Choosing the right scope for .300 Blackout can make all the difference in accuracy, performance, and dependability. The best scope for 300 Blackout should match its versatility and adaptability, and this article delves into the best optics available on the market.
The 300 Blackout, known for its versatility and adaptability in both supersonic and subsonic configurations, requires a scope that can keep up with its unique characteristics. Whether you’re using it for hunting, tactical applications, or target shooting, finding a scope tailored to its specific ballistics is essential to maximizing your precision and maximizing your shooting.
Characteristics of the .300 Blackout
The 300 Blackout (300 BLK) is a popular cartridge whose parent case is derived from the .223 Remington/5.56 NATO case. It is created for enhanced performance in AR-15 platforms, particularly in suppressed and short-barreled applications. Its specifications are:
- Bullet Diameter: 0.308 inches (7.8 mm)
- Case Length: 1.368 inches (34.7 mm)
- Overall Length: 2.26 inches (57.4 mm)
- Rim Diameter: 0.378 inches (9.6 mm)
Regarding performance, the .300 Blackout is as follows:
- Supersonic and Subsonic Loads: Capable of shooting both supersonic and subsonic ammunition.
- Supersonic Velocity: Typically around 2,100–2,400 feet per second (fps) with 110-125 grain bullets.
- Subsonic Velocity: Generally around 950–1,050 fps with 190-220 grain bullets.
- Effective Range: Effective for short to medium ranges, typically up to 300 yards for supersonic loads and 100-150 yards for subsonic load
In this guide, we’ll explore the top scopes that not only enhance your rifle’s capabilities but also offer precision, reliability, and the features necessary to push this versatile cartridge to its full potential. Let’s have a look.
Best Scopes for 300 Blackout
1) Trijicon VCOG 1-6×24 Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane
- Eye Relief: 4 Inches
- Weight: 23.2 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.5 MOA
- Length: 10.05 in
- Fabric/Material: Forged Aluminum
- W/E Travel at 100 Yds: 90/90 MOA
- Illumination Type: LED
- Mount Type: TA51
The Trijicon VCOG 1-6×24 Rifle Scope stands out as the best scope for 300 Blackout, it features Forged Aluminum construction, multi-coated lenses, illuminated reticle, easily adjustable windage, and elevation, and comes with an integrated mounting adapter that provides quick and easy mounting to any rail system.
This exceptional optic is designed to meet the needs of tactical shooters and hunters alike. It is built with an array of cutting-edge features that make it the best scope for 300 Blackout.
This variable combat optical gunsight (VCOG) offers a versatile 1-6x magnification range, providing users with both close-quarters and long-range capabilities. Its glass quality is impeccable, offering crystal-clear images with excellent light transmission and edge-to-edge clarity across the entire magnification.
The first focal plane reticle ensures that the reticle size adjusts with magnification, allowing for accurate holdovers and ranging at any power. Built to last, the VCOG boasts rugged durability with its robust aluminum housing and military-grade construction. Besides, it is both waterproof and shock-resistant for all-weather use.
The illumination system is another highlight, featuring 11 brightness settings, including two for night vision, ensuring optimal visibility in all lighting conditions.
In terms of usability, the Trijicon VCOG 1-6×24 excels with its intuitive design and user-friendly features. All the controls are straightforward, with tactile, easy-to-adjust turrets that offer precise windage and elevation adjustments. Besides, the eye relief is generous, allowing for comfortable shooting and quick target acquisition.
Pros
- Virtually indestructible
- Lighted reticle
- Intuitive design and user-friendly features
- Edge-to-edge clarity across the entire magnification
- Multi-coated lenses offer excellent clarity and light-gathering abilities without any distortion
- Multiple reticles ( BDC, MRAD, and MOA )
- Features an integrated mounting adapter that allows for quick and easy attachment to any rail system.
Cons
- Big budget
2) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane
- Finish: Matte
- Reticle: AR-BDC3
- Adjustment: MOA
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
- Weight: 18.5 oz
- Length: 10.5 in
The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm 30mm Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope is your ideal choice best scope for 300 Blackout if you are looking for a versatile and high-performing optic that excels in close-quarters engagements to mid-range targeting.
The build quality of this rifle scope is immediately apparent, with a robust 30mm tube that ensures durability and reliability in the field. The turrets are capped to prevent accidental adjustments and maintain zero even after rough handling. Besides, the optical tube is nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, making it fog-proof and waterproof in harsh weather conditions.
Optically, this rifle scope has fully multi-coated lenses that deliver exceptional clarity and brightness, even in low-light conditions. The 1-6x magnification range is particularly advantageous, allowing shooters to quickly switch from a wide field of view for close targets to a more detailed view for longer distances.
Furthermore, the reticle is illuminated with multiple brightness settings to enhance target acquisition and accuracy in all light conditions. This rifle scope is also outfitted with a throw lever that allows for quick and smooth magnification adjustments, which is crucial during dynamic shooting situations.
