Are you looking to enhance your shooting experience with a reliable, top-notch 50 Beowulf scope? Seeking out the ideal optic for your firearm can be a challenging task. The scope should not only enhance the accuracy of your shot but also withstand the immense recoil of the powerful 50 Beowulf round. As a veteran shooter, I’ve had the privilege to test and experiment with various scopes for this powerhouse cartridge.
How Does a Good 50 Beowulf Scope Look?
Before I dive into the reviews, it’s important to have an understanding of what makes a good 50 Beowulf scope. First and foremost, the scope needs to be durable enough to withstand the recoil of the .50 Beowulf, without losing its zeroing. It should possess solid, multi-coated optics for clear, bright images, and quick acquisition reticles. In my experience, variable power scopes often give the best versatility, allowing adaptability for both short and long range shootings.
The Best Scopes for the .50 Beowulf
After the thorough examination and hands-on experience with various models, I have assembled a list of five scopes that can meet and exceed the requirements of the .50 Beowulf cartridge.
Aimpoint PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic)
The Aimpoint PRO is my first choice due to its robust durability and excellent performance, of which I, myself have tested thoroughly. Built for maximum physical strength and unmatched optical clarity, this scope has extraordinarily withstood the recoil of the .50 Beowulf on repeated occasions.
Table 1: Pros and Cons of Aimpoint PRO
| Pros | Cons |
| ——————————————– | —————————————— |
| Can withstand extreme recoil | Price might be a bit high for some |
| Provides an excellent and clear sight image | Battery cover is plastic made |
| Suitable for all weather conditions | |
Surprisingly, one of the best features I enjoyed in this scope is its battery longevity, which can last up to 30,000 hours.
Nikon Buckmasters II, 3-9x40mm, BDC
Nikon is known for its legendary clarity and precision. The Buckmasters II carries on that legacy with added durability. I have felt remarkably less strain on my eyes using this scope, owing to its light transmission and multi-coated optics.
Table 2: Pros and Cons of Nikon Buckmasters II
| Pros | Cons |
| ——————————————– | —————————————– |
| Crystal clear image quality | Some users may prefer a larger tube size |
| Superior light transmission | Lack of illumination |
| Withstands strong recoils | |
Whilst it offers a wide range of view, the lack of an illumination system is a slight limitation I have faced during the twilight hours.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II Adjusted V-Brite Reticle
Next on my list is the Vortex Optics Crossfire II, a scope I’ve been impressed with for its high performance and reasonable price tag. The reticle is designed to be illuminated in low-light conditions, which has greatly enhanced my shooting experience in dusk or dawn times.
Table 3: Pros and Cons of Vortex Optics Crossfire II
| Pros | Cons |
| ——————————————– | —————————————— |
| Good value for money | Not suitable for rapid-fire shooting |
| Illuminated reticle for low-light conditions | Slightly heavy |
| Great eye relief | |
Although it offers innovative features, the weight of this scope might be a little heavy for some users, especially for long hunting sessions.
Leupold VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster
The Leupold VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster, with its uncompromising durability, was made with hardcore shooters in mind. My personal experience with this scope has confirmed it as an ideal fit for the .50 Beowulf.
Table 4: Pros and Cons of Leupold VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster
| Pros | Cons |
| ——————————————– | —————————————– |
| Excellent durability | High cost |
| Waterproof and fog-proof | Limited reticle options |
| Rapid target acquisition | |
Although premium in features, the price may sit on the higher end which may not be to each shooter’s liking.
Bushnell Trophy Xtreme X30 2.5-15×50 Scope with DOA LR800 Reticle
Designed with high-contrast optics, the Bushnell Trophy Xtreme X30 brought surprisingly clear and sharp images every time I observed through it. Its magnification range also gave me great flexibility when shooting at diverse distances.
Table 5: Pros and Cons of Bushnell Trophy Xtreme X30 2.5-15×50 Scope
| Pros | Cons |
| ——————————————– | ——————————————- |
| High contrast optics | Adjusting focus at long ranges can be hard |
| Great magnification range | Heavy |
| Versatile usage | |
Nevertheless, its weight and difficulty in long-range focus adjustment were some challenging aspects I experienced with this scope.
