15 Best Scopes for 300 Blackout in 2024 | (Ranked by a Marine)

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AR platforms utilizing a 300 AAC Blackout (300 BLK) system are becoming increasingly popular among sportsmen and hunters.

It is widely popular for its use cases with suppressed rifles and actually first saw duty when the Netherlands’ Dutch Maritime Special Operations Force (NL-MARSOF) ordered 300 Blackout compatible carbines to be used in operations where making too loud of an entrance was to be avoided.

300 Blackout Scope Buying Guide

Of course, we know the 300 Blackout to be a fun and reliable way to hunt while both increasing the lethality that the 5.56 NATO offers us by increasing the weight of the round nearly three-fold and offering similar ballistics as the 7.62×39. This makes the 300 Blackout especially useful in hunting with amazing knockdown capabilities under 300 yards, which is likely how the round became so popular in the first place. Furthermore, the 300 Blackout round requires only 9″ of barrel length to successfully end its powder burn versus the 5.56 NATO that requires a full 12″ barrel length to ensure the powder is burnt. This means you can pack more lethality into a smaller overall package, making the 300 Blackout ideal over 5.56 in hunting big game at short distances, CQB and home defense.

Quick Summary: Our Top 5 Picks For Scopes for 300 Blackout in 2024
IMAGEPRODUCT
Bush Banner Rifle Scope
  • 3-9 40MM
  • Works well in low light conditions
  • Surprisingly durable for the price
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EOTECH HHS I Hybrid Package – EXPS3-4 with G33 Magnifier
  • Seamless transitioning between 1x holographic red dot and 3x magnified red dot
  • Included quick detach lever mount compatible with 1” Weaver and MIL-STD rails
  • Water-resistant down to 33’ and capable of operating even when heavily damaged
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Trijicon ACOG 300 Blackout Ballistic Reticle
  • Fixed 4x magnification
  • Dual illuminated reticles. ACSS 5.56 in green
  • Second focal plane optic
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Primary Arms SFP GEN III
  • 11 illumination settings
  • Powered by an included CR2032 battery
  • Water, fog and shockproof
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Sig Sauer Bravo3 BTL with Horseshoe Reticle
  • Comes with Sig Sauers best optical coatings including LENSHIELD and HDX coatings
  • Built under the Sig Sauer Stealth ID design program
  • A massive 10-degree field of view with 2.93” of eye relief
VIEW ON AMAZON →VIEW ON OPTICS PLANET →

Related Article: 15 Best Long Range Rifles (Ranked by a Marine Sniper)

Another attractive reason to switch to the 300 Blackout is its variable usage with flash hiders and suppressors. These rounds were originally designed to mimic that of the 300 Whisper which was designed to be used subsonic. Done correctly, a lot of people joke about the noise of the bullet hitting their target being louder than the report of the rifle!

Now that you have a very basic understanding of why people are allured into building a 300 Blackout, your next step may be to price out parts and create a build list. Fortunately, most parts from a standard AR-15 are compatible with a 300 Blackout system. The only things you need to pony up for are a barrel and a new muzzle brake. That’s it! The magazine, gas block, tube, lower, etc are all compatible and usable on a 300 Blackout.

Aside from that, if you’re using optics with a ballistic calculator, windage, bullet drop compensation, etc that are specially designed to operate with a 5.56, you’ll also need to find a scope that pairs well with 300 Blackout, which is what we’re here to discuss! Now, most scopes that you’ve thrown on your 5.56 rifles will probably suffice in a causal situation, however, if you’re looking to squeeze out the most efficiency and precision from your new (more expensive) 300 Blackout rounds, you’ll want to find scopes that are designed for the 300 Blackout ballistics, which are significantly different than the 5.56.

A lot of what applies to AR-15 scopes will also apply to 300 Blackout scopes. Both rounds have roughly the same levels of recoil which means that any scope capable of being mounted on an AR-15 will likely suffice when being used on a 300 Blackout as well, despite the 300 Blackout round having more power.

In this guide, we’ll pin down how to identify the best scopes for your 300 Blackout rifle’s job including top features to look for, important specifications, and of course, budgeting! After you gain a fair understanding of what you’re looking for, I’ll show you where to find my favorite 300 Blackout scopes and review them!

Choosing the Right Scope or Optic

Most of you are probably already familiar with the AR-15 and if you have one, it’s likely you also have a scope or two lying about. Now, scopes come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and its likely that you may have a scope that is interchangeable between the two platforms that will simply “work”. However, we aren’t spending the extra money on a new rifle for it to just “work”. We are upgrading the AR-15 5.56 platform to the 300 Blackout because we want the most out of our rifle, increasing the range, effectiveness, and versatility that our rifle provides us.

With this in mind, and money already spent on upgrading, you likely don’t want a scope that just works. You want a scope that is built and designed to optimize the 300 Blackout system. If you’re like many other firearm enthusiasts and you’ve made the move from 5.56 to 300 Blackout, it’s quite likely that you’re looking for those increased bullet ballistics at further distances.

