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The .308 caliber admittedly is one of the favorite rifle chamberings in North America, and for many reasons. Today, the .308 Winchester, (pronounced: “three-oh-eight”), is one of the most popular sporting and big-game hunting cartridges worldwide, but its beginnings date back to the early 1950s as a military project.
Shortly after the end of World War II, the Soviets and British had already developed and used their new intermediate rounds for the new concept of assault rifles. Unlike them, the U.S. Army was still thinking in terms of a classic battle rifle and long-range semi-automatic fire, a mindset that did not change until the 1960s.
Consequently, the .308 Winchester emerged in 1952 as a subtle mix of .30-06 and .300 Savage, called T-65, and in 1953, it was accepted as the NATO cartridge and re-named into 7.62×51 NATO.
While externally it appeared to be a shortened version of the .30-06, the .308 Winchester/7.62x51mm is actually a well-adapted round for short-action rifles. In fact, it can be found in any possible rifle and carbine actions or configurations.
The .308 is not punishing to shoot, so it is used in bolt actions, pump actions, lever actions, break actions and semi-auto rifles. Let’s name a few well-known models such as bolt action Winchester Model 70 and Savage Arms 10, a single shot Ruger No. 1, not to forget the best ever battle rifle-a semi-automatic FN FAL or a modern AR-10 version from Daniel Defense. And last but not least the classic lever-action and pump-action rifles like Browning BLR and Remington 7600.
Having a .308 isn’t enough on its own. The .308 is effective to somewhere between 800 and 1000 yards so you are going to need some skill. Of course, you will also need the best scope for .308 rifles as well.
So, what makes the best scope? Keep reading to find out.
Short on time? Our Best Picks For .308 Scopes
- Burris Fullfield II Hunting Rifle Scope
- Vortex Optics Diamondback V-Plex Reticle
- Trijicon VCOG 1-6×24
- Leupold VX-3
- FS1 Sniper 6-24×50
- Primary Arms ACSS
- Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9×40
What Makes a Great .308 Scope?
There are plenty of articles detailing scope selection down to a science. For the majority of shooters, you will never need to know that much about scopes. I didn’t for years and did just fine.
Instead, here is an overview of what scopes work best in conjunction with a .308 rifle.
What Magnification Do You Need?
Most people consider a .308 to be a moderately long range cartridge. Usually, it is kept to 800 yards or less. You can pull that off with a 10x scope and some skill. A better magnification is somewhere around 14x but even magnification in the 20x range is still worth considering.
Reticle
If you are looking for distance, you need some form of BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) reticle. This can be a fully marked MOA or Mil reticle or a simple Duplex style if you aren’t shooting as far. A plain reticle just isn’t as versatile for shooting past a couple of hundred yards. With the power of the .308, go a little further.
You will also have a choice between first and second focal plane. A first focal plane scope will have a reticle that zooms with the scope magnification and can be used to judge distance at any range. Second focal plane is cheaper but you can only use it for ranging at the magnification you sighted in at.
Adjustments
Most scopes intended for long-range shooting have turret adjustments that can be used to dial in your shot so your crosshairs are right on the target. You won’t have to use old-fashioned Kentucky Windage. These are preferable but more expensive and take some time to learn to use.
Standard adjustments are capped to protect them from being thrown off zero. They are great for hunting or those that don’t want to mess around. They will cost much less for the quality of the scope than turrets.
Durability
You want the most durable scope you can get, period. Something that is waterproof and shockproof at a minimum. Fogproof is also preferable if you plan on using your scope in the field. Most of these are standard features on decent scopes.
Some scopes may also be sealed to fully prevent moisture, dust, and condensation from getting inside. This is the best bet and the gold standard for durability. A good warranty never hurts either.
MAIN TYPE OF 308′ SCOPES
As earlier mentioned, the .308 Winchester is a versatile caliber with a vast number of loadings, and no other cartridge enjoys the same types of weapon actions and scopes being made for it. Check out our article comparing .308 and 30-30 ammo.
