Are you looking for the best scope for 50 BMG? If so, you’ve come to the correct place. For more than a century, the 50 Browning Machine Gun (BMG) round has been a potent and incredibly flexible round. Although it is primarily utilized by the military, long-range shooters and hunters have recently taken an interest in it.
A scope is a useful accessory to have if you use the 50 BMG for any purpose. You also need a scope that can provide improved accuracy at far-off ranges and can withstand strong recoil, not just any sight.
In this article, we’ve defined the crucial characteristics that constitute a superb sight for the 50 BMG cartridge and given some of the top models that work best with it.
What Characterizes a Superior 50 BMG Scope?
High magnification is the first of several qualities that make up a superb scope for 50 BMG. This round allows for shots out to 1000 yards. You will require a powerful magnifying lens to close the distance between the distant targets.
In order to maximize low light performance and provide vivid image views even at high magnification settings, the scope should feature a big objective lens. Additionally, the optics should have high-quality coatings for bright and clear image views and be constructed of high-quality glass to improve image quality.
The site should also have generous eye relief to protect your eyes from the powerful recoil the cartridge produces and a light housing to spread the recoil and improve mobility. Above all, the scope needs to be useful, simple to use, and dependable in all types of weather and illumination.
Our Top Picks for the Best Scope for 50 BMG
Choosing the correct scope from the several 50 BMG models that are now on the market is more difficult than it should be. Here are the top 6 scopes for 50 BMG now on the market to make your decision-making process less intimidating. Let’s look at it.
1) NIGHTFORCE SHV 5-20x56mm ZeroSet .250 MOA Scope
The SHV 5-20x56mm ZeroSet.250 MOA Scope has almost every function a long-range hunter or shooter might possibly need. It is developed and constructed with premium optics, a wide zoom range, and a variety of additional premium features to increase your precision at far-off distances.
The scope’s 30mm body tube offers plenty of room for the reticle to move as well as for windage and elevation adjustments. Additionally, it contains a side parallax slider for parallax reduction as well as a ZeroSet function that enables a simple and quick return to your initial zero regardless of how many elevations you have made.
Generous eye relief and field of view are also provided by the scope, both of which are essential for quickly acquiring targets. Additionally, it is 1.8 pounds low in weight, making it simple to carry in the field.
Features
- The body tube of 30 mm
- Reticle with a second focal plane
- variable magnification range of 5–20x
- Side parallax correction
- Adjusting the height by 80 MOA
- Technology from ZeroSet
Pros
- Superior precision at a distance
- Decent reticle
- Ample eye relief
- Excellent image clarity and brightness
Cons
- Large budget
- A little heavy
2) Leupold VX-3i LRP 6.5-20x50mm Side Focus Riflescope
The VX-3i LRP 6.5-20x50mm Side Focus Riflescope clearly demonstrates why Leupold has a well-deserved reputation for producing exceptional optical equipment. It complements the 50 BMG fairly well, providing match quality accuracy and repeatability.
When you purchase this scope, outstanding optical clarity is waiting for you. It provides exceptional visual brightness, clarity, and vividness—even in low light conditions. This is made possible by the big 50mm objective lens and Twilight Max Light Management System.
The scope also includes a quick-turn throw lever that makes magnification adjustment simple as well as a zero-stop feature that makes it simpler for you to return to your initial zero settings. Its lightweight, shockproof construction distributes the powerful recoil the round produces for unmatched durability.
The scope has also been tested to function between -40 and 160 °F, and it is completely waterproof and fog proof for usage in any weather.
Features
- Light Management System Twilight Max
- Initial focus plane reticle in T-MOA
- 100% waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Main tube diameter of 30mm
- Range of 5-20x magnification
- Zero-stop capability
Pros
- Long-range accuracy
- Lightweight construction
- Views of crisp images
- Dependable construction
- American excellence
Cons
- Costly
3) Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24x50mm Riflescope
The Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24x50mm Riflescope is the following item. For shooting at medium to long ranges, it has a powerful 6-24x magnification. It also has a user-friendly design, making it perfect for all users regardless of their knowledge and expertise.
