The .300 Blackout cartridge has earned its reputation as one of the most versatile rounds available, equally at home with heavy subsonic loads for quiet performance as it is with supersonic rounds for greater reach. Choosing the right optic is critical to harnessing its full potential, whether you’re building a close-quarters home defense rifle, a dedicated hunting rig, or a do-it-all patrol carbine. The wrong scope can leave you struggling in low light or missing fast, close-range shots.
Our 2025 field test put a wide array of optics through their paces on the .300 BLK platform. We evaluated everything from budget-friendly red dots to high-magnification LPVOs, assessing clarity, reticle usefulness, durability, and overall value. The goal was to identify the best scopes and optics that truly complement the unique ballistic profile and intended uses of the .300 AAC Blackout, giving you reliable, real-world recommendations.
Our Top Picks for .300 Blackout Optics
- Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8×24 Second Focal Plane Riflescope
- SIG SAUER Tango-MSR LPVO 1-6X24mm Tactical Hunting Rifle Scope
- HOLOSUN HS510C Multi-Reticle Green Open Reflex Sight for Long Guns
- Monstrum G2 1-4×24 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope
- Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm SFP Rifle Scope with ACSS-300BO Reticle
- EOTECH Vudu 1-10×28 FFP Riflescope
- Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 BAC Riflescope
- Sig Sauer ROMEO5 1x20mm Compact Red Dot Sight
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8×24 Second Focal Plane Riflescope
The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 stands out for its exceptional versatility, making it a fantastic partner for a general-purpose .300 Blackout rifle. Its true 1x magnification allows for rapid, both-eyes-open shooting at close ranges, while the 8x top end provides enough magnification to make precise shots at the cartridge’s effective limits. The updated design includes a thread-in throw lever for fast magnification changes, a feature you’ll appreciate in dynamic shooting scenarios.
This scope features the illuminated BDC3 reticle in the second focal plane. This reticle is clean and uncluttered at 1x for speed, and the BDC holdover points become active at 8x magnification, providing aiming solutions out to 650 yards. Vortex’s reputation for ruggedness and their unbeatable VIP warranty means this optic is built to last and fully backed for life.
SIG SAUER Tango-MSR LPVO 1-6X24mm Tactical Hunting Rifle Scope
The SIG SAUER Tango-MSR offers incredible value, delivering high-performance features at an accessible price point. Its optical system utilizes low dispersion glass to provide impressive clarity and light transmission, giving you a bright, sharp sight picture from dawn to dusk. This is critical when identifying targets in low-light conditions where the .300 BLK often excels.
This scope comes equipped with an integrated, removable throw lever for quick adjustments and an illuminated MSR BDC-6 reticle with 11 brightness settings. The reticle provides useful holdovers, and the illumination ensures visibility against any background. Being fully waterproof and fog-proof, the Tango-MSR is built to handle adverse weather, making it a reliable choice for hunters and shooters in all environments.
HOLOSUN HS510C Multi-Reticle Green Open Reflex Sight
For a dedicated close-quarters .300 Blackout build, especially one running a suppressor, a red dot is often the ideal choice. The Holosun HS510C is a top-tier open reflex sight that provides a massive, unobstructed window for fast target acquisition. The green multi-reticle system is highly visible to the human eye and excels in most lighting conditions, including against foliage.
This optic is packed with smart features that enhance its practicality. The Shake Awake technology conserves battery life by putting the sight to sleep when stationary, and it instantly wakes with movement. Combined with a solar failsafe and a staggering 50,000-hour battery life, you can have confidence that the sight will be ready when you need it. The durable aluminum housing with a titanium hood ensures it can handle the recoil of any .300 BLK load.
Monstrum G2 1-4×24 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope
The Monstrum G2 1-4×24 is an excellent budget-friendly option that brings a valuable feature to the table: a first focal plane (FFP) reticle. In an FFP scope, the reticle grows and shrinks with the magnification, meaning the holdover markings are accurate at every power setting. This is a significant advantage for a shooter who needs to make rapid, ranged shots at unknown distances without dialing the magnification to a specific setting.
This scope includes a rangefinder reticle designed for faster range estimation and holdover correction. It also offers both red and green illumination with multiple brightness intensities, allowing you to match the reticle to your environment for optimal visibility. With a practical 1-4x magnification range, it covers the most effective engagement distances for the .300 Blackout cartridge without unnecessary complexity.
Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm SFP Rifle Scope with ACSS-300BO Reticle
If you want an optic purpose-built for the .300 Blackout, look no further than the Primary Arms SLx with the dedicated ACSS-300BO reticle. This reticle was engineered from the ground up for the trajectory of common supersonic and subsonic .300 BLK loads. It provides intuitive holdovers for both types of ammunition, eliminating the need for manual calculations or guesswork.
The ACSS reticle system also includes a “chevron” style primary aiming point for precision, along with wind holds and ranging features. The 1-6x magnification range is perfectly suited to the cartridge’s capabilities, allowing for fast close-range work and precise shots out to 300 yards and beyond. The SLx line represents Primary Arms’ workhorse series, known for reliable performance in tough conditions.
EOTECH Vudu 1-10×28 FFP Riflescope
For the shooter who demands the highest level of performance, the EOTECH Vudu 1-10×28 represents the pinnacle of LPVO design. This scope offers an incredibly wide magnification range, transitioning from a true 1x red-dot-like speed to a powerful 10x for making precise shots at extended distances. The glass quality is exceptional, with outstanding clarity, color fidelity, and edge-to-edge sharpness.
As a first focal plane optic, the reticle’s subtensions remain true and usable across the entire magnification range. This makes it an outstanding tool for long-range shooting with the .300 Blackout, allowing for precise holdovers at any power. While it is a premium offering, its robust construction and top-tier optical performance justify its position for serious users who need one optic to do it all.
Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 BAC Riflescope
The Trijicon ACOG is a legendary combat optic known for its unparalleled ruggedness and reliability. The 3.5×35 model is a compelling fixed-power option for a .300 Blackout rifle intended for defensive use or hunting. Its fixed magnification provides a simpler, more robust system with no moving internal parts, and the 3.5x power is a great balance for mid-range shots while still being usable in close quarters.
A key feature is the Bindon Aiming Concept (BAC), which allows for both-eyes-open shooting. By keeping both eyes open, you can use the illuminated reticle with your dominant eye while maintaining full situational awareness with your non-dominant eye. The reticle is illuminated by a combination of fiber optics and tritium, requiring no batteries, which is a major advantage for a rifle that must be always ready.
Sig Sauer ROMEO5 1x20mm Compact Red Dot Sight
The Sig Sauer ROMEO5 is arguably the king of value in the micro red dot category. It provides proven performance and durability at a very accessible price. Its compact and lightweight form factor makes it ideal for keeping your .300 Blackout build sleek and maneuverable, perfect for a home defense or truck gun role.
This sight features Motion Activated Illumination (MOTAC), which wakes the dot upon sensing motion and powers it down after a period of inactivity to save battery life. With a long 50,000-hour runtime and a crisp 2 MOA dot, it’s a no-fuss, always-ready optic. It’s also incredibly durable, built from a single piece of aluminum to withstand heavy recoil and rough handling.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a .300 Blackout Optic
Choosing the right optic for your .300 Blackout rifle isn’t just about picking the shiniest tube from the shelf. It’s about matching the tool to the job, and the .300 BLK is a wonderfully versatile cartridge. I’ve spent a lot of time behind this caliber, and getting the optic wrong can really hold you back. The first and most critical decision you’ll make is whether your primary use is for suppressed, subsonic shooting or for supersonic hunting and target work.
If you’re building a quiet, close-quarters setup, a red dot sight or a low-power variable optic (LPVO) is your best friend. For a red dot, look for something durable with a long battery life. A 2 MOA dot is a great balance for speed and precision at typical engagement distances. When it comes to an LPVO, a 1-6x or 1-8x scope is perfect. The true 1x setting lets you shoot with both eyes open like a red dot, while the magnification is there if you need to reach out a bit further or make a precise shot. The reticle is key here; a simple illuminated dot or circle at the center is fast for close-range work.
For hunters using supersonic ammunition, magnification becomes more important. A 2-10x or 3-12x scope is a fantastic choice, giving you the flexibility to take ethical shots from 50 to 250 yards and beyond. You’ll want a reticle with holdover points, like a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) that’s calibrated for the .300 Blackout’s trajectory. This is a huge help, as it takes the guesswork out of longer shots. Pay close attention to the turrets; exposed target turrets are great for long-range precision, but for a hunting rifle, I often prefer capped turrets to prevent accidental bumps from changing my zero.
Finally, don’t skimp on the mount. A quality one-piece scope mount that’s properly torqued is non-negotiable. Think about eye relief and a comfortable cheek weld. The best optic in the world is useless if it’s not mounted securely or you can’t get behind it quickly. After testing the 8 best .300 Blackout scopes and optics for 2025, the common thread among the winners was that they were purpose-built for a specific role and executed that role flawlessly.
FAQ
What is the best magnification range for a .300 Blackout?
It completely depends on your ammunition and use case. For subsonic rounds and home defense scenarios, a 1x red dot or a 1-6x LPVO is ideal. For hunting with supersonic ammunition where you might take shots out to 200+ yards, a scope in the 2-10x or 3-12x range is a much better fit. It gives you the clarity and precision needed for ethical shots at distance.
Do I need a specific BDC reticle for .300 Blackout?
While you can absolutely use a standard duplex reticle, a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle designed for the .300 BLK is a massive advantage. The trajectory of this cartridge, especially with heavy subsonic bullets, is very different from a 5.56 NATO. A dedicated .300 Blackout BDC will have holdover points that much more accurately match your bullet’s drop, making you a more effective shooter at varying ranges.
Can I use a 5.56 scope on a .300 Blackout rifle?
You can physically mount it, but I don’t recommend it. The BDC holdovers on a 5.56 scope will be completely wrong for your .300 Blackout’s ballistics. Your point of impact will be off at almost every distance except your zero range. You’ll be constantly guessing and calculating holds. It’s far better to use an optic with a simple reticle you can learn, or better yet, one calibrated for your specific cartridge.
Is an illuminated reticle necessary?
For a defensive or close-quarters rifle, an illuminated reticle is highly recommended. In low-light conditions, a black reticle can get lost against a dark target. The illumination helps you pick up the aiming point instantly. For a dedicated daytime hunting rifle, it’s less critical, but it’s still a very nice feature to have during dawn or dusk hours.
What should my budget be for a good .300 Blackout optic?
You can find reliable optics at various price points. A solid red dot can be had for around $150 to $300. A good entry-level LPVO starts around $400, while high-end models can exceed $1,500. For a hunting scope, expect to spend $300-$600 for a quality model that will hold zero and provide clear glass. Your budget should reflect how you plan to use the rifle and the level of performance you require. After our 2025 field test on the 8 best .300 Blackout scopes and optics, we found excellent options across all these price ranges.
How important is parallax adjustment?
For most .300 Blackout applications, a fixed parallax setting (usually at 100 yards) is perfectly fine. If you plan on doing a lot of precision shooting with supersonic loads beyond 150 yards, a side-focus parallax adjustment becomes more valuable. It allows you to eliminate parallax error at the exact distance you are shooting, which can improve accuracy, especially with high magnification.