Best Scope For .308 Buying Guide 2020
If you own A .308 rifle and are looking to improve your aim and accuracy as a hunter then you are probably wondering what is the best scope for A .308. The simple truth is that with so many different scopes out there it can be somewhat overwhelming. In reality there is no “best” scope for any weapon including the .308 it is simply a matter of finding the best scope for you to use with your .308. In this article we discuss with you some of the things you need to consider before purchasing a scope for your .308 and then look at some .308 scope reviews.
Image by U.S. Navy | Public Domain
Things To Consider When Buying A .308 Scope
Magnification
Once of the things you are going to want to consider when purchasing a scope is the magnification level and whether or not you want a scope with adjustable magnification. The amount of magnification you are going to want your scope to have will depend on a few different things such as:
- The situation you will be using the gun and the scope in. Keep in mind that lower magnifications allows for more intuitive shooting. Scopes with 10X or less are best for shooting targets that are less than 500 yards away.
- The more magnification adjustments a scope has the more the price will go up in most cases.
Objective Lens Size
Another thing you want to consider when buying a scope is the Objective lens size of the scope. The larger the Objective lens the brighter the object will appear. However, you do need to keep to mind that larger objective lenses adds weight to the scope. It may also mean that you will need to mount your scope higher over the barrel.
How the Scope is Adjusted
Another thing you will want to consider is how the scope is actually adjusted. There are basically two different types of adjustments the MOA and the Focal plane. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Best Scopes For 308 Caliber Rifle
Nikon M-308 4-16x42mm Riflescope w/ BDC 800 Reticle,Black
The Nikon M-308 is designed to be used primarily with .308 rifles although it will work with other rifles as well. This rifle scope is fully Multi coated lenses for brighter light transmission. The Nikon M-308 offers adjustable magnification ranging for 4X to 16X. It is designed to be used with Nikon’s Spot On Ballistic Match technology. There is a quick focus eye piece and BDC-800 Reticle. The rifle scope overall has been built to be one of the most rugged and versatile on the market. This is one of the fastest focusing scopes on the market.
This scope is waterproof, fog proof and shockproof making it extremely useful under almost any weather conditions. This scopes large magnification and over sized lens makes for more accurate shots although it does add a little weight to the scope. The field of view is 25 feet at 100 yards. This scope measures 13.5 inches long and weighs 19 ounces. The locking turret is a nice useful feature and the lifetime warranty makes this scope worth the price.
Pros
- Clear Images - Users like that with the Nikon M -308 produces clear, sharp and extremely bright images
- Easy to Use - People who have purchased this scope finds it extremely easy to use
- Easy to Adjust - This rifle scope is easy for most users to adjust so they have a clear sight at all times
- Rugged - This scope holds up to the rigors of most hunting situations
- Designed Specifically for .308 - Many people who find the simple number of choices in scopes overwhelming like the fact that this scope is designed to be used with a .308
- Good Eye Relief - Users like that this riflescope has a nice eye relief distance
- Adjusts Smoothly - People who own this scope like that everything on this scope adjusts smoothly
- Accurate Shots - This Nikon scope helps you make more accurate shots
- Great for Medium Long and Long Distances - People who use this scope find that this scope is great for shooting targets at medium and long ranges
Cons
- The one con that most users found with this scope is that it is fairly expensive
Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm Compact Waterproof Fogproof Riflescope, Matte Black
The Leupold VX-1 3-9X 4mm Compact riflescope is suitable for many different rifles including the .308. This rifle scope comes in matte black and has a 3:1 zoom ratio erector system that can make it ideal in almost any type of situation. The adjustable magnification will magnify objects from 3 times up to 9 times. This scope also has a tactile power sensor that allows you identify your magnification with a simple touch. It uses ¼ MOA finger click adjustments and uses a 4 lens system which allows for an extremely clear picture even under low light conditions. It allows a field of view between 14.6 feet and 35.6 feet at 100 yards. This Leupold scope is water and fog proof allowing you hunt in the rain or in foggy conditions. This scope is quite compact measuring only 12.6 inches long. Best of all it is made in the USA.
