Best Scope for Savage 220 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Hunters typically go through two milestones in their shooting experience. The first is when they step foot in the wild and bring something home successfully. And then the second milestone is realizing how effective a slug gun can be for hunting.

If you already realized this, then you’re in the right place. We’re going to help you pick the best scope for Savage 220 (a slug gun everyone should try). Because we know how different the experience is compared to typical rifles, finding a scope for this firearm can be difficult.

You don’t have to worry, though. We’ll explain everything to look for in these scopes, how they all perform with a Savage 220, and much more. If you want to find out more about all this, don’t hesitate and keep scrolling!

10 Best Scopes for Savage 220 Reviews in 2022

We focused on models that were ideal for a Savage 220. What does that mean? Well, as a type of shotgun, it has a lot of recoil. Tons of eye relief was essential. Similarly, you’ll need tons of resilience. And because it is typically a short-range gun, it also demands modest magnification. 

Below, you’ll find 10 of the best scopes we found that meet all these marks. Check them up to find the right one for you: 

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FEATURES	PRICE
	Vortex Optics Diamondback Riflescope	• Fully multi-coated lenses • Multiple power level options to choose from • Fog proof, shockproof and waterproof	Check Price
	Burris Scout Hunting Riflescope	• Low-profile turrets • Finger-adjustable • Multi-coated lenses	Check Price
	Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Riflescope	• 3 to 9x magnification • 3.3 inches of eye relief • Multi-coated optics	Check Price
	Nikon M-Tactical Riflescope	• 30mm main body tube • Waterproof, fogproof and shockproof • Generous Eye relief	Check Price
	Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II Riflescope	• 30mm main body tube • Waterproof, fogproof and shockproof • Generous Eye relief	Check Price
	Simmons 8-Point Rifle Scope	• 3.75 inch eye relief • Water, fog and recoil-proof • Matte black finish	Check Price
	Nikon P-Tactical .223 scope	• Fully Multicoated Optics • 1-inch body tube • Won’t break or scratch easily	Check Price
	Leupold VX-Freedom Riflescope	• Magnification Range: 3x-9x • Lightweight • 3: 1 Zoom Ratio	Check Price
	Nikon Prostaff P3 Scope	• Fully Multicoated Optics • Consistent Eye Relief • Waterproof O-ring sealed	Check Price
	TRUGLO TG8504BR Rimfire and Shotgun Scope	• Rubber eye-guard • Fully-coated lenses • Scratch-resistant finish	Check Price

1. Vortex Optics Diamondback Riflescope

Some brands never disappoint, and there’s Vortex to make them all look awful. It’s not an exaggeration to say that Vortex Optics is one of the best scope brands you can get. And when it comes to the Diamondback series, you’ll have excellent quality from every angle.

One exceptional feature of this scope is the array of magnifications it offers. You can go from as little as 1.75-5x at 32mm or the 4-12x / 3-9x options at 40mm. Either way, you’ll find it an almost perfect addition to your slug gun. 

While its magnification is ideal, what sets it apart is the image quality. A multi-coated set of lenses with Dawn Til Dusk technology ensures increased brightness at any time of the day. Hunting in dark environments? This scope will let you see everything clearly. 

Similarly, you get a fast-focus eyepiece. You can make almost any type of shot alongside the long eye relief without wasting a single second of your time. 

The Dead-Hold BDC MOA reticle makes focusing even easier, especially with the metal-on-metal turrets. Highly precise with a zero-reset feature, you can enjoy their glide-erector system that makes every change a total pleasure (smooth & accurate). 

Last but not least, it is a high-end scope for the price of a cheap one. This means you get a sturdy shockproof construction that withstands heavy recoil. Its argon-purged design with O-ring seals makes it fog-proof. And with the hard-anodized exterior, it becomes a waterproof scope. 

2. Burris Scout Hunting Riflescope

The smallest scope in the list, ideal for any slug gun you mount it on, the Scout from Burris gets the job done (and much more than that).

