Welcome to our guide on the Best AR 15 Scope for Under 300! If you’re looking for a high-quality optic that won’t break the bank, you’re in the right place. We’ve compiled a list of top-rated scopes from leading brands like Vortex, Leupold, and Bushnell, all priced affordably at under $300.
Our guide includes detailed reviews and specifications for each scope, along with links to where you can purchase them at competitive prices. So if you purchase through one of them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Read on to find the perfect scope for your AR-15 and take your shooting game to the next level!
- Vortex Crossfire II AO 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
- Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
- Bushnell AR Optics 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
- Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
- Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 mm Rifle Scope
What Size Scope is Best for AR15?
The best size scope for an AR-15 depends on your intended use and personal preferences. However, for close to mid-range shooting (0-300 yards), a low to medium magnification scope is ideal. A 1-4x, 1-6x, or 1-8x scope offers the flexibility to engage targets at various distances while maintaining a wide field of view for quick target acquisition.
Is it Worth Putting a Scope on an AR-15?
Yes, putting a scope on an AR-15 can be worth it, depending on your shooting needs and preferences. Here are some reasons why you might consider adding a scope to your AR-15:
- Improved Accuracy: A scope can help improve your accuracy, especially at longer ranges. The magnification and reticle options available with a scope can make it easier to aim precisely and make adjustments for windage and elevation.
- Enhanced Shooting Experience: Using a scope can enhance your shooting experience, allowing you to see your target more clearly and making shooting more enjoyable.
- Versatility: A scope can make your AR-15 more versatile, allowing you to engage targets at different distances and in various shooting scenarios.
- Low-Light Shooting: Many scopes are equipped with features such as illuminated reticles or high-quality optics that can improve visibility in low-light conditions, making them suitable for hunting or shooting at dusk or dawn.
- Tactical Advantage: For tactical applications, a scope can provide a tactical advantage by allowing for quicker target acquisition and more precise shooting.
How To Choose The Best AR 15 Scope for Under 300
Choosing the best AR-15 scope for under $300 requires you to consider several key factors to ensure you get a scope that meets your needs and budget. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
- Purpose: Determine the main purpose of your AR-15. Are you using it for hunting, target shooting, home defense, or tactical use? Your intended use will influence the type of scope you need.
- Magnification Range: Consider the magnification range you need. For close to mid-range shooting, a low to medium magnification scope (e.g., 1-6x, 1-8x) is ideal. For longer ranges, consider a scope with higher magnification.
- Reticle Type: Look for a scope with a reticle that suits your shooting style and needs. For example, a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle is useful for long-range shooting, while a simple crosshair or duplex reticle is ideal for general-purpose use.
- Durability: Opt for a scope that is rugged and durable, with shockproof and waterproof features. This ensures it can withstand the recoil of your AR-15 and perform well in various weather conditions.
- Optical Quality: Consider the optical quality of the scope, including lens coatings, glass quality, and light transmission. Look for fully multi-coated lenses for bright and clear images.
- Size and Weight: Consider the size and weight of the scope, especially if you plan to carry your AR-15 for extended periods. A compact and lightweight scope is more comfortable to use.
- Brand Reputation: Choose a reputable brand known for producing high-quality scopes. Brands like Vortex, Leupold, and Bushnell offer excellent options in the under $300 price range.
- Features: Consider any additional features you may need, such as illuminated reticles, parallax adjustment, or tactical turrets. These features can enhance your shooting experience but may increase the cost.
Best AR 15 Scope for Under 300
1) Vortex Crossfire II AO 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope
Benefits
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-24×50 AO is a versatile and high-performance rifle scope designed for long-range shooting and hunting applications.
With a magnification range of 6-24x, it offers a wide field of view at lower magnifications and allows for precise aiming at longer ranges.
One of the key features of this scope is the adjustable objective (AO), which allows for parallax correction and ensures that the reticle stays focused and on target at different distances. This feature is particularly useful for long-range shooting, where parallax error can significantly affect accuracy.
The 50mm objective lens also ensures excellent light transmission, which is essential for clear and bright images, especially in low-light conditions.
It is equipped with Vortex’s Dead-Hold BDC reticle, which features holdover points that allow for quick and easy compensation for bullet drops at various distances.
Features
- Magnification: 6 – 24 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2.08 – 8.3 mm
- Illumination Color: None
- Finish: Hard Anodized
- Field of View, Linear: 4.4 – 17.3 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 4 in
- Color: Black
- Weight: 23.6 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Length: 14.5 in
2) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Benefits
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm rifle scope is a versatile and reliable optic designed for a wide range of hunting and shooting applications.
Features a magnification range of 3-9x and a 40mm objective lens, thus offering a good balance of field of view and magnification for most hunting situations. The 1-inch tube diameter is a standard size that fits most rifle mounts and rings.
Has a second focal plane reticle, which means that the size of the reticle remains constant relative to the target as you change the magnification. Therefore makes the reticle easier to use for estimating range and making windage and elevation adjustments, as the markings remain consistent.
Built to Leupold’s high standards of quality, with a rugged and durable construction that is both waterproof and fogproof.
Lenses are coated with Leupold’s proprietary coatings to reduce glare and improve light transmission, resulting in bright and clear images even in low-light conditions.