Pros
- Great Quality - Most of the people who bought this rifle scope really like the quality of this scope and find it compares favorably with much more expensive scopes
- Clear Images - When looking through this scope users report that see a clear bright image
- Easy to Adjust - This rifle scope is easy for most users to adjust so they have a clear sight at all times
- Improves Aim - This rifle scope helps to improve most hunter aim allowing their hunts to end more successfully
- Made in the USA - For those hunters who prefer products that are made in America they are pleased to discover this scope is made in the USA
Cons
- Field of View Hazy - While there are few complaints regarding this scope a couple of owners did state that left field of view was slightly hazy
Nikon ProStaff 3-9 x 40 Black Matte Riflescope (BDC)
The Nikon ProStaff 3-9X 40 rifle Scope (BDC) is made from black matte aluminum. This rifle scope has a multi-coated optic system that transmits up to 98% of the available light. It has a zero reset turret with a spring loaded adjustable knob.
The 0-Ring sealed housing makes for a water and fogproof scope. The quick focus eye piece makes focusing it easy to focus on the target. This scope also has 3.6 inches of eye relief and an adjustable ¼ MOA. The lens also comes fully multi coated ensuring that 90% of the available light can be seen through the lens. Up to 9x magnification is delivered and the lens is made almost entirely of aluminum making it very lightweight. solidly constructed and measures 12.4 inches long.
The BDC reticle on this rifle allows for longer range shooting with complete accuracy, while still allowing for normal site for those shots at shorter distances. The field of view of this scope is 33.8 feet at 100 yards at 3X and 11.3 feet at 100 yards at 9X. Nikon offers a limited lifetime warranty for this scope.
Pros
- Clear Optics - Many users are actually surprised at how clear and bright the optics on this scope is
- Solid Construction - This rifle scope is solidly constructed and sure to last for years of normal use with your rifle
- Easy to Install - This Nikon ProStaff scope is easy to install on most rifles
- Easy to Sight - People who own this scope find it extremely easy to sight
- Lightweight - This rifle scope won't add a great deal of weight to your rifle
- Improves Accuracy - Most people who purchased this scope find that it helps their improve their accuracy
Cons
- Sighting Problems - A few users had problems with sighting accurately with scope
CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24x50 AOE Red and Green Illuminated Gun Scope with Free Mount
The magnification adjustment for this scope is quite large running from 6X to 24X although the clarity of sight is a little bit diminished at higher magnifications. The CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24×50 AOE comes with a lens cover to protect the lens from damage and keep it clean as well as 2 scope mounts that can be used on the 20mm weaver dovetail rail. Keep in mind that these scope mounts won’t fit on all rails.
The illuminated interior can display a red or green scope depending on lighting conditions. This ensures that the scope can be used in a wide range of lighting conditions as well as weather conditions. With a 90% light transmission value the scope does loose a bit of the active light but it can focus quite accurately and quickly.
This rifle scope is 40cm long and 50mm in diameter. It has an eye relief of 3.52 inches and uses a CR2032 battery. The field of vision for this scope is 28 feet at 100 yards on the lowest setting.
Pros
- Good Clarity and Brightness - Most people who own this scope are surprised at the clarity and brightness of this scope, especially considering the price
- Works Great in Low Light Situations - Owners of this scope like the fact that scope works well in low light situations
- Easy to Adjust Zoom - People who own this scope find that the zoom is easy to adjust
- Durable - This scope is durable and should hold up for years for several years
- Turrets Have An Audible Click
Cons
- Hard to Focus - Many users find that this scope is extremely hard to focus
- Doesn't Hold Zero - Users also found that some of these scopes does not hold zero
- Fuzzy - Some users find that this scope is a little fuzzy at any magnification beyond 14X
UTG 3-9X32 1" BugBuster Scope, AO, RGB Mil-dot, QD Rings
The UTG 3-9X 32 1 Inch BugBuster scope comes with a 2 inch sunshade, flip open lens caps and quick detachable rings. The BugBuster Scope magnifies from 3 to 9 times with red and green dual illumination. These scopes have a 1 inch tube with an emerald coating for maximum light. The BugBuster has zero lockable and resettable turrets with a ¼ MOA per click adjustment. This is certainly a precision scope and it’s made to be easily taken on and off when not in use. The UTG BugBuster can easily be mounted on several rifles including the .308. This scope has a locking system that will not lose your setting even should you trip or fall.
