The Best Rifle Scopes Under $300 in 2022

Are you looking for the best rifle scope under $300? In this buying guide, we will show you that you do not need to spend a lot to afford a rifle scope. Because of advancing modern technology, there is an influx of inexpensive scopes for our dedicated hunters and shooters out there who has a limited budget.

To make your life easier and to help you in your hunt for a great sighting device with features like red dot sight or rangefinder reticle, we will review these top suggestions right now. We’re discussing their features, special qualities, pros and cons, to name some. If you’re ready, let us begin reviewing reliable scope for hunting or target practice.

Best Rifle Scope Under $300 Reviews of 2021

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-16×50 AO SFP Riflescope

The Vortex Optics SFP riflescope offers the highest level of performance and reliability on the field with its dead-hold BDC MOA reticle. This is advantageous for shooting at varying distances without having to guess the windage and holdover corrections. The second focal plane reticle of this scope helps maintain the appearance of your visual at any magnification range.

The adjustable objective lens coupled with a fully multicoated lens gives the shooter superior clarity. It is anti-reflective and efficiently balances the brightness and contrast to give you bright and crisp images at favorable lighting conditions.

Its fast-focus eyepiece also makes it easy to acquire targets fast and accurately. Adjustments are also made easy with the capped reset turrets of the Vortex Optics Crossfire II SFP riflescope that is finger adjustable.

The quality and durability of the Vortex Optics riflescope is guaranteed. This scope is made from aircraft aluminum for heavy-duty performance. It is also O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged for a waterproof and fog proof scope that delivers unparalleled performance.

However, the downside of the Vortex Optics riflescope is that it is a little heavy compared to the other scopes on this list.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II is undeniably a total bang for your buck. It is complete with all the necessary features that a great scope should have. It is affordable, durable and reliable. You might want to check it whether you’re looking for a scope with a long battery life or not. Nevertheless, this scope is one of the finest on the market.

Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 4-12×40 SFP Riflescope

With a magnification power of 4x to 12x, the Diamondback Tactical SFP riflescope provides greater flexibility on the field. It is good for deer hunting or varmint hunting at long or short distances.

The Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical SFP magnification scope is equipped with a VMR-1 MOA reticle. This kind of reticle is ideal for long distance shooting but works well with short-range targets too. It effectively determines holdover and windage corrections needed especially for a moving target.

The SFP reticle on this scope maintains the same appearance at whichever magnification power. Offering you with better accuracy, the Vortex Optics SFP riflescope has a fully multicoated lens with extra-low dispersion elements. The optics of this scope produces bright and clear images in any lighting conditions.

The fast-focus eyepiece of the Diamondback Tactical SFP riflescope allows you to acquire targets easily and more accurately. If you need to adjust while in action, you do not have to worry because the Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical SFP riflescope allows fast adjustments with its exposed tactical turrets. It returns and holds true zero well.

You will not regret investing in a Diamondback Tactical SFP riflescope because of the longevity and durability that this scope offers. It is made of aircraft-grade aluminum and is O-ring sealed and nitrogen-purged for a long-lasting scope.

However, for its downside, this scope’s eye relief is too narrow.

The Tactical SFP riflescope is a well-made high-quality deer rifle scope under $300. Whoever is looking for a top rated scope for an affordable price point, this one is for you.

Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope

The BTR riflescope’s first focal plane reticle helps achieve better accuracy and ease in focusing and shooting on a target. The reticles shrink or grow along with the target when you zoom in or out. Its finer details in determining precise holdover positions.

The Athlon Optics Argos BTR riflescope is ideal for shooting in low-light conditions with its illuminated reticle. This gives you that extra shooting light you need so you can enjoy your craft from dusk until dawn with better visibility of the surroundings and the target.

The fully multi-coated optics of the Athlon Optics riflescope is another plus for this scope. This scope has a superior light transmission with anti-glare elements to give you bright and clear images under any harsh lighting conditions.

The BTR riflescope also offers great scope durability. The tube construction of this scope is made from aircraft-grade aluminum for a solid and sturdy construction. This scope offers a waterproof, shockproof and fog proof performance so you can use this scope under any outside weather conditions.

However, the downside of the Argos BTR riflescope is that it does not hold zero that well.