In the next section, I’ll breakdown specialized optics intended for different use and weapons types.
FOR LONG-RANGE
In recent years, long-range shooting and hunting are continuing to grow in popularity, and .308 fits neatly into that trend.
Besides uрgrаdеѕ іn орtісаl quаlіtу, a quality long-range scope for .308 rifle with the appropriate power like a 10X will serve as a good start. However, it would be better if you can go for higher magnification such as 14X, 18X or even 24X.
Currently, scopes with 3X and 4X zoom ratios are most often seen in the hands of the average hunter/shooter, but zoom ratios of 6:1 are becoming commonplace on sporting scopes as they cover about all the bases you need for both close and long-range shots.
Ваllіѕtіс or Measured reticles are рrасtісаllу а muѕt-hаvе for the distance shooter, and they may come with two basic measurements, Mil and MOA. While they are both an angular measurement, it is up to the shooter to choose Minute of Angle (MOA) or MilRadian (MRAD) depending on their comfort.
The next major element to consider when shopping for the long-range scope for 308 rifle is reticle focal plane. The focal plane is the position of the reticle in a scope tube and there are two types of focal planes – First Focal Plane (FFP) and Second Focal Plane (SFP). While the SFP is currently a common choice in all-around scopes, serious shooters prefer first focal plane scopes for long-distance shooting since the reticle will increase as they increase magnification enabling the shooter to use the measurements on the reticle to determine distance.
Accompanying closely to the ballistic reticles are ballistic or target turrets which offer рrесіѕе аnd ассurаtе аdјuѕtmеntѕ with wіdе еlеvаtіоn travel rаngеѕ.
As we consider long-range to be more than 300 yards, parallax correction is mandatory to еnѕurе уоu’rе dеаd-оn wіth еvеrу lоng rаngе ѕhоt. On cheaper models, parallax control is made using an Adjustable Objective (AO), whereas the more expensive scopes feature а ѕіdе fосuѕ knob.
FOR AR
One of the many misconceptions related to the AR-15 is that the AR-10 is based on the AR-15 design, but in fact, the predecessor of AR-15 is an Armalite AR-10 or more commonly known as an AR-10. Since the AR-10 chambered in .308Win shares all amazing capabilities of its younger and smaller cousins AR-15 such as easy customization, high accuracy, and relatively lightweight, it really shines in both civilian and military use. For both of them, you may use similar scopes because in both cases you may use the benefit of quicker follow-up shots (if needed).
The AR-10 style platform of rifles may be used for mid-to long-range as well as for short-range shooting.
For the first purpose, where targets tend to be smaller, you may require a scope with the higher end of power magnification, larger glasses, and more precise reticles. The ideal scope for .308 AR-10 should have a minimum of 12X power, a bell diameter of at least 44mm or more, and some version of BDC reticle.
If you plan to use your .308 AR-10 mainly for short-range shooting then you should consider the lower-powered optics. You will need the LPO on the 1-8 or 2-6 power range with appropriate reticles and bullet-proof construction to withstand follow-up shots and rough use.
TACTICAL
Like most of us already know, the powerful .308 cartridge originally, have been designed for hunting, but later it continued its military carrier in battle rifles and machine guns. These days, this veteran has extended its service life as a round ideally tailor-made to the tactical use in rifles like AR-10, the M1A or the SCAR 17.
In this short revision of the tactical scope for 308, you will encounter specific types of short-range and long-range combat scopes. Though these battle optics are designed for two entirely different scenarios, the tactical riflescopes share few standard features.
Scopes designed for tactical type shooting have to be the most durable scope you can get and packed full of high-end features like a built-in bullet drop compensator, an illuminated reticle, and exposed turrets specifically regulated for common bullet weights.
Depending on what distance will be encountered, owners of modern tactical .308 rifles are looking for compact scope setups that add minimal weight or a huge high-powered unit that will enable the operator to reach out and touch something.
