Nikon Buckmasters II Waterproof Matte Riflescope

Last updated: July 26, 2019


We looked at the top Hunting Scopes and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Hunting Scope you should buy.

Product Details

In our analysis of 67 expert reviews, the Nikon Buckmasters II Waterproof Riflescope placed 5th when we looked at the top 9 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

One of the most trusted riflescopes among deer hunters has now been reinvigorated with the all-new BUCKMASTERS II riflescope series. The BUCKMASTERS II series offers the brightness and clarity of Nikon’s Fully Multicoated lenses, as well as the generous eye relief, 100-yards parallax setting and Nikon’s popular BDC reticle. If you’re passionate about hunting deer, the BUCKMASTERS II is the right choice for your next hunt. The BDC reticle allows hunters to hold ‘dead-on’ at ranges exceeding those previously thought possible. The BDC’s unique see-through ballistic circles offer an incredible advantage for long range shooting, yet allow a normal sight picture for shorter-range shots where the cross hair itself is the aiming point. Multiple layers of anti-reflective compounds on every glass surface provide bright, vivid pictures and optimum light transmission from dawn to dusk. Positive-click reticle adjustments get you zeroed in quicker and maintain your setting, even with heavy recoil. The BUCKMASTERS II, like all of Nikon’s riflescopes, is optimized for use with Nikon Spot On Ballistic Match Technology. Spot On allows you to discover all of the exact aiming points on your scope’s reticle at various yardages for your specific ammunition and load.

Expert Reviews


What reviewers liked

From a trusted brand name. Coating on lens glass resists glares for clearer viewing. Housing is waterproof/fog-proof. Zeroes in on target quickly while also holding the target steady.
The lenses are nitrogen-filled which makes the scope fogproof and waterproof. To add to that benefit, the multicoated optics helps with the light transmission generating at 92% which makes it good to use even in low light conditions.
Nikon has been making lenses for a long time and has a reputation for ultra-clear glass, which is what you want in a rifle optic. The Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40 BDC offers Nikon clarity and quality at an outstanding price.
The light transmission is maximized by having the optics multi-color coated, and it gives a pretty clear and bright image. Having the quick focus feature is an added advantage when you want to lock on to your target quickly. The optic chambers of the scope are nitrogen purged, and it is sealed using O-rings. This makes the scope water and fog proof. The overall build is sturdy, and the scope can take an impact without any damage. Over that, the scope is covered by a limited lifetime warranty, making your life much easier in case of any issues
It has a bright antireflective system with multicoated lenses that offers 92 percent antireflection capability.
The Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9×40 BDC is a durable and versatile scope that offers brighter, advanced anti-reflective technology.
This scope features a fully multicoated lens, O-ring sealed and dry nitrogen purged single piece aluminum body, and specially designed BDC reticle to make holdovers for snapshots faster and easier.

What reviewers didn't like

May not fit all bolt-action rifles properly because of short tube length. Some possible issues with longevity.
Not for long ranges
The only drawback of the Nikon is that it’s difficult to focus at ranges under 30 yards. Even at 3x magnification, the image isn’t very clear at short ranges, so this is probably not the right one for shooters looking for versatile, tactical performance.
Rings not included with the scope. Non-illuminated reticle. Eye relief is short
Crosshair a little thick for some
View our Hunting Scope buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

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