Best AR 15 Scope Under $300. We look at the best of 2022

Riflescopes are designed to do one thing; To magnify your vision and improve your accuracy while shooting. Finding the best AR 15 scope under 300 dollars can take some time.

With the right scope, you can hit a target that you have no business hitting using your eyes alone.

There is no doubt that it can improve your performance and enhance your experience with your rifle.

The question is how to find a high-quality scope without paying an arm and a leg for it.

Riflescopes come in a wide range of prices, so choosing the best AR 15 scope under 300 out of many options can be overwhelming.

Thus, we reviewed five of the top-rated scopes you can find today to help you choose which one works best for your needs.

Best AR 15 Scope Under 300: A Review

1. UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope

UTG products are developed, manufactured, and distributed by Leapers.

The company started its operations in 1992, making 4X28 compact scopes in a garage and building a loyal customer base at the grassroots level.

Today, it is one of the major players in the sports firearm industry.

It produces a wide variety of high-quality but affordable products using robot-automated high-end machines.

The 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope is a mid-tier offering from UTG and just one of its long line of rifle scopes targeting customers on a budget.

Review

The UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope is built on the True Strength Platform.

It is a technology that allows it to withstand the forward and rear recoils generated by high-powered rifles.

It uses a high-quality aluminum casing with a sealed nitrogen-filled tube, able to withstand impact, fog, water, and other elements.

The UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope features an advanced design for the elevation and windage turrets.

The scope is adjusted in increments of ¼ MOA for every click. Thus, giving you more accuracy when setting your sights on a target.

A third dial allows you to control the crosshair reticle’s illumination color, which is useful when light and weather conditions vary.

The interior of the one-inch scope body is coated with emerald to maximize light transmission.

Its lead spring system also uses heat-treated beryllium bronze alloy to keep the tension consistent over time and maintain accuracy.

Ranging

The scope comes with the Range Estimating mil-dot reticle, which consists of dots that span out in four directions and provide nine aiming points.

If you include the inner edges of the outside duplex and the origin points for each line, it goes up to 21 targeting points.

This feature makes it easier to offset crosswinds and achieve a predictable “hold over” or “hold under.”

Its Adjustable Objective or AO capability allows you to focus on targets from within three yards up to infinity.

It will give you much flexibility in real-world situations.

The red-green dual illumination, large field of view, and eye relief range between 3.2 inches and 4.2 inches.

It makes it easier to focus for long hours and under any condition.

Also, the turrets are lockable to prevent accidental adjustments, which is useful if you move around a lot while shooting.

All of these options make it a great choice for one of the best AR 15 scopes under 300 dollars. The bug buster scope is one of the most popular scopes sold on Amazon.

Pros:

• Built on True Strength Platform
• TRE 9 mil-dot reticle
• Lockable turrets
• Flexible Adjustable Objective
• Great value for money

Cons:

• Limited eye relief
• Heavy for its size
• Some distortion towards the edge of the view

2. Beileshi Rifle Scope 4X32 Triple Illuminated

Beileshi is an up-and-coming brand in the recreational shooting industry.

It specializes in rifle scopes, sights, bipods, mounts, and cleaning kits.

The 4X32 Triple Illuminated Rifle Scope is one of its high-performing and bestselling products.

If you are looking for the best AR 15 scope that won’t put a dent in your budget, this is a great option.

Review

The Beileshi Rifle Scope 4X32 Triple Illuminated offers 4X magnification power and comes with a 32-millimeter objective lens.

Its reticle is focused for 100 yards but can also be used out to 600 yards. Designed to be accurate without having to adjust the focus to target.

For unknown distances, you can use the rapid-ranging reticle to get an estimate.

When hunting small game out to 200 yards, this fixed power scope will get the job done.

It also works well in close-quarter or” CQB” scenarios.

This scope has an eight-millimeter exit pupil, offering a 36.8-foot field of view at a distance of 100 yards.

With its fiber-made optic sight, it can give crisp images that will enhance your accuracy.

This scope uses a multi-layer coated prism lens that is great at transmitting light.

It allows for a crystal-clear view for faster and more accurate shooting.

The riflescope features a tri-etched reticle with red, green, and blue illuminations.

There are three levels of brightness for each color, so you can make the necessary adjustments for varying weather conditions.

Made from high-quality aluminum alloy and nitrogen-filled, designed to stand up to impacts, recoil, fog, and varying weather conditions.

The Beileshi Rifle Scope 4X32 Triple Illuminated also comes with standard x-y windage and elevation click adjustment knobs.

At 0.6 pounds, it is lightweight and won’t put too much strain on you as you handle your rifle for long hours.

It will fit Weaver, Picatinny, and ⅜-inch Dovetail rails and is designed for easy installation.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Fiber optic sight
• Crystal clear coated lens
• Durable metal housing
• Compatible with Weaver and Dovetail rails
• Easy installation
• Compact and lightweight
• Easy on the budget

Cons:

• 4X magnification too much at 30 yards or less
• Heavier than high-end sights
• Eye relief is a bit short

3. Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight

Vortex Optics is an American company that produces scopes and optics for a wide range of recreational outdoor activities.

It is one of the more recognizable brands in the industry, combining high quality with great pricing in all of its products.

The Vortex Optics Strikefire II is the most affordable among its Red Dot offerings.

Still, it is their highest-rating product in that category.

It is bigger than its cousins, with a 30-millimeter tube designed to provide a wider field of view.

Designed to allow mounting at virtually any height using any standard 30-millimeter ring.

With its many features, you would be getting much value for its price.

