Selecting the best scope for a 30-60 rifle is a bit tricky task.
In fact, no matter which rifle you are going to buy a scope for, you must consider the following parameters before picking one –
- How much magnification does it offer?
- How big the lens is.
- Is it FFP or SFP?
- Parallax adjustment.
- The weight.
- The type reticles.
- If it is waterproof and fog proof or not.
- The eye relief, light transmission, and so forth.
Keeping all those in mind, I’ve prepared this best scope for 3006 rifle reviews article, where I’m going to discuss 4 top-notch scopes of various price ranges.
Let’s dive right in.
What magnification do You Need?
For short-range shooting, you need less magnification, and for long-range shooting, you need higher magnification.
Everyone knows that.
What I’m trying to describe here are the different magnifications you require for different ranges of shooting.
Long-range (more than 400 yards) – Using a 30-60 rifle, you would want to hit the target from more than 400 yards distance. Ideally, from 1000 yards. For that, you require 9x or higher magnification.
Medium range (200-400 yards) – You will get the best view from this range of distance against the 4x-9x magnification range.
Short-range (up to 200 yards) – From 1x-4x magnification will serve the purpose accurately for this short distance shooting.
4 Best Scope for 3006 Rifle – Detailed Review
1. Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9×40 BDC Review
- A convenient size of scope.
- It’s lightweight.
- Mounting this scope is not an uphill task.
- It’s genuinely waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof.
- The objective lens is 40mm. meaning it lets enough light into the scope.
- It features quite a satisfactory range of magnification (3x to 9x).
- I must admire the clarity, crispness, and contrast this scope offers that eventually makes the sight quality high.
- The optics are fully multi-coated to offer maximum light transmission and clear view in low light conditions.
- The eyepiece is straightforward to use.
- This scope implements Nikon’s BDC reticle, which features open circle markers.
- The price is quite reasonable for what it offers.
- The eye relief (3.6”) seems too short for me.
- The eye box is a bit limited.
- No rings included.
- The reticle is not illuminated. However, you will still get a bright vision in low light.
Summary
The weight of the scope is only 13.1 ounces, which is relatively a lightweight measurement, no doubt.
I must mention the ability to see the target without losing sight using this scope. The BDC reticle makes it possible as the marker lets you see through them.
The field of view is quite generous from 11.3’ to 33.8’ at 100 yards.
The overall build and quality of the scope clearly show it’s going to last for long.
On the downside, the eye relief is too short in my opinion. Mainly wearing glasses, it’s quite easy to get into trouble.
As the rings are not included, you might want to buy some medium profile or high-profile rings instead of low-profile ones to mount this scope.
Overall, this one is undoubtedly the best scope for a 30-06 rifle that is quite reasonably priced. For hunting game from a distance, you won’t regret buying it for your rifle.
2. Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Scope Review
- Both v-plex and dead-hold BDC reticles are available for this scope.
- A wide range of magnification settings is available to choose from.
- It features pretty clear optics.
- The lenses are fully multi-coated to give a clear image throughout the day and at low light conditions.
- This scope holds a zero pretty well.
- The one-piece aluminum tube makes the scope sturdy enough.
- It’s waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof.
- This scope features a fast-focus eyepiece to offer a quick, clear view through the reticle.
- Low light targeting is quite effortless with this scope. Kudos to the green tint.
- As the scope is Argon purged and O-ring sealed, it makes this scope a durable option.
- The company stands behind its warranty quite well.
- It’s quite affordable for what it offers.
- The eye relief is too short for several user’s likings.
Summary
As it’s a second focal plane (SFP) scope, it will give you comfort in magnification by not changing the reticle. That’s why an SFP scope is so popular amongst the American hunters.
The metal-on metal-capped style turret helps to hold a zero effortlessly.
You have the liberty to choose from the various magnification range units like 1.75x to 5x, 3x to 9x, 3.5x to 10x, and 4x to 12x. On top of that, you can choose either dead-hold BDC or V-plex reticles.
That means altogether; you are going to get excellent support to target the vital organs of the game from a long distance with ease (particularly the 3.5x to 10x, and 4x to 12x versions).
No matter which objective lens you choose from the above magnification range, none of them weigh heavily.
For hunting big game, this scope has all the ability to win the race.
Altogether, this one is a high-quality scope for a 30-06 rifle that doesn’t break your bank by any means.
3. Vortex Optics Crossfire II Scope Review
- You have the liberty to choose from different magnification ranges and reticle types, including illuminated reticles.
- This one is a second focal plane scope. Meaning the reticle will remain rock solid when you change the magnification.
- Tracking it from left to right (windage adjustment), up and down (elevator adjustment) accurately is a breeze to do with this scope.
- The one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube makes it sturdy, hence shockproof.
- You can reset the turret to zero after sighting in.
- The glass is crystal clear, and the adjustable objective lens comes in handy, no doubt.
- It offers excellent value to the money as well.
- The sight adjustment knob doesn’t deliver clear click sound against each adjustment.
- It’s a tad heavy compared to the other scopes on my list.
