The .300 Blackout cartridge was designed to get ballistics similar to 7.62x39 cartridges from an AR-15 rifle while still utilizing standard AR-15 magazines.
It is an ideal cartridge for use with a suppressor and for short barrel rifle applications.
Keep reading to learn more about this caliber and how to choose the best .300 Blackout rifle.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for 300 Blackout Rifles
- OUR TOP PICK: Springfield Armory Saint .300 AAC Blackout AR-15 Pistol
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Daniel Defense -300 Blackout Law Folding Stock Adapter"
Comparison Chart of the Best 300 Blackout Rifles
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
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Our Top Pick  |
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Best Budget Option  |
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What to Watch For When Buying a 300 Blackout Rifle
The .300 Blackout cartridge excels in some areas and struggles in others. Having a better understanding of those benefits and drawbacks will go a long way in helping you make the right choice for your specific needs. Let’s take a closer look at some of them.
This Section Written By:
Brian Belko
Expert Author
Brian is an experienced freelance writer and technical writer who has previously written for publications such as Wide Open Spaces, Bigfoot Gun Belts, Alien Gear Holsters, and Kampgrounds of America. He brings both a passion for writing and a love of the outdoors to his published content.
Aside from writing and the outdoors, Brian enjoys gardening, being a co-host on The Nostalgia Blast Podcast, and learning to code.
Not a Jack of All Trades
The .300 Blackout cartridge fills more of a specialist role when compared to the 5.56x45m NATO cartridge. This means that you probably won’t want to make it the primary caliber of your AR-15 rifle. Where an AR-15 chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO is like a Swiss army knife in the many areas it can excel in, the .300 Blackout is more akin to something like a filet knife. It is very good at specific jobs, but not so great for many others.
Equipment Compatibility
If you already own an AR-15 chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO and are considering expanding into the .300 Blackout rifle world, you are in luck. The only thing you’ll really have to change out is the barrel. The .300 Blackout cartridge is compatible with every other part of a 5.56x45mm NATO AR-15 rifle. You may still want to build a dedicated .300 Blackout rifle to squeeze the most performance out of it, but if you are simply interested in trying out a new load, this is a viable option.
Photo credit: thefirearmblog.com
At the very least, you won’t have to buy all new magazines for a new .300 Blackout rifle as the cartridge works in 5.56mmx45 NATO magazines without sacrificing any capacity.
The Short Barrel Rifle (SBR) Way
For those of you who are interested in building an SBR, the .300 Blackout cartridge is an excellent choice. Considering the fact that it was designed for slower velocities, the .300 Blackout is superior in performance to the 5.56x45mm NATO when fired from a shorter barrel. The 5.56x45mm NATO typically has cycling issues in barrels of 10 inches and below and loses too much velocity to be an effective round downrange.
The .300 Blackout doesn’t have those issues. In addition, it is also a relatively quiet cartridge when using subsonic ammunition and a suppressor. Suppressors are commonly used in SBR platforms so the .300 Blackout is really a match made in heaven for them.
Review of the Best 300 Blackout Rifles
Below are seven of the best 300 Blackout Rifles currently on the market. In order to find the best one that’s right for you, you’ll have to refer to the list of aspects mentioned above. Aside from that, you’ll also need to consider your personal needs or preferences. It is important to read through each review carefully before you make a final decision.
Whether you’re on a budget or have some money to throw around, it is important to look at each gun beyond the price tag. A unique feature or two may stick out in your mind as a deal maker. With that said, let’s begin with our list of 300 Blackout rifles:
Best Overall:
Springfield Armory Saint .300 AAC Blackout AR-15 Pistol
Pros
Cons
Review
First on the docket, we have the Springfield Armory Saint .300 AAC Blackout AR-15 Pistol. By the looks of it alone, this doesn't look like any ordinary pistol. It looks like a rugged, monster of a gun. This is one of the many versions of the Springfield Armory Saint pistols currently on the market. This one, in particular, is a model of it, but on steroids. But what makes this one the best?
