The popularity of the .300 Blackout has a lot to do with its versatility and ability to offer a hard-hitting option with a comfortable recoil – making it ideal for certain hunting scenarios and general shooting sports. The fact it can easily be shot through existing AR-15 rifles with a simple barrel change makes it even more noticeable.
The addition of scope is definitely something you want for long target acquisition, and we have some of the best scopes for the .300 Blackout highlighted below for you to consider.
Comparison Table Of The 6 Best Scopes For 300 Blackout
BRAND
Vortex Strike Eagle 4-24×50 Riflescope
DETAILS
- Max. Mag: 4x
- Min. Mag: 24x
- Length: 14.9 inches
- Weight: 25.6 ounces
Vortex Optics – Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Rifle Scopes
- Max. Mag: 5x
- Min. Mag: 25x
- Length: 16 inches
- Weight: 31.2 ounces
NightForce NXS5.5-22x56mm Riflescope
- Max. Mag: 5.5x
- Min. Mag: 22x
- Length: 15.2 inches
- Weight: 32 ounces
Bushnell AR Optics Riflescope 3-9x40mm
- Max. Mag: 9x
- Min. Mag: 3x
- Length: 12 inches
- Weight: 19 ounces
Burris BTS 35 1.7-6.8x35mm Thermal Riflescope
- Max. Mag: 6.8x
- Min. Mag: 1.7x
- Length: 9 inches
- Weight: 23.2 ounces
Primary Arms 3×32 Gen III Compact Prism Scope
- Max. Mag: 3x
- Min. Mag: 3x
- Length: 2.95 inches
- Weight: 18.4 ounces
.300 Blackout Popularity Explained
The .300 BLK is a wildcat cartridge made from a 3.56 shell for .30 caliber ammunition. It offers a huge range of versatility, including shooting both subsonic ammo and supersonic ammo suppressed. They convert existing AR-15 rifles with just a barrel change and work well in a pistol configuration also – creating an affordable option for customization.
Overall, you get more velocity and mass without the felt recoil – making it ideal for hunting, plinking, and home defense. It even has made some waves in match shooting competitions.
Scope Benefits – And Why You Want One
The reasons for adding a scope to your rifle are pretty self-explanatory, however, it is nice to truly know what sort of benefits you will be able to take advantage of if you are unsure if you truly need one. Many people take pride in their ability to use iron sights or red dot sights, but for long distances, this may not always be as dependable as you might like. This is especially true when using a .300 Blackout rifle for hunting purposes when you need to ensure a quick, clean, and humane kill.
Magnification Range Options
Being able to take advantage of the entire field of range is provided by a scope. They bring far objects into focus, which is helpful in competitive shooting and hunting scenarios.
Features to Take Advantage Of
Scopes often have many features, such as fine adjustments, elevation and windage adjustments, and even illumination details.
Accuracy Efficiency
Any scope provides an enhanced field of vision and allows you to acquire targets at greater distances.
Shooting Comfort
Shooting can be more comfortable with a scope since you won’t have to be careful balancing and sighting in distances for any major length of time.
Competitive Edge
Using a scope regularly can help you build muscle memory, and make you more familiar with the rifle- and work towards more accurate shots even when you are not using the scope.
Building Confidence
The challenge a scope provides, to take shots you might not otherwise consider, and also the learning curve you will have using the scope will allow you to build confidence in your overall skills.
Added Safety
Scope use provides you the chance to see more than what you may notice with your bare eye. This situational awareness helps increase safety.
Your Scope and Your Needs
Don’t rush out and purchase a scope just because everyone else has one. You need to find the scope that works best for your firearm, and for you. Consider your uses, such as plinking, long-range competition or action shooting, hunting, or simply home defense. If you have a large property that you need an eye on for varmint control, a scope might be a good choice, but short-range shots are more quickly taken without a scope in most scenarios. The bottom line? Be smart about a scope’s use and your decision to add one to your weapon.
The Best Scope for the .300 Blackout Buyer’s Guide
When narrowing down your choice, think about these basics before making a final decision.
Platform Fit
Different platforms often have specialized scope designs to match attachment options. Pay attention to the type of rail your .300 Blackout boasts to ensure a great scope fit.