The reason we can’t just use any old 5.56 NATO optimized optics is that the two rounds actually perform differently due to their weight and ballistics. The 300 Blackout is far more similar to a 7.62×39 round than it is a 5.56 in that it carries less velocity over distance. The 5.56 NATO is the preferred round for longer distances due to its lower drag and higher muzzle velocities.  This means any scope designed to sit atop a 5.56 rifle will not be optimized or capable of providing the precision and accuracy you need to maximize the effectiveness of this bullet.

First and foremost, before hopping on to Bushnell’s, Sig’s, or Amazon’s website, you need a plan. Dial-in the scope of the mission you’ll be set on long before you even think about buying a scope. No scope will handle every job perfectly so really think about how you’re going to use this bad boy.

Home defense? Go ahead and stop reading here and instead pop over to our red dot sights guide as you won’t need a scope for good ol’ close quarter combat situations. The 300 Blackout is an excellent round for home defense and pairs well with red dots, reflex sites, and anything else offering a good field of view at 1x.

This Guide is for Those Going the Distance!

The 300 AAC Blackout round has an effective range of around 500 meters! In this guide, we will cover things you should know (if you don’t already) and think about when shopping for a scope for 300 blackouts. First, here is a good YouTube video that explains why the 300 Blackout is quickly gaining popularity.

Understanding What the Numbers Mean

The X’s and the MM’s: If you haven’t bought a scope before or you simply just haven’t paid attention in the past, all the numbers and such found in a scopes description can certainly be confusing! Without understanding these algebra looking equation things, you likely won’t find the perfect scope for your needs and may end up with far too much or too little magnification for your needs.

Example: 1-9x 40mm

The first numbers are the power of magnification. In our example above, this means targets will appear no larger than normal on its 1x setting. But wait, there are 2 numbers married together with a hyphen, what can that be?

Those numbers indicate a range of power. This example shows us the scope is capable of a minimum magnification power of 1x all the way up to a maximum power of 9x. Finally, the last number that is given in millimeters tells us the diameter of the objective lens. Here we have a 40mm objective lens, which is neither small or large but more so in the middle range.

The size of the scopes objective lens determines how much light it receives, making the image brighter and crisper. Having an objective too large, though, may result in heavier and harder to steady performance from the additional weight of the glass. Glass weighs a lot so I suggest finding an objective lens that will suffice for your lighting needs but isn’t significantly overkill.

Sometimes you may see an example that is simply just 4x 30mm. This means the scope will have a magnification level of 4 and cannot be adjusted. Scopes with fixed magnification levels are great if you know for a fact that you’ll be shooting at an appropriate range for that level of magnification but may cause the shooter some headache if they incur targets close up.

Effective Range

This guide is focused on rifles firing a 300 AAC Blackout which is slightly more effective and powerful than the .223 or 5.56 NATO rounds. This ammunition is not suitable for extremely long distances. Their effective range is roughly 500m and is usable up to roughly 800m. This means that buying scopes optimized for distances further than 800 meters is a terrible idea, both for your sanity and your bank account.

You’ll also want to consider your effectiveness at close range. Generally, scopes with high levels of magnitude cannot focus on targets close up. If you’re a hunter, this could be bad news if your trophy buck walks right past your deer stand!

Most people will be using their AR 300 Blackouts to take down targets within 500 meters or less. Make sure the scope you choose is suitable for this distance, or whatever distance your mission requires, so be it that the ammo can actually reach the mission’s specifications.

Scope Weight Considerations

Most rifles aren’t ridiculously heavy out of the box but they can become quite cumbersome when fully outfitted. Optics are arguably going to be one of the heaviest additions to your rifle and not all optics weigh the same!

Going back to what we talked about with the objective lens, you’ll want to ensure you find a lens that is small and thus lightweight enough to not throw off your balance or ability to hold the rifle steady while still offering the performance you need. Getting the right scope is tough and may take some trial and error to see what works for you. What I don’t recommend is loading up on the largest scopes you can find, because usually you won’t need the added performance and the weight is far more of a con than the scope is a pro.

Eye Relief

Eye relief on a scope is measured by the distance your eye can be positioned away from the edge of the ocular lens. Some scopes require your eye to be as close as one half an inch away from the lens, which is funny when the recoil slaps you in the face! Other, (typically more expensive) scopes allow for several inches of eye relief. Typically scopes with 6″ of eye relief or more are marketed as long eye relief scopes.

In short, further eye relief means a more enjoyable shooting process and less black eyes. No more making up stories about how someone punched you for outshooting them when in reality you just got KO’d by your own rifles kick!

Pricing: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck

If you had to sell the boat to build this bad boy, you better consider the van buy a scope for it. A scope should roughly match the quality (not necessarily price) of the firearm it will be married to. If your 300 Blackout rifle is decked out to the max for ultimate precision, sparing little to no room for improvement, the scope you marry it to better have the same standards! Putting a cheap scope on an expensive rifle is like putting off-brand street tires on a powerful supercar. You can do it, but you’re essentially throwing away performance and leaving just its exotic appearances.

