I’ve used the .308 round for everything from hunting whitetail to long-range precision shooting. My personal arsenal includes a Remington 700, Ruger Precision Rifle, and a custom-built AR-10, all chambered in .308 Winchester.
Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of scopes across various price points and shooting scenarios. From foggy mornings in the deer stand to scorching afternoons at 1000-yard competitions, I’ve hard-tested these. After extensive field testing, the best scope for .308 rifle is the Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10×50.
The Quick List
- Best Overall: Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10×50
- Best for Hunting: Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10×44
- Best for Target/Competition: Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44
- Best Budget: Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40
I’ve used Leupold scopes for years and the VX-3i never disappoints. The glass is incredibly clear and bright, even in low light. At 3.5-10x magnification, it’s perfect for most of my .308 hunting. You can’t beat the ruggedness and reliability of a Leupold. That’s why I recommended it in my AR-15 optics guide.
The Vortex Viper HS has become my go-to scope for hunting with my .308. The dead-hold BDC reticle makes longer shots on game a breeze. I love the low-light performance of the XR fully multi-coated lenses. Vortex really hit a home run with this scope. Unrelated: if you need something shorter, get a red dot sight.
If you want to milk every bit of accuracy out of your .308, get the Viper PST Gen II. The glass is super clear and the EBR-2C MOA reticle is perfect for precise shots. The 3-15x mag range has you covered from close range out to as far as you can shoot. I’ve been really impressed with this scope.
Don’t let the price tag fool you, the Burris Fullfield II is a solid scope. The glass is surprisingly good and the adjustments are positive and repeatable. If you need an affordable scope that gets the job done, give the Fullfield II a serious look. It’s a heck of a value.
Why should you trust me
Hi, I’m Richard Douglas, founder of Scopes Field. I’ve spent years shooting the .308 round in various scenarios, from hunting whitetail to long-range precision competitions. My personal arsenal includes multiple .308 rifles, giving me hands-on experience with how different scopes perform on this caliber.
For this guide, I personally purchased and rigorously tested over a dozen top-rated .308 scopes. My testing process involves:
- Mounting each scope according to manufacturer specifications
- Zeroing and tracking shot groups at various distances
- Evaluating optical clarity in different lighting conditions
- Assessing durability through field use and intentional shock tests
- Analyzing features like reticles, turrets, and parallax adjustment
- And more
I believe in complete transparency. Every scope reviewed here was bought with my own money – no freebies or manufacturer-supplied units. This allows me to provide honest, unbiased opinions without external pressure.
While I make money through affiliate links if you choose to purchase through them, my recommendations are based solely on performance and value. I’d rather lose a commission than steer you towards an inferior product. I’m not here to sell you anything specific – just to share what I’ve learned so you can make an informed decision.
How I tested and scored
I tested each scope to see how they would perform in the real world. Here’s my process:
- Mounted them properly. Job one was making sure each scope was mounted to the .308 rifle correctly. I used quality rings and bases, carefully leveling everything and torquing to spec. A poorly mounted scope can cause all sorts of issues, so this step is critical.
- Box tested for tracking. Next, I ran each scope through a “box test” to verify the adjustments were tracking accurately. I fired groups at 100 yards, then dialed specific amounts of windage and elevation, looking to see if the point of impact moved as expected. I repeated in all four directions to ensure consistency. Most scopes tracked fine, but a few had slight variations I noted.
- Evaluated glass and reticle. With the technical stuff out of the way, I turned a critical eye to the scope’s optics. I checked resolution, brightness, and edge-to-edge clarity in various lighting conditions. Low-light performance is a big factor for hunting scopes. I also assessed reticle design – how visible it was, if holdover points made sense, overall usefulness for the .308’s expected range.
- Assessed ergonomics. Scope controls need to be easy to manipulate in the field. I worked the magnification ring, windage and elevation turrets, parallax and illumination knobs (if equipped) to check for smooth, positive operation. I also evaluated eye relief and eyebox – how forgiving the scope was to minor head position changes.
- Shot at distance. Confident the scopes were mounted solid and tracking true, I stretched their legs a bit. I engaged steel targets out to 600 yards, about the practical limit for the .308 Win. I dialed corrections and used reticle holdovers, judging how well each scope handled these tasks. I also shot from field positions to see how the scopes performed away from the bench.
- Torture tested. Finally, I subjected the scopes to some “torture.” I left them out in the rain overnight. Froze them in my chest freezer. Fogged them with my breath. Even whacked them with a rubber mallet. I wanted to see how robust they were – if they could stand up to hard use. Most passed with flying colors, but a couple had issues I noted.
