This is a comprehensive guide on the best scopes for bolt action rifle. These scopes are the culmination of relentless workmanship, innovation, and attention to detail. They will transform a bolt-action rifle into a precision tool, stretching your effective range and boosting your shooting game.
Bolt-action rifles are iconic and famous for their adaptability, reliability, and accuracy. They are a commoner in hunters’ and shooters’ collections and require the right scope to get the most out of them.
Whether you are looking to optimize the performance of your rifle, a long-range enthusiast, or a dedicated hunter, a scope will go a long way.
How To Choose the Best Scopes for Bolt Action Rifle
The following facts will be a compass when selecting the best scopes for bolt action rifle:
Durability
Shooting and hunting expose your scope to harsh elements, which could cause damage. These elements include moisture, recoil, impact, fog, dust, and debris. Quality construction is essential to ensure these elements have nothing on the scope. Look for a unit made of aircraft-grade aluminum. It should also be waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
Magnification
This is a vital aspect when selecting the best scopes for bolt action rifles. A scope with 3x to 9x is advised for most applications when using the rifle. This is a good range that suits even beginners. You can also go as high as 16x, depending on the distance of the target.
Optics
Optics are another essential for any riflescope. High-quality optics result in minimal glare and reflections and, in turn, deliver maximum light collection throughout the day. This helps you see your target clearly, supporting fast target engagement.
A good pair of lenses should have proper coatings. These protect against scratches and increase durability. They also facilitate impeccable light transmission for stunning images.
Eye Relief
You need a scope with appropriate eye relief for a safe and comfortable shooting experience. A scope with more eye relief reduces the chances of the scope punching your eyes out. A scope with 3 inches or more will be good.
Reticle
There are many reticle options to select from. The general rule of thumb is to use BDC reticles for longer ranges and Mil-Dot or Duplex reticles for short distances.
Parallax
Parallax can be the difference between a successful shot and a missed shot, especially if you plan to shoot at long ranges. Look for a parallax adjustment feature, as this can up your shooting game.
6 Best Scopes for Bolt Action Rifle
Finding a good scope is easier said than done. With plenty of models on the market, it can be confusing to know the ideal unit that will complement your rifle.
To make the confusion go away, we have compiled the best-selling scopes that will take your passion for bolt-action rifles to the next big level:
1) Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm riflescope is a jack of all trades that will turn your hunting into an entertaining experience. It is feature-packed to help you get the most out of your bolt action rifle.
The first attribute it has is the 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum constitution that makes it durable and resilient. The hard anodized finishing complements the quality construction and keeps glare and abrasion very far away from your unit.
The scope will hold up to challenging weather conditions outdoors as it is completely waterproof and fogproof. The eyepiece has a fast-focus design that helps to focus the reticle, empowering you to acquire the target at lightning-fast speed.
The precision glide erector system has components that make magnification transitions a breeze regardless of the range. The turrets are caps and deliver easy and precise windage and elevation adjustments. They produce audible clicks and easily reset to zero after making adjustments.
Features
- Sealed and purged with argon gas
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Precision force spring system
- Eye relief of 3.3 to 3.5 inches
- 3-9x variable magnification
- 40mm objective lens
- The lenses are fully multi-coated
- Capped reset turrets
- Second focal plane reticle
Pros
- Hard Anodized Finish
- Fast Focus Eyepiece
- Waterproof and Fogproof
- Capped Reset Turrets
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
2) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Riflescope
Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x33mm riflescope is an all-around hunting scope that is a contender for the best scopes for bolt action rifle. It sports anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses that deliver clear views that are refreshing to your eyes.
A built-in sunshade eliminates glare for clarity in bright conditions.
It has a single-piece tube built from aircraft-grade aluminum that sets the bar as far as durability is concerned. You will have peace of mind as you traverse rainy and freezing conditions as the scope has o-ring seals and nitrogen purging.
These inclusions ensure waterproof and fog-free performance so that hunting goes through even in adverse weather conditions.
The turrets have MOA clicks that are finger-adjustable and can be reset to zero easily after sighting it. Caps protect the turrets from impact and external damage.
Keeping targets sighted in and in focus is an easy ordeal, even when altering ranges. This is thanks to the fast-focus eyepiece integrated into the scope’s design.
Features
- Shockproof for recoil and impact management
- The lens system is fully multi-coated and has anti-reflection
- Single-piece tube built from top-notch materials
- Fully waterproof and fogproof
- A sunshade for glare reduction
- Machine-locked lenses
- Caps protect turrets
- Zero reset mechanism of the windage and elevation adjustments
- Anodized construction
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Great low-light capacity
- Ease of use
- Weatherproof
Cons
- No reticle illumination
3) Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm Riflescope
Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm riflescope is guaranteed for life. It is configured with scratch-resistant lenses for usability even in extreme conditions. The 2-7x magnification is ideal for short to intermediate distances.
This is a second focal plane riflescope, meaning the reticle remains static as you zoom in or out. A fast-focus eyepiece increases the target acquisition speed. This is crucial since each second is of the essence when in the field.
You are always required to adjust the magnification as conditions outdoors vary. To help you with this, the VX-Freedom has an ergonomic power selector that supports quick changes to suit your condition.