To begin, this has a rugged forearm brace that is designed to reduce recoil and enhance accuracy, which will give you more than enough control over it. More control will always mean better accuracy. So if you hold accuracy to a high standard, remember that as you're looking for a new 300 Blackout rifle.
This puppy is built with a lot of high-end features. The lower and upper receivers are constructed from high-quality, aircraft-grade aluminum for superior durability. This comes with a short barrel measured at nine inches with a twist of 1:7, thus making it an even more dangerous force to be reckoned with.
The gas block is a reliable pistol-length gas block designed to fire both subsonics and full auto cartridges. In other words, this is versatile in the kind of rounds it can fire. If you’re looking for a 300 Blackout rifle that has that ability, your search will probably end here with the Springfield Armory Saint.
Bottom Line
The Springfield Armory Saint is the clear-cut overall favorite for those who like pistol-length gas systems. This gun is durable from muzzle to stock and performs like nothing else.
For a pistol-length gas system, it does its job brilliantly and can hit targets as far out as 200 yards. That’s not bad for a 300 Blackout gun like this. If you’re looking for something that will be more of a mid-range kind of gun, then the Springfield Armory Saint is likely the go-to choice for you.
Best for the Money:
Daniel Defense -300 Blackout Law Folding Stock Adapter
Pros
Cons
Review
If you're a budget shopper, odds are you're looking for a 300 Blackout that you can afford. With that said, we give you the Daniel Defense 300 Blackout with a folding stock adapter. Right out of the gate, you'll notice that the folding stock is available for users who want to adjust their rifle to their exact level of reach and comfort.
This is a 300 Blackout pistol that is compact and easy to store when you're finished with the day at the range or after an intense shooting competition. This has a barrel measured at 10.3 inches and will have the ability to fire any standard AR-15 magazines. If you're looking for the best in versatility, you go with the Daniel Defense.
Also included in this is a magazine that can hold up to 30 rounds, plus one that can be held in the chamber. This is ideal for those who want to use their 300 Blackout gun in a competition or if they want to spend a day out in the range and worry less about knowing when to reload. The pistol grip and magazine included are both factory-made parts.
If you’re looking for a 300 Blackout that is best for your wallet and is also considered one of the best in performance and quality, look no further than the Daniel Defense 300 Blackout. No matter what the application, you deserve a gun that is the best in what it does at a price you can afford.
Bottom Line
The Daniel Defense 300 Blackout rifle has impressed us the most so far. And for all the right reasons. Not only is it easy to store, but it also seamlessly fits any shooter, thanks to the folding stock. The pistol-length gas system is provided to give you the best in performance for mid-range shooting.
Other than that, the ability to be compatible with standard AR-15 magazines is no surprise to us. It's exactly what we expect from something associated with the 300 Blackout. If you want a gun that will deliver a superb performance without breaking the bank, then the Daniel Defense is no doubt the best choice for you.
3. Sig Sauer Rifle M400 .300AAC 16" Patrol Range Model
Pros
Cons
Sig Sauer is one of the most recognizable and more reliable brands of guns in the industry. So it's no surprise that they have a 300 Blackout rifle that can be considered one of the best on the market.
With that said, let's take a look at why it's so deserving of that honor. This product is designed for military and law enforcement operations. However, it is also designed for civilian usages like hunting or competitive sports. This is a tactical style option that is, without question, one of the more superior rifles in terms of accuracy.
Included, is a corrosion-resistant, nitride-treated barrel that is measured at 16 inches. On top of that, the barrel and the lower are constructed from high-quality aircraft aluminum designed to make this rifle a super durable, tough-as-nails option. Of course, they continue to make that a possibility since the other parts like the forend, grip, and collapsible buttstock are made from high-quality polymer.
The gas block is railed and designed to give your rifle the reliable performance you want. If you’re looking for a product that is reliable and good for the use of sporting or home defense, the Sig Sauer rifle might be the best choice to have in your arsenal.