While the scope is specifically designed for scout rifles, it works like a gem on a bride’s finger on a Savage 220 as well. And it all starts with the limited 2-7x magnification. As you won’t need any more than that, this one will fit all your demands with the firearm.

Such a magnification works wonderfully with the Ballistic Plex reticle. It is straightforward enough for quick aiming and sufficiently practical for the most complex shots with a slug gun. This reticle is SFP, though. That may affect your experience a bit if you aren’t accustomed. 

An ultra-fast target eyepiece allows effective aiming at any time too. Its turret system is top-notch as well. Each turret is precision-gauged, making them super-resilient even with the strong recoil of a Savage 220. You’ll experience no loss of zero with these capped turrets.

Apart from that, the scope stands out for the high-grade glass and multi-coated lenses. The combination prevents any type of brightness or clarity loss. 

Alongside excellent glass, you also get top-notch metal with the steel build. A nitrogen-filled body and hand-fitted pieces increase overall resilience. You’ll get a shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof scope overall. 

3. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Riflescope

Even though some people consider Bushnell to be a low-end scope brand, we think it is a high-end brand with low prices. The Banner scope is a perfect example of that.

What sets it apart is the DDB multi-coating process. The Dusk & Dawn Brightness technology gives the scope additional brightness without using batteries. When you’re hunting early in the day or later in the afternoon, this comes like a life-saving feature.

But it wouldn’t be useful without a 40mm objective lens. It adds up the extra clarity necessary to maximize its image quality. And with the 3-9x magnification, your chances of bringing down big game will be improved exponentially, especially at a short-range with your Savage 220.

The focus system won’t let you down either. At such a magnification level, the fast-focus eyepiece works exactly like it should: quick and accurately. The set of capped turrets make elevation & windage changes easy too, saving you tons of time and frustration on the hunt.

Don’t overlook the Multi-X reticle either. It is an MOA system that is simple enough to get your shot on target without making a single calculation. As a beginner with a slug gun, this is something you can’t miss.

Other features worth considering include the 3.3-inch eye relief for safe shooting, a waterproof and fog-proof build, and a 12-inch length for a low-profile scope experience. It has nothing to complain about. 

4. Nikon M-Tactical Riflescope

Another scope with several magnification options to pick from – the M-Tactical from Nikon is ready to get your slug gun to a whole new level of effectiveness.

At 3-12x magnification capacity, it is an almost perfect choice for your Savage 220 slug gun. A decent 42SF objective lens will ensure the image is clear at all times, so your aim is always on target. 

It comes with an MK1-MRAD reticle. It is not exactly straightforward, but it is more than enough for slug-gun shooting to achieve accurate shots at almost any possible range. 

Considering the spring-loaded zero-reset turrets with parallax adjustment, you will likely find this scope a pleasure to use. The knurling on the turrets is coarse, so you never lose grip when adjusting. 

But all of that wouldn’t matter if the glass quality wasn’t outstanding in the first place. The contrast level and brightness you get is unparalleled, especially with long eye relief and quick-focus eyepiece.

Like all Nikon products, this one is also built to last. A fog-proof, shockproof, and waterproof construction withstands almost any use. Even in extreme temperatures and underwater, the scope will work like a charm. 

5. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II Riflescope

We need to repeat this: Vortex is a brand you don’t want to dismiss. The Viper PST Gen II scope makes it clear why. 

First, you get a 2-10x magnification at 32mm. This one will be perfect if you’re mostly shooting at 100 yards or less. But if you’re going a bit farther, the 3-15x magnification with a 44mm objective lens would be a lot better. You can also pick the 5-25x at 50mm (better for 6.5 Grendel rifles) for long shots.

Secondly, it comes with an EBR reticle. Coming in either MRAD or MOA adjustments, you can pick the perfect EBR for your needs. Whatever you go for, it offers 10 intensity levels, so you can set it up however you prefer – that’s a feature impossible to overlook.

