How’s going everybody. Andrew is back with another episode of Madman Review and Today, we will take a look at the best scopes for a .308 rifle. This means, which scope can deal the best with the ranges and the bullet drop that comes with them. Don`t forget, while you shoot further with a .308 than a .223 or 5.56, you also have a greater drop for the bullet at those ranges.
There is a lot of information out there, so it was hard for me to decide. In the end, I just had to get my hand on them one by one and do my own testing. That is the only way to be sure that you get what you want.
What do you have to look for when you want to find your own favorite scope? First, you need a scope that can survive the elements. It should be waterproof and fog proof. Best would be weatherproof which includes both of the former.
The scope should also survive the force of the gun. The .308 is not a caliber to be taken lightly. It brings quite some recoil to the table.
Next, you might use your .308 as much at medium ranges as on long ranges. You need a scope with a variable magnification to deal with different ranges adequately.
The scope should have a BDC (Bullet drop compensation) reticle that allows you to compensate for the bullet drop. In the end, your scope needs to have some coating to save it from scratches.
Table of Contents
1. Nikon M .308 4-16×42 Riflescope
Our first scope is the Nikon M .308 4-16×42 Riflescope. It has a variable Magnification, is 13.5” long and ways 19 ounces. It might not be the smallest scope, but it is definitely a less heavy one. It has a great BDC reticle, and matches the ballistics of your rounds. For this, you have an app, that allows you to adjust the settings to your preferred ammunition.
The best feature, however, is its durability. You buy it one time, and it will serve you for many years to come. It can be adapted to many rifles and many uses. You might switch from an AR 10 to a bolt action or vice versa, but this scope will just stay with you.
2. Leupold 110797 VX-2 3-9x40mm
The next in line is the Leupold 110797 VX-2 3-9x40mm. With the Leupold VX-2, you cannot go wrong. Its variable magnification and its length of 12.6” make it easy to use for you. What is even more compelling is its low weight of only 11.2 ounces. You can save your ballistic settings and it diffuses glare, which gives you a really nice picture for that one shot that counts.
This scope is perfect for close to mid ranges. You can be a champion at the ranges or on the hunt and enjoy the easy ergonomics and the ease of adjustment. With a few clicks, you can dial it to the range and setting that you need.
The index matched lens system brings you a lot of brightness and a really sharp resolution. Your picture will be so clear that you cannot miss. Excelling especially in close ranges, it comes with flawlessly Diamond coated lenses that will be there for many years to come. Once bought, you will not want to miss it again.
3. Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 SSP – Dead-Hold BDC Reticle
Another great scope is the Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 SSP – Dead-Hold BDC Reticle. With a variable magnification, a length of 12.5” and a weight of 18 ounces, it is neither too fixed, nor too long, nor too heavy. You can use it for a variety of ranges. It is small enough to not pose a problem during use or transitions, and it does not weigh you down too much.
With a 4” sunshade and a long eye relief, it is easy on your eyes when you use it longer. Also, it is easy to get it on target, and it does not impair your peripheral vision. With a dead-hold BDC reticle, you compensate for bullet-drop and place that shot right on target.
This whole package comes with a downside. This scope is not for a lower budget. You can shoot off the hair on a deer with its dead-hold, but this does not come for nothing. Good quality has a price.
However, if you look for a great precision at varying ranges, you cannot go wrong with this scope. The lenses are multi-coated for a long life and scratch resistance. The field of view is great, what allows you to easily spot your target when on then hunt, and the image focusing and parallax adjustment just lent itself to it. Even if the weather is changing, the nitrogen purged and sealed O rings can deal with it and keep your lenses clean.
Vortex offers you the best scope you can get with its Diamondback if you can afford it. You have brand quality and you will see the difference.
4. UTG 3-12×44 30mm Compact Scope
Next in line is the UTG 3-12×44 30mm Compact Scope. It is only 10.39” long. It weighs 23.2 ounces. While it does not belong to the special lightweight scopes, it is certainly small. You can adjust it in on quarter MOA clicks. It has Emerald Lenses which are multi-coated. Furthermore, it is protected against the sun and has a 36-color reticle.
Trying this scope, you will like it for its size. Also, it is nitrogen sealed and weatherproof. You can go hunt outdoors and be sure it will not fail you. With the illumination, you can hunt during low light conditions, and it allows you a lot of customization in conjunction with the different colors for your reticle. For any change, just a little press on the right button is enough.
You get a clear picture for a precise shot. Adjust it to your needs, and you cannot miss the target. You will make an impression on your friends with this scope as it is rather unique and allows you a lot of customization. It will stay with you for a long time without losing its qualities or quality picture.
5. Vortex Optics Crossfire 2 4-16×50 AO, Second Focal Plane Riflescope – Dead-Hold BDC Reticle
We go on with the Vortex Optics Crossfire 2 4-16×50 AO, Second Focal Plane Riflescope. This is the best scope when you have a situation with rapid weather changes. However, that comes at a price and it is not necessarily the money. It is the length of 14.5” and the weight of 23.6 ounces.
The lenses are anti-reflective what improves the light transition and makes it harder to spot you. You have adjustable reset turrets and the whole tube is made of aluminum-grade strength. However, the downside is that at higher powers, the scope loses a little bit of clarity.
This scope is durable and excellent for hunting large game. At 300 yards, it will be easy to hit the bullseye. With the long eye relief, the strain on your eyes is low and, more importantly, you keep your peripheral vision. The lenses are multi-coated for a long life and a high durability. The dead-hold BDC reticle has customized marks so that you can focus on the holdover instead on guessing. The forgiving eye box and long eye relief make it easy to get your aim on target
6. Nikon Buckmasters 2 4-12×40 mm, BDC
Our last scope for today is the Nikon Buckmasters 2 4-12×40 mm, BDC. This is the best scope for any light condition. With a length of 13.5” and a weight of 17.5 ounces, it will not be in your way or weigh you down too much. Adjustments can be made with 1 quarter MOA clicks.
Low light or broad daylight, you will see what you are aiming at. It is made specifically for the .308 cartridge. This means, you do not have to guess where exactly to hold. Just place the reticle on target and get the hit.
With a spring-loaded instant-zero turret allows you to always adjust your zero while in the field. With this scope, you can find your limits in hunting and then just go a little bit further. As it is made for .308, it is the easiest to set up for your rifle in this caliber. Also, it is durable, so that it can serve you for a lot of years.
Summary
There you have it, guys. Shooting .308 is already a great experience. Using the right scope puts it on the next level. All of the scope mentioned here will serve you great. Have a nice day and a lot of fun.
