Today’s spotlight is on the best 243 rifle scopes. The 243 Winchester is popular among deer hunters and its shooting prowess is enhanced by mounting an efficient rifle scope on your firearm.
When it comes to using the .243 round for hunting or shooting, every shot made counts and every second matters. You need to have the right gear at hand to enhance your overall experience. Pairing your .243 rifle with a high-quality scope will help unlock your full potential and deliver the best shooting experience in the field.
Rifle scopes come in different features and designs to elevate your shooting precision. Pairing the right scope with your .243 rifle ensures quick and accurate acquisition of the targets.
The market is saturated with rifle scopes from so many brands. This often makes the selection process a taxing task. In this review, we shall walk you through the best 243 rifle scopes and help find the right scope for your hunting needs.
What Makes a Great Scope for 243 Winchester?
Any hunting expedition is a thrilling activity with the right gear. When looking for a scope for 243 Winchester there are several attributes to look out for as they define these optical devices.
Firstly, a rifle scope for .243 should have the right magnification setting. The ideal magnification setting will largely be determined by your intended use. The 243 Winchester is widely used for deer hunting so a magnification power of 3-9x will get the job done.
An efficient 243 rifle scope should be built with durability in mind. The tube housing the optics should be made of resilient materials to ensure long-term performance. For reliable performance, the scope should be purged with dry gases and fully sealed to keep off moisture.
The best 243 rifle scopes should have excellent optics. Scopes with multicoated lenses don’t compromise when it comes to light transmission which is important in delivering crisp target images. Moreover, the coatings protect the lenses from scratches keeping them clear for life.
Versatility is another attribute of a 243 Winchester scope. Hunters look for a rifle scope to serve them in different hunting applications. A rifle scope with variable magnification will help you acquire targets from different yards making it ideal for different applications.
8 Best 243 Rifle Scopes | Best Scope for .243 Deer Rifle
When probing the market for the best scope for 243 Winchester, you will come across numerous suggestions from different manufacturers. The best scope should stand out when it comes to performance, durability, compatibility with your rifle and value for money.
Outlined below are the best 243 rifle scopes that we believe will help unlock the full potential of your .243 deer rifle.
1) Trijicon Credo 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Want the best performance in the field? Mount the Trijicon Credo 3-9x40mm rifle scope on your .243 rifle. This scope has a purpose-driven design and a ton of quality and reliable features making it one of the best 243 rifle scopes.
It has a variable 3-9x magnification offered in the rear focal plane. The magnification adjustments are easy to make across the whole range. Besides, the scope provides a wide field of view even at the highest settings to ensure fast scanning, detection and tracking.
Another attribute that makes this scope stand out is its durability. It has an extremely ruggedized construction to stand up to harsh and unforgiving conditions.
The ultra-durable design coupled with the waterproof and fogproof protection makes the scope ideal for use under all kinds of weather conditions.
Over and above that, the Trijicon Credo 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope features crisp and precise windage and elevation adjusters with no tools. These adjusters are capped to ensure no accidental shift in the middle of use.
Other than that, the scope features an illuminated reticle for precise aiming in low light. Combining a litany of excellent features and outstanding optical clarity, the Credo 3-9×40 is a proven workhorse and undoubtedly one of the best 243 rifle scopes.
Features
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Capped turrets
- Second focal plane reticle
- 11 brightness settings
- Waterproof and fogproof construction
- Easy-focus eyepiece
- Repositionable magnification lever
- Easy grip controls
- Anti-reflective matte finish
- 3-9x total magnification
Pros
- Quick and easy adjustments
- Crisp aiming in any light
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Lighted reticle
- Lightweight design
Cons
- High cost
2) Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope
Designed with the avid hunters in mind, the Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope is a one-do-it-all scope. Pairing your .243 deer rifle with this scope will transform it into a potent hunting solution.
Versatility makes the VX-6HD 3-18×50 rifle scope one of the best 243 rifle scopes. It is flexible enough to help you find games across different ranges, in any hunting environment from brush and timber situations, to large, open fields.
The unmatched versatility is thanks to the variable 3x to 18x magnification. It is useful even at the highest levels to ensure that you have enough power to dominate the backcountry landscape.
Complementing the broad magnification is the 50mm objective lens which gives outstanding low light performance.
Furthermore, the scope is crafted with the most high-quality glass elements to provide bright, color consistent and clear sight pictures.
When it comes to construction, the VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope is built to be nearly indestructible. It is robust enough to weather abuse, shock and recoil.
Moreover, the optical tube has dependable waterproof and fogproof protection to ensure unimpeded performance in all weather conditions.
Equip your .243 deer rifle with a versatile scope to take down big games in the field. This Leupold scope will help enhance your shooting performance by revealing all the fine details of your targets so you can line up a precise shot.
