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.
My Top Choice – Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40
After all the shooting I’ve done with different optics, I can say the Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 is the best scope for 30-30. With its 3-9x zoom range, I can pick up game accurately both in thick brush up close and out past 150 yards in the right conditions – the ideal balance for the 30-30’s capabilities. The fully multi-coated lenses always deliver a bright, highly detailed sight picture even at dawn and dusk when game movement peaks but the light fades. After mounting this high-quality, reasonably-priced Vortex scope on my rifle and consistently making clean harvests thanks to its reliability and precision, I firmly believe no other optic pairs as flawlessly with the venerable 30-30 as the Crossfire II model.
Scroll down to read my comprehensive review of it.
Why You Should Trust Me
Instead of blindly accepting recommendations for the best rifle scopes for 30-30, I set out to verify these claims through rigorous testing.
I conducted extensive research, exploring gun forums, YouTube videos, 30-30 scope guides and shooting magazines as sources for knowledge. No source was left unexplored.
I carefully considered all available information and carefully acquired what seemed to be top contenders, only then to test each scope systematically and see which survived as true best of the best.
Here I present to you the results of my extensive assessment. I highly encourage testing them yourself, that way you are guaranteed to find your ideal scope for your 30-30 Winchester rifle! The 4 best scopes for 30-30 Winchester rifles are listed below!
The Best 4 Scopes for 30-30 Winchester
- Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 – Best Overall
- UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope – Best Value
- Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9×40
- Burris Fullfield E1 3-9×40 Scope
1. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 – Best Overall
At the top of my list is the Vortex Crossfire II. This is a middle-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. I’ve compared it to other scopes in a similar price range, such as the Burris Fullfield, and found that the Crossfire II offers superior clarity, particularly in low light conditions.
In the field, I found the Crossfire II to be incredibly accurate. I was able to make medium and long-range shots with ease, thanks in part to the scope’s impressive 3-9×40 magnification. The magnification range is versatile enough for various hunting scenarios, from dense woods to open fields, providing a clear advantage over scopes with a narrower magnification range.
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. Its ruggedness was particularly evident during a hunting trip in rough terrain, where I accidentally dropped it. The scope maintained its zero and showed no signs of damage, a testament to its durability.
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, particularly in scenarios where I needed to quickly transition between targets. The reticle’s simplicity allowed for rapid target acquisition, which is essential in dynamic hunting situations.
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. While this wasn’t a major issue for most of my 30-30 hunting applications, it could be a limiting factor for those who frequently engage in precision long-range shooting.
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. This magnification range provided the flexibility needed for various hunting distances, from close-quarter brush hunting to open field shots.
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. This feature made the scope particularly comfortable for rapid repositioning and continuous observation during extended hunting sessions.
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 heavy rain, dusty environments, and it has consistently performed without any hiccups, a clear advantage over less durable scopes.
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. Its combination of performance, durability, and affordability makes it a standout choice. 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
- No illuminated reticle
- Not as durable as pricier models
2. UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope – Best Value
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. Its performance in dimly lit environments was comparable to more expensive models, such as the Leupold VX-3i. 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. This stability was particularly evident when I used it on the 30-30 rifle, where other scopes might have lost zero.
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. During a recent varmint control session, its versatility was especially apparent, as I could quickly switch between targets at varying distances. 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. This feature was especially beneficial during dawn and dusk hunting sessions, providing clarity comparable to higher-end scopes like those from Vortex Diamondback series. 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. I found this range to be versatile enough for a variety of hunting situations, from dense woodlands to open fields. 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 feature was a standout, allowing for precise holdovers and windage corrections, which was particularly useful in windy conditions. 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. This precision is something I’ve found lacking in some other budget scopes. 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. This feature provided additional accuracy at longer ranges, a significant upgrade over fixed-parallax scopes in similar price brackets. 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. This range struck the right balance between close-up and distant targeting without needing to switch scopes or sacrifice field of view
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The elevation and windage knobs on this scope are easy to use and very precise. Their responsiveness and accuracy during adjustments were akin to what you’d expect from higher-priced scopes. I had no trouble making on-the-fly adjustments to my shot. And the fact that they’re lockable is a nice touch. However, some users might find these knobs a bit too sensitive, requiring careful handling to avoid unintentional adjustments.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
This scope has plenty of eye relief. The generous eye relief ensured a comfortable shooting experience, even during extended periods in the field. 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. This ease of target acquisition was beneficial in fast-paced hunting scenarios.
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 considering its robust construction and performance, the weight becomes a minor trade-off.
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
- Not ideal for extremely specialized shooting requirements
- Sensitive adjustment knobs requiring careful handling
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. Having used it in various settings, including a dense forest and an open range, I found its performance consistent. The glass is exceptionally clear and the reticle is very easy to see. Compared to other scopes in a similar price range, like the Simmons 8-Point, the Bushnell’s clarity was superior, especially in twilight conditions. Even in lower-light conditions, I had no trouble picking up my target.
However, I did notice a slight chromatic aberration on the edges of the view in extremely bright conditions, which wasn’t a deal-breaker but worth mentioning.
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 resulted in significantly reduced glare compared to scopes like the Tasco World Class, enhancing target visibility in bright conditions. 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. In my experience, the reticle remained crisp and distinct against a variety of backgrounds, from dark timber to snowy landscapes. 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 range proved versatile for both close-range brush hunting and longer shots across fields. 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. However, for shots beyond 200 yards, this fixed setting could lead to minor parallax errors. 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. The tactile feedback on these knobs was precise, allowing for easy adjustments even with gloves on.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn has a generous eye relief of 4 inches. This provided ample space to avoid scope-eye, even when shooting from awkward angles. 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 found that the forgiving eye box minimized the need for perfect head placement, reducing the time to acquire a target. 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.
I encountered a slight issue with internal fogging during a sudden temperature drop, but it cleared quickly. 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 my experience, the scope held zero admirably after several bumps and knocks during rugged backcountry trips. 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. Despite its few limitations, like the fixed parallax and the lack of a sunshade, its strengths in clarity, reticle design, and durability make it a standout choice in its price range. It offers clear glass, a well-designed reticle, and adjustable windage and elevation.
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
- Generous eye relief and forgiving eye box
- Effective in a variety of lighting and environmental conditions
Cons
- Fixed parallax setting
- Slight chromatic aberration in bright conditions
- No sunshade included
- Minor internal fogging in rapid temperature changes
4. Burris Fullfield E1 3-9×40 Scope – Best Burris 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. During a hunting trip in rugged terrain, the scope’s resilience to recoil was evident as it maintained zero after repeated use. That’s thanks in part to the solid construction and quality materials used. Its robust construction also makes it an excellent choice for frequent field use, where rough handling is common. This scope is also very easy to mount and dismount. The intuitive mounting system was comparable to higher-end models like the Leupold VX-Freedom. I had no problems whatsoever getting it set up on my 30-30.
Out in the field, this scope performed admirably. I used it in various weather conditions, from bright sunny days to overcast mornings, and its performance was consistently good. The glass is very clear and the reticle is very easy to see. The reticle’s simplicity aided in quick target acquisition, a crucial factor during dynamic hunting situations. 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. Even after multiple sessions, the adjustments remained accurate and consistent. 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. In early dawn or dusk conditions, the image becomes less bright compared to scopes with larger objective lenses. 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. The high-quality glass made identifying small targets at a distance much easier than some other budget scopes I’ve tested. I had no problems seeing my target through this scope. And the reticle is very easy to see as well. However, in direct comparison to the Vortex Crossfire series, the reticle sharpness was slightly less pronounced in extremely bright conditions. 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. Its minimalistic design reduces visual clutter, making it ideal for tracking moving targets. 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. This feature was particularly useful in varmint hunting, allowing for precise shots at varying ranges. 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. While it offers versatility, I found it slightly less smooth to adjust compared to the smooth magnification rings of scopes like the Vortex Diamondback.
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. While this is adequate, shooters with a more aggressive shooting style may prefer longer 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. Its generous eye box made finding and maintaining a sight picture easier, especially in dynamic shooting positions. 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. The anti-reflective coating on the lens also reduces glare, which is a boon for spectacle wearers. 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. Even after accidentally dropping it on a rocky terrain, the scope showed no signs of functional damage. 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. Its performance-to-price ratio places it above many competitors in the same range. 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
- Slightly less smooth magnification adjustment
- Shorter eye relief may be a concern for some shooters
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 an experienced firearms and optics expert. 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.