In this guide, we delve into the best .308 Winchester scopes. The scopes have excellent optics, power versatility, durability, and value for money. .308 users will love these scopes as they meet their demands and needs.
The .308 Winchester is a hall of fame thanks to its versatility, which makes it suitable for hunting different game like deer and coyotes. It is highly effective, with a friendly level of recoil and handleability. It is also cheap and widely available.
A quality scope makes all the difference regardless of the activity you pursue with the rifle. There are plenty of options available on the market, making it overwhelming to choose the appropriate scope. That’s why we have put together a roundup of the best scopes to steer you towards the right direction. Let’s explore the high-ranking models:
Best .308 Winchester Scopes
1)Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16x44mm Riflescope
Unleash the inner sniper in you using the Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16x44mm Riflescope. This long-range riflescope will awaken a whole new beast when mounted on the .308 Winchester.
It is enclosed in a rugged yet lightweight aluminum housing that is 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. The scope is designed to stand up to challenging environments and terrain, making it the ultimate unit for any occasion.
The exterior is matte black and anodized to fortify the durability and maximum concealment of the shooter. You can easily make a kill without worrying about spooking the target.
Another facet of the scope is the exposed turrets that provide unmatched tracking performance. A fast-focus eyepiece increases the target acquisition speed, while the magnification ring supports seamless adjustments for accuracy with each shot.
What’s more, extra-low dispersion glass and multi-layered lenses provide brighter and clear views with enhanced contrast and resolution. The images are clear and crisp with no distortion, even at top magnification.
The reticle is on the first focal plane and is protected between two layers of glass for robustness and reliability. The precision force spring system optimizes repeatability and makes adjustments a cinch.
Features
- Hard anodized construction
- Precision glide erector system for smooth power adjustments
- Matte black finish
- First focal plane, glass-etched reticle
- Weatherproof
- 30mm tube
- The glass has XD elements
- Fully multi-coated for impressive images
- Magnification rib for easy zoom changes on the fly
- A fast-focus eyepiece
Pros
- Built tough
- Great turrets
- Performance in low light is excellent
- Easy to use
Cons
- The magnification adjustment is stiff
- No zero stop
2)NightForce SHV 4-14x56mm Riflescope
The next extraordinary unit that makes the cut on our list of the best .308 Winchester scopes is the NightForce SHV 4-14x56mm. Combining state-of-the-art optics and tough construction, the scope is calibrated to ensure the toughest conditions and extreme recoil.
The chassis is crafted from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum for strength, rigidity, and straightness.
Another parameter is the zero-tolerance lens to ensure that the optical elements remain in position for the best performance. The 56mm objective lens collects as much light as possible, resulting in maximum brightness and clarity.
The 4-12x magnification provides a clear idea of the actual size of the intended target, helping you land precise shots.
The side parallax adjustment knob is well-marked and eliminates parallax errors. The turrets are capped for impact protection and deliver precise adjustments.
If you are a .308 Winchester gun lover looking for quality and performance, the NightForce SHV is what you should get.
Features
- 1 to 3.5 inches of eye relief
- Aircraft-grade aluminum body
- Zero-tolerance lens
- Versatile 4-14x zoom
- The lenses are fully multi-coated
- Capped turrets
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- 30mm tube diameter
Pros
- Extreme clarity and sharpness
- Reasonably priced
- Long-lasting build
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
3)Trijicon Accupoint 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Acquiring targets has never been easier. Trijicon Accupoint 3-9x40mm riflescope is designed to make your life easier. The optics are coated with multiple layers to maximize light transmission for excellent images.
A Mil-Dot crosshair reticle with an illuminated center dot. The illumination is dual-powered using fiber optics and tritium, ensuring a vivid aiming point without the need for batteries that are prone to running out of juice.
You can extend your shooting hours without fretting about visibility as the dual illumination system automatically adjusts the brightness to suit the prevailing conditions.
