Your Guide to 300 Blackout Scope: What Is the Best Scope for 300 Blackout?

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Are you looking for the perfect 300 Blackout scope? We have created this list of the best scopes for the 300 Blackout as well as a simple buying guide when looking for the best 300 Blackout scope. Read on to find out everything you need to know before you make a purchase…

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A Bit of Information About The 300 Blackout

AR platforms which utilize a 300 AAC Blackout (300BLK) system are becoming more and more popular for hunters, competition shooters, military units, and sportsmen.

You get the best of both worlds with the 300 Blackout form the very popular 5.56 NATO and the 7.62×39. There is still a very slimline design on the rounds of the 5.56 which gives it a lot less drag on longer distances but it has a much more powerful punch in comparison to the 7.62. In simple terms, the 300 Blackout flies out of the barrel faster and holds speeds for much longer than most old favorite calibers.

Another of the reasons why people like to switch to the 300 Blackout is its variable uses with suppressors and flash hiders. These are rounds which are designed to be used subsonic and without any changes to the gas system, and this makes them much more effective in terms of suppression. If done correctly, the bullet sound hitting the ground is almost louder than the report of the actual rifle.

Now that you have the basic information and understanding as to why people are interested in building a 300 Blackout, your next step may be to price up the parts and create a list of the products and the costs associated with building it. Fortunately, the majority of the parts from a standard AR-15 are compatible with the 300 BLK system. The only things that you will definitely need to look for are a new muzzle break and a barrel. The gas block, magazine, lower, tube, etc are all compatible and usable for a 300 Blackout.

If you are planning on using optics with a ballistic calculator, bullet drop compensation, windage, etc you will also need to look for the best 300 blackout scope, which is what this article is all about! Most scopes that you have used on your 5.56 rifles will most likely suffice in a casual situation, however, if you’re looking to get the most efficiency and precision from your 300 BLK rounds, then you will want to find a scope which is designed for the 300 BLK ballistics, and these are significantly different from the 5.56. 

Many of the aspects which apply to the AR-15 scopes will also apply to the 300 Blackout scope. Both of these rifle platforms will usually allow for either to be mounted and some of the scopes even have variable bullet ballistics which can be used with either round. Both of the rounds have around the same levels of recoil and this means that any scope that is capable of being mounted onto an AR-15 will likely also do the trick on a 300 BLK as well, even though the 300 BLK rounds have more power.

In this article, we will cover some of the features to look out for when purchasing a 300 Blackout scope as well as some of the most important specifications and we will also go over some information about budgeting. You should then be able to get a good understanding of what you’re looking for and will be able to make a great choice based on our 300 Blackout scope reviews.

300 Blackout Scope Buying Guide

Follow our buying guide to ensure that you get exactly what you need when buying a 300 Blackout scope.

Giving Your 300 Blackout The Right Set of Eyes

Many people will already be familiar with the AR-15 and if you have one of them, you most likely have at least one scope lying around somewhere. Scopes come in many different shapes and sizes and it is likely that you may own a scope which allows you to interchange between the two platforms. This type of scope may simply work on a 300 Blackout, however, when we are spending extra money on a new rifle, do we really want a 300 blackout scope that just simply “works”? When we upgrade from the AR-15 5.56 platform to the 300 Blackout platform, it is because we want to get the most out of our rifle. The upgrade will help to increase the range, effectiveness, and versatility of our rifle.

With all this in mind, and with you having already spent the money on the upgrade to the 300 Blackout, it is most likely that you don’t want a scope that simply just “works”. You would be much better off choosing a scope which is designed and built specifically to optimize the 300 Blackout system. If you are similar to many other firearm enthusiasts and you have made the move from the 5.56 to the 300 Blackout then it is very likely that you are looking for increased bullet ballistics at further distances.