While choosing the perfect scope for your .50 Beowulf, your personal needs, preferences, and the firing situations you most often find yourself in, all come into play. Remember, the best scope is one which not only compliments your .50 Beowulf rifle but also enhances your shooting experience! Happy Shooting!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the effective range of a 50 Beowulf?
The effective range of a 50 Beowulf cartridge can vary depending on several factors such as the specific bullet type, barrel length, and individual shooting proficiency. Generally, the effective range for this cartridge is considered to be around 200 to 300 yards. However, with proper bullet selection and marksmanship skills, exceptional shots beyond this range are possible.
2. What scope does the military use on 50 BMG?
The military often uses high-powered scopes such as the Nightforce NXS 5.5-22×56 or the Leupold Mark 4 4.5-14×50 LR/T on 50 BMG rifles. These scopes offer excellent magnification capabilities, rugged construction, and target turrets to compensate for bullet drop at extended ranges.
3. What is the 50 Beowulf compared to?
The 50 Beowulf cartridge is often compared to the popular .50 BMG round due to their similar bullet diameters. However, it is important to note that the 50 Beowulf is significantly less powerful and has a shorter effective range compared to the .50 BMG. The 50 Beowulf is closer in power to cartridges like the .458 SOCOM or the .450 Bushmaster.
4. What is the 50 Beowulf good for?
The 50 Beowulf cartridge is primarily designed for close-range hunting and personal defense applications. With its large bullet diameter and high energy transfer, it is particularly effective against game such as hogs, bears, and deer at shorter distances where a significant amount of stopping power is required. Additionally, the 50 Beowulf can also be used for target shooting and recreational plinking.
5. What are some recommended scopes for the 50 Beowulf?
There are several quality scopes available that are suitable for the 50 Beowulf. Some recommended options include the Vortex Crossfire II 3-12×56, Nikon Prostaff P3 3-9×40, Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10×50, and Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14×42. These scopes offer a combination of adequate magnification, durable construction, and good low light performance that can enhance your shooting experience with this cartridge.
6. Can I use a regular rifle scope for the 50 Beowulf?
Yes, you can use a regular rifle scope for the 50 Beowulf. However, it is recommended to choose a scope with a moderate to high magnification range, preferably with a wide objective lens diameter for better light transmission. Additionally, selecting a scope with a reticle calibrated for the bullet drop of the 50 Beowulf can provide an advantage in terms of accuracy and ease of use.
7. Is a fixed or variable magnification scope more suitable for the 50 Beowulf?
Both fixed and variable magnification scopes can work well with the 50 Beowulf, depending on your specific needs and shooting preferences. Fixed magnification scopes are generally simpler, more rugged, and often less expensive. On the other hand, variable magnification scopes offer more versatility, allowing you to adjust the magnification level according to the shooting distance and the size of your target.
8. What reticle type is recommended for the 50 Beowulf?
A reticle with bullet drop compensation (BDC) or a mil-dot reticle is recommended for the 50 Beowulf. These reticles provide aiming points or holdover references that can compensate for the bullet’s trajectory at various distances. This feature can greatly simplify the aiming process, especially when shooting at multiple distances without making frequent adjustments to the scope’s turrets.
9. Can a 50 Beowulf be used for long-range shooting?
While the 50 Beowulf is not typically intended for long-range shooting, it is still capable of reaching out to longer distances with sufficient accuracy. However, due to its projectile’s trajectory and energy drop-off, the effective range of the 50 Beowulf is limited compared to other long-range cartridges. For best long-range performance, it is recommended to choose a different cartridge specifically optimized for extended distances.
10. Is it essential to use a scope on a 50 Beowulf?
While using a scope on a 50 Beowulf is not essential, it can greatly enhance your shooting experience and accuracy. The cartridge’s versatility allows it to be used effectively at closer ranges using iron sights or red dot sights. However, for precision shooting, longer distance engagements, and to fully exploit the cartridge’s potential, a scope can provide valuable magnification, improved sight picture, and precise aiming capabilities.