The dilemma of finding the perfect scope for a gun with heavy recoil has always kept us awake at night. Often, we find scopes that say they can handle guns with heavy recoil. In reality, it turns out either they were lying or the scope just barely performs well with high recoil rifles.
If you are anything like me, you have searched countless times about the best scope for high-recoil rifles. And, you have found plenty as well. But what if, I could show you some scopes that you might have seen but thought they are not worth it? What if, I could show you a different world of scope? Sounds great, right?
Then let us begin this wonderful journey of finding relief for sleepless nights.
Best High Recoil Rifle Scopes – [Editor’s Choice]
1. Vortex Optics Diamondback 6-24×50 Tactical Riflescope
Vortex Diamondback is a name of trust. It’s more than a name. An emotional attachment. Vortex Diamondback is one of the most well-known lineups of scopes from Vortex. From price to performance to customer service, Diamondback is top-notch.
Constructed from high-quality aluminum, this scope was made for guns with high recoil. Durable and rugged exterior with equally well-built interior. O-ring sealing prevents water from going in and nitrogen purging prevents internal fogging. Making it a perfect scope for any given weather.
The lens of the scope is super high-quality as well. Vortex lenses tend to be good always. They know how to make the best out of a glass. Clear, vibrant, no distortion at max magnification, color accurate, etc. Is the key to victory. All of them are present in this scope.
On top of that, to pair well with a high recoil rifle, you are getting an EBR-2C MRAD or EBR-2C MOA reticle with this scope. You can choose the variant while purchasing it. Overall, it’s one of the best riflescopes for high-recoil sniper rifles.
Where is this scope made?
Most of Vortex scopes are manufactured in China.
Does it come with mounting rings?
No, it doesn’t.
Which reticle is better MOA or MRAD?
There is no “better” between the two. They are completely subjective. I might say MOA is better but you might prefer MRAD.
2. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Now, this is a riflescope we have talked about countless times already. This scope is just that good! It’s a budget medium to long-range riflescopes compatible with almost any bolt-action rifles. The fact that it can also handle hits of high-caliber magnums and long-range cartridges, just makes it that much special!
One-piece housing is constructed from high-density aluminum. It’s thick but not heavy. While maintaining the lightweight construction, VX-Freedom still features a rugged construction. Inside of the scope is nitrogen purged. No fogging allowed. Outside of the scope is a sealed well to prevent water from going inside as well.
Lenses of the scope are also fully multi-coated. They perform as well as you expect them to. Almost no distortion at maximum magnification. 40mm objective lens gathers enough light to perform during any given weather. It can perform well in low light as well. But it’s not a night-vision scope. Don’t take it as one.
For the money, VX-Freedom got a lot of things right. In particular, the way it handles high recoil rifles is a sight to enjoy. No pun intended.
Where is Leupold made?
It’s made in Beaverton Oregon.
Does it come with mounting rings?
No, it doesn’t.
Is it a good scope for hunting?
It’s one of the best scopes for hunting.
3. Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10×40 High Recoil Rifle Scope
Leupold scopes are known for their reliable service and performance. VX series of scopes made a name of their own among hunters. A lot of hunters start their journey with bolt-action rifles. That’s one of the best types of rifles for hunting. But not a lot of scope is capable of receiving the recoil of bolt-action rifles.
Leupold VX-3HD is a scope made out of aluminum completely. It was made to withstand the tough recoil hunters always worry about. Shockproof housing is rugged and internally nitrogen-purged. Making it a fog-proof scope as well. Like most modern riflescopes, this one features waterproofing sealing on the lenses as well.
Lenses of the scope are something else. Leupold light management system paired with clear coated glasses is something else. They give the feeling of ED glass without them being ED glasses. That’s something other companies are not capable of doing quite yet. Vibrant color and no motion blur are present in the scope. There is no distortion at max magnification either.
Illum. FireDot Twilight Hunter reticle is enjoyable, to say the least. Just like the name suggests, this reticle is mainly aimed towards hunters. For their sharpness and quick thinking. This reticle will come in handy.
Where is this scope made?
Like all Leupold scopes, this one was also made in the USA.
Does it come with mounting rings?
No, it doesn’t.
Is this scope compatible with CDS?
Yes, VX-3HD is CDS compatible.
Read More Scope Blogs:- Henry H001 | M1a | Marlin 336
4. Athlon Argos BTR 6-24×50 First Focal Plane Riflescope
Athlon, you probably heard about Athlon at least once by now. Well, more than once if we are being honest here. Their scopes are made for both tactical shooting and hunting. Besides the Argos BTR, Athlon also has many other hunting riflescopes for high-recoil rifles.