BOLT ACTION RIFLE
As you expected, the current scopes for .308 bolt action rifles have a lot in common with the tactical scopes for .308. While the hunters appreciate compactness, a sealed nitrogen/argon purged tube, and an illuminated reticle that helps hunt in low light conditions, a target shooter with a highly-customized bolt action rifle will take benefit from long scope bodies, integrated sunshade, large objective lenses, and exposed target turrets.
Maybe you didn’t know, but the .308 Winchester round was invented for hunters, and primarily for use in classic turn-bolt rifles. One thing to take note of about not just .308, but any other bolt action brand rifle is the proper rings height to avoid the bolt handle hitting the scope body.
If you intend to use your .308 bolt action rifle for hunting then you’ll be satisfied with a moderate level of magnification usually between 8x and 14x, and a classic 3x-9x configuration would be enough for most outdoorsmen.
Some of the dedicated, specific to caliber scopes would be perfect for your .308 bolt action rifle, too.
SNIPER
While the tactical scopes are mostly made to be usable for CQB out to modest ranges where distances rarely exceeded 300 yards, the designated .308 sniper rifles can make shots above 500 yards with little difficulty. Just do not forget to invest in a rugged, quality scope that is capable of withstanding the harshest weather conditions and brutal manipulation. That said a .308 sniper scope should have windage and elevation turrets which are extremely easy to handle with a low profile form that will not get snagged in brush or get knocked off as easily.
Not so long ago, the military sniper scopes came with a fixed magnification of 8x or 10x, but nowadays most people shooting .308 are using variable high-powered riflescopes.
Magnification can be anywhere up to about 16x or 24x, but the .308 sniper scope lowest magnification setting has to enable you engaging targets at close ranges too. The field of view (FOV) is an important feature that should not be overlooked because your sniper scope should have a low enough magnification with a wide enough FOW, of course, the width goes down as magnification goes up.
Some professional long-range shooters recommend choosing an illuminated, clear mil-dot reticle placed in the second focal plane and an extended sunshade for the optical bell which helps cut down on glare. Chassis sniper rifles are popular in .308 caliber due to the easiness of mounting high-powered optics with a wide field of view which will make locating a target an easy job.
HUNTING RIFLE
When you are in the quest for a scope for your hunting .308 rifle you should never overlook the build quality. It assumes that you probably want a solid construction scope with waterproof shockproof and fogproof properties. Other features will depend on the range you will usually find hunting and the terrain.
For short-range shots like driven hunts on wild boar, you will need a lower-powered scope on the 1x-6x or 2x-6x power range. If you are planning big game hunting at 200-400 yard range then you should look for .308 riflescope with a moderate power range such as those with 4x-12x or 4x-16x power range. For more extreme hunting distances you may buy higher-powered rifle scopes, but for seasoned hunters like us, there is always a question of an ethical shot and quick kill at long distance for which few hunters are capable.
Of course, you can find a versatile scope for a few hunting applications, but more often you’ll need to choose between scopes with lower or higher magnification that would be ideal for a given type of hunting.
Also, note that the average hunter neither needs the large custom target style turrets nor the specialized Christmas tree pattern reticles. For most hunting scenarios a standard Duplex style reticle and capped low profile turrets would be enough. Illumination is always a welcomed feature but not necessary.
SCOUT RIFLE
Today, there seems to be a scout rifle revival. The concept of a scout rifle is an old one that has gained new fans and again set fire across websites. Basically, the scout rifle is designed around the .308 Winchester caliber as an ideal all-purpose round with the idea to enable outdoorsmen to have a short rifle that is easy to handle and one ideally adapted to the snapshot.
Since the distinctive feature of the Jeff Cooper’s scout rifle is a forward-mounted, extended eye relief scope, then you should look for a light and compact low-powered riflescope with long-eye-relief which is more commonly seen on handguns.
Additionally, it should to be a bolt-action rifle equipped with a long-eye-relief optical sight with a magnification range from 2x to 7x, fixed or variable. The standard configurations available on the market are fixed 2.5X28mm or variables 2-7X32mm and 2-7X42mm.
