Best Scope for 270 – The Top 4 Optics in 2024

In the time I’ve spent shooting and hunting with my .270 rifle, I’ve had the chance to use a LOT of different scopes. Some have been good, some have been great, and some have been just okay. 

But out of all the scopes I’ve used, there are a select few that have always stood out to me as the best possible options for a .270 rifle. And that’s what I want to share with you today.

And so, without further ado, here are the best scopes you can buy for a .270 Winchester in 2024. And to make your life a little easier, I’ve sorted each scope according to best overall, best for long-range shooting, and so on.

My Top Choice – Vortex Optics Diamondback 3-9×40

Why Should You Trust Me?

Because this is what I am best at, I shoot and review scopes, this is what I’ve been doing all my life.

Still, I like to preface everything I review with a disclaimer that everyone’s needs are different. And what works for me might not work for you. That said, I’ve spent enough time behind each of these scopes to know that they’re all excellent choices for a .270. 

If you’re looking for the best possible scope for your .270, then you really can’t go wrong with any of the options on this list.

What Makes a Good .270 Scope?

There are a few things that I personally look for in a good .270 Win scope. First and foremost, it needs to have a decent amount of magnification. I like to see what I’m shooting in optimal clarity, and for that, you need a scope with at least 4x power. 

Second, the scope needs to have a reticle that’s suited for long-range shooting. This usually means a crosshair or duplex reticle, as they’re the easiest to use for precise aiming. 

Finally, the scope should be durable enough to withstand the recoil of a .270. This usually isn’t an issue with modern scopes, but it’s still something to keep in mind.

Now that we’ve gone over what makes a good .270 scope, let’s take a look at the best scopes you can buy in 2022.

The 4 Best Scopes for 270

1. Vortex Optics Diamondback 3-9×40 BDC Reticle – Best Scope for .270
2. Burris Fullfield II Hunting Scope 3-9×40 – Best Budget .270 Scope
3. Vortex Optics Viper 6.5-20×50 BDC Reticle – Best For Long Range Shooting
4. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Duplex Reticle – Best Leupold scope for .270

1. Vortex Optics Diamondback 3-9×40 BDC Reticle – Best Scope for 270

This is my all-around favorite scope for a .270. It has a great magnification range for hunting and target shooting, and the BDC reticle is perfect for taking down game at medium to long range. 

The optics are clear and bright, and the scope is built like a tank. It’s also relatively affordable, which is a bonus. I’ve used this scope on everything from varmint rifles to deer rifles, and it’s never let me down.

Out in the field, I’ve never had a scope that’s given me as much clarity and precision as the Vortex Optics Diamondback 3-9×40 BDC. It’s an excellent all-around scope that will serve you well whether you’re shooting at game animals or targets.

It feels great in hand, has a wide field of view, and is incredibly durable. I’ve never had an issue with it in terms of fogging or water resistance, and it’s held up beautifully in all kinds of weather conditions.

What’s more, the BDC reticle is perfect for getting accurate shots at longer ranges. Overall, if you’re looking for the best scope for a .270, the Diamondback 3-9×40 should be at the top of your list.

I can’t find much to say about this scope in the negative. It’s truly a magnificent piece of equipment, and it’s never let me down. If I had to nitpick, I’d say that the price is a bit on the high side. But considering the quality of the scope, I think it’s well worth the investment.

You can also read my guide on which are the best scopes for .243 Winchester.

Glass Clarity & Reticle

As mentioned, the Diamondback 3-9×40 has some of the clearest glass I’ve ever seen in a scope. It’s absolutely perfect for picking out game animals at longer ranges, and the BDC reticle is a great tool for making more accurate shots.

I love the crystal-clear glass on this scope, and the BDC reticle really is dead-on accurate.

Parallax & Magnification

The parallax on this scope is spot-on, and the 3-9x magnification is perfect for hunting and target shooting. In fact, I think it’s the perfect all-around magnification range for a .270.

