Are you looking for the best 308 scopes? You stumbled upon the right place. We are here to help you bring home the best optic for .308 Winchester. The .308 rifle cartridge has been in use for a long time and has over the years gained popularity in the hunting/shooting community.
What started as weapons for the military can now be used to deliver hearty game meals to your table today. The .308 Winchester is the ideal ammo for large and medium game hunting at different ranges.
This cartridge has continually been tweaked to improve its performance for instance the current versions in the market today have better recoil than those released in the 1950s. There is much you can do with a .308 rifle but to maximize its potential you need to mount a scope on it.
What Makes a Great 308 Scope?
The best .308 scope helps you maximize your shooting range. For 200 yards .308 shoots accurately but in any range further than that there is increased bullet drop and velocity.
With a .308 scope, you can shoot accurately for distances of 800yards and even beyond. With or without training and practice you can have kill shots if you mount the best scope on a .308.
To be considered great, therefore, a scope should have a precise blend of features that will improve your shooting skill on every desired range. These features include variable magnification, parallax adjustment, fast focus eyepieces, finger adjustable turrets and other key features that we are going to highlight further in this article.
8 Best 308 Scopes for Long Range Shooting
Scopes improve on accuracy to ensure that every time you get a kill shot. Shopping for the best .308 scopes can be overwhelming especially when you do not know what you are looking for. This is where we come in to guide you on what to look for in .308 scopes and sift out scope options you can begin with. Let’s dive in!
#1) Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x50mm Riflescope
Leupold fully understands the assignment when it comes to the production of optics. Every scope they release exudes a touch of unmatched quality and performance. Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x50mm Riflescope is one of their best scope releases and .308 users know how well this piece tube can improve your shooting skill.
It magnifies targets 4 to 10 times and has a 50mm wide objective lens. The lens is well protected with coating for increased light transmission. The coating also protects from abrasion and dust. The scope features a duplex reticle in the second focal plane so it is not affected by magnification changes.
The interior is housed by an aircraft aluminum body for durability. There is added twin-bias spring erector system that helps maintain zero despite how hard the recoils get. Each Leupold scope undergoes tests to determine its resilience against harsh recoils. Leupold VX-3i is therefore shockproof and made to last for years.
Typical of Leupold scopes, this one has Twilight Max Light Management System as well. This optic system guarantees clarity and offers 20 minutes of additional shooting time at dawn and dusk thanks to its light gathering capabilities.
Features
- 5-10x magnification power
- Reticle rests on the second focal plane
- 52MOA W/E adjustment with ¼ MOA click
- Twin-bias spring erector system to maintain zero during recoils
- Coated lens for excellence in light transmission
- Twilight Max Light Management system for improved clarity
- Aluminum body with argon filling to keep it moisture tight
#2) Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II 3-18×50 FFP Riflescope
True to its name, Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II 3-18×50 FFP Riflescope delivers razor-sharp images for deadly .308 shots. High-quality tech employed on this scope justifies why it makes the best match for .308. the optical features include apochromatic objective lenses made of index-matched lenses that optimize on color, sharpness and brightness of images.
To boost color fidelity extra-low dispersion glass is used. Lenses are XR Plus fully multicoated using plasma tech, a process that ensures coating lasts long and performs as expected.
The glass-etched reticle is located on the first focal plane plus it is illuminated to maintain good performance even in poor light conditions. Illumination can be locked once the desired setting is achieved.
The exterior lenses have an Armortek coating that is scratch-resistant. Turrets are easy to reach and feature the L-Tec Turrets Integrated locking mechanism to avoid accidental adjustments. You will find an external rotation indicator that shows the turret’s rotational position.
Side focus adjustment is also availed for parallax elimination. The turrets have numerous zero-setting positions. Friction reduction and erector tube systems keep the turret screws intact during recoils protecting all other parts from hard impacts.
Features
- Apochromatic objective lens system that contains index-matched lenses with XR full multicoating for sharp and bright images
- Glass-etched illuminated reticle on the first focal plane
- Illumination locking system
- L-Tec Turret locking system to prevent accidental adjustments
- Single-piece tube with O-ring sealing to protect against water and dust together with argon purging to reduce internal fogging
- Low-glare matte finish for better camouflage
#3) Leupold Mark 6 3-18x44mm Riflescope
Leupold Mark 6 3-18x44mm Riflescope is the best scope in terms of precision and high performance. Featuring a unique combination of features, Mark 6 is designed to handle anything thrown at it amicably.
It is a game-changer for those looking for a reliable .308 scope. It is about 12 inches long and is 20% lighter and shorter than other scopes in its category. All the impressive features in the riflescope cement its reputation among the best 308 scopes.
The scope is host to an index-matched lens that maximizes light transmission in low light settings. Magnification power lies between 3 to 18x which is a 6:1 zoom ratio offering you the flexibility to take down targets from varying ranges.
It has a CMR-W reticle that is located in the first focal plane and is instrumental in range estimates for accuracy. Mark 4 dial illumination control is an added feature to regulate the brightness level of the reticle.
