ARKEN OUTRIDER Hunting Scopes for Deer Season: 2-12x42 and 3-18x50

Quick Answer: Choose the ARKEN OUTRIDER 2-12x42 for woods, brush, tree stands, and other close-range deer hunting setups. It starts at 2x, offers a 58.8 ft field of view at 100 yards at 2x, and has fixed 100-yard parallax. Weight is 22.4 oz for DLR and 23.8 oz for FDR. For field edges, open country, and longer shots, the OUTRIDER 3-18x50 adds 3-18x magnification, side-focus parallax from 10 yards to infinity, and weighs 28.2 oz (DLR) or 29.2 oz (FDR). Both use an SFP Duplex-style reticle, a 30 mm tube, and capped turrets. FDR adds a fiber-optic illuminated center dot; DLR is non-illuminated.

A deer rarely appears exactly where or when you expect it. In dense woods, a close-range opportunity can disappear before you find the target in your scope. Along a field edge, the challenge may be identifying a deer clearly at a greater distance without carrying more magnification and weight than you need.

Choosing a scope for deer hunting means matching magnification, field of view, weight, and controls to the terrain and typical shooting distance. The ARKEN OUTRIDER series offers two models built around different hunting setups.

What to Look for in a Deer Hunting Scope

A deer hunting scope should match your terrain, shooting distances, and time in the field. Before choosing an OUTRIDER, consider these key factors.

• Fast target acquisition: In tree stands with limited visibility or thick brush where shots can come as close as tens of yards, a wide field of view at low magnification helps hunters find targets quickly.

• Clear sight picture in low light: Dawn, dusk, and dense canopy call for good optical clarity and reticle visibility to support clear observation during legal shooting hours.

• Simple controls: Capped turrets, an intuitive reticle, and easy-to-operate controls can be practical for hunters who want straightforward operation in the field.

ARKEN OUTRIDER Features for Deer Hunting

Both OUTRIDER models share a common DNA designed around practical hunting use.

• Reticle: Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticle that remains the same apparent size across the magnification range.

• Tube and turrets: 30 mm tube, capped turrets, 1/4 MOA clicks, 15 MOA per revolution, and resettable turret scales.

• Illumination: Fiber Duplex Reticle (FDR) features a fiber-optic illuminated center dot with six brightness levels and off positions between settings. Duplex Reticle (DLR) is non-illuminated. The illuminated aiming point can help hunters locate the reticle in dim woods while remaining visible in daylight.

• Optics and protection: Japanese HD glass, 90%+ light transmission, hydrophobic objective coating, IP67 protection, and nitrogen-purged fogproof construction.

• Durability and warranty: .50 BMG recoil rating and lifetime warranty.

Across multiple review videos, OUTRIDER scopes are shown mounted on a range of rifles and muzzleloaders, including lever-action, straight-wall, and magnum setups. These reviews show the series working across different equipment configurations.

The main differences are magnification, objective size, weight, and parallax adjustment. The OUTRIDER 2-12x42 has fixed 100-yard parallax, while the OUTRIDER 3-18x50 offers side-focus adjustment from 10 yards to infinity.

ARKEN OUTRIDER 2-12x42: Built for Woods, Brush, and Tree Stands

ARKEN OUTRIDER 2-12x42 SFP riflescope for hunting in dense woods and brush

Who It’s For

Hunters in woods, thick brush, tree stands, and ground blinds, where close-range opportunities and restricted visibility are common.

Why It Fits

Along with the features both OUTRIDER models share, the OUTRIDER 2-12x42 offers:

• Wide field of view at 2x: The 58.8 ft field of view at 100 yards helps hunters acquire targets quickly in dense cover, making the scope a natural match for handy lever-action and straight-wall cartridge rifles.

• Forgiving eye box: Approximately 3.5 inches of eye relief and a forgiving eye box help hunters maintain a clear sight picture when shouldering the rifle and acquiring a target.

• Lightweight design: At 22.4 oz (DLR) or 23.8 oz (FDR), it is the lighter of the two OUTRIDER models, a practical choice for hunters who carry their rifles over long distances.

Good to Know

• Set for typical hunting distances: Fixed 100-yard parallax keeps the scope simple, with no extra dial to set in the stand. Consistent head positioning helps maintain a repeatable sight picture.

• Fast, uncluttered Duplex reticle: The simple crosshair provides a clear aiming reference, and the bold outer posts are easy to see in dense cover.

• Low-light tip: Lower the magnification at dawn and dusk. A larger exit pupil can help in dim light, depending on conditions and your eye’s pupil size.

