The 4 Best Scopes for 357 Magnum Rifles – Reviews 2023

scope for 357 magnum rifle, best scope for 357 lever action, scope for lever action 357, 357 lever action scope

Photo by mr.smashy / CC BY

Picking the best scope for your .357 magnum rifle is an important decision. It’s also challenging, especially when you consider that a .357 is a handgun round that you’re firing out of a rifle. Still, the longer barrel of your Marlin or Ruger or Henry Big Boy (or whatever model you have) won’t make a .357 round behave like a .308 round — but it’ll still maintain its famous punch.

That’s why we created this list of four standout scopes that you can use on your .357 magnum rifle. All of these scopes excel in different ways so you can find the one that works best for you. In our list, we’ll note where each one does well, along with some additional features that can help you pick your ideal rifle scope. Are you ready to pick the right optical sight for your gun? Read our list now!

These are our recommendations for the 4 best scopes for .357 magnum rifles on the market:

357 Magnum Rifle Scope 1: Monstrum G2 1-4×24

The Monstrum G2 1-4×24 is an excellent mix of quality and affordability when it comes to shorter-range riflescopes, which is better for handgun rounds out of rifles.

This scope features a single focal plane with 1-4x magnification and a comfortable eye relief to practically eliminate discomfort from interfering with your shot. The reticle is controlled with simple dial with red and green illumination, and two turrets make it easy for you to adjust for wind and elevation. To protect the glass, this scope also comes with integral lens caps on either end.

The scope itself is made of aircraft-grade aluminum for outstanding durability, and the interior is filled with nitrogen to prevent fogging on the lenses. Colored tan and black, this scope is also camouflaged among foliage and undergrowth.

If you want the best scope for .357 magnum rifles that’s also reasonably priced, the Monstrum G2 might just be the ticket.

Monstrum G3 1-4 x 24 FFP Tactical Scope, Budget Scope under $200

357 Magnum Rifle Scope 2: Bushnell Engage Matte Black 30mm Riflescope

The Bushnell Engage riflescope is a sleek, simple, and straightforward solution for your .357 rifle.

This scope features an all-black body along with an anti-reflection color coating that looks great on any rifle and minimizes the chances of being spotted when you’re hunting from your favorite vantage point. It’s also designed for convenience when in the field, which is why it can attach and detach from your rifle without the use of tools.

In addition, this scope comes with a simple side parallax adjustment dial, three locking turrets, and elevation hashmarks that make it ideal for short- and mid-range targets. The whole scope is also made to be waterproof and fogproof, and the lenses are treated to stand up to dust and debris.

In short, the Bushnell Engage riflescope is an ideal choice for anyone who wants a durable and convenient optics solution above all else. It comes in a variety of powers: 2.5-10, 3-13, and 4-16. Considering you’re using a .357 round, pick on the shorter end.


357 Magnum Rifle Scope 3: Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x50mm

The Leupold VX-3i riflescope is the ultra-lightweight choice for firing .357 rounds from your Marlin or Ruger or Henry Big Boy or whatever you use.

This scope is designed to be light enough that you’ll barely notice it once it’s attached to your rifle, weighing less than a pound. Combined with a compact profile, the Leupold VX-3i is a great option for anyone who likes to hunt from brush for short- or mid-range shots, which is what’s ideal for your .357.

The scope itself is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, and it’s tested against extreme recoil to ensure it’ll maintain its integrity after thousands of shots. It’s also waterproof, fogproof, and of course shockproof.

The lenses are coated with an ion-assist layer that allows for additional light transmission as well, and they double as protective coatings to ensure your scope won’t scratch. With two turrets for wind and elevation — along with a simple parallax dial — this simple scope is accurate and durable while providing a crystal-clear view of your target.

Leupold "VX-3i" 3.5-10x40 Rifle Scope

357 Magnum Rifle Scope 4: Nikon 3-9×40 BDC

The Nikon 3-9×40 BDC is an affordable riflescope from one of the most recognized worldwide brands in optics. This riflescope is designed to give you an unbeatable view of your target above all else.

The scope is constructed from aluminum for light weight and durability. It also comes with ¼ MOA adjustment turrets. The quick-focus eyepiece makes it a cinch to manually focus on a target, and the reticle itself offers holdover points to ensure you can make longer-range shots. The entire scope is also sealed to ensure protection against water, fog, mechanical shock, and even thermal shock — sudden changes in temperatures that could cause untempered glass to crack or even shatter.

In short, the Nikon BDC riflescope is a smart choice for anyone who wants an affordable scope from a recognized brand that’s designed to last. Best of all, because this scope is made by Nikon, it’s also compatible with a wide range of different accessories and services as well, including Nikon’s Spot On Ballistic Technology, which allows you to adjust your scope based on your caliber and even ammo choice (give it a whirl here).

Nikon Buckmaster 3-9x40 Rifle Scope - Unboxing and Review

So . . . Which is the Best Scope for .357 Magnum Rifles?

So how do you determine which scope is the right option for your Marlin, Ruger, Henry Big Boy, whatever, .357 magnum rifle?

If you’re making a budget-conscious decision for your rifle, the Monstrum G2 riflescope is your choice. It’s durable, it’s reliable, and it’s great for the shorter-range shooting that you’d encounter by using .357 rounds.

The Bushnell Engage riflescope (see full specs) is the durable option. This riflescope is made first and foremost to stand up to long-term use, and it’s convenient enough that you can attach and detach it without any tools.

The Leupold VX-3i riflescope (see full specs) is your choice if you want a higher-quality scope that’ll offer accuracy, durability, and reliability all in one package. This scope is simply made rugged to ensure it offers pinpoint accuracy and crystal-clear line-of-sight without sacrificing strength.

Finally, the Nikon BDC scope riflescope is a great idea for anyone who wants an affordable, brand-name riflescope that can stand up to regular use. It’s also worth noting that Nikon manufactures a variety of compatible accessories for this riflescope, for anyone who enjoys going all-out with their firearm add-ons.

With all of that said, now you can pick the best scope for .357 magnum rifles? Check out our list to choose now! Good luck!

  • Owner of Reloaderaddict.com, Boyd Smith is a major handgun enthusiast, and although he owns Glocks, he prefers the revolving wheel type. His go-to guns are a Smith & Wesson 642 Performance Center for carry and a Ruger GP100 in the nightstand biometric safe (he has kids). He loads both revolvers with old-school 148-grain Federal Gold Medal .38 wadcutters. It’s OK if you think he’s a wimp. Email him.

Share the Post and Images

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *