In this article, we will explore the various scopes for 30-30 rifles, their features, and what to consider when selecting the best scope for your needs.
The 30-30 rifle is a classic firearm that has been popular for over a century, known for its versatility and effectiveness in hunting and target shooting. While the 30-30 cartridge has a relatively short range compared to other rifle calibers, it is still capable of delivering accurate and powerful shots up to a few hundred yards.
To fully take advantage of this rifle’s capabilities, many shooters choose to attach scopes to their 30-30 rifles. Scopes can greatly enhance the shooter’s accuracy, providing a clear and precise view of their target.
Let us look at our choice of scope for this rifle.
Importance of Scopes for 30-30 Rifles
Improved accuracy
A good scope allows the shooter to see the target more clearly and precisely, which can result in more accurate shots. This is especially important for longer shots where the shooter may struggle to see the target clearly with just the naked eye.
Increased range
While the 30-30 cartridge has a relatively short range compared to other rifle calibers, a scope can extend the rifle’s effective range by allowing the shooter to take more accurate shots at greater distances.
Better target acquisition
A scope makes it easier to acquire and track moving targets, allowing the shooter to react more quickly and accurately.
Comfortable shooting
A scope reduces eye strain and allows the shooter to maintain a comfortable shooting position, which can be especially important during long hunting trips or target shooting sessions.
Versatility
With a properly selected scope, a 30-30 rifle can be used for a variety of different shooting scenarios, from hunting to target shooting to self-defense.
Best Scopes for 30-30 Rifles Reviews
1) Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 2-7x33mm Rifle Scope
Designed for use with rimfire rifles, the Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 2-7x33mm Rifle Scope is a durable and versatile riflescope that is suitable for hunting and target shooting.
Its aircraft-grade aluminum construction, waterproof and fog proof design, and shockproof capability make it a rugged option that can handle the recoil of even the most powerful rimfire rifles. It comes with a Full Lifetime Guarantee from Leupold, covering the scope for its lifetime, irrespective of the owner.
With high-quality fully multi-coated lenses, the scope provides clear and bright images with minimal distortion, even in low-light conditions. Its 2-7x magnification range is ideal for rimfire rifles, providing both close and mid-range shooting capabilities, and the 33mm objective lens offers a wide field of view, making it easier to acquire targets quickly.
The scope is available with two reticle options: the Rimfire MOA reticle, which provides precise aiming points for distances up to 200 yards, and the versatile Tri-MOA reticle, suitable for a wide range of shooting applications.
Its finger-adjustable turrets enable easy zeroing and adjustment, and they can be re-zeroed after sighting in, allowing for easy adjustments on the go. The scope also features a fast-focus eyepiece, which facilitates quick and easy focusing of the reticle.
Pros
- High-quality, fully multi-coated lenses
- Waterproof and fog proof, and shockproof
- Wide field of view
- Available with two different reticle options
- Backed by Leupold’s Full Lifetime Guarantee.
Cons
- Expensive
2) Simmons 8 Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope
The Simmons 8 Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope is a popular, affordable riflescope that is designed for a wide range of shooting applications, including hunting and target shooting. It is a versatile scope that provides a good balance of magnification, light-gathering capability, and durability.
The scope features fully multi-coated lenses that provide bright and clear images with minimal distortion. The 3-9x magnification range is versatile and provides a good balance between close-range and mid-range shooting capabilities.
The 50mm objective lens provides good light-gathering capabilities, making it easier to shoot in low-light conditions.
The scope is available with a variety of different reticle options, including the Truplex reticle, which is a versatile reticle that is suitable for a wide range of shooting applications. The reticle, which is located in the second focal plane, stays the same size as you change the magnification.
The Simmons 8 Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope is built to be durable and rugged. It is made from high-quality materials and is both waterproof and fog proof. The scope is shockproof, meaning it can withstand the recoil of even the most powerful rifles.
Pros
- Durable and rugged construction
- Waterproof, and fog proof
- Fingertip-adjustable turrets allow for easy zeroing and adjustment
- Backed by Simmons’ Limited Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Limited magnification range
3) Vortex Optics Crossfire II SFP, 1-inch Tube Riflescope
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane Riflescope is ideal for a variety of shooting applications, including hunting, tactical shooting, and target shooting. It is built to be durable and rugged, with high-quality materials that are both waterproof and fog proof.
The scope is shockproof, meaning it can withstand the recoil of even the most powerful rifles. The scope is backed by Vortex’s VIP Warranty, which covers the scope against defects in materials and workmanship.
The scope features a fully multi-coated lens that provides bright and clear images with minimal distortion. The magnification range varies depending on the model, but all models are designed to provide a good balance between close-range and mid-range shooting capabilities.
The objective lens diameter is made to ensure good light-gathering capabilities for clear, bright images in all light conditions.
The scope is available with a variety of different reticle options, including the V-Plex reticle, the Dead-Hold BDC reticle, and the MOA reticle. The reticle is located in the second focal plane, hence maintaining the size even with a change in magnification.
