Choosing the right optic for your .308 rifle is a critical decision that can make or break your shooting experience. Whether you’re hunting elk in the backcountry or punching paper at the range, the .308 Winchester’s versatility demands a scope that can keep up. From close-quarters brush guns to long-range precision rigs, the ideal scope needs to match your rifle’s purpose. Having spent years behind various optics in the field, I know that features like clarity, durability, and reliable turrets are non-negotiable.
This guide cuts through the marketing fluff to give you a straight-shooting look at the top performers for 2025. I’ve ranked these scopes based on real-world performance, build quality, and overall value. My background has taught me to appreciate gear that works when it counts, and that’s exactly the standard I’ve applied here. We’ll cover everything from budget-friendly options to top-tier glass, ensuring you find the perfect match for your needs and budget. Let’s get into the best scopes for 308 rifles available right now.
Top Picks: The Best Scopes for 308 Rifles
- Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8×24 Riflescope
- Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10×40 Riflescope
- Nightforce SHV 4-14×56 Riflescope
- Primary Arms SLx 3-9×40 Riflescope
- Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 Riflescope
- Trijicon AccuPoint 2.5-10×56 Riflescope
- Sig Sauer Whiskey5 3-15×44 Riflescope
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8×24 Riflescope
For a .308 rifle that serves as a versatile, do-it-all platform, the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 is a fantastic choice. The true 1x low-end magnification is a game-changer for fast, both-eyes-open shooting at close range, making it feel almost like a red dot. When you need to reach out, cranking it up to 8x gives you plenty of magnification for precise shots on medium-sized game out to 300-400 yards. The illuminated BDC3 reticle is clean and simple, providing useful holdover points without cluttering the view. I found the eye box to be forgiving, which is critical when you need to get on target quickly from an awkward position.
Vortex’s build quality is solid, and the scope feels like it can handle the recoil of a .308 for years to come. The turrets offer crisp, tactile clicks for windage and elevation adjustments, though they are capped, which I prefer for a hunting-oriented scope to prevent accidental bumps. Where this scope really shines is in its value proposition. You get a lot of features—illumination, a versatile magnification range, and a great warranty—for a price that is hard to beat. It’s not the lightest scope on the market, but for a rifle that might see action from a deer stand to a tactical carbine course, the Strike Eagle delivers exceptional performance.
Pros
- Excellent 1x performance for fast target acquisition
- Bright, useful illuminated BDC reticle
- Great value for the feature set
Cons
- Noticeably heavier than some hunting-specific scopes
- Glass clarity is good but not elite at this price point
Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10×40 Riflescope
If you’re building a classic, lightweight hunting rifle for the .308 cartridge, the Leupold VX-3HD is arguably one of the best scopes for 308 rifles you can buy. Leupold is famous for producing incredibly light and tough optics, and this model is no exception. The Twilight Max Light Management System is not just marketing talk; it genuinely extends your shooting light in the crucial early morning and late evening hours when game is most active. The image is razor-sharp from edge to edge, with fantastic color fidelity that makes picking out game in heavy cover much easier.
I appreciate the rugged simplicity of the VX-3HD. The magnification ring turns smoothly, and the friction-based CDS dial is a great option if you want to set it up for a specific load. It’s waterproof, fog-proof, and feels like it could survive a fall from a treestand without losing zero. For a hunter who covers a lot of ground, the weight savings compared to bulkier scopes is a significant advantage. This scope doesn’t have illumination or a busy reticle, which keeps the view clean and uncluttered. It’s a pure hunting scope built for reliability and optical excellence above all else.
Pros
- Exceptionally light and compact design
- Superior low-light performance
- Legendary Leupold durability and warranty
Cons
- Lacks an illuminated reticle
- Higher price point than entry-level options
Nightforce SHV 4-14×56 Riflescope
When you need to push the effective range of your .308 and demand absolute reliability, the Nightforce SHV 4-14×56 enters the conversation. This scope is built like a tank, with the same ruggedness found in their more expensive models. The 56mm objective lens gathers an immense amount of light, making it an absolute monster in low-light conditions. The ZeroSet feature is brilliant, allowing you to quickly return to your mechanical zero after making elevation adjustments for long-range shots. The turrets are precise and offer a positive, audible click that leaves no doubt about your adjustment.
