Having a hard time finding the best scope for 30-06 under 300? You have stumbled upon the right place. Choosing the right scope for 30-06 is important to enhance precision and speed of target acquisition and you don’t have to break a bank to get one.
Whether you are into tactical shooting, competitive shooting or hunting, it is vital to find a scope that fits your needs and budget, without cutting corners on quality. Pairing a good scope with the .30-06 cartridge will make your hunting expeditions more competitive and prove the cartridge’s worth and value.
However, knowing which model to choose is no mean feat. There are so many models available out there and not all are built with the budget buyers in mind. But worry not as we are here to help. We have put together a round up of the very best scopes for 30-06 available under $300. Additionally, we have attached a comprehensive guide with all the key things you should consider when making your selection.
So, without any further delays, let’s jump right in and discover the best scopes for 30-06 under 300.
Best Scope for 30-06 under 300
1)Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
Coming in first is the Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope. Adding this rifle scope on your 30-06 rifle will help you sight in on any prey quickly, place the shot accurately and have a rewarding hunting excursion.
It is built with a variable 4-12x magnification for use at medium to long ranges. The magnification is built in a rear focal plane reticle which retains the same appearance all through. Furthermore, the scope has a broad 70 MOA adjustment range which complements the versatile zoom by enhancing precision in all terrains.
Solid construction is another thing that makes this optic the best scope for 30-06 under 300. It is made with aircraft grade aluminum, an ultra-durable material that resists wear and tear. Additionally, the scope is built waterproof, fog proof and shockproof to withstand elements, recoil and impact.
Optically, the scope is designed with fully multi-coated lenses that work together with ED glass to boost light transmission and bring you crisp clear sight pictures. It also has exposed turrets that allow quick and simple adjustments.
Features
- 1-inch body tube
- 4-12x magnification
- Second focal plane VMR-1 MOA reticle
- Hard anodized finish
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 70 MOA adjustment range
- HD extra-low dispersion glass
- 1/4 MOA adjustment click value
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Lightweight yet durable construction
- Ease of use
- High quality optics
- Superb ranging abilities
Cons
- Non-illuminated
2)Burris Fullfield IV 3-12x42mm Rifle Scope
When it comes to versatility, Burris Fullfield IV 3-12x42mm Rifle Scope is hard to beat. It is built with the avid hunter in mind and is ideal for hunting a variety of game from varmints to medium and big game.
This rifle scope offers a choice of three ballistic plex reticles for you to choose from. The reticles are put on the second focal plane so they maintain the same size across the 3-12x magnification range.
Moreover, this rifle scope is built with durability in mind. It has a rugged aircraft grade aluminum housing that is shockproof and impact resistant. This quality construction coupled with the waterproof and fog proof protection guarantee a lifetime of reliable protection in all environments.
In addition to everything else, the Burris Fullfield IV 3-12x42mm Rifle Scope features a lightweight design of 17.6oz only for easy maneuverability in the field.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- Aircraft grade aluminum housing
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- 1-inch mono-piece tube
- 70 MOA adjustment range
- 3x to 12x zoom range
- Premium anti-reflective lens coatings
Pros
- Lightweight
- Clear glass
- Great value for the price
- Versatile
Cons
- The durability could be better
3)Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 3-12x44mm SF Rifle Scope
Sitting comfortably in third is the Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 3-12x44mm SF Rifle Scope. It is designed with an adjustable 3x to 12x magnification power which is excellent for hunting small, medium and big sized game from mid to long ranges.
The efficiency of this rifle scope is attributed to optical quality. It has fully multi-coated lenses which provide stellar accuracy and optical clarity, even in low level light settings. On top of that, the large 44mm objective lens gathers more light inside the optics and ramps up performance in dismal environments.
Hawke optics are known for the rugged construction and this variable power rifle scope is not any different. It is made rugged with a single piece main tube to weather whatever abuse you throw at it. Furthermore, the tube is shockproof for excellent durability in all conditions and weatherproof to outlast elements.
Another impressive thing about this rifle scope is glassing comfort. Across the 3-12x zoom range, it maintains a constant eye relief of 3.5” which makes it eyeglass-friendly. Over and above that, the scope is equipped with a side focus control for easy parallax adjustment.
Features
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Second focal plane reticle
- 100 MOA adjustment range
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- Rugged aluminum housing
- Side focus parallax adjuster
- Fast focus eye bell
- High torque zoom ring
- 1-inch single-piece tube chassis
Pros
- Lightweight
- Generous and constant eye relief
- Sturdy and durable construction
Cons
- Non illuminated
4)Athlon Optics Talos 3-12x40mm Rifle Scope
Athlon Optics Talos 3-12x40mm is the best scope for 30-06 under 300 for the beginners in hunting. It is stylishly engineered with the most advanced technology and quality features to help you get the most out of your hunting expeditions.
This rifle scope is built ready for use in any environment. It has a waterproof chassis that is toughly built to take in any abuse. The tube is then purged with dry nitrogen to keep the internal optics perfectly fog-free throughout the hunt.
Optically, the scope has fully multi-coated glass lenses that limit light loss internally and ensure high levels of light transmission. This creates bright, crisp clear and color accurate sight pictures from sunrise till sunset.
Furthermore, the Athlon Optics Talos 3-12x40mm Rifle Scope boasts capped windage and elevation turrets to help you dial in your shot according to your preference. It is also built light for easy carrying in the field as you look for game.
