Best 30-30 Rifles: Our Top 20 Models

The 30 30 Scope is a versatile tool that combines precision with affordability. Our recommended scopes deliver exceptional performance for their price point, making them ideal for both new and experienced users.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn through qualifying purchases.

Reviews

Tektronix TDS3012C Digital Phosphor Oscilloscope

The Tektronix scopes combine impressive capture speeds with deep memory, getting three waveform captures per second where other scopes struggle to keep up once. The built-in triggers and color display work together to help you spot tricky signal patterns, while the versatile probe interface makes it easy to switch between different measurement tools without losing your setup.

American Scientific SHINO-Scope Quality Field Microscope

At 30x magnification, this portable microscope requires no batteries, cords, or complex adjustments – making it a breeze for young hands to use. The simple, grab-and-go design focuses on essential functionality for outdoor exploration without extra clutter.

optiques Fullum 30” Folded Newtonian Scope

The Fullum Folded Newtonian 30” captures the beauty of the night sky with its impressive 762mm objective lens, delivering a light-gathering power 11,850 times greater than the human eye. Its f/3.5 focal ratio and 2667mm focal length make it incredibly versatile for both visual observing and astrophotography, with the potential to magnify celestial objects up to 1905x. The telescope’s compact folded design makes it more portable than similar models, while maintaining top-tier optical performance.

Kowa TSN 99 Prominar

This powerful spotting scope brings distant scenes into crystal-clear focus, from wildlife in low light to celestial objects like the Moon and Jupiter. At just over 14 inches long, the 99mm diameter objective lens captures remarkable detail even at maximum 70x magnification. A solid foundation comes from the included Manfrotto tripod and head combination, designed to work seamlessly with the scope’s new mounting system.

Shinco 30x30 Scope

The Shinco Scope makes it simple for students and beginners to view specimens and objects under 30x magnification. Its reflective-light design works with available light, eliminating the need for additional equipment like lamps or mirrors. The microscope’s intuitive focus system and built-in illuminator for slide specimens combine to create a practical tool for classroom and field use.

Meade 16” f/8 ACF OTA

This powerful 16-inch telescope delivers sharp, detailed images with its award-winning ACF optical design and ultra-high transmission coatings. The f/8 focal ratio allows for faster exposures, while the precision-engineered Losmandy-style dovetail plate and primary mirror lock ensurerock-steady views. The oversized borosilicate mirror and crystal-clear baffling deliver remarkable contrast and definition across the entire field of view.

Barska 30-90x90 WP Colorado Spotting Scope

The Barska Colorado spotting scope delivers impressive optical performance with its 30-90x zoom and 90mm lens diameter, though some may find the maximum magnification a bit soft on fine detail. The fully coated optics and waterproof construction make it a solid choice for both casual observation and serious shooting applications. At just over 21 inches long, the scope feels surprisingly manageable for its size, especially when paired with the included soft carrying case and lens cloth.

Hawke Sport Optics Vantage Spotting Scope

With its 20-60x zoom and 60mm lenses, the Hawke Vantage spotting scope delivers impressive detail from 23 feet. The fully multi-coated optics and BK-7 porro prisms produce bright, color-true images that stay crisp even at maximum magnification. The tough rubber body keeps it protected and water-resistant, while the lightweight aluminum tripod and carry pouch make it a practical choice for any outdoor enthusiast.

Pulsar Proton FXQ30 Thermal Scope

This compact thermal imaging mount provides a useful boost to your viewing capabilities, though the image quality could be sharper. The built-in recording and wireless sharing features make it a practical choice for both hobbyists and professionals.

Barska CO11502 Colorado Spotting Scope

This weather-sealed spotting scope offers impressive 20-60x zoom with multicoated optics that deliver sharp, contrast-rich images in various lighting conditions. The comfortable design features a smooth focusing knob and fully coated lenses, while the included tripod and carrying case provide convenient portability for both casual users and enthusiasts. Whether you’re spotting at the range or observing nature, this Barska scope combines durability and functionality in a lightweight package that performs well within its price point.

ATN Binox 4K 4-16x Smart Day/Night Scope

From hunting coyotes at 500 yards to monitoring crow roosts with 25,000 birds, these versatile ATN binoculars deliver crystal-clear day and night vision with 4K Ultra HD technology. The built-in rangefinder and stable 15-hour battery life make them invaluable for both casual observation and precision shooting.

20-60x80 Athlon Optics Talos Spotting Scope

The Athlon Optics Talos combines robust build quality with surprisingly precise focus for its price point. The 80mm objective lens gathers plenty of light, though the image quality really shines at lower magnifications where it shows impressive clarity and minimal distortion. The included tripod keeps the scope steady for prolonged viewing sessions, whether you’re scanning the horizon for birds or sighting in distant targets.

Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60x60mm Angled FireField Spotting Scope

This sturdy spotting scope combines 60mm optics with 20-60x magnification for impressive long-distance viewing. The waterproof design and Twilight Max Light Management System excel in challenging conditions, while the comfortable angled body and generous 106-foot low-power field of view make it ideal for extended use. Even with its high price point, the Leupold SX-2 delivers solid performance for serious glassers, from backyard targets to distant wildlife.

