Choosing the right optic for your muzzleloader is a critical decision that directly impacts accuracy and success in the field. Modern muzzleloaders produce significant recoil and require specialized scopes built to withstand the unique shock and maintain zero. A quality scope not only enhances your shooting precision but also extends your effective hunting hours into the low-light conditions of dawn and dusk.
For hunters who navigate coastal environments or pursue waterfowl, marine approval adds another layer of necessity. A scope that can resist fogging from sudden temperature changes and exposure to salt spray is indispensable. This roundup reviews eight of the best muzzleloader scopes for 2025, focusing on durability, optical clarity, and marine-ready performance to help you make an informed choice for your next hunt.
Our Top Picks for Muzzleloader Scopes
- Leupold VX-Freedom Muzzleloader 3-9×40 Scope
- Bushnell Banner 3-9x50mm Dusk & Dawn Riflescope
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9×40 SFP Riflescope
- Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x42mm F2 Hunting Scope
- BURRIS Fullfield E1 3-9x40mm Muzzleloader Scope
- Vortex Optics Diamondback 1.75-5×32 Riflescope
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9×40 Riflescope
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Leupold VX-Freedom Muzzleloader 3-9×40 Scope
Engineered specifically for the high-impact world of muzzleloading, the Leupold VX-Freedom is a top-tier choice. Its Advanced Optical System ensures exceptional light transmission and glare reduction, providing a clear, bright sight picture during the critical first and last minutes of legal shooting light. The scope is built to be rugged and waterproof, standing up to harsh weather conditions you might encounter near water.
The dedicated UltimateSlam reticle is a key feature, offering intuitive hold points for a variety of muzzleloader loads and bullet weights. As a second focal plane scope, the reticle size remains constant, which many hunters prefer for quick target acquisition in dynamic situations. This specialized tool takes the guesswork out of longer shots.
Bushnell Banner 3-9x50mm Dusk & Dawn Riflescope
The Bushnell Banner lives up to its name by maximizing visibility during the most productive hunting times. Its Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coating on all lenses delivers a notably bright and high-contrast image when the light is low. The large 50mm objective lens gathers more light than standard 40mm models, giving you a distinct advantage in dim environments.
This scope also features an exceptionally long eye relief, a valuable safety and comfort feature on a muzzleloader. The generous eye box makes it easier to acquire a target quickly, especially when you might not have perfect positioning. It’s a dependable, bright optic that performs well above its class.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9×40 SFP Riflescope
Vortex Optics is renowned for its robust build quality and exceptional value, and the Crossfire II is a prime example. This scope is built from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, making it shockproof and able to handle the recoil of a modern in-line muzzleloader. Its fully multi-coated lenses enhance light gathering for a bright sight picture.
The V-Plex MOA reticle is a clean, simple design that is perfect for a wide range of hunting scenarios. With a fast-focus eyepiece and an ultra-forgiving eye box, getting on target is quick and intuitive. Coupled with Vortex’s legendary VIP warranty, this scope represents a worry-free investment for any hunter.
Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x42mm F2 Hunting Scope
For the hunter who demands uncompromising precision and ruggedness, the Nightforce NXS is a premium option. This scope packs professional-grade features into a relatively compact and lightweight package. The 42mm objective lens offers an excellent balance of light transmission and a low-profile mounting setup.
It stands out with features like an adjustable parallax down to 25 yards and the invaluable ZeroStop elevation technology, ensuring you can always return to your zero instantly. The inclusion of a Power Throw Lever allows for rapid magnification changes, and the DigIllum system provides illuminated reticle options for any lighting condition.
BURRIS Fullfield E1 3-9x40mm Muzzleloader Scope
The Burris Fullfield E1 is designed from the ground up to be a workhorse in the field. It is specifically noted as compatible with muzzleloaders, meaning its internals are engineered to withstand the heavy recoil and harsh vibration inherent to these firearms. Its robust construction can handle a lifetime of hard use.
Featuring high-grade optical glass and precision-ground lenses that are larger than many competitors, this scope collects more light for a brighter, sharper image. The Ballistic Plex reticle is designed to offer useful holdover points, making it a versatile and reliable partner for hunters in varied terrain.
Vortex Optics Diamondback 1.75-5×32 Riflescope
If you hunt in thick timber or at closer ranges, a lower magnification scope like the Vortex Diamondback is an excellent choice. The 1.75-5x magnification range is ideal for fast, close-quarters shooting while still providing enough power for a precise shot at 100 yards. Its compact and lightweight design keeps your muzzleloader handy and well-balanced.