Thirdly, it comes with quick-dialing turrets. Boasting the RZR Zero Stop function, the scope makes adjustment a no-brainer. Along with a fiber-optic rotation system, adjusting will feel even easier and practical.

And forth, you get an extra-low dispersion glass with XR fully multi-coated lenses. Add the Armortek coating, and you get the perfect combination of gorgeous image, top-notch durability, and distortion-free visuals.

All of that comes inside a quality construction like every Vortex scope. With aircraft-grade aluminum, O-ring sealed, and argon-purged, the scope is ready to tackle any environment. You’ll have no limits to where you can hunt with this scope and your Savage 220. 

6. Simmons 8-Point Rifle Scope 

Coming back to cheap scopes that still manage to withstand constant use on a slug gun, we find the 8-Point scope from Simmons. 

Robust like no other scope at this price range, the piece boasts a fog and recoil-proof construction. That means you’ll find it almost impossible to break with a Savage 220. More importantly, it works in harsh environments, whether it is raining or fogging too much.

Obviously, it is the magnification and objective lens we loved the most. At 50mm in diameter with fully coated lenses, this objective fits perfectly with the 3-9x magnification. You’ll get the clearest image at 100 yards, as well as the perfect field of view for super-accurate shots every time. 

It gets better with a Truplex reticle. Simple enough to save you time and effort on every shot, it works perfectly alongside the SureGrip turret system. To save you even more time, you can use the QTA (Quick-Target Acquisition) eyepiece. 

The accuracy of the TrueZero fingertip design makes the whole system even better, letting you place your aim exactly on target without drawbacks. Add the 3.75-inch eye relief, and you’ll enjoy a nearly flawless shooting experience.

7. Nikon P-Tactical .223 scope 

Designed for .223 rifles and the like, you may think the P-Tactical is way too much for a slug gun. But believe it or not, it is actually a great option.

The 3-9x magnification, for example, fits the Savage 220 perfectly. You won’t have too many levels to waste while still keeping decently long, so you can aim with even more accuracy if needed. 

Another useful feature was the BDC 600 reticle. Designed for short and mid-range shooting, it can stay within the 600-yard range so you can shoot with your slug gun effortlessly. Not to say this reticle is immensely practical with its simplicity and ease of use. 

The scope still boasts an excellent turret system. Completely spring-loaded, these zero-reset turrets come with exact marking on an exposed design. The clicking system will make every change of elevation and windage a no-brainer.

Add the quick-focus eyepiece with a rubberized guard to be extra helpful as well. With a smooth-turn system, you’ll have no problem getting to a super-comfy aiming experience. This is especially true with consistent and long eye relief. 

To make all of these features work, the scope fits them up in an O-ring-sealed and nitrogen-purged build that prevents water, fog, and shock damage. You can expect it to perform flawlessly for years.

8. Leupold VX-Freedom Riflescope

Among quality scope manufacturers, few can match Leupold. Strangely, this brand mostly makes scopes for rifles. But the VX-Freedom won’t let you down when mounted on a Savage 220.

What makes it an excellent choice for a slug gun is the 3-9x magnification. The 40mm objective lens helps bring clarity and brightness, especially with the Twilight Light Management System. You can get several extra minutes at the end of the afternoon. 

However, what makes an almost perfect addition to any Savage 220 is the Tri-MOA reticle. The simplicity it offers is outstandingly practical. But more interestingly, it still comes with MOA markings so you can calculate with ease – which you would love with a slug gun.

This reticle matches the 1/4 MOA turrets. With finger-click adjustments, you can set the windage and elevation smoothly, easily, quickly. And with the capped design, the turrets also take no space to be mad about.

Lastly, you get an exceptionally well-made scope. With 6061-T6 aluminum construction, scratch-resistant lenses, and matte finish, the scope manages to last a lifetime. 

9. Nikon Prostaff P3 Scope

A Nikon is probably the best brand you can go for, considering the value you get for each scope’s price. The Prostaff P3 is an almost perfect example of that.

