Affordable Hunting Optics: Best Choices Under $300

[Alan]

I'm looking for affordable hunting optics that won't break the bank, ideally under $300. I need something that holds zero well and has great clarity for deer hunting. If you have experience with specific models, please share your thoughts.

 

[Loaded_Gun]

I grabbed a Vortex Crossfire II for under $300 last season. It held zero perfectly all year, and the clarity at dawn and dusk made spotting deer way easier, it is totally great for the price

 

[Alibiiv]

In my opinion a $300 budget and good optics are not compatible. The best bang for your buck for low priced optics are Arkin scopes, but they are a little more than your budget, probably in the $500-600 range. I have several of them on various rifles that I shoot on a regular basis. The glass is good, they hold zero and they track consistently. Just my $.02c worth

 

[MajorBiggs]

I grabbed a Vortex Crossfire II for under $300 last season. It held zero perfectly all year, and the clarity at dawn and dusk made spotting deer way easier, it is totally great for the price

How's it sitting on your rifle? I'm curious what setup you're running it on and if you've stretched it out past typical deer ranges yet

 

[Loaded_Gun]

How's it sitting on your rifle? I'm curious what setup you're running it on and if you've stretched it out past typical deer ranges yet

It's mounted on my 6.5 Creedmoor with a solid one-piece scope mount. I haven't pushed it past 300 yards yet, but clarity and holdover tracking make it feel confident even at longer ranges