Best Long Range Rifle Scope Under $300 – Top 11 Reviews with Buyers’ Guide, FAQs & More

Best Rifle Scope under $300 for 7mm Rem Mag 

Nikon Buckmasters II is the best rifle scope under $300 for 7mm rem mag because it provides great resolution and is not complicated when it comes to use.

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#2. Best High Performance Scope under $300 – Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-inch Tube Review

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Are you tired of getting blur images at higher magnification power? With this little guy, you won’t have to worry about it anymore.

This vortex model is designed for both hunters and shooters. It features a larger tube and great objective diameter which will enable you to cover a significant distance and improve the image quality. 

Moreover, you’ll love its generous eye relief which will aid you while waiting for your prey and allow more flexible head positions.  Its dead-hold  bullet drop compensator reticle makes it an excellent choice for hunting at various ranges. 

Features of Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-inch Tube

• Second focal plane reticle 
• 3-9x magnifying range
• 12.7 inches length
• 50mm objective diameter
• Dead-hold BDC reticle 
• Anti-reflective lenses
• Fully coated lenses
• Capped reset turrets
• 3.8 inches eye relief 
• Max Elevation Adjustment (60 MOA)
• Single piece aircraft grade aluminum tube
• Sealed O-ring 
• Nitrogen purged

Best High Performance Scope under $300

The best high performance scope under $300 is the Vortex Crossfire II 1-inch Tube because it works incredibly well in low light conditions and provides great focus.

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#3. Best Eye Relief Rifle Scope under $300 – Vortex Optics Crossfire II 30mm Tube Scope Review

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If you are looking for a best scope under $300 with easy turret adjustments and quick reticle focusing at an affordable price, then this Vortex Crossfire II will be the one for you. It is packed with a bunch of features and is quite budget-friendly too.

This great scope features multi-coated lenses that will give you clearer and brighter images, even for distant targets. Also, its fogproof and waterproof features will help you in achieving an unobstructed view.

Besides, its generous eye relief and the ultra-forgiving eye box will make it pretty easy for you to focus on your target.

Features of Vortex Optics Crossfire II 30mm Tube Scope

• 30 mm tube diameter
• 4-16x magnification range
• 50mm objective diameter
• Fast focus eyepiece
• Dead-hold BDC reticle
• Second focal plane
• 3.7 inches eye relief
• Finger Adjustable turrets
• Aircraft grade aluminum body

Best Eye Relief Rifle Scope under $300

The best eye relief scope under $300 is Crossfire II as it provides longer eye relief that will save you from an eye injury while hunting at long or short ranges.

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#4. Best Rifle Scope under $300 for Big-Game Hunting – Nikon PROSTAFF 5 BDC Review

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If you want a great scope, at an affordable price, for your rifle, then go and get this Nikon model. Also, it features ballistics match technology with see-through ballistic circles that will assist you with extensive distance shooting.

It offers excellent light transmission and fantastic view – all thanks to its multi-coated optics. Besides, its quick focus eyepiece allows a hunter to quickly bring the reticle into focus and assists him while aiming at the target.

With this scope, you’ll be able to see your target even in low light environments. Moreover, its aluminium built is  durable and makes it easier to carry around. 

Features of Nikon PROSTAFF 5 BDC

• BDC reticle
• 3.5-14x
• 40mm objective diameter
• Instant zero reset turrets
• 1/4 MOA adjustments
• Fully multi-coated lenses 
• Ballistic match technology
• Fully multi-coated
• Anti-reflective glass
• 50 yards to infinity parallax setting

Best Rifle Scope under $300 for Big-Game Hunting

Nikon PROSTAFF 5 BDC is the best rifle scope under $300 for Big-Game Hunting as it provides you with a clear line of sight and is easily mountable on your rifle.

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#5. Best Affordable Scope under $300 – Mueller Target 8-32 x 44mm Scope Review

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This quality rifle scope is both for hunting and tactical shooting. You’d surely appreciate its tall turrets, parallax correction, and MOA adjustments.

It offers upto 32x magnification power that handles long distances quite easily. Certainly, you’ll love its features, especially the mil-dot reticle. Moreover, it holds zero perfectly.

Besides, this scope offers a long eye relief of 4 inches which keeps the scope from hitting the eye. Additionally, it has a quick focus eyepiece to get the target in no time. 

