The Best 300 Blackout Rifles: These Dominated Our Range Tests

Born just over a decade ago from a need for a specialized close-combat round for unnamed military special operators, the .300 AAC Blackout has gone on to become one of the most popular chamberings for the AR-15 style platform, and with good reason — its performance with sub and supersonic ammo is effectively legend at this point.

However, with over 60 rifle makers today currently producing .300 BLK-chambered firearms, figuring out the most accurate, best choice takes a little navigating. Rest assured, though, we are here to light the way. This article is part of our ongoing Guide to Everything AR.

What is the .300 Blackout?

A concept very close to what is today’s .300 Blackout can be found as a footnote in the Individual Multi-Purpose weapon program (IWP).

Well, back in the 1960s, Dale Davis of U.S. Air Force Armament Laboratory began to actively prototype the innovative IMP as an aircrew survival gun for downed pilots.

A concept very close to what is today’s .300 Blackout can be found as a footnote in the Individual Multi-Purpose weapon program (IWP).

Well, back in the 1960s, Dale Davis of U.S. Air Force Armament Laboratory began to actively prototype the innovative IMP as an aircrew survival gun for downed pilots.

Eventually chambered in .221 Fireball (5.56x36mm), one of the original concepts for the gun was that it should be chambered for a forward-looking though experimental 7.62x28mm cartridge, using a stubby 81-grain bullet that was still small enough to fit in a standard M16 magazine. In the end, the IMP– later classified as the GUU-4/P by the Air Force– was not adopted and faded into history.

What about Whisper?

While the IMP was a miss, the .221 Fireball (coincidentally the highest velocity pistol cartridge ever loaded by a major ammunition maker – with a SAAMI maximum mean pressure is 52,000 cupw) became a favorite with wildcat cartridge makers, wizened hand loaders who stretch the envelope of what is commercially available.

By the early 1990s, J. D. Jones, the famous gun writer and cartridge designer, had pioneered the use of a specialized cartridge, termed the .300 Whisper, which took a .221 Fireball case and necked it up to take a .30-caliber bullet. The Whisper earned its name due to the fact it was specifically designed to perform well in suppressed platforms.

Using a fat 200-grain bullet, the 7.82x38mm cartridge generated a velocity of just ~1,000 feet per second. This was lower than the speed of sound, which is around 1125 fps, thus eliminating the supersonic “crack” created by the bullet, aiding in better suppressing the round. Smaller bullets, down to 125-grain, moved much faster for those not seeking optimal sound moderation.

The .300 Whisper, however, barely moved the needle with major gun companies in the 1990s, remaining largely in the territory of aftermarket custom barrel and AR upper makers.

The truth was that private “silencer” ownership was extremely rare at the time. It should be noted that in 1993, the ATF only logged 310 Form 1s to produce NFA-registered devices such as suppressors. As such, few manufacturers chambered rifles for .300 Whisper such as the short-lived Loki Fenrir– although Smith & Wesson did produce a short run of M&P-15s chambered for the cartridge.

Other brand-new .30-caliber AR rounds of the era, such as the .30 Remington AR and.30 Gremlin, while not designed for suppressed use, likewise had short lives.

Key Advantages Over 5.56/.223

While the 5.56 NATO has served as the backbone of modern military rifles for decades, the .300 Blackout was purpose-built to address specific shortcomings of the smaller cartridge. Rather than trying to replace 5.56 entirely, the .300 BLK complements it perfectly, excelling in areas where the .223/5.56 struggles.

Short Barrel Performance

The most significant advantage of .300 Blackout is its performance in short barrels. Where 5.56 NATO needs a 20-inch barrel to reach its velocity potential, the fatter .300 Blackout achieves full powder burn from barrels as short as 9 inches. This makes it ideal for PDWs, home defense rifles, and suppressed platforms where compactness matters.

A short, stubby round, the .300 BLK delivers better performance in most loads than the 7.62x39mm at 300 yards. Tests by AAC in 2012 (and keep in mind that ballistics have improved since then) showed that the cartridge could still be effective out to 440 yards– when fired from a barrel as short as 9-inches, making it ideal for use in any AR pistol.

