When it comes to shooting targets at 300 yards with confidence, the right and best rifle scope can turn a challenging shot into a satisfying success.
Out to 300 yards, you will need a moderately powered scope with high transmission optics. But with so many scopes available in the market, knowing which model to select can be daunting. Each scope has its distinctive strengths and drawbacks, so you must research based on your shooting needs and preferences.
What Size Scope is Best for 300 Yards?
If you shoot at 300 yards or within a close range, a 3-9×40 or 4-12×50 scope is generally the most versatile and effective choice for this range. For longer ranges, you may want to consider a scope with a higher magnification range, such as 5-25x to allow for more precise shot placement and target identification.
Best Scopes for 300 Yards-Top Picks
1) Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12×50-Value for money
The Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12×50 is a second focal plane (SFP) scope designed to deliver clarity, reliability, and value for hunters. Despite its reasonable price, the scope comes with a myriad of great features such as Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System that enhance brightness, contrast, and color fidelity. In addition, A custom dial system is available to allow you to dial in your zero for specific calibers. Crafted from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum the scope is light at 16.1 oz yet tough enough for rugged use. The 4-12x magnification is versatile enough for close to medium-range shots from 100 to 300 yards. The scope comes with a duplex reticle which requires minimal to no learning curve considering also the forgiving eye relief (4.2 inches) on the scope. Features
Pros
Cons
|
2) Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope
Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm Rifle is the best scope for 300 yards. Carrying the highly-respected Vortex name, it is the ideal optic for medium to long-range hunting, target shooting, and competitive shooting.
This rifle scope has all the benefits of a tactical rifle scope without unnecessary heavy weight or features that can affect the optical clarity and performance. It is simple to use and comes with exposed turrets, offering unmatched optical performance.
Another highlight of this rifle scope is its optical performance. It utilizes an advanced optical system that provides clear and brilliant images even at the highest magnification settings. Besides, the ED glass and fully multi-coated lenses enhance performance in low light by amplifying light transfer.
The optics are protected by tough aluminum housing that is fully waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof. Besides that, the scope has a fast-focus eyepiece for effortless reticle focusing and a hard anodized finish that is non-reflective, scratch-proof, and corrosion-resistant.
Features
- 30mm tube diameter
- Hard anodized finish
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- 4-16x total magnification
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Glass-etched FFP reticle
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Precision-force spring system
- Precision-glide erector system
Pros
- Hard Anodized finish for low glare and durability
- Fully Multi-Coated optics
- Holds zero well
- True tracking
- Sturdy and durable Aircraft Grade Aluminum construction
- Glass-etched Reticle for intricate reticle design
- Precision-Force Spring and Precision-Glide Erector Systems
- Fast Focus Eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing.
- Waterproof, Foproof and Shockproof
Cons
- Non-illuminated
3) Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44mm Rifle Scope
Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44mm is a lightweight rifle scope designed and built for medium and long-range shooting. It delivers accurate and repeatable results in all lighting and weather conditions.
The selling point of this rifle scope is low-light performance. It comes with a Twilight Max Light Management System that fights glare in daylight and maximizes light transmission in low light. As a result, you get crisp, clear image views from sunrise to sunset.
When it comes to construction, the scope is made with hard-wearing materials to endure abuse and repeated use. On top of that, the optical tube is purged with an inert gas and sealed properly to be fully fog proof and waterproof.
For added convenience, the Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44mm Rifle Scope comes with an ambidextrous reversible throw lever for easy magnification adjustment. A Zero Lock windage adjustment is also included for an accurate return to zero.
Features
- 3-18x magnification range
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- Second focal plane reticle
- Fiber optics illumination
- Guard-ion rain-shedding coating
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- Twin bias erector system
- Zero lock windage adjustment
- Waterproof and argon-purged
Pros
- Generous eye relief (3.7 – 3.8 in)
- Lightweight
- Twin bias spring erector system for 30 percent more holding force on the erector
- Illuminated reticle with 8 brightness settings
- Excellent build quality
- Great low-light visibility
- Guard-Ion Rain Shedding Optical Coating
Cons
- Not Night Vision compatible
4) NightForce SHV 4-14×56 .250 MOA Rifle Scope
Next on our list of the best scope for 300 yards is NightForce SHV 4-14×56 .250 MOA Rifle Scope. NightForce is known to manufacture high-end optics that are unbeatable in value and performance, which is clear in this model.
Even in the most unforgiving conditions, this rifle scope delivers quality and precision. Thanks to the robust 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum housing, it delivers unmatched durability. It also combines quality construction with optics of extraordinary precision to withstand repeated recoil.
In addition to the tough and rigid construction, the scope has a zero-tolerance lens, preventing any movement of the optical elements. With all these features plus the weatherproof design, this rifle scope will provide you with a lifetime of uninterrupted performance and reliability you can count on.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- 4-14x magnification range
- 30mm tube diameter
- 100 MOA adjustment range
- Zero-tolerance lens
- 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- 1/4 MOA adjustment click value
- 25 yds to infinity parallax
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Good magnification range
- Clear glass
- Finger adjustable capped turrets
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
Cons
- None
5) Trijicon AccuPoint TR-29/31 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope
Trijicon AccuPoint TR-29/31 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope marks our fifth pick of the best scope for 300 yards. It is built in a 30mm tube, maximizing strength and toughness while ensuring adequate room for adjustments.