Bottom Line
The Sig Sauer 300 Blackout rifle is one of the top rifles on the market. And it proves itself worthy of that honor. The rifle itself is built to last and is durable from the inside out. Not to be outdone, this has reliable performance that will allow you to fire off your shots without a single issue.
The collapsible stock also makes this friendly to users of any size. This is definitely not a one-size-fits-all kind of rifle. If you're looking for a 300 Blackout rifle that you can precisely adjust to your preferences, the Sig Sauer may be the best choice for you.
Best Bolt Action:
300AAC American Synthetic Suppressor Ready Rifle
Pros
Cons
Review
Now we turn our attention back to the rifles themselves. This time, we'll be taking a look at the best bolt action rifle currently on the market for 300 Blackout rounds. This is brought to us by the CZ Brand. This model, in particular, is their American Synthetic Suppressor-Ready Rifle model.
If you're looking for a reliable rifle that can get the job done at either a short or medium ranges, this might just do the trick for you. If you love to shoot steel or hunt down some varmints, you're probably going to love this product. Included in this gun is a barrel that is weighted ideally for a sporting rifle along with a single set trigger.
If you have a scope that you want to use, then you’ll be quite pleased to see the steel mounting rings that come with this rifle. Just fit it on your rifle and you should be good to go. If you fancy yourself as a fan of the bolt action rifle and want to own one that is capable of firing 300 Blackout cartridges, then the CZ brand could be the best possible choice.
Bottom Line
The CZ 300 AAC rifle is obviously the go-to choice for you if you want to put your Blackout 300 cartridges to good use, but don’t want to use a long-range rifle. If you like bolt action rifles, this will give you the exact feel and operation of one.
The best thing that sticks out is the ability to hold up to five rounds plus install any optics in order to ensure that your shots are super accurate and precise.
5. Aero Precision - AR-15 Oem Rifle 300 Blackout 16"
Pros
Cons
For our budget 300 Blackout rifle, we'll be taking a look at the Aero Precision AR-15 300 Blackout rifle. If you're a budget shopper looking for a reliable rifle, this may be an alternative option to the Daniel Defense rifle that we've reviewed earlier. Before we move on, don't write this off as a cheap, low-quality rifle.
This is a high-quality 300 Blackout rifle that has a pretty reasonable price tag. But is it worth the investment? Let's dive right in. The upper receiver of this rifle is crafted from high-quality aluminum that will provide your rifle with some super strong durability. This has a pistol gas system, which means it is designed to shoot rounds that are capable of hitting targets up to 200 yards out.
For the best in accuracy, the barrel is measured at 16 inches in length. The length of the barrel is quite decent, especially for one that can handle a pistol-length gas system (normally, it can handle shorter barrel lengths).
What makes this stick out as one of the best rifles in our opinion is the ability for you to choose a buttstock of your own and be able to install it no problem. The same can be said about some other accessories. If you have a free-float handguard or some sights handy, then you can add them on with no problem to this rifle.
If you’re looking for a rifle that can easily accept some additional 300 Blackout rifle accessories you have laying around, this rifle might just be the one you’ll want to go with, especially when you’re on a budget and don’t want to spend more money on something more expensive.
Bottom Line
For a rifle that is considered one of the cheapest, some gun owners will be shocked at how well the Aero Precision rifle performs. It’s no doubt reliable and can deliver very accurate shots from distances up to 200 to 250 yards out.
In fact, we’d go as far to say that this rifle is good for hunting and even mid-range target shooting. If you want a rifle that is super-reliable and won’t suck the life out of your bank account, the Aero Precision rifle could be the next addition to your gun collection.
Best Ruger Ranch Rifle:
Ruger American Rifle Ranch, Bolt Action, 300 BLK, 16.12"
Pros
Cons
Review
Next, we’ll be taking a look at the best Ruger Ranch rifle on our list. If you fancy yourself to be a fan of this kind of rifle, you’re going to love this version we chose. This is the Ruger American Rifle Ranch Bolt Action. The barrel is measured at 16.2 inches, making it a force to be reckoned with at long-ranges.
