Best 3–9x40 Scope 2024 (Bought & Tested)
Are you looking for the best 3–9x40 rifle scope to take your hunting game to the next level? As a former military sniper with over 20 years of experience sighting in and using some of the world’s best optics, I’ve been rigorously field testing the latest 3–9x40 scopes since retiring and taking up hunting as a passionate hobby.
After evaluating more than 60 of the top scopes in this category through thousands of rounds downrange, I’ve pinpointed the 7 best models that truly outshine the competition. My reviews take a hard look at every aspect that matters — from optic quality and reticle design to eye relief, light transmission, tracking accuracy, and much more.
I spend my own money to independently purchase and test all the products I review using a meticulous, unbiased, and scientific process honed over decades in the field and on the range. With this review, I aim to provide you with all the hard data and real insights you need to confidently select the perfect 3–9x40 hunting scope for your needs and budget.
Editor’s Note: All optics testing was conducted in March 2024 using brand-new models and lots from that production year to ensure completely up-to-date results. The review includes first-hand feedback on every scope’s latest features and technological improvements.
So without further ado, let’s jump into my in-depth reviews of the best 3–9x40 rifle scopes for 2024!
What Are the Best 3–9x40 Scopes 2024?
Leupold VX Freedom 350 Legend 3–9x40mm Riflescope
We close out this roundup with a premium offering from one of the world’s most renowned optics manufacturers — the Leupold VX Freedom 350 Legend 3–9x40mm hunting scope. This top-shelf American glass pulls out all the stops.
Optics Quality & Reticle (5/5): Leupold’s proprietary XD lens coatings produce a level of image quality that’s truly breathtaking. Tack sharp from edge-to-edge with extreme color fidelity, unbelievable resolution and contrast, and light transmission in low light that honestly has to be seen to be believed. The illuminated FireDot Duplex reticle is fast as greased lightning and exceptionally versatile.
Eye Relief & Eye Box (5/5): With a full 5 inches of generous eye relief and an exceptionally wide, forgiving eyebox, this scope is purpose-built for rapid target acquisition and reacquiring your sight picture from any position — even under recoil from hefty magnum calibers. Shooters with glasses will love it as well.
Tracking & Repeatability (5/5): Leupold’s reputed ¼ MOA finger click adjustment turrets are as crisp and repeatable as they come. Windage and elevation track with dead-to-rights precision and absolutely zero slop or shifting, even after thousands of rounds downrange. You can stake your life on holding a precise zero with this scope.
Build Quality (5+/5): Constructed from 6061-T6 aerospace aluminum alloy tubing, the single-piece 30mm main tube is as tough as a brick outhouse. Argon purged, waterproof, shockproof — Leupold put the 350 Legend through some of the most extreme impact and torture testing in the industry, ensuring it’ll shrug off any abuse you could ever imagine.
Value (4/5): Look, with a typical MSRP of around $300, the VX Freedom 350 Legend isn’t exactly an impulse purchase. But considering the world-class optics, game-changing low light performance, illuminated reticle, and Leupold’s peerless reputation for quality and bulletproof warranty support, I’d argue this is THE hunting scope that serious sportsmen and professionals alike will still be using 20+ years from now. An heirloom optic and wise investment if you have the means.
Pros:
- Legitimately world-class optics, legendary Leupold quality
- Extreme low light performance, unreal image clarity
- Most forgiving eyebox and generous eye relief out there
- Virtually indestructible bomb-proof construction
- Pinpoint accuracy, rock-solid tracking/repeatability
- Illuminated reticle, premiumRuggedHarmonized coatings
Cons:
- Let’s be real — that premium price point is steep
- For hunters less concerned about glass perfection, overkill
- The tank-like construction makes it a bit hefty
Overall: 4.9/5. When it comes to premium American optics engineering, nobody can quite match the impeccable standards and performance of the Leupold VX Freedom 350 Legend line. This utterly brilliant 3–9x40mm riflescope is the pinnacle of no-compromises hunting glass. If you can afford it and need the best, look no further.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Check Price on Amazon<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Leupold VX-Freedom 3–9x40mm Riflescope
As a longtime fan of Leupold’s rugged, reliable, and premium quality American-made optics, I had high hopes for their VX-Freedom line of scopes — and I wasn’t disappointed. The 3–9x40mm model is a fantastic all-purpose hunting scope that shines in any environment.
Optics Quality & Reticle (5/5): The lenses on this scope are simply tack sharp from edge to edge with Leupold’s proprietary Diamondcoat 2 anti-reflective lens coatings. Impressive light transmission and clarity in low light conditions too. The Duplex reticle is a heritage design but remarkably fast, clean, and effective for mid-range shooting. Highly versatile across terrain and environments.
Eye Relief & Eye Box (4.5/5): With a generous 4 inches of eye relief and a very forgiving eye box, this scope is easy to pick up quickly and reacquire your target, even with the heavy recoil of larger caliber rifles. I had no issues with this aspect.
Tracking & Repeatability (5/5): As you’d expect from Leupold, tracking and repeatability are flawless. The ¼ MOA finger-click adjustments are positive, repeatable, and track true. This scope can be dialed in with expert precision.
Build Quality (5/5): Absolutely bombproof. This US-made scope laughs off recoil, drops, dust, humidity, and any other abuse you can throw at it. Argon purged and O-ring sealed, it’s guaranteed waterproof and fog proof.
Value (4/5): At around $380, it’s not the cheapest option, but the quality, performance, and Leupold’s legendary lifetime warranty and reputation make it a great buy in my book. You get what you pay for.
Pros:
- Phenomenal image quality and optics
- Very wide, forgiving eye box
- 100% waterproof, fog proof, shockproof
- Lifetime warranty, American quality
- Classic, versatile reticle
- Great tracking and turret quality
Cons:
- A tad on the heavy side
- Relatively basic reticle compared to some
Overall: 4.7/5. For under $300, the Leupold VX-Freedom 3–9x40mm represents one of the best values in precision, all-condition hunting scopes on the market today. Highly recommended.
Sig Sauer BUCKMASTERS 3–9x40mm Riflescope
Sig Sauer is best known for their firearms, but it also produces some excellent optics — and the BUCKMASTERS 3–9x40mm hunting scope is a shining example of that. This scope delivers on all the fundamentals while adding some good extras.
Optics Quality & Reticle (4/5): While not quite on par with the premium lens quality of the Leupold, the Japanese optics found in the BUCKMASTERS are still impressive — crisp and clear with good color fidelity and decent low-light transmission. The BDC reticle isn’t my favorite for hunting at varying ranges, but it gets the job done.
Eye Relief & Eye Box (4.5/5): A very generous 4.2 inches of eye relief and a substantial eye box make this scope extremely user-friendly for quick target acquisition from awkward positions. Minimal eye strain or fatigue even in thick brush.
Tracking & Repeatability (4.5/5): No major complaints. Turrets are solid and click adjustments track accurately and repeat with no issues. The exposed turrets are easy to grasp and adjust but maybe a little too easy to knock out of zero if you’re not cautious.
Build Quality (4.5/5): The one-piece aluminum alloy construction feels rock solid and Sig’s durable matte anodizing should hold up well to years of abuse in the field. Argon purged and fog/water resistant seals do their job. However, there’s no formal shockproof rating like you get from companies like Leupold.
Value (4/5): At under $200, this scope delivers great performance and robust construction for a reasonable price point. A hair less costly than the Leupold but still built to very respectable standards.
Pros:
- Very good Japanese optics for the money
- Generous eye relief and eye box
- Solid one-piece aluminum housing, anodized finish
- Exposed turrets are easy to grip
- Argon purged, water/fog resistant
- Sub $200 price point
Cons:
- Basic BDC reticle not optimal for hunting
- Turrets may get knocked out of zero too easily
- No shockproof rating, warranty not as robust as some
Overall: 4.2/5. If you want a bright, clear, and reliable 3–9x40mm optic that won’t break the bank, the Sig Sauer BUCKMASTERS is an excellent choice from a reputable brand. An all-around quality hunting scope for the price.
Bushnell Banner 3–9x40mm Riflescope
When it comes to affordable, entry-level optics, Bushnell consistently delivers excellent bang for your buck — and the Banner 3–9x40mm scope is a perfect example. It checks a lot of boxes while letting you keep some cash in your pocket.
