The 300 Blackout cartridge is a study in versatility, capable of transitioning from a quiet, subsonic hunter to a supersonic defensive round in a magazine change. This unique flexibility demands an optic that can keep pace, whether you’re in thick brush at 50 yards or taking a precise shot at 300. Choosing the wrong scope can leave you fumbling when speed matters most or guessing at holds with specialized ammunition.
Having relied on my rifle in various conditions, I understand that your optic is a critical force multiplier. This roundup is built from that perspective, ranking ten of the best sighting systems for the 300 Blackout based on durability, reticle functionality, and real-world application. Our goal is to help you match an optic to your specific mission, ensuring your setup is as capable as the cartridge itself.
Our Top Picks for 300 Blackout Optics
- EOTECH HHS II Holographic Hybrid Sight
- Trijicon ACOG Dual Illum Crosshair .300 Blackout
- Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 SFP Gen III Rifle Scope
- Sig Sauer BRAVO3 BTL SGT 3X24 300BLK HS
- Sighthound Ballistics 300 AAC Blackout Magazine Band
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12×40 AO Riflescope
- Athlon Optics Talos Riflescope 6-24 x 50
- Primary Arms SLX 3x32mm Gen III Prism Scope
- Nikon P-300 BDC SuperSub Reticle Riflescope
- Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8×24 SFP Riflescope
EOTECH HHS II Holographic Hybrid Sight
For close-quarters speed and medium-range precision, the EOTECH HHS II system is a top-tier solution. The heart of the system is the EXPS2-2 holographic sight, which provides a large window and a crisp reticle for rapid target engagement with both eyes open. This is a significant advantage in dynamic situations where situational awareness is paramount.
The included G33 3x magnifier, on a quick-flip mount, is what makes this a hybrid sight. You can transition from a red-dot-like experience to a magnified view instantly, allowing for positive target identification and more precise shots at distance. The entire system mounts solidly on a Picatinny rail with a quick-detach lever, making installation and removal straightforward.
Trijicon ACOG Dual Illum Crosshair .300 Blackout
The Trijicon ACOG is legendary for its ruggedness and reliability, and this model is specifically engineered for the 300 Blackout cartridge. Its most notable feature is the battery-free illumination, powered by a combination of tritium and fiber optics. This system automatically adjusts reticle brightness to the ambient light, ensuring a clear aiming point from full daylight to low-light conditions.
Built from forged 7075-T6 aircraft aluminum, this optic can withstand extreme abuse and keep functioning. The fixed 4x magnification is crisp and clear, and when used with the “both eyes open” Bindon Aiming Concept, it allows for surprisingly fast shooting at closer ranges. The dedicated .300 BLK ballistic reticle takes the guesswork out of holdovers for both supersonic and subsonic loads.
Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 SFP Gen III Rifle Scope
This Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO) offers exceptional versatility for a 300 Blackout rifle intended for multiple roles. The 1-6x magnification range lets you run the scope like a red dot on 1x for close-range speed, then dial up to 6x for more precise shots at distance. The glass quality and eye box are impressive for its category.
The real star is the illuminated ACSS reticle. It integrates bullet drop compensation (BDC), wind holds, and moving target leads into an intuitive system. While labeled for 5.56, the BDC scales can be effectively matched to 300 Blackout trajectories with minimal load testing. The illumination has 11 settings, ensuring visibility in any lighting.
Sig Sauer BRAVO3 BTL SGT 3X24 300BLK HS
The Sig Sauer BRAVO3 is a prismatic sight that provides a unique combination of a wide, unobstructed field of view and fixed 3x magnification. Its aspheric lens technology delivers edge-to-edge clarity with very low distortion, making it easy to maintain sight picture and situational awareness. The durable magnesium housing is both lightweight and strong.
This model comes with a dedicated 300 Blackout horseshoe and dot reticle, simplifying aiming for this specific caliber. A particularly useful feature is the integrated Picatinny rail on top of the sight, allowing you to mount a miniature red dot for an ultimate close-quarters backup option. The adjustable eyepiece also accommodates users with astigmatism.
Sighthound Ballistics 300 AAC Blackout Magazine Band
While not an optic, this accessory is critically important for any serious 300 Blackout shooter. The Sighthound Ballistics Magazine Band is a simple, effective solution for preventing a potentially dangerous mix-up. Since 300 Blackout cartridges can chamber in 5.56 rifles with disastrous results, positive magazine identification is a necessary safety practice.
These bands slip easily onto your magazine and provide a clear, color-coded visual indicator that the magazine is loaded with 300 Blackout. This allows for quick identification at a glance, ensuring you grab the correct ammunition for your rifle. The 4-pack ensures you can mark all your dedicated magazines.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12×40 AO Riflescope
If your primary use for a 300 Blackout rifle is hunting or target shooting at extended ranges, the Crossfire II 4-12×40 is a solid choice. The higher magnification range is well-suited for placing precise shots at 200 yards and beyond. The adjustable objective (AO) is a key feature, allowing you to eliminate parallax at specific distances for improved accuracy.
Fully multi-coated lenses provide a bright and clear sight picture, which is crucial during dawn and dusk when game is most active. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is a clean design that provides holdover points without cluttering the view. Combined with Vortex’s legendary VIP warranty, this scope represents excellent value.
Athlon Optics Talos Riflescope 6-24 x 50
For the shooter who wants to push the 300 Blackout to its maximum effective range, particularly on a bolt-action platform, the Athlon Talos offers a high-magnification option. The 6-24x magnification and large 50mm objective lens are designed for long-range target identification and precision shooting. The illuminated MIL-based reticle aids in aiming in low light.
Built from aircraft-grade aluminum, this scope is durable enough for field use. The side focus knob allows for easy parallax adjustment. This scope is best suited for a dedicated long-range or varminting setup where weight and close-quarters speed are secondary to optical performance and precision at distance.
Primary Arms SLX 3x32mm Gen III Prism Scope
This is arguably one of the best dedicated optics for the 300 Blackout cartridge. The fixed 3x magnification is a great balance for close-to-medium range engagements, and as a prism scope, it is forgiving for shooters with astigmatism. The new ruggedized mount provides a very secure attachment to your rifle’s rail.
Its standout feature is the ACSS-300BLK/7.62×39 reticle, which is specifically calibrated for this caliber. It provides precise BDC holdpoints out to 600 yards for supersonic loads and 225 yards for subsonic loads, completely eliminating the need for guesswork. The included height riser adds to its mounting flexibility.
Nikon P-300 BDC SuperSub Reticle Riflescope
The Nikon P-300 was one of the first scopes designed from the ground up for the 300 Blackout’s dual-personality ammunition. Its 2-7×32 configuration is a very practical range for most 300 BLK applications, offering a wide field of view on 2x and enough magnification for ethical shots at medium range on 7x.
The BDC SuperSub reticle is its key asset, featuring two separate ballistic curves—one for supersonic and one for subsonic ammunition. This allows a shooter to easily switch between load types without re-zeroing, simply by using the appropriate set of holdover points. Nikon’s fully multi-coated optics ensure a bright, clear image.
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8×24 SFP Riflescope
The Strike Eagle 1-8×24 takes the LPVO concept a step further, offering an even higher top-end magnification for enhanced long-range capability. On its 1x setting, it performs very much like a red dot sight, allowing for fast, two-eyes-open shooting. Dialing up to 8x magnification provides a significant advantage for target identification and shot placement at distance.
The glass is designed for speed, with a generous eye box and eye relief. The illuminated BDC reticle is located in the second focal plane, meaning it remains the same size throughout the magnification range, which some shooters prefer for close-quarters speed. This scope is an excellent all-rounder for a “do-it-all” 300 Blackout rifle.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in the Best Scopes for 300 Blackout
Choosing the right glass for your 300 Blackout rifle isn’t just about picking the shiniest tube from a catalog. Based on my experience, you need to match the optic to the cartridge’s unique personality. The 300 BLK is a versatile round, but its performance changes drastically between supers and subs. Your scope needs to handle that. Here’s my straightforward guide on what really matters.