It is no big secret that the 300 Blackout has much higher (around 17%) bullet velocity than the 5.56. As it is encased in a much more streamlined manner than the 7.62, you can be sure that it’ll keep its velocity at a much further range. This means that any scope which is designed to sit on top of a 5.56 rifle will not be optimized or even capable of providing the accuracy and precision that you will need to maximize the effectiveness of this bullet.

Before you go straight into purchasing a new 300 Blackout scope, you need to have a solid plan and know exactly what you need. You need to think about what you need the scope for so that you can know exactly what it is that you should buy before you look into purchasing a 300 Blackout scope. No 300 Blackout scope will handle every single job perfectly, so it is important that you think about how you’re going to use it before you make your purchase.

Understanding What The Numbers Mean

The X’s and the MM’s

If you have never purchased a scope before, or if you simply haven’t taken notice in the past, the numbers and such found in a scope description can be extremely confusing for anyone. Without a proper understanding of these algebra-style equations, you would most likely end up not being able to find the perfect 300 Blackout scope for your needs. You may even end up with far too little or far too much magnification for your wants and needs.

Example (1-9x 40mm):

The first numbers in the equation are the power of the magnification. In the example that we have given above, this means that the targets will appear no larger than their normal size on the 1x setting. But what are the numbers separated by a hyphen?

These numbers indicate the range of power. So in this example, we can see that the scope is capable of a minimum magnification power of 1x and can magnify all the way up to a maximum power of 9x. The final number in the equation which is given to us in millimeters is the diameter of the objective lens. In this case, the objective lens is 40mm. This is an average medium size in comparison to some of the most popular 300 Blackout scope.

The size of the objective lens on the scope is what determines how much light can enter. More light makes the image crisper and brighter. Having an objective lens which is too large, though, can sometimes result in heavier and harder to steady performance as there will be a lot of additional weight added on from the glass in the lens. Glass is quite weighty and so it is important to try to find a lens which lets in enough light for your needs, but that also doesn’t affect your ability to steady the rifle due to the weight.

Sometimes, you may see an example similar to 4x 30mm. This simply means that the scope will have a magnification level of 4x and this cannot be adjusted in any way. A scope which has a fixed magnification level is great if you know for certain that you will be shooting at an appropriate range for that particular level of magnification. However, the lack of adjustability could cause some headaches to the shooter if they come across targets which are closer in range.

Effective Range

The 300 Blackout is slightly more powerful and more effective than the .233 or the 5.56 NATO rounds. This kind of ammunition is not very suitable for extremely long distances. The effective range of these is around 500 meters and is usable to roughly around 800 meters. This means that looking to buy a scope with an optimized distance further than 800 meters is a terrible idea as this will not only be pointless but will also be rather costly.

You may also wish to consider your effectiveness at closer ranges. Usually, scopes that have a high level of magnitude struggle to focus properly on targets which are close up. If you are a hunter, this could be a major setback for you if a target walks right by you.

Most people will usually use an AR 300 Blackout to take down targets which are within 500 meters or less. You need to make sure that the scope that you choose is suitable for the distance in which you intend to use it for. This is the best way to ensure that you get the maximum success out of your mission.

Weight

The majority of rifles aren’t ridiculously heavy straight out of the box, however, they can become quite weighty when fully outfitted. Optics tend to be one of the heaviest additions that you can put on your rifle and not all optics weight the same amount. 

You will want to make sure that the lens you choose is small and therefore lightweight enough not to throw your aim off balance or to affect your ability to hold the rifle steady. You also want to ensure that it offers the performance you need while being lightweight enough for you to manage it properly. Getting the right scope for you is tough and will often take some trial and error to see what works best for you. It is recommended that you don’t just load up the biggest scope possible because you usually wouldn’t need that extra performance, and it will do nothing more than to add too much weight to the rifle. 

Eye Relief

The eye relief on a scope is measured by looking at the distance that your eye can be positioned away from the edge of the ocular lens. Many scopes require your eye to be as close as just one half of an inch away from the lens. This can be a setback when the recoil from the shot hits you right in the face. Other (usually more expensive) scopes can allow for several inches of eye relief. Usually, scopes that have an eye relief of  6″ or more are marketed as long eye relief scopes.

