The Greatest 300 Blackout Rifles of 2024

The 300 Blackout rifle and cartridge had been born out of a request by the U.S. Particular Operations Command. Whereas the 300 BLK noticed restricted use within the navy, it’s been accepted broadly by hunters and leisure shooters, significantly these focusing on feral hogs. It shines in short-barreled rifles, and it gives the flexibleness to shoot subsonic and supersonic rounds. 

When you’re searching for a quiet, low-recoiling 300 BLK rifle for enjoyable or looking, I talked to 2 specialists for his or her picks of the perfect 300 blackout rifles. 

How I Selected the Greatest 300 Blackout Rifles 

I talked to David Stark, the president of Discreet Ballistics who manufactures a number of the finest 300 Blackout ammunition obtainable. His firm focuses on subsonic looking ammo and he’s an skilled in understanding what makes for an correct 300 BLK rifle. He’s additionally shot lots of the hottest rifles chambered within the cartridge and has suggestions from his prospects on them. Begin supplied data on what to search for in a 300 BLK gun and provided strategies of his favourite rifles. 

I additionally talked to Kevin Brittingham (now with Q) who was on the group that designed the 300 Blackout. He’s hunted huge sport all through North America and Africa with the 300 BLK and has designed two of the most well-liked rifles. Brittingham supplied background on the 300 BLK, its historical past, and knowledge on the perfect twist fee. 

Greatest 300 Blackout Rifles: Suggestions

Greatest Total: Q Honey Badger

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Key Options

• Value: $3,000
• Capability: 10, 20, 30 normal AR-magazines
• Motion: Semi-automatic
• Twist Price: 1:5 inches
• Barrel Size: 7 inches
• Total size: 20 to 25 inches
• Weight: 4.5 kilos

Execs

• Free-floating handguard
• Two-position collapsible PDW inventory
• Adjustable fuel block
• free floating m-lok handguard 
• Compact

Cons

The Honey Badger is the Rolls Royce of 300 Blackout rifles. Its compact measurement permits for simple use in shut quarters; it was custom-built for SOCOM’s low visibility assault weapon program. Just like the Mini Repair SBR, the Honey Badger is an funding in a top-of-the-line 300 Blackout rifle.

It’s good for house protection or looking. At solely 4.5 kilos, the Honey Badger could be carried all day with out hardly noticing it, not like a number of the heavier choices obtainable. It takes normal M4 magazines, so that you gained’t have to fret about particular manufacturers that may match the rifle’s magwell. 

The Honey Badger’s quick twist fee is right for stabilizing heavy bullets and offers rotational power that permits subsonic increasing bullets to open extra simply (extra data on that later). 

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Greatest Finances: CVA Scout V2 Stainless Single Shot Rifle – 300 AAC Blackout

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Key Options

• Value: $400
• Capability: 1
• Break motion
• Twist Price: 1:8 inches
• Barrel Size: 16.5 inches
• Total size: 38 inches
• Weight: 5.8 kilos 

Execs

• Finances-friendly
• Ambidextrous inventory
• Newbie person pleasant
• Fast, toolless takedown

Cons

• Non-adjustable set off
• Spent cartridges don’t eject

The CVA Scout V2 300 Blackout is the rifle to go for if you’re within the cartridge however don’t need to spend so much to strive it out. It’s an reasonably priced rifle with a crisp 3-pound set off pull with no creep. That set off could be nice for those who’re used to a lighter set off pull, nevertheless it’s one thing to concentrate on when choosing out the rifle you need. 

Its ambidextrous inventory and break motion make it appropriate for proper or left-handed shooters. Chambered within the low-recoiling 300 Blackout, the Scout V2 is a good gun for newbies. 

The 1:8-inch twist fee could lead to much less exact teams if you’re utilizing heavy 190 to 220-grain subsonic bullets, however it’ll work nicely when capturing supersonic ammunition. The slower twist may cause subsonic rounds to yaw on the level of influence. It’s not tumbling, however it may possibly have an effect on the bullet’s accuracy and effectiveness. 

Stark mentioned that subsonic rounds via the CVA needs to be solely used for pictures at 50 yards or much less. The CVA Scout V2 comes threaded for a silencer or flash suppressor. The perfect half about this rifle is the standard of the rifle construct, mixed with the reasonably priced value and lifelong guarantee.

Greatest for Searching: Ruger American Ranch Rifle

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Key Options

• Value: $550
• Capability: 10
• Bolt motion
• 70-degree bolt elevate
• Twist Price: 1:7 inches
• Barrel Size: 16.12 inches
• Total size: 36 inches
• Weight: 5.9 kilos 

Execs

• Adjustable set off
• Journal fed 
• Comes threaded ⅝ inch-24
• Consists of drilled and tapped with Picatinny rail

Cons

The Ruger American Ranch Rifle is an reasonably priced and correct rifle (see Tyler Freel’s 350 Legend rifles check for a have a look at its accuracy). This rifle is one other nice choice for newbies however is a brilliant selection for extra skilled hunters, too. Stark mentioned this can be a standard choice for individuals who hunt with the 300 BLK. A lot in order that he makes Ruger American optimized 300 BLK ammo. 

