The .300 BLK is becoming popular among hunters and competitive shooters alike because it gives them the opportunity to use the same rifle for different purposes just by changing the round and adjusting the gas system. This cartridge works really well in short barrel rifles and has good ballistics for shooting targets at typical ranges when using a suppressor.
You’ll do fine with a red dot if you’re using your rifle for CQC or self-defense,. But for hunting, a scope with a variable magnification range of 2-7x or 3-9x would be a good choice. A reticle with a simple crosshair or a duplex reticle is also a good option.
The ultimate choice will depend on your intended use and preferences, but here are some of the best .300 Blackout scopes that you should look into.
Our Best .300 Blackout Scope Reviewed
Vortex Optics Crossfire II Dead-Hold BDC Reticle (Editor’s Choice)
The Vortex Crossfire II Riflescope offers excellent value in terms of quality, functionality, and cost-effectiveness. You’ll appreciate its long eye relief that allows you to acquire the target quickly. With the long eye relief and accommodating eyepiece, you won’t have to worry about parallax irrespective of the distance.
This single tube scope’s aluminum body ensures strength and shockproof performance. It features anti-reflective and multi-coated lenses to provide bright and clear images. It’s O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to make it useful under harsh weather conditions.
We were impressed by its image clarity under fog and light rain. Few of our team members reported that it helped them see better under low light conditions when compared to the naked eyes.
Besides, it didn’t lose zero, and that was a significant factor for heavy recoil rifles like the AR-15. It was easy to mount on AR platforms.
This optical device has an MOA of 60, and the capped reset turrets are finger adjustable, meaning you can quickly reset the zero after each shooting. The only downside is that it doesn’t come with a lens cover.
The Crossfire II scope is available in different magnification options, ranging from 7x to 12x, meaning it’s specialized for your .300 AAC Blackout rifle.
Specifications
- Magnification: 2 – 7×32
- Material: Aluminum
- MOA: 60
- Multi-coated lenses
- O-ring sealed
Pros
- Shockproof performance
- Anti-reflective and multi-coated lenses
- Long eye relief
- Fog and waterproof
- Adjustable focusing
- Reasonably priced
- Excellent for daytime applications
Cons
- No lens cover
Our Verdict
This is a sleek and highly efficient .300 Crossfire II scope to help you get the most from your weapon without breaking the bank. You can easily adjust the settings without tools, and the fully multi-coated lenses ensure you enjoy every bit of the view.
We liked it sporting just the right kind of reticle–Dead-Hold BDC– that is superb for training, hunting, and general-purpose applications. On top of that, you’ll be satisfied with its build-quality and adjustable magnification. We highly recommend this best Vortex scope for 300 blackout from our end.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II Adjustable 30mm Tube (Great Choice)
This is another amazing scope from Vortex and we loved it for hunting at dusk, early morning, or in foggy weather; thanks to the multi-coated lenses and illuminated reticle.
It comes with easily adjustable rings for windage and elevation, meaning you can easily target a moving prey. There’s a knob for setting the display under dim light, and the dot didn’t get hazed throughout its different brightness settings.
You can switch the red dot on or off to conserve the battery and still have the standard reticle. When we used it on an AR15 rifle, it held on correctly, and the zero didn’t change. It was quite useful for fast target acquisition, but the red dot was a little hard to see in daylight hours.
Made of aircraft-grade aluminum; you can expect a lasting and satisfying performance out of it.
Specifications
- Weight: 23.6 ounces
- Reticle: Red dot
- Magnification: 1 – 4×24
- Tube diameter: 30mm
- Material: Aluminum
Pros
- Ideal for low-light conditions
- Battery-powered electronics
- Long eye relief
- Anti-reflective lenses
- Capped reset turrets
- Aluminum body
Cons
- Challenging to view in daylight
Our Verdict
WIth this scope, you can accurately shoot up to a distance of 1000 yards. Looking at its build-quality and specifications, this model is an excellent deal for the money, and you won’t be disappointed.