Overall, the Athlon Optics riflescope is a great product that is well-made and with guaranteed performance. You don’t have to spend too much for a great riflescope, this certain scope does the job well with an economical price. Consider it if you’re looking to use a riflescope with these features.

Nikon P-Tactical .308 4-12×40 Matte BDC800 Riflescope

The Nikon P-Tactical riflescope is equipped with a BDC 800 reticle. This type of reticle offers much ease in aiming and shooting with its unique open circles, dots and hash marks. This scope offers precise aiming points so you don’t have to worry about having to miss a target.

The bright and fully multicoated optics of the Nikon P-Tactical riflescope is another reason why this scope is among the best. This scope produces bright and clear images even at the harshest lighting conditions.

It is also safe to consider the Nikon P-Tactical riflescope as the best tactical scope under $300 that offers you great advantage in any situation. Its versatile zoom range gives you great flexibility on the field in terms of your field of view. It produces clear images both at the lowest and highest magnification power.

To let you have the full advantage in any circumstance, the Nikon P-Tactical riflescope has an easily adjustable turret. The turrets are clearly marked so you can make needed adjustments on your scope as the situation requires.

You can never go wrong with the durability of the Nikon P-Tactical riflescope. This scope is 100% waterproof, fog proof and shockproof for a scope that lasts.

However, for its downside, this scope’s magnification ring is a little hard to adjust.

Overall, the Nikon P-Tactical riflescope is of superior quality. It is well-made and does its job well of helping our shooters achieve that uncompromised performance on the field.

Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope

This scope is also from another known and trusted brand among our fellow shooters is Leupold. Leupold is committed to deliver only the best products that passed the strict scrutiny safety with no quality control issues. The Leupold VX-Freedom riflescope is highly recommended for any target shooters who want a good scope without having to spend too much.

The Tri-MOA reticle of the Nikon P-Tactical riflescope offers a great advantage for our tactical shooters. It is clearly marked and provides shooters with precise aiming points to acquire and maintain focus on a target easily.

Quick adjustments with your Nikon P-Tactical riflescope is also allowed. This scope allows precise ¼ MOA fingertip windage and elevation adjustments of your scope whenever needed.

The one-piece tube construction of the Nikon P-Tactical riflescope is solid and sturdy. This scope is designed to last. It is made from the best materials and made with advanced technologies. You can also use this scope under any outside weather conditions because of its 100% waterproof and fog proof durability.

However, the Nikon P-Tactical riflescope also has a downside. It does not effectively reset to zero which other shooters might not prefer.

Despite that, the Nikon P-Tactical riflescope is one of the coolest scopes you can find and avail of. It is durable, offers great optics and reliable all at such an affordable price.

Redfield Revolution 4-12x40mm Riflescope

One of the wonderful features of the Redfield Revolution riflescope is its 4x to 12x magnification range. This scope has enough magnification power to give you flexibility on the field. This scope provides an excellent field of view not only for long-range shooting but also for shooting at short distances.

The Redfield Revolution riflescope is equipped with the accu-range reticle. This type of reticle optimizes the aiming precision with a circle-crosshair with another aiming point used to compensate for bullet drops.

Another great thing about the Redfield Revolution riflescope is its fully multicoated optics and high-quality glass. This scope is a high-quality low light rifle scope under $300 with optics that afford superior light transmission for brighter and clearer images. This scope performs well even under low-light conditions.

The finger click adjustable turrets of the Redfield Revolution riflescope is also a plus. If a situation demands, you can easily adjust the setting of your scope for your greater advantage.

The longevity of the Redfield Revolution riflescope is guaranteed with its rugged durability. This scope is made from high-grade materials and is waterproof and fog proof. Also, the main tube diameter of the Redfield Revolution riflescope is only 1” that makes this scope lightweight and convenient to use on the field.

However, for its downside, the turret’s click during adjustment is not that noticeable.

Overall, the Redfield Revolution riflescope is a good hunting riflescope of great quality and with guaranteed high level of performance totally worth the value of your money.

Mueller Target 8-32x44mm Riflescope

The Redfield Revolution riflescope is a high-quality mil-dot scope under $300. This reticle has micro-fine crosshair with a target dot effective for fast and precise target acquisition. The side focus parallax adjustment of this scope also conveniently helps in maintaining a clear view of the target in whatever shooting range and position.

