Imagine yourself out in the field, ready for that perfect shot, but your rifle scope just isn’t cutting it. Does that sound familiar? Choosing the right scope for your .308 rifle can feel like navigating a maze. You want something that helps you see clearly, hit your target accurately, and doesn’t break the bank. But with so many brands, features, and price tags, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start.
This is where we come in. We know how frustrating it is to spend your hard-earned money on a scope that doesn’t perform. That’s why we’ve put together this helpful guide. By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand the key things to look for in a .308 rifle scope. You’ll learn about different features that matter, what makes a scope a good fit for your needs, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Get ready to discover how to pick a scope that will truly enhance your shooting experience. Let’s dive in and find the perfect optic for your .308!
Our Top 5 308 Rifle Scope Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 308 Rifle Scope Detailed Reviews
1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC Reticle Riflescope
Rating: 9.2/10
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC Reticle Riflescope is a solid choice for hunters. Its 3-9x magnification is versatile. This scope helps you aim accurately at different distances. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle makes it easy to adjust for bullet drop.
What We Like:
- The Dead-Hold BDC reticle helps with aiming at different distances.
- It has a long eye relief and a forgiving eye box, so you can see your target quickly.
- The fast focus eyepiece makes it easy to get a clear view.
- Fully multi-coated lenses give you bright and clear pictures.
- The scope is made from strong aircraft-grade aluminum.
- It is waterproof and fogproof.
- Vortex offers a great VIP Warranty that lasts a lifetime.
What Could Be Improved:
- The scope is a bit heavy for some users.
- The adjustment knobs could be more tactile for better grip.
This riflescope offers great value for its features. It’s a reliable tool for any hunter looking to improve their accuracy in the field.
2. Monstrum Hornet 6-24×50 FFP Rifle Scope
Rating: 8.5/10
The Monstrum Hornet 6-24×50 FFP Rifle Scope is a powerful tool for any shooter. Its adjustable magnification lets you zoom in on targets from far away. The first focal plane reticle helps you quickly estimate distances and make adjustments. This scope comes with everything you need to get started, including scope rings with a built-in level and a sunshade.
What We Like:
- The 6-24x magnification with a throw lever makes it easy to change your zoom smoothly.
- The first focal plane X-Tree reticle is great for judging distances and making corrections.
- It has 6 levels of brightness for the reticle, so you can see it in different lighting.
- The 1/8 MOA adjustments on the knobs are precise.
- The zero stop feature is very handy for returning to your zero point quickly.
- The included scope rings have a bubble level to ensure your scope is mounted straight.
- The detachable sunshade helps reduce glare from the sun.
- Lens covers protect your scope when you’re not using it.
- Monstrum offers a lifetime guarantee on all their products.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description mentions both MOA and MIL reticle versions, but only MOA is detailed. More info on MIL version would be helpful.
- While the features are great, the specific durability of the materials could be emphasized more.
This Monstrum Hornet scope offers excellent features for its price. It’s a solid choice for shooters looking for a versatile and reliable optic.
3. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9×40 SFP Riflescope V-Plex MOA
Rating: 8.5/10
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9×40 SFP Riflescope with V-Plex MOA reticle in black is a fantastic tool for hunters. It’s built to handle tough conditions and help you find your target quickly. This scope is designed to be easy to use and see through, even in tricky situations.
What We Like:
- The 3-9x magnification is great for many hunting distances.
- The V-Plex reticle is simple and works well for most hunting.
- You get a clear sight picture fast because of the long eye relief.
- The fast focus eyepiece makes adjusting the reticle super easy.
- Lenses are fully multi-coated, so your view is bright and clear.
- It’s made from strong, aircraft-grade aluminum for durability.
- This scope is waterproof and fogproof, so it works in any weather.
- Vortex offers an amazing VIP Warranty that covers almost anything.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some may prefer more advanced reticle options for specific types of shooting.
