When taking down targets 300 yards away, you require an optic that provides fast target acquisition and the precision needed to ensure you never miss your shots. We reviewed the best 300 yards rifle scopes in the market to help you get an ideal shooting solution.
Shooting at a 300-yard range is no small feat. At 300 yards you are within the long-range bracket and this is where it gets tricky even if you have the best rifle. To make things easier you need to pair up your rifle with a scope and not just any scope but the one that meets your 300-yard needs.
What Makes a Great 300 Yards Rifle Scope?
The most critical component of any rifle scope is magnification power. A scope for 300 yards should have the right magnification range to cover the distance. This is a long-range distance and you will need a relatively high power magnification scope to ensure you bring the bacon home.
That said a variable magnification ratio of at least 3:1 will do the job, but for optimal performance, anything in the 5:1 and above will do the trick.
Another feature that makes for a great 300-yard rife scope is high-quality optics. The optics of scope is ideally influenced by the quality of the glass used to make the lenses, the coating on the glass, and the diameter of the objective lens. All these should be at their best to ensure you have sharp and undistorted images.
A great 300-yard scope should also be made to last. Considering that you probably put in a good buck, you want to be sure that it will go a long way. So the scope should be shockproof as no matter what rifle you are using, recoil is a given-off. Being shockproof protects the inner components including the lenses that may shatter from the force if unprotected.
Finally, a great 300-yard scope should be easy to use. It is already a painstaking affair to shoot at 300 yards, you don’t want to have a complicated scope that has too many controls and adjustments to get you the perfect shot. You will want a simple but effective scope with only the necessary features.
8 Best 300 Yards Rifle Scopes
You now have a glimpse of what a scope for 300 yards should have. Many rifle scopes in the market fit the criterion and here comes the taxing part; filtering through the numerous rifle scopes the market has to offer.
To alleviate the burden of having to examine the plethora of options, we have rounded up the best 300 yards rifle scopes that we believe will help fine-tune your accuracy for the best shooting experience.
Let’s take a look:
1) Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Rifle Scope
The experts at Leupold designed the VX-5HD 2-10x42mm rifle scope with an incredible field of view to allow quick target acquisition and execution of shots at 300 yards with pinpoint accuracy.
The adaptability of this scope makes it a must-have for long-range target shooters and hunters making it one of the best 300 yards rifle scopes on the market.
It’s versatile 2-10x magnification that allows you to make shots to as far as 300 yards without sweat. This wide magnification coupled with its 42mm objective allows for a wide field of view which comes in handy while hunting on unfamiliar grounds.
Expect brilliant images when sighting through this rifle scope. The professional-grade optical system that includes HD lenses and guard ion technology does not compromise when it comes to light transmission.
Even in the least ideal light lighting conditions, you get pristine images so you can decisively. Additionally, when shooting in direct light you have no worries as the scope also has glare reduction technology.
The Leupold VX-5HD features a second focal plane reticle that gives you an absolute advantage in low light and heavy cover conditions. This reticle is also very reliable as it allows for quick and accurate target acquisition. The reticle has thinner lines as it approaches the center to give you pinpoint accuracy as when on the higher magnification settings.
Finally, this scope is lightweight ensuring it doesn’t weigh you down on the rifle to ensure proper alignment for execution of accurate shots every time. The other hallmark worth mentioning is the rugged design for unbeatable durability and reliability.
When you need a practical solution to dominate the hunting grounds and deliver precise shots at varying ranges, equip your rifle with the Leupold 2-10x42mm hunting rifle scope.
Features
- High-definition calcium fluoride lenses
- Guard ion technology
- Custom dial system
- Water, fog and shockproof
- Second focal plane reticle
- MOA windage and elevation adjustments
Pros
- High-quality lenses
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Facilitates quick target acquisition
- Versatile magnification
- Very durable
Cons
- Quite expensive
2) Burris Signature HD 2-10×40 Rifle Scope
For quick and accurate shots every time, get the Burris Signature HD 2-10×40 rifle scope. The simplistic design of this rifle scope makes it perfect for hunters and shooters who routinely shoot targets at close and medium ranges.
The scope provides you with a wide viewing angle owing to its 40mm objective as well as its conservative yet versatile magnification range. This makes the scope an excellent choice for hunters who like to be aware of their surroundings.
The Signature by Burris also ensures you have clear crisp images. This is because it features fully multi-coated high-quality glass. To further enhance its optical prowess its wide 40 mm objective allows for optimal light transmission that gives you very bright images.