The adjustable set off gives a spread of three to five kilos. The delicate recoil pad isn’t best for a agency shoulder connection and isn’t wanted for the 300 BLK’s low recoil. However you should purchase an aftermarket recoil pad and have it put in. You’ll be able to take the customization a step additional by changing your complete inventory with one of many many choices for the Ruger American. 

The sleek single-piece, three-lug bolt has a 70-degree throw arm, which grants loads of scope clearance. The complete-diameter bolt physique mixed with twin cocking cams offers a clean, straightforward biking of the bolt from any stance. 

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Greatest for House Protection: Noveske Chainsaw SBR

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Key Options

• Value: $1,800
• Capability: Comes with normal 30-round journal, however they are often substituted with 10-round magazines
• Semi automated
• Twist Price: 1:7 inches
• Barrel Size: 7.94 or 10.5 inches
• Total size: 24 inches with absolutely collapsed inventory
• Weight: 5.4 kilos 

Execs

• H1 buffer and carbine motion spring for higher recoil administration
• Free floating M-LOK handguard
• High quality fuel block
• Compact

Cons

• Heavier than different choices available on the market
• ATF Kind 1 and $200 tax cost required for the short-barreled rifle model

The Noveske Chainsaw SBR’s compact design and high quality fuel block make this an reasonably priced however high-quality choice for house protection. 

When you don’t just like the sub-8-inch barrel, you possibly can at all times order the setup with the ten.5-inch barrel. In fact, each barrel choices would require a $200 tax and an accepted ATF kind 1. If you have already got an SBR decrease, you may get the Chainsaw as an higher solely. An alternative choice is to purchase the Chainsaw as a pistol. 

The ambidextrous Radian Raptor LT charging deal with is a pleasant contact, together with the M-LOK handguard and a Picatinny 1913 high rail. 

Greatest Ultralight: Q Mini Repair

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Key Options

• Value: $3,000
• Capability: 10, 20, 30 rounds
• Makes use of AR magazines 
• Bolt motion
• Twist Price: 1:5 inches
• Barrel Size: 8 inches
• Total size: 26.9 inches collapsed inventory; 28.1 inches full extension
• Weight: 4.4 kilos

Execs

• Designed particularly for the 300 blackout 
• Tapered barrel 
• 45-degree bolt is clean and user-friendly
• Gentle and compact; inventory folds down
• Extremely modular
• Free-floating handguard
• Integral silencer

Cons

• Costly
• Can’t shoot with inventory folded

Just like the Noveske Chainsaw, this rifle is an NFA merchandise, however this absolutely custom-made rifle is correct, and Brittingham has used it for looking pictures past 300 meters with subsonics. Brittingham and Stark cautioned prospects to grasp that something past 100 meters requires an understanding of ballistics. Think about that out of a 16-inch barrel the Hornady 190-grain Sub-X load has a 1.5-inch level of influence shift between the muzzle and 100 yards. Then it drops 33 inches between 100 and 200 yards and drops 104 inches between 200 and 300 yards. So that you higher know your precise distance and DOPE to make pictures past 100. 

The compact and light-weight Mini Repair is right for carrying all day. You’ll be able to fold the inventory down, and it suits into nearly any backpack. It’s prepared for any suppressor, which you will have as a result of 300 BLK is unbelievable suppressed. If the Chainsaw is the hammer, the Mini Repair SBR is the scalpel. Stark and Brittingham described this rifle as a tack driver that may carry out in all situations. 

It’s costly, and if you’re merely searching for a beater rifle to take a look at the 300 Blackout expertise, there are a number of different choices obtainable that may suit your wants. However if you’re searching for an correct rifle that will get essentially the most out of the cartridge, this is likely one of the finest 300 Blackout rifles obtainable. 

Origin of the 300 Blackout 

The request got here in 2011 after SOCOM had bought round 20, .300 Whisper rifles. The personnel testing them bumped into reliability points with most of them. The .300 Whisper makes use of a .308 bullet, and the ogive led to issues with the feed ramp and the AR magazines. 

However, the troopers with the non-problematic rifles didn’t need to flip them in when their command determined to maneuver away from them. SOCOM approached Brittingham for an answer. 

Brittingham, who was within the strategy of promoting AAC to Remington, examined the 300 Whisper and located it to be unreliable. 

“So we sort of labored out that it simply wanted longer bullets in a special form that principally had been a bit extra slender the place it contacted the rib within the journal to be able to be dependable,” says Brittingham.

Brittingham requested Remington in the event that they’d manufacture his 300 Blackout spherical. They reluctantly agreed, however provided that he might get a navy contract for the ammunition. He and his group went to work growing a spherical within the basement of one in all his engineer’s properties. 

After investing numerous hours into analysis and growth, the group succeeded in making a dependable and efficient 300 Blackout cartridge. Their success was validated when Brittingham acquired an order for one million rounds from the U.S. Navy Particular Warfare Improvement Group. 