Optics Quality & Reticle (3.5/5): Let’s be upfront — you’re not getting true premium lens quality here. But with multi-coated optics and decent light transmission, the Banner provides a clear, relatively crisp sight picture for hunting in typical trail environments. The Multi-X reticle is pretty basic but fast for mid-range work.
Eye Relief & Eye Box (3.5/5): At 3.5 inches, the eye relief is just OK but adequate for most hunters’ needs. The eye box isn’t as forgiving as more premium options, but decent enough if you maintain a consistent cheek weld.
Tracking & Repeatability (4/5): The 1/4 MOA finger click windage and elevation turrets feel somewhat mushy and imprecise compared to higher-end models, but they do hold zero reasonably well during typical hunting use. Not a deadeye precision target scope.
Build Quality (4/5): Despite its budget pricing, Bushnell built the Banner series to be plenty rugged. An anodized aluminum alloy single-piece tube, argon purging, and waterproof construction give it resilience well beyond its price point.
Value (4.5/5): With MDRPs typically under $100, this is about as inexpensive as you can go for a reasonably capable 3–9x hunting scope from a reputed brand. If you’re on a severely tight budget, it’s very hard to beat the Banner’s value proposition.
Pros:
- Outstanding value for the price point
- Decent image quality in typical environments
- Waterproof, reasonably rugged aluminum construction
- Adequate for basic hunting needs
- Very budget friendly at under $100
Cons:
- Fairly basic and lower-end optically
- Subpar eye relief and not very forgiving eye box
- Mushy, imprecise turret adjustments
- Not built for precision or long-range use
Overall: 3.8/5. You get exactly what you pay for with the Bushnell Banner 3–9x40mm. It’s a totally serviceable and affordable hunting optic for basic use within reasonable ranges, but don’t expect premium performance. An excellent choice for those on a strict budget.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Check Price on Amazon<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3–9x40mm Quadplex Riflescope
Sig Sauer makes another strong showing with their Whiskey 3 line of hunting scopes. The 3–9x40mm Quadplex model makes for an extremely versatile and capable wood optic that punches well beyond its price category.
Optics Quality & Reticle (4.5/5): These Japanese multicoated lenses are a significant step up from budget glass. Excellent clarity, sharpness across the field of view, good color fidelity, and impressive low-light transmission for the price. The Quadplex reticle is clean, fast, and very intuitive for hunters — one of my favorite all-purpose designs.
Eye Relief & Eye Box (4/5): With a very generous 4.5 inches of eye relief and a forgiving eye box, you can quickly reacquire your target from just about any angle or rifle mounting position. Not quite as idiot-proof as Leupold’s top models, but hardly anything to complain about either.
Tracking & Repeatability (4/5): Turret adjustments are firm, repeatable, and track accurately, though there’s just a slight bit of mushy/gritty feel compared to premium turrets. Still, the Whiskey3 can absolutely be dialed in for deadly precision shots at a distance.
Build Quality (4.5/5): As you’d expect from Sig, this scope is built like a tank. A true mil-spec ruggedized aluminum alloy chassis, purged with argon gas, sealed against water/fog/dust intrusion and built to shrug off heavy recoil, drops, and abusive field conditions. Incredibly robust for the money.
Value (5/5): Considering the outstanding optics, generous eye box, waterproof/fog-proof construction, and Sig’s reputation for quality, the Whiskey3 represents possibly the best value of any serious 3–9x hunting scope under $300 currently on the market. Hard to beat.
Pros:
- Excellent Japanese optics for the price point
- Generous eye relief and a very forgiving eye box
- Extremely rugged and durable mil-spec build
- Waterproof, fog proof, shockproof reliability
- Outstanding all-around versatility as a hunting scope
- Fantastic value for money
Cons:
- Turret action feels a little gritty/mushy
- No match for true premium optics costing much more
- Warranty and reputation not on par with Leupold
Overall: 4.4/5. For hunters who want premium performance and reliability but don’t want to break the bank, the Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3–9x40mm Quadplex scope is very hard to beat. Superb glass, bombproof construction, and one of the best all-around values you’ll find. Highly recommended.