Elevation & Windage Knobs

The elevation and windage knobs are easy to use and adjustable, which is a must for any good scope. You’ll find that most of the scopes on this list have good elevation and windage knobs, but the ones on this scope are some of the best.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

This is a big deal for me, and the eye relief and eye box on this scope are both excellent. I’ve never had an issue with getting a clear sight picture, even when wearing glasses.

I was recently out shooting with a friend who has this scope on his .270, as well. We both agreed that it’s an excellent option, especially for the price.

When I’m shooting, I prefer to have a scope that’s going to give me a clear and bright image. The Diamondback does just that, and it’s one of the reasons it’s my top pick.

Durability

I’ve owned this scope for several years, and it’s held up exceptionally well. What’s more, I’ve used it in all kinds of weather and even bumped it around a bit, and it’s still going strong. I have no doubts that it will continue to perform for many years to come.

Is the Vortex Optics Diamondback scope worth it?

Yes, I think the Vortex Optics Diamondback scope is definitely worth the money. It’s a great all-around scope that can be used for hunting and target shooting, and it’s built as solid as they come. It’s also a good value, which is a bonus.

Now, granted, there are less expensive rifle scopes out there. But considering what you get, I highly recommend this scope to anyone looking for a great .270 scope.

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2. Burris Fullfield II Hunting Scope 3-9×40 – Best Budget 270 Scope

Burris’ Fullfield II Hunting Scope is another great option for a .270 rifle. It’s not as feature-rich as the Diamondback, but it’s a solid scope that will get the job done without breaking the bank.

Combine its general overall excellence with Burris’ lifetime warranty, and you’ve got my pick for best budget 270 scope.

I’m a big fan of the glass, as it’s both clear and bright, and the 3-9x magnification range is perfect for my hunting and target shooting needs. The reticle is also well-designed, which I found very easy to use.

The one downside to this scope is that it’s not quite as rugged as some of the others on this list. But if you’re not planning on abusing it, it should serve you well for many years. For my hunting needs, it’s more than sufficient.

Now, I will say that I’ve used a lot of lower-quality scopes in the past that simply couldn’t hold up to the rigors of hunting and long-range shooting. So, if you’re looking for a scope that will perform well in those situations, you’ll want to spend a little more money and get something that’s built to last.

I like the recoil a lot, which honestly surprised me for being a cheaper scope. Even heavy recoil isn’t an issue. I put this scope through its paces, and it didn’t give an issue once.

In the end, this budget scope might not have quite the same feature set as the more expensive options, but it does offer good value for the money and is a perfectly viable option for a .270 rifle.

Glass Clarity & Reticle

As someone who spends a lot of time hunting, I can tell you that glass clarity is important. And the Burris Fullfield II does not disappoint in this regard.

The 3-9x magnification range is also great for hunting. And the reticle is well-designed and built for accessibility.

It would have been nice if Burris included a lens cap, but alas, there’s nothing of the sort. It’s not a deal breaker, as the lens is of superior quality. But I do like to know I’ve got some protection when it’s not in use.

Parallax & Magnification 

In the time I was able to spend with this scope, I didn’t notice any parallax issues. And the 3-9x magnification range is great for hunting and target shooting. You will appreciate the lack of distortion at higher magnifications, too. So don’t be afraid to crank it up when you need to.

This magnification range is also food fit when searching the best scope for Remington 700.

Elevation & Windage Knobs 

The elevation and windage adjustment knobs on the Burris Fullfield II are positive and easy to use. I didn’t experience any issues with them during my time with the scope. Truth be told, these are some of the best adjustment knobs I’ve used on any scope, period.

And thanks to metal construction, you can count on these knobs to last. I’ve used too many scopes whose knobs were built with cheaper materials, and they all felt unreliable.

That’s not the case here, and I commend Burris for making sure to give extra attention to some of the most frequently used parts on a scope.

