When the military created the 300 Blackout firearm platform, little did they know this design would become an extremely popular option for civilian gun enthusiasts. The ability to increase your firepower for long range hunting and target purposes in a lightweight, semi-automatic option makes it an impressive gun to own.
Practically perfect for home defense as well, it is an increasingly sought after choice due to easy maneuverability, and just how much fun it is to shoot. This also means there are quite a few available models in the gun industry, and in order to help you to find a quality pick- we’ve narrowed down some of the best 300 Blackout Rifles for you to consider.
Comparison Table of The 7 Best 300 Blackout Rifles For Long Range Accuracy
BRAND
Ruger – AR-556 300 Blackout Freefloat HG
DETAILS
- Magazine Capacity: 30+1
- Overall Length: 33 – 36.25 inches
- Weight: 6.4 lbs
Smith & Wesson – M&P15 .300 Whisper 16in 300 Blackout
- Magazine Capacity: 30+1
- Overall Length: 32 – 35 inches
- Weight: 6.38 lbs
SIG Sauer MCX Virtus Patrol .300 Blackout
- Magazine Capacity: 30+1
- Overall Length: Adjustable- 35.5 inches
- Weight: 7.9 lbs
Aero Precision – AR-15 OEM Rifle 300 Blackout 16″
- Magazine Capacity: Must purchase your own
- Overall Length: 32 inches
- Weight: Incomplete build
Remington 700 SPS Tactical 300BLK
- Magazine Capacity: 5
- Overall Length: 35 inches
- Weight: 8.5 lbs
PSA 16″ 300AAC Blackout MOE M-LOK Rifle
- Magazine Capacity: 30 +1
- Overall Length: 32 inches
- Weight: 6.75 lbs
Bushmaster ACR .300 Blackout Semi-Automatic Rifle
- Magazine Capacity: 30 +1
- Overall Length: 33 – 36 inches
- Weight: 8 lbs
What Makes a 300 Blackout Rifle a Popular Platform
Originally created for close quarter battle, these were designed for power, accuracy, and maneuverability- something every gun enthusiast wants in their choice of firearm. The 300 BLK is the hat trick of rifle weaponry, and has all you need for a wide variety of uses. It even is easily converted to a pistol configuration with a shortened barrel. They are an ideal choice for hunting, plinking, and home defense.
The modified 3.56 shell for a .30 caliber ammunition it takes means it allows for a huge range of reloader and budget conscious shooter to avoid a “new” caliber platform. They accept the highly reliable magazines from the AR platform to avoid the expense of new hardware as well. In fact, almost everything from an AR-15 is compatible, allowing you to completely customize your own weapon build.
You get more velocity and mass, without a huge change in recoil despite being able to use both subsonic and supersonic loads (with slight power tradeoffs concerning gas function). This means you get a lot more power without the wear and tear on your weapon.
Hunting Benefits
As mentioned, the platform was originally designed for close range combat, and although many people will argue it is still best used for close range targets- the many improvements through the years has made it much more versatile.
The .300 Blackout cartridge is a full-spectrum cartridge with the ability to launch up to 2800 fps (feet per second) and is still accurate at 500 to 600 yards. The fact that the round was created around subsonic suppression also means you can shoot without having to worry about ear protection (which is great for long days on the range).
Another benefit is how the elongated profile of the round is designed to feed from AR magazines. This allows you to shoot unsuppressed for an easy on the shoulder, easy on the ear, but seriously hard on your target shot. The bottom line is, the power behind them stems from the adaptation of a pistol round for a rifle design, making them incredibly unique- even down to the powder used.
Home Defense Benefits
Because it was originally created for short range firing, the 300 BLK still holds amazing attributes for this purpose. As a home defense option it truly is the choice you need. Many will argue the sound of a round being racked into an old fashioned shotgun is enough to send home invaders scrambling. And even though this is definitely an excellent option, if you want a second choice, the lightweight maneuverability and powerful accuracy of a .300 Blackout round allows for one handed action when needed and a semi-automatic load for quicker firing times.
