Best Overall
Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescope
This one’s a steal for its performance.
- Value: 9/10
- Performance: 9/10
- Cost: 9/10
Best for Hunting
Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm Riflescope
Comes with a wide field of view, perfect for spotting that elusive deer.
- Value: 8/10
- Performance: 7/10
- Cost: 9/10
Best for Long Range
Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm M1C3 FFP Riflescope
A clear choice for those 400+ yard shots.
- Value: 8/10
- Performance: 9/10
- Cost: 6/10
Welcome fellow hunters and shooting enthusiasts! If you’ve been hunting as long as I have, you know that a rifle is only as good as its scope, especially when we’re talking about the .243. I’ve spent some good time on the range and in the field, and today, I’m here to share the scoop on the best .243 rifle scopes in 2024.
Table of Contents
- How to Choose the Best 243 Rifle Scope
- 6 Best Scopes for 243 Rifle
- Overall Best 243 Rifle Scope: Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescope
- Best 243 Rifle Scope for Hunting: Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm Riflescope
- Best 243 Rifle Scope for Long Range: Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm M1C3 FFP Riflescope
- Best 243 Rifle Scope on a Budget: Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope
- Best Premium 243 Rifle Scope: Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x50mm
- Vortex Optics Venom 5-25×56 First Focal Plane Riflescope
- FAQs
- Best 243 Rifle Scope: Conclusion
How to Choose the Best 243 Rifle Scope
Focal Plane
Do you prefer the first focal plane (FFP) or second (SFP)? FFP scopes change reticle size as you zoom, helping with rangefinding, while SFP keeps the reticle the same size throughout the magnification range.
Turrets
Look for tactile, easy-to-adjust turrets. Some of us like capped ones for hunting to prevent accidental adjustments.
Magnification
Consider your typical shooting range. For hunting, something between 3x-12x should be good, but for long-range, you’d want to go higher.
Eye Relief
Ever got “scope bite” when taking a shot? It may have been your fault, but it’s nice to have more flexibility in shooting positions. Then you know the importance of a good eye relief, especially for high-caliber rifles.
6 Best Scopes for 243 Rifle
Overall Best 243 Rifle Scope: Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescope
The Vortex Optics Diamondback SFP is a staple hunting scope that shines in terms of image quality and the overall feel from its turrets to its quick-focus eyepiece.
If you’re scouting for a top-tier riflescope, the Diamondback is your pick. It’s not only of exceptional quality but also offers multiple setups. Its unique dot layout aids in reducing the guesswork for holdover and wind adjustments. It’s ideal for hunting or shooting at different distances where estimating the holdover is crucial. Trust me, this one’s a steal for its performance.
For this one, however, you’d have to compromise on eye relief.
Pros
- Clear optics
- User-friendly
- Affordable
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Lightweight (12.8 ounces)
Cons
- Short eye relief
- No lens caps
What Customers Say
Great scope at the price point. It does what you need it to do. Very clear glass. 1.5″ at 100 yards for a beginner shooter.
donutman415
Best 243 Rifle Scope for Hunting: Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm Riflescope
Our next pick comes with a wide field of view, perfect for spotting that elusive deer.
The VX-Freedom features the Leupold’s Custom Dial System (CDS) that lets you tailor your turret to fit your specific ballistics and surroundings. The ZeroStop feature establishes a reference point when reverting the dial to its original position, preventing unintentional full turns in the incorrect direction.
We also appreciate the consistent light passage for prolonged observation, superior glare control in bright settings, and the sharpness and clarity that casual sports enthusiasts seek.
However, this VX Freedom rifle scope doesn’t have an adjustable objective and lacks illumination settings. So what you can use it for is kind of limited.
Pros
- Waterproof, shockproof, fog proof
- Reasonably priced
- Holds zero well
Cons
- No adjustable objective
- Lack of illumination
What Customers Say
This scope, like all Leupold looks, feels and operates very nicely. If someone was on the fence about it I would tell them they will not be disappointed with this scope. I had no problem shooting 300 yds with very little effort on my 223.
Lhm
Best 243 Rifle Scope for Long Range: Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm M1C3 FFP Riflescope
When distance matters, this beast delivers. A clear choice for those 400+ yard shots.
The Leupold Mark 5HD Riflescope features the Twilight Max HD Light Management System. So expect edge-to-edge image clarity even in low-light scenarios.
With the Mark 5HD, images remain razor-sharp and clear even on the highest magnification setting. Windage and elevation adjustments are also made easy, thanks to low profile but reliable dials.
