Best Scope for 270 Rifles Buying Guide 2023

Renowned among hunters and shooters as the epitome of versatility, the Winchester 270 caliber stands tall as a top-choice big game cartridge. Its flat shooting ballistics and impressive knock-down power at extended distances have earned it a well-deserved reputation. As an enthusiast who encounters a myriad of 270-related inquiries, it comes as no surprise that one question resonates prominently: what is the ultimate Best Scope for 270 Rifles?

Delving into history, the .270 cartridges were initially developed by Winchester back in 1923, although they officially hit the market in 1925. Designed specifically for the bolt-action model 54, this ammunition soon captured the hearts of avid hunters seeking unmatched performance and accuracy.

Navigating the realm of bullet weight, caliber considerations, and optimal ammunition is no small feat. However, choosing the perfect scope to complement the capabilities of your cherished 270 rifle is equally critical. In this comprehensive guide, we unveil a curated selection of the best scopes tailored to elevate your shooting experience and unlock the full potential of your Winchester 270. Join us as we explore the finest optics the market offers and discover the ideal scope to make every shot count.

How Does a Scope Work?

Before we jump into the specifics of choosing a scope, let’s understand the fundamental workings of a scope. A typical rifle scope consists of three main parts:

• Objective Lens: This is the scope’s front lens responsible for gathering light. A larger objective lens allows more light transmission, resulting in a brighter and clearer image.
• Erector System: The erector system is a series of lenses that work together to adjust and magnify the incoming light to create a focused image.
• Ocular System: The ocular lens at the rear of the scope allows you to view the image formed by the objective lens and the erector system. It often includes adjustable features like eye relief and diopter settings for personalized comfort.

Buyer’s Guide For Best Scope for 270 Rifles

Scope Magnification Power

The ideal magnification power for a .270 rifle scope depends on the intended use. For general hunting purposes, a scope with a magnification range between 3x to 9x or 4x to 12x should suffice. If you need more versatility for long-range shooting, consider scopes with higher magnification ranges like 8x to 34x.

Eye Relief

Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the ocular lens, where you can see the whole field without any blackouts or scope shadow. For a .270 rifle, a minimum of 3.5 inches of eye relief is recommended to prevent recoil-related injuries.

Scope Focal Plane

Scopes come in two main focal plane types: First Focal Plane (FFP) and Second Focal Plane (SFP). FFP scopes adjust the reticle size along with the target when changing magnification, providing precise holdover and ranging at any magnification level. SFP scopes keep the reticle size constant and are more suitable for consistent impact points at a specific magnification.

Scope Tube Size

The most common scope tube sizes are 1 inch and 30mm. The larger 30mm tubes offer more room for internal adjustments, providing more significant elevation and windage adjustments.

Glass Quality and Reticle

High-quality glass ensures better light transmission and clarity. Look for multi-coated or fully multi-coated lenses to reduce glare and maximize brightness. Regarding reticles, choose one that suits your shooting preferences, such as BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) or Mil-Dot reticles for long-range shooting.

Turrets

Turrets are the adjustment knobs on the scope that control elevation and windage. Consider scopes with tactile and audible clicks for precise adjustments, and look for models with zero-reset turrets for easy zeroing.

Weather Proofness

Ensure the scope is nitrogen-purged or argon-purged and O-ring sealed to be fog-proof and waterproof, providing reliable performance in various weather conditions.

Light Transmission

Opt for scopes with higher light transmission rates, preferably 90% or more, as they deliver clearer images, especially during low-light conditions.

Budget, Price, and Warranty

Set a budget that suits your needs and expectations. Remember that a scope is a long-term investment, so opt for a reputable brand with a good warranty for added peace of mind.

Now, let’s review some of the top scopes for .270 rifles:

1. Vortex Optics 3-9×40 Viper Riflescope

The Vortex Optics 3-9×40 Viper Riflescope is a versatile choice for various shooting applications, from hunting to target shooting. Its 3-9x magnification range offers flexibility for both close and mid-range engagements. Equipped with fully multi-coated lenses, this scope provides excellent light transmission and delivers clear, high-contrast images. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle aids in quick holdovers and wind drift corrections.