UTG 3-12×44 30mm Compact (Budget Scope)
When looking for a more affordable scope, the UTG 3-12×44 is the right choice for your .300 blackout and has a good price-to-quality ratio. It features an innovative EZ-TAP illumination enhancing system (IE) with a red/green color mode and 36 color modes, making it suitable for all light conditions.
The ease of setting zero and switching between the colors will always endear you to this model, thanks to its control buttons. You can lock the zero turrets, which means once you set it, nothing can shift it.
Overall, the scope was a great performer even at 1000 yards, but we noticed a little distortion on the edges of the field of view when using the red reticle.
This unit is equipped with a CR2032 battery to illuminate the crosshair, especially when you’re hunting in the night. There is a knob for making parallax adjustments between 10 yards to infinity.
The UTG version comes with caps to protect the lens from grime, dust, and scratches. It’s also equipped with a sunshade to reduce glare while enhancing image clarity.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3 – 12x
- Tube diameter: 30mm
- Objective diameter: 40mm
- Length: 264mm
- Weight: 23.2 ounces
- Batteries: CR2032 3V
- Parallax setting: 10yds – Infinity
Pros
- Multi emerald coated lenses
- Built on true strength platform
- Completely sealed and nitrogen filled
- Shockproof, fog proof, and waterproof
- EZ-Tap illumination enhancing system
- Consistent zero
- 36 color modes
Cons
- Slight distortion at the edges of the view
Our Verdict
For a pretty accurate scope that won’t put a dent in your pocket, the UTG 3-12×44 is an excellent choice. It comes with a battery, parallax adjustment knob, and patented illumination to produce clear images at all magnification levels.
ATN X-Sight II HD 314 Smart Day/Night (Multifunctional Choice)
The ATN Scope has many distinguishable features that give it a top spot on our list. It comes in a durable case, measuring at 11.6 x 3.4 x 3.1 inches and weighs 2.15 pounds.
Do you want to hunt in both daylight and night? Don’t worry anymore. The ATN sight uses an HD technology that provides clear images in all lighting conditions.
What’s more, if you want to calculate your target range to improve your accuracy of shots, this one’s for you. It has a built-in rangefinder, so you don’t need extra equipment to determine your range of the target.
While you can use this scope for hunting and tactical shootings, it is a great companion for any wildlife photographer. It’s equipped with a RAV technology for recording your experiences in the wild. Besides, you can connect it with your phone via Wi-Fi to stream the videos.
Without any doubt, the ATN scope will make you a better shooter than you can imagine. Fortunately, it comes with a Ballistic calculator, which allows you to determine the exact ballistics for the range quickly. There is the ATN infrared illuminator that helps to illuminate your path.
It comes with a 20,000mAh USB battery pack that can power your device for about 22 hours. Unlike our previous choices, it’s impossible to use this device without the additional power source, which makes it too bulky for most AR platforms. So, it’ll add a little weight to your rifle, but you’ll quickly adjust over time.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-14x
- Ballistic Coefficient: 0.371
- Day and Night mode
- Rangefinder
- IR flashlight
- Battery pack
- Dimensions: 11.6 x 3.4 x 3.1 inches
- Weight: 2.15 pounds
Pros
- Excellent image quality
- Recoil Activated Video
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Night vision
- IR light
- Rangefinder and ballistic calculator
- Magnification adjustments
Cons
- A little bulky for most ARs
Our Verdict
This scope works great, the picture quality is exceptional, and the night vision is above expectations for a model at this price point. Multifunctional, durable, and fun to use, no doubt why it’s the best .300 blackout rifle scopes.
Trijicon 1-6×24 VCOG (Advanced Choice)
For a more advanced hunting scope, you can’t go wrong with the Trijicon VCOG Riflescopes. This tool offers different reticle shapes that match various bullets, including the 7.62×35mm.
It features the first focal plane (FFP) that allows you to use its ballistic reticle at any magnification. Besides, it has several measurements that can help you reference your point of impact and range of targets.
The clarity of the glass is fantastic, and eye relief is 4 inches, which is long and not constraining for the user. This is a real match for the AR platform as it allows for precise shooting of close targets and performs well at long-range shots.