The optics of the Redfield Revolution riflescope is also top rated. The high-quality glass and optics of this scope offers bright and high definition quality of images for your better accuracy in shooting at a target. It efficiently balances the brightness settings and contrast of the scope under any lighting conditions for your unobstructed view.

For you to take full control of any situation, the Redfield Revolution riflescope is equipped with fully exposed and easily adjustable turrets. You can change the windage and elevation of your scope whenever you needed to.

The main tube construction of the Redfield Revolution riflescope is highly durable. You can save the money and energy from having to buy a frequent replacement if you choose this scope because this scope is made to last for many repeated uses for a long time.

However, the downside of the Redfield Revolution riflescope is that it needs frequent parallax adjustment for optimal clarity.

Overall, the Redfield Revolution riflescope is a great scope made with the best materials and complete with the necessary features for a relentless performance on the field.

Monstrum G3 6-24×50 AO FFP Rifle Scope

One of the best features of this scope and one of the reasons why many shooters and hunters prefer the Monstrum G3 riflescope is because of its illuminated MOA reticle. With its fully functional illumination, this scope can give you a laser sight that cuts through even in dim light conditions. Illumination can be easily controlled by a knob.

The Monstrum G3 riflescope also has a great magnification power. This tactical riflescope is ideally made for shooting at mid to long-range shooting. With its great optics, this scope maintains the superior image clarity even under any magnification power.

The adjustable objective lens of the Monstrum G3 riflescope offers a great advantage to ensure your accuracy in shooting at a target. It allows for optimal focus, parallax adjustment and range estimation so you can have a clear and unobstructed view of your target all the time.

The windage and elevation turrets of the Monstrum G3 riflescope allows you to make easy and frequent adjustments whenever a situation demands. It also has a zero-reset feature and does hold zero well.

The durability of the Monstrum G3 riflescope is also guaranteed. It is made of durable materials that is scratch-resistant and shockproof and comes with lens covers for guaranteed durability and longevity of your scope.

However, the downside of the Monstrum G3 riflescope is that the crosshairs are quite thin which others might not like.

Overall, the Monstrum G3 riflescope is a well-made scope at an affordable retail price that does not disappoint and does what is intended.

Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm FFP Rifle Scope

One of the features of the Primary Arms SLX riflescope that easily makes it more appealing compared to other brands is its ACSS Orion reticle. This patented reticle is ideal for deer hunting and other animals providing you with precise aiming points.

The ACSS Orion reticle offers the same clarity and consistency under any magnification settings. It helps in acquiring targets faster and efficiently maintaining focus even with a moving target. Its magnification power is great providing you with greater flexibility on the field.

Investing in a Primary Arms SLX riflescope would be a smart move. This scope’s durability is certified. It is made only of the best materials and is waterproof, shockproof and fog proof for a scope that can last for many rounds on the field.

The stylish design of the Primary Arms SLX riflescope is also a plus. This scope is lightweight and convenient to use on the field. It also looks good and would complement any type of firearm you own.

However, the Primary Arms SLX riflescope also has its own downside. The reticle is not illuminated. This scope does not efficiently work under low light conditions.

Overall, the Primary Arms SLX riflescope is a great hunting scope and is highly recommended for our hunters and target shooter. It is complete with amazing features and a high-quality value rifle scope under $300. It is reliable, durable, and affordable and your best bet for your 300 dollars.

Bushnell Nitro 5-20×44 Riflescope

One of the reasons why many shooters and hunters prefer the Bushnell Nitro riflescope is because of its superior clarity. This scope uses a high definition optical system to give you that bright and crisp images you have always wanted.

For greater optics, the Bushnell Nitro riflescope also uses fully multi-coated lenses for optimal light transmission of up to 94%. This scope effectively balances brightness, contrast and color accuracy for better visual.

The high-quality images produced by the Bushnell Nitro riflescope remains true under any magnification range. The magnification of this scope can also be easily adjusted with the adjustment dial. You can easily change the magnification to maintain focus on a target at different shooting distances.

The quality and durability of the Bushnell Nitro riflescope can also be trusted. This scope is O-ring sealed and gas-purged for a waterproof, shockproof and fog proof performance. This scope also comes with lens caps, lens cloth and sunshade.

However, the downside of the Bushnell Nitro riflescope is their customer service. Their customer support is hard to reach which is regrettable.

