The 30-30 Winchester is a notable cartridge for deer and hog hunting. When paired with the right scope, 30-30 Bolt action rifles deliver stunning results. If you are looking for the best 30/30 scopes for bolt action rifles, you have come to the right place.
We have rounded up a selection of highly efficient rifle scopes to help you find a perfect solution to a successful hunt. Mount a rifle scope on your firearm and enjoy crisp and clear images for a rewarding hunting experience.
Bolt action rifles are widely used for hunting. They are powerful enough to deliver a lethal kill when hunting various types of game including varmints, deer and any other big or medium-sized game.
Any 30/30 round that is chambered in a bolt action rifle will highly benefit from a good scope. When hunting, a quality scope will provide a large field of view and help you find and acquire targets effortlessly. Additionally, a good scope will boost your speed of target acquisition and make your hunting pursuits more competitive.
What Makes a Great Scope for Bolt Action Rifles
Many attributes make a great scope for bolt action rifles and the first one is broad magnification power. A scope with a variable and wide zoom power gives users the flexibility to take shots across different distances.
Since bolt actions are majorly used for hunting, the scope should have a large objective lens to draw in more light and enhance low-light performance. It should also have solid lens coatings that enhance light transmission and limit glare.
The other attributes that the best 30/30 scopes for bolt action rifles have include:
- A sturdy and well-built body to withstand rough handling
- Wide field of view for easy target finding
- Long eye relief to enhance glassing comfort with or without eyeglasses
- A main tube that is fully waterproof, fog proof and dustproof
- Lightweight construction for convenient portability
5 Best 30/30 Scopes for Bolt Action Rifles
With the plethora of rifle scopes available on the market today, finding the ideal 30/30 scope for your bolt action rifle can end up being overwhelming. If you are having a difficult time finding the right scope for your needs, here are the best models to choose from. Let’s have a look.
1) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm SFP Rifle Scope
Vortex, a renowned brand in the optics industry makes premium-quality and cost-effective rifle scopes and the Crossfire II 2-7x32mm SFP Rifle Scope is not any different. It offers the best balance of value and performance to be one of the best 30/30 scopes for bolt action rifles.
The scope boasts a variable 2-7x zoom power for close to medium-range use. It offers a spacious field of view for rapid target finding at close ranges and quick target acquisition for distant targets.
Furthermore, the scope employs a Dead-Hold BDC reticle that is put on the second focal plane. With an eyepiece that makes it easier to keep the targets in focus and superior glass for pristine images, you have the opportunity to take accurate shots every time.
Optically, the scope features fully multi-coated lenses to ensure excellent light transmission and minimal glare and internal loss of light. This maximizes the brightness and clarity of the sight pictures from sunrise to sunset.
Furthermore, Vortex made the scope with durability in mind. It boasts a rugged construction to withstand recoil and impacts. The scope is also sealed against dust and moisture, and filled with an inert gas to be fog-resistant.
Choose the Crossfire II 2-7x32mm rifle scope for close to medium range encounters with your 30-30 rifle and see the difference quality glass makes on the field. This highly efficient rifle scope has the grit to get the job done and allows you to take on any hunt with confidence. Surely, it’s one of the best 30/30 scopes for bolt action rifles.
Features
- 1-inch main tube
- Second focal plane reticle
- Anti-reflective fully multi-coated lenses
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Capped, finger-adjustable turrets.
Pros
- Ultra-long eye relief
- Lightweight and durable
- Easy to use
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Poor low-light visibility
- Non-illuminated reticle
2) EOTech Vudu 1-6x24mm Precision Rifle Scope
The EOTech Vudu 1-6x24mm is a high-end rifle scope built with avid hunters and gun enthusiasts in mind. This rifle scope is packed with a ton of impressive features to be the ultimate optical solution for close and medium-range shooting and hunting. It’s a perfect addition to the .30-30 bolt action rifles.
Weighing a mere weight of 20.1 oz, the scope is ultra-light for easy carrying in the field. The lightweight design scatters the recoil bolt action rifles emit to add durability. Other than that, the scope boasts broadband anti-reflection lens coatings to increase image brightness and clarity in almost all lighting conditions.