It is a 3-9x model. Meaning, you get an ideal magnification for your slug gun. More importantly, it boasts a 40mm objective lens, making it sufficiently light for the Savage 220.

These lenses are fully multi-coated. You also get an anti-reflective coat that prevents any unwanted distortion while hunting. Sure enough, you get all the contrast, brightness, and clarity necessary for any hunting needs.

A BDC reticle makes aiming a piece of cake with this scope. Add the spring-loaded turrets with a zero-reset design for reliable adjustments. Along with a quick focus eyepiece, you’ll have an exceptional experience aiming. 

And to make it all last, you get a nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed construction on an aluminum body. To say that it will won’t break or stop working out of nowhere would be an obvious thing. 

10. TRUGLO TG8504BR Rimfire and Shotgun Scope

Designed for rimfire and shotguns, the TG8504BR from Truglo will fit your Savage 220 almost perfectly. And for its meager price, you’ll find no better choice if you’re on a budget.

One of the most exciting parts of this scope is the 4x magnification. This fixed magnification should give you practical enough experience to tackle almost any situation. You won’t have much long-range vision to boast about, but your shotgun will appreciate the modesty.

This magnification matches with a 32mm objective lens. This lens is fully-coated, delivering the ideal amount of brightness and clarity for any shooting.

The Diamond Duplex reticle makes it a piece of cake to aim with. You can pair it up with the rubber eye-guard and the fixed eyepiece. Add the long eye relief for an even more practical scope overall.

And if you’re a sucker for quality construction, you won’t have to worry about this scope. A scratch-resistant matte finish over a high-grade aluminum build makes it sufficiently resistant. 

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Scope for Savage 220

While reading our reviews above should give you a clear enough idea of what you should go for – we still recommend learning a bit more. That’s why we also bring the following guide with all the vital factors to take into account. Take a look:

Magnification

One of the first things you’ll notice when using a Savage 220 is that you don’t get as much reach as with big rifles. You could reasonably say that a slug gun of this caliber may reach a maximum of 300 yards if you’re lucky. To bring down large game, you’ll need about 50 to 200 yards of distance maximum. 

That’s why you’re likely to not need more than 9x of magnification. And if you’re constantly hunting in a densely-populated area, you’ll find that 5x could be more than enough to shoot at about 100 yards. 

Reticle

As you’re shooting a slug gun like the Savage 220, you won’t need a complex MRAD or MIL reticle. Something simple like an MOA Duplex should be more than enough. However, you can still get slightly complicated reticles if necessary, like the EBR, BDC, or similarly complex ones.

Having said that, you should also consider whether it is an SFP (second focal plane) or an FFP (first focal plane) reticle. An SFP means the reticle will change with the magnification (lower makes the reticle smaller and higher makes it bigger). Meanwhile, an FFP means it stays the same at any power level.

For a Savage 220, we recommend FFP for simplicity. You’re likely to not make challenging or calculation-demanding shots, so a simpler FFP reticle will get the job done. But if you’re looking for more accuracy and personalization, don’t hesitate to pick an SFP. 

Turret System 

Even though the reticle should be as modest as possible, the turrets should not. While most slug guns don’t require complex adjustments as you’re often shooting at short distances, the ideal turret system for one needs to be as accurate and reliable as possible.

For that reason, we recommend picking zero-reset turrets with smooth operation. A capped model would be better as well for a low-profile experience. But if you like extra reliability, a set of exposed turrets could be better for you.

Either way, make sure you can make decent adjustments. Slug guns require proper windage and elevation adjustments for appropriate accuracy. Otherwise, you’ll waste a lot of rounds (especially in long distances).

Lenses & Coatings

Nothing matters more than a sufficiently large objective lens with the right coatings to ensure a bright and clear image. For a slug gun like the Savage 220, this can be the difference between a missed shot and one straight on target. 