This rifle scope is perfect for tactical shooting and long-range hunting. It excels in virtually all lighting conditions where it speeds up target acquisition speed. On top of that, it has battery-free reticle illumination for precision shooting in low light.
Trijicon optics are known for their legendary durability, and this rifle scope is no different. It has an ultra-sturdy 6061-T6 aluminum housing that is rigid enough to take in any abuse. Furthermore, it is waterproof, fog proof, and usable in temperatures spanning from -20 to 140℉.
In addition to everything else, the scope has fully multi-coated optics, which enhance light transmission and optical clarity.
Features
- 4-16x zoom power
- Second focal plane reticle
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Water, fog and shockproof
- 30mm tube size
- Easy focus eyepiece
- Repositionable magnification lever
- Capped turrets
Pros
- Battery-free illumination
- Generous windage and elevation adjustment
- Quick and simple adjustments
- Ultra-durable construction
Cons
- Water resistance to 10 ft only
6) Burris Fullfield E1 6.5-20x50mm Rifle Scope
Another best scope for 300 yards in our list is the Burris Fullfield E1 6.5-20x50mm. If you are on a tight budget and looking for a quality scope for your hunting and shooting needs, this scope suits you.
It is versatile, accurate, and ideal for medium, long-range, and extreme long-range shooting. With the large 50mm objective lens, the scope excels in all lighting conditions. The large aperture draws large volumes of light inside, making the variable 6.5-20x zoom range useful even at every level.
Furthermore, the scope has trajectory-compensating technology and cascading dots, compensating for wind drift. This enhances shooting accuracy in any weather condition. Besides that, it has robust housing resistant to abuse, heavy recoil, and harsh vibrations.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses
- 30 MOA adjustment range
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Adjustable parallax
- 1-inch tube
- Ballistic Plex E1 MV reticle
- Matter finish
- Finger adjustable turrets
- High-grade optical glass
Pros
- Lightweight at 16.9 oz
- Good magnification range
- Clear lens
- Aircraft Grade Aluminum construction
- Great value for money
- Adjustable Parallax
- Hi-Lume Multi-Coated optics
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
7) Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen II 6-24x50mm APLR2 Rifle Scope
Lastly, we have the Argos BTR Gen II 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope. Made with ease of use in mind, this rifle scope is ideal for those who are starting out hunting or competitive shooting.
The broad 6-24x magnification power is built in a first focal plane reticle. The reticle remains true in the whole zoom range. It is illuminated to enhance the contrast between it and the target for accurate shooting in poor light settings.
Moreover, this rifle scope is ideal for use in all lighting conditions. It has a large 50mm objective lens, enhancing low-light performance. On top of that, the lenses are fully multi-coated to provide better light transmission with optimum brightness and clarity across the whole spectrum. The exterior lenses also have an XPL coating that is hydrophobic.
This rifle scope has a sturdy 6061-T6 aluminum housing that is fully waterproof, fogproof, and dustproof. It is also constructed with a precision zero-stop system for easy return to zero.
Features
- XPL lens coating
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- 60 MOA adjustment range
- Precision zero-stop system
- Front focal plane APLR2 IR MOA reticle
- LED reticle illumination
- 30mm tube diameter
Pros
- Crisp turrets
- Illuminated reticle
- Ease of use
- Fully Multi-Coated optics
- Durable 6061-T6 Aluminum construction
- Accurate and versatile
Cons
- Heavy at 30.3 oz
See Also
- 7 Best Scopes For 500 Yards
- Best Scope for 50 BMG
- Best Vortex Scope for 270
- Best Vortex Scope for 1500 Yards
What to Look for in a Scope for 300 Yards
A variety of attributes make a great scope for 300 yards.
Image Quality
The type of glass used in making a rifle scope determines the overall image quality. The best scope for 300 yards is built with high transmission optics such as extra-low dispersion and high-density glass.
Another thing that affects image quality is lens coatings. We recommend investing in scope with premium anti-reflective lens coatings. These coatings will boost light transmission and enhance optical clarity even in low-light settings.
Objective lens size
The objective lens diameter affects how much light enters the scope, which impacts brightness and clarity. Also note that a scope with a bigger objective lens will be bigger, and possibly heavier than that with a smaller one. An objective lens measuring 40 inches gives a balanced size for medium-range shooting and good light transmission.
Reticle type
Choose a reticle that matches your shooting style and environment. For precision shooting, Mil-Dot or MOA reticles are recommended. However, simple reticles like the crosshairs have proven effective for a variety of shooters given that they do not require a learning curve.
Durability
The scope should have robust housing made with the most durable materials. With the tough construction, the scope will be able to withstand the use and abuse of hunting and shooting. Look for scopes with rugged construction, shockproof features, and resistance to water, fog, and other environmental elements.
Parallax adjustment
While Parallax Adjustment is not essential at shorter distances, a parallax adjustment feature becomes more important at longer ranges. It allows for the correction of parallax error, resulting in a crisper and more precise sight picture at various distances.
Additionally, look for scopes with tactile and repeatable adjustments that allow for quick and accurate zeroing of the scope. Clear and well-marked turret graduations make adjustments easier and more intuitive.
Conclusion
Choosing the best scope for shooting at 300 yards is simpler and more convenient when you are activity-specific and well-informed about the attributes to look for.
There are a lot of models from different brands to choose from based on your shooting needs and preferences. Whichever scope you get, we hope you have found our buying guide to be insightful and helpful.
See Also