This holds true for both suppressed and unsuppressed .300 platforms, although you’ll want to pair your rifle of choice with an adjustable gas block to keep things kosher.

Further, while you could step up to an AR-10/SR-25 platform that uses a .308 Winchester round, you gain mass and lose magazine capacity, and the change will require more than an upper receiver swap.

Superior Suppression Capabilities

The .300 Blackout was designed from the ground up with suppression in mind. Heavy subsonic loads — like 190-grain to 220-grain bullets — travel at velocities below 1,125 fps, eliminating the supersonic “crack” that no suppressor can quiet. With quality subsonic ammunition and a good can, a .300 BLK rifle becomes whisper quiet, something 5.56 simply cannot achieve.

Robert Silvers of suppressor maker Advanced Armament Company– a brilliant outfit that yielded some of the most important development in quiet time and eventually spun off the legendary John Hollister who went on to form Sig Sauer’s suppressor division– in a 2012 interview confirmed that AAC’s in-house development of the .300 Blackout began in 2009 as a result of a very specific requirement for an unnamed client that was seeking a .30 caliber AR-style platform that was reliable and suppressor-ready.

At the time, Navy SEALs and Army Delta operators were utilizing the Heckler & Koch MP5-SD, an integrally suppressed 9mm submachine gun, for close-in action at bad-breath distances.

Increased Stopping Power

Thanks to its .30-caliber bore, the .300 Blackout delivers significantly more energy on target than 5.56, especially at close range. A 125-grain .300 BLK supersonic load generates roughly 1,400 ft-lbs of energy compared to 1,300 ft-lbs from a 62-grain 5.56 round.

With heavy subsonic loads, the larger wound channel and better penetration through barriers gives .300 BLK a decisive advantage for home defense scenarios.

Described by some as “the .30-30 for an AR-15” the .300 BLK is actually much more than that as it allows everything from heavy subsonic bullets, such as Hornady’s 190-grain Sub-X TAP– a round recently chosen for CQB use by an undisclosed “specialized unit” inside the Department of Defense, doubling down on the original concept– to more spicy supersonic loads with smaller bullets in the 100-grain range for tactical rifles.

The largest a .223 Remington will allow in an AR is a 77-grain bullet, so the bigger pill of the Blackout certainly delivers — and way more than target shooting material.

Platform Compatibility Benefits

One of the most practical advantages is that .300 Blackout uses the same bolt, magazines, and lower receiver as 5.56 NATO. This means you can convert an existing AR-15 to .300 Blackout with nothing more than an upper receiver swap. No new magazines, no different bolt — just swap the upper and you’re running a completely different cartridge.

The same 30-round PMAG that holds 30 rounds of 5.56 will hold exactly 30 rounds of .300 Blackout without any modifications, though dedicated .300 BLK magazines can help avoid any potential feeding issues with heavier subsonic rounds.

A .300 Blackout-chambered AR-15 still uses the same magazines without a loss of capacity, i.e. a 30-round 5.56 NATO AR mag will still hold 30 rounds of Blackout.

That said, while a .300 Blackout cartridge largely feeds without incident from an unmodified .223 magazine, an internal rib on a .223 magazine lines up with the case shoulder to keep .223 bullet tips from touching the inside of the magazine tube.

When .300 Blackout Makes Sense

The .300 Blackout shines in specific scenarios where 5.56 falls short:

• Suppressed shooting where maximum quiet operation is priority
• Short-barreled rifles under 14 inches where 5.56 loses too much velocity
• Home defense where barrier penetration and stopping power matter more than range
• Hunting in heavy brush or close quarters where shots are under 200 yards
• Dual-purpose platforms that need both supersonic performance and subsonic stealth capability

For long-range precision work, high-volume training, or situations where ammunition cost is a primary concern, 5.56 NATO remains the better choice. But for close-quarters work, suppressed applications, and maximum versatility in a compact package, the .300 Blackout has proven itself as more than just a niche cartridge — it’s an essential complement to any serious rifle collection.

With over 60 manufacturers now producing .300 BLK platforms, selecting the right rifle comes down to matching your intended use with the right features. Here’s what matters most when shopping for your next .300 Blackout platform.