Features
- 1-inch heat-treated single-piece tube
- Waterproof and nitrogen filled
- Capped turrets
- Variable 3-12x magnification
- Aircraft grade aluminum housing
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Robust mechanical system
- Adjustable parallax
Pros
- Lightweight construction
- Illuminated reticle
- Holds zero well
- Ease of use
Cons
- Stiff adjustment knobs
5)Sightron S1 Series 3.5-10x50mm Rifle Scope
Next up, we have the Sightron S1 Series 3.5-10x50mm Rifle Scope. It is engineered using the most modern optical designs and manufacturing techniques to meet and surpass the needs of avid hunters out there.
The scope is built with portability. It has a compact form and lightweight design for convenient carrying from one location to the other. In terms of construction, it has a 1-inch tube made from aircraft quality aluminum. The quality construction withstands whatever handling you subject it to and guarantees unmatched longevity and durability.
Over and above that, this variable power rifle scope is O-ring sealed to lock out dust, moisture and debris. It is also charged with dry nitrogen gas to drive out any internal moisture and prevent build up of fog internally in rainy and cold environments.
In addition to everything else, the scope brings to the table a precision focus eyepiece which provides a customizable sight picture with generous eye relief.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- IPX-7 waterproof and dust proof
- 1-inch body tube
- Multi-coated glass
- Parallax free at 100 yards
- Precision focus eyepiece
- Large 50mm objective lens
- 5-10x adjustable magnification
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Quality construction
- Easy to use
- Wide field of view
Cons
- Cheap lens covers
6)Crimson Trace Hardline 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
Crimson Trace Hardline 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope, marks our sixth recommendation of the best scope for 30-06 under 300. It is made with an array of outstanding features that guarantee reliable performance in all environments.
The selling point of the rifle scope is optical finesse. It employs exceptional glass elements that maximize resolution, color accuracy and sharpness. Furthermore, the lenses are fully multi-coated to ramp up light transmission and optimize performance in low level light settings.
In terms of construction, the scope is built to be nearly indestructible. It is crafted using aerospace grade aluminum and is rigid enough to weather anything you throw at it. In addition to that, the optical tube boasts dependable protection from elements for all weather performance.
To complement the ultra-sturdy construction, this rifle scope has a quick spring-loaded zero reset turrets that are exposed for easy adjustment. It also comes with a generous eye relief of 4” which makes it eyeglass friendly.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Aerospace quality aluminum housing
- Exceptional glass elements
- Quick spring-loaded zero reset turrets
- Waterproof and shock proof
- 1-inch tube size
- 4-12x magnification power
Pros
- Exceptional picture quality and clarity
- Lightweight
- Easy to make adjustments
- Long eye relief
Cons
- Non illuminated
7)Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Our last scope recommendation for the 30-06 is the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope. This rifle scope is ideal for close and medium range hunting in virtually all environments where rapid target acquisition is essential.
It boasts a large field of view for quick target finding and easy tracking of the game as they move. The spacious field of view is complemented by a generous eye relief that enables comfortable shooting with or without eyewear. Furthermore, the scope is built lightweight and compact so it is easy to mount and convenient to carry around.
Construction-wise, Leupold is known for its rugged optics and this rifle scope is not built any different. It is constructed using 6061-T6 aluminum, a material that is tough enough to stand up to wear and tear.
In addition to the robust construction, the scope has a housing that is fully waterproof, fog proof and shock proof. It also boasts a broad 60 MOA adjustment range for maximum total travel.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- Twilight Light Management System
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- 1-inch body tube
- 3-9x total magnification
- 60 MOA adjustment range
- Scratch resistant lenses
- 1/4 MOA finger click adjustment
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Great low light visibility
- Lightweight and durable
- Quality glass
- Tactile capped turrets
Cons
- No lens covers included
Also Read,
What Magnification Do You Need?
It is important to have the right scope magnification when it comes to hunting and shooting with the 30-06. Generally, the kind of shooting you will be doing and how far you will be shooting should guide you in selecting the correct scope magnification.
The 30-06 round has an effective shooting range of 1000 yards. For such a range, you need a high-powered scope with 12x maximum magnification and above. It is also wise to get a scope with a broad magnification power that gives you the flexibility to take shots across different distances.
Criteria for Choosing the Best Scope for 30-06
Now that you have a specific budget in mind, here are the other important things you should consider when shopping for the best scope for 30-06 under 300.
Build Quality
The first thing to consider is the build quality of the rifle scope. Normally, the construction quality and type of materials used determine the build quality of every rifle scope.
For the best scope for 30-06 under 300, go for a model that is built with quality and hard-wearing materials such as magnesium or aircraft quality aluminum alloy.
Weatherproof Construction
The 30-06 cartridge is in most cases used for hunting applications. Since hunting takes place outdoors, it is vital to get a scope that is built weatherproof for operability in all seasons. We recommend that you invest in a unit that has reliable protection from moisture, dust, sand, debris and any other element.
Eye Relief
It is important to buy a scope with a generous eye relief. The more accommodating the eye relief is, the more comfortable and convenient to use the scope is. Whether you wear eyeglasses or not, get a rifle scope with at least 3.5 inches eye relief.
Glass Clarity
The other important features to consider is glass clarity. Even with a budget, you will want a scope that performs in all kinds of lighting conditions.
We recommend that you settle for a model that is built with premium glass elements such as extra-low dispersion glass or high-density glass. The best scope for 30-06 under 300 should also feature quality lens coatings applied on all air to glass surfaces.
Conclusion
We hope that the information in this article has been insightful and of significant help to you. Before you settle on any specific rifle scope, understand what you will be using it for and choose a model that matches your rifle’s capabilities and shooting style.