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Best 30-06 Scopes – Quality Optics for the War Hero

The 30-06 Springfield cartridge had been once the most celebrated cartridge within the US Army. Let’s check some Best 30-06 scopes. Though once standardized within the armed forces, the cartridge was later on replaced by better competitors.

Yet, the cartridge was reborn as a Post-War American baby. It became the favorite of the war heroes who had now become civilians. And slowly the 30-06 and its descendants became popular cartridges.

Top 5 Best 30-06 Scopes

NameSpecsUSPToday's Price
Vortex Viper HS-T6-24x50Overall PerformanceClick Here
Vortex Diamondback4-12x40High Quality, Low Price Click Here
Athlon Optics Argos BTR6-24x50Low Light Scope Click Here
Simmons 8 Point3-9x50Efficient ScopeClick Here
Leupold FX36x42Reliable and Durable ScopeClick Here

The 30-06 has superior versatility if you look at the effective energy, accuracy, and also long-distance shots (over 1000 yards). In this case, we ought to be looking for scopes that will best improve the qualities that the cartridge already has and thus increase the chances of the best shot.

With this in mind, we bring you the best scope for 30-06.

1. Vortex Viper HS-T 6-24x50mm Riflescope

Vortex Viper HS-T 6-24x50mm Riflescope - Best 30-06 Scopes

Any experienced hunter would recommend this scope for a 30-06 cartridge. Most veterans would recommend this scope anyway. Hands down, one of the best scopes in the market. It has all you need to hunt efficiently.

The 50mm objective lens gets all the light in and helps you see things better and clearer. The low dispersion, fully multi-coated lens adds to this crystal clear clarity with glare reduction features. The extended magnification of 6-24x is a remarkable feature, as is expected of most hunting shooting Tactical (HS-T). Now you can shoot from tree and mountain tops with ease. But mere magnification will not do the job. Precision is equally important.

The Second Focal Plane Reticle and the features have accounted for the high precision. To start with, the reticle is fiber optics marked, which makes it visible in low light conditions. The fats focus eyepiece with extended side focus makes sure that no target gets away swiftly.

The precision is further enhanced with the Force Spring System and Glide Erector System. This makes transitions between magnification ranges swift and smooth. The same is provided for windage and elevation adjustments by the Customizable Rotation Stop. It also has an easy reset to zero function. The scope has a remarkable eye relief of 4 inches, making it one of the best 30-06 scopes.

Mae of aircraft-grade aluminum, the score is strong and durable. It is water, shock, and fog-resistant.

Pros

  • Good clarity optics
  • Variable magnification range
  • Precision features
  • Fast focus eyepiece
  • Easy and smooth adjustments
  • Good eye relief
  • Durable

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Parallax adjustment is not smooth.

What’s The verdict?

If you are a veteran hunter, then I wouldn’t have to tell you how good this scope is. You would already know. But if you are new to this zone and a high price investment on scopes is not an issue, then what are you even waiting for? Buy this one.


2. Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope

Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope

So if you keep aside the Vortex Viper HST because it is too costly, then don’t worry. Cause Vortex has yet another high quality yet low-cost scope for all your pocket-friendly hunts.

The Vortex Diamondback has a 40mm objective lens that best suits light transmission. The fully multi-coated lens makes it of better clarity and reduces glare. The magnification range of 4-12x makes it suitable for all range shots. To work better in high magnifications, the scope has a BDC reticle placed in the Second Focal Plane, which helps improve accuracy. The side focus eye pice works along with the Precision Glide Erector System to give better target acquisition and precision. It also has a reliable eye relief.

Made of aircraft-grade aluminum, the scope is strong and durable. It is purged with Nitrogen and is sealed with an O-ring, thereby ensuring thermal stability. In essence, it is water, fog, and shock-resistant which is why it’s one of the best 30-06 scopes.

Pros

  • Good quality optics
  • Magnification power
  • BDC reticle gives accuracy
  • Glide Erector System for precision
  • Fast focus eyepiece
  • Durable

Cons

  • Does not work favourably in high magnification

What’s The verdict?

With this scope that combines Vortex quality optics and low price, the Diamondback ensures the best performance at affordable prices. This makes it one of the most reliable and best scope for 3006.


3. Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope

Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope

So what do I mean when I say that the scope is versatile? Well, to start with, it has a good magnification range of 6-24x, which makes it suitable for all range shooting. The 50mm objective lens is definitely an advantage since it allows for hunting in low light conditions. Add to this the illuminated reticle feature and there you go – a perfect scope for low light shooting. The fully multi-coated lenses enhance this light intake ability.

The illuminated reticle is placed in the First Focal Plane, thereby allowing better target viewing upon zooming in and out. It has a remarkable side parallax adjustment system and a glass-etched reticle feature. Both add to better visibility in low light and better shock retention.

The scope is made of 6061 T6 Aluminium and has better mechanical integrity. The argon purging makes it waterproof and adds thermal stability.

Pros

  • Versatile magnification
  • Good optics
  • Illuminated Reticle
  • First Focal Plane
  • Side Parallax adjustment system
  • Durable

Cons

  • Chances of getting fogged up

What’s The verdict?

This is undoubtedly one of the best scopes for 30-06 owing to its versatility in magnifications well as target acquisition through the illuminated reticle and parallax adjustments.


