· reviews · 19 min read

The Best 3x9x40 Scopes for Accurate Shooting: Our Top 12 Picks

Discover the top 3x9x40 scopes on the market, including features, pros, and cons, to find the perfect fit for your shooting adventures. Explore our in-depth product overview to make an informed decision.

Discover the top 3x9x40 scopes on the market, including features, pros, and cons, to find the perfect fit for your shooting adventures. Explore our in-depth product overview to make an informed decision.

If you’re looking for a reliable and durable scope for your hunting or shooting needs, look no further than the 3x9x40 Scope. This top-of-the-line product offers a remarkable combination of 3x magnification and a 9-round capacity, making it a staple among enthusiasts. Read on to discover why the 3x9x40 Scope could be the perfect addition to your arsenal.

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Reviews

Weems & Plath 3.5x40mm 70 005 Scope

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As someone who’s always on the lookout for a high-quality scope, I couldn’t resist trying out the 3.5x40 Sextant Scope from Weems & Plath. This general purpose scope proved to be a hidden gem and a fantastic addition to my navigational equipment.

One of the standout features was its stunningly sharp image quality. Whether I was scanning the horizon aboard my boat or observing a distant land from the comfort of my living room, the scope’s optical clarity left me impressed, day or night. It was like having a private telescope all for myself.

On the flip side, while the build quality was sturdy, with its waterproof and shock-resistant design, it wasn’t as compact and lightweight as I would have hoped. But for a scope of its price point, this minor trade-off wasn’t a deal breaker. With its crystal-clear optics and wide field of view, it more than made up for it.

Overall, the 3.5x40 Sextant Scope by Weems & Plath isn’t just a necessity for any navigational enthusiast; it’s an essential addition that enhances the overall maritime or sextant experience. Its durability and performance make it a great value for a budget-conscious adventurer like myself.

Fullum Folded Newtonian 40” f/3.5 Telescope

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I recently tried out the 40-inch Fullum Folded Newtonian telescope, and it was an exciting journey. I was immediately impressed by its sleek design and the fact that it could fold down to a compact size. The Newtonian reflector design provided a clear and crisp view of the night sky.

The objective diameter was impressive, offering a wide field of view, but I did notice a slight distortion around the edges. The light gathering power was fantastic, allowing me to observe faint celestial objects with ease.

However, the focal length was a bit short, which made it difficult to achieve the maximum magnification stated. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience, and I appreciated the advanced details provided by this telescope.

Vixen AXJ-AX103S 3X9X40 Scope Telescope

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The Vixen AXJ-AX103S Telescope has been my trusty companion for some time now and it has never failed to impress me with its capabilities. I’ve used it for both daytime and nighttime stargazing and it has always provided crystal-clear, high contrast images that I can appreciate.

The STAR BOOK TEN star chart go-to navigation controller is a standout feature for me. It has an intuitive interface that makes navigating the night sky a breeze. The high definition color LCD display provides all the information I need, including the position of the telescope, the target, and other useful insights.

The durable and lightweight carbon tripod is another highlight. It’s sturdy yet lightweight, making it easy to set up and move around. The ASG-CB90 tripod head, leg extension part, and leg brace have been reviewed completely to ensure stability.

The AX103S optical tube assembly is also a remarkable feature. The quad element AX103S apochromatic system with SD glass offers uncompromising optical performance, and the three element objective lens produces crystal-clear, sharp images with no false color.

However, the product does have some drawbacks, such as a heavy total weight of 55.3kg, which can be challenging to transport. Additionally, the AXJ mount requires some tinkering to get the perfect tracking alignment.

Overall, the Vixen AXJ-AX103S Telescope is a stellar choice for serious astrophotographers who demand a perfect imaging platform with user-friendly functions.

Meade LX90-ACF 3X9X40 Advanced Coma-Free Optical Tube Assembly Scope

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Experience the universe like never before with the Meade LX90 Advanced Coma-Free optical tube assembly. This high-quality telescope is perfect for novices and enthusiasts alike, boasting a wealth of features that make stargazing a breeze.

