open Country
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32: Best Budget
1. Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10×40: Best Overall
The Leupold VX-3i should definitely be at the top of your list for best hunting scopes.
In fact, it’s my number one pick for hunting, no matter the distance or prey. Here’s why:
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The Leupold VX-3i provides a crystal clear sight picture.
You’ll get edge-to-edge crispness and an image quality that’s comparable to scopes that cost twice as much.
Plus, all Leupold scopes have their signature Twilight Max coating, including the VX-3i. This special coating gathers light, making it easier to see in low light conditions.
This feature skyrockets this scope to the top because it gives you an extra twenty minutes of visibility at dawn or dusk. And as any avid hunter knows, this is the time of day when most prey make an appearance.
Combined with the DiamondCoat 2, which also lets in more light while protecting your lens from scratches, spotting and targeting your prey is a breeze.
I particularly love the Duplex reticle on the Leupold VX-3i.
It’s simple and neat, which makes it easy for me to focus on my target and my shot, rather than getting distracted by all the reticle markings on other types.
Plus, target acquisition is much faster because the crosshairs get finer towards the center, drawing your eye right to it. In fact, it’s almost as fast as using an ACOG clone.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
You’ll also get a pretty generous amount of eye relief with this scope.
The Leupold VX-3i has 4.4 – 3.6 inches, depending on the magnification you’re using.
I’ve found this to be well more than enough and it’s one of the things that makes this scope stand out.
Even at the highest magnification, the eye relief is sufficient. At long range distances, this is the best muzzleloader scope because, even though the eye relief does tighten up at the top end, it’s still manageable with a good cheek weld.
Durability
The Leupold VX-3i is exceptionally durable and can handle anything you throw at it.
It’s lightweight, which makes it perfect for lugging through the woods. This is due to the aircraft grade aluminum body that’s also tough as nails.
The DiamondCoat 2 that I mentioned provides scratch resistance for the lenses and Leupold offers a lifetime guarantee on this scope.
But you won’t need it because this beauty is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
Since I’ve had this scope, I’ve taken it on many hunting trips. I don’t baby my gear and I’ll confess that I’ve dropped mine and watched it bounce off a rock and land in a stream a time or two. Even so, I’ve yet to have a single problem with it.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
This scope has ¼ MOA click adjustments on the elevation and windage turrets.
The knobs have an audible and tactile click that’s easy to feel. I’ve owned some scopes with some mushy knob clicks and these are a huge upgrade.
What about zeroing?
Personally, I had mine zeroed in a handful of shots. Even if yours takes a few more, it’s easy and relatively quick if you know what you’re doing.
I’ve shot hundreds of rounds through the Leupold VX-3i and it’s held zero perfectly. It’s even proven to stand up to the best 7.62×39 scope on a bolt action rifle and I’ve yet to readjust it.
When you buy this rifle scope, you can choose whether or not to get the CDS or not. This Zerolock Custom Dial System is a must for long range hunting because the elevation adjustments are quick and easy to make. If you’re looking for the best scope for shotgun, this may not be as important to you.
Parallax & Magnification
With 3.5-10x magnification, this scope is perfect for short to long-range hunting.
At 10x, I’ve been able to make some longer range shots (800 yards). However, I’m usually hunting in the 300 yard range with .30-60, which is where this scope excels. But, it’s nice to have the option to shoot at almost any distance.
The Leupold VX-3i has a fixed parallax and I haven’t had any problems with distortion so far. And I’ve used it enough to know I likely won’t ever have a problem.
Mounting & Rings
You’ll need to purchase your own rings for this scope, as it doesn’t come with any kind of mount.
I prefer the 1 inch Leupold weaver-style rings because they are the best for my particular setup.
Even though it does come with a bikini style cover, I bought a Leupold Alumina cover. The flip up covers are just more convenient, in my opinion.
Summary
Hunting small to large game at almost any distance couldn’t be any easier than with the Leupold VX-3i.