We discovered that we could set it up and zero within minutes. Also, the battery life was remarkable, and we didn’t need an extra pack. However, its focus and magnification adjustment knobs were too stiff, but that wasn’t a deal-breaker for us since it helped to prevent the setting from changing accidentally.
Specifications
- Eye relief: 4 inches
- Max runtime: 700 hours
- MOA: 90
- Reticle: Crosshair
Pros
- Well-made and durable
- Easy to mount
- Awesome reticle illumination
- Long-lasting battery
- Flexible and long eye relief
Cons
- Expensive
- Stiff adjustment knobs
Our Verdict
If you want a durable machine with crystal clear glass without minding the extra bucks, this VCOG version is for you. It’s almost impossible to say everything about this scope, but we were satisfied with its accuracy, durability, and performance.
Trijicon 4×32 ACOG/RMR Combo
The Trijicon ACOG is one of the most popular scopes for the US military, hunters, and tactical shooters. This sighting system is designed to give you a distinct tactical advantage with the option of either dual illuminated green crosshair 5.56 reticle or the RMR type 2 sight.
The housing is of aircraft aluminum alloy, making it lightweight yet nearly indestructible. It features the Bindon Aiming Concept, which allows you to sight and shoot with both eyes open. This means you’re always aware of your environment while keeping a tap on your target.
While you’ll like its rugged construction, you’ll find it easier to use and maintain since it doesn’t need an independent power source. Ideally, it uses the tritium and fiber optic illuminated reticle, which automatically adjusts its brightness based on the available light.
The ranging reticle allows for bullet drop compensation out to 800 meters without any manual adjustments. However, people with astigmatism may have challenges seeing crosshair.
Specifications
- Material: Aluminum
- Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 6 inches
- Weight: 1 pound
- RMR dot color: Amber
- Tritium/fiber optic illuminated reticle
Pros
- No batteries needed
- Uses fiber optics in daylight and tritium at night
- Quick to mount and unmount
- Easy to compensate for the range
- Aircraft aluminum alloy housing
- Dual sighting system
Cons
- Not ideal for people with astigmatism
Our Verdict
Compact size, weighing at 1 pound, and coming with a mounting device, you’re assured this scope will meet your needs. It doesn’t need batteries, making it easier to maintain. This item is a little pricey, but you’ll find it quite useful for your AR pistol platforms.
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 Second Focal Plane
The Strike Eagle is inarguably one of the best .300 blackout optics because of its amazing speed and versatility. You can easily adjust its magnification up to six powers when engaging targets at a distance. It’s made of high-quality materials and features a multi-coated lens to deliver a clear image even under poor light. The glass is pretty transparent, and the fast focus dial on the eyepiece ensures it doesn’t appear blurry.
It’s lightweight, durable, well-built, and highly recommended for taking distant targets. The reticle is easy to adjust and has 11 illumination settings to accommodate various light conditions.
This unit is shockproof and can function in all weather conditions. It comes with the Vortex lifetime warranty, which clearly shows its level of reliability, craftsmanship, and build-quality. The scope is equipped with caps to protect the lens from dust, dirt, fingerprint stains, and scratches. Besides, with a single click, you can easily remove the extra battery that’s stored in the windage cap.
However, it had a few distortions at the edges, and finding the right eye relief was a little challenging for us. Yet, the return zero and target acquisition worked excellently. Compared to other expensive scopes out there, the Strike Eagle provided exceptional value for money.
Specifications
- Magnification: 1-6×24
- 11 brightness settings
- Waterproof
- Shockproof
- Fogproof
- Material: Aluminum
Pros
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Lens protective caps
- A fast focal dial on the eyepiece
- 11 illumination settings
- Glass etched BDC reticle
- Easily adjustable magnification
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- Minor distortions at the corners
Our Verdict
An excellent scope at its price point`, any experienced shooter will find it impressive. You’ll appreciate its fast focal dial on the eyepiece, which ensures your reticle looks sharp and convenient. Besides, the multi brightness settings will let you enjoy it any time of the day.