Primary Use Considerations

Home Defense: Look for reliability above all else, with barrel lengths between 7-10 inches for maneuverability. Prioritize proven manufacturers like Palmetto State, Daniel Defense, or Noveske. A quality muzzle device or suppressor mount is essential since most home defense scenarios benefit from reduced flash and noise.

Hunting: Accuracy trumps compactness. Barrels in the 14-16 inch range offer the best balance of velocity and handling for hunting applications. Cold-hammer-forged barrels and quality triggers — like those found on the Ruger American Ranch or Noveske builds — deliver the precision needed for clean kills on game.

Recreational/Training: Budget-friendly options like the Diamondback DB15 or PSA PA-15 provide excellent value without sacrificing reliability. These platforms let you experience .300 BLK performance without breaking the bank.

Barrel Length Impact

Unlike 5.56, .300 Blackout reaches peak performance from shorter barrels. A 9-inch barrel delivers roughly 95% of the velocity you’d get from 16 inches, making SBRs and pistols incredibly effective. Longer barrels still provide benefits — better velocity with supersonic loads and improved accuracy — but the gains diminish significantly past 16 inches.

Suppressor Considerations

If suppression is in your future, pay attention to gas system length and threading. Pistol-length gas systems pair better with suppressors than carbine-length systems, reducing gas blowback. Most quality .300 BLK rifles come threaded 5/8×24, but verify before purchase. An adjustable gas block, like those found on higher-end builds, helps tune the rifle for optimal suppressed performance.

Ammunition Selection Guidance

Supersonic Loads (110-125 grain): Best for hunting and longer-range work. Expect velocities around 2,200-2,400 fps from 16-inch barrels. Popular choices include Hornady 110-grain V-MAX and Barnes 110-grain TAC-TX.

Subsonic Loads (190-220 grain): Designed for suppressed use, traveling under 1,125 fps to avoid supersonic crack. Hornady 190-grain Sub-X and Sierra 220-grain MatchKing are proven performers. These heavy bullets require faster twist rates (1:7 or 1:8) for proper stabilization.

Twist Rate Considerations: 1:8 twist handles most loads well, while 1:7 stabilizes heavy subsonics more effectively. Avoid 1:9 or slower for .300 BLK applications.

Budget Planning

Quality .300 BLK rifles start around $650 (PSA PA-15) and extend past $2,000 for premium builds (Barrett REC7). Factor in ammunition costs — expect $0.75-$1.50 per round compared to $0.30-$0.60 for 5.56 — when planning your budget.

Below is my list of the best .300 Blackout rifles. I list the best choices in terms of value, performance, design, and cost to help you find the best option for your needs.

Click on the name to head to the product page, read reviews, and check prices, or skip ahead to the list of rifles & pistols.

1. Top Choice: Palmetto State Armory

Specifications:

• Weight: 6.75lbs
• Length: 32”
• Barrel Length: 16”
• Capacity: 30 Rounds

• Height: 7.5” at the Pistol Grip
• Caliber: .300 Blackout
• Action: Direct Gas Impingement, Semi-Automatic

Pros

• Affordable way to get into new calibers like .300 BLK
• Included iron sights
• Skeletonized fore-end
• Range ready right out of the box

Cons

• A2 flash hider means you’ll need another solution for a mounting suppressor
• Barrel will radiate a lot of heat with the paired back fore-end

Few brands deliver the value of Palmetto State when it comes to the AR platform, and their 16″ .300BLK rifle is no exception.

Their PA-15 Rifle in .300BLK pairs a 16″ chrome-moly steel barrel with an ideal 1:8 twist, M4 barrel extension for reliable feeds, and a pistol-length gas system. That shorter gas system pairs well with a suppressor, which the .300BLK runs flawlessly and makes an ideal hunting or suppressed home defense rifle.

In addition, the PA-15 runs a PSA 13.5″ lightweight M-Lok free-float handguard, low-profile gas block, and A2 flash hider for that classic look.