Best Scope for .308 On The Market
1 Burris Fullfield II Hunting Rifle Scope
The Burris Fullfield II hunting riflescope is an affordable scope for your .308 that doesn’t lack quality or functionality. If you’ve never looked into a Burris optic for your rifle, now is the time. The Fullfield II is a great scope for your .308 that won’t break the bank.
Burris is a popular riflescope for many reasons. One of the main reasons is the high-quality optics that Burris uses in each of its products. The Fullfield II is made of precision lenses with a large diameter that creates superior light transmission while reducing glare. It has a ballistic plex reticle which is great for your .308 rifle. When it comes to optics and image quality, Burris is one of the best.
As far as quality goes, Burris doesn’t lack in this department either. The Fullfield II is made of a single tube of aircraft-grade aluminum that is nitrogen-filled to prevent fogging and moisture from building up. It is waterproof and can withstand continuous heavy recoil.
2 Vortex Optics Diamondback V-Plex Reticle Riflescope
If you’re new to hunting, you should know that Vortex makes what many believe to be the best optics among scope manufacturers. The lenses on the Vortex Diamondback are fully multi-coated for crystal clear images in all daylight conditions. It has a fast-focus eyepiece that you can quickly and easily focus the reticle of the scope.
The Vortex Diamondback is an affordable riflescope that is durable enough to withstand the moderate recoil from your .308 rifle. The solid, one-piece aluminum tube is argon-purged with sealed O-rings to prevent moisture, dirt, and oil from entering the scope and causing fog or corrosion.
The V-Plex MOA reticle is a great choice for a .308 because it allows you to precisely dial in your shot. It’s a second focal plane scope, so the reticle will stay the same size while you magnify the scope between 3x and 9x. It has easy-to-adjust turrets on the side and top of the scope for you to adjust for windage and elevation at ¼ MOA per click.
If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, the Vortex Optics Diamondback is one of the best scopes you can choose for your .308 rifle.
3 Trijicon VCOG 1-6×24 .308 Riflescope
If you’re looking for a high-end scope for your .308 that’s full of features, then look no further than the Trijicon VCOG first focal plane riflescope.
It’s a first focal plane riflescope with a red horseshoe ballistic reticle that’s perfect when using a .308. All it takes is one AA battery for the scope to illuminate, so you don’t have to worry about keeping special batteries on hand like a C3032 battery that many scopes require. There are six adjustable brightness settings that you can choose when adjusting the illumination on the LED reticle.
One of the best features of the Trijicon VCOG is that it is more durable than the competition. It is completely waterproof up to 66 feet of water submersion, which is double the submersion limit of other scopes.
The light transmission through the 24mm objective lens is superior and creates zero distortion. It’s a first focal plane scope, so the reticle magnifies with the target.
The Trijicon VCOG comes with a standard quick-release mount that will fit any 1913 Picatinny rail.
4 Leupold VX-3
Scopes in the middle of the pack are harder to rate. They have fewer outstanding features than those above them and cost more than those below. There may even be a sacrifice or two but as a Leupold .308 scope, the VX-3 has very little downside.
If you want to call it a downside, this scope does lack turret adjustments. But even this is not a huge negative. Under the caps, you will find finger adjustments that mimic turrets well. Combined with the duplex reticle, this can be enough for longer range shots.
Where Leupold doesn’t lack is in optical quality. You would be hard-pressed to find any optic out there that has better quality glass with a clearer image. It is fully multicoated for the best performance and that performance is absolutely top-notch.
It also has no negatives with durability. The VX-3 is fully water and fogproof and will stand up to the shock of a .308 and even larger rifles. Should something happen to your scope anyway, Leupold has the best in the industry warranty. They stand behind their products, making this an amazing choice for a compact scope for .308 or even larger rifles.
