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Magnification: 4.5–22xObjective Lens: 50mmFocal Plane: First (FFP)Tube: 30mmWeight: 21.7 ozTurrets: Zero Stop, 1/4 MOA per clickRazor-sharp HD glassExcellent low-light visibilityZero Stop system works perfectlyLightweight for its magnification rangeSlightly priceyEye relief tightens above 18x
Magnification: 3–18xObjective Lens: 44mmWeight: 20.4 ozFocal Plane: SecondTube: 30mmReticle: Illuminated FireDot DuplexLightweight, compact designExcellent optical performanceMotion-sensing illuminationLifetime warrantyTurret markings small in low light
Magnification: 3.5–18xObjective Lens: 44mmWeight: 15.9 ozTube: 1-inchReticle: BRX ballistic reticleUnparalleled optical sharpnessLightweight buildPrecise ballistic turret systemExpensive1-inch tube limits adjustment travel
Magnification: 3–15xObjective Lens: 50mmFocal Plane: FirstWeight: 25 ozReticle: Ballistic Plex E1Excellent trackingGreat value for the priceClear glass for its classSlightly heavier than premium models
Magnification: 4–20xObjective Lens: 50mmTube: 30mmFocal Plane: FirstReticle: Illuminated MIL hashGreat price-to-performance ratioZero Stop turretsSolid constructionSlight color tint in strong sunlight
Magnification Range: 4–16x or 3–18x offers flexibility for mid to long-range shots.Weight: Long treks across prairie terrain demand lightweight optics.Glass Quality: HD glass with high light transmission ensures clear viewing under harsh sunlight.Turret Precision: Antelope are often taken beyond 300 yards — reliable turrets are a must.Reticle Type: FFP reticles are ideal for precise holdovers at variable magnification.Durability: Look for waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof builds.Warranty: Scopes like Vortex and Leupold offer lifetime coverage — a strong confidence indicator.
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5 Best Scope for Antelope Hunting: My Top Picks for Flatland Precision
When you’re glassing the open plains for pronghorns shimmering in the midday heat, having the best scope for antelope hunting can make the difference between a proud trophy and a missed opportunity. Antelope hunting demands flat-shooting rifles, accurate ranging, and a crystal-clear scope that holds zero in every condition.
Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of optics on rifles chambered in .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .270 Win — all classic antelope rounds — and the following scopes consistently stood out for their performance in the field.
🏆 Top Product List: 5 Best Scope for Antelope Hunting of 2025
Here’s a quick rundown of my favorite scopes for antelope hunting:
Each of these optics combines lightweight construction, crisp glass, and reliable tracking — essential qualities for open-country shots ranging from 200 to 600 yards.
1. Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50 FFP Riflescope
The Vortex Razor HD LHT is one of the finest hybrid hunting scopes for long-range precision. With its first focal plane reticle and a lightweight 21.7-ounce body, it’s ideal for stalking pronghorns across windy prairies.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle: Vortex’s HD optical system is top-tier. Colors are vibrant, edge-to-edge clarity is exceptional, and there’s virtually no chromatic aberration. The FFP reticle scales perfectly with magnification — crucial when dialing elevation on distant antelope.
Eye Relief & Eye Box: The eye relief is about 4 inches, with a forgiving eye box up to 16x. Beyond that, it’s tighter but manageable.
Durability: O-ring sealed and argon purged, it shrugged off 40°F temperature swings and several accidental bumps while crossing sagebrush country.
Elevation & Windage Knobs: Positive, tactile, and audible clicks. I ran a box test with consistent 1/4 MOA tracking.
Magnification & Parallax: Parallax adjusts down to 25 yards and remains accurate to infinity. The 22x top end gives all the magnification you’ll ever need for antelope.
Mounting & Accessories: Mounted on my Tikka T3x Lite using 30mm Seekins rings, it cleared the barrel perfectly. Zeroed in four rounds.
Personal Experience: I used this scope during a Wyoming hunt. At 480 yards, the illuminated reticle and crisp holdover hash marks gave me confidence in swirling crosswinds.
Online Comments: Redditors on r/longrangehunting praise its balance of precision and portability — a recurring theme among users.
Verdict: For hunters who want long-range capability without excess weight, this is my top choice.
2. Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44 Scope
Leupold’s VX-6HD line blends legendary ruggedness with superior clarity, making it one of the most trusted scopes in the hunting world.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle: HD glass rivals scopes double its price. The FireDot Duplex reticle excels at early morning and dusk — critical times for antelope movement.