The BugBuster scope is 8 inches long and weighs 13.6 ounces making it extremely lightweight. The illumination on this scope is done in a red and green dual illumination format to improve the field of view and to ensure that the scope can be sited in a wide range of lighting conditions. The entire scope is also nitrogen filled, shockproof, fog proof and also made to be rain proof in its design.
This scope is on the lower end of prices of scopes and while it does not have the bells and whistles you would expect to find in those high priced scopes it does have all the basic needed for a good hunting or target practice experience.
Pros
- Easy to Mount - People who have purchased the BugBuster scope find it is easy to mount on their rifle
- Lightweight - Weighing only 13.6 ounces this scope won't add a bunch of extra weight to your rifle
- Great Optics - Many people who have purchased and used the BugBuster scope really feel that it has has great optics. A few people even compared it to scopes costing several times the price of this scope
- Good Battery Life - The battery for this scope last longer than most people expected
- Easy to Adjust - Owners of this scope find it quite easy to adjust
- Sturdy - This rifle scope is well made and sturdy
Cons
- Doesn't Hold Zero - Several people who own this scope stated that it has difficulty holding zero
American Technologies Network DGWSXS520Z Xsight 5-20 Riflescope
This ATN X-Sight II HD 5-20X Smart Day/Night rifle scope is a mid-priced rifle scope that is loaded with lots of bells and whistles. Some of the outstanding features of this scope is that it comes equipped with day and night vision in several colors that can make shooting much easier. It also has a ballistic calculator that shifts the point of impact quickly. The Rangefinder identifies the range to target while the video feature allows you to record Video of your hunt using your phone or tablet as a view finder. It also comes with an E-compass and a GPS.
This scope comes with upgradable firmware, IR illuminators laser ballistics for improved accuracy with distance and a remote control that you can use for cycling through features on the scope. With the ATN battery pack you can get 22 hours of use from this scope. The magnification range on this scope ranges from 5X to 20X.
Users need to be reasonably tech savvy in order to use this scope. The versatility of this scope with all of its many functions allows you to carry less hunting gear when on that hunt.
Pros
- Day/Night Use - People love that this scope can change from day to night in seconds
- Versatile - Users like that this riflescope can take the place of a number of different rifle gears
- Accurate GPS - The GPS on this AYN riflescope is extremely accurate
- Video - The Video work well when filming in both day and night conditions
- Easy to Learn - While there is some learning curve with this day/night rifle scope most users feel that this it is easy to use this scope
Cons
- Heavy - Due to all the extras on this scope this it is extremely heavy
- Limited Range - Users find that this scope has a pretty limited range
- No Eye Relief - This riflescope doesn't have any eye relief which many users find difficult
Trijicon ACOG 3.5x35 Riflescopes
Acog Trijion 3.5X 35 riflescope Chevron .308 is designed to be an extremely rugged and quick setting scope. It’s forged using aluminum alloy alloy for durability and has a 35mm objective lens. ACOG Trijicon is designed to be nearly indestructible for battlefield situations. ACOG sights can be used with both eyes open and there are bullet drop compensating measures on the scope that help with shooting at up to 800 m with a 308 rifle.
The dimensions of this scope is 8.0” X 2.1” X1.9” without mounts and weighs 14 inches. This riflescope comes with your choice of red, green or amber reticle. It’s extremely light with the mount and it comes with illumination situations which is a great asset in many real hunting. This scope uses tritium/fiber optic illuminated reticle that automatically adjust the brightness based off of the available light in the scope. The field of view for this scope is 28.9 feet at 100 yards.