5 FS1 Sniper 6-24×50 Rifle Scope
The FS1 Sniper riflescope is a great medium to long-range scope at a steal of a price. While the optics aren’t as good as Vortex or Leupold, it still provides you with a clear image when looking through the scope, especially at its lower magnification settings.
The lenses are multi-coated, reducing glare and increasing light transmission to give you a clear visual of your target. The large 50mm objective lens helps increase light transmission and reduce glare to make the image as clear as possible.
It has basic adjustments that you find on comparable models as well. For example, you can adjust for windage and elevation using the turrets on the scope. Each click will adjust ¼ MOA.
For an affordable scope, it includes some customizable features, like changing the illumination of the reticle from red to blue to green, depending on your preference.
It includes heavy-duty ring mounts for you to be able to mount this scope to a Picatinny rail.
6 Primary Arms ACSS RifleScope – Best Budget
If you read the forums several years ago, Primary Arms was all the buzz. They were one of the first companies to start producing quality long range optics on the cheap. Years later, they are still doing the same thing and innovating every year.
If you want a scope that captures all of the best features of true long range optics but need it on a budget, the ACSS is the way to go. It has mil turrets and a matching reticle to get the most out of your shots. It is even first focal plane which is unheard of on an optic at this price.
When it comes to optics, there is little difference between Primary Arms and the more expensive brands. This 1-4x scope has great lenses that are multicoated and very clear and vibrant. Most users will never notice a difference between this and any other brand shy of those costing over a grand.
The ACSS is quite solid and handles recoil well. It is fully waterproof and has a fog-reducing treatment on the lenses. It may not be quite as tough as Vortex or Leupold but it holds up very well and can be trusted to perform when you most need it.
Finding any good scope in this price range ( Under 500 ) with these features is nearly impossible.
7 Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9×40 Riflescope
Another affordable riflescope for your .308 is the Dawn & Dusk Banner by Bushnell. It features the Dawn & Dusk brightness, which is specialized multi-coated lenses that provide excellent high definition clarity and brightness. For less than $100, it’s a great scope to mount to your .308.
It is a second focal plane with a Multi-X crosshair reticle that is easy to see in bright and low light conditions, just as the Dusk & Dawn name suggests.
For an affordable scope, target acquisition is extremely fast with the Bushnell Optics design. You can magnify between the standard 3x magnification and the maximum 9x magnification. It has a 3.3” eye relief which is plenty for a .308 rifle.
This scope doesn’t lack quality either. It’s 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof to withstand the elements while you shoot.
8 Nikon P-Tactical 3-9×40 Riflescope
Nikon has discontinued many of its quality riflescopes, but you can still get the P-Tactical 3-9×40 scope for the time being. When you get the chance to purchase a Nikon scope, you should take it.
Nikon makes great optic equipment, like cameras and rangefinders, and their scopes are no different. They provide some of the best images among riflescopes.
The P-Tactical has a magnification range between the standard 3x and the maximum 9x. It has a large 40mm objective lens, which greatly contributes to the crystal clear image you get when looking through the scope. The lenses are fully multi-coated to help reduce glare and increase light transmission to create a high-definition image each time.
You will need to purchase a mount for your .308 for you to mount this scope to.
9 NIGHTFORCE SHV 5-20X56MM RIFLESCOPE
Without such a long tradition and heritage as some other optical companies, Nightforce has earned its reputation very quickly thanks to the quality of materials, the precise tolerances, and the skilled workmanship.
While Nightforce riflescopes were never cheap, their SHV (Shooter Hunter Varminter) scope is a little more affordable. However, it still packs a lot of value and presents an investment that you should consider carefully. Although it is the entry-level of Nightforce scopes, SHV probably outperforms any riflescope in its price range.
The Nightforce SHV 5-20x 56mm is designed for hunters and target shooters at longer ranges and it will be not an appropriate scope for compact hunting rifles.
The Nightforce SHV belongs to the tactical long-range style optics with 4:1 zoom ratio, four reticle choices, and exposed turrets, but covered by screw-on aluminum covers.
