Imagine this: you’re deep in the woods, the air is crisp, and a perfect shot presents itself. But your vision is blurry, and your scope isn’t helping. Choosing the right 1X muzzleloader scope can feel like a guessing game. Many hunters face this challenge, overwhelmed by technical terms and endless features. They want a scope that’s easy to use, reliable, and makes their shots count.
That’s where this guide comes in. We understand the frustration of picking the wrong optic and the desire for clear, precise shots. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what makes a great 1X muzzleloader scope. We’ll break down what you need to look for, so you can stop worrying about the “what ifs” and focus on the hunt.
So, let’s dive in and discover how to find the perfect 1X muzzleloader scope that will boost your confidence and improve your accuracy, turning those challenging hunts into successful ones.
Our Top 5 1X Muzzleloader Scope Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 1X Muzzleloader Scope Detailed Reviews
1. Traditions Performance Firearms Muzzleloader Hunter Series Scope – 1×32
Rating: 8.6/10
The Traditions Performance Firearms Muzzleloader Hunter Series Scope – 1×32, Matte Finish with Circle Reticle is a fantastic tool for any muzzleloader hunter. It’s built to help you spot your target clearly, even when the sun is starting to set. Its tough design means it can handle the bumps and shakes that come with hunting in the woods. This scope makes aiming easier and helps you get ready for that perfect shot.
What We Like:
- The multi-coated lenses make everything super clear, especially when it’s not very bright out.
- It’s nitrogen-filled, which means it won’t fog up inside, no matter the weather.
- The scope is compact and doesn’t add much weight to your muzzleloader.
- You get a good amount of eye relief (3 inches), which is comfortable and helps you see the whole picture.
- The rubber fast-focus eyepiece lets you adjust it quickly to get a sharp image.
- It’s built to be waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof, so it can handle tough hunting conditions.
What Could Be Improved:
- The circle reticle might not be everyone’s first choice for all types of hunting.
- While durable, some hunters might prefer a scope with adjustable magnification for different distances.
This scope is a solid choice for muzzleloader hunters who need reliability and clear vision in the field. It offers great performance without being overly complicated.
2. Monstrum Marksman 1X Prism Scope
Rating: 8.8/10
The Monstrum Marksman 1X Prism Scope in Black offers a clear and fast way to aim your firearm. It works like a red dot sight, but it uses a special glass system to show a circle dot reticle. This makes it easier to see and focus on, especially if you have trouble with your eyes.
What We Like:
- It has a true 1x magnification, just like a red dot sight, so you can aim quickly at close range.
- The reticle is etched into glass, which means it looks clearer and has less blur than red dots.
- It’s designed for people with astigmatism, making it easier to focus on the reticle.
- It comes with a built-in mount that raises the scope by 1.5 inches, allowing you to see your front sight perfectly.
- It fits on any standard Picatinny rail.
- Monstrum backs it with a lifetime warranty, so you don’t have to worry about it.
What Could Be Improved:
- The fixed 1x magnification means it’s not ideal for shooting at very long distances.
- While it’s built on a solid platform, some users might prefer a lighter option for certain applications.
This scope is a smart choice for anyone wanting a reliable and clear aiming solution for their firearm. It’s built to last and easy to use right out of the box.
3. Vortex Optics Spitfire 1x Prism Scope – DRT Reticle (MOA)
Rating: 8.9/10
The Vortex Optics Spitfire 1x Prism Scope with the DRT Reticle (MOA) is a fantastic tool for shooters who need to hit targets quickly and accurately at close to medium distances. Its clever design packs a lot of power into a small package, giving you a clear view without being bulky. This scope is built tough and ready for action, no matter the weather.
What We Like:
- It’s great for fast shooting in close to medium range.
- The scope is small but still offers excellent picture quality.
- The lenses are fully multi-coated, making the view bright even when there isn’t much light.
- The reticle is etched right onto the glass, so you always have a clear aiming point.
- You can choose between red and green for the reticle, and it has five brightness settings to fit any situation.
- It comes ready to use with a mount that gives a good sight picture, or you can remove a part for a lower mount.
- The scope is built to handle bumps and jolts.
- It’s filled with nitrogen and sealed to keep fog out and water from getting in.
What Could Be Improved:
- The DRT reticle might be a bit busy for some shooters at extreme close range.
- While good for its class, the eye relief is average and requires a consistent cheek weld.
This Vortex Spitfire scope is a solid choice for anyone wanting a reliable and efficient aiming solution for their firearm. It delivers performance and durability that you can count on in the field.
4. Vortex Optics CF2-31001 Crossfire II Second Focal Plane
Rating: 9.3/10
The Vortex Optics CF2-31001 Crossfire II riflescope is a solid choice for hunters looking for a reliable scope. Its 2-7x magnification is great for many hunting situations. The V-Plex reticle is a popular all-around choice for different types of hunting. This scope is built to last and perform well in various conditions.
What We Like:
- The long eye relief and forgiving eye box help you get on target quickly.
- The fast focus eyepiece makes adjusting the reticle easy.
- Fully multi-coated lenses give you bright and clear views.
- Capped turrets are easy to adjust and can be reset to zero.
- The one-piece tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum is strong and shockproof.
- It’s waterproof and fogproof thanks to O-ring seals and nitrogen purging.
- The VIP Warranty is a strong promise that covers damage and defects.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 2-7x magnification might not be enough for very long-range shots.
- The second focal plane reticle means the reticle size doesn’t change with magnification, which can be less precise for range estimation at higher power.
