The .30-30 lever-action rifle is a classic American weapon that’s been used for generations in both military and hunting capacities. While these rifles are not incredibly large, their cartridges pack enough punch to take down medium or large game at their effective ranges.
Even with this power, .30-30 rifles are known for their relatively light recoil, which makes them easy to use and enjoy. Two of the more popular rifles using the cartridge are Marlin 336 and Winchester Model 1894.
Combining your .30-30 lever-action rifle with a good scope is a great way to improve your accuracy and allow you to push out your effective range. Rifles that use .30-30 cartridges can hit targets consistently at around 150 yards, but the human eye needs a little help to make that happen.
However, choosing the right scope can be a bit of a challenge. Thankfully though, my guide to the best scopes for your .30-30 that you will find below has everything you need to make the best purchase for your needs.
What to Look for in the Best .30-30 Scope
Before I share with you what I think are the best scopes for a .30-30 lever-action rifle, I want to show you what features I had in mind when I was testing out each and every one of these scopes. Like it or not, each of these aspects drastically affects how good a particular scope will be or what it’s best used for.
Optical Strength/Magnification
.30-30 lever-action rifles, also called “brush guns”, are specifically designed to hunt at medium to close range. Their cartridge size and firing power are best suited for hitting targets between 100 and 150 yards, although you can push your accuracy out to a maximum of about 200-250 yards with the right scope. See the 30-30 Ballistics chart for more information.
Because of this, scopes with very high magnification settings will be overkill in a lot of situations. If I have to be honest, going up to about 10-12x magnification is as high as you want to go. Scopes with magnification settings on the lower end of the spectrum, around 4-8x magnification, are even better since they go well with the intended range of a standard brush gun.
Examine the magnification ranges available on each scope you consider so you get one that fully complements your rifle and its cartridges.
First Focal Plane vs. Second Focal Plane
One of the biggest arguments among scope enthusiasts has to deal with which of these two focal plane settings is better. The truth is that neither is superior all the time but instead that both excel in different situations.
First focal plane reticles are designed in such a way that their size appears to change depending on your magnification level. This can be particularly advantageous when used with scopes that swap between high or low magnification settings frequently. Your holdover points for windage and elevation will remain accurate relative to your target no matter how far you zoom in or out. This is because the reticle of an FFP scope will appear to get larger as you zoom in and smaller as you zoom out. However, this can make your reticle too small for comfort or difficult to get used to on certain settings.
Second focal plane reticles don’t change size even as you switch between magnification levels. This means that one magnification setting, usually the highest, is the “correct” magnification for the spaces between holdover points. But this can still be helpful if you don’t switch very much between magnification levels or your range is relatively limited. Your reticle will always be consistent and, therefore, easier to get used to.
.30-30 lever-action rifles benefit most from second focal plane reticles since they don’t usually utilize scopes that reach into the farther magnification settings.
You can read more on the topic FFP vs SFP by reading my article here.
Reticle
The third important thing I look at when testing out the products is the reticle. Some scopes come with a BDC reticle that lets you estimate the bullet point of impact without having to adjust for elevation. Others are illuminated, like red dot sights, and these can be helpful for target acquisition during variable lighting conditions.
Mounting Options
While many .30-30 lever-action rifles don’t have a lot of recoil, mounting is still an important consideration. A good mount will reduce recoil even further and help you maintain stability as you track a moving target and take several shots.
Side mounts will let you use any normal scope, while forward scopes force you to use long eye relief scopes that may not be ideal for your chosen target or firing range.
Some of the best .30-30 lever action scopes can work with different kinds of mounts for extra flexibility on your part. These are usually great bonuses, and something that definitely works in favor of the scope.
Weatherproofing
I assume that when purchasing a brand new scope, you want it to last for a long time, so that you don’t have to replace it within a month or so. Be sure to get a scope that has some kind of weatherproofing as a feature. The best scopes will be waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof; you can take these excellent scopes out into the wilderness and depend on them even if conditions become difficult or you drop them by accident.
Trust me, while buying a cheap, unprotected scope might save you some money initially, you’ll end up spending extra to purchase a new scope if your first breaks easily.
With that being said, let’s move on to what you actually came here for – the five top scopes for 30-30 lever action rifles.
My Top Pick – Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 SFP Riflescope
In my humble opinion, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 SFP is the best scope you can get if you’re looking for a 30-30 lever action rifle. I’m not going to go into details now (you can find a more in-depth review below), but what I do have to say is that not only is it durable, but it also has great magnification settings, especially if we’re talking about 30-30 as well as good eye relief.
