When .300 AAC Blackout was released a few years ago, no one truly anticipated how popular it would become. The stopping power and ability to suppress subsonic .300 BLK made it a very desirable round for a wide variety of clientele. Some would say that the success of this caliber could be widely attributed to the surge in suppressor sales. With subsonic loads, the .300 BLK is among the quietest rifle calibers that can be fired. Every time I go to shoot one, I am impressed with its nearly movie-silent db signature.
Another huge draw to this caliber is the stopping power it delivers inside 200 yards. The loads range from 110 to 225 grains of wallop depending on whether you are shooting suppressed. This will take down small to medium sized game and is also very popular in the room clearing business. Personally, I have taken several deer and coyotes as well as some pretty massive hogs with mine with ease.
The only real negative I can find is the effective range of this caliber. I routinely push my guns well past 200 yards, so this is a choice for those more up close and personal situations. With a 100 yard zero, you can expect around 6-9 inches of drop at 200 depending on manufacturer and bullet weight. 300 yards is even worse at ranges of 20-40 inches of drop so be sure you know your dope if you plan on pushing limits.
Keeping those factors in mind, here are my top 5 .300 BLK guns for 2025:
Once again sitting atop my list is old faithful. I chose the AR platform as number one because it is the most versatile choice and the millions of manufacturers available. There is a slew of accessories designed for the .300 BLK on ARs to make the transition that much easier. Optics provide correct BDCs, mags are crafted to fit just right, and the suppressors market is endless. This offering from Radical Firearms is a great starting point.
Rossi makes the list once again with their single shot LWC in .300 BLK. I chose this one almost as a direct opposite of the AR platform because of its simplicity. While the AR provides tons of options, the Rossi believes in the KISS philosophy. This is the perfect gun to add a red dot to and get the family comfortable with a bigger caliber or take the kids hunting. The LWC even comes with a threaded barrel to put that new suppressor on.
CZ kept weight in mind when creating the 600 Trail. This bolt action rifle can collapse down to just 27.2 inches when the stock is completely stowed. Using AR controls and magazines adds another level of versatility to this handy little package. Just add your favorite dot or LPVO and stow it in a saddle bag. At just over 6 lbs, your horse won’t even know it’s in there.
Ruger continues to stay on top of their game with old models getting new facelifts in the caliber department. The Mini-14 is a tried-and-true rifle spending many years as the primary service rifle for our law enforcement officers. This entry into the lineup is no different. Featuring the same controls you’ve come to love this Mini-14 would make even B. A. Barracus proud.
Last on the list is the Steyr Aug A3 M2 in .300 AAC Blackout. The Austrian Steyr is a bullpup rifle that got its roots from military service. Operating on a gas-piston system, the Aug A3 M2 weighs in at a hefty 7.1 lbs but is only 34” long making it great for tactical applications. The bullpup design features a picatinny rail for using your favorite optic as well as a built-in vertical grip. If you are looking to clear some buildings, this might be your best bet.
-Nick
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