Are you looking for the best scopes for the 308?
I know what you're thinking...
With so many options to choose from and so many factors to consider, deciding on the right one can be a challenge.
In this article, we are going to cover only the best 308 scopes out there right now.
Did you know:
The .308 Winchester round has been around since 1952 and is still widely popular today. Whether hunting or sport shooting, .308 rifles are high performance and a lot of fun.
That is why you need the right scope on your .308 rifle. There are many factors to consider, and we are going to cover each of them.
That's not all...
We will also look at all of the good scopes for the 308.
Let's first look at our summary table, and then we will jump into the criteria to look for in choosing the right one.
If you are looking for other types of scopes, I wrote a great guide.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, where I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Best Scope For 308 Comparison Table
Image | Model | Specs | Reticle | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-9x40 | Duplex | $$$$ | 
| |
| 3-9x40 | BDC | $$ | 
| |
| 3-9x40 | Ballistic Plex | $$ | 
| |
| 3-9x40 | Firefly | $$$ | 
| |
| 3-9x50 | Nikoplex | $$$ | 
|
Comparison Criteria
One of the biggest things to consider is the distance that you plan on shooting your rifle at. Keep in mind that most hunters operate under 300 yards, but there are exceptions.
Performance shooting can require much longer distances.
Magnification
Magnification is a factor in choosing your scope because you want the scope's performance to match both your rifles performance and your desired shooting distance.
There is no reason to get a scope that is beyond either of these factors.
The 3-9x40 is one of the most popular types of scopes today. The numbers mean that the scope can have a minimum magnification of 3x and maximum magnification of 9x. The 40 refers to the diameter of the objective lens, in millimeters (mm).
Objective Lens
Another factor, as we just mentioned, is the size of the objective lens. Most of the time, you don't need to worry about this factor unless you plan on hunting at dusk or dawn where lighting conditions become poor.
If you will be hunting at these times, then you should get a bigger objective lens to allow more light into your scope.
Durability
Durability comes into play because if the scope is not designed or built right, it won't hold up to the recoil of the .308 over time. When you factor cost and time to get your scope set up right, it needs to continue to perform over the long run.
Quality
Another factor is quality and this is why you should pick brands that have proven over a longer period of time that they know what they are doing. Leupold, Nikon, Burris, and Bushnell are some examples of great companies that really get the quality right.
Now let's look at the details of the top choices.
Top 5
1. Leupold VX-2 3-9x40
One of the most popular scopes on the market is the Leupold VX-2 3-9x40. It has a mag range from 3x to 9x and an objective lens that is 40 mm.
It has a Argon/Krypton gas mix design making it water proof and fog proof.
The optics quality is fantastic for its price range, and the scope shell is made out of aircraft grade Aluminum.
There are a few reticle options for this scope, where the Duplex is the most popular for hunting.
Check out a close look at it in the video below.
2. Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40
If the Leupold is out of your price range, then the Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40 is sure to fit the bill.
The 3-9x mag range and 40 mm objective lens meet our popular configuration choice.
A great selling feature is that this scope has a 98% light transmission rate, which means there is a mix of great design, optics, and coatings.
The scope is also water proof and fog proof with its Nitrogen filled design. The reticle is a bullet drop compensator (BDC) setup which will appeal to some hunters.
3. Burris 3-9x40 Fullfield II
Another fantastic option is the Burris 3-9x40 Fullfield II. It is also in the 3-9x mag range as well as a 40 mm objective.
The scope is water proof and is Nitrogen filled to make it fog proof as well.
This scope has high performance optics and multiple coatings that will give you a great hunting experience.
The Ballistic Plex is a mix of a classic reticle, but also has trajectory compensating capability as well.
4. Bushnell Elite 3-9x40
The Bushnell Elite 3-9x40 is yet another high quality option. The 3-9x mag range is well suited for most users as discussed.
The 40 mm objective lens is just right.
This scope is Argon purged, making it water proof and fog proof like the others.
A unique feature on this scope is the Firefly reticle. This gives you a big edge in lower light conditions.
You can take your flashlight and shine it through the scope which will charge up and make the reticle crosshairs glow for a while. Once the charge wears off, the reticle works as a regular crosshair.
People who have used this reticle like it a lot.
5. Nikon ProStaff 3-9x50
If you like to hunt at dusk or dawn, then the Nikon ProStaff 3-9x50 might be best for you.
It has the 3-9x mag range we like, but it also has a 50 mm objective lens.
This gives it a big advantage in lower light conditions, and can add some time to your hunt.
This scope is also water proof and fog proof.
Conclusion
In summary, we took a look at the different criteria that goes into choosing good 308 scopes. The magnification range as well as the size of the objective lens are two main factors. By far, the most common scope layout is the 3-9x40, which is useful in many situations.
We also looked at the top 5 scopes out there that you can get for your .308. The most popular choice is the Leupold VX-2 3-9x40.
If you are on a tighter budget, consider getting the Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40.
If you like hunting in lower light conditions, then your best option is the Nikon ProStaff 3-9x50 with its bigger 50 mm objective lens.
And for a .30-06, I wrote a great review if you are in the market for one.
Product Images Sourced From: Link