First, let’s talk magnification. This is the big one. If your primary use is close-quarters or you’re running a short-barreled rifle (SBR) with a suppressor, a low-power variable optic (LPVO) in the 1-6x or 1-8x range is your best friend. The 1x setting gives you a red-dot-like speed for close targets, while the top end gives you enough magnification for precise shots out to 200-300 yards with supers. For a dedicated hunting rig where you might take longer shots, a standard 3-9x or 2-10x scope is a solid, traditional choice. You don’t need a massive 6-24x scope; that’s overkill and will just slow you down.
Next up is the reticle. You want something that helps you manage the 300 BLK’s rainbow-like trajectory, especially with subsonic ammunition. A Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC) reticle calibrated for the 300 Blackout is a huge advantage. It has holdover marks that correspond to the bullet’s drop at various distances, so you don’t have to guess. If you can’t find a dedicated 300 BLK BDC, a simple mil-dot or MOA-based reticle works great—you just have to learn your holds through practice. Either way, an illuminated reticle is a massive benefit in low-light conditions when the crosshairs can disappear against a dark background.
Finally, consider the parallax setting. Many scopes are set at the factory for 100 yards, which is fine for most centerfire rifles. However, if you plan on doing a lot of shooting with subsonic ammo, your effective range is much shorter. A scope with an adjustable parallax, or one set for 50 yards, can improve accuracy for those quieter, slower rounds. Pair this with a durable build that can handle the recoil impulse and you’ve got a winner. The goal is to find a scope that makes you fast and accurate within the realistic performance window of the 300 Blackout cartridge.
FAQ
What magnification scope is best for a 300 Blackout?
For most 300 Blackout applications, especially on AR-platforms or short-barreled rifles, a low-power variable optic (LPVO) like a 1-6x or 1-8x is ideal. It offers speed on 1x for close-range and enough magnification for precise shots out to the cartridge’s effective range. If you’re building a dedicated hunting rifle for longer shots, a 3-9x or 4-12x scope is a more traditional and capable choice.
Can I use a 5.56 BDC scope on a 300 Blackout?
You can, but the holdover points will be inaccurate. The 300 Blackout and 5.56 trajectories are completely different. Using a 5.56 BDC reticle will cause you to miss your target, as the bullet drop compensation marks are calibrated for a much faster, flatter-shooting round. It’s always best to use a scope with a reticle designed specifically for the 300 BLK or a universal mil/MOA reticle that you can dial in yourself.
Is an illuminated reticle necessary for a 300 Blackout scope?
It’s not strictly necessary, but I highly recommend it. The 300 BLK is often used in low-light hunting scenarios or for home defense. In those dim or shadowy conditions, a black reticle can vanish against a dark target. An illuminated center dot or crosshair allows you to maintain a clear aiming point, making you faster and more accurate when it counts most.
What is the effective range for a 300 Blackout with a scope?
This depends entirely on the ammunition. With supersonic loads, the 300 Blackout is effective on deer-sized game out to around 200 yards. With a good scope and shooter, you can consistently hit targets further out. With subsonic ammunition, the effective range drops significantly due to the heavy bullet drop; 100 to 150 yards is a more realistic maximum for ethical shots or consistent hits. When looking at the 10 best scopes for 300 Blackout in 2025, you’ll notice they are all chosen to perform well within these practical distances.
Should I get a first or second focal plane scope for 300 BLK?
For the typical engagement distances of the 300 Blackout, a second focal plane (SFP) scope is perfectly adequate and more common. The reticle size stays the same, so the holdovers are only accurate at one magnification (usually the highest). For most hunting and recreational shooting within 300 yards, this is fine. A first focal plane (FFP) scope, where the reticle grows and shrinks with magnification, is beneficial if you plan on using the reticle for holdovers at various magnification levels, but it’s often an unnecessary expense for this cartridge.