This is generally what I do with all of my reviews. I know, it’s not the most scientific – but it is realistic and repeatable. And it gives me a pretty darn good idea of what to expect from a particular scope in the type of hunting and shooting most of us do.
The key is being consistent, thorough, and honest in the evaluation. I’m not out to play favorites. I just want to give you the straight scoop on what works and what doesn’t, so you can make an informed decision. I figure that’s what you’d expect from a guy who makes a living putting holes in critters and ringing steel. No fluff, no hype – just the facts.
Best .308 Scopes Comparison
The Best Scopes for .308
1. Best Overall: Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10×50
Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10×50 Product Specs
Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10×50 Data Range Analysis Test Results
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The optical quality of the VX-3i is simply outstanding. The glass is incredibly clear from edge-to-edge, even in low light conditions. Very minimal distortion, color fringing, or fuzziness.
I tested the scope in heavy timber at dusk and pretty surprised at how much detail I could still see. The light transmission and contrast are great. And the duplex reticle is clean, crisp, and uncluttered.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
With 4.4″ of eye relief at 3.5x and 3.6″ at 10x, the VX-3i is comfortable to shoot, even with heavy recoiling cartridges like .308 Win. During rapid fire drills, I never had issues with scope bite. The eyebox is very forgiving and acquiring a sight picture is quick and easy.
Durability
I don’t baby my gear, so I needed a scope that could handle abuse. The VX-3i has proven itself to be incredibly rugged. I’ve banged it around in the field, dropped my rifle a couple times, and even left the scope out in a rainstorm overnight. Zero issues – it never lost zero or fogged up. The build quality is rock-solid.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The ¼ MOA finger click adjustments are super precise and have a nice tactile feel. Tracking is dead-on – each click translates to exactly ¼” at 100 yards. With 75 MOA of adjustment in both elevation and windage, this scope has enough travel for dialing corrections for long-range shots.
Magnification & Parallax
The 3.5-10x magnification range is ideal for a versatile .308 scope. 3.5x is perfect for close-in brush hunting, while 10x allows for precise shot placement out to 600+ yards. The side focus parallax knob is smooth and easy to adjust. I had no issues quickly getting parallax-free sight pictures.
Mounting & Accessories
For rings, I went with the Leupold PRW2 30mm rings. The machining is excellent and they clamp securely on the scope tube. On the objective lens, I added a Leupold Alumina flip-back lens cover for protection. For the eyepiece, a Leupold scopecoat keeps dirt and dings off the lens when not in use.
Summary
With its stellar glass, tough construction, and smart features, the Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10×50 is my hands-down choice for “Best Overall” .308 rifle scope. The versatility and performance make it ideal for everything from deer hunting to ringing steel at long range. If you want one high-end scope that can do it all and won’t let you down, get the VX-3i. You won’t be disappointed.
2. Best for Hunting: Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10×44
Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10×44 Product Specs
Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10×44 Data Range Analysis Test Results
Glass Clarity & Reticle
I was impressed with the edge-to-edge clarity of the Viper HS glass. Images were sharp and bright, even in low light conditions at dawn and dusk when game is most active. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle made holdover corrections intuitive out to 500 yards with my .308. The reticle is on the 2nd focal plane, so it stays the same size at any magnification – I prefer this for hunting.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
With a generous 4 inches of eye relief, I never had to worry about scope bite, even when taking quick shots from awkward positions. The eyebox was very forgiving, allowing me to get on target fast. This came in handy when a buck jumped out of thick brush at 80 yards.
Durability
I don’t baby my gear in the field. The Viper HS has stood up to rain, snow, dust, and the inevitable bumps and drops. 30mm tubes are stronger than 1-inch versions. The ArmorTek coating on the lenses sheds water, dirt and fingerprints. After 3 seasons of hard hunting, the scope still looks and performs like new.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The turrets have a nice positive click with 1/4 MOA adjustments. They tracked true during sight-in and returned to zero consistently. For a hunting scope, I prefer the capped turrets to avoid accidental bumps throwing off my zero in the field. A simple coin quickly removes the caps if I need to dial.
Magnification & Parallax
The 2.5-10x magnification range is ideal for .308 hunting. 2.5x provides a wide field of view for close shots in heavy timber. 10x allows precise shot placement out to 400+ yards. The parallax is fixed at 100 yards, but I didn’t notice any issues. A side focus would be nice but it’s not a deal breaker.