Glass Quality
The quality of glass used in the optics is also important to pay attention to. Crips, clear images are a must when zooming in and ED or D glass labels, along with anti-reflective and multi-coated lenses.
Reticle Options
Reticles are defined as the aiming point of your field, often designated by cross-hairs (but not always). These are usually adjustable and may change in shape or size to accommodate your preferences and shooting style.
Adjustment Details
The most accurate scopes will offer adjustments for both windage and elevation. For long-distance shots, look for scopes that include these features.
Magnification
It is important to determine which level of magnification is best for your targets. The higher the better is not always your best bet, and could actually screw your accuracy up.
Close Range
- Common Hunting Range
- Under 300 Yards
- 5 to 9x magnification power
Medium Range
- Common Long-Range Hunting and Competition
- 300 – 700 Yards
- 9-15x magnification power
Long Range
- Not ideal for the .300 Blackout
- 700+ Yards
- 15x and up
Top Scope Picks for a .300 Blackout
Below is a compilation of some top .300 Blackout scopes you may want to consider. They provide a wide range of price points and are ideal choices for the ranges you most likely will be shooting in with a .300 Blackout. All of these are the perfect scope for various shooting needs and are worth checking out.
1. Vortex Strike Eagle 4-24×50 Riflescope
- Max. Mag: 4x
- Min. Mag: 24x
- Length: 14.9 inches
- Weight: 25.6 ounces
The Vortex brand are popular scopes and is a top pick for many due to their quality builds that deliver exactly what you are looking for. The Strike Eagle offers an excellent range, providing close to long-range shooting accuracy. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, it is a durable option that is also waterproof to allow shooting in all weather conditions without the worry of moisture getting in the way.
A glass-etched reticle allows quick target acquisition, and will never blur. Illumination qualities help brighten poor lighting conditions, especially in low light situations within cover, or early or late in the day. Tactical style turrets and a fast focal eyepiece makes it comfortable to shoot, and the full 4x to 24x range of focus is incredibly versatile for all your needs.
Who This is For
Great for the 300 Blackout, you can shoot close range, or even try your hand at those further targets. Perfect for hunting support, it offers a clear line of sight for the perfect shot.
Pros
- Incredible clarity
- Fogproof performance and great for temperature changes through the day
- Easy to adjust
Cons
- Like many Viper scopes, it needs a better cover
2. Vortex Optics – Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Rifle Scopes
- Max. Mag: 5x
- Min. Mag: 25x
- Length: 16 inches
- Weight: 31.2ounces
Once again we are highlighting a Viper scope, simply because they really are great choices for a huge range of shooting styles and various firearms. The Viper PST Gen II offers both accurate long-range target acquisition and streamlined close target spotting as well. Laser-etched details provide easy-to-read elevation adjustments and the windage adjustment turrets are in graduations that stay in place. And a zero-stop system allows a hard return to zero combined with locking turrets for increased accuracy.
Adjustments are truly advanced with inclusion with highly functional hold points with an integrated illumination dial with side point, easy access. This also includes a fiber optic rotation indicator for quick turret positioning at all times.
Who This is For
This is truly an optimal option for all scope needs and provides quick access for a short to mid range target that is most likely to be used with a 300 Blackout. Illumination settings are particularly well thought out.
Pros
- Incredibly clear range, even close up
- Illumination is bright enough direct sunlight
- Has every distance shooting feature you need
Cons
- Needs a better cover
3. NightForce NXS5.5-22x56mm Riflescope Scopes
- Max. Mag: 5.5x
- Min. Mag: 22x
- Length: 15.2 inches
- Weight: 32 ounces
Created as an optimal choice as a field scope for hunting in all weather, the NightForce NXS works amazingly in all weather conditions, including pouring rain or below freezing weather. Made from an aircraft-grade aluminum body, the rugged quality makes it very versatile and the range of focus is perfect for short to long-range target needs.
The glass quality provides clarity at all ranges and offers a huge field of view with pinpoint internal adjustments for incredible focus capabilities. The ZeroStop version provides a quick return to zero when needed as well. This was created for Mil-Spec use, and will not disappoint.
