Looking to consistently make clean shots out to 500 yards? The right riflescope is the difference between a confident harvest and a missed chance. Whether you hunt deer on open fields, elk in the mountains, or varmints on the plains, you want a scope that delivers crisp images, holds zero, and lets you place every … Read more
Every hunter knows that your riflescope can make or break your shot. It’s one thing to spot a trophy buck at dawn. It’s another to confidently make a clean, ethical shot in low light, in rough country, and with a tired heart. That’s why the best hunters—including the Meateater crew—insist on optics that are clear, … Read more
Turning a daytime rifle into a night predator hunter is what a clip‑on thermal promises. Rather than swapping scopes, you place a thermal module in front of your regular optic and keep your zero. But clip‑on thermals bring real challenges: alignment, zero shift, optical loss, and cost. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what … Read more
Hunting at night demands more than just sharp instincts — you need gear that actually delivers usable vision in darkness. A clip‑on night vision scope can let you keep your daytime optic zeroed and simply attach a module in front of it for low‑light performance. But not all clip‑ons are created equal. In this guide, … Read more
The .308 Winchester is America’s classic “do-it-all” hunting round—perfect for deer, elk, hogs, black bear, and even long-range varmints. But to get the most from your .308, you need the right scope: one that tracks true, handles recoil, and works for thick timber, open fields, and every shot in between. Here are the best Vortex … Read more
Want to hunt coyotes at night with total confidence? A thermal scope with a built-in rangefinder (LRF) is the ultimate game-changer—spot, range, and shoot with precision, even in the darkest pasture or biggest field. No more guessing yardage or misjudging holdover in the heat of the moment! Below are the best thermal scopes with rangefinders … Read more
Night hunting coyotes takes serious gear. Thermal scopes open up a new world—but adding a built-in Laser Rangefinder (LRF) makes your shots faster, more ethical, and more successful. No more guessing distance in the dark, no more missed coyotes just over your zero! If you want to hunt smarter, here are the best thermal scopes … Read more
Night coyote hunting is a whole new game—smart predators, unpredictable wind, and action that can happen fast. A real thermal rifle scope changes everything, letting you spot, track, and shoot in total darkness. But with so many “budget” thermals on the market, what really works under $1,000? Here are the best thermal scopes for coyote … Read more
A good spotting scope is a game-changer in the field. Whether you’re glassing mule deer across a canyon, checking antelope horns on the prairie, or simply scouting elk on distant ridges, you need sharp, clear optics that don’t cost a fortune. Here are the best spotting scopes for hunting under $500 in 2025—proven in the … Read more
Scope objective size is one of the most misunderstood topics in hunting optics. Too big, and your rifle gets heavy and awkward. Too small, and you might struggle in low light. So, what’s the best scope objective size for hunting? Here’s a simple, field-proven guide to choosing the right objective lens diameter—plus the best scope … Read more