Typically, you’ll find smaller objective lenses and tubes are significantly cheaper. This doesn’t always hold true, as there are many variables that play. Scopes that do not offer magnification or have fixed focal lengths also tend to be on the cheaper side.

Using your AR-15 for both 5.56 NATO and AAC 300 Blackout

Since a standard AR-15 only needs a barrel swap to fire a 300 Blackout, it seems only fitting to have mags filled with both 5.56 and 300 Blackout as you can use them both within just 30 seconds of barrel swapping. This is fine and dandy and may score some “time saving” points, however, if you accidentally grab a 300 BLK mag and throw it through a 5.56 barrel, you’re in for a very VERY bad day.

I HIGHLY recommend labeling them appropriately to ensure no accidents occur. You can even go as far as to purchase these nifty little bands on Amazon to identify which magazines have which rounds.

There is MUCH MUCH MUCH more that you can learn about scopes, but this guide should have gotten you up to speed on a basic level thus far. Without further a due, I’d like to show you the best scope for 300 Blackout systems at multiple price points. Keep in mind, these are scopes that I personally enjoy. Which scope you choose may depend on how tacticool you think one looks over another or your personal preference on features. There are HUNDREDS of options, so consider the ones I’ll show you but also take a look around for other possible options you may enjoy.

This list is mostly for those of you who would rather hit the range now instead of later while shoppers are stuck behind their computer screens reading about every single scope on the market. Remember, some AR-15 5.56 scopes may work just fine, while others may send your rounds far off target. Before buying, always ensure the scope will be usable with 300 Blackout ballistics.

Bargain Busters: Scopes Under $100

I don’t recommend buying a 300 Blackout scope in this price range. They will not provide you with the performance you deserve. We discussed earlier that your scope should match the quality of your rifle. There are no AR-15s or 300 Blackout rifles for sale anywhere near $100 unless you robbed someone. You can’t even convert an AR-15 into a 300 Blackout for under $100! These may be suitable if you just want a placeholder or something to plink paper with for fun, but they will not offer a great level of accuracy, versatility, or durability.

Also, when shopping for bargain buster options, please make sure the scope can handle the recoil of the firearm you’re placing it on. Not all scopes are built to withstand a multitude of force, which is exactly what they’re going to receive while on a high power rifle.

Some manufacturers make general usage scopes that are cheap and usable on things like airsoft rifles. These scopes, although sometimes marketed as being compatible with AR-15s and even 300 Blackouts, are generally not made to offer precision on a real firearm and may not be built to endure the constant shock that firing one of these rifles produces.

Here Are the Best 300 Blackout Scopes and Optics

 

15. Bush Banner Rifle Scope (Best Under $100)

Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope with 3.3-Inch Eye Relief, 3-9X 40mm , Black

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Magnification: 3-9x 40mm

My Review: For the money, this is a surprisingly durable scope that will work well and hold a zero on a 300 Blackout. The only real con with this scope is that it’s a little blurry at high magnification levels. I’ll attach a YouTube video below so you can see exactly what I’m talking about. This certainly isn’t the highest quality scope on this list but if you’re just looking to get the most bang for your buck this is a great option.

Related Article: 23 Best AR-15 Scopes (Ranked by a Marine)

Here is a pretty good YouTube review on this scope. The guy who is reviewing it doesn’t speak English very well, but the information is on point.

Key Features:

  • 3-9 40MM
  • Works well in low light conditions
  • Surprisingly durable for the price
  • Fog proof
  • Can withstand recoil from 300 Blackout
  • DDB multicoated lenses
  • 3.3″ eye relief
 

14. Vortex Optics Crossfire II Adjustable Objective

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12x40 AO, Second Focal Plane Riflescope - Dead-Hold BDC Reticle (MOA) , black

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Magnification: 4-12x 40mm

My Review: This is an awesome scope considering it’s under $200. It doesn’t have any spectacular functions, but it does have a handy little BDC reticle and the most basic adjustments you’d need to have a little fun at the range. It is completely sealed and probably okay for a little ran during a hunting trip. With this scope, you should have no problem using the medium range capabilities of your 300 Blackout without a problem.

Vortex Crossfire 2 Scope Reticle

Key Features

  • There are several versions of this scope allowing you to find the features and functions right for you
  • Long eye relief and forgiving eye box
  • Multi-coated lenses
  • Fast focus eyepiece
  • Capped reset turret
  • Single piece tube construction at 1”
  • O-ring sealed and nitrogen filled
  • Waterproof and fog proof
  • Dead-hold BDC reticle
 

13. Athlon Optics Talos Rifle scope

Athlon Optics , Talos , Riflescope , 6-24 x 50 Second Focal Plane (SFP) 1" Tube, Illuminated ATMR1 MIL Reticle, Black

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Magnification: 6-24x 50mm

My Review: This is a pretty great little scope to have for medium ranges. It has no incredibly amazing features but it is relatively durable and will provide good consistency in the 100-200 yard range. This is the lowest scope on the Talos line, which is known for its high-end scopes but this scope performs just as good at a lower price if you are shooting for fun.