Pros
- Built to be durable and rugged
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy focusing of the reticle
- Backed by Vortex’s VIP Warranty
Cons
- Limited reticle options
4) Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 SFP Rifle Scope
The Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 SFP Rifle Scope Gen III is a multipurpose and compact scope that is suitable for various shooting applications, such as hunting, tactical, and competition shooting.
Its construction is sturdy and robust, using premium materials that are both waterproof and fog proof. Additionally, the scope is shockproof, enabling it to withstand even the most powerful rifles’ recoil.
The scope features a 1-6x magnification range and a 24mm objective lens, making it ideal for close-range and mid-range shooting. Its lenses are fully multi-coated to deliver clear and bright images, even in low-light environments.
The scope also boasts a second focal plane reticle, which means that the reticle’s size remains consistent as you adjust the magnification.
The scope is equipped with the Illuminated ACSS reticle, which is designed to be user-friendly and quick to use in different shooting scenarios. The reticle includes a horseshoe-shaped center that allows for rapid target acquisition and a bullet drop compensation (BDC) system that facilitates precise long-range shooting.
Additionally, the reticle is illuminated with 11 brightness settings, making it effortless to use in any lighting condition.
Pros
- Durable and rugged with construction
- Illuminated reticle
- Weatherproof
- Easy to use and adjust
- Backed by Primary Arms’ lifetime warranty
Cons
- The reticle may not be suitable for all shooting applications
5) SIG SAUER ROMEO5 1x20mm Red Dot Sight
The SIG SAUER ROMEO5 1x20mm Red Dot Sight features a 1x magnification, which means that the image you see through the sight is the same size as the image you see with your naked eye.
The sight is parallax-free, meaning that the reticle stays in the same place regardless of the angle from which you view it. The sight also features a 20mm objective lens, which provides a wide field of view as well as fully multi-coated lenses which provide a clear and bright image, even in low light conditions.
The sight features a 2 MOA red dot reticle, which is designed to be fast and intuitive to use in a variety of shooting situations. The reticle can be adjusted for brightness with 8 brightness settings, including 2 settings for use with night vision devices.
The sight also features MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination), hence the reticle turns on when it senses motion and turns off when it is not in use, saving battery life.
The SIG SAUER ROMEO5 is built to be durable and rugged. It is made from high-quality materials and is both waterproof and fog proof. The sight is shockproof and can withstand the recoil of even the most powerful rifles.
In addition, the CR2032 battery provides up to 50,000 hours of use on a single battery. The sight also features a Picatinny mount for easy mounting on a variety of rifles and other firearms.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design
- Fully multi-coated lenses provide a clear and bright image
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof construction
- Backed by SIG SAUER’s lifetime warranty
Cons
- Fixed magnification
6) UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope
The UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope comes with a 3-12x magnification range, which allows for versatile use in different shooting situations. The scope has a 44mm objective lens, which provides a wide field of view and gathers plenty of light for bright and clear images.
The lenses are fully multi-coated to provide a clear and bright image, even in low light conditions while the illuminated reticle provides added visibility in low light conditions.
The scope is equipped with a Mil-dot reticle, which allows for range estimation, windage and elevation adjustments, and holdover corrections. The reticle can be illuminated in red or green, with five brightness settings for each color. The illumination can be turned off to use the reticle in black.
The UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope is built to be durable and rugged, featuring high-quality materials that are waterproof and fog proof. It is also shockproof and hence can withstand the recoil of even the most powerful rifles.
The scope features a side parallax adjustment, which allows for precise focusing and eliminates parallax error at different ranges. Additionally, the locking target turret system provides precise and repeatable windage and elevation adjustments.
Pros
- Illuminated reticle
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof construction
- Quick-detach mount allows for easy mounting and dismounting
- Backed by UTG’s lifetime warranty
Cons
- A bit heavy
Best Scopes for 30-30 Rifles FAQs
- What size of scope do I need for 30-30?
30-30 rifles that were designed in the 1800s and 1900s. Many lack modern optics accouterments, like the Winchester 94. These will often require a long eye-relief scope that places the optic rather far from the shooter.
- What should I look for in a scope for my 30-30 rifle?
You should look for a scope with good magnification, durable construction, and clear optics. Additionally, you may want to consider a scope with a wide field of view, long eye relief, and a reticle that is easy to see.
- What is the best magnification for a scope on a 30-30 rifle?
The best magnification for a scope on a 30-30 rifle depends on your personal preferences and the type of shooting you plan to do. For most hunting applications, a magnification of 2-7x or 3-9x is sufficient.
- What is eye relief, and why is it important for a scope on a 30-30 rifle?
Eye relief refers to the distance between the ocular lens (the lens closest to your eye) and the point at which the image comes into focus. It is important for a scope on a 30-30 rifle because the recoil of the rifle can cause the scope to hit your eye if you do not have
Final Thoughts
30-30 Lever Action Rifles are powerful but attaching a good scope to your rifle allows you to hit targets with ease, to a range of up to 250 yards. When looking for a riflescope, it is good to have in mind the intended use for the scope as well as your expertise among other factors.
This will aid you in picking the best scope for your next hunt. The scopes we have discussed in this article are made with great features to make your next expedition a success.
Related Articles: