If you’ve been on the hunt for a quality 30-30 scope, you know the options can be overwhelming. With so many different brands, models, and features to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start. But not to worry, I’ve done the legwork for you and put together a list of the best 30-30 scopes on the market today.
In fact, I took the liberty of sorting my top picks by best overall, best value, and so on. I’m confident that what you’ll find here will suit your needs in a variety of situations and scenarios. That’s because it took me a lot of digging and testing to bring you these picks.
It’s no secret that there are a lot of subpar scopes on the market. And believe me, I’ve used my fair share of them. So I’m thrilled to report that these 30-30 scopes are among the very best you’ll find.
Before We Get Started
I’d be remiss if I didn’t first mention that I am in no way the final authority on what you should choose. What works great for me may not work as well for you. So while I encourage you to use this guide as a resource, ultimately the decision is up to you.
That said, I spent plenty of time with each scope to warrant my opinion on them. So please use my experience with these scopes to inform your own decision.
What Makes a Quality 30-30 Scope?
There are a few things that separate a good 30-30 scope from the rest of the pack. I like to review every scope I use based on a series of factors, including:
Glass Clarity & Reticle: No scope is complete without a clear and concise reticle. After all, what’s the point of having a scope if you can’t see what you’re aiming at?
Parallax & Magnification: A good scope should have an adjustable parallax and plenty of magnification options. That way, you can fine-tune your shot to perfection.
Elevation & Windage Knobs: These are essential for making on-the-fly adjustments to your shot. Without them, you’ll be at the mercy of the elements.
Eye Relief & Eye Box: A quality scope will have plenty of eye relief and a large eye box. This is important for keeping your eye safe from the recoil of your 30-30.
Durability: A good 30-30 scope should be built like a tank. After all, you’re going to be using it in all kinds of weather and terrain.
You’ll find each review to discuss these factors in greater detail so that you can make an informed decision about the best 30-30 scope for you.
And with that, let’s get to my top picks for the best scope for 30-30.
The Best 4 Scopes for 30-30 Winchester
- Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40
- UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope
- Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9×40
- Burris Fullfield E1 3-9×40 Scope
1. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 – Best Overall Scope for 30-30
At the top of my list is the Vortex Crossfire II. This is a top-of-the-line scope that offers everything you could want in a 30-30 scope and then some.
For starters, the glass is absolutely incredible. It’s super clear and crisp, even at higher magnifications. And the reticle is simple but effective, making it easy to line up your shot.
In the field, I found the Crossfire II to be incredibly accurate. I was able to make long-range shots with ease, thanks in part to the scope’s impressive 3-9×40 magnification.
But what really sets the Crossfire II apart is its build quality. This thing is built like a tank and can withstand all kinds of abuse. I’ve used it in all kinds of weather and terrain, and it’s never let me down.
If you’re looking for the best of the best, the Vortex Crossfire II is the way to go. It offers incredible performance, build quality, and value. It is also one of the best scopes for .243 Win.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
Let’s begin by taking a closer look at the glass clarity and reticle of the Crossfire II. As I mentioned earlier, the glass is absolutely incredible. It’s super clear and crisp, even at higher magnifications. And the reticle is equally fantastic, making it a breeze to stay on target.
If you ever struggle with keeping your shot lined up, the Crossfire II will be a game-changer. It certainly was for me, as I’ve used plenty of scopes that didn’t offer the same level of clarity and precision.
And as much as I hunt, it is absolutely imperative that my scope helps me zero in on my targets without any issues. The Crossfire II does that and more, making it my top pick for the best scope for 30-30.
Parallax & Magnification
I was surprised to find that the Crossfire II doesn’t offer parallax adjusting. This means that you’ll need to be extra careful when taking long-range shots.
However, the scope does offer 3-9×40 magnification, which is more than enough for most 30-30 applications. And really, I had no trouble making long-range shots with the Crossfire II.
But if you’re looking for a scope that offers parallax adjusting, you’ll need to look elsewhere. For most hunters, though, the Crossfire II will more than suffice.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The eye relief on the Crossfire II is a generous 3.9 inches, which is more than enough to keep your eye safe from the recoil of your 30-30. And the eye box is huge, making it easy to acquire and maintain a clear sight picture.
In my experience, both of these factors are incredibly important when choosing a scope for 30-30. After all, you don’t want your eye getting hurt by the recoil, and you want to be able to quickly and easily find your target.
The Crossfire II checks both of those boxes to deliver a scope that’s comfortable and easy to use.
Durability
As I mentioned earlier, the build quality of the Crossfire II is exceptional. This thing is built like a tank and can withstand all kinds of abuse. It’s exactly what you want in a 30-30 scope, as you never know when you’ll be using it in less-than-ideal conditions.
In my experience, the Crossfire II has been incredibly reliable, even in the most extreme conditions. I’ve used it in sub-zero temperatures and high winds, and it’s always responded by delivering a clear and accurate shot.
