The 243 Winchester is a dual-purpose cartridge suitable for hunting and shooting. The .243 cartridge took whitetail hunting by storm and over the years, the popularity of this cartridge has grown thanks to its lightweight design and the great accuracy it provides.
With the right scope, you will be able to triple the distance you can shoot with this cartridge and increase the odds of hitting the target accurately regardless of how far it is. To fully grasp the potential of this cartilage, a riflescope is an indispensable accessory.
Today’s post highlights the best 243 scopes you can mount to your air rifle. Before diving into our top picks let’s briefly look at the features to scout in a .243 riflescope.
What Makes a Great .243 Winchester Scope?
A great 243 Winchester Scope should have the features that suit your hunting/shooting needs. To begin with, it should meet your budget. You should be able to narrow down your options and find a good-quality yet budget-conscious model.
A great scope for 243 Winchester should have a variable magnification power, so you will be able to use it at varying ranges. Additionally, it should have high-quality glass and multi-coated lenses that maximize light transmission.
This way, you will get clear and bright sight pictures for accurate shot placement. Lastly, the scope should be easy to use and simple to mount on your desired rifle.
What Magnification Do You Need?
You will need a good magnification range so you will be able to see your targets accurately. If you are planning to use the 243 Winchester for shooting at varying ranges, it is wise to get a variable power scope. This way, you will be able to adjust the magnification depending on how far you are shooting.
For long-distance shooting, you need at least 9x magnification. This is enough to bring the distance targets closer for accurate shot placement. On the other hand, if you will be zooming at close and mid-ranges up to 300 yards, you will do well with a 3x to 9x scope.
8 Best Scopes for 243 Winchester
If you have been looking for the best scope for 243 Winchester to no avail, you have come to the right place. We have come up with a list of the top-rated scope that works well with 243 Winchester and a buying guide to help you choose right. Let’s take a look.
1) Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope
Bushnell makes good-quality optics and the Banner 3-9×40 Dusk & Dawn Riflescope is no different. Intuitive design makes the Banner 3-9x riflescope one of the best 243 scopes.
The scope has an SFP Multi-X reticle that is not only easy to aim, but also easy to shoot with. It also features a fast-focus eyepiece which helps you bring the reticle into focus with ease.
This riflescope is made with hunters in mind. It has a lightweight design for easy carrying in the field and multi-coated glass which maximizes light transmission for brighter images from dawn till dusk. Furthermore, it’s built tough to handle anything thrown at it and is 100% waterproof and fogproof for use even in rainy weather conditions.
This low-light scope has a variable 3-9x magnification suitable for shooting at varying distances. The 40mm objective provides a spacious field of view and with the long eye relief, you will have the confidence to use it on any rifle and not worry about your eyes getting hit when the rifle recoils. Banner 3-9x Multi-X riflescope is arguably one of the best 243 scopes for deer hunting.
Features
- Stunning HD clarity
- 3x to 9x magnification
- Dusk & Dawn Brightness multi-coated lenses
- Fully waterproof and fogproof
- 1piece tube
- Fast focus eyepiece
- 1/4″ tool-less fingertip adjustment
- Lightweight and compact design
- SFP Multi-X reticle
- 3” eye relief
- Durable construction
2) Vortex Optics Copperhead 4-12×44 SFP Riflescope
Vortex Optics is a frontrunner among the manufacturers of the best 243 scopes. The Copperhead 4-12×44 SFP Riflescope is you are ideal scope if you are a beginner. It is simple to use and cost-effective.
It offers the best optical resolution and is ideal for any hunting application. This manufacturing marvel will kick off your hunting of small and medium-sized games in a spectacular way.
This scope is built rugged to stand up to anything that comes its way. It’s designed to turn your hunting trips into success whether you are hunting in wide-open fields or thick woodlands.
It’s also O-ring sealed to prevent the entry of dirt and moisture, and purged with nitrogen to prevent internal fogging problems caused by rapid changes in temperature. The tough construction cements Copperhead 4-12×44 name among the best 243 scopes for budget-conscious buyers.
Its tube is 13.5 inches long and 1-inch in diameter. This plus the lightweight design makes it perfect for all hunting activities. When it comes to the optical features, the scope comes with a 44mm objective lens that helps collect enough light and fully multi-coated lenses that maximize light transmission for bright sight pictures. To top it all, the scope comes with a lifetime warranty so you can rest assured that it is a quality product.
Features
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Lightweight and compact
- 1-inch single-piece tube
- Anti-glare matte finish
- Long 4-inch eye relief
- Locking diopter
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Low-capped resettable turrets
3) Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9x50mm Riflescope
As the .243 Winchester cartridge is one of the best picks for hunting, pairing it with a scope that’s specifically made for hunting will help you get the most from it whenever you hit the field to hunt.
