5 Best Scopes for 30-30 in 2021
The 30-30 round has been around for more than a hundred years now. Although it is now only used on two lever action guns which are Winchester 94 and Marlin 336, it is still one of the most popular cartridges of all times.
Its effectiveness in short and medium range makes the 30-30 perfect for brush hunting. But, you still need to have the best scope for 30-30 to ensure more effective shots.
A good scope for the 30-30 is one that is tough and able to withstand the harsh weather and the abuse that a hunting rifle has to face and also ensure maximum light gathering when hunting in heavy brush.
Luckily there are dozens of scopes in the market that meet all these conditions. And in this piece, we review 5 of the best ones and also explain other important things to consider when choosing a good scope for 30-30 rifles.
5 Best Scopes for 30-30 – Review
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1. Burris 200261 (Best for Short Range Shooting) |
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2. Simmons 510519 (Best Budget) |
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3. Leupold LP113874-BRK (Compact & Versatile) |
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4. Nikon ProStaff 4-12x40 (Top-Quality from a Top Brand) |
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5. Weaver K4 849415 (Best Fixed Power) |
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PRODUCT |
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1. Burris 200261 (Best for Short Range Shooting) |
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2. Simmons 510519 (Best Budget) |
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3. Leupold LP113874-BRK (Compact & Versatile) |
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4. Nikon ProStaff 4-12x40 (Top-Quality from a Top Brand) |
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5. Weaver K4 849415 (Best Fixed Power) |
1. Burris 200261 – Best for Short Range Shooting
Photo: Burris
- Magnification: 2-7x
- Field of View: 21 to 7 feet at 100 yards
- Objective Diameter: 32mm
- Weight: 13 ounces
Burris’s Ballistic Plex is a top rated scope for 30-30 rifles that has a lot to offer, and with its 2-7x magnification power, it is designed to be perfect for short range shooting.
Key among its impressive features is its multicoated lenses that are made for optimal light transmission to ensure that you always get bright and clear pictures even in low light conditions.
This amazing rifle scope also has repeatable steel on steel adjustment system with audible clicks for easy and convenient adjustments. And it also has a Posi-lock to allow you to lock the accuracy in place firmly and securely.
With its ultra-fast target acquisition eyepiece, you can easily pick out a target as focusing the eyepiece should be super easy with both eyes open.
Mounting this scope is also quick and easy and it is also designed to be completely water, fog and shockproof.
The eyebox is fairly unforgiving at the 7x magnification setting, but you should still shoot comfortably enough even at this high power setting.
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2. Simmons 510519 – Best Budget
Photo: Simmons
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Field of View: 31.4 to 10.5 feet at 100 yards
- Objective Diameter: 50mm
- Weight: 13.2 ounces
For the typical 30-30 rifle shooters and hunters shopping for a good quality scope but on a tight budget, Simmons' 8-Point is a great buy.
But besides being the cheapest on our review of scopes for 30-30, it is also a solid scope that delivers complete water, fog and shockproof performance.
Also, the scope uses some high-quality optics that are fully coated to deliver bright and high-contrast images in all lighting conditions, and it also has a quick target acquisition eyepiece for fast and simple target acquisition.
This highly affordable rifle scope has also been designed to be easy to adjust as it has some precise Truezero fingertip adjustments that will make windage and elevation adjustment a breeze.
Although it does not come with the rings, this should not be a deal breaker because at that price tag, few top quality scopes will come with mounts, and it is also easy to get compatible ones without spending much.
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3. Leupold LP113874-BRK – Compact & Versatile
Photo: Leupold
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Field of View: 34.6 to 14.6 feet at 100 yards
- Objective Diameter: 40mm
- Weight: 11.2 ounces
At 12.6 inches long and with a weight of around 11.2 ounces, the VX-1 by Leupold is one of the most compact 30-30 scopes not only on our list but also in its class. Hence, any shooter looking for something that does not add a lot of mass to their scope this is it.
Also, the scope is designed to offer a versatile 3:1 zoom ratio that will make it ideal for a variety of situations. And with its Multicoat 4 lens system, you can be sure of always getting extreme clarity across the field of view and a bright sight picture even in low light conditions.
This scope will allow for easy and quick windage and elevation adjustment as it uses the highly precise 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments.
Its durable and rugged aluminum alloy construction will ensure that it can withstand the abuse that comes with hunting and it will also offer complete fog and waterproof integrity.
While the rubber bra lens covers might not be as convenient or as protective as flip-open lens caps, they are still better than nothing. And lack of parallax adjustment still does not affect the performance of the scope significantly.