Additionally, this scope features a ballistic E3 reticle on the second focal plane, which provides you with a simple way of getting hold-off for wind and holdover for distance. The scope also comes with push and pull locking turrets that ensure no accidental adjustments are made.
Finally, the scope is made to last as it can withstand the terrors of wet and foggy weather being that it’s both water and fog-proof. It also has a rugged construction that ensures it is shockproof, this protects the glass lenses from shattering in the event of heavy recoil.
Features
- Push and pull locking turrets
- Ballistic E3 SFP reticle
- Side parallax adjustment
- Zero-stop feature on target knobs
- Multi-coated glass lenses
- Shock, water and fog-proof
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Affordable
- Very durable
- Bright images in normal lighting conditions
- Wide field of view
- Clear crisp images
Cons
- Not illuminated
3) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope
The Crossfire II 2-7x32mm scope is one of the best 300 yards rifle scopes within the budget-friendly bracket. However, its low price shouldn’t make you think that Vortex has compromised on quality, as this scope boasts some outstanding qualities and exceptional features for close to medium engagements.
The 2-7x magnification might not seem as much but I can assure you at 300 yards it is more than enough. While popular opinion is that the wider the magnification the better, this is not always the case as the wider the magnification the higher the risk of image distortion, and at 300 yards a 7x magnification is enough to make our shot without strain.
This highly efficient scope delivers incredible performance in any lighting condition. In normal lighting conditions, it produces very clear and crisp images owing to the high-grade glass used to make the lenses. For enhanced light transmission, the lenses are fully multi-coated so you will have the confidence when hunting in the magic hours.
The scope features a Dead-Hold BDC reticle on the second focal plane with customized hash marks to ensure you are dead-on when it comes to holdover and windage corrections.
This Vortex optics scope is also lightweight but durable as it is made of high-grade aircraft aluminum which ensures it withstands physical damage while not weighing you down. The scope is also shockproof ensuring its internal components are protected when taking a shot.
The downside to this scope is its performance in low light, its objective lens is quite narrow and thus its light transmission is also limited. However, in normal light conditions, the scope performs just as well as any other scope mentioned on this list.
Features
- Shockproof
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Dead-hold BDC SFP reticle
- Water and fog-proof
Pros
- Lightweight
- Lifetime warranty
- Good eye relief
- Clear and crisp images in normal light conditions
- Very affordable
- Very durable
Cons
- Non-illuminated
- Poor light transmission
4) Trijicon AccuPoint TR-22 2.5-10x56mm Rifle Scope
If an optical device is made by Trijicon you can expect nothing less than brilliant performance. Its unbeatable optical capabilities, reliability and ease of use easily make it one of the best 300 yards rifle scopes.
The scope has light-gathering capabilities that few scopes even close to, owing to its 56mm objective. This ensures the images seen through this scope are bright and clear.
To further enhance its clarity the scope features some of the highest quality multi-coated glass in the game making ensuring crisp and clean images.
The scope features an SFP reticle that is illuminated using fiber optics and tritium, ensuring you have a very clear, accurate and quick target acquisition without reliance on batteries.
Additionally, this fiber optic illumination system automatically adjusts to existing light conditions making it very reliable to have.
The scope also boasts an easy zero reset after sight in with its externally adjustable pointer dial, which is popped up for easier access.
The wide objective of this scope also allows for a very wide field of view which is especially important for hunters as it gives them great awareness of their surroundings. The scope also has a very forgiving long eye relief.
Finally, this scope is made of top-of-the-line 6061-T6 aluminum that ensures it can withstand any torture it faces in the field. It is also shockproof to protect it from the effects of recoil and water and is fog-proof to ensure you are confident in cold and wet weather.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- Fiber optics and tritium illumination
- Automatic illumination system
- Illuminated reticle
- Water, fog and shockproof
- Fully multicoated glass lenses
- Zero reset turrets
Pros
- Excellent clarity
- Excellent light transmission
- Great clarity in low light
- Long eye relief
- Wide field of view
- Easy to use
Cons
- Quite expensive
5) Burris Veracity 2-10×42 mm Rifle Scope
Burris has made quite the name for itself in the optics world and is glad to introduce another manufacturing masterpiece for medium-range and long-range hunting applications.
The Veracity 2-10×42 mm rifle scope is a small but reliable scope that works exceptionally well and making it a worthy contender as one of the best 300 yards rifle scopes.
The 5:1 magnification of this scope is versatile enough to ensure you are never disappointed in making those long-range shots while ensuring a wide field of view at close range. Additionally, the scope features a Ballistic Plex E1 reticle on the first focal plane which is perfect for long-range shots, especially in clear terrain.
Moreover, the Ballistic Plex E1 reticle features a trajectory compensating tech and dots for windage compensation and features a trajectory compensation out to 600 yards. The wind hash marks on the reticle represent a 10 mph windage adjustment and are out to 500 yards.
The clarity of this scope is out of this world as it features high-grade optical glass ad index matched Hi-Lume multi-coatings that enhance not only clarity but also low light performance. Glare reduction in direct light ensures you get pristine images all day long.
The scope also holds zero very well as it features a double internal spring-tension system that withstands shock and vibrations. The scope is also further protected from the effects of recoil by its solid one-piece outer tube that is stress-free and durable.
The Veracity also maintains a consistent point of impact through the magnification range as it is precision gauges and has hand-fitted internal assemblies. Finally, this scope is weatherproof and remains unbowed when used in harsh weather.
Features
- Index-matched Hi-Lume coatings
- Fog water and shockproof
- MOA windage and elevation adjustments
- Low profile turrets
- Side focus parallax adjustments
- Progressively thick crosshairs
- Ballistic Plex E1 FFP reticle
Pros
- Great performance in low light
- Ergonomic design
- Lightweight
- Excellent light transmission
- Very durable
- Holds zero well
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
6) SIG SAUER TANGO6T 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
The TANGO6T 1-6x24mm is a first-class optic that offers an advanced sighting experience for hunters and shooters. This military-grade scope is not one to trifle with as it comes with some very alluring features, such as night vision capabilities and a very advanced optical system.
While the scope is made to perform optimally in CQB and mid-range distances, this doesn’t mean that at 300 yards it will be useless. Coupled with the near-excellent optics of this scope, at this magnification range, the scope can perform quite well at 300 yards.
The narrow objective of the scope could pose quite a problem when it comes to light transmission but this is easily counteracted by the HDX optics extra-low dispersion glass and high transmittance glass that work together to ensure you have optimal light transmittance and optical clarity even in low light situations. To further enhance lens clarity SIG SAUER has utilized lens armor coating technology to ensure lens durability and sharp clear images.
The scope features a second focal plane reticle that is illuminated and night vision enabled. The Hellfire electronically illuminated reticle uses advanced fiber optic tech to adjust the light intensity of the middle aiming point from infrared dim to hellfire bright in the daylight. This ensures accurate shots in any lighting conditions.
Finally, this scope is quite durable as it can withstand shock as well as wet and cold conditions as it is waterproof and fog proof. Surely his LPVO is a prime choice among the best 300 yards rifle scopes.
Features
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Second focal plane reticle
- Locking magnification dial
- HDX extra-low dispersion glass
- High transmittance glass
- Night vision enables
- Lacer engraves mounting
- Water and fog-proof
Pros
- Lightweight
- Great image clarity
- Optimal light transmission
- Long eye relief
- Great performance in low light
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Limited field of view
7) NightForce 2.5-10x42mm NXS Rifle Scope
The Night Force 2.5-10x42mm rifle scope is an industry-leading scope with great optical technology and performance. It ranks highly among the best 300 yards rifle scopes and its top-notch features deliver one-of-a-kind performance that will surpass your expectations.
Firstly, the scope is great for 300 yards as it features a versatile 2.5-10x magnification. This magnification coupled with its optical clarity ensures you have the best experience shooting at medium and long-range distances.
The scope also features a wide 42mm objective lens that ensures it boasts some of the best light transmission capabilities of any scope in its class. This wide objective is made in such a way that the scope remains lightweight and maintains its compact profile. This light transmission along with its high-quality glass and coatings the scope offers great bright, clear and crisp images.
Additionally, the reticle is illuminated with digillum illumination with green and red illumination to choose from. It also comes with night vision compatibility settings making it reliable for use at all times of day and night.
This Night Force scope features a side parallax adjustment and is special in that it is one of the few 10x scopes that feature an adjustable parallax from 25 yards to infinity.
Lastly, this scope features a power throw lever that allows for near-instant magnification changes making it a very reliable scope for fast target acquisition and very convenient to make adjustments when in gloves.
Features
- Side parallax adjustment
- Power throw lever instant magnification adjustment
- Night vision enabled
- Illuminated reticle
- Second focal plane reticle
- Red/green illumination
- Shock water and fog-proof
Pros
- Excellent clarity in low light
- Great light transmission
- Very durable
- Holds zero well
- Night vision capable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Very pricey
- Poor eye relief
8) Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x44mm Rifle Scope
Finally, we have the Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x44mm rifle scope, this scope is the true definition of value for your money. The scope comes with great optical features and durability all at a very reasonable price.
