10 Best Scopes for 243 Rifles [2022 Reviews]

Capable of reaching long distances and bringing down big game with no problems, a .243 rifle is a go-to option for most hunters. But because this rifle produces a lot of power, it needs the right scope to get every bullet on target.

This is where the best scope for 243enters into action. We assembled a list of scopes that will make any .243 rifle incredibly accurate and easier to use. We talk about their advantages and best features, how they will feel on the job, and how you can get the most out of each.

Whether it is for short, mid, or long-range use – you’ll find the scopes below ideal for the job below. Check our reviews and learn why!

10 Best Scopes for 243 Reviews in 2022

A scope that requires little effort to adjust, offers exceptional image quality, and still manages to withstand the recoil of a .243 rifle – that’s what we focused on. Below, you’ll find scopes with all these features and a lot more.

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FEATURES	PRICE
	Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-12×56 Hog Hunter Riflescope	• Fully multi-coated optics • Over-sized 56 mm objective lens • Waterproof, and fog proof performance	Check Price
	Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40 Riflescope	• Unparalleled low light performance • Lightweight • Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof	Check Price
	Bushnell Banner 3-9X Dusk & Dawn Riflescope	• Multi-coated optics • 3.3 inches of eye relief • Waterproof, and fogproof	Check Price
	Pinty 4-16x40 Rifle Scope	• Fully multi-coated lens • Magnification from 4 to 16 times • Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof	Check Price
	Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44 Riflescope	• Fully multi-coated lens • Anti-reflective • Waterproof, and fogproof performance	Check Price
	UTG AccuShot 4-16x44 30mm Riflescope	• Multi Emerald Lens Coating • Magnification from 4 to 16 times • Shockproof, Fogproof and Rainproof	Check Price
	Vortex Optics Viper 6.5-20x50 Riflescope	• XR Fully Multi-Coated • Aircraft-Grade Aluminum • Waterproof, and fogproof performance	Check Price
	CVLIFE 6-24x50 Illuminated Rifle Scope	• Fully multi-coated Lens • Magnification from 6-24x • Adjustable brightness	Check Price
	Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 Riflescope	• Scratch Resistant Lenses • Lightweight • Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof	Check Price
	Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II5-25x50 Riflescope	• XR fully multi-coated lenses • Aircraft-grade aluminum construction • Waterproof and fogproof performance	Check Price

1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-12×56 Hog Hunter Riflescope

The Crossfire II from Vortex Optics comes in many different magnification levels and reticles to pick from. For a .243 rifle, however, we found the 3-12x with V-Brite reticle a perfect choice.

With such a magnification, getting your shots on target at distances of over 500 yards won’t be much of a problem. This gets even better when you consider the capped zero-reset turrets. They make windage and elevation adjustments super-easy and accurate. Add the parallax turret for even better results.

All of that works like a charm with the V-Brite reticle. It is an illuminated option for people who like to shoot in bright or extra-dark environments. You won’t lose sight of where you’re pointing.

This gets better with the anti-reflective fully multi-coated lenses. Adding up the extra brightness necessary to make accurate shots, this 56mm objective lens will make every shot a piece of cake.

You don’t have to worry about comfort either. The long eye relief and forgiving eye box will save you a lot of effort when acquiring a target. More importantly, it prevents unwanted damage from the recoil.

Despite all of that, the 30mm main tube ensures exceptional quality overall. This gets even better with rugged hard-anodized construction and a completely waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof material.

2. Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40 Riflescope

A .243 rifle demands a quality scope. And when it comes to quality, few brands offer what Leupold does. That’s why the VX-3i made it into our list as a top contender.

You will get a decent magnification at 3.5-10x. When mounted on your .243 rifle, you’ll be able to hit targets at up to 500 yards without problems. This gets even easier when you add the Duplex reticle. Such a simple reticle mounted on this straightforward scope makes it hard to miss.

This magnification and reticle work perfectly with the 1/4 MOA adjustments. The set of three capped turrets will help you adjust the aim to your desired point. Sure enough, one of these turrets is for parallax – so you get maximum adjustability.

On top of ensuring easy adjustments, the scope provides exquisite image quality. A fully multi-coated lens with DiamondCoat 2 coating will give you decent brightness even in dark environments. The Twilight Max Light Management System adds up the extra touch of illumination for low-light shooting.

Apart from being easy-to-adjust and super-clear, the scope is still one of the sturdiest. High-quality 6061-T6 aluminum construction is tested against high pressure, heavy recoils, and extreme temperatures. It withstands any situation even after years of use.

