The best rifle scope under $300 gives clear glass, solid zero, and repeatable clicks.
You want a scope that punches above its price, not one that quits after the first hard weekend. Maybe you hunt whitetail in tight woods, or plink at steel out past 400 yards. You need crisp glass, easy turrets, and a reticle that makes hits feel simple. I’ve tested and coached shooters on budget optics for years. In this guide, I break down the real value buys. I focus on what holds zero, what tracks, and what stays bright at dawn. If you want the Best rifle scope under $300, you’ll find it here.
CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24×50…
Magnification: 6-24x Objective Diameter: 50mm Field Of View: 28 ft @ 100 yards Click Value: 1/8 inch @ 100 yards Illuminated Type of the rifle scope: Red and Green
CVLIFE 3-9×40 Optics R4 Reticle…
Specification: 3-9×40 Magnification: 3-9x Objective Diameter: 1.57 Exit pupil: 0.2 Length: 12.20
Vortex Optics CF2-31015 Vortex Crossfire…
The 4-12×44 Crossfire II riflescope is one of many configurations in the Crossfire II line. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is good for hunting at varying ranges where estimating holdover is…
CVLIFE 6-24×50 AOE Illuminated Scope
This CVLIFE 6-24×50 AOE packs reach and features at a low cost. It has red and green illumination and a big 50 mm objective. That means a bright sight picture in mixed light. The included mounts make setup easy for a 20 mm rail. Zoom runs from mid to high power, which suits target work and varmint use.
At this price, I look hard at tracking and zero hold. This scope does fine for casual range days and pest control. The side parallax helps sharpen at long range. The glass is usable at 24x, though best around 16-20x for clarity.
Pros:
- Wide 6-24x range for long shots and target work
- Red/green illumination for low-light holds
- AO/parallax adjustment helps fine focus past 100 yards
- Includes mounts for quick installation
- Big 50 mm objective gathers more light
Cons:
- Glass softens at max power
- Turrets are basic and not true tactical grade
- Heavier than a 3-9x hunting scope
My Recommendation
This one fits new shooters who want reach without a big bill. It works for varmint hunting on a .223 or .22-250. It also suits paper or steel out to mid-long range. If you want the Best rifle scope under $300 for long zoom on a budget, this is a value pick.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Varmint and target | High zoom with parallax for finer focus |
| Budget builds | Includes mounts and illumination features |
| Low light range use | Large 50 mm objective brightens picture |
CVLIFE 3-9×40 R4 Reticle Scope
The CVLIFE 3-9×40 R4 is a simple, light, do-it-all optic. The 3-9x range is classic for deer, hogs, and plinking. The R4 reticle is clean and fast to read. It ships with 20 mm scope rings, which helps first-time buyers.
I like this for a .22 LR trainer or a budget hunting rig. The eye relief is workable. The image is clear in the mid power range. It holds zero on soft to mid recoil when mounted right.
Pros:
- Light and simple for field carry
- 3-9x is ideal for most woods and field shots
- R4 crosshair is easy to see on game
- Includes rings to get you shooting fast
- Great price for a first scope
Cons:
- No illumination for dawn or dusk
- Turrets are not for frequent dialing
- Better suited to light to medium recoil
My Recommendation
If you want a basic scope that works, this is it. It shines on rimfire or a light deer rifle. It is a smart buy for new hunters. If you want the Best rifle scope under $300 for a first setup, this is a safe call.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Rimfire trainers | Light, clear, and easy to mount |
| Whitetail in the woods | 3-9x range fits most shot distances |
| Budget buyers | Great value and simple controls |
Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×44 Dead-Hold BDC
The Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×44 sits at the sweet spot of value. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle gives holdovers that are easy to learn. The 44 mm objective pulls in decent light without adding bulk. Eye relief is friendly, and the scope is tough for this class.
I have set up many rifles with this optic. It holds zero well and tracks within reason for the price. The turrets are capped yet consistent for a hunting scope. If you want a known brand with a real warranty, this one stands out.
Pros:
- Clear glass for the price class
- Useful BDC reticle for common calibers
- Durable build with reliable zero
- Good eye relief and forgiving eye box
- Strong warranty support
Cons:
- Not illuminated for extreme low light
- BDC hash marks need caliber matching
- Turret feel is not match-grade
My Recommendation
This is the Best rifle scope under $300 for many hunters. It is proven on .308, .270, 6.5 CM, and more. It gives you a clean picture and a useful BDC. If you hunt mixed terrain and want one do-it-all scope, pick this.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| General big-game | Clear glass and BDC for varied ranges |
| Range to 400+ yards | 4-12x power is flexible and forgiving |
| Value seekers | Brand reputation and strong support |
CVLIFE 3-9×40 Illuminated Mil-Dot Scope
This CVLIFE 3-9×40 adds red and green illumination to a classic layout. The mil-dot reticle gives simple holds for wind and drop. It comes with mounts that fit most 20 mm rails. Build is light and handy for long days in the field.
In my hands, the glass is crisp in the center of the view. Illumination helps in brush or at dusk when crosshairs fade. The turrets are basic but usable for zeroing. Once set, it stays put on moderate recoil rifles.
