The Best Scopes for .308 in 2024

The .308 Winchester is one of the most versatile and widely used calibers, favored for everything from hunting to precision shooting. Whether you’re engaging targets at long range or zeroing in on big game, the right scope can make a significant difference in your shooting experience. With so many options on the market, choosing the best scope for a .308 rifle can be a daunting task. In this article, we will explore some of the best scopes available in 2024, covering various price ranges, features, and applications.

Understanding What Makes a Good Scope for .308

Before diving into specific models, it’s important to understand the qualities that make a scope suitable for a .308 rifle. The .308 Winchester is known for its accuracy and range, often reaching out to 800 yards or more, depending on the rifle and ammunition. Therefore, a good scope for a .308 must have:

High magnification range: Scopes with variable magnification are preferred for flexibility. Typically, a magnification range of 4x-16x is ideal for most shooters.

Durability: The recoil of a .308 can be substantial, so a scope needs to be able to withstand both the shock and vibrations without losing zero.

Clear optics: The clarity of the glass will directly impact your shooting accuracy, especially at longer ranges.

Adjustable turrets: For long-range shooting, scopes with windage and elevation adjustments are crucial for fine-tuning your aim.

Reticle choice: Reticles such as Mil-Dot or BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) are commonly used for range estimation and compensation for bullet drop.

With these features in mind, let’s look at some of the best scopes for the .308 in 2024.

Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50

Vortex has earned a reputation for producing high-quality optics that are both durable and affordable, and the Viper PST Gen II is a prime example. With a 5-25x magnification range, it’s versatile enough for close-range shooting or long-range precision. The 50mm objective lens ensures bright and clear images, even in low-light conditions.

The scope features an illuminated reticle, which is a significant advantage for shooting in dim environments. The glass-etched reticle is located in the second focal plane, meaning the reticle’s size remains constant regardless of magnification. The precision adjustments and solid build quality make it an excellent choice for hunters and tactical shooters alike.

Additionally, the Vortex Viper PST Gen II is nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, making it waterproof and fog-proof. The combination of these features and Vortex’s lifetime warranty makes this scope a top contender for the best .308 optics in 2024.

Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14×40

Leupold is a well-established name in the world of optics, and the VX-3i series represents some of the company’s best work in terms of quality and performance. The VX-3i 4.5-14×40 is a more budget-friendly option, ideal for those looking for reliable performance without breaking the bank.

This scope features Leupold’s proprietary Twilight Light Management System, which increases light transmission and improves low-light performance. The 4.5-14x magnification range is perfect for .308 shooters, providing enough power for mid-range and long-range shots while maintaining a broad field of view at lower magnifications.

Another standout feature is the CDS (Custom Dial System), which allows users to customize their windage and elevation dials based on their specific load and shooting conditions. This feature makes the Leupold VX-3i a great choice for precision shooters.

Nightforce ATACR 5-25×56

For serious long-range shooters, the Nightforce ATACR 5-25×56 is an exceptional choice. Nightforce has built a reputation for producing some of the most durable and high-performance scopes on the market, and the ATACR is no exception. With a 56mm objective lens, this scope offers outstanding light gathering capabilities, making it ideal for low-light hunting or precision shooting at dawn and dusk.

The 5-25x magnification range provides ample power for extended-range shooting, while the fully multi-coated lenses offer excellent clarity and brightness. The first focal plane reticle allows for accurate ranging and holds at any magnification, a feature that is particularly valuable for long-distance shots.

The ATACR also boasts an incredible build quality, with rugged construction designed to withstand harsh conditions. The zero-stop turrets are precise, allowing for repeatable adjustments, and the scope is waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof, making it perfect for harsh environments.

Burris XTR III 5-30×56

Burris has made significant strides in the optics world, and the XTR III 5-30×56 is one of their top offerings for precision shooters. This scope is designed with long-range accuracy in mind, offering a massive 30x magnification for ultra-long shots. The 56mm objective lens ensures excellent light transmission, even at higher magnifications, making this scope an ideal choice for low-light situations.

The XTR III features the robust E1 reticle, which is located in the first focal plane for accurate ranging at any magnification. The scope is equipped with zero-click stop adjustments, which allows users to return to their zero after making adjustments with ease.

One of the standout features of the Burris XTR III is its versatility. Whether you’re using it for tactical shooting, precision rifle competitions, or long-range hunting, this scope excels across a variety of applications. Its solid construction ensures it can handle the recoil from a .308 without losing zero.

Sig Sauer Tango6T 3-18×44

Sig Sauer is well-known for producing high-quality firearms, but their optics line has been steadily gaining attention as well. The Tango6T 3-18×44 is a great all-around scope that balances magnification, clarity, and durability. The 3-18x magnification range is perfect for both close-range and long-range engagements, offering flexibility for various shooting distances.

This scope is built to handle tough environments and recoil, with a rugged construction that is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof. The illuminated reticle is customizable, offering both daytime and low-light visibility. The reticle design is particularly useful for shooters who need quick target acquisition and precise holdovers.

The Sig Sauer Tango6T also features a first focal plane reticle, which ensures that your subtensions remain accurate across all magnifications. Whether you’re hunting or shooting long-range targets, the Tango6T is a reliable and high-performing option.

Conclusion

Choosing the best scope for your .308 rifle depends on your specific shooting needs, budget, and preferences. Whether you’re looking for an affordable yet high-performing scope like the Leupold VX-3i or a high-end option like the Nightforce ATACR, there are plenty of great choices available in 2024. Each of the scopes listed here offers exceptional clarity, durability, and precision, ensuring that you can maximize the potential of your .308 rifle, whether you’re hunting or shooting at the range. Ultimately, the best scope for you will depend on your individual requirements, but the options covered here represent the top of the line in terms of performance and reliability.