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4. Nikon ProStaff 4-12x40 – Top-quality Scope from a Top Brand
Photo: Nikon
- Magnification: 4-12x
- Field of View: 23.6 to 7.3 feet at 100 yards
- Objective Diameter: 40mm
- Weight: 14.2 ounces
Nikon is a highly reputable brand and one of the names you can rely on when shopping for the best scope for 30-30 lever action rifles. And their Prostaff model is a very popular scope with 30-30 shooters.
This top-notch quality scope uses a fully multicoated optic system that is designed to provide up to an impressive 98% light transmission for top-notch image quality.
With its mil-dot reticle that also includes some built-in aiming points, elevation adjustment will be a breeze. Also, the spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets will make both windage and elevation adjustments even easier.
Prostaff uses a quick focus eyepiece to ensure reticle focusing is quicker and easier, and it has also been optimized for use with Nikon's Spot On Ballistic Match technology. And the manufacturer will back it with a limited lifetime warranty.
At 14.2 ounces, this scope is relatively heavier when compared to other models on our list, but it is still quite lightweight given its features and objective diameter.
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5. Weaver K4 849415 – Best Fixed Power 30-30 Scope
Photo: Weaver
- Magnification: 4x
- Field of View: 26.8 feet at 100 yards
- Objective Diameter: 38mm
- Weight: 9.9 ounces
A fixed magnification scope is not always what comes to many shooters minds when shopping for the best scope for Marlin 336 or Winchester 94. But, a 4x fixed scope like the Weaver K4 can still be a great buy, especially for deer hunting.
The rugged fixed magnification scope has been designed to handle heavy recoil well, and because it also has fewer components, it will be a generally more lightweight and compact scope that weighs 9.9 ounces only.
Durability is also assured as the scope features solid one-piece aircraft grade aluminum main tube to ensure it can withstand any abuse that comes with regular use.
Also, with the fully multicoated lenses, you can be sure of getting an edge to edge clarity even in low light conditions. And this scope will also hold zero well and give you a super easy time when sighting in.
Because this is a fixed magnification scope, it will be relatively less versatile. However, it will still be useful for various shooting conditions when mounted on a 30-30.
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How to Buy the Best Scopes for 30-30
Photo: wikimedia.org
Here are some of the most important things to take into account when choosing from different scopes for 30-30.
1. Magnification
When it comes to the scope magnification, you will need to be honest with yourself and realistic when deciding how much magnification power you will need.
It does not make sense to go for a 6-20x magnification power scope when you will in most instances be shooting from 150 yards or less. And neither does it make sense to use a low powered scope when you will be shooting your 30-30 from distances over 500 yards.
For most 30-30 shooters, the 2-7x and 3-9x scopes like Burris 200261 and Simmons 510519 respectively are often good enough as they offer a wide range magnification at a more reasonable price point.
2. Objective Diameter
Because 30-30 rifles will in most instances be used under heavy brush, you need a scope that is able to gather as much light as possible.
The objective lens diameter is one of the key determinants of the scopes light gathering capabilities and the larger it is the better as it means the scope will allow more light in.
While a 50mm objective lens diameter is more favorable, smaller ones like 38mm can still be effective enough.
3. Reticle
The best scope for Marlin 30-30 rifles or the Winchester 94 is one that comes with a good reticle designed to make target acquisition and aiming quicker and easier.
Like with most other rifle scope types, you typically need to choose from three options which are duplex, BDC and mil-dot reticles.
The choice between the three will depend on a specific shooter's preferences, skills, and hunting conditions or scenarios. However, the duplex reticle is ideal for most 30-30 applications, and because it does not have a lot going on it will also be more beginner-friendly.
4. Durability
Nobody wants to drop their rifle down from the tree stand or knock it into things when running after a deer through thick brush, but this is bound to happen when hunting. Hence, any scope that you buy for your 30-30 should be able to withstand a bit of abuse.
Besides going for scopes made with a durable and rugged aluminum alloy material like Leupold LP113874-BRK , also make sure that it is argon or nitrogen purged and with good seals to ensure complete fog, water, and shockproof integrity.
A scope that comes with a lifetime warranty is also a much better option as it a good indication that it is designed to be durable.
5. Price
Ultimately the features and capability of the scope and the brand reputation will determine its price. But, like with any other gun accessory, you always get what you pay for.
However, as you shop for a scope for your 30-30, you will want to end up with something that not only fits your budget but has all the features that you need.
There are many good models that will retail for under $50, but to be on the safer side or at least to make sure that you strike a good balance between price and quality, it is a good idea to stick with a price point of above $75.
Conclusion
Choosing the best scope for 30-30 could not be easier as this piece not only highlights the crucial things to consider when shopping but also review of top rated models for recommendations.
While every model on our list is fantastic, the Simmons 510519 is the best choice for the budget shoppers as it is a well built but inexpensive scope.
And if you are on the hunt for something for short range shooting the 2-7x magnification Burris 200261 is unbeatable.