Selecting the right optic for your .308 rifle is a critical decision that balances performance, features, and budget. The .308 Winchester/7.62×51 NATO cartridge is renowned for its versatility, capable of everything from close-quarters tactical scenarios to reaching out and touching targets at extreme distances. To harness this potential, you need a scope that matches your rifle’s capability and your intended use, whether that’s hunting, target shooting, or long-range precision work.
This roundup is designed to guide you through a curated selection of the best scopes on the market for the .308 platform. We’ve compiled options that cater to a wide range of shooters, from those seeking exceptional value to enthusiasts demanding top-tier features for competitive shooting or hunting. Our goal is to provide clear, detailed information to help you make an informed choice and get the most out of your rifle.
Our Top Picks for .308 Rifle Scopes
- Primary Arms SLX 3x32mm Gen III Prism Scope
- Bushnell Optics 4x24mm Riflescope with FFP Drop Zone-223
- Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 FFP Riflescope
- Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x40mm Side Focus Riflescope
- Nikon Black FX1000 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope
- Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen2 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope
- Primary Arms SLx 4-14×44 FFP Riflescope
- Bushnell Engage 6-24x50mm Riflescope with Deploy MOA
Primary Arms SLX 3x32mm Gen III Prism Scope
For shooters who prioritize speed and close-to-mid-range engagement, the Primary Arms SLX 3x32mm Prism Scope is an outstanding choice. Its fixed 3x magnification is perfect for rapid target acquisition, while the etched glass ACSS reticle ensures you always have an aiming point, even without batteries. The new ruggedized mount provides exceptional clamping power for a secure and stable fit on your rifle’s Picatinny rail, giving you confidence in the optic’s zero retention.
The specialized ACSS-300BLK/7.62×39 reticle is designed with holds for both supersonic and subsonic ammunition. It offers bullet drop compensation and ranging capabilities out to 600 yards with supersonic 7.62x39mm or .300 Blackout, and 225 yards with subsonic rounds. This makes it incredibly versatile for a variety of shooting disciplines and ammunition types commonly used with .308-platform rifles.
Bushnell Optics 4x24mm Riflescope
The Bushnell AR Optics 1-4×24 is a feature-packed scope built for speed and reliability on a modern sporting rifle. Its low magnification range is ideal for fast-paced shooting where situational awareness is key. The exposed turrets allow for quick and precise windage and elevation adjustments, while the Throw Down PCL (Power Change Lever) makes changing magnification almost instantaneous, a critical feature when you need to adapt quickly.
Fully multi-coated optics deliver a bright, high-contrast sight picture, which is essential in low-light conditions. With an IPX7 waterproof rating, this scope is built to handle harsh weather and tough environments. The compact size also makes it an excellent candidate for use with offset iron sights or a red dot sight, providing a highly versatile setup for any situation.
Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 FFP Riflescope
When your goal is extreme long-range precision with your .308, the Vortex Viper PST Gen II is a top-tier contender. The 5-25x magnification range provides the clarity and detail needed for precise shot placement at great distances. As a First Focal Plane (FFP) scope, the reticle subtensions remain accurate at any magnification level, allowing for reliable holdovers and windage corrections throughout the entire zoom range.
This scope is engineered for the serious shooter, featuring a illuminated reticle with multiple brightness settings, a side parallax adjustment for a crisp, parallax-free image, and tactile, resettable turrets that provide audible and tactile clicks for precise adjustments. The robust construction is O-ring sealed and argon purged, ensuring fogproof and waterproof performance in the most demanding conditions.
Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x40mm Side Focus Riflescope
The Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x40mm is a classic choice for hunters who demand optical excellence and rugged reliability. This magnification range is perfectly suited for a .308 rifle, offering enough power for ethical shots at extended ranges while remaining versatile for closer opportunities. The Twilight Max Light Management System delivers exceptional brightness and clarity in the low-light conditions often encountered at dawn and dusk.
Featuring a side focus parallax adjustment, this scope allows you to fine-tune the image clarity and eliminate parallax error for more accurate shooting. Built with the legendary durability Leupold is known for, it’s lightweight, waterproof, and backed by a lifetime warranty. It represents a perfect balance of performance, size, and weight for the discerning hunter in the field.
Nikon Black FX1000 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope
The Nikon Black FX1000 is a serious long-range optic that brings high-end features to a more accessible level. Its 6-24×50 configuration provides ample magnification for target identification and precise shot placement at distance. The First Focal Plane reticle ensures that your holdover points are consistent and accurate regardless of the zoom setting you are using.
It incorporates Nikon’s proprietary Spot On Ballistic Match technology, which pairs perfectly with the .308’s trajectory. The zero-stop turrets allow you to quickly return to your zero after making elevation adjustments for long-range shots. With fully multi-coated lenses for maximum light transmission and a robust, waterproof and fogproof construction, the FX1000 is built to perform reliably.
Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen2 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope
The Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 stands as a remarkable value in the long-range optics market. It offers a feature set typically found on much more expensive scopes, including a First Focal Plane illuminated reticle and a generous 6-24x magnification range. This makes it an excellent entry point for shooters looking to get into long-range shooting with their .308 without a massive initial investment.
This generation includes improved glass for better resolution and color fidelity, along with a redesigned turret system for more precise and tactile adjustments. The reticle provides useful information for holdovers and windage correction, which is essential for engaging targets at varying distances. For its price point, the build quality and optical performance are highly impressive.