3. Bushnell Banner 3-9X Dusk & Dawn Riflescope

Few people like hunting at dawn or dusk. But those who do eventually go back home sooner and more satisfied with their hunt. Sadly, shooting in low-light scenarios is not easy – unless you have a scope line the Banner from Bushnell.

It all starts with a Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) coating added to multi-coated optics. This combination increases illumination exponentially, giving the ideal brightness so you can hunt even when the sun is hiding or just going out.

This scope still has a lot more to offer, like a 3-9x magnification. Enough for short and mid-range shots with a 40mm objective lens, you can get magnificently accurate shots at any moment.

The Multi-X reticle and the MOA windage & elevation adjustments with capped turrets make it even easier to be accurate. You can operate the scope under challenging environments with little drawback.

The dry-nitrogen fill and next-level construction ensure a fog-proof, shockproof, and waterproof scope. Wherever you are, the scope will make it a pleasant experience.

Last but not least, you get a fast-focus eyepiece and decent eye relief. Along with a gorgeous scope design all around, you’ll have nothing to complain about this model.

4. Pinty 4-16x40 Rifle Scope

Continuing with the affordable models, we now have the Pinty riflescope. At 4-16x magnification and with a 40mm objective lens, it will help you get the most out of any .243 rifle.

This power level is more than enough to make exact short, medium, and long-range shots. But while this magnification is excellent for the scope’s price, we valued the turret adjustments a lot more.

Thanks to the 1/2 MOA system, you can change windage and elevation with little to no effort. The turrets are entirely exposed with marks for straightforward changes. And if that wasn’t enough, you get a third turret for illumination changes, enjoying the 3 brightness levels for the reticle.

This reticle is a Mil-Dot. It is an excellent choice for beginners and experts alike. Considering how affordable the scop is, the addition of this reticle feels completely worth it.

Other features worth mentioning include the fully multi-coated lenses for maximum protection and light transmission. The fog-proof and shockproof construction makes it even better.

Finally, you can enjoy the Picatinny mount. Getting it on most .243 rifles will be a piece of cake. 

5. Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44 Riflescope

With a 1-inch main tube construction and a set of different magnification levels to pick from, the standard Crossfire II from Vortex is a scope not to dismiss.

For a .243 rifle, we recommend the 4-12x magnification level with the 44mm objective lens. That should be more than enough to ensure clear and bright images while shooting at any range.

It gets even better with the fully multi-coated lenses. Being completely anti-reflective while capturing maximum illumination, you’ll have no problem working in different environments.

We can’t forget about the V-Plex reticle, either. It is a practical yet straightforward second focal plane reticle for precise shooting. Whether you’re hunting or testing your aim in fields, you’ll love having this straightforward reticle.

As for the windage and elevation changes, the capped turrets come like an excellent addition. Being completely resettable, these MOA turrets will help you get your shot on target every single time.

Because Vortex cares about durability, it also added an aircraft-grade aluminum build capable of withstanding shocks, fog, and even high humidity. The nitrogen purging and O-ring seals make it one of the sturdiest scopes for your .243 rifle.

6. UTG AccuShot 4-16x44 30mm Riflescope

Decently affordable but equipped with premium features, the AccuShot from UTG makes it to our list as one of the most intuitive and practical scopes.

It all starts with the 4-16x magnification. The straightforward power selection ring and eyepiece makes the whole zooming process a piece of cake. This gets even better with the 1-click technology that lets you modify the brightness and color automatically.

What brightness and color? Well, this scope comes with the EZ-TAP system. It is an Illumination Enhancing System that lets you pick between 36 different colors to intensify brightness. When you’re shooting in low-light scenarios, this feature feels like cheating.

As for the reticle, you get a Mil-Dot. It is a decently simple option for people who want accurate shots without much work. More importantly, you get zero-resettable turrets, exposed for an effortless experience.

And because UTG doesn’t shy down in quality matters, it also adds a shockproof, fog-proof, and rainproof construction with its nitrogen-filled and sealed design. For its price, having such a level in features and build set it apart from the competition.

7. Vortex Optics Viper 6.5-20x50 Riflescope

Coming back to Vortex Optics, it is now time for a more long-range scope. We found the perfect option in the Viper. At 6.5-20x of magnification, it makes long shots much more affordable. But there’s a lot more to enjoy it.

First off, you’ll find a 50mm objective lens. The quality of the image, thanks to this lens size, is outstanding. But the real advantage comes from the fully multi-coated lenses on the extra-low dispersion (XD) glass. The level of crispness and sharpness will be exceptional.

Second, it comes with an outstanding Mil-Dot MOA reticle. Paired up with capped reset turrets, you can enjoy super-quick and smooth changes when aiming. More importantly, you get a parallax knob so you can focus even faster. The fast-focus eyepiece and MAG-Bar make the adjustment even easier.

