Choosing the best scopes for 308 rifles is about more than just magnification and durability; it’s about matching your gear to your mission. Whether you’re tracking game through thick brush, dialing in shots at the range, or pushing the limits at long distance, your optic plays a critical role in how confidently and accurately you shoot.
With the .308’s versatility and power, you need a scope that complements its range, handles recoil, and delivers crisp clarity when it matters most. From the first light of dawn to fading twilight, the right scope transforms your shooting experience from guesswork to precision.
About the .308 Cartridge
Image Credits: Wikipedia
The .308 Winchester, introduced in 1952, is a rimless, bottlenecked rifle cartridge that has become one of the most widely used centerfire rounds in the world. Derived from the .300 Savage and .30-06 Springfield, it offers a versatile balance of power, accuracy, and manageable recoil.
With a bullet diameter of .308 inches and typical bullet weights ranging from 125 to 185 grains, it’s a staple for hunting, target shooting, law enforcement, military, and even personal defense applications. While the .308 Winchester is nearly identical to the 7.62×51mm NATO, they are not fully interchangeable.
This cartridge operates at higher pressures and has thinner case walls, making it unsuitable for older 7.62×51mm chambers. This critical distinction underscores the importance of proper cartridge selection for safety and performance.
Over the decades, the .308 Winchester has influenced the development of many other short-action cartridges, including the .243 Win, .260 Rem, and .358 Win, solidifying its legacy in modern rifle ballistics.
Hunters around the world rely on the .308 for medium to large game, from North American whitetails and elk to African eland, thanks to its reliable terminal performance.
It’s also favored in competitive shooting disciplines like Palma and F-Class, where consistency and accuracy out to 1,000 yards are key. The cartridge’s global adoption, factory load availability, and compatibility with a wide array of rifles have helped the .308 Winchester maintain its position as one of the most trusted and proven general-purpose rifle cartridges ever made.
.308 Cartridge Uses
The .308 Winchester cartridge is used for a wide range of purposes due to its versatility, reliability, and widespread availability.
Hunting
The .308 is widely regarded as one of the best general-purpose hunting cartridges. It provides excellent terminal performance with manageable recoil, making it suitable for most hunting distances (100 to 400+ yards).
It’s effective on medium to large game, including
- Whitetail deer, elk, black bear, caribou, and moose in North America
- Eland, kudu, and duiker in Africa
- Even recommended by some authorities for grizzly and polar bear defense.
Target Shooting & Competition
The .308 is a favorite for target and long-range precision shooting, including:
- Palma shooting (with 155-grain match bullets and iron sights at 1,000 yards)
- F-Class competitions, especially in the F-TR class (standard rifles with scopes and bipods)
It’s known for its accuracy and consistency, with numerous match-grade factory loads and reloading options available.
Military and Law Enforcement
The .308 Winchester (commercial version of the 7.62×51mm NATO) has been used extensively in military sniper rifles, designated marksman rifles, and police tactical rifles. It offers reliable performance with long-range stopping power in tactical engagements.
Personal and Home Defense
Though less common than smaller calibers, some use the .308 for home or rural property defense, especially in areas where threats may include large predators or intruders at longer distances.
Cartridge Development
It has served as the parent case for many popular modern cartridges, such as the .243 Winchester, .260 Remington, 7mm-08 Remington, and .358 Winchester. This has made the .308 foundational in the evolution of modern short-action rifle cartridges.
Best Scopes for 308
1) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Riflescope
The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm riflescope is one of the best scopes for 308 Long-range precision shooting. It features a first focal reticle, fully multi-coated optics, hard anodized aircraft-grade aluminum, laser etched turrets, and a weatherproof performance among other features.
Engineered for shooters who demand reliable performance in tactical, hunting, and competition environments, this scope pairs perfectly with the capabilities of the .308 Winchester cartridge. Its magnification range of 5-25x gives users incredible versatility, making it equally effective for mid-range engagements and extreme long-distance shooting.
The scope features the EBR-2D MRAD first focal plane (FFP) reticle, which maintains subtension accuracy throughout the magnification range. This reticle is packed with functionality, including windage reference dots and precise holdover points for bullet drop and moving target leads.
Ideal for shooters who dial for elevation and wind, the Viper PST Gen II includes laser-etched turrets, a Rapid Zero Return (RZR) zero stop, and an intuitive fiber optic rotation indicator to track turret position with ease.
Optical performance is exceptional thanks to extra-low dispersion glass and XR fully multi-coated lenses, which boost resolution, contrast, and light transmission for sharp, vivid images in low light. The ArmorTek lens coating further ensures protection from scratches, oil, and dirt, extending the longevity of your investment.
The 30mm tube, made from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, provides a solid and shockproof platform built to endure tough field conditions and the recoil of high-powered cartridges like the .308.
