The legendary .308 Winchester is one of the most popular short-action hunting cartridges in the world. It’s used extensively for medium to big game targets, especially in North America, where it can easily take down all types of deer, large antelope, and black bears.
The average shooter can fire a .308 fairly accurately up to 200 yards. After that, the bullet starts to drop and velocity decreases rapidly. Even though the .308 has been improved to provide lighter recoil and greater long range energy, a scope is highly recommended to maximize the .308’s effective shooting range accuracy. With the right scope and training, a .308 rifle can do practically anything for a hunter or shooter up to 800 yards. A scope effectively takes the power of the .308, which once dominated the battlefield, and gives you superior range and accuracy on the hunting grounds.
You need to ask yourself several questions as a serious hunter or shooter in the market for the best scopes for your .308 rifle. How far away are your targets? Do you stalk your prey from a distance or get up close? Magnification power, objective lens diameter, zoom ratio, and optical clarity are some of the most important considerations. For long range shooting (350+ yards), look for 10x magnification and above. 6-9x is suitable for medium range (150-350 yards), and 1-6x is good for short range (150 yards or less). By the way, for a 2-7x33mm scope, the “2-7” means 2x to 7x magnification and “33mm” is the diameter of the light-gathering objective lens on the front of the scope.
Also, what type of rifle do you use? .308’s are ideal for bolt-action rifles, but some of the best .308 scopes are designed for the AR platform. How many rounds do you unload in a day? The .308 packs a punch and some scopes can withstand recoil and hold zero better than others.
The best scope for your 308 rifle is the one that suits your specific needs, so check out this superior selection:
The Best Scopes for your .308 Reviewed
Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33
The VX-Freedom riflescope line by Leupold represents legendary performance and reliability that shooters and long-range hunters have been counting on for decades.
Leupold scopes are designed for serious shooters with serious guns in mind. Guaranteed to deliver the job every time, the Leupold VX-Freedom features several new and improved features that make it one of the best scope for 308 caliber rifles.
It has a 3:1 zoom ratio for any shooting situation, Twilight Light Management System for optimal lowlight clarity (adding up to 20 extra minutes of shooting light), scratch-resistant lenses, lightweight compact design in 1 inch main tube, quick-grip power selector, multiple reticle and magnification options, and is available in AR, Rimfire, and Muzzleloader models It is 100% weatherproofed and impact tested on 3x the recoil of .308.
The centerfire model comes with a parallax set at 100 yards and 33mm objective lens for excellent light gathering capability. The Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33 is a high quality budget riflescope with great overall quality that is clean, clear, and sleek. A great scope for 308 rifles.
EOTech Vudu 1-6x24mm Precision Riflescope
The EOTech Vudu 1-6x Riflescope is a sleek and compact optic, packed with advanced features, and designed for serious hunters and 3-gun shooters. Moreover, the Vudu 1-6x is particularly well-suited for the AR platform and is one of the best scopes for 308 rifles you will find.
It features a Speed Ring reticle for super fast target acquisition at low power and superb resolution/accuracy at high power. The reticle also increases in size with magnification.
The XC High Density Glass provides impressive light transmission and clarity, especially at longer ranges. The EOTech Vudu 1-6x is a great scope for 308 caliber users who demand durability and accuracy over short and medium-range applications.
Sig Sauer Whiskey3 Rifle Scope 3-9×40 Hellfire Quadplex
Sig Sauer understands the importance of uncompromising accuracy and performance. The robust Sig Sauer Whiskey3 Riflescope is perfectly designed for short, medium, or long range engagements for big game hunting and recreational shooting.
Designed for traditional hunting rifles as well as MSR/AR platforms, the Whiskey3 is compatible across a wide variety of calibers and lighting conditions and is considered one of the best scope for 308 rifle sharpshooters.
It features a 3-9x optical zoom, in the second focal plane, and the patented HellFire illumination reticle system that utilizes advanced fiber optic technology to vary the reticle intensity from infrared to “HellFire bright” depending on the conditions.Try fireing some Winchester ammo through that!
A low dispersion glass provides superior optical clarity and a European style eyepiece provides a smooth and fast reticle adjustment. The Whiskey 3 Hellfire is designed to handle the stress of 308 caliber rounds and still be extremely accurate at long ranges. It is a great optic for your 308 rifle at a great price.
Burris Fullfield E1 2-7x35mm
The Burris Fullfield E1 2-7x35mm is one of the smallest and most affordable scope for 308 rifles around and is geared towards tree-stand hunters and short to medium-range engagements.
It is an entry-level optic that provides superb clarity and low light transmission. The compact build of this riflescope keeps things simple and focused, while a 2x starting zoom gives the user a very wide field of view to survey the immediate surroundings. You can mount this scope very low on your 308 due to its small 35mm objective lens.