One of the standout aspects of the LX90 is its ability to locate over 30,000 objects, including itself. Additionally, the built-in GPS receiver immediately determines your precise date, time, and location, making it easy to align the scope for a tour of the cosmos. The smart scopes offered by Meade know the night sky right out of the box, with Easy Align selecting two alignment stars for you and placing them right in your viewfinder.

With a clear aperture of 8 inches and a focal ratio of f/10, the LX90 offers a crisp and bright view of the stars. The UHTC coatings provide enhanced optical performance, while the optional electronic focuser makes focusing a snap. The LX90 also comes with a 8x50mm viewfinder with a cross-hair reticle and a standard field tripod, making it easy to set up and use.

However, the LX90 does have a few drawbacks. The 47-pound weight may be a challenge for some users, and the optional 12-volt power supply adds to the overall weight. The scope’s optical tube and fork weigh 28 pounds, making portability a consideration. Some users have experienced issues with the declination motor and encoder, which may interfere with alignment.

Overall, the Meade LX90 8-inch Advanced Coma-Free optical tube assembly offers impressive performance and features, making it a top choice for avid stargazers. While it may have a few quirks, the LX90’s user-friendly design and advanced capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for those looking to explore the wonders of the universe.

Axcel AVX-31 Modular Scope Lens Combo - Adjustable 8x Magnification

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I recently got my hands on the Axcel AVX-31 Scope Lens Combo. Let me tell you, this is the perfect addition to any archer’s equipment.

With its modular series design, it has some amazing adjustments options. Whether you’re in bright or low lighting, this scope allows you to control its brightness effortlessly.

One thing that stood out to me was the ambidextrous design; it was very comfortable to use. And let’s not forget about the Doc’s Choice lens, available in various powers, that is included in this fantastic combo. This combo will surely transform your archery game.

But don’t just take my word, give it a try and see for yourself.

Tuword Portable Telescope 3X9X40 for Adults & Kids

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The Tuword Telescope Pro 400/70 FMC is a versatile and high-quality refractor telescope that’s perfect for adults and kids alike. With its premium optics featuring a 400mm focal length and 70mm aperture, fully coated optical glass lens with high transmittance coating, it delivers stunning images while protecting your eyes.

In addition, its 70mm objective lens fully coated with a high transmission coating increases light transmission, reduces light reflection, and provides a larger field of view for clearer images. The telescope’s metal body and micro-adjustment lever ensure stability and durability, while the smartphone adapter lets you take stunning images of celestial objects through your phone screen.

The included star finder and 45° orthogonal prism provide a comfortable viewing experience, while the adjustable aluminum tripod and shoulder travel bag make it easy to set up and store your telescope when traveling. Overall, the Tuword Telescope Pro 400/70 FMC is a fantastic choice for astronomers or anyone interested in exploring the stars and moon.

Bresser See-It Scope HD: Explore Hard-to-Reach Spaces with 12.0 Megapixel Digital Camera and Large LCD Screen

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The Bresser See-It Scope HD is a versatile and practical tool for those who find themselves in need of illuminating and exploring hard-to-reach areas. With its adjustable and flexible coil, coupled with the LCD screen, one can easily navigate into tight spaces and enjoy clear, vibrant views.

The LED light ensures illumination in even the darkest corners and the incorporated digital camera makes for easy capturing of moments. However, its build quality seemed less than satisfactory, and some users reported issues with the screen’s quality. Overall, the See-It Scope HD is a convenient solution for numerous everyday situations, but it is by no means a top-notch product in terms of craftsmanship.

Barska Colorado Spotting Scope: High-Power 15X to 40X Magnification & Durable Rubber Construction

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I recently had the chance to try out the Barska Colorado Spotting Scope and I must say, it definitely lived up to my expectations. As a serious outdoor enthusiast, having a good quality spotting scope is essential to make the most of my sightseeing adventures.