Monstrum G2 1-4×24 First Focal Plane
The Monstrum G2 Rifle Scope is designed to deliver premium performance for the dedicated hunter. It includes a First Focal Plane, here, the reticle is positioned to the front of the magnification lens, meaning the dot will increase or decrease in relative to the magnification adjustment. With this, you’ll enjoy faster distance estimation and holdover correction.
The 1-4x magnification allows you to transition between close and distant targets easily. Multiple brightness settings help to enhance the visibility of the reticle under night or low light environments.
What’s more, this Monstrum scope comes with a set of rings that allow you to attach it to any Picatinny rail quickly. Also, there are flip lens covers and cleaning cloth to help maintain the quality of the glass. This model carries a one-year warranty that covers all manufacturer-related defects.
The eye relief was quite generous and complemented the use of this tool in any situation. Our only dislike was that the magnification adjustment ring was a bit tight, and made it difficult to change the power.
Specifications
- Magnification: 1-4x
- Diameter: 30mm
- Eye relief: 4-4.5 inches
- Material: Aluminum
- Battery: CR2032
- Lens diameter: 24mm
Pros
- Faster range estimation
- Red and green reticles
- Windage and elevation adjustments
- Flip lens covers
- Picatinny attachment rings
- Easy to read ranging information
Cons
- Stiff magnification adjustment ring
Our Verdict
We simply love this scope because we believe this is the best low light scope under 300 USD. The construction is robust, the sighting is a breeze, and the clarity of the images and the illumination of the reticle for both color options are impressive. Give it a try and see the difference for yourself!
TRUGLO TRU-Brite 30 Series Illuminated Tactical
The TRU-Brite 30 Series incorporates everything you’ll need in a .300 blackout specific scope. It’s well constructed and super durable. You’ll like the fact it has an extended throw lever, which makes it much easier to operate. You can comfortably move it across various platforms.
Another important thing about this model is that it has both red and green options for the reticle. The turrets are calibrated so you can adjust and lock the zero quickly. We observed that the reticle worked fine on both colors, and the glass was pretty clear with no distortions at the corners.
A few reviewers reported that the hex screws on the turrets tend to loosen after firing several rounds like the cops, but we had no problem with the mount or rings getting loose.
Specifications
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Magnification: 1-6x
- Dimensions: 12 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches
- Material: aluminum
- Tube diameter: 30mm
- Lens diameter: 24mm
Pros
- Can engage targets up to 800 yards
- Durable construction
- Lockable turrets
- High-speed target acquisition
- Red and green reticles
- A vast field of view
Cons
- Turrets may loosen if wrongly installed
Our Verdict
We couldn’t be more pleased with this device. It was a fantastic value for the money, and we recommend it to anyone looking for the best .300 blackout scope at an affordable price.
Nikon P-Tactical .300 BLK 2-7×32 Matte BDC Supersub
The Nikon P-Tactical is just great for the .300 blackout rifles. This scope provides the specs you need to maximize your shooting experience when using AR platforms. Many users will appreciate the Nikon’s BDC reticle for its unique open circle aiming point and markings. This makes it easy to switch between distances of 100 to 600 yards, and that’s within the effective range of the .300 blk.
This scope is housed in a one-inch aircraft-grade aluminum tube that can withstand hard recoil and rugged use. It is purged with nitrogen to ensure it’s protected against thermal shock. With this device, you don’t have to panic if you get caught up in the rain as it’s O-ring sealed to prevent moisture from ruining the internal components.
It had good eye relief and clear glass aside from being accessible to zero. The 2-7 variable zoom worked well, and we had nothing but good results from this scope. Though it lacked a few high-end specs like night vision, IR illumination, and customizable reticle, its plenty of positive reviews indicated that other users were so satisfied just like us.
Specifications
- Weight: 0.96 ounces
- Magnification: 2-7×32
- One-inch body tube
- Material: Aluminum
- Max range: 600 yards
Pros
- Fully multi-coated lens
- Lightweight and durable
- Water-resistant & shockproof construction
- Ergonomic turrets
- Versatile zoom range
- Consistent eye relief
Cons
- No night vision
Our Verdict
The Nikon P-Tactical model is one of the best offers around as you can delight in its excellent build-quality, functionality, and reasonable price. The elevation and windage turrets are marked for easy adjustments. You’ll have a fun-filled shooting experience as it comes with generous and consistent eye relief. Overall, this is an outstanding scope for the price point.
.300 Blackout Scope Buying Guide
1. Intended Application
Your purpose determines the quality of and the budget for your scope. For example, are you buying your rifle accessory for target shooting, lawful combat activities, hunting, and other recreational shots? With this in mind, you can make a worthy investment and maximize the effectiveness of your device.
2. .300 Blackout range and magnification
Figure out your most comfortable shooting range and if you shoot across different zones, opt for an optic with adjustable magnification.
- Close range – The .300 blackout is optimized for this range as it has the highest power. Ideal magnification for a distance of 20 to 150 yards is 1-4x.
- Medium range – This is the perfect position if you’re clearing off varmints from your area. At 150 to 300 yards, you’ll use a magnification power of about 5 – 9x.
- Long-range – Here, you’ll likely take down a few games because of the drop in penetrative power, but if you’re with the right scope; it’s worth the try. So, at 300 yards and above, you’ll be using 9x magnification or more.
3. Quality of light filtration
You need a scope with a multi-coated lens that can filter and transmit light appropriately.
4. Quality of lens
Look for a high-quality glass that’s immune to finger stains, dirt, and scratches.
5. Types of Reticles
- BDC Reticles – These are perfect for target and long-range shooting at 250 yards and above.
- MOAR – Works best when aiming at small targets.
- Duplex Reticle – This is the trendiest and most natural to use. It’s for mid-range shootings, making it an excellent choice for the 300 round.
- ACSS – This is for drop bullet drop compensation, leads, and range estimation.
- Mil-Dot Reticles – You’ll have to use mil-dot for MRAD measurements during tactical shootings.
6. Strength & Durability
Your scope should have a robust exterior that’s proof to impact, moisture, fog, and dirt. A quality scope can withstand tough circumstances and harsh weather elements without losing its functionality.
7. Scope Weight
Find the best .300 Blackout scope that’s compact and lightweight enough to keep your rifle balanced while still offering an amazing performance.
8. Eye Relief
The term eye relief describes the sufficient distance between your eyes and the view window. Most scopes allow your eye to be several inches away from the lens while others only need half an inch.
However, more extended eye relief means a more comfortable shooting and fewer incidences of recoil striking your face. We recommend scopes with at least 6 inches.
9. Type of Platform
Generally, there are three platforms for the .300 blackouts; these are pistols, AR rifles, and short barrel rifles
- .300 Blackout Pistols – While there are lots of reasons for buying the AR-15 handguns, top of the list is that they serve as a reliable substitute for any short barreled rifle (SBR), making the .300 AAC their most excellent cartridge.
- .300 Blackout Rifles and Carbines – Depending on what you’re hunting for, you’ll either choose a simple or complex scope. Of course, you won’t use the same optic for a patrol carbine as you would for hog hunting.
- Short Barrel Rifles – When you’re not shooting at a great distance, the usual cartridge is a heavy subsonic, and there’s no need to increase your firearm’s weight with an enormous powerful scope.
10. Type of Optic
When you’re hunting with hypersonic ammunition, using an optic will help increase your target accuracy. You’ll likely have issues when pairing a .300 blackout rifle with scopes with higher magnification or exposed turrets. For best results, consider using the best 300 Blackout scope with 6x to 8x magnifications.
However, subsonic rounds will work well with low magnification scopes as they’re more useful within 100 yards. Optics like red dot sights, holographic sights, and other small power scopes have faster target acquisition and allow you to make transitions between targets easily.
Always check the reticle markings on the scope to ensure it’ll match your .300 blackout caliber.
11. Budget
Your sight should match the quality of your rifle. If you use a high-end optic scope with a cheap gun, you’re probably going to downplay most of its specs. The price ranges between $150 to $200. Many variables determine their costs e.g. those with fixed magnification are relatively cheaper.
Ideally, we don’t think you’ll find the best optics for .300 blackout under $100 because they might lack many crucial features. Make sure you invest in a scope with a good build-quality that can withstand the power from the AR-15 rifles and .300 blackouts.
