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Top 5 Best Rifle Scope under 300 Dollars – Reviews

Best Rifle Scope under 300

Have you been searching online for reviews of the best rifle scope under 300? There are many rifle scopes sold for less than 300 dollars, but how do you determine which is good and which are terrible?

We know how crucial it is to get the best possible scope for your rifle. A good scope is going to make things easier as far as shooting and marksmanship are concerned. 

While the need for a quality scope is a given, what you are most likely concerned about is the quality. After all, how many rifle scopes for less than 300 bucks can be regarded as good? That is why we created these reviews. 

The best way to deal with the problem of a low quality scope is to get a better one. And the good news is you don’t have to spend a lot of dough, less than 300 dollars in fact.

Name

Magnification & OL

Reticle

FOV

Price

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-24x50mm AO Riflescope

6-24x50

Dead-Hold BDC (MOA)

17.3-4.4 feet /100 yards

Primary Arms 5X Compact Prism Hunting Scope

5.45x39

ACSS Reticle

18.80 ft (@100yds)

Primary Arms 4-14X Tactical Scope with Front Focal Plane

4-14X44

Mil-Dot Reticle

9 - 30"

Burris AR-Tripler Gen2 with Pivot Ring Combo Set

3x25

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44(st @ 100 yds)

Nikon P-308 4-12x40 Riflescope, Matte, BDC 800

4-12x40

BDC 800

@ 100 yds 7.9 - 23.6 ft @ 100 yds

Our Picks

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Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-24x50mm AO Riflescope

Score: 4.2  Andrew Garfield

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II is built for hunting, shooting and target practice. It is made from heavy duty materials, making the ideal option for hours of shooting. It has a fast focus eyepiece and eye relief so you can aim and shoot with comfort.

Its multicoated lenses are as good as advertised. The clarity level is one of the sharpest we have come across. We also have to say that the scope is durable and can handle the recoil of some powerful rifles.

The MOA turrets are easy to adjust and gives you more control when acquiring a target. As an upgrade over the original Crossfire, Crossfire II offers greater accuracy and durability. The tube is made of aircraft grade aluminum, underscoring its strength. The scope is nitrogen purged and has an O seal as well.

Features:

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    The Crossfire II has a diameter of 30 mm. This is standard for a lot of scopes, making it easier to use than other rifle scopes.
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    The scope has anti reflective coatings on its surface. This reduces the possibility of glares and makes it easy to use under diverse lighting conditions.
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    The scope is constructed from a single piece. This is a major feature that gives the unit greater stability and durability.
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    The scope has a well-designed eye relief. By using this you will be able to shoot more accurately.
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    The MOA turrets can be reset. By adjusting the turrets you will have an easier time setting your sights on a target.

Pros

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    Solidly made
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    Clear optics
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    Easy to clean
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    Compatible with popular rifles
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    Smooth finish

Cons

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    The instructions are a bit short
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    Slightly longer than most scopes
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    Heavier than some scopes

The Vortex Optics is a remarkable scope, and it is also one of the more versatile ones we have seen. The optics is clear and works great under different weather and lighting conditions too, so we give this our recommendation.

Primary Arms 5X Compact Prism Hunting Scope

Score: 5  Andrew Garfield

The Primary Arms 5X is an all-around scope that provides the benefits you’d expect from a quality product. With its red and green reticle and 5x magnification, you can stay some distance behind your target and still see it.

We also have to add that the scope is built to handle recoil. One of the most common problems regular hunting scopes is their inability to handle pressure. With the 5X, you can use it with high recoil refiles.

Its 3 year warranty says a lot about the scope’s durability. More than that, the scope also has a 1913 Picatinny mount and also works with AK 47 and AR 15 base platforms, underscoring its versatility.

Features:

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    The 5X uses the proprietary ACSS reticle. With this feature you will have a simpler time adjusting the range.
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    The scope is designed so it is compatible with a lot of rifles. It works with all the most commonly used guns so you can mount it in minutes.
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    The scope has a 5x magnification. By using this with your sighting system you will get a sharper view of whatever it is you’re looking at.
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    The 5X has the reticle etched, and it does need any illumination. By adjusting the red and green reticle you’ll have a better view.
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    The scope is built from durable materials. This only goes to show how effective the Primary Arm 5X is and why it’s good for advanced users.

Pros

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    Has a 3 year warranty
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    Enhances accuracy
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    Fits most rifles
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    Easy to use reticle
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    Numerous adjustment options

Cons

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    A very slight blur when magnification is at maximum
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    ​Patented sighting needs some getting used to for new users
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    Maximum brightness is a bit too vivid

The Primary Arms 5X is for anyone who wants a high quality scope. It is accurate, sharp and suitable as much for hunting as it is for shooting a few rounds.

Primary Arms 4-14X Tactical Scope with Front Focal Plane

Score: 4.6  Andrew Garfield

The Primary Arms scope is a powerful scope, combining versatility and performance. One of the things we like about this scope is that it is compatible with a wide range of rifles. Mounting is quick and the glass is also clear.

The scope is easy to adjust and it is also properly assembled. These scopes are also accurate, good for hundreds or thousands of yards away. Zeroing the scope is easy to do, and the windage and elevation adjustment is just as efficient.

The clicks are clear and the cope does very well even when used in low lit environments. Whether it is in the middle of the day or its dawn, the scope delivers.

Features:

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    The Primary Arms Tactical Scope has a 4-14x magnification. With a few quick movement of your fingers, you can fine tune it to zero in on your objective.
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    The scope has a 3 year warranty. With this feature you can feel confident about using the scope in different situations.
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    The Primary Arms has a first focal plane built in. This allows you to make a more accurate aim and hit the target.
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    The scope has a Mil-dot reticle in the front focal plane. With this you’ll be able to go through the magnification range without compromising performance.
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    The Primary Arms has a 0.1 Mil click adjustments. This makes it easier to adjust the sighting without any issues.

Pros

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    Clear optics
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    Portable
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    Has a 3 year warranty
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    Easy to mount
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    High compatibility level

Cons

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    There is no reticle illumination
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    Tracking could be more consistent
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    There is a tiny amount of haze at maximum power

The Primary Arms Tactical Scope is as good as advertised. Its magnification level is among the best in this class of scopes. Whether it’s for hunting or you’re looking for a new scope, then the Primary Arms will do fine.

Burris AR-Tripler Gen2 with Pivot Ring Combo Set

Score: 4.6  Andrew Garfield

The Burris Gen2 is built for all around shooting. Made from quality materials, the scope is also notable for its lifetime warranty. While other scopes only cover the first few years, this one is in for the long run so that should put your mind at ease.

The scope was tested extensively prior to being released, and it shows in the quality and build. The scope is very accurate and the way it works with most rifles makes it an ideal choice for a lot of users. The pivot ring also does what it should and simplifies a lot of the work involved in mounting. Lastly, the glass quality is top notch.

Features:

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    The scope is manufactured using only the highest quality materials. This means you can use it in the woods and other locations.
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    The scope has a pivot ring built in. This quick detach pivot ring makes it easier to install compared to other scopes. 
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    The scope has a 44 ft @ 100 yards field of view. This is more than enough to get a good look at the target, even if it’s moving.
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    There is an eye relief measuring 2.5 inches. It is not the longest we have tried, but it dos the job fine.
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    The scope is constructed from just one piece. Because of its built you’ll be able to utilize the scope in complex hunting and shooting situations.

Pros

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    Has a lifetime warranty 
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    Excellent field of view
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    Easy installation
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    Compatible ​​​​with most rifles
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    Made from high quality products

Cons

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    A bit short for Aimpoint Pro mounts
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    Eye relief is short
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    Nose is close to the charging handle on ARs

The Burris Ar Tripler Gen2 is an outstanding scope, good for long range shooting. It is also effective for short and medium rang firing, so it meets the needs of different users. For these reasons we give this the thumbs up.

Nikon P-308 4-12x40 Riflescope, Matte, BDC 800

Score: 4.6  Andrew Garfield

The P-308 is a solid rifle scope that’s deigned to work with a diverse range of rifles. It fits nicely with most rifles so you don’t have to worry if your gun is going too work with it. The scope itself is well made: it follow the one piece construction of other scopes to ensure that it will last.

The scope is easy to adjust and you’ll be able to fine tune to the specific setting you want. Its magnification and objective lens are good enough for most hunting and target shooting activities as well. The scope itself isn’t too heavy so it is not going to make tire you out even if you fire hundreds of rounds.

The scope’s quality is among the finest in its range, and it is also low maintenance, making it a practical choice.

Features:

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    The scope comes with anti reflective compounds. These ensure the optics are always clear when you use it regardless of the time of day.
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    The P-308 is compatible with Nikon’s Spot On Ballistic technology. This allows you to make full use of Nikon technology to get the best results.
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    The scope is built from a single unit. The one piece construction ensures its strength and ability to withstand long term use.
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    The reticle is designed for the 308 win trajectory. When used properly you get the optimum results from long range.
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    The Nikon scope works with the majority of shooting and hunting rifles. In just a few minutes you will be able to mount this and start firing.

Pros

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    Lightweight
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    Easy configuration
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    Quick fine tuning
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    Durable built

Cons

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    The adjustments feel a bit stiff out of the box
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    Magnifying power is just average
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    No fancy features

The P-308 is a no-nonsense scope that provides the kind of performance you’d expect from a known brand. With its clear glass, power and versatility, it’s easy to give this a thumbs up.

How We Wrote This Review

When we decided to write these reviews, we wanted to make sure that it focuses only on the essentials and no fluff. We also set down a series of guidelines that need to be followed when writing each review.

First, each review has been written by experts, people who use rifles and know how a rifle scope works. We chose a specific number of products and narrowed the list and wrote each review in a way that anyone can understand. We include a list of all vital features as well as the pros and cons.

Our reviews were written after doing extensive research. We also looked at what people say about the product and compared it with out own experience. We also consulted other experts to ensure that we were comprehensive in our reviews. In short we made certain that all the vital information has been covered.

Advantage of the Best Rifle Scope under 300 

Rifle scopes are all designed for the same thing – improve your aim – but how they do it differs. The most common mistake people make is assuming that affordable rifles are not good enough.

While it is true that some low cost scopes are poorly made, some are exceptionally good like the five reviewed here. Each of these rifle scopes is well made and can be used in different lighting conditions. Even if it is dusk or dawn, the scope will provide good results.

Aside from costing less than 300 dollars, these scopes are also easy enough for beginners to learn. This is possible because these scopes are compatible with the most common rifle brands. Fitting them is easy and should not take too much time.

Finally, these rifle scopes are durable. Not only do you save money by paying less, but they're also going to last for years

How We Chose the Top 5

We didn’t just choose any scope sold for less than 300 dollars. What we did was set a specific criteria and used that as basis for choosing the top 5.

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    Ease of use: we chose only those that are easy to adjust so even beginners can use them.
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    Clarity: only scopes with a high degree of clarity were included here.
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    Flexibility: we only selected those that are waterproof and can withstand some fog.
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    Compatibility: we made sure that these scopes work with the most popular brands.​​​​
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    Accuracy: this is obvious, but our criteria put emphasis on accuracy and rang.

There are a lot of factors that need to be considered, but the ones above are the most critical. We then tested the scopes: after ensuring they meet our criteria, we went ahead and included them in our list.

Who Should Buy These Scopes?

These scopes are for all rifle enthusiasts who want a cost effective, but powerful scope. These scopes are also for those who want:

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    A scope that is waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
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    A scope which can be used for taking out varmint and other pests
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    A scope that improves your aim and accuracy
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    A scope that is built for heavy duty use

Conclusion

If you have been using the scope that came with your rifle, you’ve probably noticed how frustrating it can be to use. By simply replacing that scope with any compatible ones in the reviews above, you will get better performance.

We focus a lot on the rifle that the other feature often get ignored. That should not be the case since the scope has a direct effect on your accuracy. If you want to have better accuracy from a distance, then a quality rifle scope is the best choice. And yes, even for less than 300 you can still get a high value scope.

We hope the reviews here have helped you make the appropriate choice. Deciding what the best rifle scope under 300 is does not mean just trusting the ads blindly. By using a review guide like this, you will know exactly what you are paying for. 

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Andrew Garfield
 

Andrew is an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He has years of experience in hunting with expert knowledge in hunting tactics, rifle scopes and all types of hunting gear.

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