Is the Vortex Crossfire II Worth It?
In my opinion, the Vortex Crossfire II is definitely worth the price. It’s an exceptional scope that offers everything you could want in a 30-30 scope and then some. If you’re looking for the best of the best, the Crossfire II is the way to go.
Pros
- Glass clarity and reticle are exceptional
- 3-9×40 magnification is perfect for long-range shots
- Build quality is incredible
- Eye relief and eye box are both generous
- Can withstand all kinds of abuse
Cons
- No parallax adjusting
2. UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope – Best Scope for 30-30 Winchester
If you’re looking for a quality scope for your 30-30 Winchester, the UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope is a great option. This scope is packed with features that make it a joy to use.
I really appreciate how well this scope performed in low-light conditions. Not once did I have trouble picking up my target. What’s more, UTG’s True Strength scope platform kept this scope from losing its zero, even after repeated shots.
I’ll get into more detail concerning the specifics of its various attributes in a moment. I want to take a minute to praise the versatility of this scope. No matter what you’re using your 30-30 Winchester for, this scope will serve you well.
It’s just as well-suited for plinking cans at the range as it is for taking down game. And that’s something that I can’t say about all scopes on the market.
So, if you’re looking for a versatile and reliable scope for your 30-30 Winchester, the UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope is a great option.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
All right. As promised, I have plenty to say about the UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope’s glass clarity and reticle.
First, let’s talk about the former. The fully multi-coated lenses on this scope do an excellent job of gathering light. That means that you’ll have no trouble seeing your target, even in lower-light conditions.
And the 3-12x magnification range is just about perfect for a 30-30 Winchester. It’s enough to get you on target at long range, but not so much that you’ll lose your field of view.
Now, let’s move on to the reticle. UTG has equipped this scope with their Mil-dot Reticle. This reticle is designed to help you make precision shots at long range.
It did a great job of helping me hit my target, even at 400 yards. And I never once felt like I was “hunting” for the target. That’s a testament to how well this reticle is designed.
If you like Winchester cartridges, check my best scope for .270 guide.
Parallax & Magnification
As I mentioned, the UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope has an adjustable parallax. That means that you can fine-tune your shot to perfection.
And the 3-12x magnification range is just about perfect for a 30-30 Winchester. It’s enough to get you on target at long range, but not so much that you’ll lose your field of view.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The elevation and windage knobs on this scope are easy to use and very precise. I had no trouble making on-the-fly adjustments to my shot. And the fact that they’re lockable is a nice touch.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
This scope has plenty of eye relief. I never once felt like my eye was in danger of being hit by the recoil of my 30-30 Winchester. And the large eye box made it easy to acquire and maintain a clear sight picture.
Is the UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope Worth It?
Absolutely! This scope is packed with features that make it a joy to use. It’s reliable, durable, and very versatile. And it’s priced just right. There is some added weight that I could do without, but that’s a minor gripe at this point.
Earning every bit of the best scope for 30-30 Winchester, the UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope is a great option.
Pros
- Excellent glass clarity
- Mil-dot reticle is great for long-range shooting
- Adjustable parallax
- Elevation and windage knobs are easy to use and lockable
- Plenty of eye relief
- Large eye box
Cons
- Heavy
3. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9×40 – Best Scope for Marlin 30-30
If you’re looking for a quality scope that won’t break the bank, the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn is a great option. It’s one of the most affordable scopes on this list, but don’t let that fool you. It’s still a top-notch optic.
My shooting experience with it proved to be quite positive. The glass is exceptionally clear and the reticle is very easy to see. Even in lower-light conditions, I had no trouble picking up my target.
This is a must-have feature if you’re going to be using your 30-30 in the woods, which I did a lot. Every step of the way, this budget-friendly scope performed like a champ.
Considering the super-low price tag on this scope, I had very little hope for it being anything other than a paperweight. But to my surprise and delight, it turned out to be an excellent optic.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
When you find scopes for less than $100, it’s only natural to expect low-quality components. But that’s simply not the case with the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn.
This scope features fully multi-coated optics, which is a nice upgrade over cheaper scopes that only have coated optics. This means that more light will be able to reach your eye, resulting in a brighter and clearer image.
The reticle is also well designed. It’s a simple 4A Duplex reticle, but it gets the job done and then some. I had no trouble picking up my target, even in lower-light conditions.
Parallax & Magnification
The Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn has a 3-9x magnification range, which is pretty standard for a 30-30 scope. This is more than enough power for most hunting situations.
While you won’t find an adjustable parallax on this scope, it’s not a dealbreaker. The fixed parallax is set at 100 yards, which is more than adequate for most 30-30 shooters.
You might also like my best scope for .223 article.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
One of the things I like most about this scope is that it has both elevation and windage knobs. This means that you can make on-the-fly adjustments to your shot, which is essential for success in the field.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn has a generous eye relief of 4 inches. This is important for safety, as it will protect your eye from the recoil of your 30-30.
