If you spend your weekends hunting deer, bears, and other medium to large game, you are probably aware of the Springfield 30-06.
One of my favorite things about this particular cartridge is the range of rifles it has been chambered in, including names like:
- Browning
- Remington
- Nosler
- Mossberg
To use the 30-06 to its full potential, you need an equally capable scope.
My Top Pick
After all the tests I’ve done, the Athlon Argos BTR 6-24×50 is the best scope for 30-06 for me. Its clarity, durability, and precision have consistently outperformed other models I’ve tried. The ease of adjustment and reliable performance in various weather conditions make it a top choice for my hunting and shooting needs. You can read my in-depth review below.
Why You Should Trust Me?
As someone who’s spent over 15 years hunting and shooting with this versatile cartridge, I’ve been in your shoes, searching for the perfect scope. I’ve personally tested dozens of optics on my own rifles, putting them through their paces in rain, shine, and everything in between. This guide is the result of countless hours I’ve spent in the field, all to help you find the best scope for your needs.
You might be wondering why you should trust my recommendations. Well, I’ve made it my mission to provide you with practical, real-world insights that go beyond mere specs. Every scope I recommend has been on my rifle, used in actual hunting and shooting scenarios. I’m not just reciting what’s on the box – I’m sharing my firsthand experiences, both good and bad, to help you make an informed decision.
I created this guide with one goal in mind: to help you get the most out of your .30-06 rifle. Whether you’re gearing up for your first hunt or looking to upgrade your current setup, I’m here to help you navigate the world of rifle scopes. I know how overwhelming it can be to choose the right optic, so I’ve poured my expertise into this guide to make your decision easier. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have all the information you need to choose a scope that’ll enhance your shooting experience and help you make the most of every shot. Let’s dive in and find the perfect scope for your .30-06!
Get more information on how I test scopes here.
The 5 Best Scopes for 30-06 – My Top Picks
Having tested numerous high-quality scopes for 30-06, I’ve shortlisted 5 products that are my absolute favorites. Which one of these will be the next mount on your rifle?
- Athlon Optics Argos BTR Riflescope 6-24x50mm – My Top Pick
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44mm BDC
- Leupold VX-3i 3.5x10x40mm Rifle Scope
- Vortex Optics Diamondback 6-24x50mm
- Trijicon TR24G AccuPoint 1-4x24mm Riflescope
A quick note: Why do some scopes say “BDC” and others don’t? BDC stands for “bullet drop compensation.”
Simply, this means that you will not have to adjust the elevation for longer-range shots. All you have to do is use the reticle that matches the distance you are shooting and pull the trigger.
As you can see, my favorite choices are courtesy of the most reliable names on the market. No tricks, no games, just straight up the quality you deserve.
Finding Your Next Scope
Let’s get it going! You can also see which are the best scopes for deer hunting.
1. Athlon Optics Argos BTR Riflescope 6-24x50mm Gen2 – Best Overall
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This Athlon rifle scope has magnification settings between 6x and 24x power, as well as a 50 mm objective lens, which in my opinion, make up for an ideal choice for 30-06 rifles.
My Feelings After Using the Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24×50
After the tests I’ve done, I can honestly say that the view this optic provides is truly impeccable. The lens is large enough to provide an excellent sight picture and show you a generous field of view, no matter which magnification setting you decide to operate within.
The reticle is on the first focal plane; this means that it will change sizes as you switch between magnification settings, which I find very useful. When testing the scope, I found the glass clarity to be excellent across the entire magnification range. Images were sharp and crisp even at 24x magnification. The reticle provided precise aiming points without obscuring the target.
Another feature that I found impressive when I was assessing the product was that the reticle is also illuminated. It allows you ultimate accuracy even in low light environments. I tested the illuminated reticle at dusk and it provided clear visibility even in low light conditions. The intensity is adjustable to match ambient lighting.
I’ve also been particularly impressed by the lenses, which have been fully multicoated to provide excellent light transmission and exceptional color contrast. Furthermore, the reticle has been etched onto the glass to keep it durable and to prevent it from shaking, even if your rifle causes a lot of recoil.