And third, you can find the aircraft-grade aluminum construction to be unbeatable. A single-piece tube increases the waterproof capacity and overall sturdiness while still preventing any kind of shock and fog damage.

If you’relookingfor a scope that makes any .243 rifle more accurate without wasting a single cent, you should go no further than this.

8. CVLIFE 6-24x50 Illuminated Rifle Scope

If you don’t care about getting a budget scope, then you’ll love the Illuminated 6-24x model from CVLIFE. Despite its cheapness, this scope performs well enough for most shots at short, mid, and even longer ranges.

The objective diameter is 50mm. That’s big enough to handle sufficient brightness at any moment. It still boasts decent coatings, adding up extra clarity to the image.

An illuminated reticle in red and green is incredibly practical as well. If you’re shooting in dark places, you’ll love having the chance to turn the reticle on.

For the cost, it still makes adjustments easy. The exposed turrets make it easy to place the reticle in the right place. More importantly, you get a zero-reset feature for even more practical adjustments.

One exciting part of the scope is the dioptric eyepiece. It will help you adjust the scope to people who have slight visual problems. Along with the long eye relief, it works like a charm for most people.

On top of everything else, the scope is a piece of cake to mount. It doesn’t matter what .243 rifle you’re using. Whether it has Picatinny or Weaver rails, this scope will fit like a gem.

9. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 Riflescope

It is not a mistake to think of Leupold as one of the best brands in the riflescope market. When you consider models like the VX-Freedom, you realize why.

Designed to meet even the highest standards on the shooting range or in the wild, this scope with 3-9x magnification doesn’t leave a single thing to be desired.

At 40mm of objective lens diameter, it is large enough to meet both mid and long-range shots with total clarity. But it is the Twilight Light Management system that truly stands out, adding the extra touch of brightness for shooting late in the noon or early in the morning with no problem.

Leupold doesn’t hold back in ease of use either, adding up a Duplex CDS reticle so you can aim faster and more efficiently. This matches well with the addition of 1/4 MOA adjustment turrets. A set of capped but practical turrets.

As for construction, you get a 6061-T6 aluminum with aircraft-grade composition, tested to withstand extreme temperatures, high pressures, and any kind of impact. Add the scratch-resistant lenses, and you’ll never experience a single distortion on the scope.

10. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II5-25x50 Riflescope

An almost perfect addition to a .243 rifle would be the Viper PST Gen II from Vortex. This scope boasts an excitingly durable build, effortless adjustments, and a convenient design all around that every premium scope should have.

It all starts with the 5-25x magnification. For people who want to get their shots at over 1,000 yards with a .243, they’ll find this scope ideal.

The 50mm magnification adds up to this capacity. It increases the chances of accurate aim, ensuring next-level brightness and clarity. The extra-low dispersion (XD) glass makes the image even clearer, preventing any type of distortion while shooting.

As for the reticle, you’ll find the EBR-2C or the EBR-7C. You can also pick between MOA or MRAD as preferred. Either way, you’ll enjoy an FFP reticle that adjusts to the power level.

Also, you’ll have the chance to shoot accurately with proper adjustments. Thanks to the laser-etched turrets, these adjustments will be a piece of cake. These turrets also boast an RZR Zero Stop, a fiber-optic rotation indicator, and a parallax turret. You’ll have almost no limit in accuracy with this scope.

Despite all of that, you’ll find the construction of the scope fantastic with aircraft-grade aluminum, O-ring seals, and argon purging. Add the Armortek coatings for a scratch and oil resistant glass.

How to Choose the Ideal Scope for a .243 Rifle

The reviews above come with every piece of information necessary to get a scope for your .243 rifle. But we didn’t explain some of these features well enough. If you aren’t familiar with some of the concepts, there’s a high chance you’ll get confused.

That’s we’ve decided to explain all these factors below. If you’re genuinely interested in the best scope for 243, then you’ll check this guide:

Magnification

There’s probably nothing more important than the magnification or power level. While evident for most people, this refers to how much you can zoom in with the scope. The higher the number of magnifications, the closer you can get to the target.

For a .243 rifle, you’ll want a scope that is comfortable to use in the short-range (under 150 yards), easy to adjust to mid-range distances (150 to 500 yards), and still able to work on long-range shots (over 500 yards).

For that, you’ll want to go for no less than 9x magnification at the maximum level. Some scopes will reach 24x of magnification or even more. This is not necessarily useless on a .243 rifle, but you don’t need that much.

Preferably, you should stay within a 3x to 12x of power level. That should be more than enough to help you go from short range to long-range in a few adjustments without losing sight of the target.