Designed with usability in mind, the scope offers a fast-focus eyepiece, adjustable parallax from 25 yards to infinity, and 10 levels of red reticle illumination with convenient off settings between each level.
Its waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction ensures reliable performance in any environment, from harsh hunting terrains to competitive ranges. Whether you’re engaging targets at 100 or 1,000 yards, this scope brings confidence, precision, and clarity to every shot.
Pros
- Excellent magnification range (5-25x) for versatility across distances
- First focal plane EBR-2D MRAD reticle with windage and holdover marks
- Crystal-clear optics with XR multi-coating and extra-low dispersion glass
- RZR zero stop and tactile, laser-etched turrets for repeatable adjustments
- Rugged and reliable, waterproof, fogproof, shockproof
- Durable ArmorTek coatings protect lenses from damage
- Illuminated reticle with 10 brightness levels and convenient off positions
- Fast-focus eyepiece and adjustable parallax for quick target acquisition
Cons
-
Slightly heavy at 31.2 oz
2) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope is one of the best 308 scopes for hunting and mid-to-long-range accuracy. Combining a versatile 3- 15x magnification range with cutting-edge optical innovations and rugged dependability, this scope shines in mid-to-long-range hunting scenarios, whether you’re glassing antelope on the plains or tracking deer at dusk in the woods.
One of the best features of the VX-5HD is Leupold’s Professional-Grade Optical System, which delivers exceptional light transmission, unmatched glare reduction, and crystal-clear resolution.
Combined with the Twilight Max Light Management System, this scope performs beautifully during low-light hours when game is most active. The 44mm objective lens balances brightness with a sleek profile, providing a wide field of view without excessive bulk.
For enhanced precision, the scope features the CDS-ZL2 (Custom Dial System – ZeroLock 2) elevation dial. This two-turn turret system locks securely to prevent accidental adjustments and makes dialing for elevation quick and reliable.
With Leupold’s Custom Dial System, you can replace the standard turret with one laser-etched to your exact ballistic profile. Simply range your target, turn the dial to the corresponding distance, and aim dead-on, no math, holdovers, or guesswork required.
The illuminated FireDot reticle adds day-bright visibility with simple one-button intensity control. Placed in the second focal plane, the reticle maintains a consistent size regardless of magnification, ideal for hunting in low-light and thick cover.
The side parallax adjustment allows precise focus across varying distances, ensuring accuracy whether you’re set at 100 or 600 yards. The scope’s 5:1 zoom ratio provides a smooth transition from scanning terrain to zeroing in on a distant target.
Durability is second to none. Constructed to be waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, the VX-5HD withstands harsh weather, rugged terrain, and punishing recoil. The Guard-Ion hydrophobic lens coating repels water, dirt, and fingerprints, maintaining a crisp view with minimal maintenance. Whether you’re hunting in snow, rain, or dry dust, the scope is ready to perform.
Pros
- Exceptional low-light performance with Twilight Max Light Management
- FireDot illuminated reticle with user-friendly brightness control
- CDS-ZL2 elevation turret for fast, accurate distance dialing
- Custom dial available to match your exact ballistics
- Second focal plane reticle ideal for hunting applications
- Side focus parallax adjustment for clear aiming across all distances
- Rugged, waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction
- Lightweight for a scope with this feature set
Cons
-
Premium price point
3) Nightforce ATACR F1 Rifle Scope
The Nightforce ATACR F1 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope stands as one of the most advanced and dependable optics for pushing the capabilities of the .308 Winchester to its fullest potential. Whether you’re engaging targets at extreme distances or demanding ultimate precision in variable field conditions, this scope blends optical brilliance with military-grade toughness.
At the core of the ATACR’s performance is its ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass, delivering incredible sharpness, contrast, and brightness across the entire magnification range. From early dawn to last light, shooters benefit from crisp image quality and vibrant color fidelity, essential for identifying targets in tough environments.
Nightforce’s fully multi-coated lenses ensure maximum light transmission and edge-to-edge clarity, making this scope a favorite among elite shooters and hunters alike.
The first focal plane (FFP) reticle design ensures that holdovers, windage corrections, and ranging measurements remain accurate at any magnification setting. This is especially important for long-range shooters using the .308 who need reliable ballistic reference points under changing zoom levels.
The Horus Tremor3 or MOAR illuminated reticles (with DigIllum digital illumination) add another layer of precision with intuitive hold marks and brightness settings for both daylight and low-light use.
Built to survive the harshest conditions, the ATACR features ZeroStop turrets with Hi-Speed adjustment, giving shooters over 100 MOA of elevation and 60+ MOA of windage travel. The turret clicks are crisp and tactile, allowing precise adjustments without second-guessing.
Capped windage turrets further protect against accidental movement in the field. The side parallax adjustment is marked with distances and works seamlessly with the DigIllum system to ensure pinpoint accuracy.