Overall, the Bushnell Nitro riflescope is a great budget rifle scope from a trusted brand. It is complete with necessary features, more economical and even more important is that it delivers. This scope is highly recommended for those who are looking for great quality scopes at a low price.

What to Expect from the Rifle Scope Under $300

You don’t have to expect less for a scope with a price range under $300 compared to those that are priced higher. Today, many brands can produce scopes that are of great quality but costs much less. This offers a great advantage for our hunters and shooters with a limited budget.

For the best scopes under $300, you can already expect ones with a superior optical system and with optimal light transmission capabilities to offer you high definition images. You can also expect high-quality glasses that are scratch-resistant and anti-glare.

With your 300 dollars, you can already afford a scope with good magnification power that is flexible for long-range and short distance shootings. You can also find one with a fine reticle that offers precise aiming points for your optimal accuracy in aiming and shooting at a target. Easily adjustable windage and elevation turrets that allow frequent and precise adjustments can also be expected.

You should also not expect less with regards to the durability and longevity of a scope at below $300. Scopes today are usually made from high-grade materials and are waterproof, shockproof and fog proof for a solid and sturdy scope that can last for a long time.

Considering all of those, it is important to bear in mind that you do not always have to go for the most expensive option available if your budget would not allow. You can always go and look for budget scope but does not lag in terms of quality and performance.

How to Choose the Best Rifle Scope Under $300

To help you in deciding which is the best rifle scope under 300 dollars that best suits you and your needs, we have prepared a list of some of the important features to take note of before picking your rifle scope. It is not an exhaustive list these are just some of the general considerations that make a high-end scope and worth the value of your money.

Magnification range

The magnification power of a scope is important for better flexibility in shooting at different ranges. The magnification you need generally depends on your intended use for your firearm and scope. For long-range shootings, you need a higher magnification for that. But if you think you will not need a higher magnification then choose the lower ones because they are more economical.

Objective lens

The lens diameter affects the light that passes through your scope which further relates to the brightness of the images produced. As a rule of thumb, the bigger the objective lens the light passes through and the brighter the images would be.

High-quality glass

But aside from the objective lens, what really affects image quality is the quality of the glass and the lens coating. The better the quality the clearer and brighter the images produced would be. Make sure to look for a scope with a glass that is scratch-resistant and durable for a clearer and unobstructed field of view.

Precise reticle

You can also read about the type of reticle used in a scope such as a duplex reticle, mil-dot reticle and others. Choose one that better suits your needs and you can easily adjust to for better accuracy and precision to improve your overall shooting experience.

Superior light transmission

A scope with a superior light transmission could give you that bright sight picture even at the harshest lighting condition. Good optics with optimal light transmission can give you extra minutes of shooting time even when it is close to dusk. With this feature, you can surely enjoy your time on the field from dawn until dusk.

Quick focus eyepiece

A fast-focus eyepiece allows you to easily acquire targets fast and accurately. Generally, it makes your life on the field easier by quickly acquire a target and maintaining focus even on a moving one.

Generous eye relief and exit pupil

For extended hours on the field, a consistent generous eye relief and exit pupil is important. A generous eye relief provides more comfort when you are shooting and gives you more confidence because you know your brows and eyes are protected from any injuries from recoil or eye strain.

Easily adjustable turrets

Windage and elevation turrets that can be finger adjusted is important for making frequent needed adjustments while you are on the field. This characteristics of the best rifle scopes under $300 gives you full advantage of any situation and helps with your accuracy and precision.

Rugged durability

If your scope is durable and can last for a long time then you are getting the best value of your money. Look for a scope with proven and tested durability. It is also easy to look for waterproof, shockproof and fog proof scopes in the market today.

This is not an exhaustive list for a great rifle scope but just some of the general considerations you need to know before taking your pick. But we can assure you that if you have checked on as many points on this list then you are getting the best scope under $300 that suits your needs.

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Conclusion

We have already shown you the basic features that your scope must have and even reviewed some of the top picks for a less than 300 scope now. With this article, we hope that you are now more knowledgeable and ready to pick the best rifle scope under $300 for you.

A good scope means a good time and performance on the field. It is then important that you buy only the best quality scope but this does not necessarily mean you have to spend much. A great rifle scope is still one that can satisfy your needs and more importantly, one you can afford. Continue to flourish and enjoy your craft with your affordable and reliable scope.

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