Features
- 30mm single-piece main tube
- Second focal plane reticle
- 1/4 MOA impact point correction
- Guard-ion rain-shedding coating
- 6061-T6 aluminum housing
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- Twilight Light Management System
- Zero lock windage adjustment
- Powerful 6:1 zoom range
- 75 MOA adjustment range
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Illuminated reticle
- Exceptional build quality
- Bright and clear glass
Cons
- Expensive
3) Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope
When it comes to multifunctionality, it is hard to go wrong with the Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope. The Vortex brand has a reputation for making top-quality optics and this model is not any different.
It is crafted to meet the needs of tactical professionals but with easy usability for hunters. Additionally, the versatile 4-16x magnification power makes it suitable for medium and long-range use, in all environments.
The optical performance of this scope is admirable. It has a large 50mm objective lens which enhances the overall performance in low light. On top of that, the scope uses extra-low dispersion glass to complement the objective lens by maximizing image detail and contrast.
Not only is the optical quality of this rifle scope stunning, but also the build quality. It has a sturdy 30mm one-piece body tube made from durable aluminum alloy. Other than that, the scope is filled with nitrogen and O-ring sealed to be fully waterproof, dustproof and fogproof.
Features
- Large, slip-resistant zoom collar
- Side parallax adjustment
- One-piece 30mm main tube
- Waterproof and nitrogen-filled
- Durable aluminum housing
- Glass-etched first focal plane reticle
- Anti-reflection fully multi-coated lenses
- Precision-glide erector system
- XD, extra-low dispersion glass
- 4-16x magnification range
Pros
- Lightweight construction
- Good eye relief
- Clear glass
- Crisp reticle
- Durable and reliable construction
Cons
- Non illuminated reticle
4) Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm is one of the best 243 rifle scopes for budget buyers. It is designed for close and medium-distance use in the hunting fields or shooting range.
With the variable 3-9x magnification power, the scope provides a significantly large field of view at close ranges and distinct aiming points when you ramp up the zoom power up to 9x. This guarantees quick scanning and easy target acquisition.
Moreover, the scope is crafted and ready for use in any environment. It is made of lightweight but durable aluminum which is rigid enough to weather the harshest levels of abrasions.
Furthermore, the optical tube is fully protected from rain, dust, fog and elements to ensure good performance in all weather conditions.
And that’s not all. The Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope has finger-adjustable turrets to ensure that you compensate for changing conditions in the field quickly. It also has a lightweight construction to ensure easy mounting as well as convenient portability.
Features
- Robust aluminum housing
- Waterproof and nitrogen-filled
- Capped, low-profile turrets
- One-piece 1-inch main tube
- Second focal plane reticle
- Index-matched multi-coated lenses
- 50 MOA windage and elevation adjustment
- Matte black anodized finish
- 3-9x total magnification
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight construction
- Inexpensive
- Quality construction
- Simple to operate
Cons
- Mushy clicks
- Short eye relief at max power
5)Bushnell Engage 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope
The Bushnell Engage 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope combines an ultra-versatile magnification power with reliable optics to give you a sighting tool suitable for medium-range shooting and hunting in all light and weather conditions.
It is built in a 30mm body tube which provides adequate room for adjustments while enhancing durability and rigidity. The tube is made from a durable aluminum alloy which is anodized to be scratchproof and anti-reflective.
In addition to the quality construction, this rifle scope has a dependable IPX-7 waterproof rating for all-weather use. Besides that, it has exposed tactical turrets which allow fast finger adjustment in the field. A side parallax turret is also included for simple parallax adjustment from 10 yards to infinity.
Optically, the Bushnell Engage 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope has a 40mm objective which provides the ultimate balance of size and light-gathering ability.
Furthermore, the optics are fully multi-coated to improve light transmission, contrast and color fidelity. They also have proprietary EXO barrier lens coatings which are oil, dirt and stain-resistant.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Tool-less zero reset locking turrets
- 30mm main tube
- Durable aluminum housing
- Scratch-resistant and low reflectivity anodized finish
- IPX-7 waterproof and dustproof rating
- Textured, slip-resistant zoom collar
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 4-16x zoom range
- Exposed zero reset locking turrets
Pros
- Excellent value for the price
- Bright and clear optics
- Crisp reticle
- Sturdy and durable construction
Cons
- None
6) Sightron SI Series 3-9x32mm Rifle Scope
As one of the best 243 scopes, the Sightron SI Series 3-9x32mm Rifle Scope has the ultimate balance of precision and value. It is perfect for small game hunting, plinking and competition shooting with .22 rifles.
The scope is built to perform in all light settings. Thanks to the fully multi-coated optical elements, it maximizes light transmission in low light and prevents glare in bright light. As a result, you get bright, crisp and color-accurate sight pictures.
Furthermore, the scope is built from a single piece of aluminum to guarantee longevity. It is shockproof for use with the highest calibers and protected from water, fog and mist for all-weather reliability.
Features
- Glass-etched second focal plane reticle
- Fully multi-coated optical elements
- Waterproof and nitrogen-charged
- Sturdy aluminum housing
- 1-inch single-piece main tube
- 70 MOA elevation and windage
- Variable 3-9x magnification
- 1/4 MOA impact point correction
Pros
- Sufficient eye relief
- Lightweight and compact
- Excellent value
- Quality construction
- Crystal clear glass
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
7) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
When it comes to affordability and performance, it is hard to beat the Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope from Vortex. It is a full-featured scope that is cost-effective, versatile and easy to use.
A highlight of this rifle scope is the Dead-Hold BDC reticle. It is housed in the second focal plane so it remains the same size through the whole zoom range. Additionally, this reticle has customized compensating sub-tensions to minimize guesswork on holdover and wind drift corrections.
Construction-wise, the Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope has a rugged construction comprised of a single-piece aerospace aluminum housing. The tube is anodized against scratches, rust and corrosion. It is also nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed to provide a lifetime of fogproof and waterproof protection.
In addition to everything else, this rifle scope features fully multi-coated optics for maximized light transfer and optical clarity.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- 1-piece,1-inch main tube
- Waterproof and nitrogen-purged
- Aerospace-grade aluminum housing
- Capped resettable windage turrets
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Fast focus eyepiece
- 3-9x variable magnification
- 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustments
Pros
- Great versatility
- Superior durability
- Phenomenal optics
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Lack of illumination
8) Primary Arms GLx Series 2.5-10x44mm Rifle Scope
Last but not least, we have the Primary Arms GLx Series 2.5-10x44mm Rifle Scope. This rifle scope is best for close and medium-range use in the fields and shooting range.
It has a variable 2.5-10x magnification power which gives you the flexibility to take shots across different ranges. The magnification is offered in an incredible first focal plane ACSS Griffin MIL Reticle which is accurate and easy to use. With this reticle, you get an automatic ranging estimation on targets out to 600 yards.
To complement the superb reticle system, the scope features a large 44mm objective lens which enhances low-light visibility. On top of that, it employs premium-grade glass which makes the magnification useful at all levels by providing crisp and high-quality sight pictures.
This rifle scope is made with durability in mind. It has steel-on-steel precision adjustments and a ruggedized 30mm tube made from 6061-T6 aluminum. Over and above that, the optical tube is fully waterproof, fogproof and shockproof for flawless all-weather performance.
Features
- Premium grade glass
- 5-10x variable magnification
- First focal plane reticle
- Integrated return-to-zero
- Movable and replaceable magnification ring fin
- Water, fog and shockproof
- Steel-on-steel precision adjustments
- Elevation rotation indicators
- 30mm single-piece main tube
Pros
- Clear glass
- Solid turrets
- Great build quality
Cons
- A bit heavy
Further Reading
- Best Vortex Scopes for Deer Hunting
- Burris 450 Bushmaster Scopes
- Best Scopes for 400 Yards
- LPVO for 6.5 Grendel
- Best 300 Yards Rifle Scopes
How to Choose the Best 243 Rifle Scopes
Intended Usage
First and foremost, take into consideration what you anticipate to use the scope for. Is it for hunting, plinking, sports shooting, or other applications. Being more specific about the activity you intend to use the scope for will help you find the most ideal model without so much hassle.
Build Quality
In rifle scopes, build quality is determined by two things; the nature of construction and the type of materials used. The best 243 rifle scopes feature ruggedized construction from premium-grade materials like aerospace-quality aluminum. With such a scope, you are guaranteed unrivaled durability and longevity, even with everyday use.
Read: Best Scopes for Winchester XPR
Picture Quality
The next important feature to consider is picture quality. You need a scope that provides clear views of targets to make an accurate shot. So, look at the glass used in the construction process and pick the scope that uses ED, UHD, or any other premium quality glass.
Weight
Irrespective of the application you plan to use the scope for, ensure that you settle for an optic that is built light. On average, we recommend 1.2 lbs for the best 243 rifle scopes. With lightweight construction, the scope will be not just portable, but also easy to shoot with.
Read: Best 350 Legend Scopes
What Magnification Do You Need?
When buying a scope, choosing the right magnification is vital. You will be able to acquire targets easily at any distance and unlock the full potential of your firearm.
The .243 cartridge is extremely accurate to 300 yards/270m. For such a range, you need a scope with at least 9x magnification power.
Anything beyond 300 yards requires a high-powered scope with more than 12x magnification as the further you shoot the more zoom power you require.
Read: Best 500 Yards Scopes
Best 243 Rifle Scopes FAQs
Q: What is the Ideal Magnification for a .243 Rifle Scope?
3-9x or 4-12x. While the ideal magnification power in the best 243 rifle scopes depends on preference and needs, models with 3-9x or 4-12x are the best. They offer the right balance of power and field of view to meet your needs at close to long ranges.
Q: Can I use a .243 Rifle Scope on other Calibers?
Absolutely. Most of the .243 rifle scopes are built with versatility in mind. This means that you can use them with other similar calibers without any issue.
Conclusion
Whether it’s hunting, target shooting, or plinking, having the right .243 scope is vital to making every expedition more competitive. The rifle scopes we have mentioned in this guide are user-friendly and versatile enough to help you unlock the potential of the .243 fully. So, look at the features that make each model a good purchase and choose accordingly.