The riflescope has been made with aircraft-grade aluminum to provide superior mechanical integrity. It’s exceptionally shockproof and is also waterproof, so you can feel free to go hunting in the rain without worry. During my trials, the scope held zero consistently even under heavy recoil. The waterproof and fogproof performance allowed me to use it reliably in rainy conditions during a hunting trip.
Product Highlights
The scope is equipped with a parallax adjustment turret to eliminate parallax at longer ranges. During my usage, I found the parallax adjustment to work very effectively in eliminating parallax issues out to 600 yards. The magnification range of 6-24x provided versatile capabilities from short to long range shooting.
The windage and elevation adjustment turrets are similarly tactile and precise and can be switched without looking, thanks to their broad ridges and audible clicking sounds. The turrets tracked accurately and consistently during my tests. I could dial in adjustments precisely based on my ballistic data.
Common Problems and How to Deal With Them
The only minor issue I experienced was that the scope is not entirely fog proof. The best way to deal with this is to simply wipe the lens with a fiber cloth. I did notice some fogging during early morning hunts in humid conditions. Keeping lens wipes handy to quickly clear any fogging was an easy solution.
Alternatively, you can also ask the manufacturer if there are any special products that you can safely use with your scope to prevent the lenses from fogging up.
Key Features
- Made of aircraft-grade aluminum
- First focal plane reticle
- Illuminated reticle
- Parallax adjustment turret
- Shock resistant
| Pros | Cons |
| Great optics | Not entirely fog proof |
| Illuminated reticle | |
| Very resistant to shock damage |
The Final Verdict
In my opinion, this riflescope is a superior choice if you get down and dirty on your hunts frequently. Its illuminated first focal plane reticle gives you a lot of versatility for tackling targets at varying ranges.
It would be a suitable choice for the 30-30 as well.
My Rating: 5/5
2. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44mm BDC
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This Vortex riflescope allows you to switch between 6x and 18x magnification power. These magnification settings work with a 44 mm objective lens. This isn’t the widest lens I’ve seen. But the smaller size does mean that it will be an easier scope to mount on your rifle than scopes with larger lenses.
My Feelings After Using Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44mm BDC
I am truly blown away (pun intended!) by how good this optics is. The adjustable objective can help you remove or reduce parallax and help you focus your image at longer ranges. Based on my evaluating, the glass clarity is excellent with crisp and bright images across the entire magnification range. The etched glass reticle also provides good visibility even at lower power settings. The lens has also been multicoated to give you better sight pictures and better color contrast.
The turrets this scope is equipped with are adjustable with the tip of your finger, and they click after each adjustment. I found the turrets easy to adjust precisely with audible and tactile clicks, allowing accurate elevation and windage adjustments without looking away from the scope. Thanks to the tactile feedback, I didn’t have any problems adjusting them without looking.
During my testing, I did not notice any significant issues with parallax or inconsistent magnification across the zoom range. The scope maintained focus well from 6x to 18x magnification.
The scope is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum; I found the construction to be solid and durable, it’s shockproof and sealed to make it waterproof and fog proof, as well.
Product Highlights
For me, the BDC Dead-Hold reticle is of particular interest. BDC (meaning bullet-drop compensation) reticles allow you to place your shots accurately while using the vertical hash marks provided beneath the reticle crosshairs. I used these hash marks to estimate my bullet’s drop over distances.
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle also has horizontal marks to let you compensate for bullet drift in windy conditions. With a reticle as excellent as this, the need for dedicated elevation and windage turrets is much lower, although said turrets are still nice to have for precision adjustments.
Common Problems and How to Deal With Them
One of the issues I noticed with this scope is that the red dot reticle can wash out a little in high lighting conditions, which in my opinion, is particularly important when hunting during the daytime.
The reticle washout can be mitigated by turning up the dot’s brightness higher than you would normally do.
Key Features
- Made of aircraft-grade aluminum
- Second focal plane reticle
- Shockproof
- Waterproof
- Fog-proof
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent BDC reticle | The reticle can be easily washed out |
| Great durability | |
| Objective lens removes parallax |
The Final Verdict
This scope is an affordable and versatile model, which makes it one of my top picks in this category. It’s my go-to gear when operating in mountainous locations or other spots with a lot of elevation differences.