Also included is a synthetic stock designed to help you resist recoil and absorb the shock that goes along with it. This bolt action has the ability to hold up to ten rounds plus one. By now, you can see that this has double the capacity of the CZ bolt action rifle. So if you’re not impressed with the CZ model and want a bolt action with some “oomph”, the Ruger Ranch might be the better alternative for you.
Made in the U.S.A., this has the makings of a high-quality, best in performance rifle. That’s because gun manufacturers hold these two categories to a high standard when it comes to American made guns. This is way better than any other gun made in the world. If you’re looking for a bolt action that is second to none and will last you a long time, the Ruger American Ranch Rifle might be your best friend for years to come.
Bottom Line
The Ruger American Ranch rifle is probably the best alternative for bolt action enthusiasts that want more than five rounds. This rifle is ideal for mid-range or even long-range hunting or target practicing.
The thing that impressed us the most is the barrel twist rate. It can allow for many rounds that range in weights between 110 to 300-grain. If you're looking for a barrel twist that has the ability to deal with that, the Ruger American Ranch rifle might be exactly what you're looking for.
Best Hunting Rifle:
Bravo Company - 300 Blackout Recce-16
Pros
Cons
Review
If you’re a hunter that is looking for a rifle that is compatible with 300 Blackout rounds, then look no further than what we have chosen for you. This is the 300 Blackout Reece-16 from Bravo Company. While this appears to be a rugged-looking rifle for tactical use, this is actually a very effective 300 Blackout rifle for the big game hunter.
It comes equipped with a flash suppressor muzzle, ensuring that no flash is visible while you’re firing off every round you have. The barrel is measured at 16 inches in length and is designed for mid-range and perhaps even long range hunting as well. Nothing is more satisfying than hitting a big game target with a kill shot from about 200 to 300 yards out.
The magazine contains 30 rounds plus one, which means that you won’t have to worry about reloading a lot while you’re out in the field all day. The buttstock is synthetic and designed to help you resist recoil and absorb the shock that goes along with it.
From the inside out, this is a very durable rifle that is capable of delivering superior performance all while helping you land a kill shot for the ages. If you’re looking for a rifle that will be reliable for as long as you use it, the Bravo Company rifle will probably be the best hunting buddy you’ve long looked for.
Bottom Line
For a 300 Blackout rifle, the Bravo Company rifle proves itself to be the best possible option for hunters. This might be the rifle you’ll want if you don’t want to deal with a bolt action rifle. You just want to quickly shoot and not worry about reloading every time.
If you’re a hunter that hates wasting time with reloading, then the Bravo Company rifle could be the next 300 Blackout rifle (or the first, if you haven’t owned one previously) you’ll buy. Consider this as a possible hunting rifle that you’d want to use in the long term.
What’s So Great About the 300 Blackout?
When the 300 Blackout burst upon the scene, it became widely popular with gun owners. More specifically, AR-15 owners and enthusiasts were quickly impressed with the Blackout due to its compatibility with existing AR-15 5.53/223 parts. This means the Blackout BCG, gas system, bolt, and pretty much everything that comes standard with an AR-15 is compatible with the 300 Blackout.
Another reason this weapon is considered one of the best is the ability to work with different kinds of ammunition without having to rely on adjustable gas. More specifically, we’re talking subsonic and full power ammo rounds. Best of all, you’re getting a great package deal that is light in weight, low in recoil, and tough as nails.
Pistol-Length or Rifle - Which is Ideal and Why?
One of the topics that is always the subject of debate is which gas system is ideal for the 300 Blackout. There are two types of gas systems: pistol-length and rifle. But which one is superior to the other?
