The .300 Blackout cartridge is a study in versatility, capable of everything from quiet subsonic suppressed fire to potent supersonic hunting loads. This unique flexibility, however, places specific demands on your optics. The right scope or red dot must accommodate close-quarters speed and precision at extended ranges, all while standing up to the cartridge’s distinct ballistic profile.
Choosing an optic that complements your intended use—whether for home defense, hunting, or tactical applications—is critical for maximizing your rifle’s potential. This guide cuts through the noise to present eight of the best optics specifically vetted for the .300 Blackout, helping you make an informed decision for your setup.
Our Top Picks for .300 Blackout Optics
- Trijicon 4×32 ACOG Riflescope with Green Chevron
- UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope, AO, Mil-dot
- Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8×24 SFP Riflescope
- Sig Sauer Romeo5 1x20mm Compact 2 Moa Red Dot
- Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm SFP with ACSS-300BO
- Trijicon MRO Miniature Rifle Optic with 2.0 MOA
- EOTECH EXPS3-0 Holographic Weapon Sight
- Leupold VX-Freedom AR 1.5-4x20mm Pig-Plex
Trijicon 4×32 ACOG Riflescope with Green Dual Illuminated Chevron
For those who prioritize absolute reliability, the Trijicon ACOG is a legendary choice. Its battery-free illumination system uses a combination of tritium and fiber optics to automatically adjust the reticle brightness to the ambient lighting conditions. This means you are always ready, day or night, without worrying about dead batteries.
The fixed 4x magnification is incredibly sharp and pairs perfectly with the “both eyes open” design. Utilizing the Bindon Aiming Concept, you can maintain full situational awareness for fast target acquisition at close to intermediate distances. With a rugged housing that has minimal moving parts, this optic is built to withstand extreme conditions and is known for its nearly indestructible nature.
UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope
If you need higher magnification for reaching out with your .300 Blackout rifle without a large investment, the UTG 3-12×44 scope presents a strong value. Built on a 30mm True Strength Platform, it is sealed, nitrogen filled, and rated to be shockproof, fog-proof, and rain-proof. The adjustable objective (AO) helps eliminate parallax and ensures a clear sight picture.
The scope features a versatile 36-color EZ Tap Mil-dot reticle, providing a range of contrast options against different backgrounds. With its multi-emerald coated lenses and an integrated front sunshade, this scope offers excellent light transmission and clarity for its class, making it a solid contender for hunters and precision shooters on a budget.
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8×24 Second Focal Plane Riflescope
The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 is a true workhorse low-power variable optic (LPVO) that excels in dynamic shooting scenarios. The 1-8x magnification range gives you the speed of a red dot at 1x for close-range threats and the precision of 8x for engaging targets at distance. The illuminated reticle is fast to use and easy to see in a variety of lighting conditions.
Vortex optics are known for their rugged construction and the Strike Eagle is no exception. It is built from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, offering Argon purging for waterproof and fog-proof performance. With fully multi-coated lenses, it provides a bright and clear image across the entire magnification range, making it a versatile choice for any .300 Blackout application.
Sig Sauer Romeo5 1x20mm Compact 2 Moa Red Dot Sight
For an unbeatable combination of performance, durability, and value, the Sig Sauer Romeo5 is a top-tier red dot. Its motion-activated illumination system conserves battery life, offering up to 50,000 hours of runtime, while instantly waking up when it senses movement. The 2 MOA dot is crisp and perfect for fast, accurate shots at close quarters.
Housed in a compact and lightweight 6061-T6 aluminum body, the Romeo5 is shockproof and waterproof, ensuring it can handle the recoil of a .300 Blackout and harsh environmental conditions. It also includes an integrated M1913 Picatinny mount with both a standard and lower 1/3 co-witness height, making it ready to mount right out of the box.
Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm SFP Rifle Scope with ACSS-300BO Reticle
This scope is arguably the most purpose-built optic on this list for the .300 Blackout. The Primary Arms SLx features the patented ACSS-300BO reticle, which is specifically calibrated for the trajectory of both supersonic and subsonic .300 BLK ammunition. This eliminates holdover guesswork, allowing for rapid engagement at various ranges.
As a 1-6x LPVO, it provides the speed of a red dot on 1x magnification and the precision of 6x for longer shots. The illuminated reticle is daylight bright and the glass is engineered for exceptional clarity and light transmission. Built for rugged use, it is shockproof, waterproof, and fog resistant, making it an intelligent choice for hunters and tactical shooters alike.
Trijicon MRO Miniature Rifle Optic with 2.0 MOA Adjustable Red Dot
The Trijicon MRO offers a premium red dot experience with a large, unobstructed field of view for rapid target tracking. Its 2.0 MOA dot is the ideal size, providing precision for aimed shots without obscuring smaller targets. The housing is forged from 7075-T6 aluminum for maximum strength and durability.
With a battery life of up to 5 years of continuous use and an automatic brightness mode, the MRO is designed for always-ready performance. The lens coatings provide a clear, true-color image with minimal reflection. Its compact size and legendary Trijicon toughness make it an excellent choice for a streamlined and hard-use .300 Blackout build.
EOTECH EXPS3-0 Holographic Weapon Sight
EOTECH holographic sights are the gold standard for speed and target acquisition. The EXPS3-0 features a large, 68 MOA ring with a 1 MOA center dot, allowing for incredibly fast close-range shots while still permitting precision at further distances. The sight window is parallax-free and unlimited eye-relief, meaning the reticle stays on target regardless of your head position.