With regard to lighting, this rifle sight is perfect for shooting and hunting. To ensure that you place the shot perfectly in any hunting setting, it incorporates a crisp illuminated second focal plane reticle. Even better, the scope makes use of tried-and-true Zeiss optics to produce top-notch sight pictures from sunrise to sunset.
This high-performing scope is constructed to provide unmatched durability. It features a sturdy enough ruggedized 30mm body tube to withstand anything you and nature can throw at it. Additionally, it is completely waterproof and fog proof to guarantee clear views and dependable functioning even in inclement weather.
Features
- Multipurpose 4x zoom ratio
- MOA tactical turret
- The main tube of 30 mm
- Reticle with a second focal plane
- Design that is fog and water resistant
- Premium optics
- Side parallax correction
- Elevation turret that is open
Pros
- Reticle lighting
- Durable and practical design
- Fantastic glass quality
- Excellent capacity to gather light
Cons
- Large budget
- A little heavy
4) Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane Riflescopes
The Diamondback Tactical 6-2450 FFP rifle scope is incredibly affordable while still providing a long list of remarkable features. You may improve your shot accuracy at any range and increase your shooting confidence by mounting this scope on your 50 BMG.
Both long-range hunting and tactical shooting can be done with it. It has a wide 6-24x zoom range, giving you the freedom to take shorts at medium to long distances. Additionally, it sports a big 50mm aperture, which enhances image clarity and low-light performance at all zoom powers.
The scope also features an EBR-2C FFP reticle, which supports holdovers or windage adjustments at every magnification and aids in ranging. XD elements, which optimize resolution and color integrity, and completely coated lenses, which improve light transmission for improved image brightness and clarity, are housed inside the solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum.
More importantly, the scope is completely waterproof, dustproof, and fog proof thanks to strong O-ring seals and nitrogen purging. An exposed tactical turret system, a precision-glide erector system, and a magnification rib are additional crucial features that improve the scope’s functionality.
Features
- Variable and adaptable 6–24x zoom range
- Finish: hard anodized
- Lenses with a full multi-coating
- Technique for precisely erecting glides
- Elemental XD lenses
- Reticle for the EBR-2C
- Rib of magnification
Pros
- Views of crisp, clean images
- Lightweight yet robust
- Simple to use
- Luminous glass
- Great value for the money
Cons
- False zero halt
- High magnification results in a less clear image.
5) Burris Fullfield II Hunting Scope, Ballistic Plex Reticle
The Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14x42mm Hunting Scope is last but certainly not least. This rifle scope is the best option if you primarily use the 50 BMG for hunting.
It features high-quality, precision-ground lenses that allow improved light transmission for brilliant, high-quality image views in addition to having an incredibly versatile zoom power. Even better, because each lens has a multi-coating, you can hunt clearly in any lighting.
This high-performance scope is designed to work in any weather. It is fog-free since it is nitrogen gas-filled, waterproof, and dustproof. Additionally, it sports a zoom ring that is knurled for increased durability and comfort in damp weather.
The scope features a sturdy 1-inch single-tube tube.
Features
- Tube of 1 inch
- Both water- and fog-resistant
- Variable-focus objective lens
- Superior optical glass
- A hunter’s turret
- 5–14x enlargement
- Multi-coated hi-lumen lenses
Pros
- Excellent clarity and brightness
- Reasonable prices
- Outstanding quality
- Precise alterations
- Excellent performance in dim light
Cons
- A 1-inch scope is used.
- Not illuminated reticle
6) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope
The Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope is another top scope for 50 BMG on our list. It is built with a variety of high-end features to improve your rifle’s efficiency and accuracy.
First off, it has a sizable 50mm aperture that offers clear image views even at the greatest magnification and a wide 5-25x magnification that is perfect for taking pictures at different distances. The scope’s XD lens elements and XR completely multi-coated lens, which produce brilliant and clear image views from dawn till dusk, make it even better.
This 30mm tube scope is made with high-quality materials, so it will last. It boasts a sturdy body made of aircraft-grade aluminum that is resilient enough to withstand the powerful 50 BMG recoil. It also has a precision glide erector system that ensures accurate tracking and repeatability as well as a fast-focus eyepiece for quick reticle focusing.
Above importantly, the scope is fog and waterproof to provide trustworthy performance in all conditions.
