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Outdoor Life published a tested-and-reviewed selection of rifle scopes for deer hunting, spanning affordable traditional scopes, low-power variable optics and higher-end models. Its recommendations are based on testing by the magazine’s optics and gear editors, but the report emphasizes that the right choice depends on terrain, shooting distance and hunting style.
Outdoor Life published a tested-and-reviewed guide to rifle scopes for deer hunting on Oct. 28, listing options for wooded areas, open country and varied hunting needs. The magazine says its selections draw on testing by optics editor Andrew McKean and gear editor Scott Einsmann, and range from a roughly $260 Burris Fullfield to premium models such as the Nightforce NX6.
The guide’s recommended models include the Burris Fullfield 3-12×42 as its best-value choice, the Nightforce NX6 3-18×50 F1 as its high-end pick, and the Trijicon AccuPoint 1-8×24 as its best low-power variable optic. It also names the Sig Sauer TANGO-MSR Compact 1-6×24 BDC6 as an affordable LPVO. Other scopes it says are worth considering include options from Vortex, Zeiss, Bushnell, Maven and Athlon.
Outdoor Life describes the Burris as a straightforward hunting scope with a second-focal-plane Plex reticle, capped turrets and a 1-inch tube. The report praises its image and repeatable controls, and says it costs about $260. It also notes drawbacks: a greenish coating that the tester found distracting in low light, and small turret markings that can make it difficult to confirm the zero setting.
The Nightforce NX6 is aimed at hunters seeking more adjustment range and features for longer-distance shooting, according to the review. Its listed features include illuminated reticles, side parallax adjustment from 10 yards to infinity, and a turret system that can be configured with capped or exposed controls. Outdoor Life’s tested 3-18×50 version weighs 21 ounces. The magazine also describes the Trijicon AccuPoint as having battery-free illumination, while noting its roughly $1,300 price.
Choosing a Scope for Hunting Terrain
The list matters because scope needs vary with the hunt: a compact, simple optic may suit short shots in thick woods, while open-country hunting can call for more magnification and adjustment features. Outdoor Life’s selections give readers a comparison across those approaches rather than treating one model as suitable for every deer hunter.
Price is another dividing line. The Burris is positioned as a practical lower-cost option, while the Nightforce and Trijicon choices offer features that come at a substantially higher price. The review does not establish that expensive scopes are necessary for ordinary deer hunting; instead, it presents them for hunters whose circumstances and preferences may justify the added cost.
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From Simple 3-9x to More Choices
Outdoor Life’s report frames its recommendations around the growth in riflescope options. Author Andrew McKean recalls hunting in north-central Wisconsin, where a 100-yard shot was considered long and a basic 3-9x scope with adequate low-light performance was enough. The magazine says many hunters still hunt under similar conditions, while its wider selection also covers open country and other styles.
The article says the picks are grounded in in-depth testing by McKean and gear editor Scott Einsmann. It focuses mostly on affordable scopes but includes some high-end models. The report also discloses that Outdoor Life may earn revenue from products linked on its page and may participate in affiliate programs.
“The best riflescope for deer hunting really depends on where, and how, you intend to hunt.”
— Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life author
Limits of the Published Testing
The source material does not provide a complete account of the testing protocol, such as how each scope was evaluated side by side or how many samples were tested. It also does not give a single standardized performance score or a direct comparison of all listed models. Readers should treat the labels such as “best value” and “best high end” as Outdoor Life’s editorial judgments, not as claims that every hunter will reach the same conclusion.
Several product details are not included in the supplied report excerpt, including full specifications and drawbacks for all the additional models. The excerpt also does not state whether prices could change after publication. Those details remain unclear from the material available here.
Compare Models Before Buying
Outdoor Life’s article points readers toward its individual product listings and specifications for more detail. Hunters considering a scope can use the guide as a starting point, then check current prices, fit and compatibility with their rifle, and whether the magnification, reticle and controls suit their expected conditions. The article provides no announced follow-up testing or later update schedule.
Key Questions
Which scope did Outdoor Life name its best value?
The guide named the Burris Fullfield 3-12×42 SFP Plex its best-value scope and reported a price of about $260 at publication.
What was the high-end pick?
Outdoor Life selected the Nightforce NX6 3-18×50 F1 as its high-end choice, citing features including illumination, side parallax adjustment and configurable turret options.
Which models did the guide identify as LPVOs?
It named the Trijicon AccuPoint 1-8×24 as its best LPVO and the Sig Sauer TANGO-MSR Compact 1-6×24 BDC6 as its affordable LPVO pick.
Does the report say one scope is right for every deer hunter?
No. The article says the right scope depends on where and how someone hunts, including terrain and likely shooting distance.
Source: outdoorlife.com
