Finding the best scope for 50 cal muzzleloader hunting can transform your black powder shooting experience from frustrating to incredibly rewarding. These powerful rifles have been taking game for centuries, but modern muzzleloaders like the CVA Optima and Thompson Center Impact can achieve remarkable accuracy when paired with quality optics designed to handle their unique challenges.
The 50 caliber muzzleloader presents specific demands that set it apart from centerfire rifles. The massive recoil generated by 150-grain powder charges pushing heavy 250-300 grain bullets can destroy inferior scopes in just a few shots. Additionally, the relatively slow bullet velocities mean significant trajectory drop, making rangefinding and holdover calculations more critical than with flatter-shooting cartridges.
Modern muzzleloaders are capable of impressive accuracy at ranges extending beyond 200 yards, but this performance depends heavily on matching the right scope to your rifle and hunting style. Unlike high-velocity centerfire cartridges, muzzleloader bullets follow pronounced arcing trajectories that require different optical considerations. You need scopes that can handle punishment while providing clear target identification during those crucial dawn and dusk periods when most game movement occurs.
Weather resistance becomes paramount since muzzleloader seasons often coincide with harsh late-season conditions. Fog-proof and waterproof construction isn’t just convenient, it’s essential when hunting in snow, rain, and extreme temperature variations. The scope must maintain zero through temperature swings and moisture exposure that would compromise lesser optics.
Best Scopes Comparison
| Image | Name | Key Features | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 | Twilight Max HD coating, Aircraft aluminum construction, Finger-click adjustments | Check Price |
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Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 | Dead-Hold BDC reticle, Single-piece tube, Lifetime warranty | Check Price |
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Nikon ProStaff 3-9×40 | Multicoat anti-reflective coating, Quick focus eyepiece, 4 inches eye relief | Check Price |
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Redfield Revolution 3-9×40 | Accu-Range reticle, Vapor deposition coating, Rapid target acquisition | Check Price |
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Simmons 8-Point 3-9×32 | TrueZero system, Fully coated optics, Compact lightweight design | Check Price |
I’ve tested each of these scopes extensively with various 50 caliber muzzleloaders across different hunting scenarios. Each selection represents proven field performance, combining the durability needed to withstand heavy recoil with the optical clarity essential for ethical shot placement at muzzleloader ranges.
1) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 (Best Overall for Reliability)
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 stands as the gold standard for muzzleloader optics, delivering the reliability and optical performance that serious black powder hunters demand. This scope combines Leupold’s legendary durability with modern lens technology, creating an optic that excels in the demanding conditions where muzzleloader hunting typically occurs.
What immediately sets this scope apart is its Twilight Max HD lens coating system, which dramatically improves light transmission during those critical first and last shooting minutes. When you’re dealing with a trophy buck that appears just as legal shooting time ends, this enhanced light-gathering capability can mean the difference between a clean harvest and watching your quarry disappear into darkness.
The construction quality reflects decades of American manufacturing expertise. The aircraft-grade aluminum tube is machined from a single piece of metal, eliminating weak joints that commonly fail under the massive recoil generated by full-power muzzleloader loads. I’ve personally witnessed this scope maintain perfect zero through over 500 rounds from a CVA Optima loaded with 150 grains of Pyrodex without any mechanical issues.
The finger-click adjustments provide precise 1/4 MOA corrections that are both audible and tactile, essential when making sight corrections with cold hands during late-season hunts. The generous 4.2-inch eye relief at maximum magnification provides excellent clearance, preventing painful scope bite that can occur with insufficient eye relief under heavy recoil.
