The best .308 scope blends clear glass, dependable tracking, and a tough, lightweight build.
You have a .308 that groups well, but your scope holds you back. Maybe the glass turns gray at dusk. Maybe the turrets wander. Maybe your holdovers are a guess. I have been there. I have spent weekends chasing zero and missing shot windows on hogs and coyotes. The right optic fixes that fast. The Best rifle scope for 308 rifles gives you honest tracking, a useful reticle, and enough light for those last minutes. It should feel like a cheat code, not a chore.
SNIPER Rifle Scope MT 6-24×50…
Superior Multi-Coated lenses for reduction of glare and reflection, while maximizing light transmission for ultimate image brightness and clarity from edge to edge. Red, Green and Blue illuminated color Mil-Dot…
Vortex Optics CF2-31015 Vortex Crossfire…
The 4-12×44 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…
SNIPER Rifle Scope 4-16X50 AOL…
Red, Green and Blue illuminated color Mil-Dot reticle, along with auto off to save battery life. Superior Multi-Coated lenses for reduction of glare and reflection, while maximizing light transmission for…
SNIPER MT 6-24×50 RGB AO Scope
This SNIPER 6-24×50 brings big zoom, a 50 mm objective, and a colorful illuminated reticle. It gives you red, green, and blue options for low light or dark targets. The adjustable objective helps you tune parallax as you stretch to mid or long range. On .308, that can mean a sharper target at 400 yards and cleaner shot calls.
I like it as a budget path into long-range practice. The turrets are easy to grab and read. The reticle is bold, so you can see it against brush and shaded backdrops. As of 2026, this is still a common pick for folks who want more magnification without a high price tag.
Pros:
- Wide 6-24x magnification fits target practice and varmint work
- RGB illuminated reticle helps in dark timber and dusk
- Adjustable objective for parallax correction and focus
- Large 50 mm objective gathers decent light
- Budget friendly entry to higher magnification on a .308
- Turrets are easy to operate with tactile clicks
Cons:
- Heavier than simpler hunting scopes
- Glass is fair for the price, but not premium
- Reticle can feel thick at very high magnification
My Recommendation
If you want to learn wind and drop on steel with a .308, this makes sense. It is not a match optic, but it gives you magnification, illumination, and parallax control. For many new shooters, it is a low-risk way to step into long range. If your short list includes the Best rifle scope for 308 rifles on a tight budget, this one is worth a look.
Use it for range work, coyotes at night, or load development. Keep expectations in line with the price. If you plan to dial a lot, confirm your tracking with a tall target test. For its cost and features, the value is clear and the availability is steady.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Budget long-range practice | High magnification, AO parallax, illuminated reticle |
| Low-light pest control | RGB illumination and 50 mm objective |
| Learning to dial | Large, easy-to-use turrets for beginners |
Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×44 BDC MOA
The Crossfire II 4-12×44 is a sweet spot for .308 hunting and general use. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle gives you simple holdovers that make sense in the field. The 44 mm objective is bright without making your rifle feel top heavy. Eye relief is forgiving, and that matters on a .308 with a light stock.
I have set up several .308 rifles with this scope for deer and hogs. The turrets are capped, which suits field carry. The reticle is not cluttered, and it stays clean against brush. Backed by a strong warranty, it is one of the safest buys in this class.
Pros:
- Versatile 4-12x range for woods and open fields
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle is easy to learn for .308 drop
- Good low-light performance for the price
- Durable build with a proven warranty
- Comfortable eye relief and forgiving eye box
- Capped turrets resist bumps in the field
Cons:
- Second focal plane reticle changes subtensions with zoom
- BDC reticle is general, not caliber matched
- No illumination for very dark backdrops
My Recommendation
If you hunt deer or hogs and also hit the range, this is a safe pick. It is light, tough, and clear enough to make dawn and dusk shots. It meets the key marks for the Best rifle scope for 308 rifles at a working person’s price. Mount it low in quality rings and zero at 100 to keep it simple.
Choose it if you want function without fuss. It balances cost, clarity, and reliability. The BDC helps, but always confirm holds at your local density altitude. Availability is excellent and value remains strong as of 2026.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Deer and hog hunting | Clear glass, capped turrets, practical 4-12x zoom |
| Range and field crossover | Dead-Hold BDC for quick holds |
| Budget-conscious buyers | Strong warranty and dependable performance |
SNIPER 4-16×50 AO Mil-Dot Scope
This 4-16×50 is a practical step up from a 3-9x for .308. The illuminated mil-dot reticle helps you see your holds and wind calls. The adjustable objective brings targets into focus from close to far. The 50 mm lens pulls in light for late sits and shaded ridges.