- While good for general hunting, it might not have the extreme long-range precision some specialized shooters need.
This Vortex Crossfire II scope is a reliable companion for your hunting adventures. Its clear optics and tough build make it a smart investment for any hunter.
4. SIG SAUER Buckmasters 3-9x50mm 1″ Tube Second Focal Plane/SFP/F2 Durable Shockproof Waterproof Fogproof Black Riflescope
Rating: 8.7/10
The SIG SAUER Buckmasters 3-9x50mm 1″ Tube Second Focal Plane/SFP/F2 Durable Shockproof Waterproof Fogproof Black Riflescope is a solid choice for hunters. It helps you aim better and be more effective when you’re out in the woods. This scope has a powerful 3x optical system. It uses special glass that makes the images sharp and clear, even when you zoom in or out.
What We Like:
- The scope has a special Buckmasters Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) reticle. This means it has dots to help you aim at targets far away, up to 500 yards.
- It’s built tough with a strong, one-piece 1-inch tube.
- You can change the zoom quickly and easily thanks to a special part that screws into the scope.
- It’s built to handle any weather. It’s waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof, so it won’t let you down.
- The 3-9x50mm magnification is great for seeing your target clearly.
- It comes with flip-back lens covers to protect the lenses.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, some users might prefer a larger main tube for even more ruggedness.
- The BDC reticle’s holdover dots are marked up to 500 yards; for longer-range hunting, additional calibration might be needed.
This SIG SAUER scope is a reliable partner for any hunter. It offers clear views and dependable performance in all conditions.
5. CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24×50 AOE Red and Green Illuminated Gun Scope with Free Mount
Rating: 9.2/10
The CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24×50 AOE is a versatile tool for any hunter or shooter. It offers a wide range of magnification, from 6x to 24x, so you can see targets near and far. The large 50mm objective lens lets in a lot of light, making it easier to see in dim conditions. This scope also comes with a helpful mount, so you can attach it to your rifle right away.
What We Like:
- The 6-24x magnification lets you zoom in on targets from a distance.
- The 50mm objective lens gathers plenty of light for clearer views.
- The scope has both red and green illumination for the reticle, which is great for different lighting situations.
- It includes a free mount, saving you extra cost and hassle.
- The click value of 1/8 inch at 100 yards allows for precise adjustments to your aim.
- The field of view is decent at 28 ft @ 100 yards, giving you a good area to scan.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the magnification is great, the highest settings might be a little shaky without a very steady hand.
- The build quality, while good for the price, might not stand up to extremely rough handling as well as more expensive scopes.
Overall, this CVLIFE rifle scope offers a lot of features for its price point. It’s a solid option for those looking to upgrade their shooting experience without breaking the bank.
Choosing the Right 308 Rifle Scope: A Hunter’s Guide
Picking a scope for your .308 rifle can feel like a big decision. This guide will help you find the perfect one. A good scope helps you see your target clearly and hit it accurately.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a .308 rifle scope, keep these important features in mind.
Magnification
Magnification tells you how much closer the scope makes your target appear. For .308 rifles, you’ll often see numbers like 3-9x or 4-12x. The first number is the lowest magnification, and the second is the highest. A 3-9x scope lets you zoom in from 3 times to 9 times closer. You need enough magnification to see your target well, but too much can make it hard to find your target quickly in the field. For most hunting, a 3-9x or 4-12x scope works great.
Objective Lens Diameter
This is the size of the big lens at the front of the scope. It’s measured in millimeters (mm). A larger objective lens lets in more light. More light means a brighter and clearer picture, especially when it’s getting dark. Scopes with objective lens diameters of 40mm or 50mm are popular. They give you a good view without being too bulky.
Reticle Type
The reticle is the aiming crosshair you see inside the scope. There are many types. Some have simple crosshairs. Others have extra lines or dots to help you aim at different distances. For .308 rifles, a common reticle is the duplex reticle, which has thicker outer hairs and thinner inner hairs. Some hunters like reticles with mil-dots or hash marks, which help estimate distance and bullet drop.