While this question is often asked by those who are building a 300 Blackout rifle, this will also apply to those in search for a gun that will fire 300 Blackout rounds. Let’s take a look at each gas system:
Pistol-Length
According to some 300 Blackout owners, pistol-length is considered to be a popular choice. If you’re looking for a gas system that will give you the ability to shoot rounds that will hit targets effectively from about 200 yards out, this is the gas system to go with.
However, one of the major disadvantages of this gas system is the bullet drop. The bullet drop and velocities will likely be lower than the minimum levels of reliable performance.
Gas System Comparison (Photo credit: pewpewtactical.com)
Rifle-Length
This gas system will have the ability to work with super and subsonic loads. In other words, it won’t have an issue firing whatever 300 Blackout rounds you may have. Even better, you can do this either with or without the use of a gas can. This will also have the ability to handle high-pressure cartridges as well.
Of course, rifle-length gas systems do have their disadvantages. One of them is cycling issues. This is a common issue that 300 Blackout users deal with while firing subsonic ammo (this is more prevalent with factory version subsonics). These issues may come and go at times, but reloading may also be a little touchy at times.
So which is ideal and why? It’s quite obvious. If you’re looking to fire rounds from mid-ranges, you’re more apt to get a pistol-length gas system. However, if you want your rounds to travel farther, you’re going to need a rifle-length gas system for your rifle.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying a 300 Blackout Rifle
Before you choose a 300 Blackout rifle of your own, it is important to consider some of the factors that will drive your decision.
We recommend that you keep these in mind as you are looking around. Do not just buy the first one you see and call it good. You need to know more about what you are purchasing before dropping money on the table.
Spending money on a rifle that turns out to be a disappointment will cost you a good amount of money and give you some headaches. Here are what some past 300 Blackout buyers have considered in their decision process:
Price
Obviously, price is going to be a major factor for most buyers, especially for those who are either first-time buyers or budget shoppers. Either way, the price tag will always play a role in the decision process. One thing to make clear is that quality should always trump everything else. Just because it's cheap, doesn't mean it won’t be worth giving it a look. The rule of thumb is to find the highest quality product that you can find at a price that fits your budget.
Range
Are you looking for a long-range rifle for hunting or competition purposes? Or are you simply looking for something that can hit targets from short or mid-ranges for hunting? Either way, finding a rifle with the ability to hit targets from certain distances will be important.
One thing to pay attention to is the gas system tit has. Pistol gas systems will be more suitable for 300 Blackout rifles that can fire rounds that travel 200 to 300 yards, while rifle-length gas systems will be powerful enough to send rounds a little farther.
Intent and Purpose
What do you plan on using your rifle for? Are you a hunter? Are you using it for home defense? It's important to know what your exact intent and purpose are for your 300 Blackout rifle.
If you're looking for a good home defense option, some of the pistol-length 300 Blackout guns might be more suitable for you.
Photo credit: longrangehunting.com
Likewise, a longer barrel might be something worth looking at if you're using it for hunting or other outdoor activities like target practicing or competitive shooting.
Best Uses For a 300 Blackout
For each 300 Blackout user, they all have a specific purpose for their rifle. However, there are some good uses for a 300 Blackout.
One of them, of course, is hunting. A good 300 Blackout rifle can be reliable for hunting varmints or large game like deer or elk.
Another good use for a 300 Blackout is for competition purposes. A Blackout rifle is capable of holding its own against long-range rifles like those that have the ability to fire long-range rounds like 6.5 Creedmoor rounds.
Finally, you can also be able to use your 300 Blackout rifle as a reliable home defense gun. Some may say that the use of a rifle like this (or an AR style rifle) might be overkill. But it can still be just as effective as any other rifle you use.
Conclusion
The best 300 Blackout rifle is out there for you. It's a matter of finding one that will fit your personal preferences, your intent and purpose, and most importantly, your budget. Feel free to look around and don't be afraid to check out what people are saying about these rifles in general.
If there's one in particular that you like, it's important to gather more intel about it before making a final decision. If this is your first time buying a 300 Blackout rifle, we can promise that once you try this out, you won't be disappointed.