It features:
- Tactile turrets
- Lightweight durability
- Simple, Duplex reticle
- Variable magnification
- Twilight Max Light Management
- Crystal clear glass & edge-to-edge clarity
If you’re looking for the best ‘all-around’ hunting scope, look no further than the Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10×40. It’s the perfect scope for all your hunting needs.
2. Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20: Runner-up
The Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20 is the best scope for short-range deer hunting.
In fact:
Any time I’m hunting <150 yards, this is the scope I pull out. That’s because it has a super wide field of view (perfect for close range) and fast target acquisition. But that’s not all.
Here’s a more in-depth breakdown…
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The glass is crystal clear and bright — even in low light conditions.
That’s because the lenses are fully multi-coated and are built with the TLMS system. This offers decent visibility even in those critical first and last near-dark minutes of the day when deer are most active.
I’ll cover magnification later, but I really want to highlight how crisp the glass is. Through each magnification, you have edge-to-edge clarity.
The simplified Pig Plex reticle is even better. The scope is also available with Rimfire MOA, Trifire MOA, or duplex reticle options as well.
If you like minimalist reticles suitable for various scenarios, go for Duplex.
The Pig Plex simple crosshair has a centralized circle that provides quick target acquisition on fast-moving targets. Easy, no fuss shooting.
It utilizes a 200 or 300-yard zero, depending on ammunition, and has holdover points out to 600 yards. In hunting terms, it works great with the .30-06 cartridge for hunting deer and big game.
There is no illumination option for the reticle, which I was bummed about. The thick reticle posts help guide your eye but in those sometimes dark, high contrast hunting environments it can be a bit difficult to see the reticle.
But for the most part, it works well in low light conditions. You always have the option of adding on the best pistol red dots as well.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Eye relief is generous, varying from 4.2 – 3.7 inches depending on your magnification.
With only a 1” tube I was expecting a tight eye box, but the Leupold VX-Freedom is wide open.
From min to max magnification there’s no real change in the eye box which is extremely important when you have a good cheek weld on a rifle.
At 4x it does get a little tight but is certainly usable especially when your cheek weld doesn’t change from one magnification to the next.
Durability
I needed this scope to be durable for the rough and tumble hunting environment. I wasn’t disappointed.
The optic’s body is crafted from 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum built to withstand serious abuse while still being lightweight.
Speaking of weight, this scope is seriously light. Just under 10 oz, so you won’t tire yourself out lugging it around on your hunting trails.
It’s also waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof with scratch-resistant lenses.
All Leupold scopes go through the same extensive testing they perform before they release their products. Made here in the USA and backed by their lifetime warranty.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The Leupold VX-Freedom has both windage and elevation turrets that are marked ¼” MOA.
They were a little gritty to adjust initially but smoothed out over use. I’d rather have that than mushy turrets any day.
Both turrets come with caps.
I was disappointed that they weren’t audible, but with this optic, it’s great to set it and forget it so you won’t need to mess around with adjustments too frequently anyway.
Zeroing took zero effort. At 25 yards it was dead on after getting it on paper. I went out to 50 yards to re-test and it still held true.
Parallax & Magnification
Magnification runs from 1.5-4x. And changing between magnification happens real quick even without a throw lever.
The decent 3:1 zoom ratio has you covered in various situations. It lets you switch from observation and target acquisition to long-range precision aiming with just one turn.
It’s also compatible with the TRYBE Optics Enhancer, 2x Magnification Doubler which doubles the magnification of the optic.
With the same scope, 1.5-4x becomes 3-8x meaning your scope can become two scopes for the price of one.
The 1.5 magnification is great for an added boost of clarity, but the slight magnification can be a bit jarring if you try to use it at super close range distances with both eyes open.
The VX-1 Freedom isn’t built for room clearing, but that’s not why we have it. This optic excels at deer hunting.
Mounting & Rings
Mounts and rings will have to be purchased separately and depend on your setup.
The scope is about 9.5” long and only 9.6 oz, meaning you could get a lightweight mount like the Aero Precision Ultralight 1″ Scope Mount, SPR, and still have a full rig for less than a pound.
