5 Best Scopes for 30-30

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Looking for the best scope for 30-30 Lever action, Marlin, Winchester? In this review, we comprehensively look at the scopes and a guide on how to choose the best scope for your 30-30 rifle.

One of the best rifles used mostly by civilians and the military is the .30-30 lever-action rifle. This compact rifle takes down medium to large targets at different ranges.

This high-powered rifle is easy and smooth to use thanks to its light recoil. The best scope for .30-30 is what hunters and shooters require to make their shooting adventure and day more rewarding.

Combining this high-powered rifle with a quality scope will greatly improve your accuracy and enable you to improve your shooting skills.

There are a lot of scopes options out there and choosing the best one can be a little overwhelming.

This shouldn’t worry you because we are here to help. We have compiled a list of the Best Scopes for 30-30 lever-action rifles on the market.

 

Best Scope for 30-30-Our Top Picks

1) Barska Huntmaster Pro 3-12×50 IR Rifle Scope
BARSKA 3-12x50 IR Huntmaster Pro 30/30 IR Cross Riflescope
  • Reticle: Illuminated 30/30 IR Cross
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
  • Magnification: 3 – 12 x
  • Exit Pupil: 4.2 – 16.7 mm
  • Tube Diameter: 1 in
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Eye Relief: 2.7 in
  • Weight: 21.3 oz
  • Length: 13 in

 

 

2) Leapers UTG 3-12x44mm Compact Rifle Scope
UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope
  • Reticle: Mil-Dot
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
  • Magnification: 3 – 12 x
  • Exit Pupil: 13 – 3.9 mm
  • Tube Diameter: 30 mm
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Eye Relief: 3 – 3.4 in
  • Weight: 23.1 oz
  • Length: 11.1 in

 

3) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 SFP Riflescope

 

Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32 SFP Riflescope

 

  • Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
  • Magnification: 2 – 7 x
  • Exit Pupil: 4.57 – 16 mm
  • Tube Diameter: 1 in
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Eye Relief: 3.9 – 4.7 in
  • Weight: 14.3 oz
  • Length: 11.3 in

 

 

4) Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm SFP Riflescope

 

Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm SFP Riflescope

 

  • Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
  • Magnification: 4 – 12 x
  • Exit Pupil: 3.3 – 10 mm
  • Tube Diameter: 1 in
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Eye Relief: 3.1 – 3.4 in
  • Weight: 14.6 oz
  • Length: 11.9 in

 

 

5) Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Riflescope

 

Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Riflescope

 

  • Reticle: Truplex
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
  • Magnification: 3 – 9 x
  • Exit Pupil: 16.6 – 5.6
  • Tube Diameter: 1 in
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Eye Relief: 3.75
  • Weight: 13.2 oz
  • Length: 13 in

 

 

 

A detailed review of the best 30-30 scopes

 

1) Barska Huntmaster Pro 3-12×50 IR Rifle Scope

BARSKA 3-12x50 IR Huntmaster Pro 30/30 IR Cross Riflescope

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This Barska 3-12×50 IR Huntmaster Pro is the perfect choice for shooters looking for a scope with the most essential features at an affordable price.

This scope is lightweight yet durable making it ideal for plinking, hunting, and target shooting.

It features an illuminated red 30/30 reticle which allows the scope to be adjusted to different brightness settings for clear targeting even in low-light conditions.

Its parallax-free at 100 yards and its fully multi-coated optics enhance light transmission.  It has a 50mm objective lens and a fast-focus eyeball. It is also waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof.

Features

  • Illuminated cross 30/30 reticles allow the shooter to estimate in different lighting conditions with high accuracy.
  • 3-12x adjustable zoom.
  • Adjustable for windage, elevation, and rheostat.
  • 7 inches of eye relief. 1-inch tube diameter.
  • Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof.
  • Multi-coated lenses.
  • 50mm objective lens.

 

 

2) Leapers UTG 3-12x44mm Compact Rifle Scope

 

UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope

 

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This UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope has a magnification range between 3x-12x.

This is the ideal scope for the .30-30 rifle because it covers all the close and medium ranges. It has an illuminated reticle that allows you to choose between red and green depending on the environment or preference.

It has a flip-open lens cap that protects the lens when it’s not in use.

This scope achieves an unparalleled parallax-free view from as close as 10 yards out to infinity with its SWAT AO.

It’s 30 mm tube is built on a true strength platform and is sealed and nitrogen-filled to enhance its shockproof, fog proof, and waterproof performance.

Its premium zero lockable and resettable turrets allow for consistent and precise ability to maintain a proper zero.

Features

  • 30 mm tube built on a true strength platform and is sealed and nitrogen filled to enhance its shockproof, fog proof and waterproof performance.
  • Special circuit and housing design for uninterrupted illumination even under high recoil.
  • Magnification range of 3-12x
  • 36 different luminosity choices
  • Premium zero lockable and resettable turrets for consistent and precision ability to maintain a proper zero.
  • Coated lenses that enhance light transmission, integrated angled front sunshade complete with the flip-open lens cap

 

3) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 SFP Riflescope

 

Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32 SFP Riflescope

 

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The magnification range settings of this Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 SFP Riflescope are from 2x-7x and it features a BDC reticle ideal for hitting shots at ranges longer than zeroed ranges.

This scope uses a customized dot crosshair design that enables you to estimate holdover and windage corrections.

It has a second plane reticle which means that no matter which magnification level you choose, the reticle remains the same size for consistency.

This scope has adequate eye relief and its lenses are multi-coated to enhance light transmission.  It is built from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum and anodized to make it durable.

It is also O-ring sealed and Nitrogen purged to enhance its shockproof, fog proof, and waterproof performance.

Features

  • High-quality fully multi-coated lenses deliver a clear, crisp sight picture and optimal low-light performance.
  • Dead-Hold BDC reticle is ideal for hunting or shooting at varying ranges where estimating hold-over would be a concern.
  • Fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and simple reticle focusing
  • O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to deliver waterproof and fog-proof performance.
  • A single-piece tube built from aircraft-grade aluminum ensures strength and shockproof performance.
  • Adequate eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box enable you to quickly get a sight picture and acquire your target.
  • Capped reset turrets are adjustable with MOA clicks that can be reset to zero after sighting in.

 

4) Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm SFP Riflescope

 

Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm SFP Riflescope

 

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This Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm SFP Riflescope as one of the best Scopes for 30-30 offers numerous features that any hunter or shooter will certainly appreciate.

It features an amazing reticle and reticle sub tensions to help you estimate the range of your target.

The single tube construction makes the scope strong, helps with waterproofing as there are no weak points, and promotes better image visuals.

The appealing anodized finish makes the scope durable. On the other hand, the matte finish helps minimize glare when hunting. The scope’s shadowy and non-reflective color also helps you camouflage.

The scope’s precision turrets help you zero-reset easily after sighting your target’s location and you can be able to switch from 4x- 12x magnification with much ease.

These ranges are perfect for the .30-30 lever-action rifle. The 40mm objective lens diameter makes it great for gathering light.

Features

  • 4x zoom offers highly versatile magnification.
  • Dead-Hold BDC reticle is good for hunting or shooting at varying ranges where estimating hold-over would be a concern.
  • Fully multi-coated lenses for crystal clear bright images from dawn till dusk.
  • Fast focus eyepiece allows for quick and simple reticle focusing.
  • Metal-on-metal precision turrets provide the ability to zero reset after sight-in.
  • Solid one-piece tube with a hard anodized finish creates a shockproof and durable scope while helping camouflage the shooter’s position

5) Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Riflescope

 

Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Riflescope

 

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Simmons 8-point 50mm front end gathers more light enabling you to use your air rifle even in low light conditions.

It features high-quality glass and fully multi-coated lenses that enhance light transmission for a brighter, higher-contrast image.

Its variable magnification enables the user to make that coveted headshot to guarantee a clean shot and its ¼ MOA SureGrip audible click windage and elevation adjustments help you dial in your shot.

It has a Quick Action Target eyepiece that enables easy target acquisition.

Features

  • Waterproof, recoil-proof, and fog-proof.
  • QTA eyepiece for fast and easy target acquisition.
  • Fully multi-coated, high-quality optics for the bright, high-contrast target image.
  • 1/4-MOA sure grip audible click windage and elevation adjustments.
  • 3-9x magnification. 50mm objective lens. 3.75-inch eye relief. 60” adjustment range at 100 yards.
  • True Zero fingertip windage and elevation adjustment system.
  • Triplex reticle.
  • Matte black finish.

 

Related : 5 Best Scopes for 30-06

 

Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Scope for 30-30

  1. Magnification

.30-30 rifles are designed to shoot at medium to close range. Their firing power and cartridge size are best suited for hitting targets between 100-150 yards.

Therefore, scopes with very high magnification settings will be overkill in most situations. Scopes with lower magnification settings around 4-8x are the best for this rifle.

Look at the different magnification ranges available on each scope and get one that fully complements your rifle and cartridges.

  1. First focal plane and second focal plane

First focal plane reticles are designed in such a way that their size changes depending on the magnification level. On the other hand, second focal plane reticles don’t change their size even as you switch between magnification levels.

The .30-30 lever-action rifles work best with the second focal plane reticles because they don’t use scopes that reach farther magnification settings.

  1. Mounting choices

Even though the .30-30 rifle doesn’t have a lot of recoils, a good scope mount helps reduce recoil even further. It will also help you maintain stability as you track a moving target and take shots.

Side scopes enable you to use any normal scope. The best scopes for .30-30 rifles can operate with different kinds of mounts for additional flexibility on the shooter’s part.

  1. Weatherproofing and material

Ensure that you get yourself a scope that can deal with almost all sorts of weather conditions. Get a waterproof one as well as fog proof. This way, you are sure that it can keep up with any weather conditions and still maintain a clear picture.

Also, look for a durable scope that will last long. As you compare your choices, select one that is made of heavy-duty materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum.

  1. Reticle type

The type of reticle is also important. There are those scopes that come with a BDC reticle that enables you to estimate the bullet point of impact without having to adjust for elevation.

Other scopes feature an illuminated reticle which is helpful in target acquisition during variable lighting conditions.

Best Scope for 30-30 FAQs

  • What scope magnification do I need for a .30-30 rifle?

.30-30 rifles are designed to shoot at medium to close range. Their firing power and cartridge size are best suited for hitting targets between 100-150 yards. Scopes with lower magnification settings around 4-8x are the best for this rifle.

  • Should I use rings on a one-piece mount?

Most lever-action rifles will take a one-piece mount and so does the .30-30 rifle. This makes it sturdier and holds the scope better.

  • Does a .30-30 lever-action rifle need a shorter scope than a bolt-action rifle?

Not necessarily, however, the way this rifle is constructed, it makes t awkward to hold and shoot with an overly large scope. A small sleek scope is an ideal scope for the .30-30 rifle.

Scopes for 30-30 Advantages

  1. Longer range

Scopes have lenses that enable you to see far clearer target objects.

  1. Better scores

Scopes enhance your shooting accuracy and there is no better feeling than being at the top in a shooting competition. Scopes help you shoot accurately without any waste of time.

  1. Improved accuracy

Whether hunting, target shooting, or using a gun for recreational use, the mission every shooter bears in mind is to have an accurate shot. Having a rifle scope is the perfect way to ensure you have that accurate shot.

Conclusion

From the advantages of having a rifle scope to enhance your shooting skills, we can conclude that this is a must-have item for those who often hunt or shoot using a .30-30 lever-action rifle.

For shooting beginners, purchase one of the rifle scopes reviewed above to practice because the more you use, the more you sharpen your skills to better shooting.

See Also: What is the Difference between FFP and SFP?