If you are in search of a scope to match your .308 Winchester platform, then you have come to the right page. This guide pays attention to the best scopes for .308 Winchester, which have plenty of features to harness the rifle’s potential and elevate your shooting experience. From top features like unrivaled durability and fine clarity to insane precision, the scopes will be a game-changer, making your shooting expedition unforgettable.
The .308 Winchester is unequaled when it comes to precision shooting and long-range accuracy. It shines because of its wide popularity and versatility and is a favorite for hunters, competitive shooters, and marksmen. The rifle begs a scope to pair to unlock its potential fully.
Regardless of your skill level, a good scope makes all the difference. In a world with a multitude of options to select from, determining the ideal match for the rifle can be tricky. That’s why we have narrowed down the options to make your life easier. Keep reading to find the scope that will be perfect for your needs.
How Far can the .308 Shoot?
The .308 Winchester has the power of accurate and effective shooting out to about 800 to 1000 yards. It is vital to bear in mind that hitting a target at these extended distances calls for a high-quality rifle, the right scope, consistent ammunition, and a proficient shooter who understands factors like wind drift, bullet drop, and environmental conditions.
Some precision shooters and long-range marksmen have attained hits at ranges beyond 1000 yards with the cartridge, but these hits are considered tricky and often need advanced equipment and expertise.
Also, remember that the effective range of this rifle boils down to several factors like the quality of ammunition, specific rifle, shooter’s proficiency, and intended purpose.
Best Scopes for .308 Winchester
Let’s immerse into the best-ranking models to help you make a well-informed decision:
1)Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm riflescope is a perfect option for hunters and shooters looking for long-range accuracy with utmost simplicity. As the first recommendation for the best scopes for .308 Winchester, this unit reveals Burris’s dedication to quality and performance.
The scope has high-grade optical glass. Aside from showing top-tier durability, the glass ensures impressive brightness, ensuring long-lasting use and excellent performance in all lighting conditions.
To further improve performance in faint light, the riflescope has index-matched lenses with a Hi-Lume multi-coating. This special coating increases light transmission and decreases glare, guaranteeing success no matter the lighting.
The precision ground lenses are larger than those found on other scopes, improving light transmission and, as a result, boosting visibility in dismal light.
The reticle is on the second focal plane ensuring the size and scale stay constant even with changes in magnification. This makes it easy to use and maintain consistent aiming points across various power levels.
Ease of use and durability are imperative on the shooting or hunting ground. The Fullfield II has a robust, integrated eyepiece design that has a non-slip grip. This promotes fast and hassle-free adjustments even in extreme weather conditions.
Features
- Nitrogen filled for anti-fog performance
- Positive steel-on-steel adjustments for repeatable accuracy
- Performance is waterproof
- Hi-Lume multi-coating on the index-matched lenses
- Simple design that is easy to use
- Rear focal plane
- Ballistic Plex reticle
- Aircraft-grade aluminum formation
- 40mm objective lens
- Eye relief of 3.1 to 3.8 inches
Pros
- Excellent value for the price
- Extremely clear
- Plenty of eye comfort
Cons
- The clicks are mushy
2)Primary Arms Classic Series 3-9x44mm Riflescope
The Primary Arms Classic Series 3-9x44mm riflescope embodies reliability, versatility, and plenty of other features, making it a valuable addition to your radar.
It is designed to excel in all environmental conditions, making it a reliable companion. This is made possible by the waterproof and fogproof factors included in its design.
It comes with fully multi-coated optics that maximize light transmission, providing amazingly clear and bright images of the target even when lighting is low. This inclusion is especially beneficial in the early morning hours or late, even when lighting is challenging.
Another standout feature is the Duplex reticle on the rear focal plane, which provides a straightforward yet effective aiming solution. The reticle maintains a consistent size as you change the zoom setting, making sure your holdover and windage values remain accurate at all magnifications. This feature makes target acquisition a breeze and produces a clear, uncluttered sight picture. You can rely on it for a broad kind of shooting scenarios.
.308 shooters who appreciate plenty of eye relief will find this unit to be a comfortable and accommodating option. With generous eye relief, you can maintain a comfortable shooting stance without fretting about a smack on the face as a result of recoil.
Features
- Fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Duplex reticle with a second focal plane design
- Eye relief varies from 3.6 to 3.8 inches
- 3-9x magnification range
- Matte black finish
- Full multi-coating to enhance light collection
- 30mm tube size
- Finger-adjustable turrets with caps for protection
Pros
- Stunning glass
- Hassle-free turret adjustment
- Well-constructed
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Lacks an illuminated reticle
3)Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44mm Riflescope
Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16x44mm riflescope is built on a 30mm tube that offers a solid and stable platform that can withstand the recoil of high-caliber weapons and hold zero overtime.
It has nitrogen purging for waterproof and fogproof integrity. This level of protection ensures that you can confidently depend on the optic regardless of the prevailing weather conditions.
The 4x zoom lets you change magnification to suit the specific requirements of your shooting situation. It has your back, whether focusing on a close-range target or stretching your shots to the limit.
The T* Six-layer lens multi-coating amplifies light gathering, thus providing exceptional brightness and clarity across the entire magnification. The exclusive LotuTec hydrophobic coating on the lenses keeps dirt, grease, and water away. This maintains a clear sight picture even in foul weather.
Additionally, it has high-performance HD lenses, which ensure incredible image quality and color fidelity. With this lens type, you can spot your target with amazing clarity and precision, regardless of the lighting situation.
Windage and elevation turrets are capped and have 1/4 MOA clicks that give shooters and hunters a mechanism that is easy and fast to use for shots at long distances.
Features
- Matte black finish
- Second focal plane
- Completely weatherproof and shockproof
- T* six-layer lens multi-coating
- 30mm tube diameter
- LotuTec hydrophobic coating
- Wide, generous eyebox
- The turrets are capped
Pros
- Perfect turret tracking performance
- Pleasantly clear and bright even in low-light conditions
- Solid construction quality
Cons
- Stiff parallax adjustment
4)Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Riflescope
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x5omm riflescope is a no-brainer. As one of the best scopes for .308 Winchester, the riflescope houses an array of great features that make it worth the buy.
First, the Viper PST has a glass-etched EBR-2C MRAD reticle with illumination. This reticle is easy to use, precise, and has detailed subtensions that help to estimate range and compensate for bullet drop.
The unit has a single-piece tube engineered from aircraft-grade aluminum. The 30mm tube is 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof for protection in inclement weather and when the rifle produces recoil.
The tactical turrets have an exposed design and offer easy, repeatable adjustment with audible and precise feedback. As a result, fine-tuning your shots is a doodle, even under the pressure of competition or time-sensitive settings.
The riflescope comes with XD glass and XR fully multi-coated lenses, which leads to sharp, high-contrast pictures with excellent color fidelity and zero distortion. The coatings also protect from elements like dirt, scratches, and dirt for clarity through it all.
The size of the lens is huge, implying brilliant light transmission and an expansive field of view. A parallax adjustment on the side ensures the target stays in sharp focus at any range. This is very beneficial for long-range precision.
Features
- O-ring seals and argon gas purging for weather-tight performance
- Fast-focus eyepiece for effortless reticle focusing
- XR fully multi-coated lenses
- Shockproof construction
- Precision glide erector system for smooth functioning of the zoom lens mechanism
- 30mm tube size
- Tactical-style turrets
- Ultra-hard Armortek coating on the outer lenses
- Gass-etched reticle
- XD glass
- Illuminated reticle for visibility in poorly lit conditions
- Single-piece tube
Pros
- Sheer build quality
- Flawless optical quality
- Incredibly pronounced clicks
- Easy to zero
Cons
- Weighty
5)Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Another option from the legendary Vortex is the Diamondback 3-9x40mm riflescope. It has a second focal plan design, which means the reticle remains the same size as you increase or decrease magnification. .308 enthusiasts looking for a simple aiming solution will brag about this.
The scope scores highly when it comes to environmental protection. It is purged with argon gas and sealed with o-ring seals for fogproof and waterproof performance.
Aircraft-grade aluminum used to make the scope gives it its durability and reliability, ensuring you get a solid unit that will be with you for many years to come. The ruggedness is further fortified by the hard anodized exterior that counters scratches and abrasion.
Another highlight is the fully multi-coated optics. These proprietary coatings intensify light collection by the objective lens, producing phenomenal clarity, brightness, and crispness. You can shoot confidently even when lighting is challenging and expect a rewarding experience.
The turrets have a capped design, adding to the convenient setup of Diamondback. They are easy to adjust and will not be victim to unwanted adjustments. The precision force spring system keeps the turrets crisp and tactile when you make modifications, making it a piece of cake to dial in your shots.
The scope also includes a fast-focusing system that ensures quick reticle focusing, increasing the speed of target acquisition.
Features
- Hard anodized finish
- Variable 3x to 9x magnification
- The optical system is fully multi-coated
- Single-piece tube
- Aircraft-grade aluminum structure
- Precision force spring system
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Precision glide erector system
- The reticle is located on the rear focal plane
Pros
- Clear optics for lovely views
- Suitable eye relief
- Unmatched lifetime warranty
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons
- No reticle illumination
6)NightForce SHV 3-10x42mm Riflescope
This versatile and high-quality riflescope is modeled to excel in a broad spectrum of shooting and hunting applications. It is a reliable option for those looking for unswerving performance.
