You don’t have to spend a fortune to put a quality scope on your hunting rifle. In fact, today’s optics market is packed with affordable options that deliver crystal-clear images, reliable tracking, and solid performance in the field—all for less than $300. Whether you hunt whitetails, hogs, coyotes, or even varmints, these scopes will help you make the most of every shot. Below, we cover how to pick the right one and review the very best rifle scopes under $300 for your next hunt.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40
- Best for Low-Light: Burris Fullfield E1 3-9×40
- Best Long Range: Primary Arms SLx 4-14×44 FFP
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Budget Hunting Scope
- Magnification: 3-9x and 4-12x are the sweet spot for most hunting, from woods to open fields. 4-14x and 3-15x work well for open country or longer shots.
- Lens Quality: Look for fully multi-coated optics. Even on a budget, clear glass and good light transmission make a huge difference, especially at dawn or dusk.
- Reticle Type: A simple duplex or BDC reticle is easiest for most hunters. Avoid overly complex “tactical” reticles unless you hunt open country.
- Durability: Shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof scopes are a must. Check reviews to confirm a track record of holding zero.
- Eye Relief: Generous, consistent eye relief is especially important for heavy-recoiling calibers or fast shooting positions.
- Adjustment Controls: Simple, positive-click turrets and easy focus are best. Zero-reset turrets are a bonus, but not required for most hunting situations.
- Warranty: Choose brands with solid warranties—many on this list offer lifetime coverage, even for accidental damage.
Detailed Product Reviews
Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40
Who it’s for: All-around hunters who want proven Vortex quality on a budget.
- Clear, bright glass with multi-coated lenses
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle for simple, effective holdovers
- Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof construction
- Lightweight and balances well on most rifles
- Backed by Vortex VIP Lifetime Warranty
Pros:
- Excellent clarity for the price
- Reliable tracking, easy to zero
- Works for deer, hogs, or varmints
Cons:
- No illuminated reticle
- Turrets are capped (not tactical-style)
Final Verdict: The best all-around hunting scope under $300—proven, simple, and built to last. See current price.
Burris Fullfield E1 3-9×40
Who it’s for: Woods hunters or anyone prioritizing low-light performance at a great price.
- Hi-Lume multi-coating for excellent dawn/dusk clarity
- Simple, forgiving Ballistic Plex reticle
- Strong, weatherproof, and built for recoil
- Lifetime Burris Forever Warranty
Pros:
- Fantastic for early/late shooting
- Simple, reliable controls
- Affordable, high-value optic
Cons:
- No side focus/parallax adjustment
- Not a long-range reticle
Final Verdict: Perfect for deer, hogs, or small game hunters who want “set and forget” simplicity and top dusk performance. See reviews.
Primary Arms SLx 4-14×44 FFP
Who it’s for: Budget hunters who want FFP reticle and long-range ability under $300.
- First Focal Plane Mil-Dot reticle—holdovers stay accurate at any magnification
- Side parallax adjustment and exposed tactical turrets
- Shockproof, waterproof, fogproof
- Lifetime warranty
Pros:
- FFP reticle at a budget price
- Great for coyotes, open country, or precision rimfire
- Easy to dial for distance
Cons:
- Not as bright as higher-end glass at dusk
- Heavier than traditional hunting scopes
Final Verdict: The best choice if you want FFP and dialing options for long-range hunting or varmint work. See price and reviews.
Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9×40
Who it’s for: Budget deer and hog hunters who want reliable low-light clarity for less.
- Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) lens coating
- Multi-X reticle—simple and fast for big game
- Waterproof, fogproof, built for field use
- One of the lightest in its class
Pros:
- Consistently bright for early and late hunts
- Good, forgiving eye relief
- Very affordable
Cons:
- Turrets are basic—no zero-reset
- Not for long-range precision
Final Verdict: If you want a classic, effective scope for short and mid-range hunting, this Banner is hard to beat for the money. See it on Amazon.
Nikon PROSTAFF P3 3-9×40
Who it’s for: Hunters wanting simple, rugged, “put it on and hunt” reliability with excellent glass.
- Fully multi-coated lenses for true color and clarity
- Spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets
- Waterproof, shockproof, and nitrogen-purged
- Generous, constant eye relief
Pros:
- Superb clarity and color for under $300
- Great for fast shooting and brush hunting
- Good brand reputation for durability
Cons:
- Not ideal for long-range dialers
- Some models can be hard to find new (Nikon exited US riflescopes in 2020)
Final Verdict: If you can find one, it’s a proven, rugged scope with top glass for the price. Check current stock.
Monstrum G3 3-15×44 FFP
Who it’s for: Hunters wanting tactical-style features, FFP reticle, and illumination—all under $300.
- FFP illuminated reticle with MOA or MIL hash marks
- Side focus and exposed tactical turrets
- Shockproof and weather resistant
- Scope rings included
Pros:
- Feature-packed for the money
- Great for ARs and precision hunting rifles
- FFP + illumination at this price is rare
Cons:
- Heavier and longer than classic hunting scopes
- Not quite as bright as the Vortex or Burris at dusk
Final Verdict: The budget choice for hunters who want tactical features or plan to shoot in varied lighting. Check it out.
Comparison Table
| Name | Magnification | Key Features | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40 | 4-12x | Clear glass, BDC, VIP warranty | Check Price |
| Burris Fullfield E1 3-9×40 | 3-9x | Low-light, Ballistic Plex, lifetime warranty | Check Price |
| Primary Arms SLx 4-14×44 FFP | 4-14x | FFP, side parallax, mil-dot, lifetime warranty | Check Price |
| Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9×40 | 3-9x | Dusk & Dawn lens, classic hunting | Check Price |
| Nikon PROSTAFF P3 3-9×40 | 3-9x | Zero-reset, clear glass, rugged build | Check Price |
| Monstrum G3 3-15×44 FFP | 3-15x | FFP, illuminated, tactical style | Check Price |
FAQ
Is a scope under $300 really enough for deer hunting?
Absolutely. Modern scopes at this price point offer plenty of clarity, durability, and reliability for real-world hunting distances. Many have warranties that rival $500+ optics!
What magnification do I need?
For most deer, hog, and coyote hunting, 3-9x or 4-12x covers woods to open field. Only go higher if you routinely shoot beyond 300 yards.
Can I use a budget scope on a heavy-recoil rifle?
Yes, as long as you stick with reputable brands (like Vortex, Burris, Bushnell, Primary Arms). All models here are built for .308 and larger.
What’s the best scope for low-light?
Scopes with larger objective lenses (40mm+) and fully multi-coated glass—like the Burris Fullfield E1 and Bushnell Banner—excel at dawn and dusk.
How do I make sure my budget scope holds zero?
Mount with quality rings, torque to spec, and choose brands with proven track records. Check user reviews—scopes listed above are all field-proven!
Conclusion & Call to Action
Great hunting optics don’t have to break the bank. Every scope above offers proven real-world performance, a strong warranty, and features that matter for your next hunt. The Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40 is a top choice for all-around use. For low-light, try the Burris Fullfield E1. And if you want dialing and long-range, Primary Arms SLx or Monstrum G3 are ready for anything.
Ready to upgrade your rifle? Click any link above to see today’s best deals and get ready for your best season yet!