Primary Arms SLx 4-14×44 FFP Riflescope
For the shooter who needs a versatile magnification range and a dedicated .308 reticle, the Primary Arms SLx 4-14×44 FFP is a compelling option. The 4-14x range is highly versatile, suitable for everything from medium-range hunting to precision target shooting. The First Focal Plane design means the advanced ACSS-HUD-DMR-308 reticle is functional at every magnification level.
This reticle is specifically engineered for the ballistics of the .308 Winchester cartridge, featuring bullet drop compensation that is accurate with a wide range of common bullet weights. It also includes wind holds and a ranging system, putting a powerful tool for making rapid, accurate shots directly in your sight picture. It’s a purpose-built scope that maximizes the effectiveness of your .308 rifle.
Bushnell Engage 6-24x50mm Riflescope
The Bushnell Engage 6-24x50mm riflescope is designed to deliver high performance for long-range shooting applications. The 6-24x magnification provides the flexibility needed for precise shots at extended distances, while the 50mm objective lens gathers ample light for a bright image. The Deploy MOA reticle offers a clean, uncluttered design with useful holdover points for calculating drop and wind drift.
Bushnell’s EXO Barrier protection is a key feature, causing moisture to bead up and roll off the exterior lenses, which helps maintain a clear sight picture in rain or fog. Combined with fully multi-coated optics for superior light transmission and a durable, one-piece tube construction, the Engage series represents a solid and reliable choice for hunters and precision shooters alike.
What to Look For in the Best Scopes for .308 Rifle
Choosing one of the best scopes for a .308 rifle means balancing what you need with what you can spend. I always start by thinking about how I plan to use the rifle. Is it for punching paper at 600 yards, or for hunting in thick timber? A .308 is versatile, so your scope needs to match its job. For long-range target shooting, I want a scope with a higher magnification, maybe something that goes up to 18x or 25x. For hunting, especially in woods where shots are quick, a lower magnification like a 1-6x or 2-10x is a much better fit. I find that a 3-9x or 4-12x scope is a great middle ground for most .308 applications.
The next thing I check is the reticle. For long-range work, a Mil-Dot or MOA-based Christmas tree-style reticle is a game-changer. It lets me hold for windage and drop without constantly twisting turrets. For hunting, a simpler duplex or BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle is often all you need. Just remember, if you get a fancy reticle, make sure the turrets match its units (MIL/MIL or MOA/MOA) to make your calculations easy.
Durability is non-negotiable. A scope on a .308 has to handle the rifle’s recoil, shot after shot. I look for scopes that are nitrogen or argon purged to be fog-proof and are fully sealed to be waterproof. The construction should feel solid, not cheap. The turrets are also a big deal. For precision shooting, I need tactile, audible clicks that track accurately. If I’m going to be dialing for distance, I want reliable, repeatable adjustments. For a dedicated hunting rifle, capped turrets can be nice to prevent accidental bumps from changing your zero.
Finally, don’t forget about the lens quality. Better glass, with fully multi-coated lenses, gives you a brighter, clearer image, especially in low light at dawn or dusk. This is where you really see the difference between budget and premium brands. It’s often the best place to put your money because you can’t hit what you can’t see clearly.
FAQ
What magnification scope is best for a .308 rifle?
It really depends on your primary use. For most big game hunting inside 300 yards, a classic 3-9x scope is perfect and incredibly versatile. If you’re pushing out to longer ranges for target shooting or hunting, I’d step up to a 4-16x or 5-25x scope to see your impacts clearly and make precise shots. For close-quarters or fast-moving targets, a low-power variable optic (LPVO) like a 1-6x or 1-8x is a fantastic choice.
Is a .308 powerful enough for long-range shooting?
Absolutely. The .308 Winchester is a very capable long-range cartridge. While it has more drop and wind drift than some newer 6mm and 6.5mm cartridges, it is more than sufficient for engaging targets out to 800, even 1000 yards with good handloads and the right shooter. Its popularity means there is a ton of ballistic data and factory match ammunition available, making it a great platform to learn on.
What does “First Focal Plane” vs. “Second Focal Plane” mean?
This refers to where the reticle is placed inside the scope. In a First Focal Plane (FFP) scope, the reticle grows and shrinks as you change magnification. This means the holdover points (like the marks on a Mil-Dot reticle) are accurate at every magnification level. In a Second Focal Plane (SFP) scope, the reticle stays the same size, so those holdover points are only correct at one magnification, usually the highest. FFP is preferred for long-range tactical shooting, while SFP is common and works well for hunting and general purpose use.
Do I need to spend a lot on a scope for my .308?
Not necessarily. While high-end optics from brands like Nightforce and Schmidt & Bender are amazing, there are excellent mid-range and budget options that perform very well on a .308. Brands like Vortex, Athlon, and Primary Arms offer scopes with great features like good glass, solid construction, and reliable turrets without breaking the bank. You can find some of the best scopes for .308 rifle setups that offer great value without a huge price tag.
Can I use a .308 scope on a different caliber rifle?
Yes, a scope isn’t caliber-specific. You can mount a scope from your .308 on a .223, a 6.5 Creedmoor, or a .300 Win Mag. The key is to ensure the scope is rated for the recoil of the new rifle (a .300 Win Mag has more kick than a .308) and that you re-zero the scope for the new rifle and ammunition. The reticle’s BDC markings, however, will be specific to a certain cartridge and load, so they won’t be directly transferable.