With a generous 3.1 inches of eye relief, the Viper ensures a comfortable shooting experience, even with heavy recoiling rifles. The wide field of view allows for better situational awareness and target acquisition. The capped resettable turrets allow for easy zeroing and quick adjustments in the field. The tactile clicks ensure precise and audible adjustments for elevation and windage.

Thanks to its quality glass and coatings, the Viper Riflescope provides sharp and vibrant images, making target identification and shooting at varying distances effortless. Being a Second Focal Plane (SFP) scope, the reticle remains the same size regardless of the magnification level, ensuring familiarity and ease of use.

The 1-inch tube diameter keeps the scope lightweight and easy to mount on various rifles without adding unnecessary bulk. Built to withstand harsh conditions, the Viper is nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, making it fog-proof, waterproof, and dust-resistant.

With its lightweight design, the Vortex Optics 3-9×40 Viper Riflescope is an excellent choice for hunters and shooters who value versatility and rugged performance.

Key Specifications:

• Magnification: 3-9x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
• Eye Relief: 3.1 inches
• Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
• Tube Size: 1 inch
• Glass Quality: Fully multi-coated
• Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
• Turrets: Capped resettable turrets
• Weatherproof: Yes
• Light Transmission: 95%

Pros:

• Clear and sharp image quality
• Fast focus eyepiece
• Durable construction
• Reliable tracking and repeatability

Cons:

• Slight distortion at high magnification

2. Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x50mm Riflescope

The Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x50mm Riflescope offers exceptional versatility, making it an excellent choice for long-range shooting and hunting scenarios. With Leupold’s Twilight Max Light Management System and fully multi-coated lenses, this scope delivers superior light transmission, resulting in clear, bright images in low-light conditions. The available Duplex or CDS reticle options cater to different shooting preferences.

The VX-3i boasts a comfortable 3.7-4.4 inches eye relief and a generous field of view, ensuring comfort and situational awareness. Featuring finger-click adjustments, the covered turrets are precise and easy to use. The CDS (Custom Dial System) allows shooters to customize turret settings for specific ballistics.

Leupold’s commitment to optical excellence ensures the VX-3i delivers sharp, distortion-free images, enabling precise shot placement. The reticle size remains constant as a Second Focal Plane (SFP) scope, simplifying holdovers and ranging. The 1-inch tube diameter keeps the scope lightweight and compatible with various scope rings.

The VX-3i is built to withstand the harshest conditions, being fog-proof, waterproof, and shockproof. It is designed to maintain its zero under rough use.

Key Specifications:

• Magnification: 4.5-14x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
• Eye Relief: 3.7-4.4 inches
• Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
• Tube Size: 1 inch
• Glass Quality: Twilight Max Light Management System
• Reticle: Duplex or CDS (Custom Dial System)
• Turrets: Capped finger-click adjustments
• Weatherproof: Yes
• Light Transmission: High

Pros:

• Excellent low-light performance
• Customizable turret options
• Great eye relief range
• Lightweight and compact design

Cons:

• Limited reticle options

3. Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 SFP Riflescope

The Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 SFP Riflescope is a reliable all-around scope suitable for hunting and recreational shooting The Diamondback offers excellent light transmission with fully multi-coated lenses, resulting in bright and clear images. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle aids in accurate shooting at varying distances.

The comfortable 3.1 inches of eye relief and wide field of view ensure quick target acquisition and minimize eyestrain during extended use. The capped resettable turrets allow for easy adjustments and zeroing, while the clicks are precise and audible for reliable shooting on the fly.

The Diamondback’s quality glass ensures high-resolution images, helping shooters easily spot targets. As a Second Focal Plane (SFP) scope, the reticle remains the same size regardless of magnification, simplifying holdovers and target engagement.

