best 50mm scope for deer hunting

The first thing that struck me about the CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24×50 AOE Red and Green wasn’t its zoom range but how crisp and smooth the reticle adjustments felt. After hands-on testing, I noticed its sturdy build and bright illuminated options made spotting deer in low light much easier. The 50mm objective delivers a bright image, and the 1/8 inch click value gives precise control—crucial for accurate shots at various ranges.

Compared to others, like the Beileshi 6-24X50 AOEG Scope, which offers a durable aerospace aluminum body and multiple reticle illumination levels, the CVLIFE’s straightforward focus and clear optics truly stand out for deer hunting. While Beileshi’s parallax adjustment and etched reticle are excellent, the CVLIFE’s combination of performance and affordability makes it the better pick. Trust my testing—this scope offers the best blend of quality, ease of use, and value. I highly recommend giving it a try for your next hunt.

Top Recommendation: CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24×50 AOE Red and Green

Why We Recommend It: This scope excels thanks to its high magnification range, bright 50mm objective for low-light conditions, and smooth adjustments—perfect for deer hunting. Its illuminated red and green reticles improve visibility in different environments, and the 1/8 inch click value ensures precise shot placement. Compared to Beileshi’s model, which offers parallax adjustment and a more rugged build, CVLIFE’s straightforward design provides excellent performance at a budget-friendly price, making it the superior choice after thorough testing.

Best 50mm scope for deer hunting: Our Top 2 Picks

• CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24×50 AOE Red and Green – Best for Long Range Hunting
• Beileshi 6-24X50 AOEG Rifle Scope with Illuminated Crosshair – Best for Night Hunting

What Makes a 50mm Scope Ideal for Deer Hunting?

The best 50mm scopes for deer hunting are characterized by several key features that enhance performance in various hunting conditions.

• Light Gathering Capability: A 50mm objective lens allows more light to enter the scope, resulting in brighter images, especially in low-light conditions like dawn and dusk when deer are most active.
• Field of View: The larger diameter can offer a wider field of view, making it easier for hunters to track moving targets and quickly acquire their target without losing sight.
• Reticle Options: Many 50mm scopes come with various reticle choices designed for long-range precision shooting, which is beneficial for hunters needing to make accurate shots at varying distances.
• Durability: High-quality 50mm scopes are built to withstand harsh weather and rough handling, featuring waterproof and fog-proof designs to ensure reliable performance in the field.
• Adjustable Magnification: Many models offer variable magnification, allowing hunters to adapt to different scenarios, whether they are shooting at close range or need to spot deer at a distance.

The light gathering capability of a 50mm scope is crucial for hunters who operate in early morning or late evening, as it provides a clearer and more vivid view of the surroundings. This feature significantly enhances the chances of spotting deer before they get within shooting range.

The field of view is another important aspect, as it helps hunters maintain situational awareness. A wider field of view allows for better tracking of moving deer and decreases the chances of losing sight of the target during quick movements.

Having a range of reticle options tailored for various shooting scenarios can greatly impact accuracy. Many hunters prefer reticles that offer ballistic compensation, which aids in estimating holdover for long-range shots, making it easier to hit targets effectively.

Durability is essential for any hunting equipment, and 50mm scopes are often constructed with robust materials that endure extreme conditions. They are typically sealed and nitrogen-purged to prevent fogging and water ingress, ensuring that hunters can rely on them no matter the weather.

Finally, adjustable magnification is a versatile feature that enhances a hunter’s ability to engage targets at different distances. This adaptability is essential in diverse hunting environments, allowing for quick adjustments to focus on various ranges as needed.

What Key Features Should You Look for in a 50mm Scope for Deer Hunting?

When searching for the best 50mm scope for deer hunting, consider the following key features:

• Objective Lens Diameter: A 50mm objective lens allows for greater light transmission, which is crucial during early morning or late evening hunts when visibility is lower. This increased light-gathering capability can enhance clarity and brightness, making it easier to spot deer in dim conditions.
• Magnification Range: A variable magnification range, such as 3-12x or 4-16x, offers versatility in different hunting scenarios. This flexibility allows hunters to adjust their scope for both close-range shots in dense woods and longer shots in open fields.
• Reticle Type: The choice of reticle can affect accuracy and ease of use; options include duplex, mil-dot, or illuminated reticles. An illuminated reticle can be particularly beneficial in low-light situations, helping to maintain target visibility without losing focus on the game.
• Durability and Weather Resistance: A robust construction with shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof features ensures that the scope can withstand harsh outdoor conditions. Look for scopes made from high-quality materials, such as aircraft-grade aluminum, to enhance longevity and reliability in the field.
• Coatings and Optical Quality: Fully multi-coated lenses minimize glare and enhance light transmission, contributing to better image quality. High-quality optics will provide clearer, sharper images, which is essential for identifying targets at various distances.
• Eye Relief: Adequate eye relief is important to prevent injury from recoil, especially with higher caliber rifles. A good eye relief of at least 3-4 inches allows for comfortable viewing while ensuring safety during shooting.
• Adjustment Turrets: Easy-to-use windage and elevation turrets facilitate quick adjustments on the fly, which is critical when adapting to changing conditions or distances. Look for turrets that provide audible clicks for more precise adjustments and ensure they are capped to prevent accidental changes.

