The .270 Winchester is a legendary cartridge, prized for its flat trajectory and potent performance on medium to large game. Whether you’re stalking elk in the mountains or taking precise shots at the range, pairing your rifle with the right scope is paramount to success. A quality optic not only brings your target into sharp focus but also provides the reliability and adjustments needed for ethical and accurate shooting.
From close-range brush hunting to long-distance precision, the ideal scope for your .270 depends heavily on your intended use. This roundup covers a spectrum of options, from trusted hunting scopes with simple, effective reticles to tactical models with advanced features for the serious marksman. We’ve compiled a list of eight top-tier scopes to help you find the perfect match for your rifle and your hunting or shooting style.
Our Top Picks for Your .270 Winchester
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 (1 inch) Riflescope
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12×44 SFP Riflescope
- Trijicon ACCUPOINT 3-9X40 MDOT GRN
- Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope
- Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9×40 BDC Riflescope
- Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x40mm Riflescope
- Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9×40 Riflescope
- Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm Ballistic Plex Riflescope
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 (1 inch) Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 is a quintessential hunting scope, perfectly suited for the .270 Winchester. Its 3-9x magnification range is the gold standard for most big-game hunting scenarios, allowing for quick target acquisition at close quarters and precise aiming at longer distances. The Hunt-Plex reticle is clean and simple, providing an uncluttered view of your target without unnecessary distractions.
Built with Leupold’s Advanced Optical System, this scope delivers exceptional clarity, resolution, and light transmission, which is critical during the low-light conditions of dawn and dusk. The capped, finger-click adjustments are robust and reliable, ensuring your zero stays put in the field. As a lightweight and durable optic from a trusted American brand, the VX-Freedom offers proven performance for the serious hunter.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12×44 SFP Riflescope
For hunters who anticipate taking shots at extended ranges, the Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×44 provides extra magnification without a significant increase in cost. The 44mm objective lens gathers ample light, and the fully multi-coated lenses work to provide a bright, clear sight picture. The V-Plex MOA reticle is a versatile choice for a wide variety of hunting applications.
This scope is designed with user-friendly features like a fast-focus eyepiece for quick reticle focusing and an ultra-forgiving eye box. This means you can get on target faster, even if your head position isn’t perfect. Backed by Vortex’s VIP Unlimited Lifetime Warranty, the Crossfire II represents outstanding value and reliability for the budget-conscious shooter who doesn’t want to compromise on performance.
Trijicon ACCUPOINT 3-9X40
The Trijicon AccuPoint 3-9×40 stands out with its unique fiber-optic and tritium illuminated reticle system. The green dot in the center of the crosshair is self-luminous, requiring no batteries to operate. It automatically adjusts its brightness based on ambient light conditions, providing a perfect aiming point in any situation, from bright midday to near darkness.
This feature is a significant advantage for hunters, as it eliminates the need to fiddle with illumination controls when an animal appears. The optics are exceptionally clear and sharp, as expected from Trijicon’s reputation for building rugged, combat-proven optics. If you want a premium, self-illuminating scope that simplifies your shooting process, the AccuPoint is a top-tier option.
Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope
When your .270 is set up for long-range target shooting or varmint control, the Vortex Diamondback Tactical is an excellent choice. Its 6-24x magnification range and First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle mean the reticle’s subtensions remain accurate at any magnification level. This is essential for making precise windage and elevation holds without calculation.
The exposed tactical turrets allow for quick and repeatable adjustments, and the side-focus parallax adjustment ensures a parallax-free view at any distance. With a large 50mm objective lens and premium optical coatings, this scope provides the clarity and brightness needed for spotting small targets at extreme ranges. It’s a feature-packed optic that brings serious long-range capability to your rifle.
Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9×40 BDC Riflescope
The Nikon Buckmasters II is a reliable and user-friendly scope built for the dedicated hunter. It features Nikon’s BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle, which uses multiple aiming circles below the crosshair to compensate for bullet drop at various distances. This system can help you make quicker shots on game without manually dialing your turrets.
Nikon optics are known for their exceptional brightness and clarity, thanks to the fully multi-coated lenses that maximize light transmission. The zero-reset turrets make it easy to return to your original zero after making field adjustments. While Nikon has exited the riflescope market, the Buckmasters II remains a popular and capable choice for hunters who can find one.
Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Sig Sauer brings its firearms expertise to the optics world with the Whiskey3 series. This 3-9x40mm model is a robust and well-designed scope built to handle the recoil of a .270 Winchester. It features Sig’s HDX optical system for high-definition clarity and a wide field of view, helping you track moving game more effectively.
The scope is equipped with intuitive and precise adjustments, and the waterproof and fog-proof construction ensures reliability in all weather conditions. The Whiskey3 offers a solid blend of optical performance, durable construction, and user-friendly features, making it a strong contender from a brand known for its quality and innovation.
Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9×40 Riflescope
The Bushnell Banner series is engineered specifically for the times when hunters are most active: dawn and dusk. Its Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated optics are designed to provide up to 90% light transmission, offering a brighter sight picture in low-light conditions when many game animals are on the move.
This scope provides excellent value, delivering features that matter most to hunters at an accessible price point. It is built to be shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of the hunting trail. For the hunter on a budget who doesn’t want to sacrifice optical performance during critical shooting light, the Banner is a time-tested option.
Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm Ballistic Plex Riflescope
The Burris Fullfield II is a workhorse scope known for its reliability and clear optics. It features the Ballistic Plex reticle, which uses graduated crosshair stadia lines to help you aim for holdovers at longer ranges. This simple yet effective system is easy to understand and use in the field.
With its index-matched, hand-ground lenses, the Fullfield II delivers a sharp, bright image across the entire field of view. The precision click adjustments are both audible and tactile, providing positive feedback with each change. Ruggedly constructed and backed by the Burris Forever Warranty, this scope is a trusted companion for hunters who demand proven performance season after season.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Scope for Your 270 Winchester
Choosing the right glass for your 270 Winchester is a big deal. I have mounted a lot of scopes on this caliber over the years, and getting it wrong can mean missing a shot or, worse, wounding an animal. The .270 Win is a fantastic, flat-shooting cartridge capable of taking game from 100 to well over 400 yards, so your scope needs to keep up. Let me walk you through what I always consider.
First up is magnification. For a general-purpose .270, I am a huge fan of the 3-9×40 scope. It is the gold standard for a reason. The 3x low end is perfect for quick shots in thick timber, while 9x gives you the precision for a longer poke across a canyon. If you do most of your hunting in open country, you might want to step up to a 4-12x or 4-16x. For the range, higher magnification is nice for seeing your bullet holes, but remember, a huge, heavy target scope is a pain to carry in the woods.
Next, the objective lens size matters for light gathering. A 40mm or 44mm objective is a great balance. It gives you a bright sight picture during those crucial low-light periods at dawn and dusk without forcing you to mount the scope impractically high. Larger objectives like 50mm let in more light, but they add weight and bulk. I only go bigger than 44mm if I know I will be doing a lot of low-light hunting.
The reticle is your interface with the target. For years, a simple duplex was all we had, and it still works. But if you plan on stretching the legs of your .270, a reticle with holdover points, like a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator), is a game-changer. It helps you aim for longer distances without constantly fiddling with your turrets. Just make sure you practice with it to learn the holds for your specific load.
Finally, do not cheap out on the fundamentals. Look for scopes with fully multi-coated lenses; they dramatically improve light transmission and clarity. The turrets should feel crisp and track accurately if you plan on dialing for distance. And the tube construction needs to be robust—a 30mm tube is generally better than a 1-inch tube for windage and elevation adjustment range and overall durability. Your .270 deserves a scope that is just as reliable as the rifle itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best magnification range for a 270 Winchester?
For most hunting situations with a 270 Winchester, I find a 3-9x scope to be the most versatile. It provides a wide field of view for close, fast-moving shots and enough magnification for ethical shots out to 400 yards or so. If you primarily hunt in open terrain or want to do more precision shooting at the range, a 4-12x or 4-16x scope is a great upgrade.
Is a 50mm objective lens better than a 40mm?
A 50mm objective lens gathers more light than a 40mm, which can be beneficial in very low-light conditions. However, it also makes the scope heavier and bulkier, and it often requires higher rings to clear the rifle barrel. For most users, a 40mm or 42mm objective provides excellent performance without the added size and weight. I only recommend a 50mm if you frequently find yourself shooting at the very last minutes of legal light.
Do I need an adjustable objective or side focus?
For most big-game hunting inside 300 yards, a standard fixed-parallax scope (usually set at 100 yards) is perfectly fine. If you are consistently shooting at small targets or at longer ranges (beyond 300-400 yards), an adjustable objective or side focus becomes much more important. It allows you to eliminate parallax error, which can significantly improve your accuracy at those extended distances.
What type of reticle is best for a hunting scope?
This depends on your shooting style. A simple, clean reticle like a standard duplex is hard to beat for quick target acquisition in thick cover. If you plan on taking longer shots, a reticle with hash marks for holdover, such as a BDC or Mil-Dot, is extremely useful. It lets you compensate for bullet drop without taking your eye off the target to adjust a turret.
How much should I spend on a scope for my 270?
You should plan to spend at least as much on your scope as you did on your rifle. A quality scope is that important. While there are decent budget options, investing in a reputable mid-range scope from a known manufacturer will give you better glass clarity, more reliable adjustments, and much better durability. It is the one piece of gear you should not compromise on if you are serious about hunting or range use with your 270 Winchester.