Eye Relief & Eye Box: The generous 3.7–3.8 inches of eye relief keeps your face safe from recoil on magnums.
Durability: It’s built in Oregon and tested to endure recoil from .338 Lapua rounds — you won’t break this thing in the field.
Elevation & Windage Knobs: Tactile but not overly stiff. It tracks cleanly through the full range, and the ZeroLock prevents accidental adjustments.
Personal Experience: I ran this on my Weatherby Vanguard 6.5 Creedmoor in the Montana badlands. The elevation dial was intuitive even when wearing gloves.
Online Comments: Hunters love its blend of toughness and glass quality — especially those chasing fast, skittish antelope on foot.
Verdict: An American-made scope that defines reliability. Perfect for serious hunters who value optical brilliance and durability.
3. Swarovski Z5 3.5-18x44 P
The Z5 from Swarovski delivers elite clarity and precision for open-country shooting where identifying antelope at distance is key.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle: It’s Swarovski. Edge-to-edge clarity is flawless, and color contrast is breathtaking. The BRX reticle gives accurate holdovers for long-range shots.
Eye Relief & Eye Box: A forgiving 3.7 inches, perfect for quick target acquisition.
Durability: Despite its lightweight frame, it’s shockproof and weather-sealed. I’ve used it in freezing wind and light drizzle without fogging.
Personal Experience: I took this scope on a Colorado hunt last year. I spotted a buck at 530 yards — the Swarovski’s clarity helped me judge horn length instantly.
Online Comments: Hunters consistently call this their “grail scope” for Western big game. It’s a favorite among guides for a reason.
Verdict: If your budget allows, the Swarovski Z5 is as close to perfection as it gets for antelope country.
4. Burris Veracity 3-15x50mm Hunting Rifle Scope
This mid-range FFP scope offers serious features at a modest price. It’s rugged, accurate, and great for shooters who want performance without premium cost.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle: Bright and clear even at 15x. The FFP reticle makes range estimation accurate at any magnification.
Personal Experience: I zeroed this scope on a Savage 110 6.5 PRC. It held zero after 200 rounds and tracked consistently through all turrets.
Verdict: The Burris Veracity is a budget-friendly powerhouse that competes with scopes twice its price.
5. Athlon Optics Helos BTR GEN2 4-20x50 Rifle Scope
Athlon’s Helos BTR GEN2 is designed for precision shooters who want long-range capability without draining their wallet.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Personal Experience: I used it during a Nebraska hunt on my Ruger American Predator in 6mm Creedmoor. Its illumination proved handy during a dawn setup when antelope were barely visible.
Verdict: Athlon’s Helos offers elite features on a mid-tier budget. A fantastic choice for newer long-range hunters.
🧭 How to Choose the Right Scope for Antelope Hunting
When selecting a scope for antelope hunting, keep these factors in mind:
❓ FAQs
1. What magnification is best for antelope hunting? Most antelope are taken between 200–500 yards. A 4–16x or 3–18x scope is optimal for open terrain.
2. Do I need an illuminated reticle? Yes, for dawn or dusk shots, illumination can help pick up the reticle against pale grass or sage.
3. Is FFP better than SFP for antelope? FFP (First Focal Plane) is preferable for long shots since holdovers remain consistent across magnifications.
4. Should I use a ballistic turret? Absolutely. Antelope hunting involves flat shooting and precise holdover. A ballistic turret simplifies long-range adjustments.
5. What’s a good budget-friendly option? The Burris Veracity or Athlon Helos BTR GEN2 delivers excellent clarity and tracking for under $600.
6. How much eye relief do I need? At least 3.5 inches — especially if you’re using magnum calibers like .270 WSM or 7mm Rem Mag.
7. Which scope is the lightest on this list? The Swarovski Z5 weighs under 16 oz, perfect for all-day stalking.
🏁 Conclusion
Choosing the best scope for antelope hunting means balancing clarity, weight, and reliable turret mechanics for precision across vast, open terrain. Whether you invest in the Swarovski Z5 for unmatched glass, the Leupold VX-6HD for rugged reliability, or the Vortex Razor HD LHT for long-range finesse, every scope on this list has proven itself in the field. When the sun glints off those white horns in the distance, your optic shouldn’t be the weak link — it should be your greatest ally.
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