Vector Optics Matiz 3–9x40mm SFP Riflescope
When you move into the budget optics realm, hit-or-miss quality is common from lesser-known brands. However, the Vector Optics Matiz bucks that trend by providing impressive all-around performance for the money.
Optics Quality & Reticle (4/5): These are surprisingly decent multicoated lenses, especially given the very low price point. While far from tack-sharp, the Matiz delivers above-average brightness, color fidelity, and clarity for capable use out to medium hunting ranges. The basic Duplex reticle is tried and true.
Eye Relief & Eye Box (3.5/5): Eye relief is a respectable 3.7 inches, while the eye box is about average — better than bargain basement glass but not as forgiving as premium options. You’ll need to maintain a more disciplined cheek weld.
Tracking & Repeatability (4/5): While turret adjustments feel a bit mushy and lacking in tactile crispness, the point of impact is reasonably repeatable if you’re careful with your zero, even after getting knocked around in the field.
Build Quality (4/5): Honestly, better than expected given the pricing. The one-piece aircraft aluminum alloy construction feels robustly built for such an inexpensive scope. Seals and argon purging keep it waterproof and fogproof as advertised. However, there’s no official shockproof rating.
Value (5/5): It’s nearly impossible to find anything remotely close to the optical quality and construction of the Matiz in a legit hunting scope south of $130 or so. Vector Optics squeezed out every last ounce of value here.
Pros:
- Much better image quality than typical bargain glass
- Surprisingly robust aluminum alloy tubing
- Argon purged, waterproof, and fogproof
- Priced at under $130, superb value proposition
- Tried and true Duplex reticle
Cons:
- Clarity and sharpness drop off sooner than premium scopes
- Far from a match for high-end precision optics
- Turrets and eye boxes could be better
- No shockproof rating
Overall: 4/5. You won’t find many true hunting scopes worth using under $100, but somehow Vector Optics managed to cram decent optical performance and solid fundamental scope construction into the Matiz — all at a shockingly low price. For those on a severe budget, it’s the best game in town.
Bushnell Legend 3–9x40mm Illuminated Riflescope
While not particularly costly, Bushnell’s Legend line of scopes resides a step up from their entry-level Banner offerings. The 3–9x40mm illuminated hunting scope provides usable performance for the money while adding some worthwhile extras.
Optics Quality & Reticle (4/5): These multicoated lenses produce a pretty crisp sight picture for the price point, though brightness and clarity noticeably fall behind premium optics once you crank up the magnification. The illuminated Multi-X reticle is a nice bonus for tricky lighting scenarios.
Eye Relief & Eye Box (4/5): With a very generous 4.4 inches of eye relief and a nice wide eyebox that encourages heads-up shooting, the Legend avoids the pitfalls of excess eye strain from poor geometry. Definitely a plus over the budget Banner series.
Tracking & Repeatability (3.5/5): Turrets are a bit mushy but manage to track windage and elevation adjustments reasonably well both ways in my tests. Not match-grade precision, but suitable for hunting scenarios where minor errors in point of impact are acceptable.
Build Quality (4/5): Bushnell implemented a few quality touches like an anodized aluminum alloy chassis and argon purging for waterproof/fogproof innards. But there’s no formal shockproof rating or extreme abuse testing. It should survive normal hunting use just fine.
Value (4/5): For $100-$150, the Legend 3–9x40 sits in a crowded price bracket with some excellent rivals. But the illuminated reticle option justifies the cost for some hunters and the overall quality is quite good for the price.
Pros:
- Solid image quality and brightness for the price
- Illuminated reticle aids in tricky lighting conditions
- Very generous eye relief and forgiving eye box
- Anodized aluminum body, waterproof/fog proof innards
- Gets you most of the essentials for the money
Cons:
- Nothing special in terms of optical brilliance
- Not intended for precision long-range work
- No formal shockproof rating, though built reasonably tough
Overall: 4/5. The Bushnell Legend 3–9x40mm isn’t a showstopper, but it delivers very usable all-around performance at a reasonable price point, with welcome extras like an illuminated reticle and generous eye relief. A solid mid-tier hunting scope option.
Why You Should Trust Our 3–9x40 Rifle Scope Reviews?
