Best Hunting Rifle Scopes for a .243 Winchester

Scopes added to the 243 Winchester allow hunters and target shooters to make much more accurate shots ensuring that they will hit their intended target much more often. There are many available scopes on the market, so choosing one can be quite difficult. Comparing the best scopes results in a few great selections in different price ranges.

Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12X40 BDC (MOA)

vortex optics diamondback isolated on white background

The Vortex Diamondback riflescope is ideal for big game, slug shotgun, varmint hunting, and brush hunting applications. It offers you a crystal clear view thanks to its multicoated lenses. The eyepiece also allows for easy manipulation of the Dead-Hold BDC reticle. The turrets are zero-reset. Once you adjust your sights, you can rotate to zero. It is also shockproof and durable, making it ideal for all your outdoor adventures.

This hunting scope has a recoil-resistant design, an anodized surface, and a low profile. It is waterproof and fogproof and offers everything you are looking for when narrowing down your choices for the best scope for a .243.

Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane

vortex optics crossfire II second focal plane

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II riflescope is just one of several configurations that can be found within the Crossfire line. It features a Dead-Hold BDC reticle that is ideal for hunting and shooting at different ranges. It also allows for eye relief and has a fast-focus eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing.

The lenses of this hunting rifle scope are fully multicoated and anti-reflective, so you will have bright and clear views each time. The max elevation adjustment sits at 60 MOA. These capped turrets are finger adjustable with MOA clicks, so they can be set back to zero following sighting.

The construction of this scope is a single-piece tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum. It is shockproof and durable. It is O-ring sealed, and nitrogen purged and delivers both waterproof and fogproof performance.

It offers a good magnification range between 3 and 9 and can be used for a wide range of hunting applications, even those in low light conditions. The multicoated lenses offer good light transmission. However, you should keep in mind that there is still the risk of some crosshair blurs. Overall, this is a solid pick that offers strong performance and high-quality.

Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II

vortex optics viper pst gen II rifle scope

This Vortex Optics Viper riflescope is ideal when you are looking for solid performance and tactical features. It is a 2-10×32 first focal plane riflescope. It has proven to be incredibly versatile and great for long-range shooting and shooting at more up close targets.

The reticle of this scope offers detailed and intuitive hold points with no obstructed view. It allows for optimal viewing with 10 intensity levels and off positions between each of its settings. The glass is extra-low dispersion glass, which increases this scope’s resolution and color. The lenses are fully multicoated to increase light transmission, and the Armortek coating protects the lenses from scratches and dirt.

It offers fogproof and waterproof performance. The scope is made from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum that lends to its durability and lighter weight.

The only downside we have found is for beginners. The scope may prove difficult to mount if you are a beginner and not familiar with scope mounting.

Bushnell Trophy Riflescope with Multi-X Reticle

bushnell trophy riflescope with multi x reticle isolated on white background

This Bushnell Trophy riflescope offers 3-9x magnification with multi-x reticle and 4-inch eye relief. It has fully multicoated lenses and a rain guard, offering 91 percent light transmission in any weather conditions. The scope is waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof and made from a one-piece tube construction with an integrated saddle.

The fast-focus eyepiece and ¼ MOA fingertip windage and elevation adjustments are other notable features a hunter may be looking for when choosing a new riflescope. This scope delivers high performance and fits numerous hunting applications. It allows for a bright and clear image every time, and it is easy to use due to the side parallax adjustment.

BARSKA IR Tactical Riflescope: 6-20X50mm

 

barska ir tactical 243 winchester riflescope isolated on white background

The BARSKA IR Tactical Riflescope offers long-range precision and 6-20x magnification. The scope also features side adjustable parallax and ¼ MOA click adjustments that you can use to improve accuracy. Its quality construction is a testament to this scope’s overall durability. It has an extra-rigid construction, is waterproof, fogproof, and even shockproof. It is made from aluminum that adds to its durability without adding any extra weight.

The scope comes with fully multicoated optics for impressive viewing clarity. It also has an IR-FFP reticle; an illuminated first focal plane mil-dot glass etched reticle allows for rangefinding capabilities at varying magnifications.

Why Use the Best Rifle Scopes for 243 Rifle?