Features of Mueller Target 8-32 x 44mm Scope

• Eye relief of 4-4.5 inches
• Tube size of 30 mm
• Fast-focus eyepiece
• Magnification range of 8-32x
• Mil dot reticle
• 44mm objective diameter
• Fully exposed target turrets
• Edge-to-edge transparency
• Side focus parallax adjustment

Best Affordable Scope under $300

Mueller Target 8-32 x 44mm scope is the best affordable scope under $300 as it offers an 8-32x magnifying range that can cover thousands of yards. Besides, its micro fine crosshairs and a mil dot reticle make it an alternative to expensive optics.

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#6. Best Scope under $300 for 300 Yards – Bushnell Optics 3-9x/40mm Review

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This rifle scope won’t betray you at short or mid range. So, does this mean it’s not made distant hunting? Well, that’s not true, its amazing side parallax adjustment ensures long-range accuracy. Just mount it on your AR and you’re good to go.

Furthermore, it is made of durable aluminum, you’ll definitely love its robust design. As a hunter, you need a scope that features a quick focus eyepiece because your prey might be moving. So, in this case you can also trust this Bushnell rifle scope. 

For those who are wondering about the reticle, this scope offers a Drop Zone-223 ballistic reticle that will help you to shoot precisely up to 500 yards.

Features of Bushnell Optics 3-9x/40mm

• Side parallax focus
• 3-9x magnification range
• BDC and mil-dot reticle 
• Nitrogen purged
• Made with aluminum alloy
• O-ring sealed scopes
• Drop Zone-223 BDC reticle
• Second Focal Plane
• 3.7 inches eye relief
• Field of view per 100 yards is 31 feet at 3x and 11 feet at 9x

Best Scope under $300 for 300 Yards 

Bushnell Optics 3-9x/40mm scope is the best scope under $300 for 300 yards as it provides ideal magnification for such distance. Additionally, the scope offers optical accuracy, great durability, precise adjustments, and a generous field of view.

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#7. Best 3 9×40 Rifle Scope under $300 – Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X40mm Review

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Looking for a scope that will help you in hunting at night time? Then you may not need to look any further, as this Leupold rifle scope will solve your problem. We were amazed to see its twilight management system that provides clear view and maintains visibility even in low-light conditions. 

Moreover, its tri-MOA reticle will help you get the target residing at a great distance. Also, it is built strong and is able to withstand heavy recoil of your firearm. You can take it with you during cold winters or during hot summers, it won’t disappoint you.

Features of Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X40mm

• 3-9x40mm magnification range
• Tri-MOA reticle
• Twilight light management system
• Matte finish
• 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments
• 3:1 zoom ratio
• 4.17 inches eye relief
• Scratch resistant lenses
• Lifetime warranty

Best 3 9×40 Rifle Scope under $300

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X40mm is the best 3 9×40 rifle scope under $300 because it provides great accuracy at any distance and offers a variety of magnification power suitable for both long or short range shooting.

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#8. Best Short Range Rifle Scope under $300 – TRUGLO TRU-Brite 30 Series 1-6 X 24mm Review

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If you want speed, clarity and precision in one scope, then this Truglo rifle scope is one for you. It is known for providing a brighter image and wide field of view. Besides, it is durable and well-made. It has a nice feel and looks amazing. 

This rifle scope will allow you to take shots with both eyes open. Also, it features two pre-calibrated BDC turrets in calibers .223 and .308 to get targets about 800 yards away.

We really liked its duplex mil-dot reticle that offers red and green illuminations that eliminates the need for any backup sights. Moreover, it holds zero perfectly.

Features of TRUGLO TRU-Brite 30 Series 1-6 X 24mm

• Second focal plane reticle
• 1-6x magnification range
• 24mm objective diameter
• Duplex mil-dot reticle
• Two pre-calibrated BDC turrets
• Monolithic 30mm scope rings
• 1/2 MOA windage and elevation adjustments
• Aircraft grade aluminum body
• 3.75 inches eye relief
• Nitrogen gas filled

Best Short Range Rifle Scope under $300

TRUGLO TRU-Brite 30 Series 1-6 X 24mm is the best short range rifle scope under 300 dollars as it offers fast sight pictures and is easy to use.

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#9. Best BDC Reticle Rifle Scope under $300 – Nikon P-Tactical .308 4-12X40 Matte BDC800 Review

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This budget-friendly rifle scope features a strong aluminum body that adds to its strength, and responsive windage and elevation adjustment turrets for easy adjustments. Hunters will be satisfied with its versatile magnification power that offers a great field of view.

You’ll love its BDC reticle which offers special hash marks that will help you to aim accurately, even at greater distance. Besides, it has an amazing optics system with effective lenses and generous eye relief.