Pros:
- Illuminated reticle aids low light shots
- Mil-dots help with range and wind calls
- Includes mounts for fast setup
- Lightweight design for carry comfort
- Good value for a feature-rich scope
Cons:
- Shorter eye box at higher power
- Turrets not built for constant dialing
- Best for light to medium recoil
My Recommendation
Choose this if you hunt in cover and need bright reticle lines. It is great for hogs, coyotes, and deer at normal ranges. If your budget is tight, this can still do the job well. It is a fair pick for the Best rifle scope under $300 when you want illumination.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Thick brush hunts | Illuminated reticle stands out in shade |
| New shooters | Mil-dots give simple hold references |
| Light rifles | Compact build and easy handling |
BUCKMASTERS 3-9×40 BDC Scope
The BUCKMASTERS 3-9×40 BDC is built for the deer stand. The BDC reticle helps with known distances past your zero. The 3-9x power keeps weight and size down. It is a clean, no-fuss hunting tool.
I like its ease of use and simple controls. Set zero at 100 or 200 yards. Learn the drops for your load. Then trust your hold points when the shot matters.
Pros:
- Classic 3-9x range for most big-game hunts
- BDC reticle gives quick holdover points
- Light enough for all-day carry
- Easy to mount and zero
- Good clarity for the class
Cons:
- No illumination in low light
- BDC must be matched to your ammo
- Not ideal for frequent turret dialing
My Recommendation
This scope is made for simple, honest hunting. If you want the Best rifle scope under $300 to tag deer at dawn, this fits. It is rugged enough for woods and field. Keep it light, keep it simple, make that shot.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Whitetail hunters | 3-9x with BDC suits common ranges |
| Walk-and-stalk | Light and balanced on most rifles |
| Budget setups | Good clarity without extra cost |
UUQ 3-9×40 Illuminated Rangefinder Scope
The UUQ 3-9×40 adds a rangefinder-style reticle and red/green illumination. That makes holds fast and visible. It fits 20 mm rails and comes ready to mount. The scope is sealed against water and fog.
I like the feature set for night varmint hunts with a light. The reticle is bold and easy to read. The image is clean for the price. It is a smart option for a farm rifle or truck gun.
Pros:
- Illuminated reticle for low light shots
- Rangefinder reticle helps with quick holds
- Waterproof and fog-proof build
- Includes mounts for easy install
- Good value feature pack
Cons:
- Not for heavy dialing or long-range matches
- Illumination can be bright at night on high
- Best on light to mid recoil rifles
My Recommendation
Pick this if you run a ranch rifle or night varmint rig. It is handy, bright, and simple to use. It punches above its weight for features. It is a fine bet for the Best rifle scope under $300 with an illuminated range tool.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Varmint at night | Illuminated reticle with quick references |
| Truck gun | Durable, sealed, and budget friendly |
| New hunters | Simple holds and easy setup |
Bushnell Legend 3-9×40 Illuminated Scope
The Bushnell Legend 3-9×40 adds an illuminated Multi-X reticle to a proven line. The glass is bright for its class. The reticle is bold and fast in timber and brush. It is built to handle rough weather and hard knocks.
I like the way the illumination aids the center. It helps you bracket the shot at dawn and dusk. The controls are simple and hold zero well when mounted right. This is a top-tier value in the Best rifle scope under $300 segment.
Pros:
- Bright glass with crisp edges
- Illuminated reticle for low-light shots
- Reliable build and weather sealing
- Simple controls for stress-free use
- Great balance of size and weight
Cons:
- 3-9x may limit very long range work
- Battery needed for illumination
- Turrets are capped and not dial-focused
My Recommendation
If you hunt at first and last light, this is a winner. It is one of the Best rifle scope under $300 options for whitetail, hogs, and elk in close cover. It gives you a clear, bright, and steady picture. It’s a safe buy for hard seasons.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Low-light hunts | Illuminated Multi-X helps on dark targets |
| All-weather use | Durable, sealed, dependable |
| Timber stalking | Bold reticle and fast target pick-up |
FAQs Of Best rifle scope under $300
What magnification should I pick for hunting?
For most big-game hunts, 3-9x is ideal. If you shoot fields or varmint, 4-12x or 6-24x helps.
Do I need an illuminated reticle?
It helps at dawn, dusk, and in brush. If you hunt low light often, it is worth it.
Can I dial turrets on budget scopes?
Use turrets to zero, then hold with your reticle. Most budget turrets are not for daily dialing.
Will these scopes handle recoil?
Yes, on light to mid calibers if mounted right. For heavy recoil, pick a proven brand and rings.
What is the Best rifle scope under $300 for general hunting?
The Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×44 hits the sweet spot for many rifles.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
The Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×44 is the safe, all-around pick. It gives clear glass, a useful BDC, and strong support. It may be the Best rifle scope under $300 for most hunters today.
For low-light, the Bushnell Legend 3-9×40 shines with its illuminated reticle. On a tight budget with features, the CVLIFE 6-24×50 AOE is hard to beat. Any of these can be your Best rifle scope under $300 with the right setup.