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II offers good value and durability for hunters. It’s a dependable tool that will serve you well on many hunts.
5. Leupold VX-Freedom Muzzleloader 3-9×40 (1 inch) UltimateSlam Reticle Riflescope
Rating: 8.9/10
The Leupold VX-Freedom Muzzleloader 3-9×40 (1 inch) UltimateSlam Reticle Riflescope (Model #174184) is built for muzzleloader hunters. It helps you see your target clearly, even when the sun is bright. This scope has a special reticle that makes it easier to hit your target at different distances. It is built tough and made in the USA.
What We Like:
- Leupold’s Advanced Optical System gives great light, reduces glare, and provides sharp images.
- The UltimateSlam reticle is designed for muzzleloaders and helps with aiming.
- It has a 3:1 zoom ratio, letting you adjust magnification from 3x to 9x.
- The scope is 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
- It is machined and assembled in the USA.
- Leupold offers legendary customer care.
What Could Be Improved:
- The Second Focal Plane reticle is not ideal for range estimation with hash marks.
This Leupold scope is a solid choice for muzzleloader enthusiasts. It offers reliable performance and Leupold’s trusted quality.
The Essential Buying Guide: Your 1X Muzzleloader Scope
Choosing the right muzzleloader scope makes a big difference in hitting your target. A 1X scope is a popular choice for muzzleloaders because it offers a clear, wide field of view. This guide helps you find the best 1X scope for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you buy a 1X muzzleloader scope, several things are important.
- Magnification: A 1X scope means it doesn’t zoom in. This is great for close-range shots, which is common with muzzleloaders. It helps you see your target clearly without magnification.
- Field of View (FOV): This is how much you can see through the scope. A wider FOV lets you track moving targets more easily. It’s like having a wider window to look through.
- Reticle Type: The reticle is the crosshair or aiming point you see. Simple crosshairs are common. Some scopes have illuminated reticles, which help in low light.
- Eye Relief: This is the distance your eye can be from the eyepiece and still see a full picture. Longer eye relief is safer, especially with muzzleloaders that have more recoil.
- Turrets: These are the knobs on the scope used for adjusting windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down). Some have tool-less adjustments, making it easy to zero your scope in the field.
Important Materials
The materials used in a scope affect its durability and performance.
- Lens Coatings: Good lens coatings improve light transmission and reduce glare. This means a brighter, clearer image, especially during dawn or dusk.
- Housing Material: Most quality scopes have a housing made of aluminum. This is strong and lightweight. It needs to be tough to handle the bumps and jolts of hunting.
- Waterproofing and Fogproofing: Scopes are often filled with nitrogen or argon gas. This stops the lenses from fogging up inside when you go from a warm place to a cold one. They should also be sealed to keep water out.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a scope better or worse.
- Lens Quality: High-quality glass makes a big difference. It provides sharper images and better color. Cheaper glass can look blurry or have color distortions.
- Build Quality: A well-built scope feels solid. The adjustments should be crisp and precise. Poorly made scopes might have loose parts or sticky adjustments.
- Durability: A muzzleloader scope needs to be tough. It should handle recoil without losing its zero (where it’s aimed). Scopes made with better materials and construction are more durable.
User Experience and Use Cases
How a scope feels and works in the field is very important.
- Ease of Use: A good 1X scope is simple to use. You can quickly acquire your target without fiddling with zoom. This is crucial when hunting.
- Low Light Performance: Many muzzleloader hunts happen in low light conditions. A scope with good lens coatings and a wide objective lens (the front lens) will gather more light. This helps you see better when the sun is low.
- Hunting Scenarios: 1X scopes are excellent for hunting in woods or thick brush where shots are usually at closer ranges. They allow for fast target acquisition. If you hunt in open country where shots might be longer, you might consider a scope with some magnification.
Frequently Asked Questions about 1X Muzzleloader Scopes
Q: What is the main benefit of a 1X muzzleloader scope?
A: The main benefit is its wide field of view, which helps you quickly find and track your target, especially at close ranges.
Q: Do I need special mounts for a 1X muzzleloader scope?
A: Yes, muzzleloaders often have specific mounting systems. Make sure the scope mounts you buy fit both your muzzleloader and the scope’s tube diameter.
Q: Are 1X scopes good for long-range shooting?
A: No, 1X scopes are best for close to medium-range shots. They do not offer magnification for distant targets.
Q: How do I clean my muzzleloader scope lenses?
A: Use a soft lens cloth and a lens cleaning solution specifically made for optics. Never use paper towels or rough cloths.
Q: What does “waterproof” mean for a scope?
A: It means the scope is sealed to prevent water from getting inside. This protects the internal parts from damage.
Q: What is “fogproof” and how is it achieved?
A: Fogproof means the scope won’t fog up on the inside. This is usually done by removing air and filling the scope with a dry gas like nitrogen.
Q: Can I use any scope on my muzzleloader?
A: While you can physically mount many scopes, it’s best to choose one designed for muzzleloaders. They are built to handle the heavier recoil.
Q: What is eye relief and why is it important for muzzleloaders?
A: Eye relief is the distance your eye can be from the scope’s eyepiece and still see a clear image. Longer eye relief is important because muzzleloaders can have strong recoil, preventing injury to your eye.
Q: Should I get an illuminated reticle?
A: An illuminated reticle can be very helpful in low-light conditions, making it easier to see your aiming point. However, it’s not essential for all hunters.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on a good 1X muzzleloader scope?
A: Prices vary, but you can find decent 1X muzzleloader scopes starting around $100-$150, with higher-end models costing $300 or more.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.