There are two sets of numbers that represent any scope in the market. The first set of numbers represents the magnification ability of the scope while the other number represents the objective lens size.
In this review, we shall focus on the 3-9×40 riflescopes, which have the first set of numbers showing a variable magnification of between 3 to 9X. This means that you are able to adjust the power settings to view your target at sizes 3 to 9 times larger than you could with the naked eye. The number 40 is the size of the objective lens diameter.
These scopes are some of the most popular in the market, especially among hunters. With the wide power magnification range, hunting becomes easy as it allows different levels depending on the distance of the shot.
The best 3-9×40 scopes provide a sleek design that makes rifles seem fantastic. They are some of the easiest to operate and what’s more, you don’t need to break the bank for one!
Top 4 Best 3-9×40 Scope for Hunting Reviews
1) Pinty 3-9X40 Red Green Rangefinder Illuminated Optical Rifle Scope
From Pinty, the 3-9X40 Illuminated Optical Rifle Scope is designed in a rugged structure, boasting a 40 mm multicoated objective lens that provides a wide field of view, characterized by sharp and clear images for quick target acquisition.
The rangefinder reticle offers green and red illuminations with 5 brightness settings for great visibility in all lighting conditions. The intuitive design also gives you tool-free elevation and windage adjustment with perfect precision for accurate aim for each hit without losing zero.
Key features
- It is made of durable materials
- It has a rangefinder reticle that offers fast, simple aiming points for various shot distances
- The scope is O-ring sealed and nitrogen filled for great water and fog-proof performance
- The field of view is 14′-25′ @ 100yards
- Windage & elevation click value: 1/4 MOA 1/4″ @ 100yards
- It offers a 2.7”-3.3” eye relief
- It comes with two 1’’ complementary scope rings that allow easy mounting onto any 20mm Picatinny or Weaver mount rails
Pros
- Affordable
- Weatherproof
Cons
- Shorter eye relief compared to standard scopes
2) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Just like other Leupold scopes, the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope delivers unbeatable performance and dependability for hunters and shooters. One of the scope’s selling points is the Aluminum material which offers extra strength, ruggedness, and durability to last you a lifetime.
The VX-Freedom scope offers you the best-in-class optics, unbeatable accuracy, and a wide range of magnification. The scopes give you 3 times more magnification at high power than at low power, giving you a wide field of view with clear, bright pictures.
The unique Leupold’s Custom Dial System (CDS) allows you to customize your turret/adjustment dial to the settings that best suit your environmental conditions.
Key features
- It provides a 3:1 zoom ratio
- It has an ergonomic design for lightweight and easy to handle
- It has a traditional eyepiece lock ring that allows you to lock in a focus setting that is best for your eye
- Magnification Range: 3x-9x
- Weight: 12.2 oz.
- Length: 12.39 inches
- Eye Relief (in) – Low: 4.17
- Eye Relief (in) – High: 3.66
- Linear FOV (ft. /100 yd.) – Low: 33.7
- Linear FOV (ft. /100 yd.) – High: 13
Pros
- It is lightweight
- Highly durable
- Great eye relief
Cons
- Expensive
3) Bushnell Multi-X Trophy Riflescope (3-9X40, Matte)
Bushnell Multi-X Trophy Riflescope is a versatile scope that offers reliability for medium to long-range shooting. Its heavy-duty construction ensures great performance in all weather conditions. Thanks to the large 40mm objective lens, you are able to enjoy the low-light performance, with the fully multi-coated lenses preventing reflection for maximum light transmission.
The Bushnell scope is designed with a Multi-X reticle on the second focal plane. This is an all-purpose single-plex crosshair style reticle that is perfect for general use.