The Trijicon ACOG scope is no stranger to use in tactical situations. Trijicon scopes like this one have been used by the Navy seal since the year 1991 and they are known for their extreme accuracy on any firing range or in tactical situations. This riflescope has been tested in combat situations where accuracy is essential, which many hunters will find impressive. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Good Eye Relief - People who own this riflescope likes the fact that this scope provides good eye relief
- Easy to Zero On Target - This scope makes it easy to zero in on target
- Clear Picture - The optics of this scope is great resulting in a crystal clear picture
- Solid - This is a solid and durable scope
- Easy to Attach - People who own this ACOG riflescope find it easy to attach to the upper rail
- Doesn't Use Batteries - One of the most impressive things regarding this scope is that it doesn't need batteries
- Great in Low Light Situations - This scope works exceptionally well in low light situations
- Accurate to 100 Yards - The bullet drop reticle is accurate up to 100 yards
Cons
- People find with scope is that it is expensive although you do get a lot for the price
Bushnell Tactical 5-15X40 Rifle Scope, Mil-Dot Reticle
Bushnell Tactical 5-15X40 Rifle Scope features a Mil-Dot reticle with high definition clarity for easy adjustment at distance. The magnification adjusts from 5X up to 15X and has a 40mm objective lens. The multicolored optics makes for better visualization and has a 1 inch tube construction offers better concealment for improved reliability during hunting.
Eye relief for this riflescope is 3.5 inches. At 5X magnification the field of view is 21 feet at 100 yards while the field of view at 15X is 7 feet at 100 yards. The target turrets clicks ¼ MOA. And measures 6.02 inches long and weighs 21 ounces, which will definitely add weight to your rifle. The adjustment range is 40 inches at a 100 yards. Parallax setting is from 10 yards to infinity.
This Bushnell Rifle scope also includes its Rain guard HD coating and a wide band coating which is designed for increased light levels during shooting and makes this scope easy to use in all different weather conditions. A 3 inch sunshade is also included alongside the scope for free and the scope is backed by a limited lifetime warranty from Bushnell.
Pros
- Good Magnification - People who purchased this scope feel the magnification of this scope is exceptionally good
- Clear Lenses - The clear lenses on this scope makes for a brighter view of your target
- Holds Zero Well - This Bushnell Tactical riflescope holds zero really well
- Accurate - The view through this scope is extremely accurate, making hitting your target more accurate as well
- Turret Knobs Easy to Turn - The turret knobs are extremely easy to turn
- Accuracy Distance - People who have used this scope stated it was quite accurate from 100 to 400 yards
Cons
- Several users did not like the fact that reticle is on the second focal plane
- Another con is that with a mount this scope adds two pounds or more to your rifle, which can be noticeable when walking long distances when hunting
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-16x50 AO BDC, Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
Made from aircraft grade aluminum the Vortex Optics Crossfire II AO BDC Riflescope is in the upper realm of budget priced scopes. This riflescope works well with .308 rifles. It has between 4X and 16X adjustable magnification and the Dead-Hold BDC reticle is good for shooting at different distances. This is higher end budget friendly riflescope priced to fit many budgets.
The multicoated lenses provide bright and clean views. It has a long eye relief of 3.7 inches and a very forgiving eye box which makes using this scope a little more comfortable. It also has a fast focus eye piece.
This scope was purpose built for hunters as well as avid shooters and it comes with resettable MOA turrets and a very light construction made out of aircraft grade aluminum. The item has been nitrogen purged and sealed with O-rings to make it fog proof and waterproof.
This scope has a field of view of 25.3-7 feet at 100 yards and has a 30mm tube that has excellent light transmission through an antireflective coating as well as an air to glass surface. This scope has an adjustable graduation of ¼ MOA and a Parallax setting of 25yds to infinity. It also comes with a sunshade.