NightForce SHV 3-10x42mm is crafted with a fast-focus eyepiece that makes it easy to use. This inclusion facilitates quick reticle focusing, helping with fast target acquisition, whether it is a distant target at the range or a fast-moving animal.
This scope has a 30mm tube and comes with capped .25 MOA adjustments that provide a practical and simple means to fine-tune your shots. The turrets have an operator-friendly design and are shielded against unwanted adjustments, making it easy to retain your zero settings even in harsh conditions.
This compact .308 riflescope also boasts a 42mm objective lens that collects as much light as possible for decent images that are refreshing to the eye. It has a full multi-coating to increase light transmission and reduce glare for superb images.
Moreover, a side parallax adjustment mechanism provides precise focus and target acquisition at various ranges. Parallax is adjustable from 25 yards to infinity.
Features
- 30mm tube
- 5 inches of eye remedy
- .25 MOA adjustments
- 42mm objective lens that is fully multi-coated
- Side parallax adjustment
- The eyepiece has a fast-focus mechanism
- Suitable for a broad kind of applications
- Magnification varies from 3-10x
Pros
- Robust enough to withstand harsh conditions
- Clear glass with uncompromising performance from edge to edge
- Dead on adjustments
Cons
- Not the cheapest option
7)Athlon Argos BTR 4-14x44mm Riflescope
We conclude the list of the best scopes for .308 with the Athlon Argos BTR4-14x44mm. The magnification is superb, ranging from 4x to 14x. This promotes quick sliding between close-quarter engagements and long-range precision shots. This versatility makes it a perfect option for hunters, tactical enthusiasts, and competitive shooters.
The riflescope is constructed on a single-piece, aircraft-grade aluminum tube, which enhances durability so that the unit endures whatever is thrown at it. It is waterproof and fogproof so that it continues to perform in nasty weather.
This incredible riflescope has capped turrets that guard against unwanted adjustments and have tactile feedback that offers confidence in your settings.
The 44mm objective lens is large enough to allow plenty of light to enter and is fully multi-coated, enhancing the light penetration. The culmination is bright, clear, and sharp images regardless of the time of day.
The reticle is a second focal plane design. It stays constant in all power levels and simplifies holdover and windage corrections across the magnification range while ensuring a clean and uncluttered sight picture.
Features
- IRMOA reticle
- Fully multi-coated to boost image quality
- Waterproof and shockproof
- Improved turrets bolstered by a true precision zero-stop
- Etched reticle
- Caps on the turrets offer protection from elements and accidental movement
- Magnification spans from 4x to 14x
Pros
- The build quality is top-notch
- Very clear optics
- Decent, positive clicks
- Easy on your pocket
Cons
- Insufficient illumination brightness
Choosing the Best Scopes for .308 Winchester
Consider the following aspects before making a purchase decision:
Magnification
The .308 cartridge is known for its versatility; no wonder it is used at varying distances. Choosing a scope with the appropriate magnification is essential for success in your shootings. One with 3-9x or 4-12x is ideal to get the job done.
Focal Plane
You can choose either a first focal plane or a second focal plane. First, focal plane reticles vary in size depending on the magnification. Second focal plane designs remain constant even with magnification adjustments. Each has its perks, so select depending on your preferences.
Durability
The best scopes for .308 Winchester should be designed with durability in mind. Look out for quality construction materials like aircraft-grade aluminum, waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof factors as they exhibit a scope’s durability.
Light Transmission
Premium, fully multi-coated lenses heighten light transmission, leading to a bright and clear sight picture even in poorly lit environments. Be sure to check out these as they determine how rewarding your experience will be.
Also read
FAQs on The Best Scopes for .308 Winchester
What Objective Lens Size Is Ideal for A .308 Scope?
A wider objective lens such as 40mm or 50mm lets more light into the scope, enhancing low-light performance. Consider the balance between light collection and the overall size and weight of the scope.
Is Parallax Adjustment Vital in A .308 Scope?
Parallax adjustment can be helpful, particularly when shooting at long ranges. It helps remove parallax errors, ensuring a clear and focused image at different distances.
What Is the Best Reticle for A .308 Scope?
Your shooting style determines the best reticle. Popular choices include duplex, Mil-dot, and Bullet drop compensation. Select a reticle that matches with your specific aiming and ranging needs.
Conclusion
The ideal scope should suit your specific shooting requirements, empowering you to attain maximum accuracy and performance. Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, as personal preferences and purposes differ. By carefully evaluating the factors and options illustrated in this review, you can be sure of unprecedented accuracy and success in the field when using the .308 Winchester.