It features straightforward and compatible Ballistic Plex E1 reticle crosshairs that make it easy for the shooter to determine holdover at distance and hold-off for wind drift, with lower vertical hash marks to assist in dead-on acquisition from 100 to 500 yards.
Offering good firearm balance and eye relief, the Fullfield E1 is one of the most simple and best scopes for 308 enthusiasts who desire a simple and sophisticated optic with excellent accuracy.
Bushnell Banner 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
Part of the renowned Bushnell Banner Riflescopes series, the Banner 4-12x40mm is an outstanding high-power, variable scope for 308 shooters in long-range centerfire applications.
It features the Multi-X reticle which offers a classic sight picture and stunning HD clarity that excels in early-morning and late-evening lighting conditions — the crucial times of the day when the best hunters tag most of their game. Perfect for muzzleloaders or centerfire 308 rifles, this is a high-power, variable scope for long-range shooting.
It offers the classic Multi-X reticle sight and features Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DBB) multi-coated lenses that deliver bright, high-contrast images in low light conditions. You are sure to maximize your big-game hunting day with these precious additional minutes of clear focus.
Moreover, the Bushnell Banner 4-12x40mm is very durable and will hold constant zero after hundreds of rounds. Dropping or banging this best scope for 308 will not make a difference in its ability to hold zero.
Waterproof with O-ring sealed optics that stay dry, fogproof with Argon-filled optics that are stable regardless of ambient temperature, and shockproof.
Top Selling .308 Optics on Amazon
- BUCKMASTERS 3-9X50MM RIFLE SCOPE - The SIG SAUER Buckmasters 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope is a dependable & versatile optic choice for hunters looking to enhance their accuracy and effectiveness in the field; Featuring the high-performance 3x optical system with low-dispersion glass, this shooting scope delivers sharp & clear images across all magnification levels
- BUCKMASTERS BDC RETICLE - This rifle scope comes equipped with a unique Buckmasters Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) reticle, complete with holdover dots that extend up to a distance of 500 yards; Avid hunters know the upgraded game hunting comes with upgraded equipment
- GREAT CONSTRUCTION -The Buckmasters hunting rifle scope has extra durable construction with a single-piece, 1-inch main tube; For those who appreciate the convenience, it also features an integrated thread in the throw lever which allows for quick magnification changes
- WEATHER RESISTANT - Dependable waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof performance and high-performance optical system with low dispersion glass of the Buckmasters scope makes your hunting season non-stop whatever weather is on the way; See the target with a reliable magnification of 3-9X50mm
- SIG SAUER - In our world-class facilities, we build the toughest, most precise rifles, pistols, optics, suppressors, ammunition, airguns, holsters, and various accessories, while offering the finest guns training - all as a fully integrated system
- Designed for hunters, the 4-12x44 Copperhead riflescope & 10x42 Copperhead HD binos offer the highest levels of performance and reliability. Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof performance keep you in the game no matter the weather or terrain.
- The riflescope features a Dead-Hold BDC reticle good for hunting at varying ranges where estimating hold-over is a concern. Fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission with multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces.
- The solid one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum alloy construction makes it incredibly tough and highly resistant to magnum recoil. Add a locking diopter ring, and long eye relief, and you have a quality scope that is a crowd pleaser.
- The Copperhead HD binos feature an HD optical system for outstanding color fidelity, edge-to-edge sharpness, and light transmission. Fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission with anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces.
- Rubber armor provides a secure, non-slip grip, and durable external protection. Binoculars are tripod adaptable allowing use on a tripod or car window mount. The included glasspak binocular harness and comfort neck strap provide great carrying options.
- The single piece, 1-inch, aircraft-grade aluminum tube offers a versatile blend of adjustment for a wide variety of applications.
- The Dead-Hold BDC is good for hunting at varying ranges where estimating hold-over is a concern. Fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission with multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces.
- The locking diopter eyepiece allows the user to set and lock the eyepiece setting once for their eye and forget it.
- The hard anodized finish provides a low-glare matte surface and helps camouflage position. O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, the Sonora delivers water and fogproof performance. Rugged construction means this scope is shockproof.
- Backed by our unlimited, unconditional, lifetime, VIP Warranty. A fully transferable promise to repair or replace your item if it becomes damaged/defective. Does not cover loss, theft, deliberate damage or cosmetic damage that doesn't hinder performance.
- High precision tactical rifle scope with 6-24x magnification, a 50mm objective lens, and an eye relief of 4-4.5 inches
- Functionally designed first focal plane rangefinder reticle, with easy-to-read ranging information that remains constant regardless of magnification, for faster range estimation and holdover correction
- Equipped with an adjustable objective lens - or AO - that allows for sharper focus of the target image, elimination of parallax, and range estimation
- Dial controlled reticle illumination in both red and green with multiple brightness intensities
- Product is not a sniperscope, is not a night vision device, does not project infrared light source, does not posess an electronic telescope, and does not enable locating objects at night
- The 3-9x40 Crossfire II riflescope is one of many configurations in the Crossfire II line. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is good for hunting at varying ranges where estimating holdover is a concern.