Pros
- Generous eye relief across the 1-6x magnification
- Smooth magnification adjustments
- Bright and clear optics with Fully Multi-Coatings
- Easy to zero
- Waterproof,fogproof and shockproof
- Glass-etched reticle protected between two layers of glass for maximum durability and reliability
- Illuminated Reticle for precise aiming in low-light conditions
- Fast Focus Eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing
- 11 brightness settings
- Lightweight for portability and convenience.
Cons
- None
3) Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm Gen III Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane
- Finish: Matte
- Field of View, Linear: 110 – 19.3 ft at 100 yds
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.5 MOA
- Eye Relief: 3.3 – 3.5 in
- Weight: 16.9 oz
- Length: 10 in
Looking for the best scope for 300 Blackout but are tight on budget? Look no further. The Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm Gen III Rifle Scope stands out as a robust and versatile optic, designed to meet the demands of both tactical shooters and hunters.
Its impressive clarity and sharpness are evident across its entire magnification range, providing clear target acquisition from 1x to 6x. The scope features an advanced reticle, the ACSS (Advanced Combined Sighting System), which enhances target tracking and range estimation, making it easier to hit precise shots at varying distances. Furthermore, the reticle is illuminated, offering multiple brightness settings to adapt to different lighting conditions, from low light to bright daylight.
Regarding construction, the overall build quality of the scope is excellent, with a sturdy aluminum construction that is both durable and lightweight. It’s also waterproof, fog-resistant, and shockproof, ensuring reliability in various weather conditions and rugged environments.
In terms of performance, the SLx 1-6x24mm Gen III impresses with its ease of use and quick target acquisition. The eye relief is generous, allowing for comfortable and rapid transitions between targets.
The adjustments for windage and elevation are precise and tactile, providing confidence that once zeroed, the scope will hold its setting. Additionally, the magnification ring is smooth to operate, enabling swift changes without disrupting your shooting position.
Pros
- Affordability
- Durable and lightweight aluminum construction
- Red reticle illumination with 11 brightness settings
- Ease of use
- Single-piece 6063 Aluminum Construction for strength and durability.
- Hardcoat Anodized Matte Finish for a robust and sleek appearance.
- Fully multicolored lenses for enhanced light transmission and clarity.
Cons
- Narrow eye relief at maximum zoom setting
4) Leupold Mark 3HD 1.5-4x20mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane
- Finish: Matte
- Field of View, Linear: 29.4 – 74.2 ft at 100 yds
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.1 Mil Rad
- Reticle: AR-Ballistic
- Eye Relief: 4.2 – 3.7 in
- Water Resistance Level: Waterproof
The Leupold Mark 3HD 1.5-4x20mm Rifle Scope is the go-to scope if you are looking for a blend of durability, precision, and ease of use. It is built with robust materials and a plethora of other features to take your shooting a notch higher.
Built with aircraft-grade aluminum, the scope withstands the harshest environment so it is an ideal companion for hunting and tactical applications. The scope is also waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, ensuring reliable performance in all weather conditions.
The 1.5-4x magnification range is particularly suited for short to mid-range shooting, providing a clear and crisp image thanks to the high-definition lenses. It is complemented by the Twilight Max HD Light Management System that guarantees visibility in low-light conditions.
In terms of usability, the Mark 3HD excels with its user-friendly features. The power selector ring is easy to manipulate, even with gloves, allowing for quick magnification adjustments.
The precise 1/10th MIL click adjustments for windage and elevation offer accurate and repeatable performance, making sighting in a straightforward process. Further, it has low-profile, capped turrets that prevent accidental adjustments and maintain a sleek profile, which is appreciated during transport and handling.
Pros
- Ultra-durable construction with 6061-T6 Aluminum
- Ease of use
- Generous eye relief
- Unmatched low-light performance
- Ultra-lightweight design
- Precision side focus adjustment
- Waterproof,fogproof, and shockproof
Cons
- Non-illuminated and No BDC Dial
5) Aimpoint Pro Patrol Rifle Optic Red Dot Riflescope
Specifications
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle: 2 MOA Dot Reticle
- Finish: Semi-Matte, Anodized
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- Battery Life: 30,000 hours
- Weight: 11.6 oz
- Length: 5.2 in
- Optical Coating: Multi-Coated
The Aimpoint Pro Patrol Rifle Optic Red Dot Riflescope is an exceptional piece of equipment, designed with the tactical professional and avid shooter in mind. The robust construction and advanced technology of this rifle scope make it the best scope for 300 Blackout for the money.
The optic features a 2 MOA red dot reticle that provides rapid target acquisition and unparalleled accuracy in various lighting conditions. The multi-coated lenses offer crystal clear images with minimal distortion, while the hard-anodized aluminum housing ensures resilience against harsh environments and rigorous use.
Another impressive feature of this rifle scope is its battery life, boasting up to 30,000 hours of continuous operation on a single battery. Besides that, it is fully submersible up to 150 feet, making it an ideal choice for maritime operations.
Mounting and adjustment of the Aimpoint Pro is user-friendly, thanks to its QRP2 mount with a torque-limiting twist knob and a co-witness spacer that accommodates various firearms.
The turrets are easily adjustable for windage and elevation, allowing for precise zeroing without the need for additional tools. Furthermore, the overall weight and balance of the optic do not significantly add to the firearm.