Review

When hunting or even shooting at a gun range, there are many instances where you only have a split second to acquire your target.

With the Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight, you can focus on shooting and performing at your best in any setting.

It has fully multi-coated lenses that offer a clear, bright, and unobstructed view of your target.

The eye relief has unlimited range allowing you to lock on your target quickly and comfortably.

You can adjust the elevation and windage to a maximum of 100 MOA.

There are also two dot colors and ten brightness settings that allow you to adapt to changing conditions quickly.

The chassis is made from a single piece of aluminum, able to stand up to impacts from rugged use and to the recoil of a high-powered rifle.

It is fog-proof and waterproof, thanks to nitrogen purging and durable O-ring seals.

The power controls are cleverly positioned at the rear of the Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight for easy access.

Aside from making it more functional, this positioning enhances the scope’s aesthetics.

A CR2 battery is needed to power the optics. It can last up to 80,000 hours running on setting 6.

The Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight has everything you need in mid-tier optics.

It does not have the advanced features of more expensive products, but it is excellent when it comes to basic functions.

Pros:

• Aims with both eyes
• Perfect for quick sighting at short distances
• Ergonomic design
• Rugged and durable
• Sleek design
• Lifetime warranty

Cons:

• Power button a bit tricky to operate
• Light transmission is not optimum

4. Sig Sauer Romeo5 1X20mm 2 MOA Red Dot Sight

Sig Sauer is one of the largest firearms manufacturers in the USA.

It has built a loyal following over the years by producing durable and reliable firearms and accessories.

The Romeo5 1X20mm is in the lower price range of its red dot sight selection.

Still, its quality and performance should not be underestimated.

It offers a sturdy 1X aiming system, guaranteed to boost your tactical performance in virtually any situation.

Review

The Romeo5 1X20mm Red Dot Sight has a simple build, but nothing about it is ordinary.

While it does not feature elaborate design elements, one look will tell you that it is a premium scope.

Besides, it does bear the name Sig Sauer.

This red dot sight comes with a super-low parallax, ensuring that point-of-impacts and point-of-aims are always parallel to your rifle’s bore.

With unlimited eye relief, you can quickly acquire your target, whatever position your eyes are in behind the sight.

Its lightweight aluminum housing, along with a leading-edge optical design, makes for a very durable product.

It is backed by Sig Sauer’s Infinite Guarantee and a five-year warranty.

With an IPX-7 rating, it remains waterproof even when submerged by one meter. It also offers fog-proof performance.

The Romeo5 1X20mm Red Dot Sight comes with a 2 MOA dot which offers ten illumination settings.

It also features the Motion Activated Illumination or MOTAC, which only activates when it recognizes motion, enhancing battery life.

One AAA battery can power it up for up to 50,000 with normal use.

A Picatinny interface is integrated into the optic sight, making it compatible with industry-standard mounting options.

It comes with a modular riser mount for 1.41” and a 1.63” sight height.

With all the features built into the Romeo5 1X20mm Red Dot Sight, it is hard to pass up on this scope, especially given its budget-friendly price.

All of these options make it a great choice for one of the best AR 15 scopes under 300 dollars

Pros:

• Red dot sight
• Unlimited eye relief for quick aiming
• Ultra-low parallax
• Lightweight and durable
• Infinite Guarantee and a five-year warranty
• Fogproof and IPX-7 waterproof
• Long battery life

Con:

• Not very stylish

5. MidTen Riflescope Combo 4-12X50EG

MidTen is a relative newcomer in the game of recreational shooting.

They were only established around six years ago but quickly grew into one of the top online retailers serving shooting and outdoor enthusiasts all over the world.

The 4-12X50EG Riflescope Combo is one of a few rifle scope options in MidTen’s wide selection of products.

It focuses on clear and bright optics that deliver under any condition and environment, geared for shooters looking for a budget-friendly alternative to premium brands.

Review

While MidTen is not one of the readily recognizable names on the market, its products can definitely go toe-to-toe with other brands in their price range.

The MidTen Riflescope Combo 4-12X50EG is a perfect example.

It is packed full of useful features but is very cost-effective.

Its Range Finding reticle is dual-illuminated and offers five levels of brightness, allowing you to shoot with accuracy even in dark environments.

A 33-millimeter reflex lens aperture is enclosed in a tubeless design, offering a very wide field of view and allowing maximum light transmission.

With eye relief ranging from 3” to 3.4”, you can easily follow quick-moving targets even at a distance of 300 meters to 500 meters.

A detachable laser sight is integrated and can reach more than 300 meters, making it easier to aim and react even at close quarters.

The scope is highly adjustable so that you can get the most out of the variable magnification.

You can easily transition between close-range and long-range targets.

It is shockproof and rainproof, able to withstand rugged use and extreme environments.

With the 4-12X50EG Riflescope Combo’s built-in Picatinny mount, you can easily attach it to any 22-millimeter rail.

All of these options make it a great choice for one of the best AR 15 scopes under 300 dollars

Pros:

• Multiple features
• Laser sight
• Variable magnification
• Bright and clear view
• Durable
• Easy to mount
• Great value for your money

Con:

• Battery power not as long as other brands

Best AR 15 Scope Under 300: The Final Recommendation

All the scopes discussed above offer much value for their price.

That said, we find that the Sig Sauer Romeo5 1X20mm 2 MOA Red Dot Sight is definitely at the top of the heap.

It will give you the most bang for your buck.

It offers the most important functions of a reliable red dot sight without disrupting your budget.

With the Romeo5 mounted to your rifle, you can maximize your performance at the range or while hunting.