Features
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4.7 mm
- Illumination Color: None
- Finish: Matte
- Field of View, Linear: 33.1 – 13.6 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 4.2 – 3.7 in
- Color: Black
- Weight: 12.2 oz
- Length: 12.39 in
- Adjustment Type: MOA
- Parallax: Fixed
3) Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
Benefits
The Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm rifle scope is a compact and versatile optic designed for close to mid-range shooting applications.
It is equipped with Vortex’s V-Brite illuminated reticle, which provides a bright, illuminated aiming point for quick target acquisition in low-light conditions. The reticle also has adjustable brightness settings, allowing you to customize the illumination level to match the lighting conditions.
With a magnification range of 1-4x and a 24mm objective lens, offers a wide field of view at 1x magnification, making it ideal for fast target acquisition in close-quarters situations. At 4x magnification, it provides enough zoom for engaging targets at medium ranges with good clarity and detail.
Can withstand the rigors of hunting and shooting activities, with a rugged construction that is both shockproof and waterproof. The scope is nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed to prevent fogging and ensure reliable performance in all weather conditions.
Features
- Magnification: 1 – 4 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 6 – 24 mm
- Illumination Color: Red
- Finish: Anodized
- Field of View, Linear: 24.1 – 96.1 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 4 in
- Weight: 16 oz
- Length: 9.8 in
- Adjustment Type: MOA
- Parallax: 100 yds
4) Bushnell AR Optics 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Benefits
The Bushnell AR Optics 3-9x40mm rifle scope is a versatile and affordable optic designed for AR-15 and similar rifles.
With a magnification range of 3-9x and a 40mm objective lens, this scope offers a good balance of magnification and light transmission for a variety of shooting distances.
Features a second focal plane Drop Zone-223 BDC reticle, specifically designed for the ballistics of .223 caliber ammunition commonly used in AR-15 rifles. This reticle provides aiming points out to 500 yards, allowing for quick and easy holdover corrections for bullet drops at different distances.
One standout feature of this scope is its side parallax adjustment knob, which allows for parallax correction from 10 yards to infinity. This feature is especially useful for shooters who need to make precise shots at various distances.
Features
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Reticle: Drop Zone-223
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4.44 – 13.33 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 11 – 29 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
- Color: Black
- Weight: 19 oz
- Length: 12 in
- Parallax: Side Focus
5) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
Benefits
The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm rifle scope is a popular choice among shooters looking for a versatile optic for close to mid-range shooting.
One of the key features of this scope is the included throw lever, which allows for quick and easy magnification adjustments, making it ideal for fast-paced shooting situations.
It is built to withstand the recoil of AR-15 rifles and other similar platforms, with a rugged construction that is both shockproof and waterproof. The lenses are fully multi-coated to provide bright and clear images, even in low-light conditions.
Features a second focal plane illuminated AR-BDC3 reticle, which is designed for the 5.56 cartridge and offers holdover points out to 650 yards. The illuminated reticle has 11 brightness settings, allowing for easy adjustment to match the lighting conditions.
Features
- Magnification: 1 – 6 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
- Reticle: AR-BDC3
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4 – 24 mm
- Illumination Color: Red
- Field of View, Linear: 19.2 – 116.5 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
- Diopter Adjustment Range: -2 – 2 dpt
- Weight: 18.5 oz
- Length: 10.5 in
- Adjustment Type: MOA
- Parallax: 100 yds
6) Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 mm Rifle Scope
Benefits
The Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm rifle scope is a versatile and reliable optic designed for hunters and shooters who require a high-quality, mid-range magnification scope.
With a magnification range of 3x to 9x, it offers flexibility for various shooting scenarios, from close-range shots to mid-range targets.
Features a Ballistic Plex reticle, which provides a simple and intuitive aiming point with holdover lines for quick and easy ranging and holdover adjustments.
Also equipped with Burris’ Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses, which help to improve light transmission and reduce glare, ensuring a clear and bright sight picture.
In addition, has adjustments that are precise and easy to use, therefore allowing for quick and accurate zeroing. The windage and elevation turrets provide audible and tactile feedback, making it easy to make adjustments in the field.
Features
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Reticle: Ballistic Plex
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4.44 – 13.33 mm
- Illumination Color: None
- Finish: MatteField of View, Linear: 31 – 13 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.1 – 3.8 in
- Color: Black
- Weight: 13 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Length: 12.4 in
- Adjustment Type: MOA
- Parallax: Free
- Illumination Type: Non-Illuminated
- Battery Type: CR2025
FAQS
- Are there any specific features to look for in an AR-15 scope under $300?
Look for features such as fully multi-coated lenses for bright and clear images, durable construction that is shockproof and waterproof, and a reputable brand known for producing high-quality scopes.
- Can I get a good quality AR-15 scope for under $300?
Yes, there are many good quality AR-15 scopes available for under $300. Brands like Vortex, Leupold, and Bushnell offer excellent options in this price range with a variety of features to suit different shooting needs.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, choosing the best AR-15 scope under $300 doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right information and a bit of research, you can find a high-quality optic that meets your shooting needs and budget.
So, why wait? Upgrade your AR-15 today and elevate your shooting experience with one of these top-rated scopes!
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