Best Scope For 308 in 2020: Easy Deal with Long Range Tactical Operation.

For the most enjoyable shooting experience, you’ll require the assistance of the best scope for 308 Without something to focus precisely, nothing is valuable in long-range firing.

The .308 Winchester is one of the most popular rifle cartridges in the US.

The reputation comes with its economic pricing and ability to perform well in a variety of tactical or hunting situations.

Since .308 can be used with different types of rifle, it is very hard to find the perfect rifle scopes that suits both cartridges and gun. We have examined thoroughly and enlisted the best long range scope for 308 with details review. The points you need to know about the precious shooting requirement also documented here. The products listed here are of premium quality with a mid-level budget.

See also:

• Best Reflex Sight: Top 5 Affordable and Reliable
• Best Scopes for Deer Hunting: Top Scope That Won’t Break The Bank
• Best Thermal Scope: Top 5 Thermal Sights for Coyote hunting.
• Best AR 15 scope for hunting

What to Consider before Choosing the Best Scope for .308?

There are some solid points that you should keep in mind before buying the best 308 scopes. Make sure that the product meets the requirement for the specific need. Try to focus on build quality, reticle, clarity, ease of use, focal plane, distance capability, and the price. Here, we’ll clear your ideas on each point and it’ll prepare you to decide accurately.

Planned use

Whether you want your gun for tactical or hunting or target practice, different types of optics are used for various operations. First of all, determine what purpose you want your rifle scopes use for.

If you planned for target practicing or hunting from the short way a non-magnified optic or a red dot could do the job well. But the distance shooting needs greater magnification capability without distorting the image. A blurry target is a cause of missing and risky as well. If you want tactical advantages, then a high-caliber lens and the soft zeroing mechanism is a must.

In a low light environment, a riflescope that doesn’t have good light transmission would be the reason for the waste of bullets. In fog and mist, a scope not purged with nitrogen is the worst choice. Nitrogen makes the rifle scope fog proof and waterproof.

Your budget

The amount of money you’re ready to invest in buying anything will make the difference. There are many rifle scopes with various price tags starting from about $50 to several thousand dollars. You’ve to decide whether you’re going to shoot at long or short.

308 caliber rifle is designed for long-range shooting. You can hardly expect pinpoint accuracy at a longer distance with a rifle scope of 100 or 200 bucks. a quality scope with good clarity is a must for achieving the goal. Here we’ve managed to shortlist 5 quality scopes which provide good clarity but don’t exceed your budget. Those are sure to give you the greatest gunning experience possible. Just go through our product reviews and don’t think about the price too much. When you’ve finally selected your scope, check the amount. You’ll know that the expense is worth the features it has to offer.

If you only think about the cost, you’ll possibly miss out the best scope for you. Maybe you’re an expert shooter or on your way to be a skilled one. Either way, you don’t want to miss your target because of your faulty low-priced gear. So, concentrate on product performance.

Your level of skill

The scopes that are reviewed here takes a certain level of skill set. Because you’ll have to calculate some factors to carry out the proper measurement. Even if you’re a complete newbie, there are tons of Android and iOS apps to assist you. With some practice, you’ll become a master in no time.

Tactical shooting requires a top level of expertise to ace the competition. And you’ll need the best rifle scope out there for outstanding results. Hunting in the long range also requires good firing skills and a very high standard scope. For target practicing, it varies. You can begin with the simpler ones and gradually start using the complex ones. Soon you’ll be the ace shooter in any situation. 

Construction

The good construction of your scope makes it durable, reliable, and practical. You won’t get those in low budget scopes. One may think that I can also shoot with my $50 scope like my friend’s $400 scope. Why should I pay more?

Well, the difference will be noticed after some use. In big events, long distance shooting, or extreme conditions, poorly constructed scopes don’t stand a chance. The scope should be able to take a beating and stay functioning accurately in intense weather.

It also needs to be waterproof, fog proof, and have a protective coating on the eyepiece. So, check those criteria and Amazon customer reviews to make the final decision.

Ease of use

Ease of use feature for a rifle scope ensures less thinking and more firing. But complex ones are the most accurate ones. So, carry multiple guns to be the best in any situation. Short and mid-range shooting needs simpler versions.

This type of scopes doesn’t need wind or elevation calibration. You just aim and shoot. But for long-range shooting, you should use something precise. You have to calculate the variables for the perfect shot. So, we can’t simply rule out that simple ones are the best or complex ones are not. Your hunting environment will decide which one to choose.

Distance capability & Clarity

Very strong points you’re seeing here. Distance capability factor shows the power of your scope. But clarity means how much clear the target looks from an extent. To cover more area, you’ll probably look for higher numbers. But don’t do that to come up with the ultimate decision. Because the glass quality and clarity come into play.

If you select a scope that has a small price tag with some impressive numbers, we would recommend you to stay out of it. Because those won’t give you the precision you need for a long distance shooting. So, stay within our selected 5 and won’t have to worry about clarity and performance.

Reticle

One very important thing to consider is your rifle reticle. There are possibly 5 different types of reticle you’ll find in the market. They are Duplex, Mil-Dot, Ballistic, Horus, and Tremor. We’ll try to know each of them in details and it’ll help you decide.

