The 308 rifle has emerged as one of the most popular rounds in the United States of America. It has been used in the US Armed Forces for quite a long time. One thing you should note about the 308 round is that it acts as a full powered rifle. That is the reason it is regarded as the perfect choice for long range shooting.
In order to deliver the best results, you should combine it with the best scope in the market. This will enable it to deliver what it promises. You will never go wrong with any scope on this list.
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Reviews of the Best Scopes For 308 Rifles
Vortex Optics Viper HS-T Second Focal Plane Scope
Vortex is known to make the best hunting optics on the planet. Additionally, their scopes are manufactured specifically for hunting and tactical use. Besides being the most rugged, their products are backed up by one of the best warranties in the business. That is why they are considered as a great option for people who really want to use their rifles in hard situations.
Away from that, the manufacturer is known to be one of the most innovative and forward thinking companies on the market. This product happens to be one of their premium offers for a 308 rifle. Furthermore, it is built on one piece of aircraft grade aluminum. Usually, it features a 44mm objective lens. Unfortunately, you can’t use this scope for close range plinking. It is the perfect choice for long range hunting scopes.
Pros
- It is built on one piece of aircraft grade aluminum.
- It is the perfect choice for long range hunting scopes.
Cons
- Expensive.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II Adjustable Riflescope
When you compare this amazing riflescope to other scopes in the market on the same budget, you know that you will definitely get the best quality. Additionally, the scope that comes with a magnification range of 24x allows the users to shoot well up to 1000 yards or even more. There are several factors that make this scope perfect for hunting or tactical shooting. It features anti-reflective coatings on the glass surface. This increases light transmission.
When it comes to the glare, it is minimal in the harsh sun. You will see clearly in low light environments. The highly regarded scope with an above average eye relief comes with a fast focus eyepiece to keep you moving. If that is not yet enough, this product features resettable MOA turrets. These turrets will be of great help in high intensity situations.
What else does this scope offer? It boasts of the infamous Dead-Hold reticle. It is designed to take the guesswork away from the hold over. In this specific scope, this reticle will be accurate up to 18x magnification. Typically, it utilizes the second focal plane design. This helps it maintain the ideal size through each adjustment. What does it mean? All that you need to do is to up your shot and pull. The main role of the Ballistics calculator is to help users custom match to drop hash marks.
Overall, it is a great choice in our opinion if the close range is not your scene. You will have a hard time looking for a better scope at that price range. Be guaranteed that this scope will bring nothing but good news.
Pros
- It comes with a Ballistic calculator.
- It boasts of the infamous Dead Hold reticle.
Cons
- The quality of the reticle is questionable.
Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Place Riflescope
Do you know that you can switch between 4x and 12x zoom levels when you have this scope? Unlike other low quality and cheap scopes out there in the market, this scope features a 40mm objective lens. This objective lens is wide enough to give you a good field of view. It will achieve this regardless of the magnification power you are currently on. Additionally, this scope is not very large. Therefore, you should be guaranteed that it will never ruin the balance of your rifle. Also, you don’t need to have extra mounting options due to size.
You will always have an easy time switching between different magnification settings. This is facilitated by the precision glide erector system. The function of the erector system is to ensure that every time you switch magnification powers is smooth. Jamming will never happen with this erector system.
It is among the few reliable scopes on this list that comes with reticle on the second focal plane. Being a dead hold BDC type means that it is manufactured with several hash marks. They are found just under the vertical line. How are these hash marks useful? They can be used to estimate the bullet drop across distances. This means that you will be more accurate at long ranges.
Estimating the holdover will also be easy simply because the hash marks are on the horizontal plane. The multi coated lens will give you bright sight pictures and high color contrast images.
Pros
- It will never ruin the balance of your scope.
- You will have an easy time estimating between different magnification settings.
Cons
- It is quite hard to land shots at a moment notice.
Nikon 3-9*40 Bdc Reticle Riflescope
The numerous layers of coating in this scope will increase light transmission. Additionally, the brightness and contrast of an extremely bright picture will improve. Also, this product is constructed on aircraft grade aluminum. The anodizing surface finish is for maximum strength to weight ratio and optimum ruggedness.
The positive click adjustments in this scope will help you zero in quickly. It will maintain your settings even with heavy recoil. On the other hand, the O-ring sealed will prevent moisture from entering the body. Furthermore, the nitrogen purged is for total reliability against thermal shock.
Pros
- It is manufactured on high quality aircraft grade aluminum.
- The O-ring sealed is to prevent moisture from entering the body.
Cons
- It does not integrate with some 308 rifles.
