Reaching out to 300 yards is a significant milestone for any hunter or long-range shooter. At this distance, environmental factors and bullet drop become critical considerations, and your optic becomes the most crucial link between you and your target. Having a scope with reliable tracking, a clear reticle, and durable construction is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for making ethical and accurate shots.
This roundup is designed to help you find the perfect optic to confidently engage targets at 300 yards and beyond. We’ve compiled a list of ten excellent scopes from trusted brands, each offering a unique set of features to match different rifles, shooting styles, and budgets. Whether you’re a big-game hunter, a varminter, or a precision enthusiast, there’s an option here to help you become a more effective marksman.
Our Top Picks for 300-Yard Scopes
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12×40 AO Riflescope
- Bushnell Optics 4x24mm Riflescope with FFP Reticle
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Hunt-Plex Reticle Riflescope
- BUCKMASTERS Scope- 3-9x40MM BDC
- Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9X40mm Scope, BDC Reticle
- Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24×50 Riflescope
- BURRIS FullField II 3-9×40 Rifle Scope, Ballistic Plex
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9×50 V-Brite Illuminated
- UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope, AO, Mil-dot
- Primary Arms SLx 4-14x44mm FFP Rifle Scope
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12×40 AO Riflescope
The Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×40 AO is a versatile scope built for hunters who need a little extra magnification for precise shot placement at 300 yards. The adjustable objective (AO) is a key feature at this range, allowing you to eliminate parallax and focus the image for a crystal-clear view of your target. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is perfectly suited for shots at varying distances, providing holdover points without needing to dial your turrets.
Fully multi-coated lenses ensure maximum light transmission for bright images during dawn and dusk, which is critical for hunters. Combined with a fast-focus eyepiece and a forgiving eye box, this scope helps you get on target quickly and reliably. The capped reset turrets offer tactile MOA adjustments and can be easily reset to zero after sighting in, making it a user-friendly and dependable choice.
Bushnell Optics 4x24mm Riflescope with FFP Reticle
Designed with the modern sporting rifle in mind, the Bushnell AR Optics 1-4×24 scope is an excellent choice for fast, close-to-medium range engagements. The first focal plane (FFP) Drop Zone-223 BDC reticle means the holdover points are accurate at any magnification setting, a significant advantage for rapid shooting. The Throw Down PCL lever allows you to change magnification almost instantly, transitioning from a 1x red-dot-like view to 4x power for a more precise shot at distance.
Exposed turrets let you make quick windage and elevation adjustments on the fly. Despite its compact and lightweight design, this scope doesn’t cut corners on durability, boasting an IPX7 waterproof rating. Fully multi-coated optics provide a bright and high-contrast sight picture, making it a great value for AR-platform rifles intended for use inside 300 yards.
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Hunt-Plex Reticle Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 is a classic hunting scope that brings legendary American craftsmanship to an accessible price point. Its 3-9x magnification range is the gold standard for a reason, offering a wide field of view for close-range shots and enough power to clearly see and place a shot at 300 yards. The simple yet effective Hunt-Plex reticle provides a clean, uncluttered sight picture for quick target acquisition.
Built around Leupold’s Advanced Optical System, this scope delivers exceptional light transmission, glare reduction, and clarity. This means you’ll have a distinct advantage during the low-light conditions of early morning and late evening. With rugged, waterproof construction and reliable capped turrets, the VX-Freedom is a trusted companion for hunters who demand performance and reliability in the field.
BUCKMASTERS Scope- 3-9x40MM BDC
Inspired by the needs of practical hunters, the SIG SAUER Buckmasters 3-9x40mm scope delivers proven performance at an outstanding value. It is equipped with a specialized Buckmasters BDC reticle that features holdover dots calibrated for distances out to 500 yards, giving you the tools needed to confidently take longer shots. The single-piece 1-inch tube provides a robust and durable platform that can handle the recoil of modern hunting rifles.
A convenient integrated throw lever is built into the magnification ring, allowing for quick and easy power changes without fumbling. This feature is particularly useful when a target appears unexpectedly at a different range than anticipated. Built to SIG SAUER’s high standards for durability, this scope is a solid choice for hunters looking for enhanced capabilities without a premium price tag.
Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9X40mm Scope, BDC Reticle
The Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x40mm scope is engineered for hunters who face tough conditions and need an optic they can count on. It features a rugged chassis and is built to be completely waterproof and fogproof, ensuring reliability in any weather. The inclusion of low-dispersion (LD) glass is a significant benefit, as it reduces chromatic aberration for a sharper, more color-accurate image, especially around the edges of the sight picture.
Fully multi-coated lenses work to deliver a bright and vivid sight picture throughout the entire 3-9x zoom range. The European-style eyepiece and capped turrets contribute to a sleek, functional design that protects the adjustment dials from accidental bumps. This scope represents a blend of optical quality and rugged construction that is hard to beat.
Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24×50 Riflescope
For the shooter who wants to push beyond 300 yards or demands extreme precision for varmint control, the Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 offers an impressive feature set. With a 6-24x magnification range and a large 50mm objective lens, this scope provides the clarity and detail needed for long-range target identification. As a first focal plane (FFP) scope, the APMR reticle’s measurements are accurate at every magnification level, which is essential for precise holdovers and windage calls.
The scope includes a side parallax adjustment, allowing you to fine-tune the image focus from 10 yards to infinity. Fully multi-coated optics ensure a bright image, while the tactile 0.1 MIL click adjustments on the turrets offer precise and repeatable corrections. This scope is a fantastic entry into the world of serious long-range optics.
BURRIS FullField II 3-9×40 Rifle Scope, Ballistic Plex
The Burris Fullfield II has been a trusted name in hunting scopes for years, known for delivering premium features at an affordable price. Its high-grade optical glass and larger lenses provide excellent brightness and clarity, giving you an edge during the critical low-light periods of the hunting day. The Hi-Lume multicoating is specifically designed to maximize light transmission and eliminate glare.
The Ballistic Plex reticle offers simple holdover points for longer shots, while the durable one-piece tube construction ensures lasting zero retention. Positive steel-on-steel adjustments give you confidence that your clicks are accurate and repeatable. It’s a proven, no-nonsense scope that has helped countless hunters successfully take game at a variety of ranges.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9×50 V-Brite Illuminated
This variant of the popular Crossfire II series is optimized for low-light hunting conditions. The large 50mm objective lens gathers more light than a standard 40mm model, providing a brighter sight picture at dawn and dusk. The key feature, however, is the V-Brite illuminated reticle, which uses a battery-powered red dot at the center of the V-Plex pattern to enhance visibility against dark backgrounds or in heavy cover.
Like other Crossfire II models, it boasts fully multi-coated lenses for clarity, a fast-focus eyepiece, and a long, forgiving eye relief for quick target acquisition. This scope is an excellent solution for hunters who often find themselves in situations where a few extra minutes of shooting light can make all the difference.
UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope, AO, Mil-dot
The UTG 3-12×44 is a robust, tactical-style scope built on a 30mm main tube, which offers greater adjustment range and durability compared to 1-inch tubes. The adjustable objective (AO) allows for parallax removal and crisp image focusing at any range, a must-have for precision work. The illuminated mil-dot reticle provides a versatile aiming solution for range estimation and holdovers.
Constructed on UTG’s True Strength Platform, this scope is sealed, nitrogen filled, and rated to be shockproof, fog-proof, and rain-proof. The lenses feature high-quality emerald coatings to enhance light transmission and clarity. With an integrated sunshade and flip-open lens caps included, this scope offers a complete package for shooters looking for tactical features on a budget.
Primary Arms SLx 4-14x44mm FFP Rifle Scope
The Primary Arms SLx 4-14x44mm FFP scope is renowned for featuring advanced reticle technology at an accessible price. As a first focal plane optic, the reticle—often one of Primary Arms’ patented ACSS designs—scales with magnification, ensuring all ranging and holdover markings are accurate at any power setting. This is a massive advantage for engaging targets at unknown distances or in dynamic shooting scenarios.
The 4-14x magnification range is ideal for precision shooting at 300 yards and well beyond, providing the detail needed for accurate shot placement. Built to withstand heavy recoil and harsh environments, the SLx series is known for its reliability. This scope is a top contender for anyone seeking the practical benefits of an FFP scope with a specialized reticle system for hunting or tactical use.