One of the first things that stood out to me was the smooth focusing knob of the scope. It is an absolute joy to adjust and never loses its focus once set. The 15-40x magnification, too, is just perfect for spotting distant objects and really making them come alive.

However, the tripod that comes with it leaves something to be desired. It’s almost like it was the afterthought to the whole product. I found that it wobbles a bit too much, making it difficult to keep my shots steady.

My advice? Definitely give this scope a try, but if you do so, don’t hesitate to invest in a better tripod to keep your shots steady and your sightings stable. It’s a great value for the money and does a fantastic job when it comes to sighting targets.

Vixen AX103S Portable Refractor Optical Scope

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In my experience using the Vixen AX103S Refractor telescope, I was immediately struck by its sleek design and sturdy build. The tube clamps and carry handle made it a breeze to transport, and the 7x50mm illuminated viewfinder telescope provided a crisp, clear view of the night sky.

One of the standout features of this telescope was the fully coated triplet ED objective. It made the images incredibly sharp and vivid, even when observing distant objects. The build-in field flattener lens was also a game-changer, ensuring that the images were sharp from edge to edge – a must for serious astrophotographers.

However, the AX103S wasn’t without its drawbacks. The f8.0 refractor did require some adjustments to get the perfect focus, and the central ED lens in the objective did create a bit of chromatic aberration. Additionally, the focal length and aperture ratio were on the higher end, which might have made it a bit more challenging for beginner photographers.

Overall, my experience with the Vixen AX103S Refractor telescope was a mixed bag. It truly shined when it came to visual performance and astrophotography capabilities, but required a bit of fine-tuning to get the most out of its features.

Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Spotting Scope with Waterproof Design

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As a spotting scope enthusiast, I recently had the pleasure of trying out the Bushnell Trophy Xtreme. First off, I was impressed by the adjustable sunshade with built-in objective cover, providing extra protection and convenience. The waterproof hard case and side-carry soft case were a nice touch, along with the durable rubber armor that gave me confidence in its durability.

One of the standout features was the Porro prism and multiple layers of anti-reflective coating, which made for crystal clear vision even in the brightest conditions. Additionally, the variable magnification from 20-60x was incredibly useful when adjusting to different distances. However, I did notice a slight stiffness in the twist-up eyecups, making it a bit tough to turn them.

One minor downside was the lack of a tri-pod included in the package, but I was able to remedy that by purchasing one separately. Overall, the Trophy Xtreme spotting scope lived up to my expectations for clarity and durability, making it an excellent choice for avid hunters and enthusiasts alike.

Affordable Waterproof SV28 Spotting Scope

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The SVBONY SV28 spotting scope is a versatile tool for nature enthusiasts who want to observe the beauty of wildlife, stunning scenery, and glorious starry skies. This model comes with an impressive 25-75x70 magnification range and is perfect for target shooting, bird watching, and hunting. The scope features a waterproof design to keep it safe from any weather conditions, and it also comes with a phone adapter for easy digiscoping. Weighing just 4.72 inches, the SVBONY SV28 is compact and lightweight, making it the ideal companion for those who are always on the go. The scope is made with high-quality materials, including a 1.25 focusing eyepiece adapter and a 3X9X40 scope, ensuring crystal-clear images and smooth focus adjustments.

Some users have reported minor issues with the scope, such as a short eye relief and a narrow field of view. However, many have praised the scope for its excellent value, high-quality optics, and ease of use. The SVBONY SV28 spotting scope is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly, yet powerful tool to enhance their outdoor experiences.

TruGlo Mill Dot Crossbow Scope with Rangefinding and Trajectory Compensation Camo TG8504C3

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Just recently, I tested the TruGlo 4x32 Rangefinding/Trajectory Compensating Crossbow Scope with Rings Camo TG8504C3 throughout a series of weekend hunting expeditions. Surprisingly, this crossbow scope proved to be incredibly dependable in elevating the precision of my shots.