Nikon P Tactical.223 3-9*40 Matte
It is designed on one inch body tube. It comes with all the features to maximize your hunting experience. The versatile zoom ratio provides the field of view at the low and the details at the high. Therefore, it will fulfil most shooting demands.
Furthermore, the reticles are matched to ergonomic turrets. They have directional indicators to make every come up or down. The elevation turrets are clearly marked for quick adjustments. You can reset the elevation knobs to zero after sighting in for easy reference when making field adjustments. If that is not yet enough, it features O-rings sealed. These O-rings prevent moisture from entering the body.
Pros
- Quick focus eyepiece.
- Waterproof.
Cons
- The reticle is hard to see.
Bushnell 756185 Rifle Scope
It is one of the most trusted fully multi coated optics. Additionally, they provide 91% light transmission in any weather. There is no doubt that the 100% waterproof scope will fulfil your shooting demands. It is manufactured in one piece of aircraft grade aluminum with an integrated saddle.
Also, the high magnification scope features a multi x reticle. It has a 3.5 inch eye relief with side parallax adjustment. Furthermore, it boasts of fast focus eyepiece. Finally, this product is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty.
- 100% weatherproof.
Cons
- Some people have been complaining about the overall quality of this scope.
Bushnell Trophy Rifle Scope With Multi X Reticle
This 308 rifle scope will definitely look great for your rifle. Additionally, it is manufactured by a reputable manufacturer who has been making high quality optics for quite some time. Also, the reputable maker believes in high quality products that go beyond customer expectations. Furthermore, it boasts of excellent light transmission. It is one of the best scopes in its price range. It will be worth your hard earned cash.
Pros
- It is worth the price.
- It is manufactured by a reputable scopes maker.
Cons
- It does not work as advertised.
Truglo Tru Brite 30 Series Tactical Rifle Scope
The objective lens in this scope has rheostat controlled brightness. Additionally, the manufacturer could not forget the quick zoom level and generous four inch eye relief. The dual color illuminated reticle will turn green and red. Also, the glass etched reticle can be used without illumination. After you have purchased the 308 rifle scope, you will be given a limited lifetime warranty.
The mild dot enables you to determine the distance of objects of known size. It will provide a quick trajectory and wind drift aiming for references.
Pros
- It is constructed on one piece of aircraft grade aluminum.
- Dual color illuminated reticle.
Cons
- It is very heavy.
Athlon Optics Talos BTR First Focal Plane Riflescope
The first focal plane reticle will stay valid at all power settings. This allows you to utilize the specially designed reticle. The reticle grows along with your target as you zoom in or out. The reticle etched on the glass will provide excellent backing support for complex reticle design. It will provide exceptional durability and much higher shock resistance to recoil.
Furthermore, the illuminated reticle will provide greater visibility during dusk and dawn. The heat treated one piece tube will give the scope extra strength over multi piece tubes. This tube is better for keeping moisture out this keeping your scope fog proof.
Pros
- It provides greater visibility.
- The heat treated one piece tube gives the scope extra strength.
Cons
- It is pricey.
Sightmark Triple Duty 2.5-10*32 MDD Riflescope
The United States of America’s mild dot reticle comes in two illumination versions. Additionally, the cross hairs are intended to provide the shooter with a keen aiming point for assistance in accurate shooting. Also, it is equipped with a parallax adjustment knob. You can use the parallax adjustment knob to correct the shooting range. It is important to keep it in mind when zeroing the rifle.
Pros
- It comes with an MDD reticle.
- It features a parallax adjustment knob.
Cons
- Narrow range eye relief.
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Things to consider when purchasing the best scopes for 308 rifles
There are numerous scopes for 308 rifles in the market. Choosing the right scope for your needs can be confusing. You should look at several things when making your purchase if you don’t want the scope to disappoint you in the future. Here are some of these factors.
Magnification
Magnification power is arguably the first thing you should look at when purchasing a scope for a 308 rifle. How much magnification will you need? It all depends on your particular use. Some scopes have higher magnification when compared to others.
However, this does not mean that it is better all around. Many are the times ultra-high magnification will not be necessary. You don’t need high magnification if you will be hunting game and deer. Should you go for a fixed zoom or variable zoom? It is very subjective. It is important to consider a scope that target scopes easily the moment you peek into it.
In most cases, the amount of magnification will mainly depend on the following factors:
- Your budget. Scopes manufactured with more magnification adjustments are more expensive.
- The specific situation you will be using your scope. Intuitive shooting will be possible with lower magnification. You should purchase a scope with 10x if you will be shooting less than 500 yards.