I also bought a set of Leupold Alumina Lens Covers (20mm) for the objective lens…
…and Lens Cover Standard for the eyepiece:
They’re super lightweight, durable and look really good. Highly recommended if you want to keep your lenses in tip top shape.
And if you aren’t going to use your scope that often, I’d recommend investing in a Scope Cover:
Summary
The Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20 rifle scope is an affordable option for short- to long-range hunters. It’s optimized for quick adjustments and fast target acquisition.
To recap:
- 3:1 Zoom Ratio
- Ultra-Lightweight Design
- Scratch-Resistant Lenses
- Twilight Light Management System
- No questions asked, lifetime warranty
In short, the Leupold VX-Freedom will give you the added accuracy you need without the hassle, and at a reasonable price.
If you’re looking for an optic for hunting deer and big game, give the Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4 riflescope a shot. You won’t be disappointed.
3. Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen 2 3-18×50: Best for Open Country Hunting
Are you an open country hunter looking for the best scope for long-range shots?
You need a scope that allows you to clearly see the finest details from a distance. You also need to be able to get on target without a lot of fuss.
After extensive testing, I believe the Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen 2-18×50 is the perfect open country optic.
Let me show you why…
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The Razor HD has incredibly clear glass.
From the lowest magnification (3x) to the highest (18x), the image stayed clear and sharp — even in low light conditions.
It uses an EBR-7C reticle set in the first focal plane.
This means that the reticle’s size changes as you change magnifications.
This is perfect for hunting in open country or taking long-range shots because my holdover points remain the same no matter what magnification I’m using.
The reticle is also illuminated. In the center of the reticle, the holdover and windage hashes light up when turned on.
To me, it kind of looks like a red Christmas tree in the middle of my crosshairs. Despite its looks, it functions quite well and I found the illumination to be particularly helpful during pre-dawn and after dusk hunts.
Speaking of which, if you need something for short range shooting, check out my review for the best prism scope.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The eye relief is fairly standard at 3.7 inches.
I found the eyebox to be pretty generous. I have space to move around my scope without making the image jump.
On my last hunt, I was able to take down an elk at over 300 yards from a fairly awkward position behind a boulder with one shot.
I also love the fast focus eyepiece which allows for rapid focus adjustments.
Durability
I have my Vortex Razor HD Gen 2 mounted to my trusty Remington Model 700. I honestly think this scope is as tough as the rifle I put it on.
It’s held up well with the heavy 220 grain 30/06 loads I use for long-range, big game hunts. I’d even say it’s one of the best scopes for M1A.
That’s because it’s crafted from aircraft grade aluminum that’s O-ring sealed and waterproof.
I even dropped my rifle during a river crossing and it had zero effect on my scope.
Speaking of which, the Armortek lens coatings protect the objective and ocular lenses from dirt, water, oil, and scratches. It does so well, that on long, backcountry excursions, I don’t even bother with lens covers.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
I’ve found windage and elevation knobs to be very reliable. They have a tactile click that I can both hear and feel with my fingers.
The L-Tec turret system locks the turrets down so I can’t accidentally adjust them.
It’s also incredibly easy to zero. I was able to sight it in with 3 shots. In fact, I love that I can fine tune my accuracy with the micro zero adjustment that lets me set zero between clicks.
This feature is particularly helpful when you need to be extra precise for long-range shots.
Parallax & Magnification
The magnification range is from 3x to 18x. This is the perfect all-around magnification range for your .30-06. It has all the power you need — whether you’re shooting in the woods or across wide open spaces.
I can handle close-range shots with precision during forest hunts, or I can zoom to a higher magnification to tag pronghorn across the prairie. In fact, you can also use it as the best scope for .300 blackout.
Mounting & Rings
It didn’t come with any mounting, so I used 1” Vortex Rings (which are only compatible with picatinny rails — not weaver).
I also installed Vortex’s Throw Lever which allows me to adjust the magnification levels with ease.
And since I spent so much money on this scope, I invested in a pair of Defender Flip Caps (size E-10 & 0-50).