The 5 Best .30-30 Scopes
I already shared with you my top pick, so now it’s time to share the rest of the top five – and let me tell you this: while there can only be one number one, the other ones are not far behind. How do I know it? Well, I personally tested all of them, as well as many others, prior to choosing the best ones.
The final decision about which .30-30 rifle you should buy depends on you – mainly on your needs and your budget.
So, here’s my top 5 rifles for .30-30:
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 SFP Riflescope
- UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope
- Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12x40mm SFP Riflescope
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
- Hawke Vantage 3-9×40 AO Scope
Check out their more detailed reviews below.
1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 SFP Riflescope
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Out of all the scopes for .30-30 I tested, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 SFP Riflescope impressed me the most with its features.
My Feelings After Using the Scope
This scope has a BDC reticle making it perfect for hitting shots at ranges longer than your zeroed range. It uses a customized dot design at the vertex of the crosshairs that helps you estimate holdover and windage corrections. I found that shooting in variable wind conditions is a lot easier thanks to this feature.
The reticle is also a second-focal plane type, so no matter which magnification level you choose, the reticle stays the same size for consistency. This scope has a great range of magnification settings from 2x-7x: ideal for use at closer ranges where the power of the .30-30 lever-action rifle can excel at bringing down meatier animals.
The last thing that I think is worth mentioning is that the lenses have been multicoated with an anti-reflective material, which gives you a colorful and bright sight picture without risking reflecting any of that light into your eye, potentially ruining your shot.
Product Highlights
The second focal-plane BDC reticle is definitely a massive highlight of this scope. Additionally, it is also weatherproof and very durable, since it is made of aircraft aluminum which has been anodized.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
Although the scope has many good features, I wouldn’t recommend it for shooting at medium ranges, as it won’t be as accurate.
Key Features
- Second focal-plane BDC reticle
- Multicoated with anti-reflective material
- Weatherproof
- Made of a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum
| PROS | CONS |
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Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Vortex |
| Weight | 14.3 oz |
| Eye Relief | 3.9 inches |
| Magnification | 2-7x |
| Field of View | 42-12.6 ft/100 yds |
The Bottom Line
All in all, this is a solid scope that will assist you just fine when using your 30-30 lever action rifles. Not to mention that it’s very durable, so you won’t have to worry about it breaking a week after buying it.
My rating: 5/5
2. UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope
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If the magnification of the previous scope is a bit too small for you, you’ll probably enjoy this one more, as it goes up to 12x.
My Feelings After Using the Scope
The scope has emerald-coated lenses with an integrated, angled front sunshade, along with a flip-open lens cap. The sunshade helps you maintain accuracy even at high noon without a lot of tree cover but still brings in enough light to provide you with a clear sight picture. The flip-open lens is great for protecting the lens when it’s not in use and allows it to remain perfect for much longer.
The reticle is truly special. It’s illuminated and allows you to choose between red or green depending on your environment or preference.
There are 36 different luminosity settings to choose from, so you can depend on the scope to provide you with excellent accuracy in the brightness of day or the shadow of night. Switching between these elimination settings is easy thanks to two soft, ergonomic buttons that you can reach with your finger.
Product Highlights
The feature that definitely sold me on this scope is the reticle, and the fact that you have so many luminosity settings, so that no matter your environment, you can have great lighting and see your target clearly.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
The only thing that I can say I didn’t like about this scope is its size – it’s a little bit bulky, but, to be honest, that’s just a personal preference.
Key Features
- Emerald-coated lenses
- Illuminated reticle
- 36 luminosity settings
- Weatherproof
| PROS | CONS |
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Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | UTG |
| Weight | 1.45 pounds |
| Eye Relief | 3.3-3 inches |
| Magnification | 3-12x |
| Field of View | 34-8.5 ft/100 yds |
The Bottom Line
Honestly, if you’re looking for an affordable scope for your .30-30 rifle, then I would definitely recommend this one, especially if you consider how much you’re getting for such a price.
My rating: 4.75/5
3. Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12x40mm SFP Riflescope 
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It’s no secret that Vortex doesn’t disappoint when it comes to scopes – and with the BDC reticle and great magnification, this scope is no different.
My Feelings After Using the Scope
Like the first two scopes, this .30-30 scope has a BDC dead-hold reticle that allows you to track your targets much more easily at a distance without having to adjust for elevation. It’s placed on the second focal plane so that it maintains the shape no matter which of the magnification settings you are currently using.
The magnification range from 4x to 12x is perfect for a .30-30 lever-action rifle.