Duplex are the simplest ones and quick and useful. They are helpful in low light targeting accurately. There are instruments you can apply to measure duplex-to-duplex measurement. You can do manually too.

Mil-Dot reticle is specially designed to reach out for even further marks. It may seem to be complex at first, but it’ll be a great companion over time for accurate targeting.

The ballistic reticle is known for mid-range shooting. The only drawback is you have to adjust the reticle for various situations. This includes changing ammo, swing in temperature, changing elevation, etc. But don’t worry as you’ll find many apps to help you with the adjustments.

Horus reticles are best for adjusting wind holds without having to dial a turret. They are mil-based and have .2-mil mark. The reticle has left and right marks for indicating wind holds.

Tremor is the last one but the best for professionals. It got what you demand the most accurate targeting. You can calculate up to within 0.1 mils. You won’t need any wind formula using this reticle. It is very simple to use and we say you can go with this scope.

Focal plane

The focal plane is the term you’ll frequently see while choosing a scope. There are two types of scopes. You won’t find them in fixed power or laser guided scopes. One is called the First Focal Plane or FFP and another is called the Second Focal Plane or SFP.

SFP is used in scopes since the beginning and FFP is a fairly new technology. Both have advantages & disadvantages and you can have either one type with no problem at all. The basic difference between them is at the reticle magnification. When you zoom in for FFP it enhances and in SFP the reticle stays unchanged. Although, in SFP it seems to be magnifying.

For FFP, you won’t have to calculate while zooming and gives you the ability to act quickly. As the reticle doesn’t change during zooming in SFP, do some adjustments before you take the shot. We recommend FFP but nothing can beat the classic like SFP. So, don’t worry as any one of it will serve you right.

Reviews on 5 Best 308 scopes.

Here, we’ve listed the best products in the market. So, you’ll easily find one as per your requirement.

1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6 – 18x44mm AO Riflescope

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6 is a powerful scope with very clear optical quality. Using the turrets for wind and elevation adjustment is very easy. The scope stays at zero even after you reload and rapid fire. The body is strong and durable. You’ll fall in love once you’ve used it.

Features:

➢ The glasses have anti-reflective coatings on the outside for better light transmission.

➢ The reticle is SFP which means that the reticle shape changes as you zoom in or out.

➢ It uses a single piece tube for more accuracy and optimum visual performance. It also helps to maximize alignment capabilities.

➢ For maximum strength, lightweight, and durability, Vortex Optics uses airplane-grade aluminum.

➢ The scope is sealed with O-ring which makes it waterproof, dustproof, and always clean inside.

➢ The scope is also fog proof as nitrogen gas purging stops fog despite different temperatures.

➢ It got a matte finish which helps shooter for stealth shooting. The hard-anodized finish makes it durable too.

➢ The construction of the scope makes it shockproof. The turrets have caps so that it stays at zero despite external shock.

➢ It features very easy and quick reticle focusing. It has an objective lens for image focus and parallax removal too.

Solutions for the cons:

The first complaint against Vortex Optics Crossfire II is having a limited vertical range. Most of the shooters won’t complain but some may find it a problem according to their shooting situations.

The second problem though isn’t really a problem at all. You have to make sure that the mounting system on your gun is perfect. Accomplish that and the problem will be gone automatically.

This is a great scope for just above $200 and it’ll give you great results on the field. If you’re on a tight budget, we recommend you to go with it.

Check On Amazon!

2. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope, Duplex Reticle, Matte Finish

Another brand name trusted by hunters and shooters worldwide is Leupold. Their VX-2 3-9X40Mm Duplex Matte is one of their finest creations. It’ll serve you like no other in feature-wise and performance-wise.

Features:

➢ Wind and elevation adjustment can be done with a simple ¼ MOA precision finger click. It is durable for rough use for many years.

➢ 100% waterproof and fog proof so that you can hunt in any circumstance.

➢ You’ll get an advantage with its 3:1 versatile magnification ratio erector system in any situation.

➢ The image is brighter and clearer with the blackened lens edge. This ensures less light diffusion and more usable light to the shooter’s eye.

➢ Features quick dial to adjust your elevation to different sight-in ranges which makes you quick out there.

➢ Their exclusive Diamond Coat lens coating reduces light reflection effectively giving you a clearer vision.

➢ Leupold’s index matched lens system ensures exceptional brightness and extremely sharp resolution.

➢ The scope is made out of a single one-inch tube which is durable, compact, lightweight, and fits more legacy rings.

Solutions for the cons:

First of all, it’s true that this scope won’t be satisfactory for long field firing. So, if you’re planning for tactical shooting, please choose another scope. But this one is great for starters in this price range.

Some complaints on the zeroing process seemed like the fault of customers most of the time. Some products have problems too but the number is very low. If your mix-up the elevation adjusting turret with wind adjusting one, you’ll end up frustrated.

Check On Amazon!

