Finding the best scope for your 300 Savage can make a significant difference in your shooting experience. The 300 Savage is a versatile cartridge with a rich history, known for its accuracy and performance. To truly harness the potential of this classic cartridge, you need a scope that complements its capabilities. In this article, I'll share my top picks for scopes that pair well with the 300 Savage, providing detailed reviews and insights to help you make an informed decision.
Note: The following advice comes from my personal perspective. What works for me might not work for you, but hopefully it sparks some ideas!
1. Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12x40
Specifications
Magnification: 4-12x
Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
Eye Relief: 3.1 inches
Field of View: 32.4-11.3 ft/100 yds
Tube Size: 1 inch
Turret Style: Capped
Adjustment Graduation: 1/4 MOA
Best Features
The Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40 is known for its rugged construction and crystal-clear optics. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is particularly useful for hunting, eliminating guesswork on holdover and windage corrections.
Pros
Excellent clarity and brightness
Durable and shockproof
Waterproof and fogproof
Affordable price
Cons
Slightly heavy
Eye relief could be better at higher magnifications
Experience and Fit
Using the Vortex Diamondback on my 300 Savage, I was impressed with how it enhanced my accuracy, especially at mid to long ranges. The clarity of the optics allowed me to spot targets quickly, and the durable construction held up well in rugged conditions. This scope is an excellent fit for the 300 Savage, offering reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Online Customer Comments
Many users praise the Vortex Diamondback for its value for money, noting its clear optics and durability. Some have mentioned that it's one of the best scopes they've used on their 300 Savage rifles.
Leupold’s VX-Freedom 3-9x40 is a top contender, offering the brand’s legendary clarity and ruggedness. The Twilight Light Management System ensures clear images even in low light conditions.
Pros
Superior light transmission
Lightweight and compact
Waterproof and fogproof
Lifetime warranty
Cons
Reticle options are limited
Higher price point
Experience and Fit
The Leupold VX-Freedom was a joy to use on my 300 Savage. The light management system really made a difference during dawn and dusk hunts, providing clear, bright images when I needed them most. The lightweight design didn’t add unnecessary bulk to my rifle, making it easier to handle.
Online Customer Comments
Customers often highlight the Leupold VX-Freedom for its exceptional light transmission and clarity. Many hunters appreciate its performance in low light conditions, making it a favorite for early morning or late evening hunts.
The Nikon ProStaff 3-9x40 boasts Nikon’s fully multicoated optical system, providing up to 98% light transmission. The BDC reticle allows for accurate long-range shooting.
Pros
Excellent light transmission
User-friendly adjustments
Durable construction
Affordable
Cons
Eye relief could be better
Limited reticle options
Experience and Fit
Mounting the Nikon ProStaff on my 300 Savage was a great experience. The scope provided clear, bright images, and the BDC reticle made long-range shots more manageable. The durable construction ensured it could handle the recoil of the 300 Savage without any issues.
Online Customer Comments
Users appreciate the Nikon ProStaff for its clarity and ease of use. Many have commented on its reliability and performance in various hunting conditions, making it a popular choice among 300 Savage owners.
4. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle 3-9x40
Specifications
Magnification: 3-9x
Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
Eye Relief: 3.3 inches
Field of View: 32-11 ft/100 yds
Tube Size: 1 inch
Turret Style: Capped
Adjustment Graduation: 1/4 MOA
Best Features
The Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn offers exceptional performance in low light conditions, thanks to its Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multicoated lenses.
Pros
Excellent low light performance
Affordable price
Durable construction
Waterproof and fogproof
Cons
Eye relief is on the shorter side
Turret adjustments can be a bit stiff
Experience and Fit
The Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn was a pleasant surprise on my 300 Savage. The scope's low light performance was outstanding, making it easier to spot targets during early morning and late evening hunts. Its affordable price point is a bonus, offering great value for money.
Online Customer Comments
Many users are impressed with the Bushnell Banner’s performance in low light conditions. It’s often recommended for budget-conscious hunters who don’t want to compromise on quality.
The Burris Fullfield II is known for its high-quality optics and rugged construction. The Ballistic Plex reticle offers improved accuracy for long-range shooting.
Pros
Clear, bright optics
Robust construction
Good eye relief
Lifetime warranty
Cons
Slightly heavy
Limited reticle options
Experience and Fit
Using the Burris Fullfield II on my 300 Savage was a smooth experience. The scope’s clear optics and Ballistic Plex reticle made it easier to take accurate shots at various distances. The robust construction ensured it could handle the rough handling during hunting trips.
Online Customer Comments
Customers frequently commend the Burris Fullfield II for its clarity and durability. It’s often highlighted as a reliable scope that can withstand the demands of hunting.
The Zeiss Conquest V4 stands out with its large 56 mm objective lens, offering exceptional light transmission. The Z-Plex reticle and high-quality lenses ensure precise targeting and clear images.
Pros
Superior light transmission
High-quality optics
Durable and shockproof
Wide field of view
Cons
Higher price point
Heavier compared to other scopes
Experience and Fit
The Zeiss Conquest V4 was a game-changer for my 300 Savage. The large objective lens provided incredibly bright and clear images, even in low light conditions. Although it's on the heavier side, the superior performance made it worth it for serious hunters.
Online Customer Comments
Zeiss Conquest V4 users frequently praise its light transmission and clarity. Many consider it an investment worth making for enhanced hunting performance.
The Sig Sauer Whiskey3 offers high-quality optics with low dispersion glass, ensuring bright and clear images. The SBT (SIG Ballistic Turret) allows for quick and accurate elevation adjustments.
Pros
Clear and bright optics
User-friendly adjustments
Durable construction
Affordable price
Cons
Limited reticle options
Turret adjustments could be smoother
Experience and Fit
Mounting the Sig Sauer Whiskey3 on my 300 Savage was a great choice. The scope’s clear optics and user-friendly adjustments made it easy to zero in on targets. Its durability ensured it could handle the recoil and rough conditions of hunting.
Online Customer Comments
Users often highlight the Sig Sauer Whiskey3 for its clarity and ease of use. It’s frequently recommended for its affordability and performance, making it a popular choice among hunters.
Choosing the right scope for your 300 Savage involves considering several key factors:
Magnification: Consider the typical range you’ll be shooting at. For most hunting scenarios, a 3-9x or 4-12x magnification range is sufficient.
Objective Lens Size: Larger objective lenses (e.g., 50 mm or more) provide better light transmission, which is crucial for low light conditions. However, they can also add weight and bulk to your rifle.
Reticle Type: Choose a reticle that suits your shooting style. BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticles are great for long-range shooting, while simpler reticles like duplex are often preferred for general hunting.
Durability: Ensure the scope is built to withstand the elements and the recoil of the 300 Savage. Look for features like waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction.
Eye Relief: Adequate eye relief is essential to prevent scope eye, especially with the recoil of the 300 Savage. Look for scopes with at least 3 inches of eye relief.
Turret Adjustments: Consider whether you prefer exposed or capped turrets. Exposed turrets allow for quick adjustments, while capped turrets are less likely to be accidentally moved.
Budget: Determine your budget and find the best scope within that range. While higher-end scopes offer better performance and durability, there are plenty of mid-range options that provide excellent value.
FAQs
1. What magnification is best for a 300 Savage?
A magnification range of 3-9x or 4-12x is ideal for most hunting situations with a 300 Savage. It provides enough versatility for both close and long-range shots.
2. Is a larger objective lens always better?
A larger objective lens offers better light transmission, which is beneficial in low light conditions. However, it also adds weight and bulk to your rifle. Balance your need for brightness with the overall handling of your rifle.