Additionally, it comes with the Vortex lifetime warranty that just shows you how much confidence Vortex Optics has in this product.
The scope features a versatile 4x magnification range that allows for comfortable shooting at mid-range to long-range shooting. This makes it one of the best 300 yards rifle scopes.
The 44 mm diameter of this scope’s objective allows for maximum light transmission thus providing bright images through the scope. Additionally, the scope’s lenses are made of XR fully multi-coated, high-definition XD elements that ensure you have clear and undistorted images always.
The lenses are also further protected from oil and dirt with an ultra-hard, scratch-resistant ArmorTec coating, ensuring you always have clarity in your views.
Finally, the durability of this scope is unquestionable as it is constructed using top-grade aircraft aluminum and is also shockproof, this is due to its rugged construction. The scope is also waterproof and fog-proof to protect it from adverse weather
Features
- XD high-definition lenses
- XR lens coatings
- Parallax adjustment
- Shock, water and fog-proof
- Dead-Hold BDC (MOA) SFP reticle
- Aluminum build
Pros
- Excellent clarity
- Great value for money
- Lone eye relief
- Wide field of view
- Great light transmission
- Lightweight
- Very durable
Cons
- Not illuminated
Further Reading
- Best 270 Winchester Scopes
- Scopes for Long-Range Deer Hunting
- Best Scopes for 400 Yards
- Vortex Scopes for Deer Hunting
- Best 177 Air Rifle Scopes
How to Choose the Best 300 Yards Rifle Scopes
Magnification
When choosing a 300-yard rifle scope first you have to consider the magnification. Ensure that the scope has a wide variable magnification. 300 yards is considered a long-range distance, it is at the lower end of the long range.
The best scope for 300 yards should have a reasonable magnification range that covers the distance comfortably. Great options are magnification ranges from anywhere between 1-6x up to 2.5-10x.
Glass Clarity and Objective Lens
When choosing a 300-yard scope also consider the clarity of glass on the scope’s lenses as well as the objective lens diameter.
The lenses should be multicoated and the objective should have a diameter of at least 30mm to ensure maximum light transmission and image clarity at such long distances.
Most of the reliable optics companies such as Vortex, SIG SAUER, Burris, and Leupold, have made a good name in the field, manufacturing scopes with uncompromised clarity, so a scope from them will most likely be reliable. However, this doesn’t mean that other manufacturers don’t do a good job.
Read: Best 25-06 Leupold Scopes
Eye Relief
Another factor you need to consider when choosing a scope for your 300 yards is eye relief. You want to choose a scope with an eye relief of at least 3.5 inches this will ensure that you are as comfortable as possible especially if you wear glasses.
Field of View
For the field of view, ensure that the scope has a wide objective lens so that you can be sure of a wide field of view, which is very important when you want to have awareness of your surroundings.
Reticle
The type of reticle on the scope is also very important when choosing a scope for 300 yards. Should you go for an FFP reticle or an SFP reticle? While at long distances a first focal plane reticle is ideal this doesn’t mean it will always be the best.
This is because an FFP reticle may obscure your views and might make it difficult to make a shot in busy terrain. A Second Focal Plane reticle on the other hand will provide you with clear unobstructed views as it doesn’t change in size at different magnification levels.
Additionally, an SFP reticle is great for hunting while an FFP reticle is ideal for target shooting. So as you choose a scope keep in mind where you plan to take your shots and what kind of shooting will you be doing is it hunting or target shooting?
Read: Best Leupold Scopes for 300 Yards
Cost
Last but not least is the cost. Choose a scope that meets all your needs, mentioned throughout this article while also staying within your budgetary limits.
What Magnification Do You Need for 300 Yards?
While 300 yards is defined as a long-range distance, you do not require a very wide magnification range.
A conservative variable magnification of 3x to 9x will be ideal. If you are sure you will only be shooting out to 300 yards, then you can also consider a fixed magnification scope (which might be more expensive than a variable magnification scope) then a 6x will be a perfect choice.
What Distance Is a 3-9×40 Scope Good For?
A 3-9×40 scope is quite versatile and can make long-range shots as far as 1000 yards out, this is however not ideal. The best distance for this magnification is anywhere between 200 to 400 yards out.
Read:Best 300 Blackout Scopes for Hog Hunting
Conclusion
All of the scopes easily make for the best 300 yards rifle scope because of their versatile magnification, powerful optical performance and excellent durability.
They however come in at different price points with some being more expensive than others because of a few tweaks to their technological performance.
We hope the information was insightful in the pursuit of a 300 yards scope and that you are in a better position to make a wise purchase decision.