Pros
- Extended battery life(30,000 hours)
- Ease of use
- Universal, AR Platform compatible
- Accurate and crisp 2 MOA reticle
- Reasonably affordable
- Multi-Layer Anti-Reflex lens finish
- Lightweight and easy to mount
- Compatible with all generations of night vision devices
Cons
- 1x magnification may limit the use of the scope
6) Primary Arms SLx 3×32 Compact Prism Red Dot Sight
Specifications
- Magnification: 3x
- Illumination Type: LED
- Brightness Settings: 11
- Field of View, Linear: 31.5 ft at 100 yds, 31.5 ft at 100 ft
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- Eye Relief: 2.72 – 2.92 in
- Weight: 18.4 oz
- Length: 2.95 in
Last, but not least, we have the Primary Arms SLx 3×32 Compact Prism Red Dot Sight. This optic combines high-quality glass, durable construction, and practical features that make it a top-tier choice for anyone looking to improve their shooting accuracy and experience.
Its compact and rugged construction ensures durability, making it an excellent choice for various shooting conditions. The 3x magnification provides a clear and crisp image and is beneficial for mid-range targets.
Reticle-wise, the scope has an etched reticle that remains visible even if the battery fails, a crucial feature for reliability in critical moments. The red dot illumination, with multiple brightness settings, allows for quick target acquisition in various lighting conditions, enhancing overall accuracy and performance.
Another impressive thing about the Primary Arms SLx 3×32 is its user-friendly design. It is easy to mount and zero, with intuitive controls that make adjustments straightforward. The included ACSS CQB-M reticle is highly regarded for its versatility, offering ranging and bullet drop compensation that can be a game-changer in dynamic shooting scenarios.
Above all, the sight is compatible with a wide range of firearms making it a versatile addition to any shooter’s arsenal.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Lighted reticle
- Ease of use
- Unmatched versatility
- Durable construction
- 11 brightness settings
- Ruggedized Mount for exceptional clamping power
- Waterproof, fog-resistant, and shockproof
Cons
- Narrow eye relief
Next Read: 8 Best LPVO Scopes for AR-15
How to Choose the Best Scope for 300 Blackout
Choosing the best scope for a 300 Blackout depends on several factors that align with your specific shooting needs and preferences. Here are some criteria to consider:
Magnification Range
Decide on the magnification range based on the distance you will be shooting at. For 300 Blackout, which is effective at shorter to medium ranges (typically up to 300 yards), a scope with a lower to mid-range magnification like 1-6x, 2-7x, or 3-9x is preferred for versatility.
Optical Clarity and Quality
Look for scopes with high-quality glass and coatings that provide clear and bright images, especially in low-light conditions. Good light transmission is crucial when pursuing targets in the less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
Purpose
Consider whether you’ll primarily be hunting, target shooting, or using the rifle for tactical applications. Different purposes may dictate specific features like reticle type or magnification range.
Reticle Type
Choose a reticle that suits your shooting style. Options like duplex, BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator), or illuminated reticles can aid in quick target acquisition and aiming under varying conditions.
Durability and Build Quality
Ensure the scope is rugged and well built to withstand abuse and rough handling. A model built with robust materials like magnesium alloy or aircraft-grade aluminum is preferable. The best scope for 300 Blackout should also be waterproof and fog-proof for all-weather use.
Adjustability and Turrets
Consider the ease of adjustments for windage and elevation. Tactical or hunting scopes should have reliable and precise adjustment turrets that are easy to manipulate and reset to zero.
Size and Weight
The next important thing to consider is size and weight. Balance the size and weight of the scope with your rifle and intended use. Lightweight scopes are ideal for maneuverability, while larger scopes may offer more features but add bulk.
Eye Relief
For rifles with heavier recoil like the 300 Blackout, sufficient eye relief is crucial to prevent scope eye injuries and ensure comfortable shooting. Whether you wear eyeglasses or not, opt for a scope with an eye relief distance of 3.5 inches or more.
Budget
Set a budget range based on your how much you can afford and stick to it. There are scopes available at various price points offering different features, so prioritize what’s most important to you and settle for a scope that will give you value for money in the long run.
FAQs
- What magnification range is ideal for a 300 Blackout scope?
For 300 Blackout, a versatile magnification range is typically 1-6x or 1-8x. This allows for close-range engagement as well as the ability to stretch out to medium ranges effectively.
- What reticle type works best for 300 Blackout?
It depends on your intended use. However, a reticle with hash marks or BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) markings designed specifically for the trajectory of 300 Blackout rounds is ideal. It helps in quick adjustments for different distances.
- Should I choose a scope with an illuminated reticle?
If you intend to use the scope for hunting or tactical operations in low light conditions, a scope with an illuminated reticle is ideal. It helps to quickly acquire your target and make precise shots.
Final Words
In conclusion, there are great rifle scopes for .300 Blackout available out there and your ideal model depends on your specific shooting needs and preference. Remember that what you plan to use the scope for will determine which scope you get. Whatever your budget and needs are, there is a scope out there for you.