The Savage 220 is a versatile and popular shotgun, renowned for its precision and reliability, making it a favorite among hunters and shooting enthusiasts. To maximize its performance, pairing it with the right scope is essential.
In this article, I will guide you through the best scopes available for the Savage 220, providing detailed reviews of over five products, including specifications, best features, pros, cons, user experiences, and online customer comments. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of which scope is best suited for your Savage 220.
Top 6 Best Scopes for Savage 220 on the Market
Note: The following advice comes from my personal perspective. What works for me might not work for you, but hopefully it sparks some ideas!
1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9x40
Specifications:
Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm Field of View: 34.1-12.6 ft/100 yds Best Features:
Fully multi-coated lenses Pros:
Durable and shockproof construction Cons:
Somewhat heavy for its size Limited to mid-range shooting Experience: Using the Vortex Optics Crossfire II on my Savage 220 has been a game-changer. The clarity of the optics, even in low light, is impressive. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is particularly useful for estimating holdover at various distances, making it a perfect fit for the varied shooting ranges encountered while hunting.
Customer Comments: Online reviews consistently praise the Crossfire II for its value for money and optical clarity. Users also appreciate the robust construction and Vortex's excellent customer service.
2. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40
Specifications:
Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm Eye Relief: 4.17-3.66 inches Field of View: 33.1-13.6 ft/100 yds Best Features:
Twilight Light Management System Pros:
Exceptional light transmission Clear and crisp image quality Cons:
Experience: The Leupold VX-Freedom offers outstanding performance, especially in low-light conditions, thanks to its Twilight Light Management System. This scope is lightweight yet robust, making it an excellent match for the Savage 220. The Duplex reticle, though simple, provides quick target acquisition and accuracy.
Customer Comments: Leupold's reputation for quality is reflected in user reviews. Customers frequently highlight the scope's durability and superior light transmission, making it a top choice for serious hunters.
3. Nikon ProStaff P3 Shotgun BDC 200
Specifications:
Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm Field of View: 33.8-11.3 ft/100 yds Best Features:
Fully multi-coated optics Spot On Ballistic Match technology Spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets Pros:
Excellent optical clarity User-friendly BDC reticle Cons:
Discontinued, may be harder to find Limited to mid-range shooting Experience: The Nikon ProStaff P3 has been a reliable companion for my Savage 220. The BDC 200 reticle is particularly advantageous for longer shots, and the Spot On Ballistic Match technology helps in making precise adjustments. Despite its discontinuation, it remains a favorite due to its performance and durability.
Customer Comments: Users often express their satisfaction with the Nikon ProStaff P3, citing its clarity, ease of use, and reliable performance. The primary drawback mentioned is its discontinuation, making it less available.
4. Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40
Specifications:
Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm Eye Relief: 3.1-3.4 inches Field of View: 33-13 ft/100 yds Best Features:
Durable, stress-free, and waterproof Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses Pros:
Cons:
Slightly shorter eye relief Heavier than some competitors Experience: Mounting the Burris Fullfield II on my Savage 220 was a straightforward process. The scope’s high-grade optical glass provides excellent clarity, and the Ballistic Plex reticle enhances accuracy over various distances. The robust build ensures it can withstand the rigors of hunting.
Customer Comments: Customers often commend the Burris Fullfield II for its clarity and durability. Many appreciate its performance in various weather conditions, making it a reliable choice for hunting.
5. Bushnell Banner 3-9x40
Specifications:
Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm Field of View: 40-14 ft/100 yds Best Features:
Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses 100% waterproof and fogproof Pros:
Excellent low-light performance Cons:
Not as durable as higher-end models Experience: The Bushnell Banner offers fantastic performance for its price, particularly in low-light conditions, thanks to its DDB multi-coated lenses. It’s a lightweight and easy-to-use scope that pairs well with the Savage 220 for those looking for a budget-friendly option.
Customer Comments: Online reviews often highlight the Bushnell Banner’s value for money, with many users appreciating its low-light performance and ease of use. However, some note that it may not be as durable as more expensive models.
6. Trijicon AccuPoint 3-9x40
Specifications:
Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm Field of View: 33.8-11.3 ft/100 yds Reticle: BAC Triangle Post Best Features:
Fiber optic and tritium illumination Multi-layer coated lenses Battery-free illumination Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof Pros:
Excellent in low-light conditions Cons:
Reticle may take time to get used to Experience: The Trijicon AccuPoint is an outstanding scope for the Savage 220, especially for hunters who require top-notch performance in low-light conditions. The fiber optic and tritium illumination provide a bright and clear reticle without the need for batteries. Its rugged construction ensures it can handle any hunting environment.
Customer Comments: Customers frequently praise the Trijicon AccuPoint for its optical clarity and durability. The innovative reticle receives mixed reviews, with some users needing time to adapt to it.
How to Choose the Best Scope for Savage 220
Selecting the best scope for your Savage 220 involves considering several factors:
Magnification
For hunting with a Savage 220, a scope with a magnification range of 3-9x is typically ideal. This range provides versatility for both close and mid-range shooting.
Objective Lens Size
A larger objective lens allows more light to enter the scope, improving visibility in low-light conditions. A 40mm lens is a good balance between light transmission and scope size.
Reticle Type
The choice of reticle depends on personal preference and the type of shooting you plan to do. BDC reticles are useful for long-range shots, while simpler reticles like Duplex or Multi-X are great for quick target acquisition.
Eye Relief
Adequate eye relief is crucial to prevent injury from recoil. Look for scopes with at least 3 inches of eye relief.
Durability
Hunting can be tough on equipment, so choose a scope that is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. Durability ensures that the scope will withstand harsh weather conditions and rough handling.
Price
Scopes come in a wide range of prices. While higher-end scopes offer superior features and durability, there are many budget-friendly options that provide excellent performance.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a rifle scope on my Savage 220? A: Yes, many rifle scopes are compatible with the Savage 220, as long as they can handle the recoil and provide the necessary features for shotgun use.
Q: What is the best magnification range for hunting with a Savage 220? A: A 3-9x magnification range is versatile and suitable for most hunting scenarios with the Savage 220.
Q: How important is the objective lens size for a scope? A: The objective lens size impacts light transmission and visibility, especially in low-light conditions. A 40mm objective lens is a good balance for hunting.
Q: What reticle type is best for the Savage 220? A: The best reticle type depends on your shooting style. BDC reticles are great for long-range shots, while simpler reticles like Duplex or Multi-X are better for quick target acquisition.
Q: Do I need a waterproof and fogproof scope for my Savage 220? A: Yes, a waterproof and fogproof scope ensures reliable performance in various weather conditions and prevents internal fogging.
Conclusion
Choosing the best scope for your Savage 220 can significantly enhance your hunting and shooting experience. Each of the scopes reviewed in this article offers unique features and benefits, making them excellent choices for different needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize optical clarity, durability, or affordability, there is a scope on this list that will suit your requirements. Take into account the factors discussed in the buying guide to make an informed decision and enjoy the enhanced performance of your Savage 220.