Reticle

Apart from the magnification level, you want a reticle that makes it easy to place your aim on the target. This factor, however, is more about what you genuinely prefer above everything else.

If we were to recommend one reticle for a .243 rifle, we would go for the simplest ones. This includes Duplex reticles and their variants (Truplex and V-Plex). But you can also consider BDC and Mil-Dot for a slightly more complex alternative.

One thing about reticles is that you need to pick between second focal plane (SFP) and first focal plane (FFP).

The SFP reticle will adjust itself to the magnification, so it always looks the same. This is an excellent choice for beginners. If you want a bit more complexity that you can take advantage of with experience, then you’ll appreciate an FFP.

Lastly, consider whether you want an illuminated or standard reticle. Illumination can be beneficial in low-light scenarios.

Objective Lens

The part of the scope where the light goes in. This part is measured in millimeters (mm). The bigger it is, the more light that will go into the lens, so the clearer and brighter it will be.

For a .243 rifle, you’ll want a scope of no less than 40mm in diameter. You’re likely to hunt at different time ranges, so something large enough to provide decent brightness will be ideal. If you can go for 50mm or more in diameter, then that would be even better.

Don’t forget about the right coatings, either. We recommend fully multi-coated lenses for the best results. But some models come with management systems for low-light environments like dusk or dawn and similar features.

Turret Adjustments

Depending on how smooth and easy-to-use the turrets are, your experience will the scope will change. You’ll generally want to go for zero-reset turrets that can hold the elevation and windage adjustments more easily.

Apart from that, you’ll want to choose between exposed and capped turrets. Capped are low-profile. They often have no markings on the turret to save space. If you prefer markings and more understandable turrets, then you’ll appreciate exposed ones.

Just like reticles, this is more about personal preference. But if there’s a type of turret we recommend, it is the one that also lets you adjust and turn off parallax.

Construction

Because most .243 rifles have moderate recoil, you’ll want a scope that can handle every shot without a problem. For that, you’ll want a shockproof scope with quality construction. Other factors worth having include a waterproof and fog-proof build with seals and nitrogen or gas purging.

Anodized or matte finishes that prevent any type of scratch are also worth having. Also, consider lens coating that prevents unwanted damage from dirt, dust, or even fingers themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Even though we tried covering all the critical info about scopes for .243 rifles above, we left a thing or two out. In this section, we may answer these dismissed factors.

What is a .243 rifle good for?

Also called the .308 Little Brother, the .243 Winchester is an excellent hunting machine. In contrast with larger cartridges like the .308, for example, this one works for varmint hunting. But because it is large enough, it can also work for deer and bucks.

Apart from that, it offers top-notch ballistics, so it works for aim testing. And thanks to how light it feels compared to larger cartridges and rifles, the .243 is also a comfortable option for tactical uses.

Why do you need a good scope for a .243 rifle?

Nothing matters more than not wasting your time or bullets while hunting. With a .243 rifle that produces a lot of noise, a scope that makes you miss will be a waste of power, time, and money. For that, you’ll want a scope like the ones above. Even the cheapest one will be good enough for your rifle.

Are scopes for .243 rifles expensive?

If you check our reviews, you’ll notice some of the scopes to be extremely budget-friendly. In case you can’t spend much money right now, these affordable scopes will an excellent addition to your arsenal. Still, don’t expect affordable .243 riflescopes to last a lifetime or come with tons of features.

Is a .243 rifle ideal for beginners?

Compared to .308 rifles that can bring down bears and larger game, rifles with .243 cartridges are an excellent choice for newbies. Even though these rifles are light and mild enough for decently accurate shooting with little experience, you will still need the right scope.

Do I need long eye relief with a .243 rifle?

The recoil of a .243 rifle is not too hard. Producing only 9 pounds of recoil on average, you can fare well with 3.5-inch eye relief. Most scopes for this kind of rifle usually have over 4 inches of eye relief.

Can I shoot at 1,000 yards with a .243 rifle?

Yes. Even though the bullet drop and wind impact will be exponential, it is still possible to shoot accurately, even at 1,000 yards or more. For that kind of shooting, however, you’ll need at least 12x magnification.

Conclusion

After this long article and comprehensive reviews, we hoped you’ve learned enough to pick the best scope for 243and get on with your shooting right away.

Be aware that if you’re truly in search of a scope that makes accurate shots, you’ll have to consider your preferences enormously. As long as you’re comfortable and know what you’re doing, shooting accurately with a .243 rifle will be a piece of cake, regardless of the scope you pick. With this in mind, it’s time to make your pick. Choose one from our scopes above, and you’ll have a blast in your next hunting session – trust us!