Field of View (FOV)
This is how wide an area you can see through the scope at a certain magnification. A wider field of view makes it easier to find moving targets. Scopes with lower magnification usually have a wider field of view. This is helpful for quick shots at closer ranges.
Important Materials and Construction
The quality of the materials used affects how well the scope works and how long it lasts.
- Lens Coatings: Good scopes have special coatings on their lenses. These coatings reduce glare and improve light transmission. This gives you a sharper, brighter image. Look for terms like “fully multi-coated.”
- Scope Body: Most scope bodies are made from aluminum. Higher-end scopes use aircraft-grade aluminum. This makes them strong and lightweight. The body should also be sealed to keep out water and fog.
- Waterproofing and Fogproofing: Scopes should be sealed with O-rings. This stops water and fog from getting inside, even in wet weather. Nitrogen or argon gas is often used inside the scope to prevent fogging.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a scope better or worse.
What Makes a Scope Better:
- Clear Optics: Sharp, bright images are key.
- Durable Construction: It should handle recoil and rough use.
- Precise Adjustments: Turrets (the knobs for adjusting) should be crisp and accurate.
- Good Eye Relief: This is the distance from your eye to the eyepiece where you get a full view. Good eye relief prevents “scope bite” (getting hit by the scope when the rifle recoils).
What Makes a Scope Worse:
- Blurry or Dim Images: Poor lens quality or coatings hurt visibility.
- Flimsy Construction: A scope that can’t handle recoil will break.
- Inaccurate Adjustments: If the turrets don’t click correctly, your shots will be off.
- Poor Eye Relief: This can be uncomfortable and dangerous.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your .308 rifle will guide your scope choice.
- Hunting: For hunting deer or other medium-sized game, a 3-9x or 4-12x scope is versatile. You can use it for close shots in thick woods and for longer shots in open fields. A good field of view helps you spot game quickly.
- Target Shooting: If you enjoy shooting at paper targets at the range, you might want higher magnification. A 6-24x scope could be a good option for seeing small targets at long distances.
- Varmint Hunting: For small pests like prairie dogs, you need to see tiny targets at long range. High magnification and a clear, bright image are very important here.
10 Frequently Asked Questions about .308 Rifle Scopes
Q: What is the best magnification for a .308 rifle?
A: For general hunting, a 3-9x or 4-12x scope is usually best. It offers flexibility for different distances.
Q: How important is the objective lens size?
A: A larger objective lens (like 40mm or 50mm) lets in more light, making the image brighter, especially in low light.
Q: What is eye relief?
A: Eye relief is the distance from your eye to the scope where you can see the full picture. Good eye relief is important for safety and comfort.
Q: Are expensive scopes always better?
A: Not always, but higher quality materials and better optics usually come with a higher price tag. You can find good scopes at many price points.
Q: What does “fully multi-coated” mean for lenses?
A: It means all the lens surfaces have multiple layers of anti-reflective coatings. This improves light transmission and image clarity.
Q: Can I use a scope designed for another rifle on my .308?
A: Yes, as long as the scope is built to handle the recoil of a .308. Most rifle scopes are designed for general use.
Q: How do I clean my rifle scope?
A: Use a soft lens brush to remove dust. Then, use a lens cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth for smudges.
Q: What is a reticle, and why does it matter?
A: The reticle is the aiming point inside the scope. Different reticles help with aiming at various distances and windage adjustments.
Q: Should I get a fixed or variable power scope?
A: Variable power scopes (like 3-9x) let you change magnification. Fixed power scopes have one magnification. Variable power is more versatile for most users.
Q: What does it mean if a scope is shockproof?
A: Shockproof means the scope is built to withstand the recoil from firing a rifle without breaking.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
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