The entire housing is enclosed in 6061-T6 aluminum for maximum strength and durability. Unwavering performance is assured thanks to the triple inclusions of waterproofing, fogproofing, and shockproofing.
The reticle is situated on the first focal plane and remains unchanged as magnification increases. This offers a more precise aiming point at maximum magnification.
Custom adjustments are fast and seamless courtesy of the precise windage and elevation adjustments, while the quick-focus eyepiece focuses the reticle boosting the speed for target acquisition.
Features
- Mil-Dot crosshair reticle
- High-grade aluminum design
- The reticle is on the second focal plane
- Lenses are fully multi-coated for superior performance
- 40mm objective lens size
- 3-9x magnification range
- All-weather housing for reliability
- Solid black matte finishing
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Both clarity and structure are exceptional
- Battery-free illumination
- Price point
- Holds zero
Cons
- Short eye relief
4)Burris Fullfield II 6.5-20x50mm Riflescope
Burris Fullfield II 6.5-20x50mm Riflescope is a solid unit with a tube made from high-quality aluminum. Since the .308 has stout recoil, the scope is shockproof to prevent shattering of the scope after firing or when faced with rough conditions.
It is also waterproof and fogproof to prevent penetration of foreign material when shooting or hunting in unforgiving weather conditions.
Bright and clear optics are a highlight of the scope. The 50mm objective lens is adequate for maximum light transfer from the surroundings into the scope. The lenses have Hi-Lume multi-coating to control glare and enhance performance in low light.
This budget riflescope has an extravagant 6.5-20x magnification that is valuable when making a long-range kill. A Ballistic Mil-dot reticle aids in making calculated adjustments for wind and bullet drop compensation.
The low-profile turrets have a tactile feel and produce an audible click with each adjustment. They ensure precise and repeatable adjustments with each shot. The Tac-2 knobs have a dust cover to keep away impurities.
Features
- Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses for effective light transmission and glare control
- Magnificent 6.5-20x zoom
- Ballistic Mil-dot reticle
- 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- 50mm focal lens
- Matte finishing
- 6 inches of eye relief
- Aircraft-grade aluminum formation
Pros
- Accurate adjustments
- High-quality optics
- Reliable long-range performance
- Attractive price
Cons
- The windage and elevation knobs are mushy
- No reticle illumination
5)Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Riflescope
Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm riflescope is a top-performing unit that makes achieving sniper-level results a breeze. This incredible tool comes second to none when it comes to clarity and precision.
Since the .308 Winchester is calibrated for target shooting and hunting, the Mark 5HD is a perfect pair as it is tailored to shine in these activities.
All the external lenses are coated with DiamondCoat 2 to improve light collection and reduce glare while fighting off dirt, oil, scratches, and debris. This results in stunning images as the lenses remain in top condition at all times.
Additionally, the images are incredibly sharp and bright with maximum contrast. This is so regardless of the magnification level. An extra touch is the Twilight Light Max HD Light Management System, which minimizes glare while maximizing light transfer for edge-to-edge sharpness and brightness and superior performance in weak lighting.
Speaking of magnification, you can easily crank up the 25x magnification when handling targets at long ranges using the removable throw lever that is part of the scope’s design.
Absolute accuracy and precision are achieved when making windage and elevation adjustments courtesy of the 0.1 MOA clicks. You can thus make accurate shots when landing the target.
The Leupold Mark is built with waterproof and fogproof integrity, so it will have your back even in adverse weather conditions.
Features
- Twilight Max HD coating
- 35mm main tube
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Removable throw lever for instant zoom changes
- Side focus knob for parallax adjustment
- Powerful 5:1 zoom ratio
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- 56mm objective lens diameter
Pros
- Unmatched accuracy and precision
- Superior lens clarity
- Robust build quality
- Versatile
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
6)Swarovski Z5 3.5-18x44mm Riflescope
This is an exquisite and versatile riflescope tailored to unleash the power and performance of the .308 Winchester. With a slim and lightweight design, the Swarovski Z5 provides a large field of view for greater situational awareness and, ultimately, better acquisition of the targets.