Pros
- All the Right Basic Functions - People who purchase this scope are looking for a scope that has good solid basic functions and this scope meets those requirements
- Easy to Use Controls - All of the knobs are extremely easy to use
- Solidly Made - This is a solidly made scope that is sure to stand up to years of use under normal hunting conditions
- Clear Optics - Users find that their targets come out exceptionally clear with this riflescope
- Affordable - This scope is reasonably priced and affordable for most avid hunters
Cons
- Surprising for a lower priced scope most people who purchased this scope could not find anything really wrong with it
Primary Arms 4-14 X 44 FFP Scope ACSS HUD .308 BDC Reticle PA4-14XFFP308
This Primary Arms 4-14X44FFP Scope features adjustable magnification from 4X to 14X and provides quick ranging for .308 rifles chambered rifles. There are 6 brightness settings and an off notch between settings with an off notch between the settings on this scope ensuring that it can be easily adjusted in all types of lighting conditions. The scope is made from aluminum with a black matte finish. It is waterproof and shockproof.
This scope has a side mounted parallax adjustable knobs and has 30mm tube. The reticle is etched in black and illuminated in red. The scope is 13 inches long and measures 17 inches with the shade and lens. It weighs a hefty 24 ounces. This scope takes a CR2032 3V lithium coin battery, but the scope can be used without the battery. It is also waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
Many people are a fan of this scope not only for its reasonable price but for the simplicity of its use as well. It regularly sells out at many gun stores and in online marketplaces because it can be such a joy to use.
Pros
- Good Zoom - People who own this scope really like the zoom on this scope
- Clarity - The adjustable brightness feature of this scope helps improve the clarity when viewing your target
- Quick Adjustments - The adjustment knobs on this Primary Arms scope makes it easy to adjust this scope quickly
- Reticle Quick and Easy - Setting and adjusting the Reticle is quick and easy
- Accurate - This scope helps you accurately zero in on your target
- Sturdy - This scope is sturdy enough to last for years under most hunting conditions
- Holds Zero Perfectly - Most people who purchased and used this scope finds that it holds zero perfectly
Cons
- Lens Problems - Several users find they have problems with unglued or falling out lenses
- Heavy - Weighing 2 pounds without the mounts this scope makes your rifle quite heavy
Carl Zeiss Optical Conquest HD5 5-25x50 Rapid-Z 1000 Ballistic Reticle Rifle Scope with Lockable Target Turret
This is by far one of the nicest crafted riflescope is optimized for .308 caliber weapons. No list of the best 308 rifle scopes would be complete without this German-made Carl Zeiss lens scope. The sleek and compact design is paired with some of the best scopes on the market.
This Zeiss Optical Conquest HD5 5-25X50 Rapid Z 1000 Ballistic reticle Riflescope with lockable target turret is a high end riflescope designed for hunters who are looking for the very best. It features a high definition lens system with a T coating for enhanced image quality. This scope has Rapid Z 1000 numbered reticle holdover lines that makes it easy to do long-range shooting up to 1000 yards.
This riflescope has an adjustable magnification of 5X to 25X. It comes with a lockable target turret that ensures compensation adjustments are easier to do on this scope than most of the competition. The scope also comes with a limited lifetime warranty that includes a five-year repair and no-fault policy on any of the lenses and components. This can be a considerable investment but knowing that you will be covered in the event of any type of damages can really make you feel more empowered to make the purchase.
The manufacturers of this scope really focuses on making the basic features the best that they can be rather piling on a lot of extra features that most users will never use resulting in a highly compact, but functional scope that will allow most hunters to take their hunting skills to the next level.
