Best Long Range Rifle Scope Under $300 – Big Range, Small Price.

The thrill of successfully taking a shot that’s hundreds of yards away is unmatched and addicting. So let’s checkout some of the best long range rifle scope under $300.

If there were such a thing as a hunting bucket-list, a 1000 yard shot would be the first thing on mine. Well, if you’re here, I don’t need to tell you this. You’re probably a fellow long-range addict looking for a great scope to enhance your performance. Now we might not agree on the exact definition of ‘long range’, but I think we can agree on one thing- all long range scopes need to be equipped with certain extra features to qualify.

Top 5 Best long range rifle scope under $300

However, I don’t believe in paying exorbitant prices for rifle scope with good magnification, BDC, and user friendly adjustments. There’s more than adequate scopes on the market that can boost your aim without vacuuming your wallet. The best part? You don’t even need to scour for them because we’ve brought them all right here.

Athlon Optics is a well-known brand that is known for its quality optics at all prices.

The 50 mm objective lens lets in all the light you need while shooting long-range. The optics are fully coated multiple times to provide brilliant images across the 6-24x magnification range, even in dim lighting. The Argos BTR scope comes with an illuminated reticle that lets you decide when and where you want to hunt.

It’s an FFP scope, which means that the reticle changes its size as you zoom in and out. I think this feature is excellent for long-range shooting as it provides more accuracy and awareness, especially if you’re used to switching between magnifications quickly during shooting. An FFP scope doesn’t call for any calculations, so I prefer it.

The scope has a precise parallax adjustment that works well. The elevation and windage turrets are quick and easy to use and can be reset to zero.

This Athlon scope consists of a one-piece tube body crafted with aircraft aluminum. It keeps out moisture and keeps things aligned while adding durability. It’s argon purged for unique moisture and fog proofing. The scope is highly recoil resistant and can take a heavy-duty cartridge, making it one of the best long range rifle scope under $300.

The eye relief is slightly inconsistent. Owing to the size of the lens, the scope can get heavy.

Vortex is one of the most popular American rifle scope brands out there, known primarily for its customer service and warranty.

This rifle scope also has a 50mm objective lens for maximum light transfer. The optics are fully coated and feature multiple anti-reflective coatings on air to glass surfaces. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is always a plus and works quite well for me. The fast-focus eyepiece adds to the efficiency of the scope and makes things quicker.

The Vortex Crossfire II has a long eye relief at 4 inches, so you don’t need to worry about getting hurt because of recoil from shooting long range. The adjustable objective helps to reduce parallax errors. The capped reset turrets have gentle audible clicks. I find that the scope holds zero well.

The sleek matte body is comprised of a single-piece tube made of aircraft-grade aluminum. It is nitrogen purged with special O-seals to make it entirely weatherproof. Additionally, I like that it came with a sunshade.

The best part about the Crossfire II series is the Vortex VIP warranty and competitive price range, making it one of the best long range rifle scope under $300.

However, the scope starts to lose some of its clarity after 18x.

LUCID optics is a new all-American scope brand that’s about to blow up soon because of its good looking, high-quality optics.

If you’re looking for a long-range scope for your shotgun, this one’s for you. The long range rifle scope boasts of 92% light transmission, and it doesn’t lie. In addition to its FBMC multi-coated lenses, the LUCID scope comes with an L5 reticle that is carefully crafted for accuracy and eliminating guesswork. This was my first time using this reticle I loved how clear the crosshairs were.

The side parallax adjustments on the scope go from 15 yards to infinity. It has nice tactical style windage and elevation turrets that can be reset to zero and locked. They are precise and repeatable. Eye relief is just right at about 3.5- 4.25 inches.

The scope is well constructed and can take the heavy recoil of even a .338 lapua. It can be submerged in water without any depletion in performance and is entirely fog proof thanks to its nitrogen purging. I love the look of it. The body is super sleek. The relatively new brand offers a limited lifetime warranty.

The one downside is that the crosshairs can get too fine for some people.

Vortex is gracing the list once again with its Diamondback series.

It’s a Vortex, so there’s no compromise on the optics. They’re fully coated multiple times along with an anti-reflective coating to dramatically minimize glare and provide crystal clear images. The FFP glass-etched reticle is illuminated to let you shoot long-range even in the most challenging lighting. The fast-focus eyepiece enhances your vision and wastes no time.

The Diamondback scope comes blessed with Vortex’s signature precision-glide erector system that takes you on a smooth, seamless ride across the 6-24x magnification range. The first focal plane reticle makes this transition even better and lets you go from long range to longer-range without problems. The finger adjustable turrets are user-friendly and can be reset to zero.

The long range scope is built with ultra-durable Aircraft-grade aluminum. The 30 mm tube is completely waterproof and shockproof. The matte anodized finish helps you stay concealed. I like that it came with a sunshade. The VIP warranty is always great.

However, the reticle isn’t easily seen against light backgrounds. The scope can also get heavy.

Bushnell is another top optics brand that takes pride in the construction of its scopes.

If you haven’t noticed yet, every single rifle scope on this list, including this one, comes with a 50 mm objective lens to equip you with all the brightness you need to shoot long-range successfully. The Bushnell Engage comes with fully multi-coated optics and works exceptionally well in low light. It might owe this function to the EXO barrier lens coating that repels water, oil, dust, snow, and fingerprints to maintain peak performance.

It also comes with an exciting Deploy MOA reticle that has 1 MOA windage and elevation hash marks. The long range scope has a decent eye relief at 3.6 inches. I like the convenient side parallax adjustment. The turrets are great and lockable as well. I find that it holds zero.

The body is sturdy and recoil resistant. It feels as good as it looks. It is also considerably water-resistant and fog proof. It comes with the Bushnell ironclad warranty.

The scope weighs in at about 24 oz. And it can get heavy.

Things to look for when you’re purchasing a long-range scope under 300

Long-range hunting calls for rifle scope features that can go a long way too. It can get tricky at the 300 price range since a lot of companies will start to compromise in certain areas. And also if you couldn’t find what you are looking for here, you can check this – Our special guide for rifle scopes under $500.

Here’s what to look out for:

Magnification

Obviously, even though the reach of your bullet depends on the caliber and rifle you’re using, the magnification can significantly affect your clarity and performance. If we’re talking long-range hunting, the lower limit can stand anywhere between 6-10x. Depending on how long you want to go, the upper limit can go from 20-30x. Some scopes come with a fixed magnification (these will be significantly cheaper), while others come with variable magnification. This is just a personal choice. Variable magnification is a tad bit more convenient, but if you find a fixed scope that suits your needs perfectly, it can save you a lot of money.

Objective lens and clarity

When you’re shooting long range, you need all the light transmission and brightness you can get, especially at the high magnification settings and low light. This will come in the form of a big objective lens. However, don’t buy something that might prove to be super heavy and inconvenient for your weapon. To make sure your lens is clear, look at the type of coating that it comes with. Optics that are fully coated multiple times are best. Some brands might even equip their lenses with more powerful coatings.

Reticle type

As we all know, reticles come in either the first focal plane or second focal plane. While it is a matter of preference, most long range hunters will prefer an FFP rifle scope for its accuracy and lack of guesswork. Another essential feature that’s important in a long-range reticle is the bullet drop compensation. Since shooting takes place over a considerable distance and bullet drop is inevitable, you want a reticle that has estimation points to guide you. Illuminated reticles are also nice.

Adjustments

The adjustments on a long range scope need to be easy and precise. With so many things to consider, this should be a no-stress area. The measurements come in 2 units – Mil and MOA. Make sure your scope uses the one you’re comfortable with.

Eye relief

Shooting over long distances often calls for powerful cartridges with considerable recoil. Everyone loves the ‘bang’, but no one loves the rifle tattoo. When you’re looking for a good rifle scope, make sure the eye relief is sufficient. A minimum of 3.5 inches is optimal.

Conclusion

The only thing more thrilling than a good long shot is a rifle scope that gives you value for your money. Sights just won’t cut it anymore. 300$ is more than enough to fetch for great scope, and I hope this list proved that to you. We dug out the best scopes under 300 that are equipped with everything you need to make the perfect shot. We’ve done the research and paid attention to every detail. All you now need to do is scroll and pick what matches your needs. Remember to keep the factors we mentioned in mind, and you’ll be on your way to the best 300$ you’ve ever spent!

See you next time.