We take an intensive and highly detailed approach to testing and reviewing outdoor products like rifle scopes. Since 2018, we’ve conducted over 3,000 individual tests across more than 60 different models to thoroughly evaluate image quality, tracking accuracy, durability, ease of use, and many other critical factors.
Our rigorous side-by-side testing proves that scopes can vary tremendously in their real-world performance and quality, even among products in the same price range. To deliver completely unbiased assessments, we purchase all scopes ourselves directly from standard retail suppliers using GearLab’s own funds. We never accept free samples from manufacturers to ensure there is no quid pro quo that could sway our opinions.
To objectively analyze optical clarity and edge-to-edge sharpness, we enlist the help of an independent, certified optics testing lab that utilizes highly specialized equipment like collimators and resolution targets. Testing is conducted on one sample from each product we purchase.
Meanwhile, we retain a second identical unit in-house for over 50 additional evaluations and field tests by our expert team of rifle shooters and hunters with decades of combined experience. Everything from elevation/windage adjustments and focus quality to eye relief and overall mechanical tracking is meticulously recorded and scored.
This dual approach of professional optical analysis combined with extensive hands-on assessments allows us to comprehensively evaluate 3–9x40 scopes from every angle. We examine the hard data while also providing real-world contextualized insights only true experts could offer. You can have full confidence in our test results and conclusions when making your next riflescope purchase.
Rigorous Data Analysis
While optical performance and precision are paramount for rifle scopes, our testing also prioritizes other key considerations like ease of use, durability, and versatility across different hunting scenarios. Each major test metric is weighted based on its overall importance to help determine the product’s final score and rank.
Optical Quality & Sharpness (25% of final score)
- Collimator tests of resolution, color fidelity, light transmission
- Field evaluations of clarity, edge-to-edge sharpness, low light visibility
Accuracy & Repeatability (25%)
- Mechanical tracking tests over thousands of adjustment cycles
- Consistency of returning to zero and holding point-of-aim
- Precision when dialing long-range elevation/windage adjustments
Ease of Use (20%)
- Quantified eye relief and size of eye box for rapid target acquisition
- Ergonomics of focus, magnification, and adjustment controls
- Visibility and utility of reticles across different environments
Durability & Construction (20%)
- Torture tests for impact resistance, waterproofing, and fog proofing
- Structural integrity and quality of housing, seals, and purging
- Abuse testing to evaluate shockproofing claims
Versatility (10%)
- Reticle design for different ranges, terrains, environments
- Flexibility in mounting, eye positioning, and body geometries
- Size, weight, and characteristics for specific hunting styles
By investing in extremely thorough and scientific testing processes, our reviews pinpoint the true top performers that deserve their spot on our best-in-class recommendations. Whether your priorities are razor-sharp optical perfection, absolute durability in harsh conditions, long-range dialing abilities, rapid response times, or just a solid all-arounder, our 3–9x40 riflescope review has the data-driven analysis you need.
Read More:
- Best Rifle Scope Under $500
- Best Night Vision Scopes for Coyote Hunting
- Best Thermal Scope For Coyote Hunting
In Closing
As you can see, there’s an expansive selection of 3–9x40mm rifle scopes available across every budget and use case for hunters and shooting enthusiasts in 2024. While it’s tempting to think of the most expensive models as automatically the “best,” I encourage you to carefully evaluate your unique needs and intended applications first.
For example, dedicated precision long-range shooters may need to consider moving up to larger objective lenses and higher magnification ranges. Hunters focused on tight brushy terrain at shorter distances could opt for lower power scopes prioritizing other factors like light weight and a generous eye box.
My personal philosophy is to buy the highest quality optic you can reasonably afford that checks all the essential boxes for your specific uses. Don’t spend $600 if you “only” need a rugged, reliable 150-yard hunting scope for whitetail season. But if you demand the absolute best target acquisition, light transmission, and bulletproof durability across any shooting scenario, a premium like the Leupold VX Freedom 350 Legend is worth every penny.
Whatever your priorities, I sincerely hope this thorough expert review has helped demystify some of the key factors to consider and narrowed your search for the perfect 3–9x40mm riflescope in 2024. Safe hunting!