The impressive design of this crossbow scope, characterized by its shock-resistant capabilities, makes it perfect to withstand the occasional jarring impacts without any damage.

Among the various features that captured my attention is the distinctive range-finding and trajectory-compensating reticle. It significantly improved my distance estimation capabilities and allowed me to adjust my shots accordingly.

The generous 4-inch eye relief allowed me to locate a comfortable peering position, keeping me a safe distance from the crossbow while providing a clear view of the target through the scope. Furthermore, the fully-coated lenses ensured maximum brightness, clarity, and contrast, proving invaluable in diverse hunting lighting conditions.

However, there were some drawbacks that I couldn’t ignore. Primarily, the rubber eye-guard could be improved to have better scratch resistance. Also, while the scope was generally user-friendly, I found myself struggling occasionally to adjust the windage and elevation settings using the fingertip controls situated beneath the screw-down caps.

Despite the minor drawbacks, I am largely satisfied with the performance of this TruGlo crossbow scope. It is an excellent choice for beginner to intermediate crossbow users seeking a dependable scope at an affordable price.

Buyer’s Guide

Choosing the right 3x9x40 scope can be a challenging task, especially when there are so many options available in the market. In this guide, we will discuss the general features and considerations that should be taken into account when purchasing a 3x9x40 scope, as well as some general advice about this product category.

Important Features

Some of the most important features to consider when shopping for a 3x9x40 scope include the objective lens diameter (in this case, 40mm), the magnification range of 3x to 9x, and the eye relief. The objective lens diameter affects the scope’s light-gathering ability, and a larger diameter allows for more light to enter the scope, resulting in a brighter image. The magnification range is important because it determines the level of detail you can see through the scope, and a variable magnification allows for flexibility in different shooting scenarios. Lastly, eye relief is crucial for comfort and safety when using the scope, as it ensures that the user’s eye is kept a safe distance from the scope’s ocular.

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Considerations

When considering purchasing a 3x9x40 scope, it’s essential to think about the purpose it will be used for. For example, if you plan to use it for hunting, you’ll want to consider factors such as the scope’s ability to withstand recoil and its water resistance. For target shooting, you may prioritize features such as adjustable turrets and windage knobs. Additionally, it’s important to consider the scope’s weight and size, as these can impact your overall comfort and convenience when using the scope.

General Advice

When shopping for a 3x9x40 scope, it’s vital to research the brand and model you’re considering and read reviews from other users. This will give you an idea of the scope’s quality and performance in real-world situations. It’s also essential to invest in a good quality scope mount to ensure that your scope is securely attached to your rifle and provides an accurate aim.

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Final Thoughts

Selecting the right 3x9x40 scope can be a complex process, but by focusing on the important features and considerations outlined in this guide, you can make an informed decision that meets your specific needs and preferences. Remember to prioritize the scope’s performance in your intended use and invest in a good quality mount to ensure accuracy and safety.

FAQ

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What is a 3x9x40 scope?

A 3x9x40 scope is a type of rifle scope with a magnification of three times, 9x objective lens diameter, and a 40mm objective lens width. Designed for various shooting applications, this scope offers both clarity and adjustability for improved accuracy and precision during long-range shooting activities. The 3x9x40 scope is known for its versatility and suitability for different target engagements, making it a popular choice among shooters seeking a reliable and effective scope solution.

There are several notable features of a 3x9x40 scope, including its ability to deliver a bright, clear image through its generously sized objective lens, a relatively lightweight design for better maneuverability, and easy-to-use adjustments that help improve sight accuracy and target engagement efficiency.

What are the main advantages of a 3x9x40 scope?