ARKEN OUTRIDER 3-18x50: Built for Hunting from the Edges of Fields and Open Country

ARKEN OUTRIDER 3-18x50 SFP riflescope for field-edge and open-country hunting

Who It’s For

Hunters that hunt in open farmland and along the edges of fields, where shooting distances vary and higher magnification can help with target identification and aiming.

Why It Fits

Along with the features both OUTRIDER models share, the OUTRIDER 3-18x50 adds:

• Adjustable parallax for varying distances: Side-focus adjustment from 10 yards to infinity lets hunters fine-tune parallax for different shooting distances. This can be useful in open country, where opportunities at varying ranges may be more common.

• Higher magnification for open country: The 3-18x range provides more magnification for viewing distant details and refining aim at longer distances. The 50 mm objective lens supports a bright sight picture. This combination suits hunting from the edges of fields and open terrain where shots may be farther away than in dense woods.

• Forgiving eye box: A forgiving eye box helps hunters establish a usable sight picture when shouldering the rifle, including when their position is less than ideal in the field.

Good to Know

• Weight and balance: At 28.2 oz (DLR) or 29.2 oz (FDR), the 3-18x50 carries the extra weight of its larger objective and wider magnification range. It pairs naturally with full-size hunting rifles.

• Classic Duplex reticle: A conventional aiming point for hunters who prefer to set their zero and shoot.

How to Choose an ARKEN OUTRIDER for Deer Hunting

The right OUTRIDER for deer hunting depends on where you hunt, how you carry your rifle, and the reticle features you prefer.

• By terrain: Choose the OUTRIDER 2-12x42 for woods, brush, stands, and blinds. Choose the OUTRIDER 3-18x50 for edges of fields, open ground, and more varied distances.

• By rifle and handling: Both models share the same rugged build and .50 BMG recoil rating. The 2-12x42 is lighter for a mobile or lightweight setup, while the 3-18x50 offers more magnification and parallax flexibility.

• By reticle: DLR keeps things simple without illumination; FDR adds an illuminated center dot for changing light conditions. Choose the reticle based on whether you prefer a non-illuminated or illuminated aiming point.

ARKEN OUTRIDER FDR illuminated center-dot reticle compared with the non-illuminated DLR Duplex reticle

Note: Still deciding between the two? Read our OUTRIDER 3-18x50 vs. 2-12x42 comparison to compare their features and find the right fit for your hunting needs.

Deer Hunting Scope Setup Checklist

Before opening day:

√ Check mounting hardware: Use rings compatible with a 30 mm tube and follow the torque specifications for your exact rings and scope. Confirm a comfortable, repeatable cheek weld.

√ Install the throw lever: Use the specified screws and tools, then check that it moves freely through the magnification range.

√ Zero the rifle: Start at 25–30 yards to get on paper, then confirm and fine-tune at your intended zero distance. Each click is 1/4 MOA. Follow firearm and range safety procedures throughout.

√ Reset turret caps: After confirming zero, follow the model-specific instructions to align the caps with their zero marks. Capped turrets help protect against accidental adjustments; they do not provide a mechanical zero stop.

√ Check FDR illumination: Verify the CR2032 battery and test the six brightness levels and off positions.

√ Set parallax if using the OUTRIDER 3-18x50: Adjust side focus for the expected distance. The 2-12x42 has fixed 100-yard parallax.

√ Inspect before hunting: Check mounts, lenses, covers, and magnification control. Recheck zero after transport or significant impact. 

Follow the instructions for your exact scope and mounting hardware, especially for torque and turret reset.

The Bottom Line

For stands, woods, brush, and close-range deer hunting, consider the OUTRIDER 2-12x42. For hunting from the edges of fields, open ground, and greater flexibility across distances, consider the 3-18x50.

ARKEN OUTRIDER Hunting Scope FAQs

Do I need side parallax adjustment for deer hunting?

Not always. Fixed 100-yard parallax may be sufficient for many 50–100-yard woods setups when eye alignment is consistent. For varying or longer distances, the 3-18x50 offers more flexibility.

Is the illuminated FDR reticle worth it?

The fiber-optic center dot helps draw the eye to the aiming point. FDR uses a CR2032 battery and offers six brightness levels with off positions between them. Choose it if you want illumination available when needed.

What magnification should I use?

Use the lowest magnification that provides a clear sight picture for the situation. Low magnification offers a wider field of view for close encounters; higher magnification helps with distant details. In low light, reducing magnification increases exit pupil, although perceived image brightness also depends on the optic and viewing conditions.