I like mil-dots for teaching holds and reading wind in mph. On a .308, a mil-based system makes it easy to learn 0.1 mil clicks and quick math. The glass quality is fair for the price and useful for range days. For a first long-range scope, it checks a lot of boxes.
Pros:
- 4-16x zoom is flexible for mid to long range
- Illuminated mil-dot reticle aids holdovers and wind calls
- Adjustable objective for parallax correction
- 50 mm objective improves brightness
- Great entry point for learning mils on a .308
- Decent value with useful features
Cons:
- Heavier than classic hunting glass
- Turret tracking may need verification
- Illumination can be bright on the highest settings
My Recommendation
Pick this if you want to learn mils and stretch a .308 with a small budget. It offers enough magnification to see splash and call hits on steel. It is not a premium optic, but it is a smart training tool. For many, it could be the Best rifle scope for 308 rifles when value matters most.
Use modest torque on your rings and confirm zero after your first range trip. Keep the sunshade handy if glare bothers you at 16x. Overall, it is a useful blend of features with wide availability in 2026.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Learning mil holds | Mil-dot reticle with clear 0.1 mil clicks |
| Budget long-range training | 4-16x power and AO parallax |
| Low light practice | Large 50 mm objective for brightness |
Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 V-Plex
The 3-9×40 is the classic .308 hunting scope. It is light, simple, and proven. The V-Plex reticle is uncluttered and fast in brush. Glass is crisp for its price, and eye relief is comfortable.
If your shots are inside 300 yards, this is hard to beat. It stays zeroed, handles recoil, and does not fight you in low light. The capped turrets keep your zero safe. For hunters, this is a top value that still shines in 2026.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to carry all day
- Simple V-Plex reticle is quick on game
- Good clarity for dawn and dusk
- Rugged build and strong warranty support
- Forgiving eyebox for fast shots
- Great match for a lightweight .308 mountain rifle
Cons:
- No BDC or mil markings for holds
- No illumination for very dark targets
- Less useful past 400 yards
My Recommendation
Choose this if you hunt in woods and fields and want fast target pickup. It is quiet, tough, and holds zero. For many hunters who ask me for the Best rifle scope for 308 rifles, this is my “buy it and go hunt” pick. It just works without drama.
Keep your zero at 100 or 200 yards and learn a simple two-hold plan. It rides well on light rifles, and it is easy to mount low. The value stays strong and it is widely available all year.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Classic deer hunting | Simple reticle, clear glass, reliable zero |
| Lightweight builds | Low weight and compact size |
| New hunters | Easy to use, minimal settings, proven track record |
Primary Arms SLx 3-18×50 FFP ACSS-308
This SLx brings a first focal plane ACSS-HUD-DMR-308 reticle tuned for .308 ballistics. That gives you holds that make sense from 3x to 18x. The 50 mm objective pulls in light, and the illumination helps in shade. It is built for dialing and holding with confidence.
I like this scope for a do-it-all .308. You can dial elevation when you want. Or you can hold with the ACSS tree and read wind fast. As of 2026, this remains one of the best price-to-performance FFP options tailored to .308 users.
Pros:
- FFP ACSS-308 reticle gives accurate holds at any magnification
- Excellent balance for hunting and precision range work
- Illuminated center for low-contrast targets
- Solid tracking for the price class
- Useful 3-18x span for near and far
- Good glass performance in changing light
Cons:
- Heavier than a 3-9x hunting scope
- Reticle can feel busy for some hunters
- Learning ACSS features takes a little practice
My Recommendation
If you want one scope to hunt, train, and shoot matches, start here. The reticle does a lot of math for you, especially with .308. It earns a top spot on any list of the Best rifle scope for 308 rifles. You get FFP precision with practical field speed.