Distinguishing the Rifle from the Pistol Configuration
When you first started considering a 300 BLK you may have been curious about the differences between the rifle and pistol platforms. After all, at first glance they look remarkably similar, minus one attribute: the barrel length. The barrel length of a rifle is defined as at least 16 inches, and you will find most options have a barrel measuring 16.1 inches exactly. Pistols have a barrel 10.5 inches or shorter, and do not have a permanent buttstock to keep it from being classified as a SBR (short barrel rifle) and thus being subject to the $200 SBR tax.
What to Consider When Buying a 300 Blackout Rifle
One of the first things you need to think about prior to purchasing a 300 Blackout is why you prefer this particular platform. If you already own an AR-15, it might be more affordable to consider 300 Blackout barrel conversions that provides you the ability of shooting a .300 round as a 2 guns in 1 scenario.
But if you truly want a standalone 300 option, you have the choices between pistol and rifle barrel length designs. As mentioned above, rifles are more popular with hunting and home defense, although pistols can also do the same. They simply don’t have the same overall range a rifle does.
Gas Systems
Gas systems are generally matched with the length of your barrel to provide the best function without too little, or too much, pressure. In general a 300 Blackout with a 16 inch barrel will have a carbine gas system. This means it is ideal for 10 to 18 inch barrels and has a port at 7 inches- almost to the middle of the range, which is ideal for less recoil and wear.
Customized builds may use a longer system, such a mid length, or even rifle, but too little barrel length after the gas port can result in poor gas flow and cause issues with cycling. For the most part you will find a rifle equipped with a carbine system, although occasionally a pistol (smaller) system may be present. In this situation you may find you have excessive recoil and wear. If you plan on switching out barrel lengths with the longer gas systems, buffers exist to lighten the kickback.
Price Range
One thing you may notice is the 300 platform comes in a wide price range to fit an array of budgets. Obviously material use, such as cold forged metals and various stock finishes can raise the overall cost of the rifle, but that doesn’t mean less expensive options aren’t of a dependable quality.
There is a surprising selection of top notch builds and included features for a fraction of what high end options cost, so don’t always assume the higher price tag is the better choice for you.
Top 7 of 300 Blackout Rifle Reviews
Take into account the comments we have concerning pistols vs rifles, and even the considerations of adding an extra barrel to your pew accessory collection. If the 300 Blackout pistol is indeed for you, these top picks are well with taking a closer look at.
1. Ruger – AR-556 300 Blackout Freefloat HG
- Magazine Capacity: 30+1
- Overall Length: 33 – 36.25 inches
- Weight: 6.4 lbs
- Features: Cold hammer-forged barrel, Flash suppression, adjustable stock, M-LOK compatible
As one of the oldest weapon manufacturers in the US, Ruger prides themselves in providing quality military and sporting firearms for civilian, police, and military use. Their large range of AR platform designs was recently expanded to include the AR-556 300 Blackout pistol and rifle as a powerful, accurate alternative to their .223 and 5.56 options.
The 300 Blackout copies their familiar AR receiver layout and offers a 16.2 inch cold hammer-forged barrel that handles the lighter supersonic rounds designed for hunting, as well as the heavier subsonic rounds with ease. It has a 1:7 twist for powerful, accurate shooting, and is covered with an 11 inch aluminum free floating handguard. It also is capped with a .30 caliber flash suppressor.
The guard includes Magpul M-LOK accessory attachment slots, a mil-spec sixposition stock, and standard AR pistol grip to allow full customization of your shooting experience and shooting adjustment. It also has a chrome plated bolt carrier and gas key. This detail helps resist hot gasses for the life of your weapon.
Who This Is For
This is one of the newest brand models in the gun industries. If you are a fan of Rugar firearms, this is a must for you to try.
PROS
- Excellent price point for a powerful brand name
- Easy to adjust stock
- Powerful, accurate range
CONS
- Sights not included
2. Smith & Wesson – M&P15 .300 Whisper 16in 300 Blackout
- Magazine Capacity: 30+1
- Overall Length: 32 – 35 inches
- Weight: 6.38 lbs
- Features: Adjustable stock, flash suppressor, versatile rounds
Smith and Wesson is yet another highly dependable, and well known gun manufacturer. In the business since 1852, they know a little bit about quality shooting options, and the addition of the 300 Whisper to their M&P sporting rifle lineup makes it a formidable weapon indeed. Highly versatile, it was designed for both supersonic and subsonic loads, and can take both .300 Whisper and 300 Blackout caliber loads as well.