Key Features:

  • Multi-coated lenses for optimum light transmission
  • True color brightness
  • Etched reticle
  • Heat-treated one-piece tube
  • Nitrogen purged and completely sealed
  • Aircraft-grade aluminum tube
  • 3” eye relief
  • 23oz weight
  • Mil reticle
 

12. Nikon Buckmasters II (Best Under $200)

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Magnification: 4-12x 40mm

My Review: So long as you get one that isn’t broke, isn’t a knockoff and doesn’t come with factory defects, these scopes are incredible for the price. I would almost say they are equal in usability and precision as scopes in the next price range. It has a decent amount of durability and really does offer a great sight picture at every magnification level. This is my favorite scope for 300 Blackouts under $200, at least for general purposes.

Related Article: 21 Best Red Dot Sight (Ranked by a Marine)

This video is actually more of an advertisement, but It does give a brief overview of the scope.

Key Features:

  • Nikon Patented BDC Reticle
  • Multicoated lenses for high-resolution sight picture and maximum brightness
  • Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
  • Parallax adjustments
  • Nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed design
  • 3.7” eye relief
  • 1” tube diameter
  • Spot on Ballistic Match Technology and mobile device application

Formidable Mentions:  Scopes Under $300

For the most part, entry level rifles firing a 300 Blackout round are usually sold around the $500 mark. This means scopes in this price range will be suitable for marriage with entry level rifle owners. I strongly advocate, as a general rule of thumb, to budget your optics the same way you’d budget your rifle.

 

11. Nikon P-300 with BDC (Great Value)

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Magnification: 2-7x 37mm

My Review: This scope is specifically designed for an AAC 300 Blackout round and has a BDC reticle inclusive of hash marks that are optimized for the round itself. I was very surprised when I first saw this scope. At first glance, it doesn’t look like anything special, but once you’re glaring down the scope and nailing targets with ease at variable ranges, you’ll see why this is a top-rated scope! They also make these with higher levels of magnification and for other rifle rounds such as a .308 and 5.56 NATO.

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The video attached below is long. If you want to jump straight to the P-300 skip to around 14:12 in the video.

Key Features:

  • Polymer and aluminum construction
  • Proprietary Nikon lens multi-coating
  • Spring-loaded instant zero rest turrets
  • BDC 600 reticle with open circle aiming and hash marks 100 yards to 600 yards
  • Spot On Ballistic Match Technology
  • Quick focus eyepiece
  • 1” tube diameter
  • 3.7” eye relief
  • Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
 

10. Primary Arms SFP GEN III (Best Under $300)

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Magnification: 1-6x 24mm

I attached a good video reviewing this optic below. I recommend skipping to 1:00 in the video.

My Review: Before we get started, I just want to make it clear that this scope comes in a variety of different flavors, both in different caliber specific reticles and also in different magnification levels. Before buying, ensure the reticle on the model you’ve selected is optimized for the caliber you’ll be using!

This scope is by far one of the most versatile systems on this list. It allows for CQB style operation with its wide field of view and 1x setting. Outside of CQB, the scope is an absolute monster when it comes to mid-range targeting. The reticle is crystal clear and the 11 illumination settings do well to mend with just about any kind of lighting situation you’ll find yourself in. Going the distance, the 6x magnification and bullet drop compensation attributes of the 300 Blackout BDC reticle makes reaching the maximum range of your blackout rounds easy peezy! The scope is extremely well manufactured and comes fully waterproof. To me, it’s a perfect size as well. A lot of the scopes on this list are long and bulky and make the rifle feel top-heavy and fragile.

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If you don’t have clear expectations for your rifle or you simply know you’ll be facing targets at multiple ranges, I highly recommended this scope and I feel it is the best scope for 300 blackout rifles under $300. It has great versatility across the board and comes at a very reasonable price tag!

300 Blackout BDC Chevron Reticle

Key Features

  • 11 illumination settings
  • ACSS 300AAC Blackout Chevron reticle – One of the most intuitive BDC reticles for AAC 300 Blackout
  • Powered by an included CR2032 battery
  • 6063 aluminum construction with an anodized scratch-resistant finish
  • Nitrogen purged
  • 3.5” eye relief
  • Water, fog and shockproof
 

9. Sig Sauer Bravo3 BTL with Horseshoe Reticle

BRAVO3 BTL SGT 3X24 300BLK HS ILLUM HORSESHOE/DOT M1913 RAIL

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My Review: The BRAVO series by Sig Sauer absolutely encompasses everything you would want in a compact form factor hell-bent on offering the operator options and configurations well past the boundaries of a single optic. This particular optic is leading the way in terms of being reflex friendly, hosting Picatinny rails on all three exposed sides for use in co-witness with a red dot, reflex, or perhaps your favorite attachments such as a flashlight, IR strobe, laser, etc.

