Muzzleloader Scopes: a Good Idea?

valentsgrif · November 5, 2008, 05:20 PM

As reported earlier, I'm waiting on delivery of a Savage 10ML. Needs a scope but I'm not sure which to get. Most vendors sell the same scope in "muzzleloader" and standard versions. Whaddya think I need? I"ll shoot anywhere from 50- 175 yds.

Doyle · November 5, 2008, 06:43 PM

The biggest difference is that muzzleloader scopes have relatively short (100yds) parallax settings whereas standard scopes are generally set at about 200 yds or have user-adjustable parallax.

simonkenton · November 5, 2008, 07:20 PM

Any centerfire rifle scope will work on the muzzleloader.
I tell you what, I bought a Sightron S2 3-9 four years ago. I could not be happier with this scope. Very bright. Very accurate adjustments, turn the knob 4 clicks, the bullet moves exactly one inch.
Lifetime warranty.

valentsgrif · November 6, 2008, 10:39 AM

Ok, but what is so optimal about the shorter parrallex muzzleloader scopes? What a I giving up what am I getting with each type?

Wild Bill Bucks · November 6, 2008, 12:41 PM

Parallax is an apparent displacement or difference of orientation of an object viewed along two different lines of sight, and is measured by the angle or semi-angle of inclination between those two lines.[1][2] The term is derived from the Greek παράλλαξις (parallaxis), meaning "alteration".

That being said, the ranges you mention, with any good 3x9 scope, parallax, will have little to do with your hunting. If you were shooting ranges 250 yards to 1000 yards, then you might have to worry about it, but not at 50 to 175.

Most hunting scopes have already been built to take care of that problem for the hunter.

arcticap · November 6, 2008, 02:38 PM

The compact shotgun/muzzle loader scopes usually have longer eye relief to help prevent scope eye injuries caused by recoil.
But a compact model can't be moved forward or back as much as a longer scope because of ring interference.
Some stores will let you bring the rifle in to better select the mount, rings and/or scope that will fit the best.
Some shotgun scopes are only parallax adjusted to 50 or 75 yards, while the "better" compact scopes are set at 100 yards. However I don't know how much the point of impact is affected or if it's noticed much if at all.
Most standard hunting scopes are also set for 100 yards, unless it has A.O..

Double J · November 12, 2008, 11:50 AM

Look for a scope that is made to handle magnum recoil. I have a box of junk scopes because they didn't hold up. And a scope with at least 4" eye relief. At close ranges a low powered, fixed scope in the 2-1/2 to 4x range is plenty.
Good solid rings are a must. I've even added an extra ring on some rigs to support the scope.

wpcexpert · November 12, 2008, 11:32 PM

Take a look in the Hunt forum and you will see the buck I shot with my 10MLII. I've got a Burris Fullfield II 3-9 x 40. It handles recoil well. You will want something you can see thru and look further than 100yds. That rifle will reach out there and touch them.

Have you ever owned a smokeless? I just started with it this year, and believe me, I have done a lot of cussin and learning. If you need any advise or help, I'll try and help.

don't know if you have already been here or not...www.modernmuzzloaders.com

Some great info there. Good luck.
Shawn

November 5, 2008, 05:20 PM	#1
valentsgrif Junior Member Join Date: January 6, 2008 Posts: 12	Muzzleloader Scopes: a Good Idea? As reported earlier, I'm waiting on delivery of a Savage 10ML. Needs a scope but I'm not sure which to get. Most vendors sell the same scope in "muzzleloader" and standard versions. Whaddya think I need? I"ll shoot anywhere from 50- 175 yds.

November 6, 2008, 02:38 PM	#6
arcticap Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2005 Location: Central Connecticut Posts: 3,166	The compact shotgun/muzzle loader scopes usually have longer eye relief to help prevent scope eye injuries caused by recoil. But a compact model can't be moved forward or back as much as a longer scope because of ring interference. Some stores will let you bring the rifle in to better select the mount, rings and/or scope that will fit the best. Some shotgun scopes are only parallax adjusted to 50 or 75 yards, while the "better" compact scopes are set at 100 yards. However I don't know how much the point of impact is affected or if it's noticed much if at all. Most standard hunting scopes are also set for 100 yards, unless it has A.O.. Last edited by arcticap; November 6, 2008 at 02:50 PM.

November 12, 2008, 11:32 PM	#8
wpcexpert Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Central Arkansas Posts: 791	Take a look in the Hunt forum and you will see the buck I shot with my 10MLII. I've got a Burris Fullfield II 3-9 x 40. It handles recoil well. You will want something you can see thru and look further than 100yds. That rifle will reach out there and touch them. Have you ever owned a smokeless? I just started with it this year, and believe me, I have done a lot of cussin and learning. If you need any advise or help, I'll try and help. don't know if you have already been here or not...www.modernmuzzloaders.com Some great info there. Good luck. Shawn __________________ When once a republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil. - Thomas Jefferson

November 5, 2008, 06:43 PM	#2
Doyle Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2007 Location: Rainbow City, Alabama Posts: 7,167	The biggest difference is that muzzleloader scopes have relatively short (100yds) parallax settings whereas standard scopes are generally set at about 200 yds or have user-adjustable parallax.

November 5, 2008, 07:20 PM	#3
simonkenton Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2008 Posts: 891	Any centerfire rifle scope will work on the muzzleloader. I tell you what, I bought a Sightron S2 3-9 four years ago. I could not be happier with this scope. Very bright. Very accurate adjustments, turn the knob 4 clicks, the bullet moves exactly one inch. Lifetime warranty.

November 6, 2008, 10:39 AM	#4
valentsgrif Junior Member Join Date: January 6, 2008 Posts: 12	Ok, but what is so optimal about the shorter parrallex muzzleloader scopes? What a I giving up what am I getting with each type?

November 6, 2008, 12:41 PM	#5
Wild Bill Bucks Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2005 Location: Southeastern Oklahoma, Next door to Sasquatch Posts: 1,266	Parallax is an apparent displacement or difference of orientation of an object viewed along two different lines of sight, and is measured by the angle or semi-angle of inclination between those two lines.[1][2] The term is derived from the Greek παράλλαξις (parallaxis), meaning "alteration". That being said, the ranges you mention, with any good 3x9 scope, parallax, will have little to do with your hunting. If you were shooting ranges 250 yards to 1000 yards, then you might have to worry about it, but not at 50 to 175. Most hunting scopes have already been built to take care of that problem for the hunter.

November 12, 2008, 11:50 AM	#7
Double J Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2007 Location: So. Illinois Posts: 547	Look for a scope that is made to handle magnum recoil. I have a box of junk scopes because they didn't hold up. And a scope with at least 4" eye relief. At close ranges a low powered, fixed scope in the 2-1/2 to 4x range is plenty. Good solid rings are a must. I've even added an extra ring on some rigs to support the scope.