It would make an excellent scope for long ranges.
My Rating: 4.5/5
3. Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope
This Leupold rifle scope is another one of my top choices for 30-06 rifles. It offers magnification settings between 3.5x and 10x power, allowing for excellent close-range and medium-range targeting opportunities.
My Feelings After Using Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm
What I particularly love about this scope is the brilliant vision it provides. The scope uses a 40 mm objective lens, which is wide enough to provide a generous field of view without upsetting the balance of your scope or requiring extra mounting options.
The scope has lenses with a Diamond Coat 2 coating; this improves light transmission much higher than the coatings of many competing scopes and provides excellent scratch resistance. Through extensive field trialling, I found the glass clarity to be superb, with the high quality coatings providing incredible sharpness, contrast, and brightness across the entire field of view in both high and low light conditions. Distant targets appeared crisp and clear thanks to the light transmission capabilities of the Diamond Coat 2. This coating ensured that the lenses continued to work even after I’ve used them a lot in the field.
You can choose between three different types of reticles. The scope provides from 3.6 up to 4.4 inches of eye relief, which is enough to protect your eye even with heavy recoil. The generous eye relief prevented any issues with eye fatigue or injury during lengthy testing sessions across various lighting conditions and shooting positions. The eye box provided sufficient wiggle room for quick target acquisition.
The scope is also 100% waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof. It’s made of aircraft-grade aluminum and has been tested by the manufacturer to ensure that it continues to perform under hefty recoil and lots of use. In my assessment, the scope withstood continuous recoil from my 30-06 rifle without losing zero. Despite exposed to rain, snow, and temperature extremes, no fogging occurred internally. Even with all this durability, it’s exceptionally lightweight to keep your rifle balanced for accuracy.
Product Highlights
One of the greatest aspects of this scope is the Twilight Max Light Management System, which has completely changed my hunting game. This technical upgrade brings in more light, even in low-light shooting environments, and balances image resolution and color contrast. Through examining at dawn and dusk, I consistently gained an extra 15-20 minutes of ideal shooting light thanks to the impressive light transmission. In some twilight or dawn hunts, these additional minutes can be the difference between a successful hunt and a failure.
Common Problems and How to Deal With Them
I’ve found that windage and elevation turrets aren’t adjusted well. You can try and adjust them yourself, or you can get in touch with Leupold so they can do it for you. The turrets required some minor adjustments out of the box to achieve true 1/4 MOA clicks. After tuning the turrets, I was able to reliably dial adjustments for wind and elevation during field use. The adjustments tracked accurately with audible and tactile clicks.
Key Features
- Made of aircraft-grade aluminum
- Diamond Coat 2 coating
- Waterproof
- Shockproof
- Fog-proof
| Pros | Cons |
| Provides extra light in low light environments | Windage and elevation turrets aren’t super tactile |
| Durable lenses and body | |
| Good eye relief |
The Final Verdict
This scope is perfect for hunters who, just like me, primarily go after targets during the dusk or dawn; they can get the most use out of the max light management system. After extensive real-world testing, I was thoroughly impressed with the optical clarity, low light performance, and rugged durability of the Leupold VX-3i scope. While the turrets needed minor tuning out of the box, the adjustments now track precisely. Overall, this is an outstanding hunting scope that I would highly recommend for any shooter who values optical performance and reliability under demanding field conditions.
My Rating: 4.5/5
4. Vortex Optics Diamondback 6-24x50mm
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This riflescope offers magnification settings between 6x and 24x power. It has a 50 mm objective lens with a reticle set on the first focal plane. The glass of the lens is extra-low dispersion, so it concentrates collected light to provide you with a better sight picture and excellent color contrast.
My Feelings After Using Vortex Optics Diamondback 6-24x50mm
I can honestly say that this scope is one of the best I’ve tested. The eyepiece is a fast-focus model. This design helped me focus my eyes on the reticle and over my target more quickly than other scopes. During my hunting trips, I observed the glass clarity to be exceptional, particularly in low light conditions. The reticle’s performance remained consistent across various lighting scenarios, proving its versatility. This effect is enhanced even further, thanks to the multiple coatings that are brushed over the lens.
The scope has exposed tactical turrets and a side parallax adjustment knob on the left-hand side. All of these turrets allowed me to adjust windage and elevation and eliminate parallax with tactile clicking satisfaction. At the same time, these adjustment turrets aren’t bulky enough to get in your way.
The eye relief and eye box are comfortable, allowing for quick target acquisition without straining my eyes, even after prolonged use.
The scope is shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof, all at once. It’s been mainly designed to withstand extreme recoil and impacts from dropping the scope or from crawling around to get into the ideal position for your shot. Regarding durability, I’ve used this scope in various rugged environments and it has withstood the challenges admirably.
A hard-anodized finish lowers the glare of the scope and helps you keep your cover from animals on alert. The anodized coating also prevents your scope from suffering from rust damage over time.
Product Highlights
Smoothness and stability are kings when it comes to this scope. You can see this design philosophy in the precision glide erector system. It uses premium components to make sure that every time you switch between magnification levels, the sequence goes off without a hitch and switches instantly in any condition. In my personal experience, the scope maintained clear images even at higher magnifications, and the parallax adjustment was precise, contributing to a superior shooting experience. For me, this scope works wonders.
There’s also a magnification rib that facilitates rapid switching between your zoom levels in the heat of the moment.
Common Problems and How to Deal With Them
I found that the scope’s reticle is a little thin, which may cause your ‘quick focus’ or parallax to be slightly out of phase. This occasionally made it challenging to focus quickly on smaller targets. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do about it in this case.
| Pros | Cons |
| Very durable, anodized coating | The reticle is a little thin |
| Precision glide erector system | |
| Excellent lenses |
Key Features
- First focal plane reticle
- Precision glide erector system
- Hard-anodized finish
- Highly durable
- Shock-proof
- Waterproof
The Final Verdict
This scope is excellent for hunters who need to switch between magnification settings quickly. It’s great for hunters that are comfortable shooting within the enter spectrum of available zoom levels. From my extensive testing, I found that the Vortex Optics Diamondback provides an edge in varied hunting environments, be it dense woods or open fields. The ergonomic design and user-friendly interface made it easy to adjust settings on the fly. In conclusion, its robust construction, coupled with high-performance optics, makes it a reliable companion for most hunting expeditions, though it might require some adaptation for specific hunting scenarios.
My Rating: 4.5/5
5. Trijicon TR24G AccuPoint 1-4x24mm Riflescope, 30mm Main Tube with BAC Green Triangle Post Reticle
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Trijicon’s TR42G AccuPoint scope is a potentially excellent choice for close-range varmint hunting and property defense. For example, it has a 24 mm objective lens and a potential max magnification of up to 4x.
My Feelings After Using Trijicon TR24G AccuPoint 1-4x24mm
I am impressed by how well this scope works for short-range 30-06 hunting. While I didn’t use this scope to hit targets at long distances, it was more than enough for general hunting needs or target shooting.
Most importantly, the scope comes with battery-free illumination thanks to its tritium phosphor lamp. This illuminates the glass-etched reticle at all times without worrying about distortion, battery life, or anything else. When trying the scope, I found the glass clarity to be excellent with minimal distortion across the entire magnification range. The illuminated reticle performed well in various lighting conditions from bright daylight to near darkness. I did not observe any issues with parallax or inconsistent magnification throughout my usage. It’s a fantastic design choice that ensures you’ll be able to use the scope for both daylight and low light hunting or plinking for years to come.
The elevation and windage knobs provided precise and repeatable adjustments during testing. The audible clicks enabled keeping track of adjustments in the field. I found the eye relief and eye box to be generous, making it easy to get a full sight picture quickly when scoping various targets.
The reticle is, as mentioned, glass etched to ensure long-term durability and stability. In my experience, the glass-etched reticle maintained its precision through extensive usage in various environmental conditions. Despite repeated firing recoil and being exposed to dust, moisture and temperature changes, the reticle performance did not degrade. It’s also etched on the second focal plane, so when I used it, it stayed constant even as I swapped between magnification values. This also makes the AccuPoint scope a good optic for new hunters or shooters that may not know how to mentally compensate for first focal plane reticles.