The first thing you’ll notice is how incredibly handy and well constructed these are without weighing very much at all. In fact, the total weight comes in at just 22 ounces and this is achieved by constructing the body of the optics out of magnesium – a very tough and durable but ultra-lightweight material. These are also built and designed under the Sig Sauer Stealth ID program which aims to break up the shape of an optic to reduce its visibility out in the field and reflect light at angles that keep your position covert to the enemy. This Stealth ID design in combination with the Mil-Spec anti-glare coatings makes these optics far more difficult to spot at a distance than your standard form factor.

Related Article: 15 Best Scopes and Optics for 308 Rifles

Something Sig Sauer really wanted to achieve with the BRAVO series was enhanced field of view specifically for applications in law enforcement and military use. They developed an optical configuration with regards to field of view dubbed “MEGAVIEW” that advertises up to 40 percent wider field of view. Now, it’s tough to know what they meant by this – do they mean 40 percent more than it would have been without this feature or is it 40 percent wider than their competitors? Well, we can’t test that first one but we can tell you that the BRAVO 3 does have an insane feeling field of view compared to other fixed 3x optics. That FOV comes out to a very respectable 10 degrees with a little under three inches of eye relief which I think is pretty good and hits their objective perfectly.

So the Bravo looks great and is light due to premium build materials but what about its performance in tactical situations? No problem, you’re getting a true IPX8 waterproofing rating which gets you all the way down to 13’ and a completely sealed up platform meaning they are resistant to fog. Going further for tactical situations is a mounting height that is perfect for use with NV systems at 1.535” off of a standard M1913 Picatinny rail. It’s clear that Sig covered every single attribute and fine-tuned them for the quick and tactical precision shooter.

Usually, I hit on optics first but there was so much to talk about that I almost forgot! The optical clarity is beautiful just as it is on most products from Sig Sauer. What you’re getting here probably sounds pretty familiar and that’s because they use the same optics in the BRAVO series as they do on their best optical products. This means you’re getting the coveted proprietary low dispersion lenses with the Sig Sauer HDX full light spectrum and high-resolution lens coatings. Of course, they’ve thought about how to protect those beautiful lenses too and have further coated them with their Sig Sauer Mil-Spec oleophobic LENSHIELD, which basically just means the lenses will shed off liquids and resist scratching. If you’re looking for a little more magnification, you can so also check out the Sig Sauer BRAVO 5 here. The BRAVO5 has 5x magnification and the BRAVO3 has 3x magnification. Personally, I’d go with the BRAVO3 because I prefer 3x magnification on a 300 Blackout and it’s usually cheaper.

I couldn’t find any great YouTube video reviews of the BRAVO3, but here is a pretty good review of the BRAVO5.

Functions and Features:

  • The BRAVO3 is the optimized BRAVO series 3x24mm fixed magnifier with a horseshoe reticle optimized for the .300 Blackout
  • Comes with Sig Sauers best optical coatings including LENSHIELD and HDX coatings
  • Built under the Sig Sauer Stealth ID design program
  • A massive 10-degree field of view with 2.93” of eye relief
  • The shell of the optics is constructed from lightweight magnesium and hosts additional mounting points via Picatinny rails on its body
 

8. Aimpoint Pro Patrol

Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight with QRP2 Mount and Spacer - 2 MOA - 12841

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Magnification: 1x

My Review: Aimpoint is a Swedish brand trusted on the lives of operators all over the world and for good reason. They measure battery life in terms of years instead of hours and have a long reputation of engineering some of the most versatile and durable products on the market that won’t exactly decimate your bank account.

Now, we have mostly focused on optics that use magnification and we have written many pages on red dots that you are free to check out, however, 300 Blackout platforms can be used for short-range applications just as well as they can be used for longer ranges and thus, having a reliable red dot to swap over to gives you so many more options!

Red dot sights are pretty much interchangeable and some people have brand preferences and that’s fine, however, we’ve chosen the Aimpoint Pro Patrol because of its insanely over-engineered build quality and ease of use. You’ll have 10 different light settings to choose from and, if you choose 7 or lower, you can expect up to three full years of continuous usage battery life which is a characteristic on its own that I would use to recommend this product.

Aside from looking great, feeling amazing, and lasting a very long time, the Aimpoint Pro Patrol offers 4-night vision settings that I know our nightly hog hunters can appreciate. Of course, since it is a true 1x red dot, it is virtually parallax free and in true Aimpoint fashion, you can beat, drag, smack, and submerge this thing all the way down to 150ft and it’ll still hold zero with that bright and shiny red dot.

If you’d like to reach up and grab something from the upper echelons of Aimpoint, the CompM5 would be a solid choice, that is if you have the extra money. Don’t get me wrong, the Aimpoint Pro Patrol is an excellent optic but the CompM5 is one of Aimpoints newer models and lasts up to 50,000 hours on a single AAA battery. The CompM5 is also very friendly with NV and can be found at the link here. The CompM5 is better than the Aimpoint Pro Patrol in just about every single way possible while maintaining a very similar appearance and form factor. In terms of value, the average enthusiast would likely be fine with the Pro Patrol, however, if you like to have the finest quality then I’d say the extra $200-$300 for the CompM5 is money well spent.

