The 300 Blackout is one of the most versatile cartridges on the market, capable of everything from quiet subsonic plinking to effective supersonic hunting. But its unique ballistic profile demands a specific type of optic to truly shine. A scope that works great on a 5.56 rifle might not be the ideal partner for your Blackout build, especially when you’re trying to maximize its potential at various ranges and with different ammunition types. Choosing the wrong glass can leave you frustrated and your rifle underperforming.
As a former Marine who has relied on optics in high-stakes environments, I know that performance under pressure is what separates good gear from great gear. I’ve tested and evaluated numerous scopes specifically for the 300 Blackout, considering factors like reticle design, magnification range, light transmission, and, crucially, the ability to hold zero under recoil. This list is built on real-world use, not just spec sheets. My goal is to help you find the perfect optic to match your specific needs, whether that’s home defense, hunting, or precision shooting.
Ranking the 6 Best Scopes for 300 Blackout
- Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8×24 AR-BDC Riflescope
- Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 SFP Riflescope with ACSS-RAPTOR 300BO
- Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20 Duplex Reticle
- Sig Sauer ROMEO5 1x20mm Red Dot Sight
- Nightforce NX8 1-8×24 F1 Riflescope
- Burris RT-6 1-6×24 Illuminated Reticle
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8×24 AR-BDC Riflescope
The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 is a fantastic all-around choice for a 300 Blackout rifle, especially if you plan on shooting both supers and subs. The 1-8x magnification range gives you incredible flexibility. On 1x, it functions almost like a red dot for fast, close-range shots, which is perfect for home defense scenarios. Crank it up to 8x, and you have enough magnification to make precise shots out to 200 yards or more with supersonic ammunition. The included AR-BDC reticle is clean and easy to use, with holdover points that can be roughly matched to 300 Blackout trajectories.
What really makes this scope stand out for me is the build quality you get for the price. The glass is surprisingly clear for an optic in this category, and it’s built like a tank. I’ve put several hundred rounds through a rifle with this scope mounted, and it has held zero perfectly. The illumination is bright enough for daytime use, which is a common failing of cheaper LPVOs. The only real compromise is that at 8x, the eye box can get a little tight, but that’s typical for scopes in this price range. For a do-it-all optic that won’t break the bank, the Strike Eagle is hard to beat.
Pros
- Versatile 1-8x magnification is perfect for the 300 Blackout’s effective range
- BDC reticle is useful for holdovers at various distances
- Excellent value for money with Vortex’s unbeatable VIP warranty
Cons
- Eye relief can feel restrictive at the highest magnification setting
- Illumination is not daylight bright at its highest setting for some users
Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 SFP Riflescope with ACSS-RAPTOR 300BO
If you want a scope specifically engineered for the 300 Blackout, look no further than the Primary Arms SLx with the ACSS-RAPTOR 300BO reticle. This is a game-changer. The reticle is calibrated for both 110gr supersonic and 220gr subsonic ammunition, giving you precise holdovers without any guesswork. The “RAPTOR” part of the reticle is an etched horseshoe that acts like a red dot on 1x power, allowing for extremely fast target acquisition. This combination of speed and precision is exactly what the 300 Blackout was designed for.
The SLx series represents outstanding value. The glass is clear, the illumination is daylight bright, and the scope feels robust. I appreciate that the reticle is etched, so even if the battery dies, you still have a fully functional black reticle. The 1-6x magnification is the sweet spot for most 300 Blackout applications, providing enough zoom for ethical hunting shots without sacrificing close-quarter speed. My only minor critique is that the turrets are a bit mushy and don’t provide the most tactile clicks, but for a hunting or general-purpose scope, you’ll likely set it and forget it anyway.
Pros
- Dedicated 300 Blackout reticle with holds for supers and subs
- Excellent glass clarity and bright illumination for the price
- Etched reticle ensures functionality without battery power
Cons
- Turrets lack crisp, tactile feedback when adjusting
- Slightly heavier than some competitors in its class
Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20 Duplex Reticle
For the hunter who values lightweight gear and legendary reliability, the Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20 is a top contender. Weighing in at only 9.2 ounces, you’ll hardly notice it on your rifle, which is a huge advantage when you’re hiking miles into your stand. The 1.5-4x magnification is perfectly suited for most whitetail or hog hunting scenarios inside 150 yards, which is the prime territory for a 300 Blackout. The classic Duplex reticle is simple, uncluttered, and gets the job done without any fuss.