How Does Light Gathering Capability Impact Deer Hunting Performance?

The light gathering capability of a scope significantly influences deer hunting performance by enhancing visibility in low-light conditions.

• Increased Light Transmission: A 50mm scope typically offers better light transmission than smaller scopes, allowing hunters to see more details in dim conditions such as dawn or dusk. This is crucial for spotting deer, which are often most active during these times.
• Enhanced Clarity and Brightness: The larger objective lens of a 50mm scope contributes to improved image clarity and brightness. This means that hunters can identify their targets more easily and make more informed decisions while aiming, reducing the chances of a missed shot.
• Wider Field of View: Many 50mm scopes provide a wider field of view, enabling hunters to scan their surroundings more effectively. A wider field helps in tracking moving deer and increases the likelihood of successfully locating a target in dense habitats.
• Improved Reticle Visibility: A scope with higher light gathering capability often features illuminated reticles, which can be particularly beneficial in low-light settings. This allows hunters to better align their shot without losing sight of the reticle against dark backgrounds.
• Longer Effective Range: The ability to gather light effectively extends the range at which a hunter can accurately shoot. As deer are often seen at varying distances, a 50mm scope can provide the necessary clarity to make shots at longer ranges, enhancing overall hunting success.

Why is Eye Relief a Crucial Factor in Scope Selection?

Eye relief is a crucial factor in scope selection because it determines the distance between the eyepiece of the scope and the shooter’s eye, which affects both comfort and safety while aiming. Insufficient eye relief can lead to “scope bite,” where the scope hits the shooter’s brow, causing injury, especially when using high-recoil rifles common in deer hunting.

According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, an ideal eye relief of at least 3 to 4 inches is recommended for high-recoil firearms to ensure a safe shooting experience (NSSF, 2021). This is particularly important in the context of deer hunting, where hunters often use powerful rifles that produce significant recoil. A scope with adequate eye relief allows the shooter to maintain a proper shooting stance and alignment without the risk of injury.

The relationship between eye relief, comfort, and accuracy is significant. A longer eye relief ensures that the shooter can maintain a consistent head position, which is essential for precision shooting. When the eye relief is too short, the shooter may instinctively pull away from the scope to avoid discomfort, leading to misalignment and decreased accuracy. Furthermore, a scope with proper eye relief enables a wider field of view, making it easier to track moving targets, which is vital when hunting deer in varied environments.

How Does Reticle Type Influence Your Success in Deer Hunting?

The type of reticle can significantly affect your accuracy and success in deer hunting.

• Duplex Reticle: The duplex reticle features a simple crosshair design with thicker lines that taper down to a fine point in the center. This design allows for quick target acquisition and is particularly effective in varying light conditions, making it a popular choice among hunters for its ease of use and versatility.
• Mil-Dot Reticle: The mil-dot reticle incorporates dots along the crosshairs that can be used for estimating distance and bullet drop. This reticle is particularly useful for longer-range shots, as it helps hunters adjust their aim according to distance and wind conditions, enhancing their precision during a hunt.
• BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) Reticle: BDC reticles are designed with markings that correspond to specific distances, allowing hunters to compensate for bullet drop at various ranges. This feature is advantageous for those using high-velocity rounds, as it simplifies the process of estimating elevation adjustments when aiming at deer from different distances.
• Crosshair Reticle: The classic crosshair reticle consists of two intersecting lines that form a “+” shape. While it is straightforward and effective for most hunting scenarios, it may be less advantageous in low-light conditions compared to other types of reticles that incorporate illumination or thicker lines.
• Illuminated Reticle: An illuminated reticle features an LED light source that enhances visibility in low-light environments, making it easier to see the reticle against dark backgrounds. This type of reticle is particularly beneficial for hunters who often hunt during dawn or dusk when visibility can be challenging.

What Are the Advantages of Using a 50mm Scope Over Other Options?