A superior optical system, rugged construction and easy-to-read and track turret adjustments are some of the highlights that make Crossfire II 3-9×50 one of the best 243 scopes.
The Crossfire II 3-9x50mm Riflescope is not only user-friendly but also budget-friendly. It comes with every feature a hunter needs to be better in their hunting expedition.
First, it is equipped with a large 50mm objective and fully multi-coated optics which deliver excellent image brightness and clarity. Additionally, it has a fast-focus eyepiece for easy reticle focusing and decent eye relief for rapid target acquisition.
This riflescope is built ready for rugged outdoor use and is virtually indestructible. It has a single-piece tube crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum for greater strength and durability. It’s waterproof, fog-free and shock-resistant for all-weather reliability and comes with a hard-anodized finish for added durability.
Overall, it’s an excellent riflescope that offers excellent performance even in the most demanding outdoor conditions making it one of the best 243 scopes.
Features
- Parallax adjustment from 100 yards
- Long 3.8-inch eye relief
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Fully waterproof, fog-free and shock-resistant
- Hard anodized finish
- Wide 50mm objective lens
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Second focal plane reticle
- Variable 3-9x magnification
4) ATN Thor LT 3-6x50mm Thermal Rifle Scope
If you are in the market for an affordable thermal rifle scope, look no further than the ATN Thor LT Thermal Rifle Scope. This scope will help you shoot during the day and at night as well as it can detect body heat emitted by an object. It has a featherweight design for easy portability and it is as easy to mount as it is easy to use.
It offers multiple reticle patterns and each pattern is ideal for use in specific environments. With the low power profile, you get to use the scope for 10+ continuously. This way, you will be able to get the most out of the .243 round.
Besides, the scope offers a one-shot zero function which makes sighting in the scope a breeze. Elevate your hunting to greater heights with this phenomenal and versatile thermal riflescope
Features
- Lightweight
- One-shot zero
- Black-hot and white-hot modes
- Easy to mount
- Simple to use
- 10+ hours of continuous use
- Multiple reticle patterns
- Weather-resistant construction
- 90mm eye relief
- 1280×720 HD display
5) CVLIFE 3-9×40 Optics R4 Reticle Crosshair Scope
The CVLIFE 3-9×40 R4 Reticle scope is your best option if you are looking for a scope that offers excellent performance in any condition and environment. The crispness and superb image brightness make CVLIFE 3-9×40 scope one of the best 243 scopes.
It has fully multi-coated lenses that provide bright and clear images from dawn to dusk and a scratch-resistant coating that shields the external lenses from scratches and dirt.
This scope comes with a 20mm Picatinny mount that fits standard 20mm Picatinny or Weaver rails. Moreover, it boasts a user-friendly 3-9x power ring and precise windage and elevation adjustment turrets. Thanks to the fast-focus eyepiece, you will have an easy time bringing the reticle to a sharp focus, while the long eye relief helps boost your shooting confidence.
When it comes to construction, this scope has a 1-inch tube crafted from aluminum. It’s fully sealed to prevent moisture and dirt entry and nitrogen-filled to make it fogproof. Lastly, the scope has a special inner and outer structure which enhances its durability and reliability.
Features
- Fully multi-coated glass
- Scratch-resistant lens coating
- Waterproof and fogproof
- 1-inch tube
- Sturdy aluminum construction
- 3-9x magnification
- Lightweight design
- 20mm Picatinny mount
- Fast focus eyepiece
- A user-friendly 3-9x power ring
- Precise windage and elevation adjustment turrets
6) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
As one of the best scopes for 243 Winchester, the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope offers the legendary Leupold ruggedness. It has the best-in-class optics that produce high-quality sight pictures and multiple reticle patterns for use in different conditions.
The scope boasts everything you can expect from a Leupold optical instrument. For starters, it is waterproof and fogproof to deliver reliable performance in any weather condition. It has a shockproof design to stand for rugged outdoor use and scratch-resistant lenses that enhance its durability.
Another good thing about the scope is the lightweight design. It makes it easy to carry around and won’t interfere with the accuracy of your rifle. More importantly, the scope brings to the table a hunt-plex reticle that provides precise aiming points when aiming at long-distance targets, especially in poor lighting conditions.
Features
- Ultra-lightweight design
- Waterproof and fog-resistant
- Versatile 3:1 zoom ratio
- 1-inch main tube
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Advanced optical system
- 40mm objective lens
- Hunt-plex reticle
- Quick grip power selector
7) Burris Fullfield E1 3-9×40 Hunting Scope
If you are looking for the best scope for 243 Winchester for the money, the Burris Fullfield E1 3-9×40 Hunting Scope suits you. It offers a multitude of great quality features at a price that’s easy on the wallet. Plus, it performs better than other scopes in its class that are more expensive.
The power ring on this scope is easy to grip and turn, even when you are wearing gloves. The turrets are capped to prevent accidental bumps, while the adjustment knobs underneath is made to be easily accessible for easy adjustment.