Adding to the user-focused design is the Power Throw Lever for rapid magnification changes and the XtremeSpeed eyepiece that allows fast diopter adjustments.
These ergonomic enhancements make the ATACR feel intuitive and responsive during high-stress moments when every second counts.
Pros
- Crystal-clear ED glass with excellent color contrast and edge-to-edge sharpness
- First focal plane reticle maintains consistent subtensions across magnification levels
- DigIllum digital illumination for precise reticle visibility in all lighting
- Rugged 34mm tube and durable construction for battlefield-level reliability
- Over 100 MOA of elevation adjustment with precise ZeroStop turrets
- Side parallax adjustment marked with distance references
- Integrated PTL and rapid-focus eyepiece for ease of use
- Excellent for extreme long-range shooting with the .308
Cons
-
Premium pricing
4) Trijicon AccuPoint TR-20 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
The Trijicon AccuPoint TR-20 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is the best 308 scope for hunting in a wide range of lighting and environmental conditions. With a Mil-Dot crosshair reticle and an amber illuminated center dot powered by fiber optics and tritium, this scope delivers precise aiming without relying on batteries, ensuring reliability during critical moments in the field.
What truly sets the AccuPoint apart is its edge-to-edge clarity, achieved through fully multi-coated, broadband, anti-reflective glass. This optical system provides exceptional detail, true color fidelity, and zero distortion, ideal for fast target recognition and confident shot placement at medium to long range.
The 3-9x magnification range is well-suited for .308 shooters hunting in timber or open fields, offering versatility for most real-world shooting scenarios.
The illumination system is fully automatic, adapting the brightness of the amber center dot to match ambient light conditions. In low light, the Tritium Phosphor Lamp ensures a clear reticle without batteries, while the manual brightness override lets users dial in the ideal intensity during bright daylight.
This innovative system delivers fast, intuitive aiming, especially during first or last light when the .308 cartridge excels in brush or across meadows.
Built for durability, the AccuPoint TR-20 features a hard-anodized 6061-T6 aluminum housing, tested to military standards. It’s lightweight at just 12.8 ounces, fogproof, waterproof to 10 feet, and designed to resist scratches and corrosion.
The scope’s easy-focus eyepiece, long eye relief (3.2–3.6 inches), and capped windage/elevation turrets provide user-friendly control and protection from recoil and accidental adjustments. A matte black finish reduces glare, perfect for staying concealed while stalking game.
Pros
- Battery-free illumination system (fiber optics + Tritium) for ultimate reliability
- Sharp, edge-to-edge clarity with multi-coated lenses
- Long eye relief protects against recoil from larger calibers like the .308
- Easy manual override for adjusting reticle brightness
- Lightweight and ruggedized aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Excellent performance in low light without electronics
- Wide field of view for fast scanning and target acquisition
Cons
-
No parallax adjustment for fine-tuning at longer distances
5) Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
The Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope has long been a trusted name among hunters and marksmen who demand rugged reliability and consistent accuracy, especially when paired with a versatile cartridge like the .308 Winchester. This scope is designed with traditional hunting in mind, offering premium features at an affordable price, making it one of the best-value scopes in its class.
Built around a durable, one-piece 1-inch tube, the Fullfield II is engineered to handle harsh conditions and heavy recoil. The construction includes reinforced quad-seal gas seals and nitrogen-filled internals, ensuring the scope remains waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, critical for .308 rifles used in changing weather or rough terrain.
The positive steel-on-steel turret adjustments provide precise, repeatable zeroing, while the integrated eyepiece design with a no-slip grip makes magnification adjustments smooth and easy in the field.
Optically, the Fullfield II impresses with high-grade, precision-ground glass that delivers impressive brightness and clarity for its price point. The index-matched Hi-Lume multi-coatings improve low-light visibility and reduce glare, vital during dawn or dusk hunts when .308 rifles are most effective.
The 3-9x magnification range is ideal for medium to long-range shooting, and the Ballistic Plex reticle, located in the second focal plane, offers a simple yet effective holdover system that works with virtually any caliber or bullet weight.
At just 13 ounces, the scope is lightweight and compact at 12.4 inches long, making it a smart choice for hunters looking to minimize bulk while maintaining performance.
With eye relief ranging from 3.1 to 3.8 inches, it’s well-suited for the recoil of .308 rifles, providing comfort and safety during extended shooting sessions.