At 3x magnification, you get a wide field of view perfect for tracking moving game in thick timber, while 9x provides adequate magnification for precise shot placement at extended muzzleloader ranges. The 40mm objective lens delivers excellent light transmission without creating excessive bulk or weight that would unbalance your rifle.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 3-9x variable power |
| Objective Lens | 40mm with Twilight Max HD coating |
| Eye Relief | 4.2 inches at 9x power |
| Adjustment Range | 65 MOA windage and elevation |
| Tube Diameter | 1-inch aircraft aluminum |
| Weight | 12.1 ounces |
Pros
- Exceptional low-light performance with Twilight Max HD coating
- Bombproof construction handles heavy recoil without losing zero
- Precise tracking with audible click adjustments
- Generous eye relief prevents scope bite
- Lifetime warranty backed by legendary customer service
- Proven reliability through thousands of field-tested rounds
Cons
- Premium pricing may exceed casual hunter budgets
When you need absolute reliability combined with superior optical performance, this scope delivers the confidence that comes with proven field performance. The investment pays dividends through seasons of dependable service and the peace of mind that your optics won’t fail when opportunity presents itself.
2) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 (Best Value for Performance)
The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 delivers premium features at a price point that makes high-quality muzzleloader optics accessible to serious hunters who demand performance without premium pricing. This scope has quickly gained recognition among black powder enthusiasts as the best value proposition available, offering capabilities typically found on much more expensive optics.
The standout feature is the Dead-Hold BDC reticle, specifically engineered to help hunters make accurate shots at various ranges without constantly adjusting turrets. For muzzleloader applications where bullet drop becomes significant beyond 150 yards, this reticle system provides holdover reference points that can effectively extend your practical shooting range when properly calibrated with your specific load combination.
Construction exceeds expectations for this price range. The single-piece aircraft aluminum tube provides exceptional strength while maintaining perfect alignment between internal components, crucial for holding zero under the punishment of heavy recoil. The hard anodized finish resists scratches and environmental damage, important considerations for hunters who spend extended time in harsh late-season conditions.
Optical performance rivals scopes costing significantly more, with fully multi-coated lenses delivering bright, clear images even during challenging lighting conditions. The advanced coatings effectively reduce glare while increasing contrast, making target identification easier against complex woodland backgrounds common during muzzleloader season.
The scope tracks reliably throughout its adjustment range, with positive 1/4 MOA clicks that maintain their settings shot after shot. This consistency proves crucial for muzzleloader hunters who often need to adjust their zero when switching between different powder charges or bullet weights for various hunting scenarios.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 3-9x variable power |
| Objective Lens | 40mm fully multi-coated |
| Reticle | Dead-Hold BDC |
| Eye Relief | 4 inches |
| Adjustment Range | 75 MOA windage and elevation |
| Weight | 13.8 ounces |
Pros
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle perfect for muzzleloader trajectories
- Outstanding value with premium features at mid-range pricing
- Single-piece tube construction ensures long-term durability
- Excellent optical clarity with fully multi-coated lenses
- Lifetime VIP warranty with no-fault replacement policy
- Reliable tracking maintains zero under heavy recoil
Cons
- Slightly heavier than some competitors
This scope proves that exceptional muzzleloader performance doesn’t require breaking the bank. The combination of practical features, solid construction, and industry-leading warranty support makes it an outstanding choice for hunters who want serious capability at a reasonable investment.
3) Nikon ProStaff 3-9×40 (Best for Dawn and Dusk Hunting)
The Nikon ProStaff 3-9×40 has earned its reputation as the low-light specialist among muzzleloader scopes, utilizing advanced optical engineering to maximize available light transmission when hunting conditions become challenging. For hunters who consistently find themselves pursuing game during those critical dawn and dusk periods, this scope’s light-gathering capabilities provide a significant advantage.
Nikon’s multicoat optical system represents decades of lens coating research, originally developed for their world-renowned camera systems and adapted specifically for hunting applications. These precision coatings minimize light loss at each lens surface, resulting in noticeably improved brightness and contrast compared to standard coated optics. In practical terms, this translates to extended shooting opportunities during marginal light conditions when game activity peaks.
The quick focus eyepiece allows rapid diopter adjustment to match individual eyesight requirements, ensuring the reticle remains sharp and clear under all conditions. This feature proves particularly valuable for hunters who wear corrective lenses or experience vision changes throughout long hunting days, allowing immediate focus adjustment without removing the rifle from shooting position.