3. Burris 200261 Ballistic Plex 2-7x32mm

This scope is specially designed for scout rifles and the concept is developed by the legendary Col. Jeff Cooper. The main advantage of it is its forward mounting option. This allows you to keep your both eyes open while targeting. You’ll be conscious of your surroundings at the time you’re engaged. If you want something durable, reliable, with amazing build quality, then this is the best scope for 308.

Features:

➢ The scope is designed by professionals for multipurpose rifles with improved accuracy at longer distances.

➢ Burris 200261 has the unique Ballistic Plex reticle. It is the most simple, easy-to-use, and effective trajectory-compensating reticle you will ever find.

➢ It features forward mounting which allows you fast target acquisition and awareness around you. This bales your both eyes to be open while shooting.

➢ With this lightweight scope, your rifle doesn’t get much heavier and gives you better portability.

➢ Easy and quick low-profile turrets are finger adjustable with pinpoint accuracy. You can change accuracy points as many times as you want and it’ll remain intact after years of use.

➢ The glass lens is able to provide better clarity, better light transmission, and more durability. It eliminates glare, reflection, and performs well even in low light.

➢ Once you have zeroed the scope, it’ll remain the same no matter how you handle it. The internal double spring-tension system ensures that.

➢ Waterproof, fog proof, and single piece outer tube makes it usable in any situation, stress-free, and durable.

Solutions for the cons:

It’s a real bummer that no mounting hardware is included with this high-priced scope.

There are few complaints about the faulty product which wasn’t solved even after claiming the warranty. Their QC seems to work not so carefully.

The product is without any doubt good enough. But some serious issues made us uncomfortable recommend it with 100% confidence. It’s your wish to go with this one or not. Please check out our two more scopes.

Check On Amazon!

4.Vortex Optics Viper HS-T SFP 6-24×50 Riflescope

This a Diamondback HP series of scope from Vortex which promises on great performance and durability. The scope will give you great targeting and shooting experience. You’ll have amazing features like 4x optical zoom, side focus, generous long eye relief, and many more.

Features:

➢ You can do fast and easy reticle focusing. The components are of premium quality to ensure smooth magnification even in the toughest situations.

➢ The scope will give you a sharp image with extra-low dispersion glass.

➢ It also has an anti-reflective glass coating which increases light transmission.

➢ The reticle is SFP which allows correcting wind and range accurately.

➢ They use a single piece tube for making the scope for true alignment with maximum accuracy and strength.

➢ For strength and rigidity, Vortex uses airplane-grade aluminum which is very strong as well as lightweight.

➢ The scope is waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and fog proof. It has O-ring that prevents moisture from entering into the scope.

➢ The outside of the scope has a hard-anodized matte finish which allows the shooter to stay camouflaged.

➢ The turrets are easy to operate and has caps for external protection.

➢ Left-side focusing provides an optimal image focus and parallax removal.

➢ The package includes 4-inch sunshade, protective lens cloths, lens caps.

Solutions for the cons:

The scope of Vortex ensures great quality. But some people claim that the scope doesn’t stay on zero as they shoot multiple times. Maybe they mounted improperly or maybe it’s really the product’s fault. You can solve it through product warranty but there’s a 95% chance that you won’t have to claim warranty.

We began our product list with Vortex as it means great value scope and one of the best in the market. So, go for Vortex Optics for the best hunting experience.

Check On Amazon!

5. Nikon M-308  4-16x42mm Riflescope BDC 800 Reticle

Till now you’re seeing scopes with short or mid-range discharging capability. Now, meet Nikon M-308 which will give you a better performance in the long field firing like no other on the list. It got a unique coating on objective lens called Ultra Clearcoat. It ensures maximum light transmission, more clear view, and bright image quality.

Features:

➢ The turrets are best for tactical shooting. It got a zero-reset mechanism.

➢ The quick action turret technology allows you to dial in your elevation simply and effectively.

➢ The scope got a 4-times magnification range and 4-inches of constant, non-critical eye relief.

➢ It can provide a very bright, high-resolution image with a massive ocular lens.

➢ With nitrogen filling and O-ring sealed tube, the scope is waterproof, dustproof, and fog proof. Internal shock absorption system makes it shockproof too.

➢ It’s an exclusive Ultra Clearcoat optical system. This ensures the shooter with the better light transmission, amazing flat sight image, and a better view in low-light.

➢ The main scope is made out of a single tube making it more strong, accurate, and durable.

Solutions for the cons:

This scope from Nikon offers great features in such a price area. The turret work seems a bit tough but essential for tactical and long-range shooting. So, it serves best to the experienced shooters.

If you’re a beginner without much knowledge of wind and elevation adjustment, you might want to buy Vortex or Leupold scopes. This is a great piece of hardware with almost zero drawbacks to mention. We highly recommend you to go with it.

Check On Amazon!

Final Verdict

Based on your scope adjustment skill, you’ll be a master shooter. And you can easily adjust the scope with our chosen 5 best scopes for 308. Visit Amazon for more product info and order one today to get some fresh wild meat for your family.

Our recommendation is to go with the brand Vortex Optics as they produce one of the best scopes out there. The customer satisfaction level is very high with this scope. But make no mistake as other listed scopes are also qualified for your serious consideration. If you like Leupold or Burris or Nikon, it won’t be a matter of regret.