The lenses have been XR multicoated for clear, high-contrast sight pictures no matter the light level or time of day. I found that to be really helpful, as the light is dispersed as minimally as possible through the glass. The eyepiece has been calibrated to allow you to focus your reticle snappily as soon as you see your target move in the brush.
The scope’s precision turrets let you easily zero reset after you’ve already sighted-in to your target’s location. The knobs can be adjusted without looking by listening to the tactile clicks that come with each ¼-inch adjustment.
The scope’s tubular body is made with a hard-anodized finish to prevent rust or corrosive damage over time. It also lends significant durability and, as an extra advantage, helps camouflage your position due to its shadowy, non-reflective color. The scope has been O-ring sealed and argon purged to lend it true weatherproof qualities.
Product Highlights
There are a lot of things that speak in favor of this scope – great magnification settings, XR multicoated lenses or the anodized finish being just a few of them.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
The Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12x40mm SFP Riflescope is no doubt a great scope – however, it has one downside, and that’s the price. It is definitely on the pricey side.
Key Features
- BDC dead-hold reticle
- XR multicoated lenses
- Tactile clicks after each ¼-inch adjustment
- Hard-anodized finish
- Weatherproof
| PROS | CONS |
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Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Vortex |
| Weight | 14.6 oz |
| Eye Relief | 3.1 inches |
| Magnification | 4-12x |
| Field of View | 32.4-11.3 ft/100 yds |
The Bottom Line
Although this scope is definitely on the pricey side, it is money well spent – all the features I have mentioned above will definitely make for a very enjoyable hunting experience.
My rating: 4.75/5
4. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope 
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This is a great scope for use with any lever action 30-30 rifle, made by one of the best scope manufacturers in the business: Leupold.
My Feelings After Using the Scope
It features magnification settings between 3x and 9x, meaning you can easily push out your effective range to 150 yards or even a little more, especially since it features a 40 mm objective lens. This allows it to capture plenty of light for optimal transmission.
Furthermore, the scope features a simplistic duplex reticle that isn’t overly busy with a ton of hash marks. I found it great for keeping track of moving critters you want to hit or hitting targets when competing with your friends. The scope is made to be suitably durable for outdoor use and inclement weather, featuring waterproof and fogproof construction.
Even better, this scope features scratch-resistant lenses, even to military standards. The proprietary Twilight Max Light Management System can add an additional 10 minutes or so of shooting light at the beginning and end of the day and makes this a great scope for hunters that normally hunt targets at around 100 yards or so ranges.
Product Highlights
Some of the things I definitely appreciate as a hunter is the Twilight Max Light Management System (and you will too if you like to hunt very early or very late), as well as the aircraft-grade aluminum build that will ensure your scope will last you a while.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
The scope has a set of windage and elevation adjustment turrets that are nonetheless not very well marked. But this is the only real downside to this otherwise phenomenal scope.
Key Features
- Duplex reticle
- Durable, weatherproof build
- Twilight Max Light Management System
| PROS | CONS |
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Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Leupold |
| Weight | 1.23 pounds |
| Eye Relief | 4.2-3.7 inches |
| Magnification | 3-9x |
| Field of View | 33.1-13.6 ft/100 yds |
The Bottom Line
All the features I have mentioned above make this a phenomenal scope that can handle any occasion or need. Pair it with your favorite versatile 30-30 rifle and you won’t be disappointed.
My rating: 4.5/5
5. Hawke Vantage 3-9×40 AO Scope
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If you’re looking for the best possible optic to pair with a 30-30 rifle, you’ll want to check out this Hawke Vantage scope. It’s perfect for hunting small game at short to mid ranges since it can magnify between 3-9x with a 50 mm objective lens.
My Feelings After Using the Scope
Aside from the great magnification settings that I’ve mentioned, this scope features eleven distinct layers of multicoated optics. It’s great news for any 30-30 target shooter since the coatings will keep the lens durable and long-lasting even under heavy use, plus provide greater color contrast.
But that’s not all. This optic comes with an illuminated lens. You can control the illumination settings using a side control knob located near the windage and elevation adjusters. Each knob, as well as the zoom magnification ring itself, is high torque and very responsive to touch. Changing this scope’s aspects is quick and easy.
To round out its features, this optics comes with a side focus parallax dial to make sure you don’t have to deal with this aspect while shooting.
Product Highlights
First thing that made me think of this scope as a great one are the magnification settings. I also have to say I love the controllable illuminated lens and the durable design.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
There are two things that I’d consider a disadvantage of this scope. First of all, the mil dots on the default reticle could be bigger. Secondly, some scopes’ crosshairs rotate within the tube, so there might be a need for you to get in touch with the manufacturer.