Who This is For
This is an advanced field scope created for regular use in all conditions. If you hunt, hike, or haul your firearms around, this is an ideal scope to consider.
Pros
- Durable and rugged
- Excellent performance and versatility
- Clear, all-weather spotting
Cons
- ZeroStop isn’t standard on the scope
4. Bushnell AR Optics Riflescope 3-9x40mm
- Max. Mag: 9x
- Min. Mag: 3x
- Length: 12 inches
- Weight: 19 ounces
The Bushnell AR Optics Riflescope is specific to the short to mid-range shots you will use an ARrifle platform with. Great for various caliber options, every scope features a throw-down PCL lever for height customization. The BDC reticles offer precise elevation holds for various ammunition types, and an illuminated option is available for low-light scenarios. Plus, the fully-multi coated optics allow for incredibly crisp images in all lighting conditions.
Weather-resistant and fog proof, you won’t have to worry about your field of view even on wet, damp days – making it optical for any weather. Made specifically for use to clearly acquire targets with quick, short-range opportunities, the side focus controls are quick and easy to adjust.
Who This is For
When you want a scope built just for your short-range target shooting needs on an AR platform rifle this is it. This durable scope also provides great target acquisition at moderate ranges with awesome image clarity for good versatile use.
Pros
- Very clear and fog-free
- Can handle .30 caliber recoil without issue
- Works well in low light situations
Cons
- Specific only to short-range targets
5. Burris BTS 35 1.7-6.8x35mm Thermal Riflescope
- Max. Mag: 6.8x
- Min. Mag: 1.7x
- Length: 9 inches
- Weight: 23.2 ounces
Ideal for low lighting, heavily wooded, and open range hunting, the Burris Optics BTS Thermal Riflescope is the perfect thermal imaging scope for quick imaging to help track the highest temperature in range. Built with hot track technology, it directs the tracking box to the highest temperature for fast target acquisition. It provides 7 color options and 10 reticle choices for an array of brightness settings, and the ability to mix and match for environmental conditions and lighting conditions – including for daytime shooting when needed.
A built-in stadiametric rangefinder allows precise target distance measurements, and you can control the thermal sight with one hand. The adjustable contrast, brightness, and recording options make this ideal when in the field. With a battery life of 3 to 5 hours, you are good for the hunt. It comes with a charging card and lens cover as well.
Who This is For
This is for the serious shooter who wants fast target acquisition in short-range situations. The clear view and fast heat location gets you on target right away and are an ideal scope for a hunting rifle.
Pros
- Hot track technology provides fast targets
- Color and reticle options allow for customization
- One-handed operation
Cons
- Battery life could be longer
6. Primary Arms 3×32 Gen III Compact Prism Scope
- Max. Mag: 3x
- Min. Mag: 3x
- Length: 2.95 inches
- Weight: 18.4 ounces
Primary Arms is known for their excellent rifle accessory products, and the compact prism scope they provide is a do-everything option you want to check out. The low 3x magnification is great for fast, both eyes open shooting at close ranges, but still allows for an impressive 600-yard accuracy with the correct ammunition. The bright red illuminated reticle is easy on the eyes and offers brightness settings so you can shoot even in full daylight.
A 31.5-foot field of view at 100 yards is impressive for such a small design, and the ruggedized mount ensures it isn’t going anywhere. Finished with a durable type II hard coat anodized black finish, this is made for use in any condition and is compatible with carry handle mounts to avoid fit issues.
Who This is For
This is great for hog hunting and other varmint hunting and provides an effective range for a variety of ammunition types and rifle types. It offers the ideal magnification for what you really need.
Pros
- Excellent field of view
- Compact and easy to use
- Bright reticle
Cons
- Not as accurate at longer distances as stated without Supersonic ammo
Conclusion
A good scope can be a game-changer for various shooting scenarios, and knowing what will work best with your firearm and ammunition type is worth exploring. Whether you are hunting or tactical shooting on the range, a 300 Blackout is designed for more close-quarter shots and is an excellent choice for short to mid-range targets. All of these optics are ideal for these purposes and are offered at reasonable prices for the quality you get.
We’d love to hear about your favorites below, and as always, please share!