Best Rifle Scope for Deer Hunting (Follow-up Review)

We promised our readers a quick follow-up review of the (Nov 3, 2021) tree stand rifle scope blog we published a couple of weeks ago. I’ve gone to the range, sighted in the scope, and hunted 5 times.

I’ve learned a lot about the Crimson Trace Brushline Pro rifle scope and I still feel the same way as I did before I used it in the woods. Amazon right now has this exact same scope for $167.02. I have zero doubt in my mind that the Crimson Trace Brushline Pro rifle scope isn’t the best rifle scope for deer hunting under $500

Crimson Trace Brushline Pro rifle scope

$166.02
at Amazon
Prices accurate at time of writing

We left you in the last blog with me using the Wheeler F.A.T. Wrench to tighten the riflescope into the scope rings and prepare my rifle for zeroing. I’ve been to the range last weekend to zero in the Brushline Pro and I’ve hunted 5 times in the past 2 weeks. I’d like to start where we left, which is getting my rifle ready to hit the range and zero at 25, 50, and 100 yards.  

Crimson Trace is often known for its laser grip attachments and AR-15 optics, but they’re much more than that and I think they deserve a lot of credit with their Brushline Pro series riflescopes. After using the Brushline Pro Plex Riflescope both on the range and in the woods, I’m convinced that Crimson Trace makes the best budget riflescope I’ve ever shot with. 

How Did I Zero in My Crimson Trace Brushline Pro  Rifle Scope?

I created a table to show you how I zeroed in my Crimson Trace Rifle Scope with a step-by-step guide. Riflescopes can be very difficult to install and zero if you’ve never been trained by an experienced shooter or hunter. 

Crimson Trace riflescopes can be difficult to zero if you don’t read the manual and go by instincts alone. Many hunters have trouble because they assume that there is a one-size-fits-all in regards to riflescopes. 

Crimson Trace Brushline Pro Plex Guide to Zeroing 
Step 1Move the magnification setting to the max setting you can clearly see the image at each range you’re shooting at (25,50,100). 
Step 2Start at 25 yards and take 2 shots. The manual says you should always take 3 shots, but ammo is expensive.
Step 3After my first 2 shots, My shots were about a foot high and 6" to the left. In my next 2 shots, I adjusted the elevation 40 clicks up and adjusted my windage 24 clicks right. I did have a little trouble with my adjustments at 25 yards but it was my fault. The bipod that I was shooting off was not tightened down properly. 
Step 4Fire 2-3 shots at 25 yards and make sure you’re less than 1 MOA with your spread. Once achieved, move to the 50-yard spot on the range and fire 2-3 more shots. 
Step 5I had to move my elevation down 4 clicks at 50 yards and 4 clicks to the right on my windage for a bull eyes shot. I used 4 bullets at 50 yards. 
Step 6Move your target to 100 yards and take 1-2 shots. Adjust your diopter to 10 at 100 yards to dial in the clarity. You should be able to dial in at 100 with 1 or 2 shots with the adjustments at the previous ranges. 

How Long Did it Take to Zero the Brushline Pro Plex Rifle Scope?

At each distance, I could have been zeroed in with less than 3 bullets. I think that’s standard for any scope I’ve ever used including my $2,000 Leupold scope. The most impressive thing that stuck out when I was shooting was how clear my target was at 100 yards. 

I was in and out of the range in less than 45 minutes with zeroing in at 3 different distances, I’d love to see another rifle scope that costs $167 on Amazon with the aesthetics and functional capability as the Brushline Pro Plex. 

Crimson Trace Riflescope Plex 2.5-10x42mm top view

How Should I Set up My Shooting Targets?

For my zero with the Brushline Pro, I didn’t have my targets because I’m in the process of moving and didn’t want to open boxes. However, if I have a choice, I’d use the Caldwell Ultimate Shooting Stand with Splatterburst type targets. It may not seem like a big deal, but I zeroed with spare box lids and didn’t have my stand, which made a big difference in the time spent setting up my targets. 

It’s also better to use a proper stand with a leveled holder because you can get a more accurate zero with better control over the environment. Zeroing your riflescope can be quick and easy if you prepare properly.  

Caldwell Ultimate Target Stand

$27.99
at Amazon
Prices accurate at time of writing

Can I Zero my Crimson Trace Rifle Scope Faster?

Yes, you can zero your Crimson Trace Brushline Pro and literally any other riflescope much faster with the laser bore guide. Since I test and review a lot of scopes, I prefer to use my Wheeler Professional Green Laser Bore Sighter

If you use the green laser bore sighter from Caldwell, you don’t even have to zero at 25 yards. The Caldwell laser bore sighter can be seen up to 50 yards for sure with a direct line of sight and a steady platform. I will do a review next week with my Caldwell laser bore sighter to show our readers how to use one properly. 

Wheeler Professional Green Laser Bore Sighter

$155.29
at Amazon
Prices accurate at time of writing

Which Type of Targets Should I Use?

We always recommend using a target that shows you the contrast of the bullet splash because you can see the impact without moving forward on the shooting line. Depending on your range rules, you could have to wait 10-20 minutes before everyone is done to clear the line. Splatterburst targets give you the option of making your adjustments from your scope and only moving forward to change your target distance.

Crimson Trace Riflescope Plex 2.5-10x42mm top view

I prefer the targets with multiple shooting locations to be able to use 1 target for your entire day at the range. This will not only save you time but money on getting the most out of every target. Splatterburst targets even come with stickers to place on the bullet hit marks to use over and over again. 

Splatterburst Targets 18 x 24-inch

$25.99
at Amazon
Prices accurate at time of writing

How Accurate is the Crimson Trace Plex Brushline Pro?

So far I can only show you how I shot with less control over my conditions than I would have liked. The target below was used at 25 and 50 yards, with the shot above the letter “E" after I corrected my math for adjustments and diopter for better clarity. I was aiming all of my shots at the top of the 2nd E in SELECTED. Once my final shot at 50 yards hit exactly where I was aiming, I knew my scope was on. 

Crimson Trace Brushline Pro 6-24x50 target at 100 yards

Top 3 Reasons to Buy the Crimson Trace Brushline Pro 2.5-10x42mm Plex Scope
  1. The Brushline Pro Plex scope is being sold for $160 on Amazon right now. This is the most affordable scope I’ve shot with and feel strongly that there is no other scope that performs this well for such a low price point.
  2. Every Crimson Trace rifle scope has the same standard features to make it durable, reliable, and practical. For example, I’ve used my Brushline Pro Plex rifle scope in temps as low as 17 degrees Feighenheight with no problem at all. The lens didn’t fog, freeze, or degrade its effectiveness in any way. 
  3. The Plex reticle works great for hunters with average or below average vision or hunters with poor low-light vision. You can manually adjust the reticle strength and contrast to dial in your target.

If you’re interested in learning about range gear, scope mounting, or hearing protection, read our newest blogs listed below.


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