What’s So Special About the .300 Blackout?
- Short to moderate range and can perform with supersonic and subsonic rounds
- Can save barrel life due to its lower powder charge
- Perfect for use with a suppressor
The .300 Blackout is a short to moderate range round. Ideally, it was designed to outperform the 5.56 magazine and perfect the flaws found in the AR-15’s rifle. The 5.56 can only perform at its peak with the 20-inch barrel but will lose range and momentum if you shorten the gun’s length.
Compared to the 6.8 cartridge (SPC) that’s more powerful than the 5.56, the .300 blackout has a unique capability as it drops 2 inches lower than the 6.8 SPC. Also, the 6.8 SPC has a higher velocity and muzzle energy rating than the .300 blackout round.
But the 6.8 SPC has a more challenging conversion because it’s design was based on the old .30 Remington cartridge which requires a different bolt and less standard magazine capacity. So, the .300 blackout is specifically for ease of conversion. It allows you to use the standard bolt and a full capacity magazine by only changing the barrel and gas system.
However, the .300 blackout reaches its highest performance with a 9-inch barrel. It can perform outstandingly with both supersonic and subsonic rounds. Besides, you can easily swap between subsonic and supersonic mags to enhance their potential. It’s mostly found in single shotguns, AR-15, and bolt action rifles.
Cleaning & Maintenance Tips
- Keep cleaning kits handy – Since the weather might change unexpectedly, keep your lens pen and cleaning cloth in your backpack to wipe off raindrops or mud splatter.
- Wipe the lens before and after use – After you have invested in a fantastic scope, you wouldn’t want to lose the lens to scratches. Make sure you remove every speck of dust that could degrade its clarity.
- Avoid spraying cleaner directly on the lens – Only spray the cleaning liquid on the cloth since too much moisture could harm the lens’ coating.
- Use a Lenspen – Most hunters and photographers prefer lens pens because they can clean without moisture. Fortunately, they’re quite affordable and easy to use.
- Get a microfiber cloth – Instead of using paper towels, toilet tissues, and Kleenex to wipe the lens; we recommend a microfiber cloth since it won’t scratch the surface nor leave behind cotton fibers.
- Cover the lens – Always keep the caps on whenever you’re not shooting and when cleaning your rifle. This will protect it from dust and prevent the liquid from harming the lens’s waterproof seal or coating.
- Clean the turrets and battery compartment – If you’re hunting in a dusty or windy environment, unscrew the turrets and wipe them thoroughly to prevent rust.
FAQs
1. Can I shoot .223 in my .300 blackouts?
Ans. A .300 BLK round will chamber in a 223 rifle but will never fire accurately. This is because the 22-caliber bore isn’t big enough to handle the. 30 caliber of the 300 blackouts.
2. What is the benefit of .300 blackouts?
Ans. The .300 blackouts were designed to enhance the firing and penetrative power of the AR platforms. Besides, the .300 BLK has a wider range of projectiles and can quickly cycle both subsonic and super ammunition.
3. Which is better – 5.56 or .300 blackout?
Ans. For target shooting and training, the .300 BLK will get expensive after firing many shots and we’ll recommend 5.56 for that reason. You’ll need the lethality of the 300 AAC if you’re targeting animals like deer or hogs. The extra weight of the .300 blackouts gives more penetration, but for small games, choose the 5.56. Though the .300 BLK can’t replace the 5.56 blackout, it does outshine in most areas.
4. What is the best barrel length for .300 blackouts?
Ans. Although 8″ to 16″ barrel lengths work well with the .300 blackout, a shorter 8″ to 10″ barrel provides better maneuverability and ease of use in close quarters or when hunting in dense terrain but you’ll have slightly reduced velocity and accuracy at longer ranges.
5. Is .300 blackout or 223 quieter?
Ans. The .300 Blackout is superbly silent when compared to the 223 round.
6. What magnification makes the best scope for 300 blackout hunting?
Ans. Most hunting activities take place at 200 yards or higher ranges. To see well at these ranges, you will need 3X or 4X magnification. You can use scopes with more variables to hunt at longer ranges.
Leave a Comment