Key features
- It consists of a one-piece aluminum main-tube construction
- It has fully multicoated lenses that provide up to 91% light transmission
- It features a second focal plane (SFP) reticle placement
- It has a fast-focus eyepiece with 4″ eye relief
- It has fully multicoated optics that ensure bright and clear images
- It has nitrogen-filling and O-ring sealing for water and fog-proof performance
- Magnification: 3-9x zoom
- It features precise 1/4 MOA per click shot correction
- It has 80 MOA windage and elevation adjustments
Pros
- Corrosion and scratch-resistant
- Weatherproof
Cons
- Heavy
4) Simmons 510513 Truplex Riflescope, Matte, 3-9x40mm
The Simmons Truplex Riflescope is one of a kind. With a ton of features, the scope comes with great reliability and ease of use for all conditions. It comes equipped with fully coated optics that provide a brighter, higher-contrast image in all light conditions.
The scope features 1/4-moa sure grip audible click windage and elevation adjustments that allow easy and effortless adjustment. The Simmons QTA eyepiece allows for easy target acquisition while the sealing and nitrogen filling ensures a waterproof and fog-proof performance in all weather.
Key features
- It is designed with fully-coated optics for greater light transmission
- It has 1/4-MOA sure grip audible-click windage and elevation adjustments
- It features a versatile Truplex reticle
- Field of view @ 100 yards/M at 100M): 31.4-10.5/10.5-3.5
- Eye relief: 3.75/95 (inches/mm)
- Exit Pupil: 10.7/3.6(mm)
Pros
- It is waterproof, fog proof & shockproof
- It is affordable
Cons
- Small magnification range
Best 3-9×40 Scopes for Hunting Buying Guide
There are several things you need to consider when choosing a 3-9×40 hunting scope.
Durability
Scopes that are waterproof or fog-proof are ideal for hunters who must hunt in bad weather or in rainy conditions. Before making a purchase, it is important to consider the materials that were used to create the item. You might check for scopes with magnesium fluoride-coated lenses, which cut down on light loss and glare.
Magnification
The term “magnification” describes the range over which the vision of the unaided eye may be enlarged. A larger lens diameter increases the scope’s overall size and weight while also allowing for a wider field of view.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is, basically, the distance at which your eye can rest comfortably while still seeing the entire scene through the scope. It helps to reduce the risk of eye harm from recoil.
Reticle Type
Accuracy is the main goal of magnifying scopes at all magnification settings. And they frequently feature distinctive reticles. Options include mil-dot reticles created especially for the producer as well as customized standard crosshairs.
Lightweight
It is important to give consideration to your shooting location. A lightweight scope is necessary when you need to raise your rifle to hit your target. Using the rifle for an extended amount of time may also cause muscle discomfort. So, take into account how much more weight you want to add to your weapon.
Best 3-9×40 Scopes for Hunting FAQs
- Is a 3-9×40 scope good for hunting?
A 3-9×40 scope makes one of the best scopes for deer hunting. The three-power setting is low enough for close shots, supported with a large enough exit pupil and field of view. The nine-power on the upper side gives you plenty of magnification for longer shots.
- How far should a 3-9x scope go?
3-9X riflescopes tend to provide an additional level of magnification for every 100 feet, all the way out to 300 yards (900 feet). This has been the standard limit for most big-game hunters, as it is considered to be an ethical shooting distance.
- Who makes the best scope?
It might seem like a battle in the optics world, with each brand releasing a better scope after another year in and year out. Although there are numerous scope brands in the market, some brands have continued to soldier on as giants of the industry. Some of these brands include Vortex, Leupold, Simmons, UTG, NightForce, Bushnell, and Pinty among many more.
Check our Top 10 Best Riflescopes Review | Air Rifle Scopes by Brand Review
- What is the most advanced rifle scope?
There are many great scopes in the market. It all depends on what you most consider in a scope. In terms of power, scopes with high magnification power such as the March X-Series 8-80x56mm scope continue to stand out.
Final Thoughts
Shooting is not just about pulling the trigger. It involves much more consideration into everything that translates into a good shot. This involves having the right optic for your rifle.
As a hunter, one of the scopes you shouldn’t miss in your collection is no doubt the 3-9x 40. This is a versatile scope that allows you to change from a close shot to a long shot in a breeze. The scopes are affordable and will have you stay a long time without going back to the shop, thanks to their high-grade constructions.