The further the eye relief, the more enjoyable the shooting process will be, plus, you’ll end up with less black eyes with a further eye relief scope!

Pricing: Getting the Most Bang for your Buck

It is important to remember that the scope that you buy should roughly match the quality of the firearm that you are buying it for. If you 300 Blackout is fully decked out to the max for the most ultimate precision, the scope that you choose to buy for it should match those quality standards. Putting a cheaper scope onto an expensive rifle is similar to putting off-brand street tires onto a powerful supercar. It’s possible, but you’re pretty much just throwing away performance and leaving room just for the appearance of it.

Usually, you will find smaller tubes and lenses tend to be significantly cheaper. This isn’t always true as there are so many different variables available. Cheaper scopes tend to be those that do not offer any magnification or that have fixed focal lenses.

Using Your AR-15 for Both 5.56 NATO and AAC .300 Blackout

As a standard AR-15 only needs a barrel swap to fire out a 300BLK, it seems logical to have magazines filled with both 300BLK and 5.56 as you can use both of these within as short as thirty seconds of barrel swapping. This is a good thing and can save a lot of time, however, if you accidentally get a 300BLK magazine and try to run it through a 5.56 barrel, you’re in for a very bad day indeed.

We would highly recommended for you to label them appropriately so that you can ensure that no accidents will occur. You may even want to go as far as to purchase some little bands to identify which magazines have which rounds.

There is a lot more that you can learn about scopes, however, this simple buying guide should have given you enough information to get a basic idea of what you should be looking for. With that in mind, following is our list of the best scopes for 300 Blackout rifles. We hope that you enjoy this list and can find what you’re looking for.

Best Scopes for 300 Blackout Rifles 

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Trijicon ACOG 3 x 30 Red Crosshair Rifle Scope

It’s expensive, but in many ways it’s worth every last dollar. It’s the top-end AR 15 optic that you can name at the top of your head because it’s known as the ultimate reticle in terms of rock-solid riflescope performance.

This makes Trijicon a viable best scope for 300 blackout It already has a great reputation that precedes it, particularly among the military that’s always willing to pay top dollar for its highly accurate performance every time when it comes to all sorts of applications and operations. It’s been battle-tested by the best already. 

Hunters, marksmen, and the police get extensive use out of their Trijicon ACOG 3 x 30 Red Crosshair Rifle Scope, since it’d be a waste of money for it to serve as a decorative riflescope and nothing else. This heavyweight in 300 Blackout scopes offers BDC or bullet drop compensation for all 300 BLK rounds and its reticle is illuminated, battery-free, and tritium-powered to boot.

It’s made for combat. You will acquire your target almost instantly with this scope and it even covers for less demanding roles like varmint hunting because it’s so good at what it does normally (military-grade optics that makes every last shot count).

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars from 8 customers. Click the image for prices and reviews!

Nikon P-300 BDC SuperSub Reticle Riflescope, Black, 2-7×32

Of course, to no one’s surprise, Nikon has again somehow made it to this list, offering much cost-advantageous value as always by being the less expensive and more traditional scope that you can count on.

As usual, Nikon makes a compelling case for it being the best 300 Blackout scope around, particularly in terms of overall affordability and stretching your investment to its utmost limits. It’s able to make your every last shot count in a different, less militaristic, and more practical way. To wit, it costs a tenth of what the Trijicon does.

What that means is that you can get ten Nikon P-300 BDCSuperSubs for every one Trijicon.However, that’s not the only selling point of the Nikon P-300 BDCSuperSub Reticle Riflescope, Black, 2-7×32.