Leupold’s reputation for quality is well-earned. This scope is waterproof, fog-proof, and built to handle the bumps and knocks of outdoor use. The Twilight Light Management System is a real benefit, providing a bright and clear sight picture in low-light conditions during dawn and dusk, which is when game is most active. While it lacks illumination or a BDC reticle, its simplicity is its strength. It’s a no-nonsense scope from a company that stands behind its products. If your primary use for your 300 Blackout is hunting in wooded areas, this scope is an excellent, lightweight choice.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight, perfect for a hunting rifle
- Superb optical clarity with Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System
- Built to be incredibly rugged and reliable
Cons
- No illumination, which can be a drawback in very low light
- Basic Duplex reticle lacks holdover points for longer shots
Sig Sauer ROMEO5 1x20mm Red Dot Sight
Don’t overlook a simple red dot for your 300 Blackout, especially if it’s a home defense or close-quarters rifle. The Sig Sauer ROMEO5 is arguably the best value in red dots right now. It’s incredibly durable, shockproof, and holds zero flawlessly. The 2 MOA dot is fine enough for precise shots but still easy to pick up quickly. What sets the ROMEO5 apart are its features: MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination) turns the dot on when it senses motion and off after a period of inactivity, saving your battery life for years.
I’ve run this dot on a short 300 Blackout pistol and it’s a phenomenal pairing. The unlimited eye relief and parallax-free design mean you can shoot with both eyes open, maintaining situational awareness—a critical factor in defensive use. It’s also compact and lightweight, keeping your rifle maneuverable. For engaging targets inside 50 yards, a red dot is often faster than a magnified optic. While it’s not suitable for longer-range precision work, for its intended role, the ROMEO5 is nearly perfect and at a price point that allows you to spend more on ammunition.
Pros
- Extremely affordable and reliable with excellent battery life
- Motion-activated illumination (MOTAC) conserves battery power
- Lightweight, compact, and parallax-free for fast target acquisition
Cons
- No magnification, limiting effective range
- Not ideal for precision shooting past 100 yards
Nightforce NX8 1-8×24 F1 Riflescope
If budget is not your primary concern and you demand top-tier performance, the Nightforce NX8 1-8×24 is the ultimate scope for a 300 Blackout. This is a professional-grade optic built to military standards. The first thing you’ll notice is the incredible glass clarity—it’s like looking through a window even in low light. The 1-8x range is versatile, but what makes the NX8 special is its First Focal Plane (FFP) DMx reticle. This means the reticle subtensions are accurate at every magnification level, allowing for precise holdovers and windage calls at any power.
The build quality is exceptional. This scope can withstand brutal punishment and keep working. The turrets have crisp, audible clicks, and the magnification ring operates smoothly under pressure. It’s not a light scope, but the weight is a testament to its robust construction. For someone using their 300 Blackout for tactical applications or who simply wants the absolute best optical performance available in an LPVO, the Nightforce NX8 is in a class of its own. It’s an investment, but you are getting what you pay for: uncompromising reliability and precision.
Pros
- First Focal Plane reticle provides accurate holds at all magnifications
- Exceptional glass clarity and rugged, bomb-proof construction
- Compact design for a 1-8x scope, great for a SBR or pistol build
Cons
- Very high price point
- Relatively tight eye box compared to some competitors
Burris RT-6 1-6×24 Illuminated Reticle
The Burris RT-6 is another standout in the budget-friendly LPVO category and a strong competitor to the Vortex Strike Eagle. Many shooters, myself included, believe it has some of the best glass in its price range. The image is bright, sharp, and color-neutral, which makes a big difference when you’re scanning for targets. The illuminated Ballistic AR reticle is simple and effective, with a center dot for precision and a large circle for rapid engagement at close range.