The scope has its reticle put on the first focal plane and illuminated to be visible in less-than-ideal lighting environments. It also comes with an EZ check zero stop feature that ensures an easy return to the initial no matter the number of elevations made.
Construction-wise, the scope features a durable 30mm body tube that is built ready for hunting. This tube is waterproof for use in any weather conditions and submersible to 1m for added protection when it accidentally falls in the water.
Features
- 1-6x variable magnification
- Broadband anti-reflection lens coatings
- 30mm body tube
- Waterproof construction
- First focal plane reticle
- XC high-density glass
- EZ check zero stop feature
Pros
- Illuminated reticle
- Lightweight construction
- Quick throw lever
- Solidly built to last long
- Crisp clear optics
Cons
- Mounting rings not included
- Expensive
3) SIG SAUER Tango 1-4x24mm FFP Rifle Scope
When you need an optic to survey hunting grounds for targets clearly, the Tango 1-4×24 is the solution. As one of the best 30/30 scopes for bolt action rifles, SIG SAUER Tango 1-4x24mm rifle scope creates an advanced shooting experience for all shooters, beginners, professionals, and anyone in the middle. It is simple to operate and feature-packed with everything a shooter needs to sharpen their skills.
This rifle scope is built to offer unrivaled durability. It has a 30mm body tube made from high-quality materials to enhance durability. On top of that, it is IPX-7 rated against water, dust and any debris that can damage the optics. It is also fogproof to maintain a clear field of view in all weather conditions.
Another outstanding feature of the scope is the optical performance. Built with low-dispersion glass, the scope provides industry-leading optical clarity even in critically poor hunting environments. This way, the hunter can survey the hunting fields clearly and leave nothing undiscovered.
Moreover, the scope has an illuminated reticle to increase the contrast between the target and the reticle in the low light settings. The illumination of the reticle is motion-activated to extend the battery life and keep the scope ready for action.
Features
- 30mm single-piece main tube
- Fully waterproof and fogproof
- An illuminated first focal plane illuminated
- Motion activated illumination
- Low dispersion glass
- 1-4x variable magnification power
Pros
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Great illuminated reticle
- Decent price
Cons
- Short eye relief
4) Atibal XP6 Mirage 1-6x24mm FFP Rifle Scope
The Atibal XP6 Mirage 1-6x24mm is another exceptionally rugged and accurate rifle scope ideal for 30/30 bolt action rifles. It is a great scope for a wide range of hunting applications as well as 3-gun competition shooting.
This rifle scope is built on a 30mm single-piece main tube with 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum. The quality construction guarantees many years of field use as well as reliable performance even in the most unforgiving conditions. On top of that, the scope is shockproof and operable in temperatures spanning from -22 to 122℉.
To ensure easy aiming in low light settings, the scope has an illuminated reticle that is housed on the second focal plane. Additionally, it is built with fully multi-coated optics to maximize light transmission in low-light conditions and yield quality and detail-rich image views.
For added convenience, the Atibal XP6 Mirage 1-6x24mm rifle scope has a long 4” eye relief that ensures comfortable glassing even for eyeglass wearers. It also comes with low-profile turrets that are capped to prevent accidental adjustment and a lightweight design for maneuverability and convenience.
Features
- Water, fog and shockproof construction
- Low-profile capped turrets
- Front focal plane reticle
- 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum housing
- 30mm main tube
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 1-6x adjustable magnification power
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Lightweight and durable
- A reticle that is illuminated and easy to use
- Bright and quality glass
5) Primary Arms SLx Series 1-6 x 24mm Rifle Scope
If you are looking for a budget scope for your bolt action rifle, look no further than the Primary Arms SLx Series 1-6 x 24mm Rifle Scope. This rifle scope is reasonably affordable but it doesn’t cut any corners on durability, quality, and functionality.
Built with a variable 1-6x magnification power, the scope is ideal for close to medium-range hunting and shooting. It provides a massive field of view at close ranges and rapid target acquisition for distant targets. Additionally, it maintains clear and quality sight pictures at each zoom setting to ensure easy identification of targets.