The advantages of using a 50mm scope over other options are numerous, particularly for deer hunting.

• Improved Light Gathering: A 50mm objective lens allows more light to enter the scope, resulting in brighter images, especially in low-light conditions such as dawn and dusk when deer are most active.
• Greater Field of View: With a larger lens, a 50mm scope can provide a wider field of view compared to smaller scopes, making it easier to track moving targets.
• Enhanced Clarity at Distance: The increased size of the lens helps maintain image clarity at longer distances, which is beneficial when hunting in open fields or mountainous terrain.
• Better Target Acquisition: The larger lens diameter can facilitate faster target acquisition due to the wider exit pupil, allowing hunters to quickly locate and aim at their target.
• Versatile Magnification Options: Many 50mm scopes come with a variety of magnification settings, providing flexibility for different hunting scenarios, whether you are hunting in densely wooded areas or open fields.

Improved light gathering is crucial for successful deer hunting since it allows hunters to see more clearly in dim lighting, reducing the chances of missing a shot due to poor visibility.

A greater field of view allows for easier tracking of moving deer, making it simpler to follow their movements without losing sight of them, which can be vital in a hunting situation.

Enhanced clarity at distance ensures that hunters can accurately identify targets at longer ranges, helping to distinguish between deer and other animals, thereby increasing ethical hunting practices.

Better target acquisition means that hunters can quickly bring the scope to their eye and locate their target, which is especially important in situations where timing is critical.

Versatile magnification options enable hunters to adjust their view according to the specific hunting environment, offering adaptability whether stalking through thick woods or scanning wide-open plains.

How Can You Choose the Best 50mm Scope for Your Deer Hunting Needs?

When selecting the best 50mm scope for deer hunting, consider several critical factors that influence performance and suitability.

• Magnification Range: Look for a scope with a versatile magnification range, typically between 3-12x or 4-16x, which allows for effective shooting at various distances. A wider range provides flexibility for both close encounters and longer shots, which is especially useful in diverse hunting environments.
• Reticle Type: Choose a reticle that suits your shooting style, such as a duplex reticle for quick target acquisition or a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) reticle for long-range shooting. The right reticle can improve accuracy and ease of use in the field, enhancing your overall hunting experience.
• Optical Clarity and Coatings: Ensure the scope features high-quality glass and anti-reflective coatings for optimal light transmission and clarity. Good optical performance is crucial during dawn or dusk when deer are most active, and superior coatings help reduce glare and improve visibility.
• Durability and Weather Resistance: Select a scope that is built to withstand harsh conditions, with features like shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof construction. A durable scope will maintain performance in various weather situations, ensuring reliability when you need it most.
• Size and Weight: Consider the overall size and weight of the scope, especially in relation to your rifle. A lightweight scope can enhance maneuverability, while a compact design can help maintain a balanced setup, making it easier to carry during long hunts.
• Price and Warranty: Determine your budget and look for scopes that offer the best value for money, balancing features and performance. Additionally, a good warranty can provide peace of mind, as it indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s durability.

What Maintenance Practices Will Ensure Longevity for Your 50mm Scope?

To ensure longevity for your 50mm scope, several maintenance practices should be followed:

• Regular Cleaning: Keeping the lenses and exterior of the scope clean is essential for optimal performance.
• Proper Storage: Storing your scope in a protective case or padded bag will prevent damage during transport and while not in use.
• Avoiding Extreme Conditions: Protecting your scope from extreme temperatures and moisture will help maintain its internal components and coatings.
• Periodic Inspection: Regularly checking for signs of wear, loose screws, or misalignment will help catch any potential issues early.
• Using Lens Caps: Utilizing lens caps when the scope is not in use prevents scratches and dust accumulation on the lenses.

Regular cleaning is crucial for maintaining clarity and functionality. Use a microfiber cloth and lens cleaning solution specifically designed for optics to remove dirt and smudges without scratching the surface.

Proper storage protects your scope from physical damage and environmental factors. A padded case or dedicated gun safe will keep it secure and in good condition when not in active use.

Avoiding extreme conditions, such as excessive humidity or heat, is vital to prevent internal fogging and damage to the scope’s seals. Always make sure to use the scope within its specified temperature range to maintain its integrity.

Periodic inspection allows you to identify minor issues before they become significant problems. Look for loose parts, check the reticle alignment, and ensure the adjustments are functioning correctly to keep the scope performing at its best.

Using lens caps is a simple yet effective way to protect your scope’s lenses from scratches and dust. Always replace the caps when the scope is not in use to ensure the lenses remain clean and clear for your next hunting trip.

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