Features
- Finish: hard anodized
- The lens with XR completely multi-coating
- water-, fog-, and shock-resistant
- Quick-focusing eyepiece
- Technique for precisely erecting glides
- The body tube of 30 mm
- First-order reticle
Pros
- Characteristics for built-in accuracy
- Dependable construction
- Clean and bright optics
- Simple to use
Cons
- Faulty battery
- Eye relief for less time
7) Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24×50 First Focal Plane Riflescope
The finest scope for 50 BMG for the money is the Argos BTR GEN2 6-2450. It offers high-end scope features at a cost that is friendly for your wallet. It is the best for all users, even beginners, thanks to this and the user-friendly design.
The exceptional optical fineness of the scope is one of its distinguishing qualities. It sports completely multi-coated lenses that improve light transmission while reducing light reflection. You can examine images that are stunningly sharp and vibrantly colored from dawn to dusk. Additionally, it has an XPL lens coating and a shield that offers additional defense against smudges, oil stains, and scratches.
The scope also has sufficient eye relief to ensure eye comfort when hunting for an extended period of time and capped turrets to prevent inadvertent dialing while you are out in the field. Additionally, it boasts a glass-etched reticle, a precision Zero Stop mechanism, and a weatherproof design.
Features
- The main tube of 30 mm
- First focal plane reticle engraved onto glass
- Parallax adjustment on the side
- Optics with a full multi-coating
- Accurately true zero stopping
- Both water- and fog-resistant
- Coating XPL
Pros
- Simple to use
- Reticle lighting
- Lucid glass
- Decent reticle
Cons
- A smaller field of vision
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Best Scope for 50 BMG Buyer’s Guide
When you are shopping for the best scope for 50 BMG, here are the essential factors you need to consider.
Lens Composition
You need a clear vision of the target in order to fire accurately at long distances. This necessitates the use of a high-grade scope with improved lenses, such as ED, HD, or any other. The lenses should also be thoroughly coated or multi-coated for the best image brightness and sharpness, as an additional note.
Pipe Size
It is advised to purchase a scope with a 30mm body tube or greater while taking long-range shooting. This is true regardless of whether you are shooting or hunting.
The scope has greater room for reticle movement and windage and elevation adjustments the larger the body tube. This can improve the scope’s durability and your aiming.
Magnification
Get a sight with a high magnification because the 50 BMG is mostly used for long-range shooting and hunting. The distance you can cover will depend on how much magnification the scope has.
You will require a variable scope with a 10x maximum magnification, at the very least. To maximize the round, it’s also crucial to get a scope with high magnification. The sight becomes more adaptable for shooting at various distances and in various settings as its zoom increases.
Enhance Quality
Sturdy housing is necessary for the best scope for 50 BMG. The strong recoil produced by this bullet should be able to be contained by it. Additionally, you will discover that a well-built scope is more dependable in a variety of circumstances.
Additionally, the scope you purchase ought to have ratings for complete waterproofness, dustproofness, and fog resistance.
Weight
Whether you intend to utilize the scope for tactical applications, hunting, or competition shooting, pick a lightweight model. It will be transportable and simple to mount and see. The 50 BMG’s heavy recoil can be effectively diffused by a lightweight scope.
Best Scope for 50 BMG FAQs
- What is the effective range of the 50 cal?
This relies on a variety of variables. They can accurately fire the 50 caliber rifles out to 2000 yards in the hands of a marksman who has received good training and plenty of practice. When all other circumstances are favorable, a shooter or hunter with less shooting or hunting experience can accurately fire a 50-caliber rifle out to about 1000 yards.
- Do I need a special scope for 50 BMG?
Yes. A scope that is rated for 50 BMG or larger calibers is required. This guarantees that the scope is strong enough to withstand the significant recoil that the cartridge causes.
- Is the 50 BMG legal?
It varies. It is acceptable to use it for shooting and hunting purposes in many countries. However, California has laws against it.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you’ve gained some knowledge about the ideal scope for 50 BMG and are now able to choose wisely. The 50 BMG works incredibly well with all of the aforementioned scopes. This season, invest in any one of them and use them to advance your shooting and hunting abilities significantly.