A high-quality long-range optic is definitely a must for the hunter or a competitive shooter. A rifle scope magnifies the target and makes it clearer, which leads to more accurate levels of shooting. They also provide more safety as you can see what lies behind the target. If you want your shot to be precise and hit the exact spot that you want it to, then a good rifle scope is a very important item that you need to have. A good scope will also allow you to make the best use of the modern bullets and rifles that are designed to deliver more energy to the bullet, allowing it to travel further.

When it comes to the high level of optics, you need to spend a considerable amount of money to ensure high quality. So when you are investing a significant amount, it is necessary that you spend some time going through the best available options. In this article, we will review some of the Best Long Range Rifle Scope Under $300 in the market to help you with your purchase. We will also list out some points to help you make the right choice.

Guide to buying a Best Long Range Rifle Scope Under $300

Here are a few points that you need to keep in mind while making a rifle scope purchase.

Power

The power of a rifle scope is expressed through the numbers like 3.5-10×50 or 4×32. The numbers represent the power and objective diameter of the scope. The power expresses the magnification factor of the lens and for a specification of 4×32, the object is magnified four times its original size. In modern scopes, the magnification factor can be varied and the number 3.5-1 indicates the range of magnification. The power of the lens that you purchase will depend on the kind of shooting that you will be doing. For long-range shootings, scopes with 16x or 0 x magnifications are available.

Lens diameter

The second number in the specification of an objective lens expresses the diameter of the lens in millimetres. While larger lenses are heavier and costlier, they provide a better field of view allows more light to penetrate inside. This makes them more suitable for shooting in low light conditions. The low light performance is also measured by the maximum exit pupil which is the size of the light beam that leaves the scope. A large exit pupil is important when you are shooting in the pre-dawn or post-dusk moments.

Scope body

A good scope must be made out of a high-quality durable material which is most cases is high-quality aluminium alloy. This not only enhances the durability of the scope but also affect his performance in the long run. The scopes that are crafted out of a single piece of aluminium and free from any joints offer the best levels of accuracy along with long term durability.

The reticle

A good scope needs to have very good reticle. The reticle should have hash marks or single dots spread vertically and horizontally which can be MIL or MOA measurements. This makes it easier for the shooter to make compensations and adjustments with respect to windage and elevation changes. The reticles of high-end sight tend to get more complicated but the basic framework remains the same.

Additional features

Scopes also comes with various additional features including parallax adjustments for distant targets and gas purging to prevent lens fogging. You may also require a light lens to improve manoeuvrability and also night vision compatibility. These factors depend on your requirements and on the budget.

Leupold 110797 VX-2 Compact Riflescope

With superb built quality and great versatility, this unit is a quality product from Leupold that allows you to tackle a wide range of hunting scenarios.

Overview

This is one of the best riflescopes from Leupold and it comes with waterproof and fog-proof construction, along with the capability to withstand thermal shocks. Whether in a competition or during a hunt, this scope will serve you faithfully in a varied range of conditions.

Feature and Benefits:

Great build

The unit is built out of construction grade aluminium alloy and has top quality O-ring sealing for complete waterproof integrity. It will offer many reliable seasons of field use.

Superior optics

The unit comes with a VX scope which has been designed for clarity and great contrast. The optical surfaces are coated for reduced glare and authentic colour transmission.

Versatile use

The scope has remarkable versatility and can be used in a wide variety of situations. The versatile 3: 1 zoom ratio can be adjusted by one turn of the power selector for your convenience.

Superior reticle

The reticle of this rifle scope is of the Firedot duplex type and offers great clarity for aiming in dark conditions. It is also good for tracking moving objects with the rifle.

Key Specifications:

Weight: 2 ounces

2 ounces Zoom ratio: 3:1

3:1 Tube diameter: 30 mm.

30 mm. Waterproof:

Pros and Cons:

Pros A versatile scope.

A versatile scope. Diamond-coat lens coating.

Diamond-coat lens coating. Effective zoom ratio.

Effective zoom ratio. Durable and light construction.