Eye Relief & Eye Box 

The eye relief on the Burris Fullfield II is a generous 3.5 inches. And the eye box is also quite forgiving. I had no trouble getting a clear and bright sight picture with this scope, which is essential when you’re hunting.

Durability 

In any good scope for 270, you want durability. Admittedly, the Burris Fullfield II is not the most rugged scope I’ve ever used. But it’s built well enough that I’d trust it in the field for long periods of time.

In fact, I was able to spend a few days with it. And while it’s not the best .270 scope on the market, it’s an incredible buy for the price. If you can look past its slightly lower durability, it’s a great option for a budget-conscious hunter or shooter.

Is the Burris Fullfield II Hunting Scope scope worth it?

Without a doubt. I think the Burris Fullfield II is a great budget option for a .270 rifle. Again, it’s not as rugged or feature-rich as some of the other scopes on this list, but for the attractive price and solid performance, I think it’s a worthy investment.

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3. Vortex Optics Viper 6.5-20×50 BDC Reticle – Best for Long Range Shooting

If you’re looking for a scope that’s going to help you make those long-range shots, the Vortex Optics Viper BDC 6.5-20×50 is a fine choice. It’s got a lot of features that make it ideal for long-range shooting, like a side focus parallax adjustment and fully multi-coated lenses. 

Plus, the BDC reticle is designed specifically for long-range shooting with a .270. I’d go so far as to say that it’s the best scope for 270 Winchester. I had the pleasure of testing one out a few years ago, and I was really impressed with how it performed.

The clarity and brightness of the image were great, even at long range, and the reticle made it easy to make accurate shots. Round things off with an excellent warranty, and you’ve got one quality scope.

So if you’re in the market for a scope that’s designed for long-range shooting, give the Vortex Optics Viper BDC 6.5-20×50 a look. It’s so good it is one of the best 6.5 Creedmoor scopes.

But before you make a decision, let’s go over my thoughts on some specifics.

Glass Clarity & Reticle

As I’ve stated many times before, one of the most important things to look for in a scope is glass clarity. After all, what’s the point of having a scope if you can’t see through it clearly? 

And in my opinion, the Vortex Optics Viper BDC 6.5-20×50 has some of the best glass you’ll find in a scope. It’s bright, clear, and has great edge-to-edge clarity. 

In terms of the reticle, it’s the BDC reticle that’s specifically designed for long-range shooting with a .270. And in my opinion, it’s one of the best BDC reticles on the market. It’s easy to use and makes it simple to make accurate shots.

Parallax & Magnification

Next up is parallax and magnification. I really like that the Vortex Optics Viper BDC 6.5-20×50 has a side focus parallax adjustment. It’s a breeze to use and makes it effortless to keep your eye on the target. 

As for magnification, it’s got a 6.5-20x power range that’s perfect for long-range shooting.

Elevation & Windage Knobs 

The elevation and windage knobs on the Vortex Optics Viper BDC 6.5-20×50 are easy to use and make it simple to make adjustments on the fly. I really like the fact that they’re resettable, so you can always go back to zero if you need to.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

Here’s another factor that’s near and dear to my heart: eye relief. The Vortex Optics Viper BDC 6.5-20×50 has a generous amount of eye relief, so you don’t have to worry about getting smacked in the face by the scope when you fire. 

As for the eye box, it’s pretty good. I didn’t have any major issues with it, although it’s not as forgiving as some others I’ve used. And by that, I mean you really need to make sure your eye is positioned just right for maximum clarity.

Also, some people might find the eye box to be on the small side. But I’m happy with it and found it to perform well.

Durability 

When it comes to durability, the Vortex Optics Viper BDC 6.5-20×50 is built to last. It’s made from aircraft-grade aluminum and is built to withstand the abuse that comes with long-range shooting. 

Is the Vortex Optics Viper scope worth it?

With all that said, is the Vortex Optics Viper BDC 6.5-20×50 worth it? In my opinion, yes. Sure, it may be pricey, but you get what you pay for. It’s got great glass, a great reticle, and is made to stand the test of time. 