What to Look For in a 300 Yards Scope
Choosing the right scope for 300-yard shots is about balancing magnification, clarity, and durability. I don’t need the massive power of a long-range benchrest scope, but my standard hunting optic probably won’t cut it either. The sweet spot for a 300-yard shot involves a few key factors that I always consider before making a purchase.
First, let’s talk magnification. For 300 yards, I find that a variable power scope in the 3-9x to 4-16x range is perfect. This gives me a wide field of view for acquiring a moving target at closer ranges and enough top-end power to make a precise shot when I have time to set up. The objective lens size is its partner in crime; a 40mm to 50mm lens typically gathers plenty of light for dawn and dusk hunting without becoming overly bulky. The quality of the glass, however, is more important than its size. Superior multi-coated lenses will provide a brighter, sharper image than a larger lens with poor coatings.
Next up is the reticle. For this distance, a standard duplex is functional, but I prefer a reticle with some form of holdover points. A simple BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle is incredibly useful. It gives me quick reference points for bullet drop without fiddling with the turrets. If I’m planning to dial for elevation, then I need reliable, repeatable turrets. I look for scopes with a resettable zero stop and clear, tactile clicks. Parallax adjustment is another feature I value. While not always necessary at 300 yards, an adjustable parallax knob lets me fine-tune the image focus, eliminating reticle movement and ensuring my point of aim is perfectly sharp.
Finally, the scope must be tough. It has to handle the recoil from my rifle and the occasional bump against a tree stand. I always check that the scope is purged with an inert gas like nitrogen to prevent internal fogging and that it has robust, waterproof seals. The tube construction is also key; a one-piece 30mm tube is generally more rigid and offers more internal adjustment range than a 1-inch tube, which is a nice bonus for stretching the range a bit further. When I look for the 10 Best 300 Yards Scopes [2025 Review] | Hunting Mark, I am looking for an optic that brings all these elements together without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 3-9x scope enough for 300 yards?
Absolutely. A 3-9x scope is a classic choice for a reason and is perfectly capable at 300 yards. On its highest setting, 9x magnification provides a clear and precise sight picture for ethical shots on medium-sized game. The lower 3x power is a huge benefit for hunting in wooded areas or on moving targets at closer ranges. While higher magnification scopes exist, a 3-9x offers a fantastic balance of versatility and performance for this specific distance.
What is more important: magnification or objective lens size?
This is a great question, and the answer is often the quality of the glass itself. Between two scopes of equal optical quality, a larger objective lens (e.g., 50mm vs. 40mm) will gather more light, providing a slightly brighter image in low-light conditions. However, higher magnification can make the image darker and shakier if you don’t have a steady rest. For a 300-yard scope, I prioritize a scope with excellent lens coatings and a sensible magnification range (like 4-16x) over simply having the largest objective lens. A 44mm or 50mm objective is usually more than sufficient.
Do I need an adjustable turret for 300-yard shooting?
It’s not strictly necessary, but it is highly recommended. You can certainly use a “set-and-forget” scope with a BDC reticle and use the holdover points for your shot. This is fast and effective. However, if you want the utmost precision, or if you shoot a variety of ammunition, exposed and repeatable turrets are a game-changer. They allow you to dial in the exact elevation for a 300-yard shot, ensuring your crosshair is right on target. For me, the flexibility to dial makes a scope much more versatile.
Can I use a first focal plane scope for hunting at 300 yards?
You can, and they offer a distinct advantage. In a First Focal Plane (FFP) scope, the reticle grows and shrinks with the magnification. This means your holdover points (like the dots in a BDC reticle) are accurate at every magnification level. This is fantastic for long-range shooting where you might change magnification. For a dedicated 300-yard hunting scope, a Second Focal Plane (SFP) scope is still excellent and often more affordable. Just remember that in an SFP scope, the holdover points are only accurate at one specific magnification, usually the highest setting.
How much should I expect to spend on a good 300-yard scope?
The price range is wide, but you can find very reliable options. For a scope that will reliably hold zero, have decent glass, and withstand recoil, I recommend looking in the $300 to $600 range. This price point gets you into scopes from reputable brands that feature good coatings, solid construction, and useful reticles. While you can spend much more for premium features and exceptional glass clarity, a mid-range scope is more than capable of handling the task for our review of the best 300 yards scopes for hunting.