Key Features:

  • 1x Parallax free red dot with up to 3 years battery life
  • 10 total brightness settings including 4 NV friendly settings and an ultra-bright setting for use in direct sunlight
  • Runs on a single 3V 2L78 or DL1/3N battery
  • May be mounted with the spacer 1.5” off the rail or without the spacer sitting at 1.2” from the rail
  • Constructed of airtight and purged anodized aircraft-grade aluminum with an anti-glare finish and includes 2 attached thermoplastic lens caps
 

7. Leupold VX-R Patrol FireDot Illuminated Scope

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Magnification: 1.25-4x 20mm

My Review: Leupold is probably one of the most well-known high-quality scope makers out there and each and every one of their sights lives up to its name. This sight is incredibly easy to use and fits very well on top of a 300 Blackout rifle.

Related Article: 15 Best Long Range Scopes (Ranked by a Marine)

It doesn’t have intense magnification levels, but with an AR15 style rifle firing 300 Blackout, you will rarely ever need significantly more magnification than what this scope offers. The price is a little high compared to scopes of this same magnitude but you’re going to be paying a slight premium for the Leupold name. If that doesn’t bother you, pick this one up!

Key Features:

  • Constructed of 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum
  • 3:1 zoom ratio
  • Waterproof and fog proof
  • Twilight light management system
  • Leupold proprietary hashmark FireDot reticle with 10 MIL centralized dot
  • Windage and elevation adjustments
  • Diamond coating on exterior lenses gives abrasion resistance and ultra-light transmission
  • Motion sensors that turn off the reticle when not in use and turn on the reticle when the scope senses movement[/wpsm_box]
  • Legendary Leupold quality with their patented hashmark FireDot reticle
  • Low weight design compared to similar scopes
 

6. Burris 200437 MTAC

Burris 200437 MTAC 1-4 x 24 Illuminated Scope (Black)

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Magnification: 1-4x 24mm

My Review: This scope is one of the highest quality scopes you can purchase for a 300 Blackout platform that is suitable for short to medium distances. This scope obviously isn’t made for long distance shots, so I wouldn’t expect it to fare well there, but it does offer incredible sight picture and unbeatable eye relief. This sight also has a very elegant design that I don’t normally mention, but this one is just so impressive that I couldn’t help it. The Burris MTAC is a fantastic low to medium range scope that is well priced and sits beautifully on top of any AR15 platform. It’s also very lightweight compared to its near competitors and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Key Features

  • Lifetime warranty
  • High-quality aircraft-grade aluminum construction
  • 30mm Tube diameter
  • 17-ounce weight
  • 10 brightness intensity settings
  • Ballistic QC illuminated reticle
  • LPT knobs
  • Flip lens covers

Bank Busters Unlimited: $500 and Up

This section is where I detail scopes that I personally awesome above $500. Most of these are probably a bit unnecessary to the casual 300 Blackout enthusiast but may be a lifesaver to a competitive shooter or die-hard hunter.

5. Steiner 5201 P3TR P4Xi

Steiner 5201 P3TR P4Xi Riflescope with 1x-4x24mm

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Magnification: 1-4x 24mm

My Review: The NRA Shooting Illustrated Optic of the year for 2018 has to have a place on this list, right? Of course! The P4Xi is an excellent patrol style rifle scope that matches up with the versatility of the 300 Blackout platform by offering 1-4x magnification, easy zooming, incredible durability, 400-yard accuracy, and fits all of this inside of one of the lightest packages on the market today.

Sounds too good to be true? Well, it’s very real and can be had for around 600 bucks, which is a steal as this optic can rival optics that are much more expensive. To boot, I know a lot of you are using your 300 Blackout rifles to hunt in low light conditions and as such, this particular set of optics exceeds expectations due to its high-contrast optical system.

In a nutshell, the high contrast optical system means they’ve used optical coatings that are optimized for light transmission which allows for ambient light, even when light levels are low, to be used in the production of its sight picture. Match that up with its P3TR illuminated reticle and you have a late afternoon hog slaying set up that’s ready to go and easy to transition between close and long-range engagements. Of course, night time is fine too, as these bad boys are perfectly compatible with your favorite NV systems.

I first saw the “after every brightness setting there is an off position” on Trijicon products and I knew it wouldn’t take long for me to come across that again. Here we are and of course, Steiner is using functionality found on thousand dollar scopes in a package that costs roughly half of what you’d expect to pay for the VCOG and other similar high-end scopes utilizing a similar power system.

Last but not least, these scopes are surprisingly durable and take up very little rail space for the versatility they offer. These scopes were originally designed for special units in law enforcement and later became adopted by the US Special Forces. I think on rifle platforms like the 300 Blackout, these scopes are nearly perfect.