Pros
- Quick Sighting - This scope sights in quickly
- Control Placements - Most users really find that the focus and parallax controls are extremely well placed
- Reticle Tailored for .308 - For those users who own .308 and are confused by the number of various scopes available they really like that that this scope's reticle is tailored for .308 caliber rifles
- Great Optics - This scope has great optics allowing you to get a great picture of your target
- Easy to Calibrate - This Zeiss scope is extremely easy to calibrate
Cons
- Where Manufactured - Many users are disappointed when they learn that these scopes which are advertised as German made are actually made in Japan and assembled in Germany
SNIPER Scope 4-16x50mm W front AO Lens. Red/Green/Blue Illumination mil-dot reticle. Comes with extended sunshade and Heavy Duty Ring Mount and lens cover
This Sniper Scope 4-16X 50mm W Front Ao Lens Illumination Mil-dot Reticle Riflescope is made from 6061 T 6 Aircraft grade body for durability. It has ball bearing windage/elevation which precision adjusts and is shock resistant. It features a quick tactical lock for easy adjustments and it’s multi coated to ensure more light transmission than some of its counterparts. This tactical style scope is one of the most reasonable nitrogen filled and sealed 308 scopes on the market.
With red, blue and green illumination you can get a clearer view for lining up your shots. This scope works extremely well on .308 caliber rifles and has a magnification range from 4X to 16X and a parallax from 10 to infinity. It’s fog proof, waterproof and shock proof.
The scope tube is 1 inch in diameter and 25.2 inches long and weighs 25.7 ounces. The reticle is on the second focal plane and there is a 3.3” eye relief. It also comes with a 3 inch sunshade and it remains quite accurate for shooting and hunting within 1000 yards.
This scope ships with an extended sunshade as well as a heavy duty ring mount to ensure that it can remain zeroed after a number of shots have passed through the rifle. The side wheel is easy to operate and allows you to change the illumination for a variety of different conditions. This is a fantastic value pick and has many of the features that you might expect to find on a much more expensive scope.
Pros
- Clear Optics - Although budget priced most people who own this scope find it has good clear optics even at higher magnifications
- Durable - Made from high grade airplane aluminum this scope is durable to be used in most hunting situations
- Parallax Knobs - The parallax knobs for this riflescope turn easily making adjustment less frustrating
- Easy to Install - This scope is easy to install on your rifle
- Holds Zero - Most users feel that this scope hold zero well
- Accurate - Users feel that this scope allows them to be accurate when hunting or target practicing
- Crisp Mil -Dots - Users find that the crisp mil -dots makes sighting easier
- Light Setting is User Friendly - Adjusting for the light is extremely easy even for first time scope users
Cons
- Heavy - This scope will definitely add weight to rifle
- Sighting Difficulties - Some users have difficulty sighting accurately with this scope
.308 Scope Recommendations
Best Hunting Scope for .308
For the purpose of this article we would like to select the Nikon M 308 42 mm rifle scope as the best hunting scope. Although it does not come with a mount and it is the second most expensive scope on our list, it represents one of the most accurate and reliable choices for a scope for a 308 rifle. Backed by a warranty from Nikon as well as one of the most resilient designs on our list this is a rifle scope that you can trust for many years to come.
Best Tactical Scope for .308
The Tirjicon ACOG 3.5x 35 stands as one of the most practical tactical scopes on the market. As one of the most battle tested scopes by the United States Navy SEALs, these are items which are made to last through an extensive amount of combat situations and in almost any type of tactical format. They are extremely well-built and because they don’t require a battery or much calibration, you can just mount it up to your 308 rifle and be ready for any tactical situation.
Best Long Range Scope for .308
The Carl Zeiss Optical Conquest HD5-5 25×50 Rapid z 1000 Balistic reticle Rifle Scope is by far the best precision and long range scope that we have in our product review. The optics in this scope and the German made design give this scope an unmatched level of precision. You will not find too many other scopes that can provide such accurate optics at a long range and it can help to take your target shooting further.
If you are looking for the best 308 rifle scopes currently, any one of these great scopes would make an excellent choice. With options available to suit 308 rifles in hunting, long-range target shooting as well as tactical uses, purchasing a few of these scopes could prepare you for a number of situations with your 308 rifle. Be sure to follow our recommendations for our top pics for each type of shooting. Please stay tuned as new gear is released for our future scope for 308 reviews.
- Greybeardoutdoorsman
- Updated on July 15, 2020