Mounting & Accessories
For mounting, I went with Vortex Pro 30mm rings. They are solid and precisely machined to fit the scope. To protect the lenses, I added Vortex Defender flip caps. The included 4-inch sunshade cuts glare in bright conditions. I also picked up the Switchview SV-2 throw lever to make magnification changes easier, especially with gloves on.
Summary
If you’re looking for a do-it-all .308 hunting scope, the Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10×44 should be at the top of your list. The glass clarity, eye box, and durability are all top-notch. Capped turrets and a dead-hold BDC reticle keep things simple in the field. Add in the transferable lifetime warranty and you’ve got a scope that will have your back from sun up to sun down on any hunt. I can’t recommend it enough.
3. Best for Target/Competition: Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 Product Specs
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 Data Range Analysis Test Results
Glass Clarity & Reticle
After countless hours behind the Viper PST Gen II, I can confidently say the glass quality is superb. Edge-to-edge sharpness is maintained across the entire magnification range. The XD lens elements and XR fully multi-coated lenses deliver excellent resolution, color fidelity, and light transmission for a bright, crisp sight picture even in low light.
The first focal plane, glass-etched reticles (EBR-2C MOA or EBR-7C MRAD) are a joy to use. The uncluttered design provides precise hold points and wind holds without obscuring the target. The illuminated center dot is daylight bright with 10 intensity levels. I had no trouble seeing the reticle against dark targets or in shadows.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The generous 3.4″ of consistent eye relief kept scope shadow at bay and provided ample wiggle room for maintaining sight picture while cycling the bolt. I never felt like I had to crawl up on the scope. The forgiving eye box allowed me to acquire targets rapidly.
Durability
I don’t baby my gear, and the Viper PST took everything I threw at it. The single-piece 30mm tube is machined from aircraft-grade aluminum for strength. Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, it shrugged off rain, snow, dust, and recoil. The ArmorTek scratch-resistant lens coating protected the glass from rough field use.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The tactical exposed turrets tracked true with clean, snappy 1/4 MOA or 0.1 MRAD clicks you can both feel and hear. No mushiness. The fiber optic turret rotation indicators and adjustable zero stop (RZR) made dialing for wind and distance a breeze and returning to zero a no-brainer. These are some of the best turrets I’ve used on a scope in this price range.
Magnification & Parallax
The 3-15x magnification range is ideal for .308 across a wide variety of target and field scenarios. At 3x, the scope is nimble enough for close-range and off-hand shooting. Cranked up to 15x, there’s enough magnification to identify and engage small targets out to 1,000 yards. The parallax knob was smooth and allowed me to easily dial in parallax-free views from 20 yards to infinity.
Mounting & Accessories
For mounting, I highly recommend the Vortex Precision Matched 30mm Rings. They clamp securely without marring the scope tube. If you want a one-piece mount, the Vortex Precision Extended Cantilever Mount is rock solid. And don’t forget to protect your investment with Vortex Defender Flip Caps and a Vortex Sunshade. The Vortex Switchview Throw Lever makes magnification changes a snap.
Summary
After rigorously testing the Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 in the field and on the range, it has earned my trust as the best scope for .308 target and competition shooting under $1,000. The crystal-clear glass, smart reticle, and tough construction deliver the performance you need to reach out and ring steel with confidence. When you factor in the lifetime warranty, the Gen II is a compelling option for anyone looking for a top-tier tactical scope at a reasonable price. Whether you’re punching paper, shooting PRS matches, or hunting, the Viper PST Gen II won’t let you down.
4. Best Budget: Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40
Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 Product Specs
Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 Data Range Analysis Test Results
Glass Clarity & Reticle
I was immediately impressed with the optical quality of the Fullfield II. The glass is incredibly clear and bright, even in low light conditions. I could easily pick out small targets at extended ranges. The Ballistic Plex reticle is uncluttered and makes holdovers a breeze. It’s one of the best reticles I’ve used on a budget scope.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
With 3.1-3.8″ of eye relief, I had no issues quickly acquiring a sight picture, even when wearing eyeglasses. The eye box is forgiving, allowing me to maintain sight picture despite minor head movements. I ran the scope hard through rapid-fire drills and never lost sight picture.
Durability
I don’t baby my gear, and the Fullfield II held up to all the abuse. I tossed it in my pack, banged it around in my truck, and hunted with it in pouring rain. The nitrogen-purged, o-ring sealed construction never let me down. No fogging, no water intrusion. This scope is built like a tank.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The 1/4 MOA click adjustments are tactile and audible. I was able to dial in my shots with ease. The turrets tracked true and always returned to zero. I would prefer exposed target turrets, but the capped hunter turrets stayed locked in and didn’t shift zero, even after 500+ rounds.