Objective lens
Objective lens is another important thing you should never forget when purchasing a scope for your 308 rifle. Normally, an objective lens is found at the front of the scope. The function of the objective lens is to allow light to come into the scope. This will give you a clearer sight picture. You need to have a clearer image when shooting at low light conditions.
What does it mean with a larger objective lens? This guarantees you brighter images. However, you should note that scopes manufactured with a larger objective lens are heavier. Away from that, you will be required to mount your scope higher over the barrel.
Eye relief
Eye relief is not of much concern when it comes to the 308 Winchester. The main reason behind this is that it does not have as much recoil as other ammunitions with the same effective range. But this does not mean that you should ignore a 308 rifle scope with better eye relief. Is it your first time to use a rifle? In that case, you might have a hard time absorbing the recoil of the rifle. This means that you will have a long way to go before it stops. You will end up being hurt if your eye socket is in its way. This might cause a serious injury.
Weight
The weight of a 308 rifle scope can be due to a number of sources. In most cases, most of the weight in the rifle scope comes from the lenses inside. Therefore, you will be forced to make a compromise at this particular point. It is advisable to get something with an objective lens of 42mm. Unfortunately, you might not be able to use this type of scope for hitting targets 900 yards or more away. Do you want to be using your scope for hunting? In such instances, you should buy something that will not add more weight to your gear.
Reticle
The reticle in your 308 rifle scope will depend mainly on how you like shooting. For instance, a BDC reticle might be the best for you if you like shooting long distance. Most of the reticles in the market are manufactured with millings. Therefore, you should consider the bullet drop and elevation adjustments with every shot.
You can choose from a wide range of reticles available in the market. There is no reticle that is better when compared to the other. It will depend on your style of shooting and the specific reticle you are comfortable using.
Parallax adjustment
Parallax is not a significant issue in mid-range scopes. The reason behind this is that such scopes are already parallax adjusted to those ranges. Parallax should be a major consideration in long range scope. You will be required to deal with it constantly.
When does parallax happen? It occurs when the reticle is not in the same focal plane as the target. In such conditions, the reticle will move over your target when your eyes move in relation to the scope. Do you want to have a long range scope? You should look for one with parallax adjustment. They are manufactured with a turret at the top of the table.
Weatherproofing
It is an important factor especially if you will be using your rifle for hunting. It is quite hard when someone goes out hunting to find a perfectly clear day with nary dark cloud in sight. In most cases, you will be forced to hunt in the rain and thick fog. At times, it will be a combination of both. You can agree with me that this must be hectic.
This is the right time to go for a scope that can handle any kind of Mother Nature. Ideally, you should look for a waterproof and dustproof 308 rifle scope. When you have it, you don’t have to worry about banging your scope on trees and rocks.
Lens coating
The role of the lens coating in a rifle scope is to help it absorb as much ambient light as possible. Glare will be reduced. Kindly keep in mind that it can make it hard for you to aim properly. Additionally, the amount of light reflected by the lenses will be minimized drastically. It is very important since the reflected light does not only add to the glare. Besides that, you will know the location to your target.
Lens clarity
Do you know that a low quality scope will behave badly? Sunny weather may also cause unwanted reflections. What matters here is not having a clear view through the scope. With that in mind, you should look for those ones that won’t fail you when you are out in the open. Light transmission is another thing you should consider. Light transmission affects your final image the most.
Nowadays, most lenses manufacturers treat their products. This not only reduces glare but also maximize light transmission through them.
Mounting options
Mounting is the first crucial part of adjusting your scope appropriately. While some of the scopes come with mounting rings, some don’t. You need to know the exact length of your scope tube. This will enable you to know the specific cantilevers that will work for it. Furthermore, you should take the ring into consideration. Most of the rifles in the market are designed with base. What if the specific rifle does not have a base? You need to get one. Remember to invest in a quality base. It should fit perfectly into your rifle. The manufacturer lists the best bases that work perfectly with your rifle. There is nothing annoying like trying to fix all that out in the field.
Adjustability
There are few things to mention such as zooming in and out when it comes to adjusting your rifle scope. Changing the elevation is done via the magnification ring. The ring is located near the objective lens and via the turrets located in the middle of the scope.
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Final Verdict
This is the right time to find something that you will be using with your rifle. Additionally, always stay in your budget. Kindly ensure that the specific scope will be more than enough to shoot at the range you feel comfortable shooting at. You should also have an easy time carrying your scope around. We hope that this detailed review article will help you make an informed decision. Feel free to ask any questions you might be having. Thanks!
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