This makes it a perfect choice for hunting, and handles small to medium game with ease, with the ability to drop heavier game with the proper range and target acquisition. Lightweight and rugged, it includes a muzzle suppressor at the end of the 16 inch barrel. The 1:75 twist and heavy profile allows for awesome accuracy with the carbine gas-position block.
The steel make with Armornite-coating provides added protection, as does the chrome plated bolt carrier and gas key. An adjustable stock allows for total customization, and you can further your experience with the Picatinny rail for sight inclusion.
Who This Is For
If you love to hunt, this is a great choice to add to your experience. Easy to carry, adjustable, and with a well balanced, comfortable feel makes this a top choice.
PROS
- Easy to attach sight of choice
- Enjoyable hunting experience
- Lightweight and perfectly balanced
CONS
- Accuracy is best up to 200 yards, always sight longer shots carefully
3. SIG Sauer MCX Virtus Patrol .300 Blackout
- Magazine Capacity: 30+1
- Overall Length: Adjustable- 35.5 inches
- Weight: 7.9 lbs
- Features: Included suppressor, user-changable barrel, matchlite duo trigger, folding and adjustable brace
Sig Sauer is a European brand that has been long trusted for quality weapon manufacturing. Popular for their incredible quality and attention to detail, their SIG MCX family is one of their more powerful options built for adaptability. The addition of the Virtus Patrol 300 Blackout was created as a professional choice built for long term service.
Unique to the brand is the coloration often used, and this weapon is no exception. Available in a stealth gray or flat dark earth hue, this is an entirely new gun that has very few components compatible with an AR-15. The 16 inch carbon steel barrel is a durable choice, and new to the MCX design is the matchlite duo trigger for a crisp pull. It also has a 1:6 twist, which is an amazingly powerful force.
A foldable and collapsible 5 position stock allows for full shooting customization, plus it allows for quick and easy user-changeable 5.56 and .300 black barrels if you want to mix it up. All together this is one of the most versatile weapons you can find.
Who This Is For
When professional quality, durability, and accuracy is a need, you can never go wrong with a Sig Sauer.
PROS
- Incredible versatility
- Smooth trigger pull and shooting experience
- Tons of style and functionality
CONS
- Few parts are interchangeable with an AR-15
- Slightly heavy overall
4. Aero Precision – AR-15 OEM Rifle 300 Blackout 16″
- Magazine Capacity: Must purchase your own
- Overall Length: 32 inches
- Weight: Incomplete build
- Features: Military grade build, flash suppressor
Determined to provide innovative solutions and OEM based military component management to American friendly militaries world wide, Aero Precision has come a long way from their original aircraft platform support founded in the early 1990’s.
They offer nearly-complete, fully-assembled AR-15 300 Blackout options that provide you everything you need to finish the build with your own free-float handguard and sights. This is an excellent option if you are on a budget, or already know you want to provide your own finishing details without having to spend the money twice over. This provides control over function, comfort, style, and budget.
Military ready, the 16 inch barrel with 1:7 twist, and 7075 T6 aluminum M4 upper receiver with a mil-spec AR-15/M14 buffer kit provides excellent accuracy and control. The muzzle also includes an A2 flash hider. Add your own magazine for even more shooting versatility.
Who This Is For
If you love the idea of a mil-spec option that you can customize, this is perfect. SImply add your own personalized finishing touches.
PROS
- Unbeatable price for customization
- Fits a wide range of handguards
- Powerful, accurate shot
CONS
- Manufacturer doesn’t recommend any handguards and sights, so you have to do your own research
5. Remington 700 SPS Tactical 300BLK
- Magazine Capacity: 5
- Overall Length: 35 inches
- Weight: 8.5 lbs
- Features: Bolt action semi-auto
Remington is one of those brands that even people unfamiliar with shooting and shooting sports associates with quality weapon manufacturing. One of the oldest in America, it was founded in 1816 and has been providing amazing products for over 200 years. Their 700 SPS Tactical Rifle options has been made even more accurate and powerful with the addition of the 300 BLK.