Summary
The overall construction and build of this scope justify the bill without any doubt.
You can choose from various magnification ranges like 4x to 12x (40mm), 4x to 12x (50mm), 6x to 18x (44mm). So, yes, this scope is certainly powerful to cover both close range and long-range shooting.
However, it set itself apart from the crowd when it’s about the close-range shooting.
You can choose from either a dead-hold BDC reticle or a v-plex reticle, v-brite illuminated reticle. The v-brite illuminated reticle comes in handy at low light conditions, and you will get an illumination adjusting knob too.
The performance of this scope is quite impressive. If you are looking for a high-power scope at an affordable price, check out this Vortex Optics Crossfire II.
I don’t find any reason to go for those pricey scopes when this scope has all the quality to beat those expensive scopes without costing you a fortune.
4. Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane Scope Review
- The all-metal magnification ring is a breeze to turn
- The eyepiece has a metal eye cap that’s pretty smooth to turn too.
- You can adjust the side focus from 20 yards to infinity with ease.
- The ability of the turret to hold zero is second to none.
- You have the liberty to choose from two magnification ranges and two styles of reticles.
- It features pretty clear glass.
- The field of view and eye relief is up to the mark.
- It’s easy to mount and sight-in.
- The one-piece tube is shockproof and can withstand recoils and impacts effortlessly.
- It’s waterproof and fog proof.
- It’s quite affordable for what it offers.
- The image is clear, but not that crisp. At 300+ yards, it gets blurry a bit.
- As it’s a first focal plane, you might find it uncomfortable during magnification.
Summary
You can choose between 4x to 16x (44mm) magnifying range and 6x to 24x (50mm) magnifying range. You have the option to choose between two types of reticles as well (EBR-2C MOA, and EBR-2C MRAD).
The fast-focus eyepiece makes it easy, and quick reticle focusing. The O-ring seal and nitrogen purging makes it waterproof and fog proof.
As it offers effortless windage adjustment and elevator adjustment, it becomes quite a useful scope for long-distance precision shooting.
The price is a little bit on the higher side compared to the other scopes on my list. However, I must say it’s quite cost-effective compared to so many different pricey scopes out there in the market.
Vortex is a well-established brand in making different high-quality scopes. This particular scope is not any exception. More importantly, you will get the desired customer service from the company without any questions asked.
Top Scopes for 3006 – Buying Guide
Power
Some scopes are fixed or single power. On the other hand, most of the scopes let you adjust the magnification or power.
If it’s written like 4-16 power, that means the image will appear at least 4 times larger than you see the target without the scope. Here the number 16 means you can adjust the power up to 16x.
The more magnification power your scope offers, the better you will be able to do long-range shooting.
Field of View (FOV)
In the simplest form, the field of view of a rifle scope is the view that a shooter can see from right to left through the scope from a certain distance (typically measured at 100 yards).
The field of view (FOV) starts decreasing when you start magnifying the lens.
You will want to get a higher FOV at higher magnification, and the scope should feature a constant FOV in proportion to the magnification level.
Objective Lens and its Size
The objective lens is the part of the scope that is on the target’s side.
If it’s written like 4-16X44, here 44 is the objective lens size in millimeter.
The bigger the objective lens is, the more light will enter into the lens and help you to hunt in low light conditions.
However, 50mm size is quite ok to serve the purpose. Typically, the 30-06 scopes feature a 40mm to 50mm objective lens size.
Scope Rings
Choosing the correct scope ring is vital. Some scopes come with scope rings; some don’t.
If the scope doesn’t come with scope rings, no problem. You can always buy them separately. You just have to do the research right to buy the correct scope ring for the scope you are going to use.
Durability
Like any other product, the scope you are going to buy should be a durable one.
It’s vital that the scope withstand all-weather conditions, and be made from high-quality material.
If it’s made from aluminum alloy or aircraft-grade aluminum, then it’s okay.
On top of that, it needs to be waterproof and fog proof. That’s why it should be O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged.
Lens Coating and Composition
If the lens is coated for preventing scratch, then it’s, of course, a great plus.
Some lenses can block disturbing lights, and other distractions to give you comfort while shooting.
Price
When choosing a scope for a 30-06 rifle, going for the right price is crucial. You don’t have to go for too pricey scopes as you won’t need all those advanced features.
All the scopes I’ve listed above provide good value for the money, and none of them will break your bank.
How Far Will Your Bullet Go?
For the Springfield .30-60 caliber with a 1.5” height scope here is the guideline on the range –
Long range – more than 400 yards.
Medium range – from 200 to 400 yards.
Short range – up to 200 yards.
You need to have enough skill or practice to do well in medium-range to large range shooting.
Also Read: Scopes Buying Guide for .17 HMR Rifle
Final Words
So, this is it.
In a nutshell, you have to be very picky when it’s about selecting the best scope for 30-06 to get the best shooting experience.
I’m sure now you will be able to find the best bang for your bucks if you’ve gone through this article.
I hope you didn’t miss out on the buying guide section.
Now it’s your turn.
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