2. Barrett REC7DI

Specifications:

• Weight: 6.2lbs
• Length: 26”
• Barrel Length 16”
• Capacity: 30 Rounds

• Height: 7.5” at the Pistol Grip
• Caliber: .300 Blackout
• Action: Direct Gas Impingement, Semi-Automatic

Pros

• Included muzzle brake tames the recoil substantially over an A2
• Lighter than other competing rifles
• Great gun for both beginners and experienced shooters

Cons

• Expensive
• Lack of ambidextrous bolt release

When you say, “Barrett,” most people think of their long-range .50-caliber BMG rifles, but the Tennessee-based company also cranks out a variety of popular AR platforms, with their high-quality direct-impingement REC7 DI models being front and center.

Besides standard 5.56 NATO variants, Barret also markets the rifle in 6.8 SPC and .300 BLK format with options for either 16- or 18-inch barrels and ALG triggers.

3. Bravo Company RECCE-16

Specifications:

• Weight: 5.25lbs
• Length: 25.5”
• Barrel Length: 9”
• Capacity: 30 Rounds

• Height: 7.5” at the Pistol Grip
• Caliber: .300 Blackout
• Action: Direct Gas Impingement, Semi-Automatic

Pros

• Great close quarters defensive tool
• Fun to shoot, making it a great choice for recreational shooting
• BCM makes everything in-house

Cons

• 9” barrel may impact accuracy performance
• No iron sights included

Wisconsin-based Bravo Company has grown to become a household name in the AR game and their RECCE-16 series guns are crowd-pleasers with consumers seeking a 300 BLK rifle around the $1K-ish price tag that delivers above its weight class.

The company offers the mid-range RECCE-16 KMR-A and MCR carbine varieties, differing in the style of their handguards and gas systems. Easy on the back, each comes in at just 6.1 pounds.

4. Daniel Defense ISR

Specifications:

• Weight: 7.57lbs
• Length: 34.75”
• Barrel Length: 9”
• Capacity: 30 Rounds

• Height: 7.5” at the Pistol Grip
• Caliber: .300 Blackout
• Action: Direct Gas Impingement, Semi-Automatic

Pros

• Integrally suppressed
• Quietest factory rifle anywhere
• Beautiful furniture
• Good accuracy even with subsonic loads

Cons

• For this amount of money some back up iron sights should be included
• A2 style finger nub

Daniel Defense is an old hat when it comes to providing high-speed platforms to high-speed customers, such as their MK18s to the U.S. Navy SEALs. We love their stuff and took their DDM4 out for spin a while back.

True to form, DD has off and on produced examples of their ISR, or Integrally Suppressed Rifle, for consumers. Chambered in .300 BLK, it uses a 9-inch S2W profile barrel with a permanently attached integral suppressor to make it 16.1-inches long, keeping the tax stamps down to just the one.

With subsonic loads, it is almost Hollywood quiet, right off the shelf.

5. Diamondback Firearms DB15

Specifications:

• Weight: 6.56lbs
• Length: 35.75”
• Barrel Length: 16″
• Capacity: 30 Rounds
• Height: 7.5” at the Pistol Grip
• Caliber: .300 Blackout
• Action: Direct Gas Impingement, Semi-Automatic

Pros

• Heavy profile barrel will do well under sustained fire
• Labeling the dust cover with the caliber is a cool touch
• Pistol variant compact size enhances usability in close quarters
• Reliable performance, making it a great choice for those who love to shoot

Cons

• Again, the lack of included sights is puzzling even at this affordable price point
• Budget A2 birdcage flash hider

Florida-based Diamondback is a budget AR maker that doesn’t disappoint and has been in the .300 Blackout game since 2014 with their DB15 series rifles.

Best yet, other than Magpul hardware and mags, they produce just about everything in-house with excellent quality control, which is an outstanding deal when you consider you can usually get into one of these for about $800.

6. FN FN-15

Specifications:

• Weight: 6.91lbs
• Length: 37.25”
• Barrel Length: 16”
• Capacity: 30 Rounds

• Height: 7.5” at the Pistol Grip
• Caliber: .300 Blackout
• Action: Direct Gas Impingement, Semi-Automatic

Pros

• FN is famous for its build quality
• Effective muzzle brake

Cons

• Front-heavy & LOUD
• Shorter handguard would have reduced the weight

A good portion of the M16s and M4s delivered to the U.S. Army in the past 30 years have rolled out of FN’s factories, making them a serious expert on the subject.