When you use an ordinary riflescope for your 243 after using the best scope for 243, you will find some notable differences between the two. The most important benefit of the best scope for 243 is that the scope is constructed from the ground up, so it functions perfectly with the 243.

Light transmission, clarity, weight, magnification, adjustments – all of these are also considerations when designing this particular scope.

So, when looking for the best scope for a 243 rifle, consider all these factors and make sure to find one that is certified to work well with your 243.

What To Look For

Here are a few things to look for when comparing each product we have listed above. Remember, not all riflescopes for the 243 can deliver the kind of quality and performance you may expect. Consider the following factors to help ensure the quality of your selections.

  • Optics: You want quality optics that can transmit light at higher levels and are fog proof and waterproof
  • Construction: The riflescope you choose should be made from durable materials and built to last even in the most adverse weather conditions outdoors.
  • Versatility: Are you limited by when the scope you choose can be used? For example, can you use this scope in fog, dusk, and dawn?
  • Compatibility: We have included these riflescopes on our list because they are all compatible with the 243. However, the best scopes can also be used on other rifles as well. Do you see that kind of compatibility with your selection?
  • Range and Accuracy: Finally, only choose a scope if it promises accuracy and can be used at longer distances. The longer the range it allows, the better for the person shooting.

How to Choose the Best Scope for 243

Want to learn more about what exactly makes the best scope for 243? Read on to find out more.

Magnification

Many people think the higher the magnification, the better. However, this is not the case. Sometimes too high magnification can cause images to become blurry, so every small movement can move the reticle from your target. This is something you want to avoid while hunting. It limits your awareness.

Higher magnification also tends to come with a much higher price tag as well. A variable optic with a large zoom ratio is ideal and will prove to be much more versatile. Find a magnification range that’s best for your needs and activities.

Short-range hunting should be around 9X magnification, while medium-range hunting should be between 12x and 14x. Longer range hunting will require 14x to 18x magnification.

Variable magnification allows the shooter to adjust the scope’s power to suit various conditions, whether it is low power with a wider field of view or faster shots at a much closer range. Higher power is used for more precision when long-range shooting. Keep in mind that a variable power scope will be much heavier than a scope with fixed-power.

Construction

Always check the body of the scope as well. Check the body or the tube of the scope at a range of 25mm, 34mm, or 30mm. A larger tube allows for more space for the riflescope parts and allows you to increase the adjustment range to find what you need for long-range shooting. Most scopes are also nitrogen purged to help prevent fogging.

So, in addition to the construction, look for this as well as if the scope is said to be shockproof and waterproof. These lend well to its overall durability and make the scope stronger and more resistant to damage.

Reticle

Hunters in the past have always chosen crosshair and duplex reticles. Their simple design allows them to achieve fast and easy sighting with minimal distraction. The duplex reticle has lines that thicken when away from the center and can keep the reticle visible without any obstructions.

BDC or bullet drop compensation and mil-dot reticles are now becoming more popular with hunters. They were originally designed for long-range and tactical shooting but can also help a hunter make windage and elevation adjustments over extended ranges.

An illuminated reticle features the ability to light up or illuminate. An illuminated scope will not alter the image you have of the target; it only alters the reticle’s brightness. If you are hunting in low light conditions, then an illuminated reticle may be a feature you want to consider.

Turret

Target style turrets are popular among hunters and are what is traditionally used. A capped turret helps prevent accidental adjustments because of bumps. Once the scope has been zeroed, a hunter will rarely alter the adjustments. However, if they need to, the caps can easily be removed.

Light Transmission

If you don’t have good sight and a clear image, then you have a bad scope. The lenses of the scope should have high-quality glass that offers clear clarity with no distortion or blur. They should also be multicoated, meaning they have multiple layers to ensure a crisp and bright picture and improved light transmission.

The larger the objective lens of the scope is, the more light there will be. More light equates to better performance when shooting or hunting, especially in low light conditions.

Conclusion

When looking for a good scope for your .243 Winchester, make sure to review all the considerations we have laid out above to help you make your decision. Make sure to go over the minimum magnification you need for your hunting activities and consider the type of hunting you will be doing. This can help lead you in the right direction for the best riflescope. At the end of the day, it really comes down to what you plan on using your scope for, your skill level, and what features you want.