With the 3-9x magnification, you can use the scope to engage targets at both close and mid ranges. Even better, the Ballistic Plex E1 reticle has cascading windage and elevation dots that you can use to improve your accuracy when engaging small targets that are far away.
Last but not least, the scope is fully rainproof, fogproof and shockproof. Overall, this is a quality yet cost-effective scope that’s well-built to give you a lifetime of field use.
Features
- 40mm objective lens
- 3-9x magnification
- SFP Ballistic Plex E1 reticle
- Rainproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Durable aluminum housing
- Parallax free
- Easy zoom
- Capped and finger-adjustable turrets
- Matte finish
- Sleek profile
8) Leupold Mark 3 HD 4-12x40mm Riflescope
If you need a rugged, precise and reliable scope for the 243 Winchester, the Mark 3 HD 4-12x40mm Riflescope from Leupold suits you. This variable power scope offers excellent low-light performance and is suitable for both mid and long-range shooting. As one of the best 243 scopes, Mark 3HD 4-12×40 riflescope gives you the competitive edge you need to conquer in the field.
It features HD lenses that provide high-quality sight pictures and an illuminated FireDot reticle with motion sensor technology for precise aiming even when the light conditions are the poorest. Furthermore, it comes complete with a low-profile power selector ring and MIL-based adjustments.
Like any other Leupold optic, the Mark 3 HD riflescope is punisher-tested to provide unprecedented ruggedness. It’s waterproof and fog-resistant for use in any weather condition and has scratch-resistant external lenses that make it ready for every hunt.
Above all, the scope disperses recoil for greater durability and comes in a lightweight design so it will be easy for you to maneuver in the field. Among the best 243 scopes, this riflescope is a force to be reckoned with both in terms of performance and longevity.
Features
- Waterproof and fogproof
- 30mm main tube
- Ultra-lightweight design
- HD lenses
- Illuminated FireDot reticle
- The low-profile power selector ring
- MIL-based adjustments.
- Scratch proof lenses
- 6061-T6 aluminum construction
- Matte finish
- Side focus adjustment
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Best 243 Scopes Buying Guide
Criteria for Choosing the Best 243 Scopes
Magnification
The 243 Winchester is a popular and versatile cartridge mainly used for hunting and target shooting. To get the most out of this cartridge, you need a scope that offers the right magnification. This will depend on what activity you will be engaged in and how far you will be shooting.
If you intend to use the scope for long-range hunting/tactical shooting, it should have a high magnification. This way you will be able to identify your targets smoothly regardless of how far they are or how small they are. Go for a scope that has at least 12x magnification.
For close and mid-range shooting, a lower magnification than 12x will be ideal. If you will be shooting up to 200 yards, a scope with 9x maximum magnification will suffice.
Construction
You will want a scope that is well-constructed as it will last long. Check on the type of material used as it determines how durable the scope is. Go for scopes that are made with aircraft-quality aluminum or magnesium alloy.
Such scopes are not only durable but also lightweight. Also, make sure that the scope you choose to buy is gas-purged to prevent the problem of internal fogging and sealed to prevent the entry of dirt and moisture.
Reticle
Different scopes have different reticle designs. If you are a beginner, go for a scope whose reticle is easy to read. This way, you will have an easy time in the field.
The other thing you should consider is whether the reticle is housed on the first focal plane or the second. For long-range shooting, an FFP reticle is the best. It stays true regardless of the magnification setting. An SFP reticle on the other hand stays the same as you zoom your target in or out. This makes it accurate at one magnification setting only.
Eye Relief
Another factor to consider is eye relief. This is the maximum distance between your eye and the scope’s eyepiece where you can see the whole sight picture. Generally, the longer the eye relief, the better, especially when you are using high-recoiling rifles. Go for a scope that boasts an eye relief of at least 3.5 inches.
Objective Lens
A large objective lens means more light is collected into the scope. This translates to better performance when hunting/shooting in low-light conditions. Most 243 Winchester scopes have an objective lens that ranges between 40mm and 50mm. If you will be using the scope in extremely low light settings, scopes with 50mm are the best. However, they are bulkier and more expensive.
Price
Price is the other important factor you should consider. With scopes, you get what you pay for. Scopes with the best-in-class features cost more than the low-tier models. And since our budgets are different, you must get the best quality scope that you can afford.
If money isn’t an object, you should look for the best scope that money can get you. On the other hand, if you are not willing to spend a huge sum of money, the are so many budget scopes that offer quality features without straining your wallet.
Read: Best 270 Winchester Scopes
Conclusion
We do hope that this post has given you insights into the best 243 scopes. Using a scope that’s designed for use with the 243 Winchester will make a big difference regardless of the shooting activity you are engaged in. Each scope listed above is quality and ideal for the 243 Winchester.