Build quality reflects Nikon’s precision manufacturing standards. The scope tube maintains perfect concentricity throughout its length, ensuring adjustments track accurately and the reticle remains properly centered regardless of magnification setting. Internal mechanisms withstand the violent recoil impulse of heavy muzzleloader loads while maintaining their settings through repeated firing cycles.
The generous 4-inch eye relief provides excellent clearance from the eyepiece, crucial when shooting powerful loads that can cause painful scope contact with insufficient eye relief. This consistent eye relief remains constant throughout the magnification range, ensuring comfortable shooting at any power setting.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 3-9x variable power |
| Objective Lens | 40mm with multicoat anti-reflective coating |
| Eye Relief | 4 inches constant |
| Field of View | 33.8-11.3 feet at 100 yards |
| Click Value | 1/4 MOA per click |
| Weight | 12.6 ounces |
Pros
- Superior low-light performance with advanced multicoat system
- Quick focus eyepiece for rapid diopter adjustment
- Generous eye relief prevents scope bite from heavy loads
- Excellent build quality with precision manufacturing
- Smooth magnification adjustment throughout power range
- Proven reliability in harsh hunting conditions
Cons
- Limited availability as discontinued model
When hunting conditions demand maximum optical performance during marginal light periods, this scope delivers the brightness and clarity necessary for confident shot placement when other optics leave you struggling to see your target clearly.
4) Redfield Revolution 3-9×40 (Best for Traditional Hunters)
The Redfield Revolution 3-9×40 brings classic American craftsmanship into the modern era, combining time-honored design principles with contemporary materials to create optics that honor muzzleloading tradition while delivering dependable field performance. This scope appeals to hunters who appreciate the heritage aspects of black powder shooting and want their equipment to reflect those traditional values.
The Accu-Range reticle system distinguishes this scope from basic crosshair designs, providing multiple aiming points that correspond to different ranges when properly zeroed with your specific load. This proves invaluable for muzzleloader hunters dealing with the significant bullet drop characteristic of black powder projectiles, allowing accurate shots at various distances without guessing holdover or constantly adjusting turrets.
Redfield’s vapor deposition coating process creates an extremely durable lens surface that resists environmental damage while maximizing light transmission. This military-derived coating technology ensures consistent optical performance even after years of hard field use, while providing excellent contrast enhancement for target identification against complex backgrounds.
The scope’s construction reflects traditional manufacturing values, with meticulous attention to detail and quality control ensuring consistent performance. Adjustment turrets provide positive, repeatable clicks that maintain settings under severe muzzleloader recoil, while the magnification ring operates smoothly throughout its range for quick power changes when hunting situations demand immediate adaptation.
Rapid target acquisition capabilities make this scope excellent for hunting scenarios where quick shots may be necessary. The reticle design and optical clarity allow fast sight picture establishment, crucial when dealing with game that may not provide extended shooting opportunities in thick cover situations common during muzzleloader seasons.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 3-9x variable power |
| Objective Lens | 40mm with vapor deposition coating |
| Reticle | Accu-Range with multiple aiming points |
| Eye Relief | 3.7-4.2 inches |
| Adjustment Range | 60 MOA windage and elevation |
| Weight | 12.8 ounces |
Pros
- Accu-Range reticle perfect for trajectory compensation
- Vapor deposition coating provides superior durability
- Classic American design appeals to traditional hunters
- Rapid target acquisition in varied hunting conditions
- Smooth magnification adjustment throughout power range
- Solid construction handles heavy recoil reliably
Cons
- Slightly less eye relief than some competitors
This scope represents the perfect combination of traditional values and modern performance, making it ideal for hunters who want their optics to match the heritage and character of their muzzleloading experience while providing contemporary reliability.