Quickly after, they began delivering the uppers to numerous SOF items. 

“We delivered full uppers in 9 and 12-inch and later full rifles in 300 Blackout, and we delivered subsonic and supersonic ammo,” says Brittingham. “Quickly after, we developed the Barnes 110. Among the best self-defense or looking projectiles ever developed.”

Nearly a 12 months later, Brittingham and Remington had a falling out, and the venture fizzled. Brittingham has skilled ups and downs in his enterprise enterprise with Sig Sauer and Remington however stored going. 

A number of ammo firms instructed Brittingham the spherical wouldn’t work or that it could solely be relevant for navy use. He proved them incorrect, and it’s now a broadly used spherical for all the things from looking to self-defense. Brittingham’s Q, LLC. is now one of many main specialists in 300 Blackout and the brand new 8.6 Blackout. 

300 Blackout Twist Charges 

The twist fee is a significant element of what establishes accuracy for a firearm, although there are different elements to account for whenever you get into precision capturing. The twist fee is an important element in stabilizing the bullet in flight. The incorrect twist fee may cause inaccurate pictures, early bullet growth, or bullets to tumble. 

When Brittingham and his group had been growing the 300 Blackout, they labored on enhancing the accuracy dispersion at subsonic speeds with a brief barrel. He began with a 9-inch barrel and a 1-in-7 twist fee. 

The group discovered they might shorten the barrel, give it a sooner twist fee, and nonetheless obtain the identical efficiency as their 9-inch barrels. That cutdown made the Honey Badger a lighter, quieter, and harder-hitting rifle in a compact package deal, making it an efficient close-quarters house protection rifle.

Brittingham and his group began chasing subsonic accuracy dispersion by way of sooner twist charges. However they needed to cease shy of what Brittingham is at present implementing together with his newest 8.6 Blackout rifles, utilizing a 1:3-inch twist fee. 

“SOCOM adopted a subsonic, barrier-blind projectile throughout this time, and so we needed to cease at 1 in 5 due to the projectile they adopted,” Brittingham says. “Once we went to 1:4 inch it expanded out of the muzzle at subsonic linear velocity, so we stopped there.”

The unique SOCOM request was a silencer-friendly rifle and ammunition that may carry out at subsonic speeds. The Honey Badger answered that want, although the deal fell aside. The navy ended up adopting the Sig Sauer Rattler. Brittingham and Stark agreed {that a} 1:5-inch twist fee is the perfect for 300 Blackout with both tremendous or subsonic bullets. 

However, Stark warned that mass-produced business ammunition could include flaws, and a quick twist fee like 1:5-inch will reveal any imperfections by way of early growth of the bullet within the barrel, exiting the barrel, or earlier than influence. Early growth is unhealthy for accuracy and efficient kill pictures whereas looking. 

Barrel size isn’t as a lot of a problem in quick twist charges, whereas a slower twist fee would require an extended barrel so it may possibly stabilize the bullet. With out that lengthy barrel, the accuracy dispersion could be terrible whereas capturing subs and never best for supers.  

Stark mentioned 300 Blackout twist charges vary from 1:8-inch to 1:5-inch. A bullet touring at 1,000 ft per second is spinning at 90,000 rpm. A 1:5-inch twist sends a bullet spinning at 144,000 rpm. That ends in a Delta of 54,000 rpm, which implies the bullet spins extra because it expands within the animal. 

“In order that’s, that’s sort of a free lunch within the sense of each bullets are hitting on the similar velocity, however one’s doing extra injury because of spinning rotationally along with the linear kinetic power,” says Stark. 

300 Blackout is a wonderful spherical for close-range capturing however not a lot for longer distances. Stark defined that he’s seen particular operations troopers working magazines of subsonic and supersonic rounds of their package, one thing you are able to do whereas looking. 

Subsonic works nice for as much as 300 meters, although you’ll have to carry fairly excessive to get the bullet heading in the right direction. Brittingham mentioned the subsonic rounds are nice as a result of they don’t lose substantial velocity after leaving the barrel. You simply have to get the bullet heading in the right direction. That may be difficult with subsonic rounds at a distance. 

To successfully shoot additional out, it would be best to use supersonic rounds. 

“With supersonic rounds, you’re relying completely on the linear velocity for bullet efficiency. Whenever you do one thing hyper-fast, you’re not counting on linear velocity,” says Brittingham. “The rotational velocity will offer you higher penetration, it’ll shoot flatter, and the bullets broaden extra reliably. So there’s a lot of advantages.”

Remaining Ideas

The distinction between the Noveske Chainsaw SBR, Q Honey Badger, Ruger American Ranch rifle, and Mini Repair boils all the way down to their options. The Ruger American is a good looking rifle choice, however if you’d like a rifle designed across the 300 BLK the Mini Repair is superb and has the worth to match. Select the rifle that finest matches your wants and funds, however don’t overlook to choose up a suppressor to go along with your new rifle to get essentially the most out of the 300 Blackout.