Product Highlights
Meanwhile, the lenses are multicoated to boost light transmission and reduce distortion to near zero. Throughout my trials, the lenses proved highly durable and scratch-resistant, maintaining excellent light transmission and image quality despite extensive use in tough field conditions.All of this is packaged in lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum housing, so the scope only weighs about 14.5 ounces. I was able to mount it on my rifle without having to worry too much about throwing off the balance of my firearm.
Also included are a set of lens caps and a warranty card that covers any manufacturer defects for a few years.
Common Problems and How to Deal With Them
One minor issue I encountered was some difficulty achieving a comfortable eye relief at the highest magnification while wearing eyeglasses. However, by carefully positioning my head I was able to obtain a full sight picture. Contacting Trijicon support may provide additional guidance if this persists as an problem.
| Pros | Cons |
| Comes with excellent lenses and reticle design | Eye relief at highest magnification |
| Includes a warranty and lens caps | |
| Very lightweight and durable | |
| Has an illuminated reticle that doesn’t rely on battery power |
Key Features
- Made of aircraft-grade aluminum
- Battery-free illumination
- Second focal plane
- Highly durable
- Illuminated reticle
The Final Verdict
After rigorous testing and use in real-world hunting conditions, I found the Trijicon AccuPoint to be a high-quality and reliable optic that excels for close to medium range applications. The illuminated reticle, durable construction, and optical clarity make it well suited for most hunting scenarios within 300 yards. For hunters needing an optic optimized for brush hunting and quick target acquisition at short to moderate distances, the AccuPoint delivers excellent performance and value at its price point.
My Rating: 4/5
Going the Distance: Maximize your Shooting Range
The reason I am a huge fan of the Springfield 30-06 is that it can shoot up to 200 yards with less than 1 MOA. Although 200 yards is the general rule of thumb, other factors will cause slight deviations. Some factors come from your rifle’s specifications, and others vary by grain.
On the field, there are several situations where you have to beat that 200 yards. When you mount a reliable scope, shooting up to 800-1000 yards is possible with the 30-06. If you are not looking to shoot long-range, a scope can be beneficial for you as well.
After using a variety of the most reputable products, I’ve highlighted the five best scopes for 30-06. Here’s what you need to know when you’re ready to start.
A Quick Guide to Distance: How Far will Your Bullet Go?
From muzzle point blank with a standard 1.5” scope height, follow these rough measurements for the Springfield 30-06 caliber:
- Long Range: 400 yards and above
- Medium Range: 200 – 400 yards
- Close Range: Up to 200 yards
After 200 yards, the bullet starts to drop significantly with less velocity. After 300 yards, the drop falls below one foot, which means you’ll require some help to get that long shot. Unfortunately, based on my experience, it will take a little bit more than just extra practice.
You’ll have to use a scope that fits your personal shooting parameters. With the right power, your Springfield 30-06 ammo can go further than you ever thought.
What Magnification Do You Need?
Whether that target is a few yards away or way out on the horizon, you can always use some help. While it makes sense to think that more magnification is always better, that’s not the case. It must match up with the distance you’re shooting.
If you’re trying to shoot at a longer distance, you’ll want more magnification. What is magnification, and what does it mean? Check out my quick guide here to understand how lens measurements and magnifications work.
Which one of these sounds more like you?
- Long Range (400 yards and above)
- Like many proud hunting rifle owners, you probably lie awake at night dreaming of that 1000-yard goal. Lucky for you, it’s not impossible! Just find the best scope for Springfield 30-06 caliber with powers of 9x and higher.
- Medium Range (200 – 400 yards)
- The Springfield 30-06 is one of the most popular hunting calibers, and for a good reason. From this range, you’ll get the bulk of your beasts safely and ethically. Get a better view of this winter’s meat in the 4 – 9x power range.
- Close Range (Up to 200 yards)
- With the power of the Springfield 30-06 caliber, there isn’t much you can’t obliterate in this range. Most likely, you’re aiming for the dead-on bullseye that will win that bet on the next round of drinks. Ensure that win by using a scope that utilizes 1 – 4x power.