The main advantages of a 3x9x40 scope are as follows:

  1. Flexibility - its adjustable magnification allows for a flexible and versatile shooting experience, making it suitable for a wide range of target distances and environments. 2) Image clarity - the larger objective lens diameter produces a brighter and clearer image, which results in improved target acquisition and tracking performance. 3) Portability - the relatively lightweight design of the scope enhances its ease of carriage and transportability, which is vital for a smooth and practical shooting experience.

Additionally, the scope offers both elevation and windage adjustment systems to compensate for elevation or vertical motion discrepancies, thereby improving target accuracy and reliability. This scope’s overall performance and features make it a reliable and cost-effective choice for shooters looking to enhance their long-range shooting capabilities.

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Is the 3x9x40 scope suitable for long-range shooting?

Yes, the 3x9x40 scope is suitable for long-range shooting applications. The three-times magnification and the 9x objective lens diameter are key components that contribute to the scope’s ability to deliver bright, clear, and detailed images from a distance. This results in improved target acquisition, tracking, and engagement accuracy, making it a popular choice among long-range shooters.

Moreover, the scope’s adjustable elevation and windage features offer the necessary customization options to compensate for elevation or vertical motion discrepancies, allowing for improved precision at longer distances. These features, combined with its lightweight design, make the 3x9x40 scope a reliable and efficient tool for long-range shooting enthusiasts.

What is the appropriate mounting height for a 3x9x40 scope?

The mounting height for a 3x9x40 scope depends on the rifle’s barrel length and the scope’s adjustments, as well as personal preference and shooting style. Generally, it is recommended to mount the scope at a height where the scope rings are level with the center of the receiver’s base to the rear action. This ensures that there is no unnecessary strain on the scope or the firearm and that there is proper eye relief when looking through the scope.

Additionally, mounting the scope on a riser pad can help in maintaining proper eye relief, especially if the shooter has glasses or prefers a more elevated shooting position. Always consult the scope’s user manual or seek advice from a professional if you are unsure about the appropriate mounting height for your specific setup.

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How can I choose the right model of 3x9x40 scope?

To choose the right model of 3x9x40 scope, consider the following factors:

  1. Purpose - Determine your primary shooting purpose, whether it’s target shooting, hunting, or long-range tactical applications. This will help you narrow down your options and find a scope that meets your specific needs. 2) Brand reputation - Research and consider reputable brands known for producing high-quality and reliable scopes. 3) Magnification and clarity - Choose a scope with the appropriate magnification range and objective lens diameter to suit your shooting requirements. The scope should deliver a clear, bright, and detailed image, even at high magnifications. 4) Durability - A durable, robust scope with proper sealing and waterproofing is essential, especially if shooting in harsh outdoor conditions or in areas with varying weather patterns.

By carefully considering these factors and possibly consulting with a knowledgeable professional, you can select a high-quality, performance-focused 3x9x40 scope that meets your shooting goals and requirements. Remember to prioritize features that are important to your specific needs and make an informed decision based on expert advice and reviews.

What should I look for when inspecting a used 3x9x40 scope?

When inspecting a used 3x9x40 scope, consider the following aspects:

  1. Physical condition - Check the scope for any visible signs of wear, damage, or scratches on the outer casing, lens, or mounting ring. A scratched lens could compromise image clarity. 2) Optical clarity - Put the scope to the test by looking through it, inspecting the image quality, and checking for any color distortions or chromatic aberration. Ideally, the image should be bright, clear, and well-defined. 3) Adjustment mechanisms and scope rings - Ensure the scope’s adjustment mechanisms work smoothly and without any resistance. The scope rings should be tight, secure, and free from any visible wear patterns.

Additionally, it is essential to check the scope for any signs of water exposure or moisture intrusion that might affect its performance. If you notice any of these issues or red flags, it may be prudent to reconsider the purchase or seek professional advice before making the final decision. A well-inspected and thoroughly tested 3x9x40 scope will ensure better performance and reliability during shooting activities.

As an Amazon Affiliate™ I receive compensation from qualifying purchases

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