Features of Nikon P-Tactical .308 4-12X40 Matte BDC800

• 1 inch tube
• Spring loaded instant zero resets turrets
• Elevated windage 
• BDC 800 reticle
• Magnification ranges from 4-12x
• 40mm objective diameter
• Provides open circle aiming points 
• O-ring seal
• Aircraft-grade aluminum tube
• Precise and ergonomic turrets

Best BDC Reticle Rifle Scope under $300

Nikon P-Tactical .308 4-12X40 Matte BDC800 is the best rifle scope under $300 with BDC reticle. Its innovative BDC reticle has hash marks that will help you to aim precisely between 100 and 800 yards.

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#10. Best Multi-purpose Rifle Scope under $300 – Swift SRP659M Premier 3.5-10x44mm Review

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This low price scope offers tons of features and is going to fulfil all your hunting needs as it is designed for hunting, rapid target shooting, tactical shooting and many more. Its wide field view and multi-coated lenses makes it ideal for universal use.

This hunting scope features a 44mm objective glass that will give you better and elevated light gathering even in low light conditions. It is built strong and can be used during heavy downpour as it is waterproof.  

Features of Swift SRP659M Premier 3.5-10x44mm

• Magnification ranges from 3.5-10x
• Hard anodized
• 44mm objective diameter
• Quadraplex reticle
• Comes with fast focus eyepiece
• 44mm objective diameter
• 1″ aircraft quality aluminum construction
• 1/4″ click stop adjustment
• Parallax free at 100 yards
• 3.5/3.2 inches eye relief
• Fully coated lenses

Best Multi-purpose Rifle Scope under $300

Nikon PROSTAFF 5 BDC is an amazing multi-purpose rifle scope under $300 as it provides you with a clear line of sight and is easily mountable on your rifle. Also, this one comes well within one’s price range.

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#11. Best Scope under $300 for Beginners – Vanguard Endeavor RS 3-9×40 Review

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This amazing rifle scope features premium HOYA extra low-dispersion (ED) glass with multiple anti-glare coatings that will provide you with a bright, crisp and clear view of your target. Besides, it’ll not let you down in low-light environments.

Its spf reticle features a crosshair design for precise aiming that will not block the targets at long distance. Additionally, it will allow the hunter to take distant shots with great ease.

Moreover, it provides a magnification range ideal for your big-game hunting.

Features of Vanguard Endeavor RS 3-9×40 

• Second focal plane reticle
• 3-9x magnification range
• 40mm objective diameter
• BDC reticle
• 100 yards parallax setting
• 1/4 MOA per click impact point correction
• 57 MOA windage and elevation adjustment
• HOYA extra low-dispersion glass
• Nitrogen gas filled
• One piece 1 inch tube

Best Scope under $300 for Beginners 

Vanguard Endeavor RS 3-9×40 is the best scope under $300 for beginners because it offers precise aiming and gives accurate results at a low price.

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Buyer’s Guide

What exactly is a long range scope?

Whenever the term “long range” pops up, it must have made you think that whether it’s 50 yards, or 100 yards, or 500 yards, or even more.

It totally depends on the type of scope you are using and its specs. Most experts say that 300 yards is the distance point for long range scopes. Thus, it means that you should buy the scope that can hit the target at least 300 yards away.

However, for such scopes to be efficient you need more features like great magnification range, clear optics, excellent parallax focus, BDC reticle and turret adjustments.

Besides, the scopes we discussed earlier would prove great for your distant shooting, so choose the best rifle scope under 300 bucks according to your needs.

Some factors to consider while buying a $300 scope

The market is flooded with cheap rifle scopes and finding a top notch scope isn’t quite easy too. So, here are a few things to look for while buying scopes under $300.

• Reticle

Scopes offer different kinds of reticles and the most famous among them is BDC reticle. Such scopes will aid you at mid-range and at long-range as well. 

However, you can also find great illuminated reticle scopes under $300, and they will help you at low light environments and with fast target acquisition. 

• Illumination

The size of the objective lens of your scope and its optics determine the illumination. While hunting with a 30-06 cartridge, we’d recommend you to go for at least 32 mm or 40 mm objective diameter scope. The bigger the objective diameter, the more light it will gather.

Besides, a fully multi-coated lens will also help in improving the illumination.

• Magnification

Market is flooded with scopes that offer a variety of magnification ranges and aperture configurations, at a reasonable price. 

So, while going for a higher magnification scope under $300, you need to consider the glass quality as well. There are several scopes that feature a great range of magnifying powers, but lack in the quality of the glass and multiple coatings.

Certainly, you want to see more details of your target and achieve superior image quality, so that you may not miss your shots. Therefore, if it means compromising on magnification and going for a one with quality glass, then don’t hesitate. 