The turrets have 1/4 MOA adjustments and they are featuring for elevation and windage generous 80 MOA and 50 MOA range, respectively. The parallax control knob is located on the left side of the riflescope and has adjustable parallax that goes from 25yards to infinity.
The eye relief on the SHV is ranging between 3.15 and -3.54 inches which is pretty tight, but this riflescope is mainly intended for long-range precision shooting where you have enough time for comfort stance and concentrated shot.
Featuring a 56mm objective lens at the end of a 30mm tube, the SHV certainly isn’t a small scope and it is also heavier than average .308 riflescopes. On the other hand, while it is probably not the best offer for the “Sunday shooter”, it is a quite affordable scope for a wider range of hunters and shooters who have very high demands for their equipment.
10 PRIMARY ARMS SLX 1-8X24MM SFP RIFLE SCOPE
As you know the .308 Winchester is a versatile cartridge useful in most shooting distances, so our next .308 rifle optics belongs to the low powered scope type which promotes quick engagement, especially for close-range targets.
The scope with variable 1-8x magnification and 2nd focal plane reticle in the form of horseshoe chevron combination comes from the renowned Primary Arms Company and it is an upgrade of their popular 1-6x tactical scope.
Equipped with a patented ACSS reticle specialized for moving target leads, the SLX is purpose-built as a fast and accurate combat sighting system. The horseshoe and chevron of the reticle are illuminated and when you set the scope at 1x and with illumination set on high, the SLX performs as a red dot sight, making it perfect for home protection or snap shooting drills at close range.
Although this is a budget optic and its image clarity isn’t as perfect as in $800+ target/hunting scopes like a Swarovski or Zeiss, it improves at extended ranges making it ideal for AR-10s or other semi-autos intended for everything from house clearing and CQB to long-range precision fire.
However, at higher magnification, this PA SLX scope will provide fast and accurate ballistic solutions out to 400-500 yards and beyond. That said, the scope is high-speed and instinctive from 0 – 300 yards, and despite its tiny 24mm objective, it is surprisingly good for low light use at dusk or dawn especially below 5-6x zoom.
The scope features low profile capped turrets with light audible and tactile clicks during adjusting. The click value is typical for these scopes 1/2 MOA and turrets can travel up to 100 MOA. On the left side of the scope there is an illumination control knob with 11 settings, whereas the spare 2032 battery is placed under the windage cap.
A Primary Arms SLX 1-8x24mm consists of a 6063-aluminum scope body which is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-resistant, and nitrogen purged.
11 UUQ Tactical 1-4x32mm Compact Rangefinder Reticle Scope
The UUQ Tactical 1-4x32mm is another affordable riflescope for you to add to your .308. It is the most affordable riflescope on our list for those who don’t want to break the bank but who also need a functional scope for their .308.
One of the best features of the UUQ Tactical riflescope is that it can be used on various firearms, including the .308, .223, and handguns. For that reason alone, it’s a great scope to keep in your gun safe.
It is built with a rangefinder reticle that makes it easy to range your target and sight in your scope. It has a comfortable 3” eye relief with an eyepiece focus ring that you can adjust.
When it comes to quality, the UUQ Tactical scope is nitrogen-filled, making it waterproof and fogproof. It is made of aircraft-grade aluminum, so it’s lightweight yet durable to withstand the moderate recoil created from your .308.
It comes with mounting rings that will fit a Picatinny or Weaver rail system.
12 AIMPOINT PRO RED DOT REFLEX SIGHT WITH QRP2 MOUNT AND SPACER – 2 MOA – 12841
Another .308 aiming system we recommend in this guide is developed outside of the USA, but it will deliver premium performance under harsh conditions. Based on the military’s M68 reflex sight, the Swedish Aimpoint’s Patrol Rifle Optic (PRO) is a favorite pick of many law enforcement, tactical shooters, and competitors who are looking for a bomb-proof red dot that wouldn’t let them down in a fight or a match.