Sightmark SM11031K Solitude 20-60x60SE Spotting Scope

The Solitude SE 20-60x60 spotting scope combines powerful magnification with bright, clear optics. Its fully multi-coated lenses and aluminum-coated prism system excel in low-light conditions, making it perfect for dawn, dusk, and forested areas. The comfortable 1.0 mm eye relief and protective rubber armor make it a practical choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

Leupold Gold Ring 15-30x50mm

This Leupold spotting scope delivers impressive clarity through its fully multi-coated glass, though focusing at maximum power requires a delicate touch. At just 11 inches long and weighing less than 36 ounces, it’s surprisingly capable of holding steady while glassing for game or admiring distant views. The compact design with carbon fiber construction makes it ideal for quick-take situations, whether you’re hunting, hiking, or simply exploring the great outdoors.

Snypex Knight PT 72mm f/6.0 Ed-Apo Photography Scope

The Snypex Knight PT combines impressive optical clarity with versatile camera compatibility for both casual and serious photographers. Its apochromatic lens system delivers exceptional color accuracy and minimal distortion, while the dual-speed focusing mechanism makes quick work of adjusting to different subjects. The included carrying case keeps the scope protected during transport, though some users might prefer the balance it offers when mounted on a tripod.

Bear x Speed Comp Crossbow Scope

The Bear X Speed Crossbow Scope delivers impressive optical clarity through its multi-coated glass lenses and 1-5x magnification. It’s particularly effective in low-light conditions thanks to its illuminated reticle system, though users report occasional fogging issues that can be resolved with proper lens treatment. The scope’s versatility is demonstrated by its ability to maintain pinpoint accuracy across various shooting speeds, from 205 to 430 fps, making it a solid investment for crossbow hunters and enthusiasts.

Excalibur Dead-zone Scope

This compact crossbow scope lives up to its promise, delivering clear sight pictures and pinpoint accuracy. Whether you’re taking the first shot of the season or returning to your favorite hunting spot, it nails the basics of visibility and ease of use. The scope has proven itself multiple times over, with users hitting their marks consistently out to 60 yards. Its 32mm objective lens collects plenty of light, making it a solid choice for both daytime and early morning hunts.

Killer Instinct Lumix 4x32 IR-E Crossbow Scope

The Lumix 32mm scope combines clear optics with LED illumination for accurate shooting at 40 yards. At just 10 inches long, it’s surprisingly compact for its quality. Users appreciate its reliable performance across different crossbows, though some note the LED brightness could be better.

Killer Instinct Lumix Speedring Crossbow Scope

If you’re serious about hitting your target, especially in low light, this scope gives you a significant edge. The durable metal build and impact-resistant design protect your investment, while the precise red/blue illumination helps you zero in on distant targets. Whether you’re hunting Whitetail bucks or setting up an accurate shot at 40 yards, this scope makes every pull count.

Buyer’s Guide

When selecting a 30x30 scope for your application, several key factors will influence your choice. Understanding these aspects will help you find the right optics for your needs.

Magnification

The 30x30 designation indicates a magnification of 30x, meaning objects appear 30 times closer than to the naked eye. This level of magnification is suitable for long-range shooting and observation but requires steady hands or a mounted platform for optimal use.

Objective Lens Diameter

The second number (30) in the designation refers to the objective lens diameter in millimeters. A larger objective lens provides more light transmission and better image quality in low-light conditions, making it essential for extended use in various lighting situations.

Reticle Options

30x scopes often feature illuminated reticles for improved target acquisition in low light. Common variants include mil-dot, MOA, and BDC reticles. Consider what type of targeting information you need and choose a reticle that matches your shooting discipline (rifle, tactical, hunting).

Build Quality and Accessories

Higher-quality 30x scopes feature multi-coated lenses, robust aluminum or stainless steel construction, and durable coatings to resist fogging and scratches. Look for waterproof, fogproof, and shock-resistant models. Consider additional accessories like quick-detach systems, parallax adjustment, and adjustable illumination controls to enhance functionality.

FAQ

What is a 30 30 scope and why is it important?

A 30 30 scope combines the capabilities of a rifle scope with the classic 30-06 Springfield cartridge. It’s important because it offers modern precision shooting benefits while maintaining compatibility with legacy ammunition.

This combination makes it a practical choice for hunters and shooters who already own 30-06 rifles but want to upgrade their sighting system without changing their ammunition type.

What are the key components of a 30 30 scope?

Key components include the scope body, objective lens, reticle system, focusing mechanism, and mounts. These elements work together to provide accurate aiming and clear target visibility.

High-quality scopes feature multicoated optics, adjustable turrets, and durable materials to ensure reliable performance under various shooting conditions.

What types of reticles are commonly used in 30 30 scopes?

Popular reticle designs include crosshairs, MOA (Minute of Angle) markings, and mil-dot patterns. These reticles help with precise aiming and range estimation.

Scopes with illuminated reticles enhance visibility in low-light conditions and provide clear target acquisition during quick shots.

How do 30 30 scopes compare to traditional iron sights?

30 30 scopes offer superior accuracy and consistent point-of-impact, while iron sights provide simpler, maintenance-free aiming. The choice depends on shooting conditions and personal preference.

Scopes are particularly advantageous in situations requiring quick target acquisition, long-range shooting, or shooting in low-light conditions.

What maintenance requirements are associated with 30 30 scopes?

Regular cleaning with appropriate solvents and brushes removes residue and prevents scratches. Quarterly inspection of the reticle and focusing mechanism ensures continued optimal performance.

Harsh environments may require more frequent maintenance to protect against dust, moisture, and mechanical wear.

How does recoil affect the performance of a 30 30 scope?

Modern scopes are designed to withstand the forces of chamber pressure and recoil without degradation in performance. Most manufacturers warranty their products against warping or damage from normal use.

Proper mounting and tension of the scope rings prevent movement during firing, maintaining accurate point-of-impact regardless of recoil magnitude.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn through qualifying purchases.