• Coatings

Obviously, the more the coatings, the better the scope is. Whereas, at this price range you may not be able to find a one with specialized exterior protection, but you’ll definitely find many with fully multi-coated optics. And that’s more or less what you need.

However, if your scope doesn’t offer this feature, even if it has a great magnification power, do not go for it.

• Durability

A scope is of no use to you, even if it is packed with tons of features, if it can’t resist the recoil of your firearm. Therefore, make sure that your scope can hold out against kicks and shocks.

Also, make sure that it can withstand harsh weather conditions. Thus, look for the argon-purged or nitrogen-purged scopes. Such scopes will help you a lot during temperature changes or condensation and keep fog at bay.

Are long range rifle scopes under 300 dollars worth it?

You must be wondering: Are scopes under 300 dollars are as good as $1000 or above scopes?

Well, talking about the quality, obviously a low price scope under $300 would be no match to a $1000 or $3000 one. However, getting an over-priced scope for big-game hunting doesn’t make sense, as a scope under $300 would get the job done.

Besides, if you’re an occasional hunter, then we’d recommend you not to go for an expensive scope as there’s no need for that. Today, these budget-friendly scopes contain many features of expensive scope, such as a proper focal plane, clear optics, adequate knobs and many more.

FAQs

What size scope is best for 300 yards?

The best rifle scopes for 300 yards includes:

Name	Magnification & OL
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-inch Tube	3-9x50mm
Nikon Buckmasters II	4-12x40mm
Bushnell Optics	3-9x40mm
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 30mm Tube Scope	4-16x50mm

What is the best rifle scope for under $300?

Here are the best rifle scopes under $300

• Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-inch Tube – Best High Performance Scope
• Nikon Buckmasters II – Best Rifle Scope for 7mm Rem Mag
• Bushnell Optics – Best Scope for 300 Yards
• Vortex Optics Crossfire II 30mm Tube Scope – Best Eye Relief Scope

What is the best long range rifle scope for the money?

Following are the best rifle scopes for money:

PRODUCT	DETAILS
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-inch Tube	Magnification: 3-9x50mm Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC Price Range: Under $300
Nikon Buckmasters II	Magnification: 4-12x50mm Reticle: BDCPrice Range: Under $300

What is the best scope magnification for 100 yards?

Following are the best rifle scopes for 100 yards.

Name	Magnification & OL
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-inch Tube	3-9x50mm
Nikon Buckmasters II	4-12x40mm
Bushnell Optics	3-9x40mm
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 30mm Tube Scope	4-16x50mm

How far can you shoot with a 3 9×40 scope?

You can shoot about 900 yards with a 3 9×40 scope.

Moreover, according to the rule of thumb you get to see additional 100 yards, for every power of magnification. Thus, you can see about 900 yards with a 3-9x.

What distance is a 4x scope good for?

4X is good for around 600 yards. With 4x magnification scopes, your target at 600 yards will appear to be 150 yards away, and this distance can be handled easily. Whereas, if you are shooting an animal which is 400 yards away, with 4X, they will appear to be at 100 yards.

What magnification do I need for 300 yards?

You need 10X magnification for 300 yards.

For most of the hunting situations the average distance is 300 yards, and 10X magnification is enough for this distance. We would recommend not going for higher magnification as it’d result in a smaller field of view.

What magnification do you need to see bullet holes at 100 yards?

You may need a 18-36x rifle scope to see bullet holes at 100 yards. 

For this distance, there’s no need to get a target shooting scope with a larger objective diameter, a scope with a lot of magnification power will do the job. Generally, 18-36x scope would be enough to see bullet holes at 100 yards. However, a great scope with 50mm objective will offer enough magnification to see 22 bullet holes.

Is a bigger objective lens better?

Yes, a bigger objective lens is obviously better. You will be able to shoot accurately at close range, but in low or no light environments your effective range will shorten. Moreover, at higher magnification, a larger objective lens will help you a lot. Whereas, a smaller one will be good for low magnification. 

What does 3 9x40mm rifle scope mean?

In a 3-9×40 rifle scope, 3 means that the image of the target that you see with help of a scope would appear three times (3X) closer than it actually is. The 9 means nine power, or 9X, you’ll be able to see the image nine times closer than it actually is. Moreover, the 40 is the diameter of an objective lens.

Final Thoughts

Cheap scopes does not mean they are inferior or have low quality. All these above mentioned rifle scopes under $300 offer great quality and would enhance your hunting experience.
However, we liked the overall performance of Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-inch Tube. If you want a battery powered v-brite reticle rifle scope that would illuminate your low-light environments, then definitely go for this one.