Durable and light construction. Versatile use. Cons Not perfect for very long ranges.

This is a high quality lens that impresses with its build quality and durability and comes at a very good price that will suit a wide range of budgets.

Bushnell 756245B Trophy Xtreme X30 Scope

Built for hunters as well as long-range shooters, this unit delivers high quality and is one of the most popular rifle scopes in the market.

Overview

This scope has been built with precision to provide exceptional levels of brightness and light transmission. It offers a 100 percent waterproof, fog-proof and shockproof scope in a durable frame that is sure to last for a long time in the field.

Feature and Benefits:

Quality optics

The unit comes with nitrogen filling that offers 90 per cent light transmission ratings. The 30mm tube and larger objective deliver optimal brightness along with extremely clear images.

Weather-proof

This scope can easily be used in rough weather conditions as it is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. The Rainguard HD lens coating to maintain a clear view in rainy weather.

Multiple configurations

The scope comes with the choice of multiple reticles to suit the needs of all types of shooters. The options are 2.5-10×44; 4-16×44; 6-24×50 and 2.5-15×50.

Good design

The scope offers a generous eye relief of generous 3.6 inches and the side parallax knob is easy to access and quick to manipulate in the field. It is also light and easy to carry around.

Key Specifications:

Weight: 7 ounces

7 ounces Power: 6-24

6-24 Objective: 50 mm.

50 mm. Tube diameter: 30 mm

30 mm Waterproof:

Pros and Cons:

Pros A versatile scope.

A versatile scope. Fast-focus eyepiece.

Fast-focus eyepiece. Dry nitrogen filled.

Dry nitrogen filled. 91% light transmission.

91% light transmission. Fully multi-coated optics. Cons Some users did not like the eye relief distance.

This is a rifle scope that offers great value for the price and comes with some top quality features that allows accurate shooting in tough conditions.

Nikon PROSTAFF 5 BDC Riflescope

With superior technological features, a superior optical system and a quick-focus eyepiece, this scope will satisfy even the most demanding hunters.

Overview

This is a scope that is designed to provide a superior shooting experience. The scope supports the longest-range shots and provides a wide field of view with its features and will keep you fixed on the target under a wide variety of situations.

Feature and Benefits:

Easy controls

The smooth controls that can be precisely operated by a finger touch make this unit a joy to use. The superior mechanical functioning of the spring-loaded turrets makes field adjustments ease.

Good build

This is a well-built unit and is O-ring sealed and hence it will not suffer from shocks or be harmed by water or fog. It will fit with your rifle with complete ease and deliver the right function.

Good optics

The unit comes with a 3.5-14x magnification level along with a 4x zoom ratio and a 40mm objective diameter. This offers total clarity of vision and a high level of contrast.

Generous eye relief

Four inches of eye relief in this scope is an added boon. This is perfect for a user with spectacles and also protects the eyes of the shooter from the recoil of the rifle.

Key Specifications:

Weight: 4 ounces

4 ounces Power: 5-10

5-10 Objective: 40 mm.

40 mm. Waterproof:

Pros and Cons:

Pros Crystal-clear imaging.

Crystal-clear imaging. Very user-friendly unit.

Very user-friendly unit. Lightweight and durable.

Lightweight and durable. Generous eye relief.

Generous eye relief. Comes with a lifetime warranty.

Comes with a lifetime warranty. Fog-proof and shock-proof Cons Does not come with mounting kit.

Does not come with mounting kit. Does not fit right with all rifles.

Ensuring maximum brightness and light transmission this scope offers consistent performance and returns the right bang for your buck.

Vortex Optics Crossfire II Adjustable Objective Riflescope

With its high-end features and superb optics, this riflescope allows you to focus in a fast manner and acquire targets with ease under a range of conditions.

Overview

With a quality body and high-end optics, this scope allows you to make the best use of your rifle. The build quality makes it ideal for field use and the superior light transmission makes the views crystal-clear. This is a scope with the right range of features that deliver the right performance.