So if you’re in the market for a scope that’s going to help you make those long-range shots, the Vortex Optics Viper BDC 6.5-20×50 is going to serve you well.

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4. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Duplex Reticle – Best Leupold Scope for 270

Last on the list is the Leupold VX-Freedom. This is a great option for those who are looking for a good quality scope but don’t want to spend a fortune. The VX-Freedom has a 3-9x40mm duplex reticle and is built with Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System. 

This system helps to reduce glare and provides better clarity in low-light conditions. The VX-Freedom is also waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof. It’s a great all-around scope and is perfect for those who are looking for a good quality option without breaking the bank.

I will say that I had to make some minor adjustments after the first shot. But this isn’t anything surprising, and the scope was easy to zero in where I wanted it. After that, shooting was precise and reliable.

The rest of the VX-Freedom is excellent. I like to grade scopes on what they add to my shooting experience. And I can attest to the VX-Freedom making a noticeable difference.

Glass Clarity & Reticle

I can’t begin to praise the clarity of this scope enough. Even in low-light conditions, the VX-Freedom provides a clear and bright image. And the duplex reticle is very easy to see and use.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a scope with this level of clarity for this price. Yet somehow, Leupold has managed to do it without compromising on quality.

Parallax & Magnification

The VX-Freedom has a 3-9x magnification, which is perfect for most hunting situations. And the scope can be parallax adjusted from 10 yards to infinity.

This is a great feature, as it allows you to fine-tune the focus of the scope to ensure that your shots are as accurate as possible.

During my testing, I used the VX-Freedom near dusk. In normal situations, I wouldn’t have been able to see a thing at any great distance. But with the incredible magnification and light gathering (thanks, Twilight Max), targets were clear and visible. The Leupold is one of the best scopes for .30-30 Winchester.

Elevation & Windage Knobs

The elevation and windage knobs on the VX-Freedom are easy to adjust and have a positive click feel. Each click is 1/4 MOA, which is standard for most hunting scopes.

There was a bit of a learning curve for the knobs, but once you get acclimated to them, they’re just as good as other leading rifle scopes.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

The VX-Freedom has a generous 3.7 inches of eye relief. This is great news for those who wear glasses, as it means that you won’t have to worry about the scope hitting your glasses when you recoil.

I found the eye box to be very forgiving, which made it that much easier for me to acquire targets. You’re sure to appreciate the generous eye relief and eye box when you’re out in the field.

Durability

Another vital factor to consider when choosing a scope is durability. After all, you don’t want to have to replace your scope every year. So you want the peace of mind that your investment will last and take a beating.

The VX-Freedom is built solid and can withstand even the harshest conditions. Remember, it’s waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof. And it’s backed by Leupold’s legendary lifetime warranty.

So, if you’re looking for a scope that’s built to last, the VX-Freedom is an excellent investment.

Is the Leupold VX-Freedom scope worth it?

The Leupold VX-Freedom is a great scope for those who are looking for quality without spending a fortune. It’s packed with features, yet it’s still very affordable. 

And so, if you’re in the market for a new scope, I highly recommend that you give the VX-Freedom a closer look. This is hands down the best scope for 270 win that you’ll find from Leupold.

And I don’t want to gloss over the warranty. Leupold’s is one of the best you’ll find in any rifle scope. That in itself makes the VX-Freedom worth the price of admission.

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Conclusion

So there you have it, those are the best scopes you can buy for a .270 in 2023. As you saw, you’ve got some serious competition to consider. Each scope has its own strengths that merit the investment. 

If you’re a hunter or even a plinker who requires long-range optics, the Vortex Optics Viper is worth your attention. Or, if you don’t necessarily need distance and just want something affordable and reliable, Burris’ Fullfield II is a steal.

You have a lot to think about, but I’m confident that you’ll be able to find the perfect scope on this list, no matter what your budget or intended use may be.