The scope is made to perform in all conditions making it a reliable hunting partner. Top-grade aluminum is used in its construction for a long lifespan. All outer parts are anodized for scratch and impact resistance.
Moreover, it features the exclusive OPTIK-4 point coil spring system for utter certainty of hitting your target after each shot.
Thanks to the one-inch range and 5x zoom, the riflescope delivers performance not seen in any other unit on the market. Adjustable parallax and elevation guaranteed unparalleled precision at different ranges and weather.
Features
- Fluoride-containing lenses remove color aberrations
- Spring retention system provides a higher adjustment range
- Fully waterproof and fogproof
- Adjustable elevation and parallax for precision
- Anodized parts for durability
- 5-18x magnification
- One inch tube
- 44mm focal lens
Pros
- Generous zoom range
- Ballistic turret
- Unique multi-zero system
Cons
- Hefty price
Also Read,
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Factors To Consider When Buying the Best .308 Winchester Scopes
Here are some key aspects to have in mind when scouting for the best .308 Winchester scopes:
Construction
The best .308 Winchester scopes should be robust. They should be rated as waterproof and fogproof. The .308 has significant recoil, so you want a scope that shrugs off recoil. A scope that is crafted from aircraft-quality aluminum is, without a doubt, durable, so look out for that.
Turret Adjustments
Ensure the turrets are finger adjustable with no tools required. This way, you’ll be able to easily and quickly make field adjustments to acquire that perfect shot.
Weight
Another paramount consideration when buying the best .308 Winchester scopes is the weight. You don’t want to be extremely tired from a long trek because the unit is heavy. The weight also affects accuracy as the rifle becomes more cumbersome to handle and hold firm. So, ensure the scope you’re eyeing has the ideal weight that will not weigh you down and impede performance and accuracy.
Magnification
Since the .308 is accurate up to about 1000 yards, ensure you get a scope with enough power to reach the range without issues. A scope with a 10-16x magnification range is ideal for long-range shooting applications.
If you are shooting within 200 and 400 yards, a scope with 4-6x power should do the job. People tend to ignore the importance of low magnification levels. However, magnification that is overly powerful is detrimental to the field of view. So, this aspect shouldn’t be overlooked.
Image Clarity
All the magnification and adjustability are useless if your scope doesn’t produce clear views. Lenses should have proprietary coatings to permit adequate light transmission, which impacts the image brightness, clarity, and sharpness. The lens system should also be scratch-resistant and have the ability to repel impurities like dirt and moisture.
Parallax Adjustment
Ensure your scope has a parallax adjustment feature, as this helps you change the distance at which a unit is parallax-free like you would adjust elevation and windage. The .308 is effective from close to long ranges. Parallax adjustment ensures you are parallax-free regardless of the shooting range.
Eye Relief
While the .308 Winchester doesn’t produce much recoil as other ammunition, eye relief is still important to look at. If you are a newbie at using this rifle, you may not be able to fully absorb the rifle’s recoil using your shoulder. This poses a risk of eye injury if your eye socket is in the way. For maximum safety, the best .308 Winchester scopes should have at least 3.5 inches of eye relief.
FAQs
- Is FFP or SFP Better for Long Ranges?
First focal plane scopes are better for shooting at long ranges because their crosshairs are easily visible at higher zoom levels, and the sub tension remains the same across various power settings.
- What Is A .308 Good For?
The .308 is perfectly suited for hunters pursuing elk, deer, and other big game. While the rifle excels at hunting, it is also suitable for target shooters and is widely used in semi-automatic rifles for personal protection.
Conclusion
Whether you are engaging targets at long distances, enjoying some range time or hunting down big game with your .308 Winchester, a quality scope is the key to success. We hope this guide has served as a compass in finding the best scope that will revamp your shooting and hunting experience.