The scope is lightweight; you will hardly notice it atop your bolt action rifle. While light, the scope doesn’t compromise quality. The manufacturer uses aircraft-grade aluminum to give it high durability rates.
In addition to that, it is waterproof and fogproof to suffice in nasty weather conditions. The finger-click adjustments eliminate the need for tools and ensure your time on the field is stress-free.
Features
- Advanced power selector
- Advanced optical system for incredible views
- Finger-click adjustments
- Lightweight for easy carrying
- 6061-T6 aluminum design
- FireDot illumination
- 3:1 zoom ratio
- Matte exterior
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Fast-focus locking eyepiece
- Ergonomic power selector
- Ultra-lightweight design
- Weatherproof and shockproof
Cons
- No Custom Dial System (CDS) and BDC Dial
4) Primary Arms SLx 4-14x44mm Riflescope
As another winner for the best scopes for bolt action rifle, Primary Arms SLx 4-14x44mm riflescope has all you need in a riflescope. It is equipped for anything that comes its way with its waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof capabilities.
Whether you want to shoot accurately in the field or at the range, the scope is suitable for you. The housing is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum for high resilience and reliability.
You can adjust the parallax from 15 yards to infinity using the side parallax knob included. The knob is satisfying and smooth to handle and makes adjustments seamless, even when shooting at long distances. The low-profile turrets are capped and finger-adjustable, facilitating smooth adjustments no matter the condition.
The glass stays clear even at maximum magnification. The lenses are multi-coated, allowing plenty of light for clear views.
The scope is easy to operate, making it ideal for beginners as well. The 44mm objective lens allows maximum light collection, clarifying and brightening the image.
The magnification is generous, varying from 4x to 14x. This gives a wide range of distance shooting. Views are clear even when you crank the high magnification.
Features
- Durable aluminum formation
- Nitrogen purged and sealed for weatherproofing
- Parallax is adjustable from 15 yards to infinity
- Multi-coating on the lenses
- Capped reset turrets
- Versatile 4-14x magnification topped by a 44mm objective lens diameter
- Side knob for parallax adjustment
Pros
- Outlasting sturdiness
- Excellent glass clarity
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fog-resistant
- Exposed tactical style turrets with Zero Reset
Cons
- Not illuminated
5) Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm Riflescope
Another Vortex offering is the Diamondback 4-12x40mm riflescope. Made with weatherproofing in mind, the scope has o-ring seals and argon purging that make it suitable for various weather conditions.
It has a hard-to-beat construction that is outlasting and shockproof to endure recoil and impact. Advanced, fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission and lessen reflection and glare. The culmination is brighter, clearer, and sharper images from morning to evening.
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is on the rear focal plane. It remains the same even with changes in magnification and helps in the estimation of bullet drop at various ranges.
Pop-up dials are included to facilitate easy and precise adjustments for windage and elevation. They have loud clicks that are not loud enough to spook your prey but loud enough to confirm you’ve made the changes.
The hard anodized finish fights off glare and abrasion. Count on this Diamondback to make your hunting experience satisfying.
Features
- Recoil and impact-resistant
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Advanced full multi-coating on the lenses
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Easy windage and elevation adjustments through the pop-up dials
- Variable magnification from 4x to 12x
- 40mm objective lens diameter
Pros
- Rugged construction for longevity and to withstand recoil and impact
- Crisp clicks
- Fully Multi-Coated
- Holds zero perfectly
- Pinpoint accuracy
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
Related: 6 Best Vortex Scopes for 1000 Yards
Best Scopes for Bolt Action Rifle FAQs
Is Durability Important in A Bolt Action Scope?
Bolt-action rifles are not the most recoil-generating. However, the scope’s durability shouldn’t be overlooked. Get a scope made from aircraft-grade aluminum to withstand shock and impact. It should have robust lenses and recoil-compensation systems. These will enhance its life and ensure top performance at all times.
Do I Need an Illuminated Scope?
Whether you need illumination depends on your needs and shooting scenario. You will need a scope with an illuminated reticle if you hunt in poorly lit conditions. The lighting contributes to the high contrast between the target and the reticle. This empowers you to aim properly, increasing the chances of striking the target with pinpoint accuracy.
What magnification range is ideal for a bolt-action rifle scope?
The ideal magnification range depends on the intended use. For versatile applications, a scope with variable magnification, such as 3-9x or 4-12x, is often recommended. However, for close to mid-range engagements, a lower fixed magnification like 1-6x or 2-7x may be more suitable.
What features contribute to the durability of a bolt-action rifle scope?
Durability is crucial for withstanding the recoil forces of a bolt-action rifle. Look for scopes with shockproof construction to maintain accuracy over time. Additionally, features like waterproof and fog-proof designs ensure reliability in different environmental conditions.
Conclusion
A good scope for a bolt action rifle will be a game changer. The scopes in this review are the pinnacle of innovation, excellent craftsmanship, precision, and optical engineering. They are specifically crafted to match your bolt action rifle, enabling you to push the boundaries of accuracy. Ensure that you settle for a scope that suits your needs and preferences.