The 1-inch tube diameter keeps the scope lightweight and easy to mount on various rifles. With nitrogen-purged construction and O-ring seals, the Diamondback is fog-proof, waterproof, and built to handle harsh conditions

Key Specifications:

• Magnification: 4-12x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
• Eye Relief: 3.1 inches
• Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
• Tube Size: 1 inch
• Glass Quality: Fully multi-coated
• Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
• Turrets: Capped resettable turrets
• Weatherproof: Yes
• Light Transmission: 91%

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Good light transmission
• Fast-focus eyepiece
• Reliable turret adjustments

Cons:

• Some users may prefer higher magnification

4. Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope

The Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope is an affordable and reliable choice for general shooting. With fully coated lenses, the 8-Point provides decent light transmission and image clarity. The Truplex reticle offers simple and intuitive aiming points.

Boasting 3.75 inches of eye relief and a wide field of view, this scope ensures a comfortable shooting experience and quick target acquisition. The capped turrets are easy to adjust, allowing for quick zeroing and basic adjustments on the fly. While not the highest-tier glass, the 8-Point delivers satisfactory image quality for its price range.

As a Second Focal Plane (SFP) scope, the reticle size remains constant, simplifying shooting at different magnifications. The 1-inch tube diameter keeps the scope lightweight and suitable for various rifle setups. Built to handle typical shooting conditions, the 8-Point is both fog-proof and waterproof.

Key Specifications:

• Magnification: 3-9x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
• Eye Relief: 3.75 inches
• Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
• Tube Size: 1 inch
• Glass Quality: Fully coated
• Reticle: Truplex
• Turrets: Capped
• Weatherproof: Yes
• Light Transmission: Good

Pros:

• Affordable option
• Large objective lens for better light transmission
• Simple and reliable design
• Solid construction

Cons:

• Some users may find the reticle too basic

5. Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44

The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 is a high-performance scope for precision shooting and tactical applications. With extra-low dispersion (XD) glass and fully multi-coated lenses, the Viper PST Gen II delivers outstanding image clarity and brightness. The EBR-4 MOA or MRAD reticle options provide precise aiming points.

The 3.4 inches eye relief and wide field of view offer comfortable shooting and better situational awareness. Featuring exposed tactical turrets, this scope allows for quick and precise adjustments. The clicks are tactile and audible for efficient zeroing.

The Viper PST Gen II’s premium glass ensures exceptional image quality, making it a top choice for competitive shooters and long-range enthusiasts. As a First Focal Plane (FFP) scope, the reticle scales with magnification, allowing for accurate ranging and holdovers at any power setting.

The 30mm tube diameter provides more internal adjustment range, facilitating long-range shooting. Built to endure harsh conditions, the Viper PST Gen II is argon-purged, and O-ring sealed, making it fog-proof, waterproof, and dustproof.

Key Specifications:

• Magnification: 3-15x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 44mm
• Eye Relief: 3.4 inches
• Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
• Tube Size: 30mm
• Glass Quality: Extra-low dispersion (XD) glass
• Reticle: EBR-4 MOA or MRAD reticle options
• Turrets: Tactical-style exposed turrets
• Weatherproof: Yes
• Light Transmission: High

Pros:

• Exceptional glass quality for high clarity
• First Focal Plane reticle for precise holdover
• Tactical turrets for quick adjustments
• Robust and durable construction

Cons:

• Premium price range

6. Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 Riflescope

The Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 Riflescope is a reliable and budget-friendly option for various shooting applications. The Fullfield II provides decent light transmission and image clarity with fully multi-coated lenses. The Ballistic Plex reticle aids in quick holdovers and target range.

This scope offers 3.1-3.8 inches of eye relief and a wide field of view, ensuring a comfortable and precise shooting experience. Featuring covered finger-adjustable turrets, the Fullfield II allows for straightforward adjustments and easy zeroing.

While not the highest-tier optics, the Fullfield II delivers satisfactory image quality for its price range. The reticle size remains constant as a Second Focal Plane (SFP) scope, simplifying holdovers and ranging.

The 1-inch tube diameter keeps the scope lightweight and compatible with various scope rings. The Burris Fullfield II is built to handle typical shooting conditions, being both fog-proof and waterproof.