Feature and Benefits:

Superior quality

The unit is built with aluminium alloy that makes it lightweight and durable at the same time. The single-piece tube body provides ultimate strength and scope of integrity.

Superior lens

The reduce glare and provide the best light transmission, the lens comes with multiple layers of anti-reflective coatings. The adjustable objective also provides image focus and parallax removal features.

Easy adjustments

The capped reset turrets are finger adjustable with MOA clicks that can be reset to zero. The unit adjustable objective is perfect for fine-tuning and reduces the parallax error for viewing accuracy.

Additional features

The lens can be locked to make the arrangement shockproof and comes with a sunshade for an enhanced view. The nitrogen-filled tube makes the unit water and fog proof.

Key Specifications:

Weight: 4 ounces

4 ounces Magnification: 6-18 x

6-18 x Objective: 44 mm.

44 mm. Waterproof:

Eye relief: 7 inches

Pros and Cons:

Pros Very good performance.

Very good performance. Durable and weather-proof.

Durable and weather-proof. Good optical clarity.

Good optical clarity. Aluminium construction.

Aluminium construction. Zero-reset turrets.

Zero-reset turrets. Very well priced Cons The user manual is not informative.

This is a rifle scope that will perfectly suit veteran shooters with its clarity, accuracy and ease of use and has been packaged at a very reasonable price.

Nikon P-223 BDC 600 Riflescope with Rapid Action Turret

With top class fully multicoated optics and easily adjustable features, this riflescope is a top-class product from the house of Nikon.

Overview

This is a P-Series riflescope, built specifically for AR-style rifles and are ideal for long range shooting. The unit is optimized for use with Nikon spot on Ballistic Match Technology and has other essential features that will satisfy the needs of all long range shooters.

Feature and Benefits:

Top class reticle

The scope has the reticle which offers unique open circle aiming points and hash marks from 100 to 600 yards. It is specially designed for the .223 Rem /5.56 NATO round with 55-grain polymer tip bullet.

Good optics

The anti-reflective coatings on all the glass surfaces allow for bright and vivid sight pictures. It also ensures optimum light transmission and maximum brightness at any point during the day.

Weather-proof

The unit is waterproof, fog-proof and shockproof which makes it ideal for use in rough weather conditions. The tube is nitrogen filled and sealed with Superior grade O-rings.

Additional features

The quick focus eye-piece and the spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets make it easy for the shooters. The rapid action turret system also makes things easier for shooters.

Key Specifications:

Weight: 1 pound

1 pound Tube diameter: 1 inch

1 inch Objective: 40 mm.

40 mm. Power: 4-12

4-12 Waterproof:

Eye relief: 7 inches

Pros and Cons:

Pros Ideal for long range shooters.

Ideal for long range shooters. Loaded with features.

Loaded with features. Good optical clarity.

Good optical clarity. Easy to make adjustments.

Easy to make adjustments. Ballistic match technology. Cons Some users preferred more eye relief.

This rifle scope comes with a delivers impressive performance that is hard to beat at a very good price range.

Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescope

This strong and durable riflescope delivers brilliant and clear images thereby combining the rugged built with top-class performance and reliability.

Overview

A top class construction and excellent optics make these rifles reliable and durable. The overall performance makes the unit ideal for hunters, rifle hobbyists and enthusiasts. This piece also delivers real value for money with its reasonable pricing.

Feature and Benefits:

Solid construction

The scope is built from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminium with an anodized finish that make sit light and durable. The O-rings prevent any dust, debris and moisture from affecting the unit.

Quality optics

The superb optics quality of this unit does make it stand out with its extremely clear and sharp field of vision. The multiple anti-reflective coatings on the lens keep the image vivid and clear.

Fog-proof

Fogging will not be an issue with this scope despite any change in temperatures as it is argon purged. It is also waterproof and hence will not allow weather to interfere with your shooting plans.

Advanced features

The unit comes with metal on the metal precision turret and a dead-hold BDC reticle. In addition, it also has a precision guide erector system.

Key Specifications:

Weight: pounds

pounds Tube diameter: 1 inch

1 inch Objective: 40 mm.

