Best 243 Scopes – 2020 Buyer’s Guide

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243 cartridges enable you to experiment with diverse types of hunting. But, you need a competitive 243 scope to help you take the right aim and shoot the cartridge.

The right 243 scope can make a true difference in shooting by improving your range. This is why we have reviewed the best 243 scopes below.

If you’re also looking for one, here’s all you need to know. 

Comparison of the Best 243 Scopes

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Sleek, lightweight, and easily portable
  • Generous eye relief for better long-term use
  • Fogproof to perform in even bad weather
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  • Convenient finger-adjustable windage
  • Manufactured to work in any weather
  • Knobs are easily adjustable
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  • Best for the Money
  • Durable and hardy design
  • Offers 9 times zoom
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  • Best Nikon 243 Scope
  • Shockproof and waterproof
  • Equipped layers of anti-reflective compounds
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  • Built-in integral sunshade to improve aiming
  • Rainproof and shockproof
  • Quality flip-open lens caps
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Can You Really Find a Quality 243 Scope That’s Affordable?

Yes, you can find a high quality 243 scope at an affordable price. Many brands focus on quality and customer satisfaction. So, they have a very affordable price for their 243 scopes. 

There is a general belief that all good things come at a price. Well, most of the time, it is true. 

But, you can get amazing products at moderate prices too. You just have to be sure of the specifications that you need and where to look for. Then you can easily get an affordable yet amazing 243 scope for your next shooting adventure. 

What Makes a Great 243 Scope?

There are several 243 scopes on the market that claim to be reliable. But only some of them are good when it comes to using them. Here is what distinguishes great 243 scopes from mediocre ones.

Durable Construction

The best 243 scopes have high-quality construction and last for a long time. After all, no one likes to invest in a flimsy and poorly built scope. So, you should choose units that have better construction and reliable warranty. 

Adjustability

Adjustability and versatility make a great difference when it comes to 243 scopes. You need to aim at the game from different distances, so the scope should be able to adjust accordingly. 

Compatibility

While investing in a scope, you have to be sure of its compatibility with your rifle. The size and positioning should also complement that of a regular 243 rifle. This helps in shooting without having to care about the scope falling off or giving up on you.

Accuracy

Accuracy matters a lot when you are out there, taking an aim. This is why a scope that helps you identify the right angle and distance is the best one. The trajectory should also be accurately predicted to have a perfect shot. 

Review of the Best 243 Scopes

We have already told you what to look for when choosing a 243 scope. Now, here are some of the best models that we have come across. These are reviewed below so that you can find the right pick!

Best Overall:
Vortex Optics Razor HD

Pros

  • Effective eye relief due to the eye box
  • XR coatings provide sharp resolution
  • Streamlined frame with superior optics
  • Scratch and dirt resistance with Armortek coatings
  • Extra-low light dispersion with effective transmission

Cons

  • Fogs up slightly during rain

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers are quite pleased with this 243 scope as they had hassle-free shooting with it. They love it for the accuracy of trajectory prediction and clarity. They also like it due to its sleek and stylish construction.

Why It Stands Out to Us

We have rewarded it as the best overall 243 scopes because of its superior construction. The streamlined body does not cause any difficulty in handling your rifle or shooting. It also helps in changing the aim settings without having to put down your rifle.

Moreover, this scope has Armortex coating on it, which actively resists dirt and scratches. This keeps the scope new and damage-free for years.

Furthermore, it has a very sharp resolution that provides a clear vision. The scope also has a minimum possible light dispersion, which improves the accuracy of aim. The XR coating is another great feature as it enhances resolution as well.

Bottom Line

All in all, this 243 scope is a complete package with a lightweight frame and low light dispersion. It also has an eye box, which brings higher eye relief to you. So, choose this one and have fun shooting with your buddies and beating them with better aim.

Runner-up:
Sightron SIH Series 3-9x40

Pros

  • Has a fast focus eyeball
  • Multiple coatings to protect the lens
  • High weather resistance of the frame
  • Elevation has easy finger adjustments
  • All-black body with a streamlined design

Cons

  • Bullet holes appear a little fuzzy

What Recent Buyers Report

People who purchased this Sightron 243 scope lately loved it for the ease of shooting. They found it easy to adjust the elevation and windage of the scope without taking any pause from shooting. They also like its accuracy and overall construction.

Why It Stands Out to Us

The fast focus eyeball in this scope helps it stand out the most to us. It has better eye relief and quicker aim due to this fast focus eyeball. The scope has an all-black frame which has high durability. The streamlined design increases the ease of range improvement even further.

Other than these, there is high weather resistance in its construction. So, you do not have to worry about shooting in extremely cold or hot weather. Furthermore, it has well-protected lenses that keep your vision sharp and clear.

Bottom Line

Summing up, this is one of the best 243 scopes that you can go for at present. It has all the right specs that a hunter loves in scopes for long-distance shooting. It has a better light transmission to keep your shooting accuracy too. What else can one ask for?

Best for the Money:
Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn

Pros

  • Multi-coated DDB lenses
  • Reliable low light working
  • HD clarity with quality optics
  • 12-inch long with 3.3-inch eye relief
  • Provides a magnification range of 3x-9x

Cons

  • Feels heavier than other 243 scopes

What Recent Buyers Report

This Bushnell scope has become a favorite of many hunters across the globe. Buyers are quite happy with its day and night performance, which stays equally amazing. Its construction quality also impresses the people who have used it recently.

