Become A Better Marksman With One Of The Best .308 Scopes Available Today

As someone who uses a .308 for hunting, you’ve probably had a lot of success over the years and brought home some impressive trophies. While the .308 is known for its accuracy, you can improve your skills by having the best .308 scopes.

Whether you’re looking for a scope for the first time or you’re on the hunt for an upgrade, your results might be a little overwhelming and make it difficult to decide. To help you get started and on the right path, we’ve done all the research and compiled a list of some of the best .308 scopes available on the market right now.

How We Choose Our Ratings

.308 scopes

With hundreds of rifle scopes available, you’re probably curious as to how we narrow down our choices and select our top five. We take our ratings seriously, and we strive to provide consumers with the most honest and accurate information available about the products that we research and review.

You probably don’t have the opportunity, time, or money to test out every scope that’s suited for a .308. You would rather spend time using the scope out in the field or forest rather than spending countless hours researching the best scope to buy.We do all the work for you, so all you need to do is read this reliable, unbiased, and thorough review.

The Internet reading reviews and testimonials from other people who have purchased or tested out the same scopes that we review and rate.While our list is full of the best .308 scopes available, we take the time to read reviews that give a less than five-star rating as it’s valuable information as we research and review.

Many people ask us about our five-star rating system and how it works. When we give a product a five-star rating, it means that it exceeds our expectations and receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from other users and reviewers. Keep in mind that we do our own research and just because one consumer may give a scope five stars doesn’t mean that we do.

Our primary goal with our rating system is to give you the confidence in selecting a scope that is the right fit for you and will get a lot of use for years to come.


We Compare the Top 5 Best 308 Scopes

Product

Image

Details

Our Rating

Price

Bushnell Elite 6500 2.5-16x42 Matte Mil-Dot Reticle

Best 308 Scope Bushnell Elite 6500 2.5-16x42 Matte Mil-Dot Reticle

Has a three-inch sunshade and a rainguard

Nikon M-308 4-16x42mm Riflescope w/ BDC 800 Reticle

Nikon M-308 4-16x42mm Riflescope w

Features a quick autofocus eyepiece and is accurate at long-range from 200 to 800 yards.

Vortex Optics Diamondback HP 4-16x42 Second Focal Plane Riflescope

Best 308 Scope Vortex Optics Diamondback HP 4-16x42 Second Focal Plane Riflescope

Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, it can withstand wear and tear and can handle the recoil of a .308.

Leupold 115390 Mark AR MOD 1 Riflescope with Mil-Dot Reticle 3-9×40-Millimeter

Best 308 Scope Leupold 115390 Mark AR MOD 1 Riflescope with Mil-Dot Reticle 3-9×40-Millimeter

the argon and krypton gas blend keep the scope water and fog proof

FSI Sniper 6-24x50mm Scope w/front AO adjustment

Best 308 Scope FSI Sniper Scope

ideal choice for someone looking for a larger scope and with a lower price tag


Review of the Top 5 Best 308 Scopes

Best .308 Scopes

Now that we’ve explained our five-star rating system and how we decide which scopes are the best, it’s time to take a look at our top picks; our favorite pick is at the top of the list. Even if the scope you are interested in (on our list) is not at the top, it doesn’t mean it’s not an excellent choice. Remember, this is a list of the best scopes; you won’t find low-rated scopes in our review.

1. Bushnell Elite 6500 2.5-16x42 Matte Mil-Dot Reticle

Rainguard Riflescope

Bushnell has over six decades of experience manufacturing and distributing high-performance sports optics. You are likely to have used a pair of Bushnell binoculars when walking around outdoors or at an indoor concert. The company strives to create products that can help enhance one’s experience in the Great Outdoors and at other events.

The Bushnell scope is completely waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof. With a three-inch sunshade and a rainguard, the lens stays clearer and dry, which can help you stay focused on your target during inclement weather. This sturdy scope can handle the recoil of a .308 and has been tested with 10,000 rounds of 375 H&H Magnum.