Pros
- Excellent clarity and brightness from high-grade optical glass
- Durable 1-piece tube resists shock, recoil, and harsh conditions
- Hi-Lume multicoated lenses improve low-light performance
- The Ballistic Plex reticle is simple, versatile, and effective
- Affordable yet offers features found in higher-priced scopes
- Lightweight and compact for easy mounting on .308 rifles
- Burris Forever Warranty ensures long-term peace of mind
Cons
-
Non-illuminated reticle limits performance in very low light
Next Read: 6 Best Scopes for 308 Ruger Precision Rifle
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Scopes for 308
When choosing the best scopes for 308, several key factors should guide your decision to ensure optimal performance across various shooting applications. Here are the most critical factors to consider, each explained in detail:
Magnification Range
The ideal magnification range depends on how you intend to use your .308 rifle. For hunting or general-purpose shooting, a lower magnification like 3-9x allows for quick target acquisition and a wide field of view.
For long-range precision shooting, a higher magnification, such as 5-25x, provides the detail needed for accurate shot placement at extended distances. Selecting a scope with an appropriate magnification range ensures that you’re equipped for your specific shooting environment.
Optical Quality and Lens Coatings
High-quality optics play a major role in a scope’s performance. Look for scopes made with premium glass and advanced coatings that enhance light transmission, reduce glare, and maintain true color fidelity.
Fully multi-coated lenses help produce crisp, clear images even in low-light conditions—an essential feature for early morning or late evening shooting sessions.
Reticle Type and Focal Plane
The choice between a first focal plane (FFP) and second focal plane (SFP) reticle affects how the reticle behaves as you zoom in or out. FFP reticles maintain consistent holdover values across all magnification levels, which is beneficial for range estimation and precision shooting.
SFP reticles remain the same size regardless of zoom and are often easier to see at low magnification, which some hunters prefer. Also, consider reticle styles like BDC, Mil-Dot, or MOA that offer holdovers for bullet drop and wind drift.
Durability and Construction
A scope must be able to withstand the .308’s recoil and the harsh environments in which it may be used. Robust construction, such as a single-piece tube made of aircraft-grade aluminum, helps ensure structural integrity.
Features like shockproofing, waterproofing, and fog resistance are crucial for reliability, especially in rugged hunting or tactical scenarios where gear failure is not an option.
Adjustment Turrets and Zeroing Features
Precise and repeatable windage and elevation turrets are vital for accuracy. Look for scopes that offer tactile, audible clicks and solid internal mechanisms. Features like zero-reset or zero-stop allow for quick return to zero after dialing for elevation, which is particularly helpful when engaging targets at varying ranges.
Capped turrets protect against accidental adjustments, while exposed tactical turrets allow for quick changes in dynamic shooting situations.
Illumination and Low-Light Performance
Reticle illumination improves visibility in dim lighting, dusk, or dawn, which is often when game is most active. Some scopes offer battery-free illumination using fiber optics or tritium, while others feature digital controls for adjustable brightness. Regardless of the method, a well-illuminated reticle can enhance aiming speed and accuracy when ambient light is limited.
Eye Relief and Eye Box
Adequate eye relief is important to prevent injury from recoil, especially on high-powered rifles like the .308. Look for scopes with at least 3.5 inches of eye relief to ensure comfortable and safe shooting.
A forgiving eye box allows quicker alignment of your eye with the scope, making target acquisition faster, an advantage during rapid follow-up shots or when shooting from awkward positions.
Weight and Size
The overall size and weight of a scope can impact the handling and balance of your rifle. Heavier scopes often offer more features and larger objective lenses but may affect portability and maneuverability.
For hunters covering long distances on foot, a lighter scope might be preferable. Finding the right balance between features and physical footprint ensures the scope complements your rifle and shooting style.
Best Scopes for 308 FAQs
What magnification is best for a .308 rifle?
The ideal magnification for a .308 rifle depends on your shooting purpose. For hunting and mid-range shooting, a variable scope in the 3-9x or 2.5- 10x range offers great versatility and a wide field of view for tracking moving targets.
For long-range precision shooting, scopes with higher magnification, like 5-25x or 6-24x, allow for better target identification and accuracy beyond 500 yards. Choosing a scope with a suitable magnification range ensures you’re equipped for the distances you plan to shoot.
Is a first focal plane (FFP) or second focal plane (SFP) reticle better for a .308?
Both FFP and SFP reticles can work well with a .308 rifle, but they serve different purposes. FFP reticles are ideal for long-range and tactical shooters, as the reticle’s subtensions remain accurate at any magnification, allowing for precise holdovers and range estimation.
SFP reticles, on the other hand, maintain a consistent size across all magnification levels and are often preferred by hunters for their clarity at lower magnification. Your choice should reflect how you use your .308, whether for quick shots at varying distances or precision shooting at known ranges.
Conclusion
A great scope doesn’t just sit on your rifle; it enhances your capabilities and sharpens your edge. With so many optics designed to handle the power and performance of the .308, narrowing it down to the best requires a focus on the details: clarity, repeatability, ruggedness, and intuitive design.
Whether you’re in the field or on the range, investing in one of the best scopes for 308 above will be worth every penny.