If you can’t afford a Trijicon, you’re not necessarily getting a Blackout scope downgrade with the Nikon P-300, which is amazing because that means you’re getting something more than just a huge discount from what’s essentially a cheaper version of a high-end scope, like high BDC, a dedicated BLK shooter scope, fast-adjusting spring-loaded turrets, multicoated optics that have made Nikon famous in the camera world, built-in propriety ballistic software, and many other high-dollar values that make this more of a steal than a bargain.

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Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 55 customers. Click the image for prices and reviews!

BSA Optics TW223 1-4x24mm CP Tactical Weapon 223 Scope,

1-4x24mm

BSA might not be as well-known as Nikon or Trijicon, but it’s able to make a good account of itself with its specs, thusly justifying its place on this review and list. It offers a close-range zoom and an objective lens size to match its magnification power.

BSA Optics has all the specs required for it to become the best scope for 300 Blackout rifles.Unlike with long-ranger scopes that have terrible or compromised close-range magnifications, the BSA Optics TW223-14x24C provides accurate target magnification from up close at ranges you usually reserve your open sights on.

Shooting at 300 meters and below with something other than an open sight is advantageous to a Blackout firearm user because the BSA Optics TW223-14x24CP Tactical Weapon 223 Scope, 1-4x24mm offers crystal-clear imagery and magnification within that range that makes it possible to increase your shot accuracy from up close in ways than an open sight couldn’t.

Also, it’s a twentieth the cost of Trijicon and about half the cost of a Nikon, which is amazing because Nikon is supposed to be the budget brand in every list (although in fairness, this one is a low-magnification scope). It’s perfect for use in tactical and semi-automatic sporting rifles. 

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PFI RR Evolution Scope BLK (1.25-4x24mm) By PFI Rapid Reticle

This is a low-range scope option for any Blackout rifle owners out there that wish to experience two calibers with one scope as well as accuracy in under 300 meters (which is important when hunting small game or undergoing jungle-based military expeditions with up-close-and-personal targets). It provides everything that the BSA Optics TW223-14x24CP Tactical Weapon 223 Scope offers, but the PFI RR Evolution Scope BLK (1.25-4x24mm) comes at a steeper price and more quality specs than you can shake a stick at.

It’s three times more expensive than the Nikon and six times more expensive than the BSA for the following reasons. It may have 1.25x to 4x range and a 24-millimeter objective like the BSA, but that’s not where PFI RR Evolution’s value ends. It’s useful for both calibers: The 7.62×39 and the 300 BLK. It shows zero discrepancy or favoritism for either caliber and can smoothly shift from one to another without any significant changes in smooth scope operation. It offers calibration you won’t see in BSA, Nikon, or even Trijicon plus standard specs that further justify its placement in this list like a nitrogen-purged, fogproof 30-millimeter tube, adjustable target turrets, and an illuminated reticle.

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The Ultimate 300 BLK Scope 

300 Blackout Scopes

Image: Shooting Mystery

Indeed, the 300 BLK is shaping up to be the latest, most ubiquitous thirty-caliber round around: The next logical progression or evolution of AR 15 rifle styles. Naturally, you should have the right optics to go with this behemoth of a rifle variant.

At any rate, in a nutshell, the TrijiconACOG is the high-end, super-expensive BLK scope, the Nikon P-300 BDCSuperSub is the decent, super-cost-effective alternative that has many high-dollar specs, and both the BSA Optics TW223-14x24CP and the PFI RR Evolution Scope BLK are low-powered, close-range scopes for tactical weapon use, although PFI RR is the more expensive of the two due to its militarized specs and BSA Optics is the least expensive of the bunch. Take you pick.

The Best 300 Blackout Scope Review: Conclusion

We hope that this guide has helped you to learn a thing or two about how great the 300 Blackout system is for rifles and how you can best outfit your 300 Blackout rifle with the proper and appropriate optics to suit your particular needs. If you have any thoughts or if there is a scope that you think should be on this list which isn’t already then please do leave a comment in the comments section below this article. We would love to hear your thoughts and opinions on the 300 Blackout scope range and buying tips featured in this article.

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