Why It Stands Out to Us

It catches our eye with the multi-coated DDB lens. It has impressive performance in all light conditions due to dusk and dawn brightness lens. The scope is 12 inches long and sits perfectly on all 243 rifles. It also has a 3.3-inch long eye relief, which helps you keep aiming without eye fatigue.

Moreover, this scope comes with a practical range of magnification. With 3x to 9x magnification, it helps in minimizing the chances of missed shots. Thus, this is an incredible 243 scope that has both amazing construction and working.

Bottom Line

Considering its features and price, we have found it to be the right choice for a diverse range of people. Its lenses have HD clarity, which helps in increasing the quality of shooting. Hence, going for it can be a wise choice for everyone who uses 243 rifles.

Best Nikon 243 Scope:
Nikon Buckmasters II

Pros

  • Changeable range of shooting
  • Lightweight at only one pound
  • Anti-reflective coating on the lenses
  • Easier configuration with positive click reticle
  • Optimum light transmission during day and night

Cons

  • Lesser protection to shock

What Recent Buyers Report

This scope has hit home with many hunters with its incredible performance. They like its light transmission quality, which minimizes any chances of light dispersion. The buyers appreciate its ease of settings as well.

Why It Stands Out to Us

The Nikon Buckmaster scope makes it to our list with its easier configuration and simplicity of design. It has a positive-click reticle on it, which helps in changing trajectory and elevation. Fingertip windage is another important feature as it helps in settings too.

Moreover, the scope has a changeable range of shooting, so you can adjust it according to the game. An anti-reflective coating on the lenses helps in avoiding glare from sunlight. It is also very lightweight and easy to position on a rifle.

Bottom Line

The bottom line on this scope is that it brings versatility to your shooting. It has a lightweight construction and an anti-reflective coat on the lenses. Both of these make this the right choice for you if you love hunting.

Editor's Pick:
UTG 30MM AccuShot 4-16X44

Pros

  • High SWAT parallax adjustment
  • Multi-color mode for all light conditions
  • High lens protection with nitrogen filling
  • Precise aim with 1/4 MOA per click adjustment
  • Quick power selector ring with 4x to 16x power

Cons

  • Has a higher price than others

What Recent Buyers Report

Hunters report that this scope has been a nice addition to their collections. They found it great in terms of aim and distance estimates. Buyers have also given positive feedback about the visual clarity of the lenses.

Why It Stands Out to Us

It has gained our attention with its power selector ring, which transitions power between 4x and 16x. It has flip-open lens caps that keep the lens safe when the scope is not in use. The coating and nitrogen filling of the lens protects it from scratches, shocks, and weather.

Furthermore, it has a built-in sunshade, which keeps the light intact even on bright sunny days. The multi-color mode is another excellent feature that keeps it functional in all light conditions.

Bottom Line

In our opinion, it is a great 243 scope with quick power transitions. It has a Side wheel adjustable turret (SWAT) in it, which stabilizes parallax. It also gives high accuracy with the help of 1/4 MOA per click adjustment. So, it can be an amazing scope if you do not have any affordability issues.

What Are The Best Uses for a 243?

A 243 scope can be put to many uses when you fix it on your 243 rifles. Let’s have a look at some of the major perks of buying one. 

Long Distance Aiming

A 243 scope improves the range of aim for you as it has superior magnification. Most of them have a range of 1000 yards, so you get a better aim. 

Fog Proof Shooting

Most of the hunters complain of excessive fog while shooting in the wilderness. It leads to poor aim and missed shots. But, a fog-proof 243 scope resolves this issue quite effectively. There is no mist or moisture on the scope even in heavy fog, so shooting gets more accurate. 

Consistent Performance

There is an improved light transmission in 243 scopes, helping you have a better vision. This brings more consistency in your shooting performance throughout the day. 

Eye Relief

Well, there is no need of straining your eyes while you are using a 243 scope. This prevents the fatigue that your eyes experience after a game day. 

People Also Ask

People who are fond of hunting are very particular when it comes to hunting accessories. This is why they often ask questions about 243 scopes as well. Here are the answers to those questions to help them clear all ambiguities.  

Is 243 a Good All Around Caliber?

Yes, 243 is a good all-around caliber with its velocity and range. It is great for all rifle rounds, whether it is for deer hunters or for bigger game. So, you can use it for almost all the caliber round rifles.  

What is the Effective Range of a 243 Rifle?

A 243 rifle has an impressive range of 1000 yards, which is equivalent to that of a 6.5-284. It makes it suitable for hunting and other forms of shooting. So, you can take it along when you go for your next adventure as it has a better range than many of its rivals. 

Which is Better 243 or 6.5 Creedmoor?

243 and 6.5 Creedmoor both have amazing range and trajectory. The former has a flatter trajectory than the latter under 500 yards. But, beyond 500 yards, 6.5 Creedmoor has a better trajectory. So, your range determines which one will be better for you.

Is .308 the Same as 243?

The .308 is the same as 243 in most regards, even in terms of range. 243 has a better trajectory and greater diameter as compared to .308. However, the latter has a higher resistance to wind and has more energy. Apart from these minor details, both deliver the same hunting experience. 

What is the Highest Grain Bullet for a 243?

243 rifles have bullets ranging from 55 grains to 115 grains in terms of weight. Still, the most stable grain for these rifles comes at 100-gr. 

Conclusion

To sum it up, a 243 scope can improve your hunting experience marginally. But, you have to be careful when buying one to make the most out of it. So, keep in mind the points that we have discussed above while you are making your purchase.

Other Scope Buyer Guides

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