40 mm. Power: 4-12

4-12 Waterproof:

Pros and Cons:

Pros Durable quality.

Durable quality. Lightweight construction.

Lightweight construction. Easy to use and set-up.

Easy to use and set-up. Excellent visual clarity.

Excellent visual clarity. Allows precise adjustments. Cons There is parallax at close ranges.

This high-grade lens is ideal for long range hunting and heavy rifles and the good range of features come at a very attractive price.

Mueller Target Rifle Scope

With great accuracy delivered at an affordable price, this scope is a very good choice for those shooters who need the edge to edge clarity.

Overview

With an interesting set of features packed at a very reasonable price, there is no doubt that this unit offers real value for money. The high-end magnification along with the fast focus eyepiece makes the unit ideal for those who want the right level of accuracy.

Feature and Benefits:

Good construction

The unit comes with a single piece aluminium tube that has a matte black finish. It is also very durable and ideal for those who handle their rifle roughly.

Excellent optics

The scope provides excellent visual clarity and contrast and offers a good field of view. It also has a coated lens for proper light transmission along with a fast-focus eyepiece.

Weather-proof

Being fitted with dry nitrogen, the unit is completely waterproof and fog-proof. It is also shock-proof that ensures accurate shooting in rough conditions.

Additional features

The scope comes with side focus parallax adjustment and a superior “Mildot” reticle. It also comes with a sunshade to ensure effective shooting under a wide range of light conditions.

Key Specifications:

Weight: 63 pounds

63 pounds Tube diameter: 40 mm

40 mm Objective: 44 mm.

44 mm. Power: 8-32

8-32 Waterproof:

Eye relief: 4 inches

Pros and Cons:

Pros Durable build quality.

Durable build quality. Superior grade optics.

Superior grade optics. Ideal for outdoor use.

Ideal for outdoor use. Side focus parallax adjustment.

Side focus parallax adjustment. Very well priced. Cons Some users found the reticle lines too thin.

This accurate and reliable unit offers high end features within a pocket-friendly price making it a good choice for budget buyers.

Weaver 849552, adjustable objective Riflescope

This is a high-quality product designed specifically for hunting rifles and is made from the highest quality materials.

Overview

This product from Weaver is ideal for any cost-conscious shooter as it balances the price and quality factors extremely well. The performance remains highly reliable and the scope is extremely versatile for using in a wide range of environments.

Feature and Benefits:

Good finish

The scope has a black, hard-anodized matte finish that is ideal for rugged use. The durable and strong materials ensure that the scope remains free from marks and scratches.

Good clarity

The unit comes with a multi-coated lens that offers optimum edge-to-edge clarity. The design ensures optimal light transmission even at the high end of the scope’s zoom range.

Easy to adjust

The reticles available with the scope allow easy and accurate adjustments and the ocular bell has been kept compact. This allows for easier turret adjustments, especially for new shooters.

All weather capable

The one-piece tube construction makes the scope waterproof, fog-proof and shockproof. The nitrogen purged tubes also ensure the elimination of internal fogging.

Key Specifications:

Weight: 5 pounds

5 pounds Field of View: 5 – 4.5 feet

5 – 4.5 feet Objective: 44 mm.

44 mm. Magnification: 5-20 x

5-20 x Waterproof:

Eye relief: 3 inches

Pros and Cons:

Pros Very effective zoom range.

Very effective zoom range. Multiple choices of reticles.

Multiple choices of reticles. Uncomplicated reticle and easy adjustments.

Uncomplicated reticle and easy adjustments. Comes with a lifetime warranty.

Comes with a lifetime warranty. Great value for money. Cons None of the reticles come with illumination.

This is a unit which makes it difficult for the users to find a flaw in it and offers great ruggedness and mechanical reliability along with superb optical clarity.

Redfield Revolution Riflescope with Tac-MOA Reticle

This is a compact and well-designed rifle scope that offers simple and user-friendly handling and comes at a very affordable price.

Overview

This small and compact scope is designed to provide a precise shooting experience at a wide range of conditions. It also comes with a general ruggedness that ensures many seasons of dependable service with its top-class image quality.

