AR-15 Scopes Under $300
Choosing the right scope for your ar-15 is just as important as knowing everything about your firearm and knowing vital information about your target. At a time and age where technological advancement has resulted in the production of high-quality scopes, you can’t afford to lose money and shooting accuracy just because you chose the wrong scope. To make sure that you chose the best scope for your ar-15 rifle, this review outlines the best ar-15 scopes under $300 as well as a guide on how to choose the best scope for it. Let’s have a look.
Here is a comparison table in case you don’t have time for this short read
| PRODUCT | IMAGE | MAGNIFICATION & OBJECTIVE LENS | PRICE |
| #1) Bushnell trophy TRS-25 |  |
1X25mm | |
| #2) Simmons 3-9×32 .22 Waterproof Fog proof Matte Riflescope |  |
3-9x32mm | |
| #3) Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane |  |
3-9x40mm | |
| #4) CVLIFE 3-9X40 Optics |  |
3-9x40mm | |
| #5) Pinty 2.5-10×40 Tactical Rifle Scope |  |
2.5x10x40mm | |
| #6) Bushnell Banner Dusk and Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope |  |
3-9x40mm | |
| #7) Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope |  |
3.5-10×50 |
AR-15 Scopes Under $300 Reviews
#1) Bushnell trophy TRS-25
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 optic will handle everything from big game to varmint at less than $300. Featuring nitrogen-purged fog proofing; the scope provides reliable performance regardless of the weather conditions. The scope will stay dry even after accidentally being submerged in water. The adjustable brightness allows for better target acquisition regardless of the lighting condition. Built to withstand severe bumps and falls, the scope features a shockproof construction which also enhances its durability. Parallax elimination starts from 50 yards to infinity. The scope mounts easily on any Picatinny rails and is also compatible with pistols, shotguns, and rifles. Key Features
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#2) Simmons 3-9×32 .22 Waterproof Fog proof Matte Riflescope
Simmons 3-9×32 .22 is a Rimfire riflescope made to provide outstanding and reliable game performance. As one of the best AR-15 scopes under $300, this scope features the popular Simmons’ patented true zero adjustment system and the quick target acquisition eyepiece. This allows it to deliver unparalleled on-game performance, regardless of the shooting environment or lighting conditions. The 32mm objective lens collects the optimum light needed to produce bright target views. Its optics are fully coated to enhance light transmission. Additionally, the optics feature a hydro shield coating that helps maintain a clear sight picture, regardless of the weather condition while keeping it free of dirt, fingerprints, and oil. A SureGrip rubber surface simplifies adjustments while on the field. The scope is also equipped with a generous eye relief that keeps your eyes safe from heavy recoil rifles. Its lightweight construction enhances portability and pack-ability. For all-weather reliability, the scope is also nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed. Key Features
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#3) Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane
Made with tactical shooters and hunters in mind, this is one of the best AR-15 scopes under $300 on the market. It is the ideal scope for both short and long-range shooting. With a long and consistent eye relief, the scope keeps your eyes safe from heavy recoil rifles. The fully multicoated lens ensures optimal light transmission especially under low light conditions such as dusk and dawn. Additionally, a customized dead hold BDC reticle with a dot design eliminates all guesswork on windage and holdover corrections. This makes it suitable for shooting at varying distances where estimating holdover might be of concern. The scope also features an SPF reticle that maintains its size at varying magnification ranges. Its main body is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum which ensures great performance and durability. For worry-free all-weather reliability, the scope has been nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed to deliver waterproof and fog-proof performance. Key Features
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#4) CVLIFE 3-9X40 Optics
Built on a true strength platform, the CVLIFE 3-9X40 is what you need for all your hunting and tactical shooting needs. The versatile 3-9x magnification makes the scope ideal for shooting at varying ranges. It is built on a sturdy and durable 1 inch machined aluminum tube which is O-ring sealed to lock out moisture and nitrogen purged for total reliability against thermal shock. Superior image clarity is made possible thanks to the fully multi-coated optics which ensure optimum light transmission regardless of the lighting conditions. The same coating makes the optics scratch-resistant and sheds off dirt, fingerprints, and oil to produce clear target views. Another important feature found in this scope is the precise elevation and windage adjustment turrets that are intuitive and easy to use. Its reticle is crosshair, which is simple, effective, and minimizes clutter in the field to provide exceptional precision for calculated shots. It is a good scope for shooting/hunting beginners and professionals alike and is also one of the best AR-15 scopes under $300. Key Features
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#5) Pinty 2.5-10×40 Tactical Rifle Scope
Designed to fit all weaver and Picatinny rails, the Pinty 2.5-10×40 scope has everything you need in a tactical rifle scope. As one of the best AR-15 scopes under $300, this scope features precise elevation and windage adjustment turrets that are easy and intuitive to use even for those new in tactical shooting. The scope features a versatile 2.5-10x suitable for either short or medium-range shooting. Additionally, the objective lens is coated green to boost higher light transmittance for bright, clear target images full of color contrast. A unique feature in this scope is the Kellner eyepiece with a dioptric adjustment lens which eliminates most image aberration. Furthermore, the scope features 5 brightness levels for use in all environments. Its body is crafted from high-quality solid aluminum alloy which is durable and lightweight as well. When it comes to weather reliability, this scope is nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed to enhance its waterproof and fog proof properties. You are therefore assured of worry-free all-weather reliability. Key Features