4. Simmons 3-9x50mm 8 Point Rifle Scope

Simmons 3-9x50mm 8 Point Rifle Scope

Want a scope that works well in low lit conditions? Also, one that has good optical clarity? And also, long-lasting? Worry not, cause Simmons is there to your rescue. Though not as popular as the other brands in this listicle, Simmons will surely give the other guys a run for their money.

The 50mm objective lens ascertains that a bright and clear image is a guarantee. The high-quality optic glass and the fully multi-coated lens adds to this optical clarity and makes it useable even in low lit environments. Furthermore, the HydroSheild lens coating makes the scope uninterrupted by any weather conditions.

The magnification range of 3-9x is an attractive prospectus for many hunters, and it promises long-range shooting. The scope has a Quick Target Acquisition eyepiece that adds more worth to a serious hunter. The windage and elevation can be adjusted by 1/4 MOA audible clicks and is further enhanced by a TrueZero system that keeps the zero intact.

It has sufficient eye relief. The Simmons SureGrip rubber surface makes it easier for you to make magnification adjustments amidst shots.

Pros

  • The optical clarity is commendable.
  • HydrSheild lens coating
  • Quick Target Acquisition reticle
  • TrueZero system

Cons

  • The magnification range is not the best available for long-range.

What’s The verdict?

The Simmons 8 Pointer is one of the best scope for 30-06 owing to its unmatchable optical clarity.


5. Leupold FX3 6x42mm Fixed Power Rifle Scope

Leupold FX3 6x42mm Fixed Power Rifle Scope

This is the only fixed scope in the listicle and rightly so. Though a bit pricier than the others in this list, this fixed scope has the greatest advantage of being lightweight. Thanks to the many features that need not exist for a fixed scope.

The 42mm objective lens is big enough to trap more than enough sun rays. Fully coated with DiamondCoat and featuring a blackened side lens, the optical clarity and brightness are enhanced. The Second Focal Plane Reticle provides better long-range shooting conditions. Couple this with the Twilight Light Management system, and you are off to a good start.

The scope has a 1/4 MOA click system for windage and elevation adjustments. The scope is made of best quality 6061 T6 Aluminum but also has an Ultra-Lightweight Design. It is also water and fog-resistant thanks to the argon and krypton blend purged into the scope.

Pros

  • Ultra Lightweight
  • Good optical prowess
  • Twilight Light Management system
  • Durable

Cons

  • Expensive

What’s The verdict?

Leupold’s fixed scope has many of the benefits fo a fixed magnification scope (like weightless nature). This makes it one of the best scope for 30-06.


Things to Keep in Mind Before Purchasing a Scope for 30-06

With too many scopes in the market, choosing the perfect one has become a hard task. Nevertheless, if you have a strong cartridge like the 30-06, all you have to do now is find a scope that best enhances the properties of 30-06. For this, let me give you some helpful pointers:

Lens Size

It is a known fact that a bigger lens will let in more light. So what? Well, this increases your chances of being a clear and well-lit image and thus helping you in focussing better.

Lens Coating

An extra layer of coating on the lenses provides many advantages like better light transmission, better glare reduction, better durability, and so on. Thus features like low dispersion, anti-glare, scratch resistance are all provided by different kinds of lens coatings.

Magnification

A good magnification range ensures better precision at long-range shots. Depending on your hunting method, you can choose what magnification you would like. Having a big magnification range does help in keeping the scope open for all kinds of range shots, but that should not be the go-to method. Be more specific.

Reticle

Good magnification or not, a target can be properly acquired with the help of suitable reticles. Reticles help determine the shot. This could be of many types like a BDC reticle is best for accuracy while a Mil-Dot would be easier for beginners and so on. AN illuminated reticle would further help in making good shots in low light conditions.

Adjustments

Before shot and between shot adjustments made to magnification or elevation and windage should always be crisp and smooth. This not only saves time but enhances the overall effectiveness of the shot.

Eye Relief

Who likes to get hurt? Good eye relief is required to ensure that the scope does not recoil into your face and end up hurting you. A sufficiently big eye box and eye relief are necessary.

Weight

A lighter scope id easier to carry and maintain. Imagine moving in the jungle with a heavy price of instruments and ending up scaring the animals away before even mounting the scope. You wouldn’t want that!

Durable

Given that the cartridge is a really powerful one, it wouldn’t hurt to but an equally powerful optics. And when money is being invested, make sure that it is for something worth the money and also will last long enough. Look into features like the material of construction, protective layers, and if it is water, shock, and fog-resistant.

Conclusion:

Perfect scope for the 30-06 will enhance the power the cartridge already possesses and make it suitable for various kinds of hunting, although for hog hunting nothing beats than the Best Scopes for Hog Hunting, do check it out. Always remember that a cartridge-rifle-scope agreement is inherently essential. This bond is the first thing you need to satisfy. Then go on to other specific features that are related to your target and method of hunting. While practice and experience do make a good hunter, a bit of external technical help will not harm. That help is your scope, my friend!

This listicle on the best scope for a 30-06 is an easy-breezy read. But what lies out there is a harder reality. Brace yourselves to face the hunt and hunt and huntaway. May the force be with you. Happy Hunting!