Regarding construction, the scope has a 30mm main tube made from 6063 aluminum. The quality construction makes it ready for use in any hunting environment. Moreover, the entire tube is sealed and filled with a dry inert gas to offer total reliability irrespective of what Nature has in store for your hunting.
Another feature that makes this optic one of the best 30/30 scopes for bolt action rifles is optical finesse. It has fully multi-coated lenses that yield stunningly bright and clear image views from dawn to dusk. The scope also boasts an illuminated rear focal plane reticle that is optimized for use in low-light environments.
Features
- 1-6x magnification power
- Hard anodized finish
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- A second focal plane ACSS reticle
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Ruggedized 6063 aluminum housing
- 30mm main tube
Pros
- Reticle illumination
- Lightweight design
- Durable finish
- Holds zero well
- Excellent glass quality
Cons
- Stiff zoom dial
Further Reading
- Best Scopes for 220 Swift
- Crossbow Scopes for Hunting
- Best Scopes for 300 Yards
- Best Leupold Scopes for 30-30
Criteria for Choosing Best 30/30 Scopes for Bolt Action Rifles
Magnification Power
You will want to have a scope that covers the range you will be shooting at with ease. Since bolt action rifles are great for close to medium-range use, a variable power scope with a moderate zoom power of up to 9x will do. Factor in the kind of shooting you will be using the scope for then choose the right zoom power depending on how far you will be shooting.
Durability
Durability is an essential feature that a scope should have. The best 30/30 scopes for bolt action rifles have chassis made from aluminum alloy or magnesium alloy. Such materials offer outstanding durability without adding any unnecessary bulk.
Read: Best Burris Hunting Scopes
Weight
The next important feature to look at is weight. Getting a heavy and bulky scope will not only be uncomfortable to carry around, but the heavyweight can affect the rifle’s precision.
To avoid that, look for a lightweight and durable scope that weighs not more than 2 pounds. Lightweight scopes are not only portable but also simple to mount and use.
Weatherproof
Irrespective of whether you intend to use the scope for hunting or competitive shooting. ensure that it is built for use in all weather conditions. The optical tube should be sealed against moisture, dust and debris. On top of that, the internal optics should be filled with an inert gas to drive out internal moisture and keep the optics fog free.
Eye Relief
In rifle scope, eye relief plays an important role in determining how comfortable the glassing sessions will be.
The best 30/30 scopes for bolt action rifles have a long eye relief of at least 3.5 inches. This guarantees comfortable use of the scope even for eyeglasses wearers. Long eye relief is also important in ensuring the safe use of the scope even with heavy recoil.
Read: Best Leupold Scopes for 444 Marlin
Best 30/30 Scopes FAQs
Q: What Size Scope Should I Put on a 30-30?
30-30 rifles require a moderate power rifle scope as they are widely used for close to medium-range shooting.
Majorly, your individual needs and the distance you intend to shoot at will determine which scope size you get. But on average, a variable power scope with less than 9x maximum magnification will be sufficient.
Q: Should You Put a Scope on a 30/30 Bolt Action Rifle?
Yes. Getting a scope for the 30/30 bolt action rifle is the best way to push this rifle to its full potential.
A good scope will also boost your shooting confidence and increase your odds of taking accurate shots at distant targets.
Q: What is the 30/30 Bolt Action Rifle Good For?
The 30/30 bolt action rifle is a flat and lightweight rifle that offers fast handling during use. It is primarily designed for hunting applications where it is perfect for hunting virtually all game no matter the size. However, the rifle is also useful for pest control, recreational shooting and home defense.
Read: Best 350 Legend BDC Scopes
Conclusion
The 30/30 bolt action rifles rule in the hunting world and there is no better way to make your hunting trips successful than to have a quality scope at your disposal.
All the rifle scopes we have mentioned above pair well with this rifle and are great for a ton of hunting applications.
Hopefully, the information in this post has steered you in the right direction and you are now able to find the scope that is most ideal for your needs.