Athlon Argos BTR is constructed from high-quality aluminum. It features a single-tube design. This type of design is the go-to design on the market. Inside of the scope is purged with argon instead of traditional nitrogen. Argon purging makes the scope immune to moisture internally. Thus, preventing fogging. But moisture can still sneak in if the scope isn’t waterproof. Don’t worry about that, besides being a shockproof scope Argos BTR is a waterproof scope as well.
The lenses of the scope are fabulous. Athlon has a secret coating that makes their glasses even brighter than they are. 60mm objective lens gathers plenty of light for you to work around. You can keep using it throughout the entire day. Including low-light conditions.
The first focal plane reticle is awesome. Once you get the taste of an FFP reticle scope, it’s quite hard to go back to SFP. The feeling when the reticle zooms alongside the magnification is something else. It’s not possible to describe with words. It’s something everyone should witness at least once in their life.
Where is this scope made?
The scope is made in China. But the glasses are sourced from Japan.
Does it come with mounting rings?
No, it doesn’t.
What grade of aluminum did Athlon use?
6061 T6 aluminum.
5. Vortex Viper HS LR 6-24×50 First Focal Plane Riflescope
Viper is a slightly more expensive lineup of products from Vortex. Instead of competing against Diamondback, Viper directly competes against scopes made by other brands including Ravin. Vortex Viper HS LR 6-24×50 is a long-range riflescope featuring XLR MOA reticle.
Like all the other Vortex scopes, this one is made out of fully aluminum as well. The housing is a single-piece tube construction. The inside of the scope is fully purged to make it moisture-resistant. Eliminating the chances of internal fogging. The outside is shockproof as well. Making it a perfect choice for high-recoil rifles. Vortex also used O-ring sealings to prevent water from going inside the scope.
The lens is one of the strongest suits of Vortex. The magic they do with the glasses is something else. Viper HS is no different. It features a pair of excellent lenses that are bright and vibrant. The contrast of the scope is also good. There is no distortion at maximum magnification either.
XLR MOA reticle is perfect to extend your effective shooting range. Makes it easy to measure bullet drop points.
Is this scope discontinued?
No, the Viper series is very alive in 2022 as well.
Is this a good scope for hunting?
Yes, it’s the perfect scope for hunting from long range.
Does it come with a warranty?
Yes, all Vortex scopes come with a manufacturer warranty.
How To Choose The Best Scope For High Recoil Rifle?
There are a couple of things that truly make a scope worth it. Keep those in mind while in the market for a new scope.
Build Quality
We are going to pair it with a high-recoil rifle. If the build quality is not good, you shouldn’t even consider that scope. Durable construction is a must.
Lens Quality
Wanting to pair the rifle with a good scope is always the end goal. If the lenses of the scopes are not up to the mark, then you won’t have a good time with the scope. That’s why, purchasing a scope that has good contrast and doesn’t fall off on the long range is a must in my opinion.
Magnification
This is something that isn’t mandatory but always welcomed. If your rifle has a high recoil, chances are it can shoot well and far. For that, a scope with high magnification will do wonders. But magnification is completely subjective and depends on what YOU want from the scope.
Summary
There are tons of more scopes out there that can tame your wild horse of a gun. But those scopes can be a bad option when it comes to longevity. Everything considered, these are some of the best scopes could buy for a high recoil rifle.
Of course, you are allowed to disagree. After all, you might have a scope that can tame the gun you have in your hand. That’s completely fine too.
This ends the journey for now. We will be coming back with something else shortly! Till then, take care and have fun!
Scopes:- 17 HMR | 17 WSM | 204 Ruger | 224 Valkyrie | 22 Magnum | 243 Winchester | 257 Weatherby | 270 Winchester | 3 Gun | 300 PRC | 338 Lapua | 350 Legend | 375 HH | 44 Magnum | 450 Bushmaster | 50 BMG | 6.5 Creedmoor | 6.5 Grendel | 6.8 SPC | 7.62.39 | Benjamin Marauder | Henry H001 | M1a | Marlin 336 | Marlin 795 | Marlin Model 60 | MK12 | Ruger Gunsite Scout | Ruger Mini 14 | Ruger Mini 30 | Savage 220 | Scar 20S | Sig 716
Scopes & Sights:- 11.5 SBR | 300 Blackout | M4 | MK18 | Ruger Charger | S&W M&P 15&22 | S&W M&P 15 Sport 2
Mounts: 30 MM | 34 MM | 45 Degree | Aimpoint Pro | Aimpoint T2 | ATN 4K Pro | Primary Arms 1-6 | TC Encore | Trijicon Mro | Vortex Razor | Vortex Viper PST
Hi, I’m Brent Hansford. A writer turned hunter & now sharing my love for the sport through writing. As I practically breathe weapons, I firmly believe I’m capable of providing you with new knowledge about firearms and hunting. My mission is to help more people get better at hunting & master the weapons. Let me help with unleashing the beast within you!