As for the lenses, you’ll have to consider the size first. All objectives are measured in millimeters (mm). You’ll have to consider how wide of a diameter you want. The wider it is, the more brightness and clarity you get. But this could also affect distortion at short distances. 

For a Savage 220, we recommend objective lenses between 20mm and 40mm. Anything higher (44mm or 50mm lens) could also work, but it will have a heavier build, affecting comfort when aiming. 

And when it comes to coatings, it’s all about multi-coated or fully multi-coated. The former means the front lenses are coated inside and outside. But the latter means all lenses are coated completely. The better the coatings, the more light goes in, so the clearer the image will be. 

Construction 

If you want the scope to withstand the recoil of a Savage 220, you’ll have to pick a durable one. Here’s where materials and overall construction come into play.

Generally, you won’t have to look too far—like an aircraft-grade aluminum scope with anodized exteriors for extra resilience and shockproof. And because you’ll need a waterproof & fog-proof scope, you should also consider O-ring seals and nitrogen or argon-purged interiors.

How to Mount a Scope on a Savage 220 Slug Gun

While mounting scopes on rifles is not necessarily hard, slug guns may be a bit more complicated. If you aren’t experienced in scope-mounting, then you’ll find the process a lot harder than it seems.

To help you with that, we’ve assembled a set of tips to consider when installing a scope on a Savage 220 (or any slug gun). Check them out: 

• Consider whether you need a Picatinny or cantilever mount. Generally, a Picatinny mount would be your best bet, especially if you’re choosing scopes with lenses higher than 32mm.
• Screw the mount as tightly as possible. This is the part that attaches to the scope. For that reason, it needs to be sufficiently tightened to prevent unwanted loosening.
• Attach the scope using the factory items. Don’t use rings, screws, or any other hardware that doesn’t come with the scope. Otherwise, it may loosen up or even fall over time.
• Tighten the scope to the mount correctly. Some people recommend using different types of adhesives. This could add up the extra safety to the piece. But we advise against them, just like manufacturers do, as they could make it harder to replace the scope when needed.
• Lastly, adjust the scope as necessary. Use a scope bubble level to check that it is accurately adjusted to your Savage 220. Check with some test shootings. If not adjusted well, fix as needed.

Mounting a scope on a slug gun doesn’t take much firearm experience. But even then, following these tips will make it a lot easier – especially if you’re a beginner. Use this guide and prevent any unwanted results later on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you feel like we left things out of the article, you may find them below. We brought common questions buyers have and answered them accordingly. Check our answers out:

What is a Savage 220 slug gun?

A shotgun that shoots slugs, that’s what a slug gun means. You could say it is a combination of a scout rifle with a shotgun. It is one of the few firearms that can bring large animals with a single shot. Instead of using large-caliber rifles like a 30-06 or a Marlin 336.

How far can a Savage 220 shoot?

Despite capable of bringing down large game, the Savage 220 has limited reach. Being a shotgun, it offers a total effective range of about 150 yards. If you’re lucky, you could shoot on target at up to 200 yards or a bit more. 

Are slug guns ideal for hunting?

Most hunters will tell you that shotguns are not the best option for hunting large game like deer and moose. But believe it or not, they’re actually one of the best. Bringing large animals down is only possible with a big-caliber round. A slug from a Savage 220 is a perfect example.

Should I use a Savage 220 without a scope?

It is never advised to shoot Savage 220 scopeless. Unless you’re shooting small game at 50 yards or less, you will need a scope. That’s why we’ve arranged the list above, so you can get every shot on target at distances of 200 yards or even more. 

Conclusion

You won’t need the highest-caliber rifle to get back home stocked. A decently light, well-made, and effective slug gun can get the job done. And with a scope like the ones above, it will be even better.

That’s why you must try your best to get the best scope for Savage 220 that matches your demands. 

Use the buying guide and extra questions to relieve all your doubts beforehand and you’ll be ready. Either way, you won’t be disappointed. All the scopes in our reviews will offer a decent experience.

So, what are you waiting for? Equipped your slug gun with a quality scope now!