Ever aimed at a target with a 303 Lee Enfield under challenging conditions only to miss because of an inadequate scope? A great rifle deserves a great scope. In a market teeming with options, making the right choice can be as daunting as hitting a 500-yard target on a windy day.
As a seasoned shooter with years of experience on the range and in the field, I’ve tested a myriad of scopes on various rifles, including the venerable 303 Lee Enfield. My hands-on experience with these scopes is what makes this guide credible and trustworthy.
In my opinion, if budget isn’t a significant concern, the Leupold FX-3 emerges as the best choice. But in this Article From eye relief to image clarity, magnification range to durability, I’ve considered all critical aspects to give you more options to choose from.
Best 303 Lee Enfield Scopes
1. Leupold FX-3
When you think of Leupold, you think quality and reliability, and the FX-3 certainly doesn’t disappoint. Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, one of the most robust materials available, this scope is designed to endure the harshest conditions.
What’s more, it’s nitrogen-purged, ensuring it remains fog and moisture-free, regardless of weather conditions.
The FX-3 is designed with fully multi-coated lenses and features Leupold’s very own Twilight Light Management System, a state-of-the-art light management technology that enhances low-light performance by boosting light transmission.
Why to Buy: The Leupold FX-3 is a scope you can trust, designed to withstand not only the elements but also the recoil of the 303 Lee Enfield.
Plus, it’s easy to use with the 303 Lee Enfield, with minimal adjustment required to make it fully compatible.
Why Not to Buy: Despite its numerous perks, the FX-3 does not come with mounting rings or a sunshade. This means you’ll need to buy these accessories separately, which can be a bit of a hassle and an additional cost. It might also be considered expensive by some, but I’ve always believed that good things come at a price.
Who Should Buy: The FX-3 is an ideal scope for hunters who use a 303 Lee Enfield and regularly hunt in low-light conditions. It’s also perfect for those who value durability and don’t mind investing in a product that promises longevity.
My Experience
As a professional shooter, I’ve used a multitude of scopes over the years, and I must say, the FX-3 has left an indelible impression on me. Mounting it on my 303 Lee Enfield was a breeze. The clarity, light transmission, and overall build quality are nothing short of impressive.The scope held zero impeccably, even after a few rounds of heavy recoil.
Pros:
- Durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction.
- Excellent low-light performance with the Twilight Light Management System.
- Nitrogen purged for anti-fogging.
- Exceptional clarity with fully multi-coated lenses.
Cons:
- No mounting rings or sunshade included.
- Might be considered expensive by some.
2. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn – Highly Durable
Bushnell is a household name for outdoor enthusiasts, and their Banner Dusk & Dawn scope lives up to the hype. Crafted from durable aluminum in a single tube design, this scope is built to last. Internally, it is purged with nitrogen making it fog and moisture-resistant.
So, whether it’s a snowy winter hunt or a drizzly spring outing, this scope has got your back. The lenses are fully multi-coated for a brighter, cleaner image and feature the Multi-X reticle for enhanced precision.
Why to Buy: This Bushnell scope is built for resilience. Its shockproof housing ensures that despite heavy recoil, your reticle stays put and your adjustments remain intact. The reticle setup matches seamlessly with the 303 Lee Enfield, allowing you to hit your target right on the mark.. Its performance from dusk till dawn is remarkable, making it a great companion for your 303 Lee Enfield.
Why Not to Buy: Despite its many pros, the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn does not come with sunshade or mounting rings. You’ll need to purchase these separately, which can be a bit of a downer. But hey, good things rarely come easy, right?
Who Should Buy: The Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn is a perfect match for hunters who engage in early morning or late evening hunts. If you often find yourself in challenging weather conditions, this could be your go-to scope.
My Experience
I’ve been using this Bushnell scope for some time now and trust me, it’s been nothing short of impressive. Mounting it on my 303 Lee Enfield was relatively straightforward, and the performance in low-light conditions was top-notch. I was particularly impressed with its resilience and the accuracy it delivered, even under significant recoil.
Pros:
- Durable and shockproof construction.
- Excellent low-light performance.
- Nitrogen purged for anti-fogging.
- Precise Multi-X reticle for enhanced accuracy.
Cons:
- No sunshade or mounting rings included.
- Might need a bit of adjustment for some rifles.
3. Burris Fullfield II – Cheapest Long-Range Riflescope
The Burris Fullfield II proves that you don’t need to break the bank for a premium scope. This budget-friendly medium to long-range riflescope offers superb functionality.
It comes in a single piece tube design, made of durable aluminum and nitrogen-filled for fog-proof performance. You can trust this scope to perform rain or shine. Its lenses deliver accurate colors and vibrancy with excellent light transmission capabilities, even under low-light conditions.
Why to Buy: This scope gives you bang for your buck, offering premium features without the hefty price tag. It’s shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof, making it perfect for various hunting scenarios.
The lenses offer great color accuracy and vibrance, even under low-light conditions. Plus, it offers three different magnifications for versatility.
The scope also offers three different magnification levels to suit your needs. It comes with a Ballistic Plex reticle, a user-friendly feature that elevates your hunting experience.
Why Not to Buy: Just like other scopes in this category, the Fullfield II does not come with mounting rings. You’ll have to shell out a bit more for those. But considering its price point and the value it offers, this is a minor inconvenience.
Who Should Buy: If you’re on a tight budget but still want a high-quality, long-range riflescope for your 303 Lee Enfield, the Burris Fullfield II could be an excellent choice for you.
My Experience
I have tested the Fullfield II and it’s been a joy to use. It offered great performance even during twilight hours, thanks to its superior light transmission capabilities.
I loved the Ballistic Plex reticle and Its rugged build and waterproofing came in handy during some of my more adventurous hunts.
Pros:
- High-quality construction at an affordable price.
- Fog-proof, shockproof, and waterproof.
- Excellent low-light performance.
- Comes with a Ballistic Plex reticle for superior aiming.
Cons:
- No mounting rings included.
- May require some tweaking to get the best performance.
Comparison and Rating of the Scopes
| Feature/Scope | Leupold FX-3 | Burris Fullfield II | Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn |
| Durability | 9.5 | 8.5 | 9 |
| Price Value | 9 | 9.5 | 8.8 |
| Overall Performance | 9.7 | 8.9 | 9.2 |
| Total Score | 28.2 | 26.9 | 27.0 |
Conclusion
All three scopes are excellent options for your 303 Lee Enfield, each offering unique strengths.
Choosing a scope depends on individual preferences, budget, and the shooting conditions one encounters. The Leupold FX-3 offers the best in terms of quality but comes at a higher price. The Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn excels in low-light conditions while the Burris Fullfield II offers great value for money without compromising on performance. All scopes have their unique strengths that make them excellent choices for your rifle. But remember, the best scope is the one that complements your hunting style while staying within your budget.
FAQs
Are 303 rifles accurate?
Yes, the 303 Lee-Enfield rifles are known for their accuracy, especially when equipped with quality ammunition and well-maintained.
What’s more powerful 303 or 308?
The .308 Winchester typically has a higher muzzle velocity and energy, making it generally more powerful than the .303 British round.
What is the effective range of a Lee-Enfield 303?
The Lee-Enfield 303 has an effective range of about 550 yards (500 meters) in the hands of a skilled marksman.