Not to let their fans out of uniform down, the company’s FN-15 Tactical is offered in .300 BLK complete with the same combat trigger, cold-hammer-forged chrome-lined barrel, snappy trigger pull and rail system as on their military schedule rifles. Hard to beat.

7. LWRC IC-DI Rifle

Specifications:

• Weight: 6.6lbs
• Length: 35.25”
• Barrel Length: 16.1”
• Capacity: 30 Rounds

• Height: 7.5” at the Pistol Grip
• Caliber: .300 Blackout
• Action: Direct Gas Impingement, Semi-Automatic

Pros

• Handguard mates with the receiver to keep zero on accessories
• Looks awesome
• Shorter handguard helps with balance
• Short barrel design enhances maneuverability and accuracy

Cons

• Mixing black and FDE looks Frankensteined
• A different muzzle brake choice would have been better for suppressor mounting

Fitted with a 16.1-inch spiral fluted barrel, Monoforge one-piece upper, and fully ambi lower, LWRC’s direct-impingement IC-DI platform comes not only in your standard vanilla 5.56 NATO but also in the super-duper rocky road that is .300 BLK.

Once you pick up one of these, have your billfold closed because you will not want to put it back down unless it is in your gun safe.

8. Noveske Light Recce Rifle

Specifications:

• Weight: 6.5lbs
• Length: 35.25”
• Barrel Length: 16″
• Capacity: 30 Rounds

• Height: 7.5” at the Pistol Grip
• Caliber: .300 Blackout
• Action: Direct Gas Impingement, Semi-Automatic

Pros

• M4-style feed ramps
• Upgraded charging handle and trigger
• Adjustable gas block
• Excellent projectile performance with various bullet weights

Cons

• Light buttstock impacts balance
• Why no black barrel?

Grants Pass, Oregon is home to the legend that is Noveske Rifleworks and their 6-pound Light Recce .300 BLK build includes a Magpul CTR stock, and ALG ACT trigger, iron backup sights in a world where plastic is the norm, and a 16-inch cold-hammer forged barrel.

It is meant for hard and prolonged use, having double aluminum heat shields on the handguard, Type III hard-coat anodizing, and extended feed ramps.

9. PWS MK116

Specifications:

• Weight: 6.4lbs
• Length: 36.25”
• Barrel Length:16.1”
• Capacity: 30 Rounds
• Height: 7.5” at the Pistol Grip
• Caliber: .300 Blackout
• Action: Long stroke gas piston, semi-automatic

Pros

• Effective muzzle brake
• Soft shooting
• Gas piston operated
• Performs exceptionally well with supersonic rounds

Cons

• More complicated parts, cleaning, and maintenance than DI guns
• The shiny finish looks great but might scratch over time or hard use

Idaho’s Primary Weapon Systems may not be a name you hear when shopping big box sporting goods stores of local gun shops, but those who know PWS love their work.

The company’s MK116 long-stroke piston action rifles are available in at least four different mods chambered in .300 BLK with options to include KeyMod or Magpul M-LOK handguards, Bravo Company PNT or Zev SSR triggers, and forged or lightweight uppers.

In short, for military and law-enforcement applications, a .300 Blackout-chambered M4 makes an ideal sub-gun replacement, delivering a cartridge many times more effective than a 9mm pistol caliber MP5. For home defense, the same thing can be said in a .300-chambered AR replacing pistol caliber carbines.

For hunters, the round makes for an ideal lightweight, close-range, deer and wild hog gun, great for use in areas of heavy brush. If memory serves, certain regulations may affect the choice of firearms for hunting in specific zones, so be aware of your local regs.

There are, of course, differences between the two rounds — chambering and firing a .308-inch bullet in a .224-inch barrel will break your rifle, bolt, carrier, barrel, handguard, optics, and charging handle — and quite possibly your person.

If you’re still undecided, we break down the differences between the 5.56 and .300 BLK.

1. ATF, Firearms Commerce in the United States, 2011, Pg 22
2. FAS.org, Multipurpose Individual Munition (MPIM)
3. ChuckHawks, .221 Remington Fireball
4. SAAMI, Commercial Centerfire Pistol Pressure and Velocity Performance Standards