best scope I can get for $300

Brian if you don't mind my 2c worth ..The SWFA SS , I'm not affiliated with them in any way but I am a FIRM believer in their stuff . 
My personal favorite is the 10x with the Milquad reticle 

Agreed there stuff is greati have 2. 3 15 42. Little more expensive. Got it 25%off BF SALE THINK THEY DO AGAIN 4 JULY. I THINK WATCH JWR VIDS. TOP NOTCH

I think " Think " they have a sale tax weekend also . Not 100% sure ...And thanks for that Pat , truly appreciate it

Also another suggestion would be the Athlon Argos 6-24x50. I think I bought mine used for $325 with rings, but they regularly retail for $445. It is a good First Focal Plane scope, but they also sell some lower power ones that are a little cheaper, and might suit your needs better. I'm more saying if you're willing to look around on the classified section you might find a good deal. 

"JoeWayneRhea"Brian if you don't mind my 2c worth ..The SWFA SS , I'm not affiliated with them in any way but I am a FIRM believer in their stuff . 
My personal favorite is the 10x with the Milquad reticle

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+1 I am a firm believer in fixed power scopes and SWFA. For $300 you'll have a scope that will last a lifetime. I have a 12x42 mil-quad and love it. The only drawback with these scopes IMO is that the reticle is so fine that in low light it can be kind of hard to make out and there is no illumination. There are enough reviews out there on these scopes if you want to look into one. Also check the SWFA sample list, they have all kinds of discounted scopes on there. 

https://samplelist.com/entire-sample-list.html?category=Riflescopes&brand=SWFA%20SS&pg=2

i love my swfa ss16 look on there site for the seconds also swfa usually comes with choice of rings and bubble level sometimes

"Mark_Walt"Also another suggestion would be the Athlon Argos 6-24x50. I think I bought mine used for $325 with rings, but they regularly retail for $445. It is a good First Focal Plane scope, but they also sell some lower power ones that are a little cheaper, and might suit your needs better. I'm more saying if you're willing to look around on the classified section you might find a good deal.

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The Argos now has a MAP price of $369 everyone seems to sell it for that. I have one great for the money. With 300 to spent keep your eys open for a used one from a company like Athlon which has a lifetime warranty so energy if the one you buy is broken getting it fixed is not a hassle 

I agree with Joe, Hynzie, and Tweeter... SWFA’s are sweet! I have two of them. Both with milquad reticles.

Another great choice and my personal favorite is the Leupold VX2, EFR models. They’re a little more new.... but you can find them used for $300. Very light and terrific glass. 

Good luck  

I see a number of people recommending the SWFA mil-quad scopes. I liked the specs on the SWFA 12x42 mil-quad and ordered one a few years ago. I sent it back after viewing various items under different lighting conditions.

It's probably fine for shooting at paper. For me, the reticle is too fine and is hard to read against darker backgrounds. I may try an Athlon Argos at some point.

SWFA SS

Think about the max. magnification! Im sure you dont need a 6-24 for max. 30 yards!
you will not shot better with it
im also looking for a new scope in the same price range and for the same range too an im thinking about a fixed scope..

There is not a better scope available on this or any other planet for $300 than the [MADE IN JAPAN] fixed SWFA. SS . I am a dinosaur so I prefer the MOA QUAD. I find the tiny dots in the diamonds in the reticule are a real plus and they are absent in the MIL QUAD version. Focus down to 10 yds and totally repeatable turrets.

bug buster 3x9 great little scope about 100.00 bucks

just took delivery of a swfa and have to say the thing just reaps quality, very solid. Look at all the reviews and they are all very very good for this scope I got the 12 fixed which is spring freindly let us know what you decide. 

Lol well I too will put my vote in for SWFA SS! I have a 10x42 and 12x42 both Mil-quad and love both! 

Brian - are you using a springer or PCP? Might impact your scope decision.