Note: A sunshade attachment and lens cloth are included with the optic 🙂
Summary
If you’re like me and love the versatility of the .30-06 for hunting any big game with long-distance precision, then the Vortex Razor HD Gen 2 3-18×50 is for you.
To recap, it has:
- Clear glass
- Extremely durable
- Easy to read, illuminated reticle
- Micro zero adjustments for fine tuning
With this scope on your rifle, you’ll be bagging big game in the open country in no time.
4. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32: Best Budget
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 is a great hunting scope at a great price.
In fact, it’s the best budget deer hunting scope on the market. The Crossfire II competes with the big boys, at a fraction of the cost.
Ready to find out why? Keep reading…
Glass Clarity & Reticle
First off, the glass on the Crossfire II is very clear.
The lenses are fully multi-coated to reduce glare and enhance light transmission.
This, combined with the 32mm objective opening, makes for a really bright image, even when the sun starts to set.
Using this scope, I can clearly pick out a deer in the distance, even through the brush.
Now, on to the reticle.
The Crossfire II uses the Deadhold BDC reticle. It’s a duplex with holdover and windage dots on the bottom and side posts.
It’s not illuminated, but I prefer that in a hunting optic because it’s one less thing to worry about when I’m out in the field.
I love this reticle for hunting, because the dots take the guesswork out of ranging my target, but they don’t clutter up my view or obscure the deer in any way.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Eye relief on this scope is between 3.9 and 4.7 inches.
This is a ton of room to play with, and it means that the Crossfire II plays well with other accessories because you can mount it pretty much anywhere on your top rail.
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Plus, the eyebox is extremely generous, even at the highest magnification. This makes it quick and easy to settle in and acquire your target.
Durability
Even at it’s low price, the Crossfire II is built like a tank.
It’s made from a single piece of aircraft grade aluminum, so it’s strong and light. Plus, single-piece construction means no moving parts or gaps to let in moisture or dirt.
And, the tube is o-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, so it’s waterproof and fogproof.
It’s shockproof too: I even dropped mine once, and it didn’t affect performance at all. From air rifles to high-caliber hunters, this optic can handle any amount of recoil.
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Solid durability is important in a hunting optic, because you never know what kind of conditions you will run into on a long hunt!
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The turrets on this scope are reliable and easy to use.
They are finger-turnable, and produce a solid “click” with each turn. Each click is ¼ MOA, so you can get a really precise zero with the Crossfire II.
In fact, I was able to zero in with only two groups, and even after nearly 1000 rounds through my 30-06, the scope has held it’s zero.
And if that wasn’t enough, the turrets feature a zero reset so you can set your dials to zero after sighting in.
Magnification
The Crossfire II gives you variable 2-7x zoom.
The magnification knob has a really nice feel to it, and turns smoothly. It’s burled for easy grip, which is really handy when I’m hunting with gloves on.
The lowest setting is great for observation and target acquisition, and you can zoom in to push your shots out to 100 yards or more. I tend to be shooting in the 40-80 yard range when hunting, and this scope excels at those distances.
Looking for a lower-powered optic? Check out my guide on the best 1-4x scopes.
Mounting & Rings
Unfortunately, Vortex doesn’t include any rings or mounts with the Crossfire II.
So, I bought some 1” Vortex Optics Pro Series Riflescope Rings. They’re a perfect fit to the scope’s tube and help keep the weight down, too.
Also, to protect the lenses, I snagged a pair of Vortex Defender Flip Caps, size E-10 and O-40.
Summary
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II packs a lot of quality features into a low price tag.
It’s got:
- Clear, bright glass
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Deadhold BDC Reticle
- 2-7x variable magnification
- Easy to operate zoom knob
- Finger adjustable, zero-reset turrets
And if all that wasn’t enough, the whole thing is covered by Vortex’s No Questions Asked Lifetime Warranty.
There are a lot of options out there when it comes to a deer hunting optic, but for under $200, you can’t do better than the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32.
Conclusion
It all comes down to what you need.
The .30-06 is one of the most flexible cartridges out there, and this list reflects that variety.
With scopes for every situation, in every price range and with hordes of features, which one will you pick?
Let me know in the comments down below.