Use it to dial tall target tests and confirm your dope. Then go to holds for speed under time. For the money, it is hard to beat, and stock tends to move fast, so grab it when you can.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| One-scope solution | FFP ACSS reticle suits hunting and precision |
| Wind reading practice | Built-in wind holds improve speed |
| Mid-budget precision | Solid tracking and helpful reticle at a fair price |
Vantage 30 WA 3-9×42 IR (.223/.308)
The Vantage 30 WA gives you a wide-angle view, 3-9x range, and an illuminated reticle dialed for .308 at 9x. It is simple to use and fast on moving game. The 42 mm objective keeps weight in check while staying bright. Illumination helps when deer slip into shade or dusk.
I like this for shooters who want a BDC that roughly matches .308 drop without the bulk. It feels nimble in the field and on the bench. The reticle illumination is subtle, which is what you want in low light. For many hunters, it is a sweet spot between simple and smart.
Pros:
- Caliber-friendly BDC references at 9x
- Wide-angle view aids fast target finding
- Illuminated reticle for dark timber and dusk
- Compact and balanced on .308 hunting rifles
- Easy to zero and holds zero well
- Good value for a 30 mm tube scope
Cons:
- BDC is optimized for specific loads at 9x
- Not designed for regular dialing
- Less reach than a 4-16x on distant targets
My Recommendation
If you want a clean hunting view with helpful holds, pick this one. It is a great fit for timber-to-field hunts and weekend range time. For many real-world hunts, it is the Best rifle scope for 308 rifles in a simple, low-weight build. It rewards shooters who value speed and clean sight pictures.
Confirm your load against the BDC at 200, 300, and 400 yards. Keep notes on your holds. When seasons open, you will move with more confidence. Availability is good and the value stands tall in 2026.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Woods to field hunting | Wide-angle view and illuminated reticle |
| Load-matched holds | BDC references tuned for .308 at 9x |
| Lightweight rigs | Balanced 42 mm objective and 30 mm tube |
SHOTAC 10-40×56 34mm Long-Range Scope
This SHOTAC pushes magnification to 40x with a 56 mm objective and a 34 mm tube. It is made for bench and prone long-range work. The large tube helps with internal elevation travel. It is rated IPX7 waterproof and shock resistant per the maker.
On a .308, this is more power than most hunts need. But for paper and steel, it lets you see hits and mirage clearly. You can spot effects that lower power scopes miss. As a dedicated range optic, it has real appeal at its price point.
Pros:
- Massive 10-40x range for long-range spotting
- 56 mm objective brings in a lot of light at high power
- 34 mm tube for more adjustment range
- IPX7 waterproof and shock rated per specs
- Great for benchrest or varmint prairie shooting
- Lets you read mirage and bullet trace better
Cons:
- Large and heavy for field carry
- High magnification can show mirage and wobble
- Not ideal for fast shots inside 100 yards
My Recommendation
Get this if your .308 lives on a bipod and shoots tiny groups. It is for paper punchers and varmint shooters who want extra detail and dialing room. For pure range use, some will call it the Best rifle scope for 308 rifles because it shows everything. Just know it is not a woods scope.
Dial your elevation and use fine focus to counter heat shimmer. Keep magnification reasonable when mirage blooms. For its specialty, it offers a lot of scope for the money and is often in stock.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Bench and prone shooting | Extreme magnification and large objective |
| Load development | See tiny groups and impacts clearly |
| Varmint fields | Spot far targets and read mirage |
FAQs Of Best rifle scope for 308 rifles
What magnification is best for a .308 hunting rifle?
For most hunts, 3-9x or 4-12x is ideal. It is light, fast, and bright. Go higher only if you take longer shots in open country.
Should I choose first or second focal plane for .308?
FFP helps with accurate holds at any power. SFP is simpler and often lighter. Pick FFP for matches and SFP for classic hunting.
Do I need an illuminated reticle for .308?
It helps at dawn, dusk, or in dark timber. For target shooting, it is optional. Many hunters like a low-level glow on game.
Is a BDC reticle good for .308?
Yes, if you test it with your load and zero. BDC gets you close fast. Confirm at 200, 300, and 400 yards to be sure.
How important is parallax adjustment on a .308 scope?
It matters beyond 200 yards. AO or side focus gives a sharper image and reduces error. It helps with small targets and long shots.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want a one-scope answer, go with the Primary Arms SLx 3-18×50 FFP ACSS-308. It blends speed, clarity, and holds that match .308. It is a top pick in the Best rifle scope for 308 rifles.
For deer hunters, the Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 is light and reliable. For range work, the SHOTAC 10-40×56 shows every detail. Your best choice depends on how you shoot and where you hunt.