And the eye box is also quite large, which is great for those with glasses. I had no trouble getting a clear and crisp image, even with my glasses on.
Durability
This scope is built like a tank. It’s made out of aircraft-grade aluminum, which is extremely durable. And it’s also nitrogen purged, which means that it’s fog proof and waterproof.
If you’re anything like me, you need a scope that can withstand all kinds of weather and terrain. And this scope is definitely up to the task. In fact, I’ve used it in everything from the scorching sun to rainstorms and it’s never let me down.
Is the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Worth It?
The Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn is an excellent scope for the money. So much so that it’s my top pick for the best scope for Marlin 30-30. It offers clear glass, a well-designed reticle, and adjustable windage and elevation.
There’s no sunshade included, nor do they make one. But that’s not the biggest deal in the world.
The Banner Dusk & Dawn is also built as solid as they come, which is a huge bonus. If you’re looking for a quality 30-30 scope that won’t break the bank, this scope is a great option.
Pros
- Clear glass
- Well-designed reticle
- Adjustable windage and elevation knobs
- Durable construction
Cons
- Fixed parallax setting
- No sunshade included
4. Burris Fullfield E1 3-9×40 Scope – Best Scope for 30-30 Lever Action
Rounding out the best scopes for 30-30 is the Burris Fullfield E1 Scope. This is a great option for those of you who are looking for a quality scope on a budget. It’s got a very attractive price tag and it ran away with my top pick for best scope for 30-30 lever action.
The Burris Fullfield E1 Scope is a great all-around scope. I really like how well this scope handles recoil. That’s thanks in part to the solid construction and quality materials used. This scope is also very easy to mount and dismount. I had no problems whatsoever getting it set up on my 30-30.
Out in the field, this scope performed admirably. The glass is very clear and the reticle is very easy to see. I had no problems making long-range shots with this scope. 
And during my testing with plinking, the Burris Fullfield E1 Scope held up just as well. I never had any issues with it losing zero or with the reticle becoming skewed. All in all, this is a great scope that’s more than capable of holding its own with the best of the best.
The only downside to the Burris Fullfield E1 Scope is that it doesn’t have the best low-light performance. But other than that, I really can’t find anything bad to say about it.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The glass on the Burris Fullfield E1 Scope is very clear. I had no problems seeing my target through this scope. And the reticle is very easy to see as well. It’s a simple crosshair reticle, but it gets the job done.
In fact, the reticle is one of my favorite things about this scope. It’s very easy to see in most light conditions, although as stated, it does tend to struggle in lower-light environments. It’s also very easy to use for making long-range shots.
Parallax & Magnification
The Burris Fullfield E1 Scope has an adjustable parallax. That means you can fine-tune your shot to perfection. I relied on this quite often during my testing.
The 3-9x40mm configuration also gives you plenty of magnification options. Again, I found this to be incredibly useful when making long-range shots.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
This scope comes with both elevation and windage knobs. That means you can make on-the-fly adjustments to your shot. And during my testing, I found that the clicks were very precise.
To me, this is always a welcome addition to a scope, and it’s something that I look for in any scope that I use.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The Burris Fullfield E1 Scope has 3.5 inches of eye relief. That’s more than enough to keep your eye safe from the recoil of your 30-30. And the eye box is very large as well. I had no problems getting a clear sight picture through this scope.
If you wear glasses, you’ll be happy to know that this scope accommodates them quite well. Personally, I like the fact that I don’t have to take my glasses off to use this scope.
Durability
Construction is most excellent with this scope. It’s made from high-quality materials, and it’s built to last. I had no issues whatsoever with this scope during my testing.
Even after extended use, this scope held up like a champ. So if you’re looking for a durable scope, the Burris Fullfield E1 Scope is a great option.
Is the Burris Fullfield E1 Worth It?
The Burris Fullfield E1 Scope is a great option for those of you who are looking for a quality scope on a budget. While it might not be as intuitive as, say, the Vortex Crossfire II, it’s still a great scope in its own right.
And if you’re looking for a scope that can handle the recoil of your 30-30 lever action, the Burris Fullfield E1 will impress.
Pros
- Very clear glass
- Easy to use reticle
- Precise elevation and windage knobs
- Large eye box
- Durable construction
Cons
- Not the best in low light conditions
Conclusion
I hope this guide has been helpful in your search for the best 30-30 scope. As I mentioned earlier, there are a lot of great options on the market. But I’m confident that any of the scopes on this list will serve you well.
My top pick still goes to the Vortex Crossfire II. It’s a great all-around scope that offers superb glass clarity, a versatile reticle, and plenty of magnification options.
But ultimately, the decision is up to you. So take your time, do your research and pick the scope that you think will work best for you.
Jerry Miculek is one of the most versatile shooters in the world. Guns are not just a hobby for him, they are his passion and life. You can learn more about Jerry on our About us page.