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#6) Bushnell Banner Dusk and Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope
As one of the best AR-15 scopes under $300, this scope from Bushnell is made to deliver unparalleled performance when paired with an ar-15 rifle. Its lenses are fully coated with the legendary Dusk and Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coating process to bright and clear target views regardless of the lighting conditions. This multi-coating process also makes the optics durable and scratchproof as well. Its one-piece main tube construction enhances strength and durability and it is spacious enough to accommodate more adjustment knobs. The versatile 3-9x magnification is suitable for both short and medium-range shooting while the 40mm objective lens is large enough to allow optimum light into the scope. Additionally, the scope features a fast-focus eyepiece that is easy and intuitive to use. The ¼ MOA fingertip turrets allow easy windage and elevation. For all-weather reliability, the scope is fully waterproof and fog proof. It also comes with a generous and consistent eye relief to keep your eyes safe from high-recoil rifles. Key Features
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#7) Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope
If you are looking for a scope with premium features at a relatively affordable price, Vortex Optics Diamondback should be your ideal option. Built on a true strength platform, this scope features a 50mm objective lens plus a versatile 3.5-10 zoom range. The metal-on-metal precision turrets enable you to zero reset after sighting in while a precision glide erector system ensures accurate tracking and repeatability. A fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick target acquisition. Additionally, the lenses in this scope are fully multi-coated to deliver optimal light transmission. The hard anodized finish provides reliable impact resistance and shock-proof performance. Lastly, the scope is argon purged and O-ring sealed to deliver waterproof and fog-proof performance. Key Features
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Criteria for Choosing The Best AR-15 Scopes Under $300
Before you settle on a specific ar-15 scope, here are some of the important factors to consider.
1.Durability
The scope you decide to buy should be made with strong and durable materials. A long-lasting scope offers great value for money. It should be able to handle harsh and extreme outdoor conditions and therefore last as long as the rifle you pair it with. Scopes made of aluminum alloy or aircraft-grade aluminum have proven to be the most durable. Such scopes are not only lightweight but also very hard-wearing as well. Additionally, look for scopes that are O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to ensure worry-free all-weather reliability. You can get durable AR-15 scopes under $300.
2.Scope rings
Some scopes available on the market come with readily available rings, however, some of them don’t. It is therefore important for you to compare the options on this one if you don’t want to spend time finding suitable rings for your rifle. When purchasing a scope with no rings included, ensure that you buy the properly sized rings or you won’t be able to sight in that scope.
3.Eye relief
Scopes suitable for the ar-15 come with varying eye relief. Eye relief refers to the distance between your eye and the ocular bell. At a minimum, your scope should have an eye relief of at least 3.6 inches. This ensures that your eyebrow is always kept safe from heavy recoil rifles. Additionally, a scope with generous eye relief provides the user with a comfortable view of the targets.
4.Magnification
Magnification does a similar thing in an air gun scope as it does in a rifle scope. Depending on the shooting activity that you will be engaged in, you’ll need to choose a zoom range that works best for you. Choose a scope with moderate magnification as they are suitable for both short to medium-range shooting. If you happen to have too much magnification, it can be nearly impossible to keep your reticle crosshair steady. Usually, a scope with a 3-9x magnification is best.
5.Type of lens
The best rifle scope for hunting or tactical shooting application should be able to perform well under any light conditions and more so under low light conditions. Multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission providing the user with bright and crisp clear images regardless of the light conditions. You should not stop using the scope when darkness starts to fall in, so you should buy one that will always provide you with bright and crystal clear images regardless of the light conditions. Some rifle scopes also feature different brightness levels for application in diverse environments.
6.Weight
If you intend to carry the scope with you whenever you are in the field, consider getting one that’s lightweight. A lightweight scope will be easy to carry and easier to keep on target when firing offhand. However, heavy scopes might be more durable and contain more built-in features, therefore you will need to consider what is important to you as a hunter as well as how you intend to use the scope.
Conclusion
Investing in a good ar-15 scope ensures that you get great value for your money as well as have a great time in the field. Due to the fact that an AR-15 is very popular, the aftermarket accessories are too many. This also includes scopes. If you are looking for AR-15 scopes under $300, you have probably come across way too many. We have reviewed the best ones the market has to offer and we hope you find the best one here.