Muzzleloader optics

[Redbeard]

I am planning on buying a .50 cal. in-line muzzleloader, I intend to mount a scope on it. I have seen many scopes listed as shotgun/muzzleloader scopes. Do muzzleloaders require a different type of scope than a "modern" rifle? Thanks for any info.

[JJ]

When a scope is listed as a muzzleloader or shotgun scope, most times it is due to paralax. Most shotgun/muzzleloader scopes are paralax adjusted for 75 yards and most rifle scopes are paralax adjusted at 150 yards. Without getting long winded about paralax, it's basically the focus of the scope. For most shotguns and muzzleloaders, this focus is fine and you can still be effective well past that range. I have a 2-7x33 Leupold Shotgun scope on my 870 and I have shot it with nice results out past 150 yards, but it has a heavy duplex to help pick it up faster and this is not ideal for long range precision shooting. On my Remington 700 Muzzleloader I have a Simmons Whitetail Expedition 3-9x42 that is paralax adjusted at 150 yards.....works great at all ranges. My new Encore 209x50 will wear a Leupold VXIII in 4.5x14 or a Zeiss Conquest in a similiar power range. Overkill for sure but great for long range target shooting...not bad for those 200+ yard shots on deer as well!

Feel free to use any scope your comfortable with on your muzzleloader, just use good mounts and if you plan on using full house charges, look for a scope that has at least 3.5" or more of eye relief.

[Redbeard]

JJ,

Thanks for your help.

[Catfish]

For get the high powered scopes. I have a 2 1/2X Leupold on mine and I have a good point of aim at ranges that the gun will not reach effectively. It adds little wieght to the gun and you can find your target more quickly with it than you can higher powered scopes.