Few things could be more thrilling than rising early to go elk hunting as you enjoy breakfast while crossing off several items on your list to ensure everything is in place. This comprises your hunting gear, extra clothes, water, and food.
Since various hunting scenarios call for multiple rifles and scopes, purchasing an elk hunting-specific scope would be appropriate. You should acquire the best available gun and firearm optic setup for a good hunting experience. This post will discuss several rifle optic designs and the qualities a scope should have for this prey.
Types of Rifle Optics
Selecting the appropriate rifle scope as one of your elk hunting gear may not seem challenging; however, it’s essential to realize that there are many unique scope options to select from. Once you master the different scopes, you can pick the one that best satisfies your objectives and requirements. The most popular kinds of rifle scopes are listed below;
- Fixed scopes are the most common kind. As implied by their name, these scopes feature a fixed magnification range. This signifies that you can’t zoom in and out when operating them. Fixed scopes have the benefit of generally being less expensive than other varieties.
- Variable scopes enable you to adjust the magnification range when utilizing them. These scopes have numbers inscribed on them that show the number of times one can zoom in or out.
- Hunting scopes usually don’t need to have a high zoom. They prioritize the use of materials that are water-proof and durable enough to withstand harsh weather conditions. Irrespective of how dazzling the day is, they provide a clearer vision than most other scopes.
- Scout scopes are extremely renowned among hunters. They generally have low magnification ranges (a maximum of 8X). They are relatively easy to operate and don’t feature many customization options.
Picking a Rifle Scope for Elk Hunting
There are many factors to consider when selecting the ideal rifle optic for elk hunting. You want the gun scope’s attributes to be suitable for your needs. An elk isn’t a small creature and requires expertise, patience, and, most crucially, an appropriate firearm and scope to catch one.
Magnification
You have to get a good and appropriate rifle scope. The optic has to be compatible with your firearm’s stopping power. Larger scopes are suitable for heavier rifles, whereas smaller scopes are ideal for lighter-than-average rifles. The gun’s scope magnification should be your primary factor of consideration.
The scope becomes heavier as the zoom increases. A 10x firearm scope is sufficient if you require an optic with an extended field of view, particularly when elk hunting. Targets can seem ten times closer with a 10x optic. For instance, an elk that’s 100 yards away would appear to be 10 yards away.
Large and bulky scopes, including the 25x zoom varieties, are frequently used with powerful rifles and small close-range targets. In this scenario, an elk would be a suitable medium-sized target. You would also require a haptic power indicator for easy zoom determination. You might want to alter the zoom in real-time for increased precision when elk hunting. With such a capability, you can hunt without taking your eye off the scope.
Durability
A gun scope must be durable to achieve its intended objective. Due to the rugged nature of hunting, the scope should adapt even when they undergo hits, blunt force, or scratches. The scope needs to have a seal and should not leak.
Lens Objective
A bigger scope’s objective lens allows more light to enter. Rifle scopes with big objectives are generally more costly and heavier. The large lens objectives can benefit low-light conditions because more light passes through.
Objective lens sizes typically vary between 20 mm and 72 mm. A 40 mm to 44 mm objective is a popular options range for most elk hunting adventures. For the firearm scope to accurately target the elk, it should comprise a high-quality glass. Seek rifle optics that feature a chromatic aberration minimizer to ensure a clear and sharp image. Also, ensure the objective lens is multi-coated to facilitate light passage.
Eye Comfort
Eye comfort is an important aspect to consider when elk hunting. A gun’s recoil could hurt your eye if the optics are too close. A buffer zone of at least three inches from the eye is crucial to avoid injury and ensure eye comfort.
Night Vision Scopes
Since elks are swift and agile, especially at night, you may choose to adopt night vision scopes. These scopes will help you hunt elk precisely, even at night.
Firearm Scope Brand
You should also check the manufacturer of the gun scope before purchasing one. Know the available companies and determine whether a brand is reputable and well known. Don’t hesitate to shop from recognized, genuine suppliers. Customer evaluations are an excellent source of information regarding the quality of a rifle scope manufacturer because they typically provide frank assessments of the scopes under consideration.
Anti-Scratch and Anti-Reflection Protection
Elks are fast; therefore, having a clear vision is essential when looking via your rifle optics. Nothing is as annoying as utilizing a scope featuring glares and reflections on the lens. To avoid this, select a scope featuring an anti-reflective coating. Also, opt for a gun scope that has anti-scratch shielding. This can increase the lifespan of your optic and keep dirt and smudges from accumulating on the lenses when operating your firearm.
Conclusion
If you’re a devoted hunter, you’ll want the best equipment you can afford to ensure your survival. Apply the same philosophy to the weapon of your choice. Having a high-quality rifle scope rather than a cheap one can determine whether you take home a hunt or not.