Pros
- Wide magnification range
- Waterproof, fog proof, shockproof
- M5C3 Turrets with visual and tactile revolution indicators
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy (20 ounces)
What Customers Say
This scope is amazing. I just used it this past weekend while I was doing barrel break in for my rifle. I have another rifle with a different scope (cheaper). The difference is like night and day. Leupold Mark 5 is awesome with very clear and crisp image – definitely worth the money. I am trying to figure out how I can get another one to replace the other cheap scope (if one can say $600 scope is cheap) I have.
Sakir
Best 243 Rifle Scope on a Budget: Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Don’t let the price fool you; this Bushnell Banner scope is reliable and does the job when on a budget. At 3-9x40mm, it’s a bang for your buck that offers all the essential features without breaking the bank.
It comes with the classic Multi-x reticle, fast-focus eyepiece, and respectable windage and elevation adjustments. We appreciate how Bushnell Banner provided caps for its turrets for protection against falls and bumps. For its price, this Bushnell Banner scope offers outstanding brightness, especially in low-light scenarios.
One thing that bothers us is that it fogs up easily even though the manufacturer states that it’s been Argon-purged.
Pros
- Affordable
- Capped turrets
- IPX7 waterproof
- Fully multi-coated lenses
Cons
- Fogs up easily
What Customers Say
Perfect size for my rifle. Able to hit targets at 100 yards with ease and gives tight groupings. Would recommend!
Eric M.
Best Premium 243 Rifle Scope: Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x50mm
Among Nightforce’s lineup, the NXS series is notably robust and paved the way for the newer ATACR series. If you’re willing to invest in top-notch quality, this is your pick.
This NXS scope offers a wide magnification range, exceptional eye relief, and a vast 100 MOA elevation adjustment. Its resilience, paired with Nightforce’s renowned reliability, suits even large calibers perfectly. Its sleek design fits multiple mounting systems, and its clarity at high zoom allows marksmen to target accurately up to 2000 yards and more.
A standout feature for us is the ZeroStop technology, allowing shooters to effortlessly return to their original target zero without visual references, even in challenging conditions. The adjustable eyepiece also has a lock-in feature, ensuring once it’s set, it stays put.
Pros
- Illuminated reticle
- Generous eye relief
- Robust
- Wide magnification range
- Waterproof and fog proof
Cons
- Expensive
What Customers Say
Can’t beat good glass and this is definitely good. Don’t even need to carry binoculars anymore, just zoom it in. Also like the illuminated reticle more than I thought I would, it’s very nice along with the rest of the scope. Would recommend.
Sam
Vortex Optics Venom 5-25×56 First Focal Plane Riflescope
For those who prefer FFP and need something versatile, this scope won’t disappoint.
The Venom 5-25×56 First Focal Plane scope is designed for long-distance and competitive shooting, featuring a 5-25x magnification within a 34mm tube, allowing a significant turret travel of 85 MOA for both elevation and windage.
Its XD Optical System offers brilliant resolution with consistent clarity from corner to corner while effectively minimizing chromatic distortion. The RevStop Zero System guarantees a quick and dependable return to the original zero. A side knob facilitates easy parallax adjustments, with the range digits still visible when aiming. The scope also features an easy-to-adjust focus for the reticle and a throw lever for swift magnification changes.
Pros
- Precise adjustments
- Comes with VIP warranty
- Waterproof, fog proof, shockproof
- Generous eye relief
Cons
- Very heavy
- Stiff dials
What Customers Say
Ok, this is a heavy scope. Perfect for bench and long range shooting! Comes in both military or MOA . Very precise adjustments and good glass ! A real bargain for shooters needing reach out but not spending a fortune!
Kenneth L. Hunter
FAQs
What is the best scope to put on a 243?
Depends on your purpose. For hunting, we’d recommend the Leupold VX-Freedom. For long-range, the Leupold Mark 5HD.
What distance is a 243 good for?
The .243 is versatile. It can effectively take down game at 300-400 yards, but with the right ammo and shooter, even 600 yards isn’t out of reach.
What range is a 3-9×40 scope good for?
Perfect for short to mid-range, ideal for 100-300 yards, making it great for most hunting scenarios.
Is a 3-9×40 scope good for hunting?
Absolutely! With its versatility in magnification, it’s suited for both wooded areas and open fields.
Best 243 Rifle Scope: Conclusion
So, there you have it! Whether you’re looking for a top-notch scope or just something to get you started, our recommendations above are reliable options. Remember, the best scope for your 243 rifle is the one that fits your needs, so choose wisely and happy hunting!
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Images from Amazon Product API
