Looking for the best AR-15 scope under 300? If yes, look no further. This post highlights a top selection of the best AR-15 scopes that are quality, reliable, and budget-conscious.
The AR-15 is by far the most versatile rifle out there. It is suitable for a wide array of hunting and shooting applications. It is also compatible with a wide selection of accessories, giving you the flexibility to create a state-of-the-art weapon.
Today, a scope is the most essential accessory for your AR-15. A scope will help you find targets effortlessly, enhance your shooting accuracy, and, in the long run, make you a better hunter/shooter.
However, finding the best AR-15 scope is no mean feat. The market is flooded with scopes from different brands. This makes the selection process daunting, particularly when on a budget. But we are here to lend a hand.
We have done our homework and put up this detailed review of the best AR-15 scopes under 300. Without wasting any more time, let’s jump right in.
7 Best AR-15 Scope under 300
1) Pinty Rifle Scope 3-9×32 Rangefinder Illuminated Reflex Sight
First up, we have the Pinty 3-9×32 Rifle Scope. This is a 3-in-1 rifle scope combo ideal for nearly all hunting excursions. It comes with a rangefinder scope, a green laser sight, and a red/green dot sight. The magnification in this scope is from 3x to 9x. At close quarters it provides a large visual field for quick target location. It also offers rapid target acquisition for targets at long ranges. Furthermore, the scope is nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed to be 100% waterproof and fog proof. Another feature that makes the scope stand out is the superb optical performance. It features fully multi-coated lenses to ensure high light transmission even in low-light settings. Even better, it has 4 reticle patterns with 5 brightness adjustments. This guarantees a clear view in all light conditions. The scope also has a lightweight design for mobility convenience, and is designed to mount quickly and easily onto your rifle. Features
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2) Bushnell AR Optics 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Bushnell makes a plethora of quality and reliable scopes, and the AR Optics 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is not an exception. It is as versatile as the AR-15 and built to perform in any situation. This rifle scope is easy to operate, even for beginners. It is equipped with a Drop Zone-223 reticle calibrated for the .224 ammo. The reticle is easy to use, even in low-light settings. Besides, the scope has a throw-down power change lever to ensure smooth magnification adjustment. When it comes to construction, this model features tough aluminum housing that is rigid enough to weather anything you subject it to. It also has waterproof protection which makes it ideal for use under rain, fog, and mist. Best of all, the AR Optics 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope features fully multi-coated optics, which deliver crisp clear image views in any lighting condition. Features
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3) Leapers UTG 3-12x44mm Compact Rifle Scope
The Leapers UTG 3-12x44mm is a multi-purpose rifle scope ideal for hunting, shooting, plinking, and more. It is built with the most innovative design to ensure that you easily use it for your operations. With a weight of 23.1oz, the scope is ultra-light and convenient to carry in the field. It employs multiple layers of emerald coatings that maximize light transmission for the best image brightness and clarity. Also included is a red/green illuminated reticle with 7 brightness settings to enhance reticle visibility and target acquisition in poor light settings. This rifle scope is well-built to be nearly indestructible. It has a 30mm main tube built on Leapers True Strength Platform. It is also sealed fully to be waterproof and dustproof, and filled with nitrogen gas to counter the build of fog on the lenses. The scope also brings parallax adjustment from 10 yards to infinity, premium zero locking and zero resetting target turrets, and a special circuit design that keeps the illumination on, even under heavy recoil. Features
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4) Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 2-7x33mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 2-7x33mm is another best AR-15 scopes under 300 on our list. Though cost-effective, this model has a rugged and reliable construction to meet all your shooting needs. Featuring a variable 2x to 7x magnification range, the scope is ideal for taking shots at close to medium ranges. To complement the versatile zoom power, it features a Twilight Light Management System, which yields clear and detailed image views under any lighting condition. Furthermore, the scope is built to offer unmatched durability. It has a robust aircraft-quality aluminum housing and scratch-resistant lenses for added protection. The scope is also 100% waterproof and fog-resistant for use under any weather condition. Other noteworthy features the scope brings to the table are a long eye relief, a matte finish, and a lightweight design. Features
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5) Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