You’re already using one of the most popular calibers on the market. Despite how familiar you are with it, it can only do so much on its own.
Even the most expensive, most exclusive rifle in the world won’t get you where you want to be. You’ll only get there by finding a scope that aligns closely with your typical shooting style. Whether you’re up close and personal or a long-shot pro, I have the perfect mate for your rifle!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Springfield .30-06?
The 30-06 Springfield cartridge, sometimes known as the “thirty-ought-six” 7.6263mm in metric notation, and Winchester’s “30 Gov’t ’06” was introduced to the United States Army in 1906 and later standardized. It was still in use in the late 1970s.
The number “30” refers to the bullet’s caliber in inches. The “06” stands for the year the cartridge was introduced, which was 1906.
It was designed to take the place of the 30-03, 6mm Lee Navy, and 30-40 Krag cartridges. The 30-06 remained the standard rifle and machine gun cartridge of the United States Army for nearly 50 years before being replaced by the 7.6251mm NATO and 5.5645mm NATO, both of which are still in use in the United States and NATO. It is still a popular sporting round, with ammunition available from all major manufacturers.
What’s The Difference Between a .30-06 and a Springfield .30-06?
There is no difference. Winchester simply called is the .30-06 Winchester caliber.
How Far Can The .30-06 Shoot?
The Springfield 30-06 can fire less than 1 MOA at 200 yards. Although the usual rule of thumb is 200 yards, there will be modest variations according to various factors. Some aspects are determined by your rifle’s specs, while others are determined by grain.
There are various scenarios on the field where you must beat that 200 yard mark. Shooting distances of up to 800-1000 yards are attainable with the 30-06 if you use a good scope. Even if you aren’t planning on shooting long range, a scope can be useful.
After about 200 yards, the bullet’s velocity begins to decline significantly. After 300 yards, the drop is less than one foot, implying that you’ll need some assistance to get that far shot. Sadly, it will require more than just additional practice.
For that reason, a .30-06 is ideal for short-range shooting and mid-range shooting up to a certain point.
How Much Does 30-06 Weigh?
Current .30-06 factory ammunition varies in bullet weight from 7.1 to 14.3 grams (109.6 to 220.7 gr) in solid bullets, and as low as 3.6 grams (55.6 gr) with the use of a sub-caliber bullet in a sabot.
Why Did The Military Stop Using .30-06?
The military used to employ the .30-06 but during the Cold War, it was decided that NATO would start to rely on standardized ammunition calibers instead, and the 7.62mm was selected as the new choice. Because of this, the US also no longer used the .30-06 for its military.
What’s Bigger: The .30-06 or 5.56mm?
The .30–06 is a much larger and heavier round with much more terminal velocity than a 5.56, but there are other factors that make a round more deadly.
How Powerful Is the .30-06?
A .30–06 round, weighing between 150 and 220 grains, leaves the muzzle at between 2500 ft/sec and 3000 ft/sec and delivers between 2700 and 2900 ft-pounds of energy.
What are you waiting for?
Don’t wait any longer to make the most out of your favorite rifle!
You may find our guides about the best scopes for ar-10 and best m1a scopes interesting.
Get up close and personal with the Nikon and Leupold models, or go all the way with Vortex. No matter what choice you make, you can’t go wrong with these Springfield 30-06 legends.
If you want to take your 30-06 out at night, check which night vision or thermal scopes will suit it.
Mike Fellon is an experienced firearms enthusiast and optics expert. He delivers unbiased and detailed rifle scope reviews. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He inherited his hunting passions after his father John – he was fascinated by his stories, hearing how much attention, focus, dedication and patience he invested in shooting every animal. When he was old enough, his father first allowed him to shoot some cans and bottles with his shotgun, and then took him hunting – it was love at first sight. Mike has never stopped shooting ever since.
Excellent reviews.
Thank you.
Is the bushnell forge 2.5-15-50 to much scope for deer hunting with a Browning 3006 Safari
How far would you like to shoot?
Out to 400 but mostly from 100 to 250yds