The Aimpoint PRO is fast-action tactical, 1X magnification, red dot type of reflex sight, optimized for AR-type rifles. Unlike some budget red dots, a mid to high-end red dot optic by Aimpoint AB can withstand the heavy recoil of the .308 caliber rifles as it is based on a large 30mm housing made of durable aluminum alloy.
This 30mm tube red dot features a clear 2 MOA dot powered by one 3V lithium battery that lasts approximately 3 years or 30,000 continuous hours and provides 9 levels of dot brightness.
This non-magnifying reflex sight features absolute co-witness with iron sights and will allow you to use it with both eyes open for quick and accurate target acquisition.
As one of the best red dot sights commercially available for the .308 rifle, the Aimpoint PRO is supposed to be used for close distance shooting, but it is also capable of precise shooting at a longer distance, though with slow fire.
Compared to the most other red dot scopes on the market, the Aimpoint PRO red dot is rugged, beefier built, and also more expensive. In other words, the Aimpoint PRO Reflex Sight is made for real-world conditions and if you need an optic on a life-saving firearm, this unit would be the number one choice.
Made for a home defense style rifle like AR-10, the Aimpoint PRO comes with QRP2 mount with a spacer that sets the optic at the correct height for mounting on an AR-10/15.
13 CVLIFE 4-16×44 Tactical Rifle Scope
The CVLIFE 4-16×44 tactical scope is a great scope to use in sunny conditions because it includes a convenient sunshade that will filter the reflective and scattered glares that can be created from the sun in bright daylight conditions. When you don’t need to use the sunshade, the lenses of the scope are fully coated to create a bright image with no glare or reflection.
Aside from image quality, the scope has a durable physical design as well. It’s a single tube made of high-strength aluminum alloy that will withstand the moderate recoil from you .308.
It has a Mil dot reticle with crosshairs that can be illuminated red or green, depending on your preference. You can adjust for windage and elevation using the zero resetting turrets on the scope. Each click of the turret will adjust the windage or elevation ¼ MOA.
The included mount will fit a Picatinny rail mount.
14 UTG 3-12X44MM 30MM Compact Scope
As a final candidate in our list for the best scope for .308, we`ll present one cheap but superior quality and high performing AR-10 riflescope- UTG 3-12x44mm. This very affordable scope comes from a US-based optics brand called Leapers UTG, a company with manufacturing plants located overseas.
This compact scope is well built and along with the AR-15, it will be both appropriate to use in and AR-10 and .308 rifles. Constructed around a sturdy 30mm main tube, the Leapers UTG SWAT 3x-12x is completely sealed and nitrogen-filled and built to be fog- shock- and rainproof.
The Leapers UTG SWAT sports 4x zoom factor and with 3X to 12X magnification range, it provides you with an ideal field setup for both hunting and tactical applications.
This range estimating scope has a bullet drop mil-dot reticle with a dual red/green illumination with 36 color modes to accommodate all weather/light conditions. A low profile illumination control sits on top of the ocular tube while the left side of the scope body is reserved for a parallax adjustment knob. The target-style turrets for windage and elevation adjustment are graduated in 1/4 MOA per click.
The scope comes with an angled integrated sunshade, fully coated lenses, and Emerald coating which is specially developed to provide the full spectrum of color within the band of green tones. Ranging from 3.4″ –to 3″, the eye relief is pretty tight though .308 doesn’t have heavy recoil.
The UTG 3-12×44 scope boasts tons of features ideally suited for short-range hunting and tactical scenarios for calibers from .22 to .308. Some users have complained about inconsistent zero that forces you to re-center the reticle occasionally. However, if you want to use this UTG on a .308, the simple solution is to get a quality one-piece mount that will provide the needed consistency.
FAQs
Final Thoughts
I hope you find this helpful. These are in my opinion some of the best scopes you are likely to find for your .308. No matter if you are a hunter or just a recreational shooter, these are the tools of the trade. Some are more popular than others but all are solid performers.