Next on our list is the Vortex Diamondback Tactical Second Focal Plane 3-9×40 rifle scope. Built on durability and performance, this scope has virtually everything you need to push your AR-15 to its full potential. The scope is extremely accurate, even at extended ranges. This is thanks to the well-marked VMR-1 MOA reticle that works well under any magnification range. Besides, the scope features ED glass and XR fully multi-coated lenses which yield the brightest image views from sunrise to sunset. Construction-wise, the scope is crafted from aluminum to optimize strength and durability. It also features a zero-reset feature that makes zeroing simple and quick, and exposed tactical turrets that have distinctive and responsive dialing. Above all, this rifle scope is sealed with strong O-rings and nitrogen purged to provide reliable waterproof, and fog proof performance. Features
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6) Sig Sauer Whiskey3 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
The Sig Sauer Whiskey3 is the best AR-15 scope under 300 for medium to long-range hunting. It features a vast 4-12x magnification suitable for taking shots at varying ranges and a large 40mm aperture to ensure that the images generated are bright and clear at every zoom range. The scope is built for use in any environment. It is waterproof up to 1m and fog proof to ensure the field of view stays clear in inclement weather. Furthermore, the scope has a matte finish that counters light reflection to camouflage your hunting position. Another impressive thing about the scope is that it is operable even under low-light conditions. This is thanks to the low dispersion glass that provides outstanding clarity for any situation and the LED reticle illumination that aids in rapid target acquisition. The scope also brings a European-style eyepiece for smooth, rapid, and accurate reticle adjustment. Features
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7) Monstrum G2 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
Lastly, we have the Monstrum G2 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope. This variable power scope is built to deliver premium performance irrespective of the shooting activity you are engaged in. It is also easy to operate and an ideal choice for beginners. With an adjustable magnification range of 1x to 4x, you can use the scope for close and medium-range applications out to 400 yards. It employs a first focal plane rangefinder reticle that helps with rapid range estimation and holdover correction. The reticle is also etched on glass to enhance durability, and is visible with or without illumination. In terms of construction, the scope has a 30mm main tube crafted from aircraft-quality aluminum. It also features a detachable anti-reflective honeycomb filter sunshade which goes a long way in reducing outward glare from the scope lens. The scope is also water-resistant and fog resistant to be operable even in the not-so-ideal weather conditions. Features
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Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best AR-15 Scope under 300
Magnification
This is the first thing you should take into consideration. With the right scope magnification, you will be able to push your AR-15 to its full potential and be able to shoot accurately, even at extended ranges.
A variable power scope with a maximum magnification of 10x or less will be ideal. It will offer the perfect balance of good optical power and a wide field of view.
Durability
The best AR-15 scope under 300 is solid and built well to handle the recoil this rifle emits. A durable scope will also handle the hard knocks that come with hunting or shooting and ensure that it offers many years of field use.
Lens Coatings
Lens coatings in scope are very important. Without them, your scope will generate dark and dull image views and render your shooting impossible.
As you go through the plethora of scopes available on the market, ensure that you pick a model with fully-coated or multi-coated lenses. The coatings will enhance light transmission and yield bright, vivid, and detailed image views.
Eye Relief
The other important thing to consider is eye relief. With the AR-15 being a heavy-recoiling rifle, ensure you get a scope that offers ample eye relief of more than 3.5 inches. This will keep your eye safe from the fierce recoil the rifle generates.
Weatherproof
Irrespective of the activity you propose to use the scope for, ensure that it has a weatherproof construction. It should be waterproof, dustproof, and fog-resistant to be operable in all weather conditions.
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Best AR-15 Scope under 300 FAQs
1) What reticle is best for an AR-15 scope?
This depends on the application you intend to use the scope for and your preference. It is also best to get an illuminated reticle if you intend to use the scope in low-light conditions.
2) What type of optics does an AR-15 use?
The AR-15 is an ultra-versatile rifle that works well with various optics. You can use a red dot sight, an LPVO scope, or any other traditional rifle scope that matches your needs.
3) What magnification is best for AR-15?
The best scope magnification for AR-15 will mainly depend on the distance you will shoot at and your preference. However, a variable power scope with not more than 9x magnification will be ideal.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you have gained all the information about the best AR-15 scope under 300. With the right scope, you will have an easy and more enjoyable time shooting in the range or hunting in the fields.
Finding a scope that matches your shooting habits and preference will take some time, but no matter your budget or needs, there is a model out there waiting for you.