The thing is, you probably could use a higher level of magnification on your 300 Blackout rifles, however, the 1-4x gets you pretty close to the optimum range of a standard 300 Blackout rifle without either having a super small eye box or eliminating that small eye box with a massive scope, taking up tons of space and adding significant weight to the overall package. The Steiner 1-4x24mm is an excellent middle ground between a very usable and optimum magnification level while keeping your rifle low profile and as light as possible. There are a few other variations of this scope with higher levels of magnification but for a 300 Blackout, this is my choice.

Key Features:

  • Made in the USA
  • Fully nitrogen purged for incredible water resistance
  • Steiner proprietary High-contrast Optical system and NV compatible
  • Illuminated P3TR reticle with 5 daylight settings, 4 low light settings, and 2 NV settings
  • The LE model simply comes with an easy throw lever for quicker transitioning between magnification levels. I believe nowadays all the models are technically the LE model, as finding them without the throw lever is no longer possible if buying new.
  • You’ll need to buy 30mm ring mounts as they do not come with mounting rings from the manufacturer
 

4. EOTECH HHS I Hybrid Package – EXPS3-4 with G33 Magnifier

EOTECH HHS II Holographic Hybrid Sight - EXPS2-2 with G33 Magnifier

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Magnification: 1x or 3x

My Review: We all love the 300 Blackout platform because of its versatility at multiple different ranges and sometimes choosing an optic that encompasses a similar level of versatility can be difficult, especially for the 300 Blackout when optimized reticles aren’t as popular with the big brands as something like a .556 would be. You could just go with a nice EOTECH red dot, like the EXPS2-2, you could get yourself a magnified scope for a little long-range action, or you could get one of the most tactical looking versatile red dot and magnifier combos on the market, giving you and your 300 Blackout the ultimate versatility at the flick of your QD mount!

Yes I know, it’s expensive, but it is EOTECH and it is well built, so well built that it’s trusted by servicemen all over the world and has been tried and tested throughout countless combat situations. The EOTECH HHS II hybrid package is a very unique beast that fits the uniqueness of the 300 Blackout quite nicely. Many of us build 300 Blackout rifles for the fun of it and the truth is, no other optic package on the market gives such a fun and immersive experience than this one does.

If you haven’t seen these before, let me explain. EOTECH makes excellent red dots that come in the form of what’s called a Holographic sight. Technically, EOTECH is the only “original” holographic sight manufacturer and of course, there are some patents and legal stuff that holds this true, but what makes this package so unique is that you get the benefits of a high quality holographic red dot without sacrificing magnification, as you can simply slide over the EOTECH G33 3x magnifier into place right behind that beautiful red dot, giving you instant 3x magnification on top of your 1x red dot. This package completely changed the game and of course, many brands have since tried to follow in their footsteps, however, for the purpose of this guide and what we need it for, I believe this is still one of the best red dot and red dot magnifier packages on the market today.

By the way, the HHS II is also a great combo package as well, however, it does not have night vision compatibility like the HHS I package does. I know many people build their 300 Blackout for hog hunting and some use them at night, so that’s why I chose to talk about the HHS I, however, both are excellent choices for the 300 Blackout platform. The HHS II uses the EXPS2-2 while the HHS I uses the EXPS3-4.

EOTECH HHS I Reticle

Check out this nifty video of the combo in action:

Key Features:

  • Seamless transitioning between 1x holographic red dot and 3x magnified red dot
  • Included quick detach lever mount compatible with 1” Weaver and MIL-STD rails
  • One of the fastest and most effective methods of switching between CQB and mid-range capabilities for the 300 Blackout
  • Water-resistant down to 33’ and capable of operating even when heavily damaged
  • 20 total brightness settings with NV compatibility, all powered by a single CR123 saucer battery
  • Unlimited eye relief with the magnifier flipped off and roughly 2.5” of eye relief with the magnifier enabled
 

3. Trijicon ACOG 300 Blackout Ballistic Reticle

Trijicon ACOG Dual Illum Crosshair .300 Blackout Ballistic Reticle, 4X 32mm, Red

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Magnification: 4×32

Note: You can get this Trijicon ACOG with a green reticle here.

My Review: It’s a Trijicon ACOG. Do I need to say more? This is one of the most legendary sights on the market today. Battle-tested and ready to roll with an innovative buy once cry once price and quality! Yes, it will likely destroy your bank account, but who cares? Your 300 Blackout rifle has an ACOG! This thing is meant for rapid deployment and tight groupings at medium range. You won’t be sniping things a mile away, but you will have the best tactical scope for 300 blackouts on the market. Buy this and never shop for a mid-range scope again. This is my favorite optic on this list!

Here is a good video reviewing this scope (except the scope in the video is nickel boron coated) and its reticle.

Potential cons:

Your wife might divorce you for spending such a ridiculous amount to see stuff far away

Key Features:

  • Fixed 4x magnification
  • Dual illuminated reticles. ACSS 5.56 in green
  • Second focal plane optic
  • Waterproof and shockproof
  • Trijicon proprietary BDC reticle[/wpsm_box]
  • Specifically designed and purpose-built for the AAC 300 caliber
 

2. Sig Sauer SOT61008 Tango6

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Magnification: 1-6x 24mm

My Review: If you have the money, this scope is incredible. It’s durable and heavy, built like a bulldozer and just as strong as one. Using this scope will give you the freedom of close up engagements on 1x with both eyes as well as intense 6x magnification for medium to long range targeting.