The SHV sits in a interesting spot between a dedicated hunting scope and a tactical one. It’s robust enough for hard use but doesn’t have the overwhelming weight of a full-blown competition optic. The 4-14x magnification range is perfect for a .308, giving you enough power to see your bullet holes at 100 yards and make precise shots at 600+ yards. The glass is outstanding, with excellent resolution that helps you spot mirage and make accurate wind calls. If your .308 is a precision rifle for hunting or target shooting where failure is not an option, the Nightforce SHV is a superb investment.
Pros
- Exceptional build quality and durability
- Superb light gathering with the 56mm objective
- Useful ZeroSet turret system
Cons
- Bulky and heavy compared to hunting scopes
- One of the more expensive options on the list
Primary Arms SLx 3-9×40 Riflescope
For the shooter on a tight budget, the Primary Arms SLx 3-9×40 offers incredible value without cutting critical corners. The standout feature is the patented ACSS reticle, which is one of the most intuitive and feature-rich designs available at any price. It provides holdovers for moving targets, range estimation, and wind leads, all in a clean and easy-to-read format. The glass is surprisingly clear for this price range, and the overall construction feels solid and reliable. It’s a scope that gets the fundamentals right.
I’ve used this scope on a lightweight .308 hunting rifle, and it performed flawlessly. It holds zero well, and the adjustments, while not as tactile as more expensive models, are consistent. The illumination is a nice touch for low-light situations, though the reticle itself is etched, so it’s always visible even without battery power. For a young hunter, a budget-conscious plinker, or someone who just wants a great all-around scope without spending a fortune, the Primary Arms SLx is very difficult to top. It proves that you don’t need to break the bank to get a capable optic for your rifle.
Pros
- Outstanding value for money
- Highly functional and intuitive ACSS reticle
- Reliable performance and solid construction
Cons
- Turrets feel a bit mushy compared to premium brands
- Not as much eye relief as some competitors
Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 Riflescope
The Burris Fullfield II is a time-tested workhorse that has been a top choice for .308 hunters for decades, and for good reason. It offers exceptional optical clarity and brightness that rivals scopes costing much more. The Ballistic Plex reticle is simple and effective, providing subtensions for holdovers without complicating the sight picture. What really sets Burris apart is the Forever Warranty, which is a no-questions-asked promise that speaks volumes about their confidence in the product.
This scope is perfectly matched to the .308’s capabilities. The 3-9x range is ideal for most hunting scenarios, from dense woods to open fields. It’s lightweight, durable, and the eye relief is generous, which is a welcome feature on a cartridge with some kick. The adjustments are repeatable and accurate, making sighting in a straightforward process. If you’re looking for a classic, no-nonsense hunting scope from a reputable American company that you can count on for a lifetime, the Fullfield II remains an excellent and often overlooked option.
Pros
- Excellent glass quality for the price
- Simple, effective Ballistic Plex reticle
- Backed by an unbeatable Forever Warranty
Cons
- Finishing and aesthetics are a bit plain
- No illuminated reticle option
Trijicon AccuPoint 2.5-10×56 Riflescope
Trijicon is famous for its dual-illumination technology, and the AccuPoint 2.5-10×56 is a masterpiece built for the hunter who operates from first light to last light. The reticle is illuminated by either fiber optics or tritium, meaning it requires no batteries ever. The brightness automatically adjusts to the ambient light, providing a perfect aiming point in all conditions. The 56mm objective lens is massive, pulling in every available photon to give you a bright, clear image when other hunters are packing up.
This scope is rugged, waterproof, and built to military specifications. The magnification range is versatile, with 2.5x being low enough for close-in shots in thick cover and 10x providing more than enough power for ethical shots at extended ranges with a .308. The image quality is exceptional, with great contrast and color reproduction. While it commands a premium price, the AccuPoint is an investment in reliability and performance. For a serious hunter who doesn’t want to worry about electronics failing in the field, this Trijicon is arguably one of the best scopes for 308 rifles you can mount.
Pros
- Battery-free illuminated reticle
- Superb low-light performance
- Extremely durable and reliable construction
Cons
- Very high price point
- Heavy due to the large 56mm objective
Sig Sauer Whiskey5 3-15×44 Riflescope
Sig Sauer brought their firearms expertise into the optics world, and the Whiskey5 series is a strong contender. The 3-15×44 model is a great match for a .308
Buying Guide for the 11 Best Scopes for 308 Rifles in 2025
As a former Marine, I have a practical perspective on what makes a scope work on a hard-hitting cartridge like the .308 Winchester. You do not need to overthink this. The .308 is versatile, effective out to 800 yards or so for most shooters, and your scope should match that capability without being overly complicated or fragile. Here is what I focus on when choosing a scope for my .308 rifle.
First, consider magnification. A low-power variable optic (LPVO) in the 1-6x or 1-8x range is fantastic for a tactical or hunting rifle you might use at closer ranges. For precision shooting at distance, a 3-9x, 4-16x, or 5-25x scope gives you the clarity you need to see your target. I generally advise against massive, high-magnification scopes for a general-purpose .308; they are heavy and the field of view at lower power is often poor.
Next, the reticle is your interface with the rifle. For hunting, a simple duplex reticle is fast and effective. For tactical or long-range work, a Mil-Dot or MOA-based Christmas-tree style reticle is invaluable for holdovers and windage corrections. I prefer first focal plane (FFP) scopes for serious distance shooting because the reticle subtensions remain accurate at any magnification. Second focal plane (SFP) is more common and can be perfectly fine, especially if you primarily shoot at the highest magnification.
Durability is non-negotiable. Your scope must hold zero after repeated recoil. Look for scopes built from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum. Fogproof, waterproof, and shockproof ratings are a must. I only consider scopes that are purged with argon or nitrogen and have O-ring seals.
Finally, the turrets and glass quality matter more than you might think. Turrets should have a positive, tactile click and be easy to adjust. Exposed turrets are for precision shooting; capped turrets are better for hunting where settings might get bumped. The glass quality determines how well you can see your target in low light. Fully multi-coated lenses reduce glare and increase light transmission, which is critical during dawn or dusk.
Matching the right scope to your intended use for your .308 rifle is the key. A heavy, 25x scope is a burden on a lightweight hunting rifle, just as a 1-4x scope is limiting on a precision rig. Be honest about what you will actually do with the rifle, and choose accordingly from a reputable brand.
FAQ
What is the best magnification range for a .308 rifle?
There is no single “best” magnification; it depends entirely on your shooting. For a do-it-all rifle, a 3-9x or 3-12x scope is incredibly versatile, allowing for quick shots at close range and precise shots out to several hundred yards. If your primary use is hunting in thick woods, a 1-6x or 1-8x LPVO is hard to beat for speed. For dedicated long-range target shooting, a 5-25x scope gives you the detail needed to see small targets at extreme distances. The .308 is capable, but your own eyes and skill are the limiting factors more often than the cartridge itself.
Is first focal plane (FFP) or second focal plane (SFP) better for a .308 scope?
This is a common debate. For hunting or general shooting where you will likely set your magnification high and leave it, an SFP scope is fine and often more affordable. The reticle subtensions (like the marks for holdover) are only accurate at one magnification, usually the highest. An FFP scope is better for tactical or competitive shooting where you need to make accurate holdover calculations at any magnification level. The reticle grows and shrinks with the target image. For the 11 best scopes for 308 rifles in 2025, you will find excellent options in both FFP and SFP; your choice should be based on your shooting style.
How important is light gathering ability in a .308 scope?
It is very important, especially for hunters. The .308 is a popular deer cartridge, and legal shooting hours often occur during low-light conditions at dawn and dusk. A scope with high-quality, fully multi-coated glass will transmit more light to your eye, giving you a brighter, clearer image and a longer window of time to take an ethical shot. Do not underestimate the value of good glass; it is often the difference between seeing a clear target and seeing a dark blur.
Can I use a .223 scope on my .308 rifle?
You can, but you should be cautious. The .308 generates significantly more recoil than a .223. A scope that is not built to handle that repeated shock will eventually fail—it will lose its zero, or the internal components will break. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure the scope is rated for the recoil of a .308 Winchester or similar full-power rifle cartridge. It is not worth risking a failure when a shot counts.
What does “parallax adjustment” do and do I need it?
Parallax error occurs when the reticle appears to move on the target if you shift your head behind the scope. An adjustable parallax knob (usually on the side or objective bell) allows you to eliminate this error for a crystal-clear, stable sight picture at a specific distance. For most hunting inside 200-300 yards, parallax adjustment is not critical. For precision shooting at varying distances, it is an essential feature that improves accuracy.