Check out some of the specifications of the Bushnell scope:

  • Magnification Power: 2.5x up to 16x
  • Field of View for 2.5x: 41 feet at 100 yards
  • Field of View for 16x: 6.55 feet at 100 yards
  • Minute of Angle (MOA): ¼ in
  • Mounting Length: 5 inches
  • Weight: 17.3 ounces
  • Length: 13.5 inches

The mil-dot reticle helps to improve accuracy at vast distances, which makes this an excellent scope for anyone who is trying to strengthen their marksman skills. The clarity and ease of sighting make this a “must have” scope for all types of weather and low-light.

At $700+ tag price, this Bushnell model is on the expensive side. You might want to look at Bushnell AR Optics Drop Zone-223 BDC Reticle if budget is a priority.

Quality

Price

Our Rating

$ $ $

PROS:

  • mil-dot reticle helps to improve accuracy at vast distances
  • RainGuard HD anti-fog technology; Elite Bullet-Proof Warranty
  • Fully multi-coated optics
  • Push/pull turrets with resettable zero

CONS:

  • Resolution drops a little bit as you move from the center to the edges, but not very severely.
  • Mounting length is a bit shorter than that of Elite 4200 scopes

2. Nikon M-308 4-16x42mm Riflescope w/ BDC 800 Reticle

Nikon M-308 4-16x42mm Riflescope

We all know Nikon for its long history as a high-quality camera manufacturer and their riflescope is created with the same care and quality that we would expect from a century-old company.

Like the Bushnell scope, the Nikon is waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof. An ideal fit for a .308, the Nikon’s BDC 800 Reticle was designed for the trajectory of a .308. The scope has a quick autofocus eyepiece and is accurate at long-range from 200 to 800 yards.

Check out some of the specifications of the Nikon scope:

  • Magnification Power: 4x up to 16x
  • Field of View: 6.3 - 25.2 feet at 100 yards
  • MOA: ¼ in
  • Weight: 19 ounces
  • Length: 13.5 inches

Another great option for hunters who are trying to hit their target from a long distance or in rainy or humid conditions. This scope is durable and is sure to withstand years of regular use while remaining accurate.

Not the Nikon riflescope model you were looking for? You might want to check out our review of the Nikon Buckmaster 6 18×40, Nikon Buckmaster 4.5 14×40, and Nikon Buckmaster 4 12×50.

PROS:

  • Features a quick autofocus eyepiece
  • Fog proof, waterproof, shockproof
  • Large magnification range with oversized lens great for heavy caliber rifles

CONS:

  • Best suited for use on long range tactical rifles

Quality

Price

Our Rating

$ $ $

3. Vortex Optics Diamondback HP 4-16x42 Second Focal Plane Riflescope

Second Focal Plane Riflescope

Vortex Optics is a Wisconsin-based company that specializes in optics for everything related to the Great Outdoors as well as for law enforcement.

The Vortex Diamondback scope is waterproof, fog proof, shockproof, and has extra-low dispersion glass which helps to increase the resolution and give you sharp images. The multi-coated scope also keeps glare to a minimal; it also comes with a sunshade. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, it can withstand wear and tear and can handle the recoil of a .308.

While this scope is shorter than others that are similar, it has a long range of view and is fast focusing.

Check out some of the specifications of the Vortex Optics scope:

  • Magnification Power: 4x up to 16x
  • Field of View: 23.8 to 6.1 feet at 100 yards
  • MOA: ¼ in
  • Weight: 18 ounces
  • Length: 12.5 inches

This scope may be an ideal choice for anyone who is looking for a shorter scope but with all the advantages of a more extended rifle scope.

Hunting all year round? Then Vortex Diamondback 4 12×40 AO can be the right Vortex model for you. 

Quality

Price

Our Rating

$ $ $

PROS:

  • Has extra-low dispersion glass which helps to increase the resolution and give you sharp images
  • Finger adjustable capped reset turrets can be reset to zero after sighting in.
  • The fast focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing.

CONS:

  • Turret tracking issues and the finish may be easily scuffed 
Mark AR MOD 1 Riflescope

Leupold is an Oregon-based company with over 100 years of experience specializing in rifle and tactical scopes. Longtime customers come to expect high-quality and long-lasting products.

This Leupold scope is one of the best 308 scopes because the argon and krypton gas blend keep the scope water and fog proof, allowing for a crisp and clear sight regardless of the weather.