Key Specifications:

• Magnification: 3-9x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
• Eye Relief: 3.1-3.8 inches
• Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
• Tube Size: 1 inch
• Glass Quality: Fully multi-coated
• Reticle: Ballistic Plex
• Turrets: Covered finger-adjustable turrets
• Weatherproof: Yes
• Light Transmission: Good

Pros:

• Affordable price point
• Lightweight and compact design
• Ballistic Plex reticle for easy holdovers
• Reliable and repeatable adjustments

Cons:

• May experience some distortion at high magnification

7. Athlon Argos BTR 8-34 x 56

The Athlon Argos BTR 8-34 x 56 is a high-powered scope for precision shooting and long-range engagements. Equipped with fully multi-coated lenses, the Argos BTR delivers exceptional light transmission and image clarity. The available APMR or APRS MIL reticle options offer precise aiming and ranging capabilities.

Offering 3.3 inches of eye relief and a wide field of view, this scope ensures comfort and situational awareness during extended shooting sessions. Featuring exposed tactical turrets, the Argos BTR allows for quick and precise adjustments. The clicks are tactile and audible for easy zeroing and fast target engagement.

The Argos BTR’s high-quality glass ensures clear and sharp images, making it an excellent choice for precision shooters. As a First Focal Plane (FFP) scope, the reticle scales with magnification, providing accurate holdovers and ranging at any power setting.

The 30mm tube diameter provides ample internal adjustment range, accommodating precise long-range shooting. Built to withstand challenging conditions, the Argos BTR is argon-purged, and O-ring sealed, offering fog-proof, waterproof, and shockproof performance.

Key Specifications:

• Magnification: 8-34x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 56mm
• Eye Relief: 3.3 inches
• Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
• Tube Size: 30mm
• Glass Quality: Fully multi-coated
• Reticle: APMR or APRS MIL reticle options
• Turrets: Exposed tactical turrets
• Weatherproof: Yes
• Light Transmission: High

Pros:

• High magnification range for long-distance shooting
• First Focal Plane reticle for consistent holdovers
• Illuminated reticle options for low-light conditions
• Solid construction with good-quality optics

Cons:

• It may be heavier than other scopes on the list

FAQs Best Scope for 270 Rifles

What scope is best for a .270?

Among the reviewed scopes, the Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 is an excellent choice for .270 rifles, especially for precision shooting and long-range applications.

What is the maximum effective range of a .270 Winchester?

The .270 Winchester has an effective range of around 500 to 700 yards for hunting and target shooting, depending on factors like bullet type, rifle setup, and shooter skill.

What is a .270 rifle good for hunting?

The .270 rifle is a versatile hunting firearm suitable for various game, including deer, elk, antelope, and similar-sized animals. It is trendy for its flat trajectory and long-range capabilities.

How accurate is a .270 rifle?

The accuracy of a .270 rifle largely depends on the quality of the rifle itself, the ammunition used, and the shooter’s skill. With the right setup and a skilled shooter, a .270 rifle can deliver consistent sub-MOA (minute of angle) groups at various distances.

What is .270 caliber used for?

The .270 caliber is used primarily for hunting medium to large games at various distances. It is favored for its flat trajectory, long-range capabilities, and adequate stopping power for most North American game animals.

What is a .270 rifle used for?

A .270 rifle is used for various shooting applications, including hunting, target shooting, and recreational shooting. Its versatility and accuracy make it a popular choice among athletes and shooters.

What is the best scope for Savage Axis .270?

Among the scopes reviewed, the Vortex Optics 3-9×40 Viper Riflescope is an excellent choice for the Savage Axis .270, providing a good balance of performance and affordability. However, personal preferences and shooting requirements should also be considered when deciding.

Conclusion:

Choosing the best scope for 270 rifles depends on your shooting preferences, intended use, and budget. Each scopes mentioned in this guide offers unique features and capabilities to cater to different shooting styles and needs. Whether you’re a hunter, a recreational shooter, or a precision marksman, there’s a scope that fits your requirements perfectly. 

When deciding, consider the magnification range, reticle type, image clarity, durability, and overall performance. Investing in a high-quality scope will elevate your shooting experience and help you make accurate shots with your .270 rifle.