The scope is punisher tested and has proved to be strong against recoils. The main tube is 34mm with side focus, elevation and mil click adjustments set on easily accessible points.
This scope is water and fog-proof. The rugged construction bestows shockproofing abilities that protect the internal components of the scope from recoil and impacts in the field.
Features
- 6:1 zoom ratio
- CMR-W illuminated reticle on FFP
- Mark 4 dial illumination control
- Index-matched lens for optimized light transmission
- 34mm main tube with dial adjustments for elevation, windage and parallax
- Punisher tested to guarantee durability
- Ultra-lightweight
#4) FSI Sniper 6-24x50mm Scope
A.308 rifle, FSI Sniper 6-24x50mm scope and a pair of skilled hands will always deliver accurate shots on target. Sniper scopes spoil their users with the liberty to choose from red, green, or blue illuminated reticles which is why it got a mention on our best 308 scopes review. With illuminated reticles comes greater precision and accuracy for any lighting conditions.
The scope is water, fog and shockproof plus the manufacturer includes flip-up covers for more lens protection. Ball and bearing adjustment for windage and elevation compliment the side wheel parallax adjustment knob to maintain exactitude. The front adjustable objective also helps with the fine-tuning target image.
Features
- Illuminated Mil-dot reticle style with a variety of colors to choose from
- Ball bearing, side wheel adjustment knobs for windage, elevation and parallax
- 4:1 zoom ratio
- Wide objective lens for the bigger field of view
- Water and shockproof performance
#5) EOTECH Vudu 3.5-18x50mm Precision Rifle Scope
EOTECH Vudu 3.5-18x50mm Precision Rifle Scope is a feature-rich piece that blends well with .308 rifles. This oversized tube delivers crisp images in all lighting conditions. manufactured from aircraft-grade aluminum, this tube piece is 34mm and is home to high-quality optics such as the 50mm objective lens.
It is made of XC high-density glass for edge-to-edge image clarity. This lens has a broadband anti-reflective optical coating for maximum transmission of light waves. A side-mounted parallax adjustment knob helps eliminate discrepancies between the reticle and your target.
The reticle itself is illuminated for a quick dial-in of the target. Illumination is red and battery power is needed for it to run. Turrets come fitted with EZ Check stop zero feature to facilitate fast returns to zero. Whatever operations this scope is put through, its rugged nature will keep it safe from damage.
Features
- Variable magnification
- 34mm tube diameter
- LED illumination that is red.
- Requires CR2032 batteries
- Reticle rests on the first focal plane
- 50mm objective lens made from XC high-density glass for crystal clear images
- Broadband anti-reflective optical coating
- Visible zero-reset turrets
#6) Sig Sauer SOW33202 Whiskey 3 Riflescope
This 3-9x scope is built for those hunts that involve traversing swampy grounds and other moist conditions you could come across in hunting sprees. It is a solid single-piece tube that can withstand complete immersions up to a meter deep.
You can tag the scope along in rainy conditions as well because few drops of it have nothing on Sig Sauer Whiskey3 Riflescope. This is why it makes our best 308 scopes list.
The reticle is on the second focal plane which explains the accuracy of users who opt to use this scope. What is more, is that you can choose from multiple reticles and illumination setting options available.
Low-dispersion glass has been used to promote image clarity for any lighting situation. The eyepiece of the scope assumes the European eyepiece style to give away faster, smooth and more precise adjustments. For short to medium-range target acquisitions, Sig Sauer riflescope is the real deal.
Features
- Ideal for close to medium-range engagements
- Quadplex reticle style that is on the SFP
- 5 inches of eye relief
- 10 brightness settings
- IPX-7 water resistance level
- Low-dispersion glass lens for crisp images
- European eyepiece style for fast, smooth and precise adjustments
#7) Burris Scout Rifle Scope
If you have reservations about limited eye relief then it is time to turn to scout scopes. They offer generous eye relief alongside enabling both eyes to open shooting. With this, you have better situational awareness. If you are wondering where to start, we strongly suggest you take a look at the Burris Scout Rifle Scope.
This scope has an eye relief of 9.2 to 12 inches. Placing it that far from your eye not only saves you from painful scope bites but also allows quick target acquisitions.here is a simple BDC reticle to guide on aiming points alongside a wide field of view.
This scope is ideal for tracking moving targets the likes of elks, boars, and deer. Magnification settings range from 2-7x making one of the best 308 scopes for short and medium shooting purposes.
T The other plus for this scope is its compact size that is ultra-light so it in no way weighs down you or your rifle down in the hunting arena. It features a double internal spring-tension system to keep the setting at zero during recoils. The scope is well constructed and boasts fog, water and shockproof performance.
Features
- Excellent eye relief. No more scope bites!