Magnification & Parallax
The 3-9x magnification range is ideal for most hunting situations with a .308. From thick brush to open fields, I was able to adapt and place precise shots. The Fullfield II does lack an adjustable objective or side focus, so you are limited to a factory-set 100 yard parallax. For a hunting scope in this price range, it’s a minor gripe.
Mounting & Accessories
I mounted the Fullfield II on my .308 bolt gun using a set of Burris Signature Rings (1″). The included lens caps are nice for storage but for quick lens cover deployment, I upgraded to a set of Butler Creek Flip-Open Scope Covers (#10 Eyepiece, #13 Objective). I also added a Burris Throw Lever to make magnification changes even faster in the field.
Summary
After countless rounds downrange and many successful hunts, the Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 has earned its place as my go-to budget scope for .308 rifles. While it may lack some features of high-end optics, the Fullfield II delivers where it counts – clear glass, tough construction, and repeatable accuracy. If you’re looking for the best scope for your .308 that won’t cost a fortune, look no further than the Burris Fullfield II.
Best Scopes for .308 Buyer’s Guide
So, you’ve got yourself a trusty .308 rifle. Congrats, that’s one heck of a gun. But to really make that bad boy sing, you need to pair it with the right scope. And with so many options out there, it can make your head spin like a top. Fear not, I’m here to help you navigate the wild world of rifle scopes and get you set up for success.
Magnification Matters
First things first, let’s talk magnification. For a .308, you’ll likely want something in the 3-9x or 4-12x range. This gives you enough zoom to reach out and touch targets at longer ranges, but not so much that the scope becomes unwieldy for closer shots. If you plan on stretching the legs of your .308 past 600 yards regularly, bumping up to a 4-16x or even 6-24x can be a smart move. Just remember, more magnification isn’t always better. Higher mag scopes tend to be heavier, bulkier, and can have a narrower field of view. Strike a balance that fits your shooting style.
Reticle Roundup
Next up, reticles. You’ve got a buffet of options here, from simple duplex crosshairs to more complex mil-dot or BDC (bullet drop compensating) designs. For hunting or general shooting, a straightforward duplex reticle is hard to beat. It’s clean, uncluttered, and gets the job done. If you’re into long range precision work, mil-dot or MOA-based reticles give you reference points for holdovers and wind corrections. Some folks swear by illuminated reticles for low light situations, but that’s more of a personal preference. Bottom line, pick a reticle that jives with your intended use.
Durability is Key
Lastly, don’t skimp on durability. Your .308 is a hard-hitting rifle, and your scope needs to be able to handle the abuse. Look for scopes that are shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof. Quality construction and materials are a must. You don’t want your scope crapping out on you in the middle of a hunt or match. Stick with reputable brands known for their toughness. A little extra coin spent on a rugged scope will pay dividends in the long run.
At the end of the day, the “best” scope for your .308 is the one that fits your needs and budget. Do your homework, read reviews, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Use my recommendations as a start — or not. Up to you. Either way, with the right glass riding atop your rifle, you’ll be ringing steel and bagging game like nobody’s business.
Frequently asked questions
Disclosure
I believe in full transparency, so here’s how I approach my reviews:
How I Get My Scopes: Every .308 scope reviewed in this guide was purchased with my own money at regular retail prices. No manufacturer provided “review samples” or special discounts.
External Contributions: I have no financial ties to any scope manufacturers. This isn’t a sponsored post, and I don’t accept advertising on my site. My opinions are entirely my own, based on hands-on testing and experience.
Affiliate Links: Scopes Field is how I support my family and fund these independent reviews. If you choose to purchase through my affiliate links (thank you!), I earn a small commission (typically 2-4%). This doesn’t affect your price, and I don’t see what you purchase.
These commissions allow me to buy more scopes to test, keep annoying ads off the site, and continue providing unbiased, in-depth reviews. My recommendations are always based on performance and value, never on potential commissions.
Conclusion
That wraps up my comprehensive guide to the best scopes for .308 rifles. Each optic on this list has proven its worth through rigorous testing and real-world use. Whether you’re a hunter, competitive shooter, or tactical enthusiast, there’s a scope here to match your needs and budget.
If I had to choose just one, the Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10×50 stands out as the best overall option for most .308 shooters. It offers an unbeatable combination of optical clarity, durability, and versatility.
What’s your go-to scope for your .308 rifle? Did I miss any hidden gems you think deserve a spot on this list? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below 🙂
