The Best Rifle Scopes You Can Buy For Under $300
We’ve said in our past rifle scope reviews and guides that the $300 price point is really the sweet spot between value for your money and high-quality optics. There are lots of great options that cost less than $300 but we’ve narrowed it down to the very best scopes for the money in this post.
If you want the best scope for under $300, keep reading!
Leupold 113881 VX-1 Rifle Scope
Interested in learning how Leupold remains a household name in the world of sporting optics after five generations of American-made scope production? Checking out the VX-1 is a great way to appreciate precisely what sets Leupold scopes apart from the competition. This scope features a lifetime manufacturer warranty and is factory sealed with an inert gas that prevents moisture or water intrusion. Your lens stays clear because all oxygen and moisture are purged from the glass at the factory in a vacuum sealing process. What else makes this an obvious choice for shooters interested in a sub-$300 rifle scope?
It’s the Leupold technology and quality. The manufacturer brought technology typically found only on their more expensive product lines to this scope. A well oversized aperture brings in as much light as possible and makes target acquisition and re-acquisition possible, even at dusk or dawn. Colors are brought to life with the extra light and even well camouflaged targets will have a tough time of blending into the background. The fact that this is mounted with universal sight rings means that this is a stellar option for a shooter looking for a do-it-all optic.
If you like this one, also make sure to check out a recent post we did about Leupold rifle scopes for .308.
Bushnell Trophy Xtreme X30 6-24×50 Scope
Want a scope that gives Leupold’s VX-1 a run for the money? Bushnell’s Trophy Xtreme is a shock-resistant, water-proof, 6-24x50mm option that enters the market at a price point that’s about $50 less than the Leupold. Bushnell users still benefit from oversized apertures, fog proof optics thanks to vacuum sealing at the factory, and a factory installed rain guard coated lens to keep you on target in harsh conditions.
What makes it different than the Leupold? First, it comes direct from the factory with a sunshade equipped. That’s an extra purchase for the Leupold and that difference alone makes this a high value scope. These scopes go well on bolt action rifles that are used for hunting or precision shooting. Whether that’s a Marlin or a Remington 700 doesn’t matter. Its shock resistant design means that you can stay on target even when shooting the biggest caliber rounds. 7MM, 300 Win-Mag, or 12 gauge slugs.
A second difference is how fast and easily this scope is adjusted. Both windage and elevation adjustments are designed to be made with the turn of a knob. The knob produces a clicking sound and feel that leaves no doubt in the shooter’s mind as to how the scope is set. For shots up to 800 yards, this is an obvious winner. When considering the price, you’d do well to walk away with the Bushnell and some match grade ammunition.
Nikon ProStaff 3-9 x 50 Black Matte Riflescope (BDC)
Looking for a highly recommended rifle scope that supports tactical shooting and 3-gun competitions without needing expensive or time consuming adjustments? Nikon’s ProStaff 3-9×50 rifle scope is a great option that compliments shooters running everything from Remington 700 SPS Tactical 308s to AR-10s and everything in-between. The scope brings versatility to any rifle and will help you get 1 inch groupings at 100 yards in the most challenging of conditions.
The sun shade is sold separately for this model, so if you anticipate shooting in challenging light conditions that is a purchase you are likely going to want to consider. Is there any good news on that front? I’d say so! The scope’s price tag lets you walk out of the shop with a set of scope rings and a sun shade and still come in comfortably under the $300 price limit you made for yourself.
The reticule is a classic BDC design that sports 4 see-through circles to help adjusting for longer range shots on the fly a breeze. If you aren’t comfortable adjusting for elevation with the see-through range circles, you can use the elevation and windage adjustments via a flick of the knob. Each click adjusts a full ¼ MOA to make long range, precise shooting easier than ever before. This scope offers performance that typically is reserved for far higher price tiers and ought to be seriously considered by any regular shooter.