- Wide field of view. 7-21ft at 100 yards
- Suitable for short and medium shooting distances
- BDC reticle feature
- Ultra-light. Need not unmount it every time you are moving about
- Double internal spring-tension force
- Nitrogen purged with quad seals to keep moisture out of the tube
#8) Trijicon VC16-C-1600012 VCOG 1-6×24 Riflescope
Trijicon 1-6×24 Riflescope is yet another stellar scope suitable for use on .308 rifles. This scope works well for close-quarter battles (QCB) as well as long distances. Image distortion is eliminated by the high-quality glass used in the lenses.
Correct range estimation is made possible by the bullet drops compensating reticle that is placed on the first focal plane. Having a scope that holds its reticle in the FFP helps drops and sub-tensions remain accurate even when magnification is varied.
Magnification switches are clean and smooth through an integrated dial fin. The reticle is illuminated by the use of a single battery for enhanced performance in low-light environments.
The scope offers six adjustable reticle brightness settings. Adjusters for wind and elevation are quick to reach and set. The scope is made from forged 7075-T6 aluminum that has undergone rigorous testing making it extremely durable and indestructible in the face of hard recoils or vibrations.
Features
- High-quality glass quality with superior light transmission capabilities
- BDC reticle located on the first focal plane for accurate range estimations.
- The reticle is illuminated and has 6 brightness level settings.
- Integrated dial fin for easy switch between magnification ranges
- Easy-to-reach windage and elevation adjusters
- Made from forged aluminum and is subjected to rigorous tests guaranteeing strength and durability
See Also
- Best Scopes for 30-06
- Best Scopes for 270 Winchester
- Best Vortex Long-Range Riflescopes
- Best Vortex Spotting Scopes
- Best Scopes for 500 Yards
Best 308 Scopes Buying Guide & FAQs
Which is the Best Magnification for 308 Scopes?
Magnification settings will often rely on the range, longer ranges will ask for higher magnification with the opposite being true. Ranges are majorly classified into three; short, medium, and long.
Short-range is up to 200 or 150 yards, medium is between 150 to 400 and long is 500 yards and above. Too much magnification at a short distance will give blurry vision while too little of it will have you miss a shot on long ranges.
.308 are designed for long-range shooting but that does not mean you cannot shoot down targets close by using them. Therefore, getting a .308 scope with variable magnification to match use in all ranges is key. This way what remains is just switching between the settings either by going way up or down depending on how far the target is located.
Consideration when Choosing Best 308 Scopes
Here are some considerations you need to keep in mind when buying a scope for 308.
Scope Turrets
Best .308 scope should have quickly reachable and easy-to-adjust turrets. Windage, elevation and parallax are the most common turrets on scopes. Here is what you need to know about these three when looking for the best 308 scopes:
Parallax Adjustment
Parallax happens when the target and reticle fall on different focal planes. Scopes without parallax adjustment addition possess fixed parallax. This adjustment is not an issue for short and medium-long ranges. However, you need a scope with reliable parallax adjustment if your purpose is to use your .308 for shooting targets at 300 yards and further.
Windage
Wind interferes with rounds fired causing them to move left or right moving them from the intended point of aim. Once you are aware of the speed or direction of the wind, you can know which reticle position will produce the desired outcome.
This then will define how many clicks will be necessary to move the reticle. Monitoring the movement of surrounding trees or grass helps know wind direction and for speed, you can get a wind speed indicator if you highly prioritize precision.
Elevation
Elevation tries to compensate for bullet drop. Having a rangefinder is best for accuracy instead of setting the reticle higher than the target in the effort of trying to compensate for bullet drop. With this, you can tell how much to adjust the elevation knob to match your requirements.
Objective Lens
High-quality glass should be used to make the objective lens of any scope. There are many lens sizes to choose from and coating variations. Any choice should land you a good deal when it comes to light transmission, resolution, and clarity.
Material
The best .308 scope should be made of tough and reliable material. Since shooting is more of outdoor activity, the construct of the scope should support usage in hot, moist and cold environments. The material should also be strong enough to stand recoil along with being lightweight for quick movements in between shoots.
Read: Best Side Focus Rifle Scopes
Best 308 Scopes FAQs
Q: How much eye relief do you need?
The .308 recoil has evolved and is much better now so you can do a scope that offers 3.5 to 4 inches of eye relief.
Q: What scope size should I get for a .308 rifle?
Looking at the objective lens size usually gives more information about the scope size. The bigger the lens the bigger the scope and vice versa. The bigger the scope the heavier it could be.
A large lens gives a wider field of view and going for a smaller one may not always be ideal. What scope size to get therefore rests on your preferences provided it fits and performs well.
Q: How far can .308 shoot?
The effective range of .308 is approximately 1000 yards.
Conclusion
Whether you are in it for fun, commercial or competitive purposes having the right rifle optic gear is essential. Adding a scope to your rifle greatly improves your shooting skills and makes the hunting sport more fun. Telling apart the best from the best is never easy but at least you are sure any option taken is safe.
Knowing how many preferences differ; we used an all-around approach to ensure we got something for every .308 owner. You do not have to be well-heeled to acquire the best .308 scopes, you just need to know where and what to look for. We hope this article has directed your eyes to the right scope features and options.