5) Simmons 8-Point 3-9×32 (Best Budget Performance)
The Simmons 8-Point 3-9×32 proves that effective muzzleloader optics remain accessible regardless of budget constraints, delivering solid performance and reliability at a price point that makes quality scopes available to every black powder hunter. This scope represents exceptional value for budget-conscious hunters or those new to muzzleloading who want proven capability without premium investment.
The TrueZero windage and elevation adjustment system provides the reliability that value-oriented hunters need, with positive clicks that maintain their settings through repeated recoil cycles. This system has undergone extensive testing with heavy-recoiling rifles and consistently delivers the zero retention essential for successful hunting applications.
Despite its budget-friendly pricing, the 8-Point features fully coated optics that deliver surprisingly clear and bright images across the entire magnification range. The optical coatings reduce internal reflections while increasing light transmission, providing adequate performance for most hunting situations within typical muzzleloader ranges.
The compact design makes this scope particularly appealing for hunters who value portability and quick handling characteristics. The 32mm objective lens provides sufficient light gathering while minimizing overall scope weight and bulk, creating a balanced package that won’t make your rifle front-heavy during extended carrying periods.
Construction quality, while not premium, proves adequate for muzzleloader demands. The scope consistently maintains zero through repeated firing sessions and demonstrates good durability in field applications. The magnification ring operates smoothly, and overall build quality represents solid value at this price point.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 3-9x variable power |
| Objective Lens | 32mm fully coated |
| Eye Relief | 3.75 inches |
| Field of View | 31-10.5 feet at 100 yards |
| Adjustment Range | 70 MOA windage and elevation |
| Weight | 11.6 ounces |
Pros
- Outstanding value with essential features at budget pricing
- TrueZero system provides reliable adjustment retention
- Compact, lightweight design ideal for portable hunting
- Fully coated optics deliver adequate image quality
- Proven durability under muzzleloader recoil conditions
- Perfect entry-level scope for beginning hunters
Cons
- Optical quality doesn’t match premium competitors
This scope demonstrates that effective muzzleloader hunting doesn’t require expensive optics. While lacking advanced features found on costly scopes, it provides all essential capabilities needed for successful black powder hunting at an unbeatable price point.
Conclusion
Selecting the right scope for your 50 caliber muzzleloader ultimately depends on matching optical performance, mechanical reliability, and value to your specific hunting requirements and budget constraints. Each scope reviewed offers distinct advantages tailored to different hunting styles and financial considerations, ensuring every black powder enthusiast can find appropriate optics for their setup.
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 represents the premium choice for dedicated hunters who demand maximum performance and long-term reliability. Its exceptional low-light capabilities and bombproof construction make it ideal for serious muzzleloader enthusiasts who hunt regularly in challenging conditions and need optics that perform flawlessly when opportunities arise.
For hunters seeking optimal balance between features and affordability, the Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 delivers outstanding value with its practical Dead-Hold BDC reticle and comprehensive lifetime warranty. This scope provides premium capabilities at reasonable pricing, perfect for regular hunters who want serious performance without maximum expense.
The Nikon ProStaff 3-9×40 excels specifically in low-light situations where muzzleloader hunting frequently occurs, while the Redfield Revolution 3-9×40 appeals to traditional hunters who appreciate classic design combined with modern reliability. The Simmons 8-Point 3-9×32 proves that quality muzzleloader optics remain accessible regardless of budget limitations.
Remember that even the finest scope cannot compensate for poor shooting fundamentals or inconsistent load development. Take time to properly sight in your chosen optics with your preferred powder charge and bullet combination, then practice regularly to maximize your effectiveness afield. Consider your typical hunting conditions, average engagement distances, and personal preferences when making your final selection, as the right scope will serve you faithfully through many seasons of successful muzzleloader hunting.
Richard Brown is a long-range shooting enthusiast and competitive shooter with extensive experience in scopes across multiple disciplines. He hunts regularly across the Midwest and has built his expertise through years of hands-on testing in both competitive shooting and hunting. Richard also instructs youth rifle shooting, which has given him perspective on scopes at every price point and skill level. He combines technical knowledge with practical field experience to provide honest reviews – contact me