When precision is a must, this is the bolt action rifle to consider. The 16.5 inch barrel has a 1:7 twist and provides amazing tactical performance; so much so, it is a favorite amongst law enforcement. It also is threaded for a suppression addition, and allows for both super and subsonic loads for accuracy over 300 yards.
The simple build allows you to shoot upon arrival and is a straightforward design that provides easy scope attachment of your choice.
Who This Is For
Bolt action rifles are a popular choice with a wide range of gun enthusiasts, and a Remington 700 Tactical option rarely disappoints. Hunters will not want to go without.
PROS
- Simple, powerful design
- One of the best tactical bolt action rifles available
- Awesome accuracy and balance
CONS
- Not easily maneuverable for home defense
6. PSA 16″ 300AAC Blackout MOE M-LOK Rifle
- Magazine Capacity: 30 +1
- Overall Length: 32 inches
- Weight: 6.75 lbs
- Features: Pistol length gas system, 6 adjustment position buffer tube, M-LOK compatible
Palmetto State Armory is a local owned, family business that manufactures Mil-Spec weaponry and believes in “Freedom Over Profit”. They consider themselves experts in AR-15 options, and provide a wide range of features and highlights to provide you the best shooting experience ever. With a 16 inch chrome moly steel barrel, chambered in a 300 ACC has a 1:8 twist combined with a pistol length gas system for home defense, small to medium game hunting, and shorter target needs without sacrificing accuracy or strength.
The forged upper is machined to Mil-Specs and includes a hard coat anodized finish for a durable, long-lasting quality. The lower is 7075-T6 aluminum and is also finished with an anodized hard coat. Complete with a buffer tube, it has 6 adjustment positions, and also is fitted with a Magpul carbine stock.
The free floating handguard includes a lightweight M-LOK compatible rail and measures 13.5 inches for comfort. At only 6.75 pounds, it is considered a lightweight, balanced option.
Who This Is For
This is the perfect choice for anyone on a budget who still wants a dependable, quality weapon. PSA designs their guns with the everyday shooter in mind and helps keep costs down.
PROS
- Amazing price for the quality
- Lightweight and surprisingly accurate
- Simple, durable build
CONS
- Pistol length gas system limits your range
7. Bushmaster ACR .300 Blackout Semi-Automatic Rifle
- Magazine Capacity: 30 +1
- Overall Length: 33 – 36 inches
- Weight: 8 lbs
- Features: Cold hammer forged barrel, integrated rail system, ambidextrous adjustability
Bushmaster has been in business for close to 30 years and has long gained a reputation for quality weapon manufacturing at an affordable price. Their ACR .300 BLK is one of their higher end options and reflects a more ergonomic, ambidextrous, and modular rifle than other models offered. The 16.5 inch barrel is cold hammer forged and is an enhanced option that has an integrated rail system for accessory mounting.
It is considered to have excellent gas piston reliability, and allows for a quick change of barrels for caliber flexibility as well. The fire controls are designed specifically for ambidextrous shooters, and easily allows both right and left adjustability.
A telescoping stock and an adjustable length of pull creates an incredible adaptable lineup, and provides you the opportunity to customize the comfort of your personalized shooting needs. It also includes a 51T AAC flash hider for true marksmen details, as well as an adjustable stock.
Who This Is For
When you want a high end rifle designed as a designated marksmen option, and includes one of the best ambidextrous flexibility, this is an amazing choice.
PROS
- Great adjustability for left handed shooters
- Awesome features for comfort and personalization
- For true target accuracy
CONS
- Expensive choice and may be more than what most people need
- A little heavy overall
Conclusion
Rifles are an excellent, reliable choice for hunting, home defense, and competitive shooting, and when you add a 300 BLK option to your arsenal, you might find yourself reaching for it over your old reliable go-tos more and more often. All of the top picks we’ve provided above are known for their reliable brand names, quality material choices, and durable designs.
Versatile and reliable, these 300 Blackout rifles provide long range accuracy and lightweight design for comfortable shooting situations. They also are very versatile for performance and customization.
The options we’ve provided above have slight differences to appeal to your overall needs, but are all considered some of the best current choices. They also are all fairly affordable, and include some of the best materials and designs offered for the money.