Feature and Benefits:

Durable build

Though small, the unit is waterproof, fog proof and shockproof. Whether you use it with a small calibre bullet or a heavier one, it holds up really well.

Quality optics

The optics is this unit is extremely good and it comes with an eyepiece is done in the traditional non-fast focus style. The multicoated lens system improves the light and colour transmission significantly.

Good eye relief

The unit offers good eye relief which ranges from 3.7 inches to 4.2 inches depending on the magnification. This makes it a good option for high-power rifles that have greater recoil.

Enhanced features

The unit comes with heavily knurled scope adjustment turrets and a rapid target acquisition eyepiece. It also has a 3:1 zoom ratio for the long range targets.

Key Specifications:

Weight: 6 oz.

6 oz. Field of View: 1 – 32.9 feet

1 – 32.9 feet Objective: 40 mm.

40 mm. Magnification: 3-9x

3-9x Waterproof:

Eye relief: 7-4.2 inches

Pros and Cons:

Pros Excellent optical clarity.

Excellent optical clarity. Rapid Target Acquisition technology.

Rapid Target Acquisition technology. Light and compact design.

Light and compact design. Ready for rugged use.

Ready for rugged use. Good level of accuracy. Cons The scope lacks an adjustable objective/parallax.

This scope can be used for tactical purposes as well as hunting and it presents a very strong case with its great price, quality and features.

Leupold VX-3i 3.5x10x40mm Rifle Scope

With premium quality and superb performance, this is a rifle scope for shooters who will settle for nothing less than the best.

Overview

Leupold is a dependable brand and this product is another example of their top-class engineering. It is built like and tank and offers extreme dependability over a lifetime of extreme use. With a sharp image and a slim design, this will suit the needs of most hunters.

Feature and Benefits:

Extreme durability

The lens has survived the punisher test i.e. 5000 impacts on the Punisher, Leupold’s recoil simulation machine. The ultra-lightweight aluminium construction delivers unrivalled durability.

Great optics

The unit comes with diamond coat 2 – Ion-assist lens coating for high light transmission and glare reduction. The lenses are also military-Standard scratch resistant to last for ages.

Climate-proof

As expected, this scope is completely waterproof and fog-proof. The unit has also been tested to perform within an extreme temperature range of -40 degree to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Great features

The scope has the Custom Dial System that allows the shooter to quickly adjust the elevation changes. The 3:1 zoom ratio erector system is ideal for supporting a variety of shooting conditions.

Key Specifications:

Weight: 6 oz.

6 oz. Tube diameter: 1 inch

1 inch Objective: 6 inches.

6 inches. Magnification: 5 – 10x

5 – 10x Waterproof:

Eye relief: 7-4.4 inches

Pros and Cons:

Pros Superb build quality.

Superb build quality. Rear focal plane reticles.

Rear focal plane reticles. Ultra-lightweight design.

Ultra-lightweight design. Great image quality.

Great image quality. A range of practical features. Cons The price is on the higher side.

This scope maintains Leupold’s reputation for building practical and durable rifle scopes and it will fit all type of shooting conditions with total ease.

Conclusion

These are some of the best long range rifle scope under $300 that you can buy in the current market. All these models are ruggedly built and offer a waterproof and fog-proof construction. The optics is of high quality and the image delivered is clear and vivid, leading to great accuracy. These are also easy to use units that offer multiple adjustments and comes with very good quality reticles. No matter what type of shooting you prefer or the type of gun you use, you will find a scope in this list that will perfectly suit your needs. When it comes to choosing the best, the Leupold 110797 VX-2 compact riflescope takes the top spot.

This unit has the right features and durability that serious hunters need. It comes with almost all the needed features including tactile power indicators, finger-adjustable click windage and elevation dial. The brightness and clarity of the image are exceptional even in low light conditions and the durability is backed by a lifetime warranty from Leupold. Overall, this is a unit that is extremely popular among professionals as well as amateur shooters with its great balance of price and performance.