Check out some of the specifications of the Leupold scope:

  • Magnification Power: 3x up to 9x
  • Field of View: 14.10 to 33.50 feet at 100 yards
  • MOA: 56 for windage adjustment, 52 for elevation
  • Mounting Length: 5.5 inches
  • Weight: 12.4 ounces
  • Length: 13.5 inches

Like similar scopes with a mil-dot reticle, .308 owners with the Leupold scope can make more accurate and fewer shots when hunting. Great for beginners but advanced enough for seasoned .308 users. The magnification may not be enough for some scope users.

Quality

Price

Our Rating

$ $ $

PROS:

  • Great for beginners but advanced enough for seasoned .308 users.
  • 2nd Generation Argon/Krypton Waterproofing
  • 8.60X maximum magnification

CONS:

  • The magnification may not be enough for some scope users.

5.FSI Sniper 6-24x50mm Scope w/front AO adjustment 

FSI Sniper Scope

FSI is known for making affordable long-range scopes and this sniper scope, which is suitable for a .308, is an excellent example.

While this scope is larger than similar scopes, the aluminum construction keeps it lightweight and durable. Water, fog, and shock resistant, the FSI scope performs well under a variety of weather conditions; a sunshade is also available to help keep glare to a minimal.

Check out some of the specifications of the FSI scope:

  • Magnification Power: 6x up to 24x
  • Field of View: 4 to 15 feet at 100 yards
  • MOA: ¼ inch
  • Weight: 26 ounces
  • Length: 16 inches

Like other scopes that have a mil-dot reticle, the sniper scope also has this feature but the multi-colored mil-dot reticle (red/blue/green), which may help the scope user with clarity and accuracy.

While this scope has many similar features to others that we have reviewed, it may be an ideal choice for someone looking for a larger scope and with a lower price tag.

Quality

Price

Our Rating

$ $

PROS:

  • Ideal choice for someone looking for a larger scope and with a lower price tag
  • Ball and Bearing Windage/Elevation adjustment for precision and superior shock resistant

CONS:

  • May have unusual directional markings on the turrets.
  • Stock rings are not big enough to be used with most rifles.

Best 308 Scope: Buyer’s Guide

While we believe that we’ve provided you with some great choices and enough information to help you make a confident decision, it’s important to know what to look for when shopping for a scope.

The more information you have, the more likely you are to make a sound decision and be happy with your purchase. Let’s take a look at some factors to consider before you buy one of the best .308 scopes.

Durable

A .308 rifle has some “kick” that’s why we chose scopes that were tested to handle the recoil of the powerful rifle. Not only should a scope be able to handle the recoil of every shot you take but it should be constructed of a durable material, like steel or aluminum.

While many hunters handle their .308s with care, a rifle and its scope need to be able to handle a little wear and tear and withstand the elements. A high-quality and durable scope should be able to stay in good condition for many years; storing in a case and keeping it clean (when not in use) can help extend the life of your scope.

Versatile Magnification

As you read through our reviews, you probably noticed that each scope had versatile magnification range (some more than others).

If you’re going to invest in a high-quality scope for your .308, you want to be able to shoot from a long distance as that’s one of the advantages of owning a scope. If you like to do a lot of long-range shooting, consider a scope that magnifies more than 9 x. The magnification you choose all depends on how far you plan to hunt and the terrain (open field vs. forest).

Accuracy and Clarity

Anyone that has owned a poor-quality scope knows how bad they can get on rainy, humid, or sunny days. Not being able to see clearly out of a scope can be a waste of money, a waste of some potentially good shots, and even potentially dangerous.

While many scopes are water, fog, and shockproof, make sure that one has all these features before buying. A removable sun or rain shade can be a nice addition to have on your scope as well.

If you’re a novice shooter with your .308 or want to sharpen up your skills, a scope with mil-dot reticle can help you improve your accuracy. Keep in mind that the best way to get to know your new scope is to test it out and read the owner’s manual that comes with the scope.

Even if you’ve been shooting your .308 for years, adding a new scope to your rifle can change everything about the way you shoot so be patient and take the time to enjoy learning how to use your new scope.