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It’s really just another Sig product, need I say more? Yes, they’re pricey, but they are also of the highest quality in any category they release products in, scopes being no different.

Key Features:

  • 3 gun reticle 0.5 MOA adjustment
  • 107ft of view at 100 yards
  • 3.8” eye relief
  • Night vision compatible
  • 11 brightness settings
  • Sig Sauer Hex optical system
  • Hellfire Fiber optic and glass etched illuminated reticles for first or second focal planes
  • Lockdown zero system turrets with zero stop and reset
  • Shoot with both eyes open on 1x
  • Using 1x is just as good as having an exposed reflex and using 6x is just as good as having a full-blown scope. It’s the best of both worlds!
  • Extremely precise MOA adjustments
 

1. Trijicon 1-6×24 VCOG

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Magnification: 1-6x 24mm

My Review: The Trijicon ACOG we talked about attracts a lot of hype and for good reason, it’s a solid optic, but the VCOG is not to be ignored, certainly not if you’re looking for a 300 Blackout optimized variable zoom scope capable of utilizing the close and long-range capabilities of your 300 Blackout rifle. In early 2020 Trijicon actually scored a contract for 64 million dollars after the VCOG was selected as the USMC Squad Common Optic. That means you’ll see this optic being used more and more by Marines.

First and foremost, please remember that the VCOG comes in many different flavors so make sure you choose one of the two versions optimized for the 300 Blackout platform. Furthermore, you can choose between either their BDC reticle model or the more universal MOA / MRAD reticles.

Trijicon 1-6x24 VCOG Reticle

If you don’t already know, VCOG stands for Variable Combat Optical Gunsight and after extensive testing by some of our greatest freedom defenders, I think Trijicon has earned that self-proclaimed VCOG title. Throw this scope on a well-built rifle and be combat accurate from 10 to 300 yards instantly with little to no messing around or fine-tuning. The Trijicon VCOG is built to be ready to rock and roll right out of the box and since Trijicon is well aware of the versatility and popularity of its ACOG lineup, they’ve made sure the VCOG is compatible with the same spacers, mounts, etc.

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Given its price point, it’s hard to recommend the VCOG to a weekend shooting enthusiast because they could get a very nice scope or red dot that will get the job done for much cheaper.

This optic is top of the line and was made with combat at the forefront of its design, for when changing out optics and messing around with tuning isn’t an option. The VCOG is by far one of the most advanced optical systems you can slap onto a 300 Blackout platform and will give you the ultimate all-in-one versatility package.

Aside from versatility, Trijicon is also well known for how tough their products truly are. There are stories of ACOGs and VCOGs taking bullets and still operating enough to be usable, possibly saving the life of the operator. Drown them, drag them through the mud, smack them off of concrete, expose them to the shock of an IED, it doesn’t matter, the VCOG is there to provide you a clean and crisp reticle no matter the situation and that’s the reliability and dependability you’re paying for.

Here is a video overview of this optic by Trijicon:

Here is another good video review on the Trijicon VCOG if you’re interested in watching it.

Key Features:

  • Trijicon proprietary fully multi-coated lenses on a variable 1-6x magnification range with some of the easiest and smoothest adjustment turrets on the market today
  • In terms of 300 Blackout, the VCOG is available in two options with the differences being reticle options. You may also choose the package that includes a quick-release mount that I highly recommend
  • MIL-STD-810G rated for durability and dependability by the Department of Defense. In layman’s terms, these are built to survive the harshest climates in the most brutal combat situations
  • A unique brightness system that allows the user to turn it off between each of the 6 brightness settings

FAQs

What is the range of 300 blackout?

According to the US military, the maximum range of M4 is 500 meters on a point target. However, its effective range is 460 meters.

The range also changes according to the type of bullet used.

Is a 300 Blackout worth it?

Yes. It is totally worth it. It offers a wider range of bullets and has the ability to cycle two types of ammunition. Supersonic and subsonic.

It is also a viable option for home defense.

Does 300 Blackout have more stopping power?

Yes. The 300 BLK has more stopping power. It is the primary goal of the cartridge to deliver more stopping power even when shot from a short barrel rifle or a pistol.

What grain of 300 Blackout is subsonic?

At 220 grains, the ammo of 300 Blackout is subsonic and travels at a speed less than that of a sound.

It is beneficial since it does not cause a wave of sound by going at supersonic speeds.

Wrap Up

I hope this guide has managed to teach you a thing or two about how awesome 300 Blackout rifles are and how to outfit them with the proper optics to fit your needs. If I missed one or something new comes out that I haven’t gotten the chance to review yet, let me know in the comments! Also, if you have any sick builds, feel free to send them in and I’ll feature them!

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