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is perfect for situations where you need to take a shot at an unknown distance, as it provides holdover points without requiring magnification adjustments. Fully multi-coated lenses ensure performance from dawn until dusk, making it a highly versatile optic for the woods.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9×40 Riflescope
Another configuration of the popular Crossfire II line, this 3-9×40 model offers the classic magnification range preferred by many hunters across North America. It shares the same rugged, one-piece tube construction as its counterpart, guaranteeing reliability and maintaining zero shot after shot. The optics are fully multi-coated for bright, clear views.
This scope is a testament to Vortex’s commitment to providing high-performance optics that are accessible to every hunter. Its forgiving eye relief and simple, effective reticle choices make it incredibly user-friendly. It’s a no-nonsense scope that delivers proven performance for your muzzleloader.
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
The standard VX-Freedom 3-9×40 is a versatile and trusted hunting scope that can easily serve on a muzzleloader. Built with Leupold’s trademark toughness and waterproof integrity, it is more than capable of handling the task. The Advanced Optical System provides exceptional clarity and resolution, giving you a distinct advantage when glassing for game.
While it may not have the specialized muzzleloader reticle of its sibling, it offers a selection of other reticle patterns to suit your preference. With its lightweight design and legendary reliability, this American-made scope is a solid, all-purpose choice that will perform season after season.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Muzzleloader Scope for 2025
Choosing the right muzzleloader scope isn’t just about magnification; it’s about finding a tool that can handle the unique demands of both black powder shooting and the harsh marine environment. I’ve spent a lot of time testing optics in damp, salty conditions, and the wrong choice will leave you with a fogged-up, corroded paperweight. The first thing I always check is the sealing. You need a scope that is both waterproof and nitrogen or argon purged to prevent internal fogging. This is non-negotiable for any marine-approved gear.
Next, consider the reticle. For a muzzleloader, I prefer a simple, uncluttered design. A standard Duplex reticle is often perfect because it’s quick to acquire and doesn’t distract you. However, if you’re planning on taking longer shots, a scope with bullet drop compensation (BDC) can be a game-changer. Many modern scopes have BDC reticles calibrated for specific loads, which can help you compensate for the significant arc of a muzzleloader bullet without fiddling with knobs.
Durability is another huge factor. The shock from a muzzleloader is different from a centerfire rifle—it’s a slower, heavier impulse. A scope built for a .300 Win Mag might not hold up to the repeated, percussive thump of a .50 caliber muzzleloader. I always look for scopes that are specifically rated for magnum or muzzleloader recoil. The tube construction matters, too; a one-piece 30mm or 34mm tube is generally more robust and reliable than a smaller 1-inch tube.
Finally, think about the lens coatings. Fully multi-coated lenses are the gold standard. They maximize light transmission, which is critical during those low-light moments at dawn or dusk when game is most active. A good coating also protects the exterior glass from scratches and repels water. When I’m reviewing the 8 best muzzleloader scope for 2025, marine-approved performance is my top priority, ensuring every model can withstand spray, rain, and heavy recoil while providing a crystal-clear sight picture.
FAQ
What makes a scope “marine approved”?
A marine-approved scope is built to resist the specific challenges of a saltwater environment. This means it has superior O-ring sealing to be completely waterproof, an inert gas purge (like nitrogen) to prevent internal fogging due to temperature swings, and exterior coatings that resist corrosion from salt spray. Ordinary scopes might claim to be waterproof, but they often lack the robust anti-corrosion treatments needed for long-term marine use.
Can I use a regular rifle scope on my muzzleloader?
You can, but I don’t always recommend it. Muzzleloaders generate a unique, heavy recoil impulse that can destroy scopes not built to handle it. A scope designed for a high-velocity centerfire rifle might have its internal components shaken loose or lose zero over time. It’s much safer to choose a scope that the manufacturer explicitly rates for use with magnum shotguns or muzzleloaders.
What magnification is best for a muzzleloader?
For most hunting situations with a muzzleloader, a lower magnification range is ideal. I find that a 3-9x40mm scope is the sweet spot. It gives you enough power for a precise shot at 150+ yards but keeps the field of view wide enough for close-range, quick shots in thick cover. Higher magnifications can be overkill and make it harder to acquire a target quickly.
How important is eye relief on a muzzleloader scope?
Eye relief is critically important. Muzzleloaders, especially modern in-line models, can have significant recoil. A scope with generous eye relief (I look for at least 3.5 to 4 inches) keeps the scope from hitting your eyebrow during recoil. This is a key safety and comfort feature that you should not overlook when selecting from the 8 best muzzleloader scope for 2025 list.
Do I need a special base or rings to mount a scope?
Yes, proper mounting is crucial. You need a strong, one-piece base or a sturdy two-piece setup, along with high-quality rings. Because of the heavy recoil, I always suggest using a base that attaches directly to the receiver with multiple screws and rings that can be torqued to the manufacturer’s specification. Loose mounts are a common cause of accuracy problems.