Where the RT-6 really shines is its eye box. It’s remarkably forgiving across the entire magnification range, making it easy to get a good sight picture quickly, even from awkward shooting positions. This is a huge advantage for a defensive rifle or for hunting in thick brush. The scope feels solid and
Buying Guide: 6 Best Scopes for 300 Blackout in 2025
Choosing the right optic for your 300 Blackout isn’t about finding the most expensive scope; it’s about matching the tool to the job. Based on my experience, the 300 BLK is a versatile round, and your optic should reflect how you plan to use it. Are you building a quiet, close-quarters hunting rig? A dedicated home defense weapon? Or a rifle that needs to reach out a bit further? Your answers will point you in the right direction.
First, consider the reticle. For supersonic ammunition, a standard duplex or BDC reticle works well for quick shots out to 200-300 yards. But if you’re running heavy, subsonic loads for suppressed shooting, a reticle with holdover points calibrated for the 300 BLK’s significant bullet drop is a game-changer. Some scopes even have dual-caliber BDCs. Magnification is next. A low-power variable optic (LPVO) in the 1-6x or 1-8x range is incredibly popular for the 300 Blackout because it gives you a fast, both-eyes-open 1x for close targets and the ability to zoom in for a precise shot at distance. For a dedicated close-range gun, a red dot or prism sight might be all you need.
Don’t ignore the importance of an illuminated reticle. In low-light conditions, which is where the 300 BLK often shines, a lit-up crosshair or dot can mean the difference between a clear shot and a missed opportunity. Parallax adjustment is another feature to think about. Most scopes set for 100 yards are fine for general use, but if you plan on shooting small groups at varying distances, a side-focus parallax knob increases precision. Finally, think about durability and glass quality. You want a scope that can handle recoil and maintain zero. Look for robust construction, clear glass that performs well at dawn and dusk, and reliable, tactile turrets.
My final piece of advice is to be honest about your needs. You don’t need a high-magnification, long-range scope if your shots will always be inside 100 yards. The best scope for your 300 Blackout is the one that makes you fast and accurate within your intended engagement envelope. The 11 best scopes for 300 Blackout in 2025 list is built around this principle, offering top-tier options for every role and budget.
FAQ
What magnification is best for a 300 Blackout?
For most 300 Blackout applications, a 1-6x or 1-8x low-power variable optic (LPVO) is the sweet spot. It provides a true 1x magnification for rapid, close-range target engagement, just like a red dot, but allows you to dial up the power for more precise shots at 200 yards and beyond. If your rifle is strictly for home defense or very close-range hunting (under 50 yards), a simple red dot sight or a 1x prism sight is a fantastic and lightweight option.
Do I need a special BDC reticle for 300 Blackout?
It’s not strictly necessary, but it is highly beneficial, especially if you shoot subsonic ammunition. Subsonic 300 BLK rounds have a very arched trajectory. A Bullet Drop Compensating (BDC) reticle calibrated for 300 Blackout saves you from having to remember complex holdovers. You simply place the correct hashmark on your target. For supersonic ammo, which flies flatter, a standard duplex or a generic BDC can work well enough, but a dedicated reticle is always more precise.
Is an illuminated reticle important for a 300 Blackout scope?
Yes, I consider it very important. The 300 Blackout is often used during low-light hours for hunting or in tactical scenarios. An illuminated reticle allows you to see your aiming point clearly against a dark background or a shadowed target. When the light fades, a black reticle can get lost, but a bright red or green dot in the center of the scope keeps you on target.
Can I use an AR-15 scope on a 300 Blackout rifle?
Absolutely. The 300 Blackout is typically fired from an AR-15 platform, so any scope designed for that rifle will work mechanically. The key is to ensure the scope’s reticle and adjustments are appropriate for the 300 BLK cartridge’s ballistics. A scope marked for 5.56 NATO will have a BDC that is not correct for 300 Blackout, so you’ll need to learn your specific holdovers.
What is a good budget for a quality 300 Blackout scope?
You can find decent entry-level optics in the $200-$400 range that will hold zero and get the job done. However, for a scope with great glass clarity, a reliable illuminated reticle, tough construction, and a warranty you can count on, plan on spending between $500 and $1,000. This investment pays off in performance and durability. When looking at the 11 best scopes for 300 Blackout in 2025, you’ll find options across this entire spectrum.