- With long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box, you'll be able to quickly get a sight picture and acquire your target. The fast focus eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing.
- Anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear views for the user.
- A single piece tube constructed from aircraft grade aluminum ensures strength and shockproof performance. O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, the Crossfire II delivers waterproof and fogproof performance.
- Backed by our unlimited, unconditional, lifetime, VIP Warranty. A fully transferable promise to repair or replace your item if it becomes damaged/defective. Does not cover loss, theft, deliberate damage or cosmetic damage that doesn't hinder performance.
- Low power variable optic from 1-6x magnification with newly designed optics assembly, providing longer eye relief, wider eye box, and true 1x magnification
- Available with either second focal plane MX1 box reticle with MOA hashmarks, BDC B2 reticle with 5.56 BDC hashmarks, or BDC C1 daylight bright reticle. Second focal plane reticles remain the same size at all magnification levels for high visibility at all magnifications.
- Inline dial controlled reticle illumination with 5 brightness levels in both red and green
- More anti-reflective lens coating than competing scope models, offering higher light transmission and superior optical clarity
- Product Bundle includes Monstrum Offset Scope Mount and matching set of Flip-Up Lens Covers
- Adjustable 6-24x magnification with integrated throw lever for smooth adjustments
- Newly designed first focal plane X-Tree reticle for faster range estimation and holdover correction with 6 levels of illumination. Available in MOA or MIL reticle versions.
- 1/8 MOA/click windage and adjustment knobs for MOA version. 1/10 MIL/click for MIL version. An easy-to-use zero stop mechanism for the elevation turret. Set zero stop at your designated elevation setting and return to zero effortlessly at any time.
- The package also includes: a set of Monstrum Next Level Series high profile 30mm scope rings with an integrated level bubble, a detachable aluminum sunshade for reducing glare, a set of spring loaded flip-up lens covers for protecting your scope lenses when not in use.
- All Monstrum products are backed by a lifetime guarantee
- Specifically designed for hunters, the Copperhead riflescope offers the highest levels of performance and reliability.
- The Dead-Hold BDC is good for hunting at varying ranges where estimating hold-over is a concern. Fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission with multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces.
- The long eye relief, locking diopter are just a few of the reasons this riflescope is a crowd pleasing favorite.
- Its hard anodized single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube is nitrogen purged and o-ring sealed for waterproof/fogproof/ weatherproof performance.
- Backed by our unlimited, unconditional, lifetime, VIP Warranty. A fully transferable promise to repair or replace your item if it becomes damaged/defective. Does not cover loss, theft, deliberate damage or cosmetic damage that doesn't hinder performance.
- The new Legend 3-9x40 Illuminated riflescope is a classic 3-9x power with a 40mm objective configuration that combines affordability with best-in-class optical performance and our illuminated Multi-X Reticle
- The Illuminated Multi-X reticle gives you all the benefits of our simple-to-use Multi-X reticle but with the added benefits of the center dot being illuminated, and on etched glass. The illumination control knob has 6 intensity levels with an off position between each so you can quickly turn it off and on in the field
- Legend riflescopes feature Bushnell's patented RainGuard HD lens coating to keep your view crisp and clear even in rainy conditions
- Legend riflescopes are made of a one-piece aircraft grade aluminum tube for strength and low weight in the field
- Legend riflescopes are IPX7 waterproof and are nitrogen-purged so you won't have to worry about fogged up glass or failed seals when you're out at the deer stand
- The 6-18x44 Adjustable Objective Crossfire II riflescope is one of many configurations in the Crossfire II line. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is good for hunting/shooting at varying ranges where estimating holdover is a concern.
- The adjustable objective provides image focus and parallax removal to the shooter while anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear views.
- With long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box, you'll be able to quickly get a sight picture and acquire your target. The fast focus eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing.
- Capped reset turrets are finger adjustable with MOA clicks that can be reset to zero after sighting in.
- A single piece tube constructed from aircraft grade aluminum ensures strength and shockproof performance. O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, the Crossfire II delivers waterproof and fog proof performance. Vortex Optics hat included, hat color may vary.
Some Concluding Words
There is a reason why these highly respected brands have been trusted by hunters and shooters for decades. They offer superior quality and reliability to maximize the effectiveness of your .308 rifle. These scopes are sleek, sophisticated, and packed with features. They all provide excellent optical clarity, light transmission, and fast target acquisition.
These brands were chosen because they represent the best in research, design, and testing. They have been tirelessly engineered to suit your needs. Try one of these scopes out and you’ll take your shooting to the next level. You’ll probably never look at your .308 in the same light ever again.
Hi I´m lookinf for Horst Held and his antique weapons,where can I find him
Andreas
Unfortunately not sure how to get ahold of him. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Sig Sauer all the way for me!