Key Features
- Eleven layers of multicoated optics
- Illuminated lens
- Side focus parallax dial
| PROS | CONS |
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Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Hawke |
| Weight | 17 oz |
| Eye Relief | 3.5 inches |
| Magnification | 3-9x |
| Field of View | 39-12.7ft/100yds |
The Bottom Line
All in all, the Hawke Vantage 3-9×40 AO Scope is a durable and versatile riflescope perfect for 30-30 users who need something reliable and long-lasting.
My rating: 5/5
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The 30-30 Lever Action Rifle?
The 30-30 rifle is as storied as any artifact of Americana. Hunters were slow to accept the novel design and tiny caliber when it was first released by Winchester in the late 1800s. However, the 30-30’s benefits gradually won out over those of larger calibers. Alternatives include the 45 and shotgun.
Meanwhile, the round that goes with it is also historic. The 30-30 is effectively the great North American deer cartridge, having been introduced as the first small-bore, smokeless powder sports rifle round. The name is derived from a combination of the cartridge size and design, and refers to a.30 caliber bullet loaded with 30 grains of smokeless powder.
What Is The 30-30 Used For?
The.30-30 rifle is famous for its tremendous recoil control. The weapon and ammunition were created with little recoil in mind. As a result, it’s one of the most popular rifles among deer hunters, particularly in thickly forested places like the northern midwest’s wooded regions.
How Many Rounds Does a 30-30 Hold?
The 30–30 rifle, which has a 20-inch barrel, has a tube magazine that stores 5 rounds and a chamber that holds one cartridge. The full-size rifle version has a magazine that carries 7 rounds and a chamber that holds one.
Is a 30-30 Lever Action Rifle Worth It?
30-30 Lever action rifles are known for being strong, durable, and dependable. They’re ideal for prepper and outdoor survivalists alike. The truth is that lever actions are more fragile and prone to failure than practically any other rifle on the market today.
Can You Use A 30-30 Lever Action Rifle For Hunting?
30-30 lever action rifles have always been a suitable choice for some hunting styles in certain terrain types – brush country in the north, outback horseback hunts in the west, and anywhere where the action is fast and shot distances are moderate, the lever has always been a viable choice.
How Far Can You Fire A 30-30 Rifle?
Typically, a 30-30 lever action rifle is accurate out to 100 yards. After that, you can shoot 150-200 yards unless you are confident in your bullet placement. Shooting becomes a waste of ammunition after that due to bullet drop and energy loss. The projectile can travel 5–600 yards before falling victim to gravity.
Is a Lever Action or Bolt Action Faster?
Lever actions appear to be faster in terms of speed of action and ability to catch a target and perform the follow-up shot. I find it easier to keep the gun pointing at the target while using the lever than it is to work the bolt. Pulling the handle down is simply more natural than cycling the bolt.
What Does “30-30” Mean?
A 160-grain soft point bullet and 30 grains of smokeless powder were utilized in the initial loading of the weapon. As a result of the 30-caliber bullet and 30 grains of powder, the term 30-30 was coined and the name has stuck ever since.
Conclusion
All of the products I have mentioned have been successful in providing quality in one way or another. While all of them feature a few minor flaws, at the end of the day, their benefits outstrip the drawbacks.
Keep in mind that everything written above is my personal experience and my opinion. Which product will be the best scope for your 30-30 rifle will depend solely on your preferences and priorities.
Whichever product you end up choosing, I’m sure that you will be satisfied with its performance! And if you want a more powerful cartridge, you check out my 30-06 scopes recommendations and Scar 17 scopes.
You may also find interesting my recommendations for muzzleloader scopes and .17 HMR scopes
Mike Fellon is an experienced firearms enthusiast and optics expert. He delivers unbiased and detailed rifle scope reviews. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He inherited his hunting passions after his father John – he was fascinated by his stories, hearing how much attention, focus, dedication and patience he invested in shooting every animal. When he was old enough, his father first allowed him to shoot some cans and bottles with his shotgun, and then took him hunting – it was love at first sight. Mike has never stopped shooting ever since.
Great article, thanks.
Thank you.
great article very helpful
to the point no BS
Thank you. That’s how it should be done, shouldn’t it? 🙂
Purchase the Leupold Scope. best deal of the lot. Thanks for a great article, easy to understand.
Thank you, I appreciate this article. I think I will try the Leupold on my Marlin 30-30
With help from this article, I chose the UTG, your 3rd choice, to put on my newest rifle, a Henry 30 30. I’m really happy with my decision, and appreciate this article for helping me in my decision!
I am glad I could help.