Built to military specifications, the EXPS3-0 is night-vision compatible and submersible to 33 feet. The controls are side-mounted for easy access, and the QD mount allows for fast attachment and removal. If your primary need is lightning-fast performance in close quarters, the EOTECH is a top-tier holographic solution.
Leupold VX-Freedom AR 1.5-4x20mm Pig-Plex Reticle Riflescope
Leupold’s reputation for brilliant optical clarity and lightweight designs is fully present in the VX-Freedom AR. This scope is engineered specifically for the modern sporting rifle, with a magnification range perfect for the .300 Blackout’s effective range. The Pig-Plex reticle is simple and fast, with a thick post that stands out in dense brush for quick shots on game.
Weighing only 9.5 ounces, it adds minimal bulk to your rifle. It is 100% waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, backed by Leupold’s legendary lifetime guarantee. The Twilight Light Management System increases contrast and provides up to 20 extra minutes of shooting light, giving you an edge during dawn and dusk hunts.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best .300 Blackout Scope
Choosing the right optic for your .300 Blackout rifle is a big deal. I have found that it is not a one-size-fits-all situation. The cartridge itself is incredibly versatile, and your optic needs to match your primary mission. Are you building a quiet, subsonic hunting rig? Or a fast-handling home defense weapon? Your answers will directly shape your choice.
First, let’s talk about bullet drop. This is the single biggest factor for me. The .300 BLK has a very different trajectory between heavy, slow subsonic rounds and lighter, faster supersonic ones. If you plan to switch between the two frequently, you need an optic that can handle it. For dedicated subsonic use, an etched reticle is your best friend. These reticles are always visible, even without battery power, and many are designed with specific holdovers for the steep drop of a 220-grain bullet. If you are sticking with supersonics, a standard first or second focal plane riflescope with a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle can work well, but you must verify the markings match your load.
Magnification is the next consideration. For close-quarters work inside 100 yards, a red dot sight or a low-power variable optic (LPVO) on its 1x setting is incredibly fast. It feels almost like pointing rather than aiming. If you are stretching the legs of your .300 BLK out to 200 or even 300 yards, especially with supers, a bit more magnification from an LPVO or a traditional 2-7x or 3-9x scope really helps with precision. I prefer LPVOs for their flexibility, allowing me to engage close targets quickly and then dial up the power for a more precise shot.
Finally, do not overlook durability and features. Your optic will live on a firearm, so it needs to be tough. Look for robust construction, fog-proof and waterproof sealing, and a reliable warranty. For close-range optics, shake-awake technology is a fantastic feature that saves battery life by turning the dot on only when the rifle is moved. For any optic, consider the mounting system. A high-quality scope in a cheap, poorly fitted mount will never live up to its potential. Taking the time to understand these factors is the key to finding the perfect sight for your needs in our 2025 buyer’s guide for the 8 best .300 Blackout scopes and optics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the advantage of a BDC reticle for .300 Blackout?
A BDC, or Bullet Drop Compensator, reticle has aiming points below the crosshair that correspond to different distances. This is a huge help for the .300 Blackout, especially with subsonic ammunition, which drops significantly. Instead of having to adjust your turrets for every shot, you can simply hold using the different dots or marks on the reticle. The catch is that these reticles are calibrated for a specific bullet weight and velocity, so you need to confirm your particular load matches the reticle’s design for it to be truly effective.
Can I use a standard .223/5.56 scope on my .300 BLK rifle?
You can physically mount it, but I do not recommend it. The ballistics are completely different. A BDC reticle designed for the flat trajectory of a .223 round will be useless for a heavy .300 BLK subsonic round. The holdover points will be wrong, leading to missed shots. Even with supersonic .300 BLK, the drop is different enough to cause problems. It is always best to use an optic specifically designed or calibrated for the cartridge you are shooting.
Is a red dot sight a good option for a .300 Blackout?
Absolutely, especially for a home defense or close-quarters rifle. Red dots are lightning-fast for target acquisition at short ranges. They are lightweight, have unlimited eye relief, and are simple to use. For engagements inside 50-100 yards, a quality red dot is a fantastic choice. The main drawback is the lack of magnification and holdover points, making it less ideal for precise shots at longer ranges or when using subsonic ammunition where bullet drop is a major factor.
What does “first focal plane” vs. “second focal plane” mean, and which is better for .300 BLK?
This refers to the position of the reticle inside the scope. In a First Focal Plane (FFP) scope, the reticle grows and shrinks as you change magnification. This means the holdover marks are accurate at any power. In a Second Focal Plane (SFP) scope, the reticle stays the same size, so the BDC markings are only correct at one specific magnification level (usually the highest). For a versatile .300 BLK rifle where you might use magnification at various levels, an FFP scope is more flexible. However, SFP scopes are often less expensive and the reticle is easier to see at low power.
How important is an illuminated reticle?
For a defensive or hunting rifle that might be used in low-light conditions, an illuminated reticle is very important. It allows you to place a bright red dot or lit crosshair on a dark target, something a black reticle can get lost against. For a range-only gun, it is less critical, but I still consider it a valuable feature for most applications. When looking at the 8 best .300 Blackout scopes and optics for 2025, you will notice most serious options include some form of illumination.