Choosing the right scope for your .308 rifle is a critical decision that balances performance, application, and budget. The .308 Winchester is a versatile cartridge capable of everything from close-quarters hunting to precision long-range shooting, and your optic must match your intended use. Whether you’re a hunter stalking through dense timber or a target shooter pushing the limits at 1,000 yards, the correct sight picture makes all the difference.
This 2025 roundup is designed to guide you through a curated selection of the best scopes on the market. We’ve compiled options ranging from budget-friendly workhorses to premium tactical models, ensuring there’s a recommendation for every shooter and every wallet. Our goal is to provide clear, concise information to help you make an informed purchase and get the most out of your rifle.
Our Top Picks for .308 Rifle Scopes
- Primary Arms SLX 3x32mm Gen III Prism Scope
- Eotech Holographic 552.XR308 Weapon Sight
- Trijicon VCOG 1-6×24 Rifle Scope with Green Horseshoe Dot
- Nightforce SHV 5-20x56mm ZeroSet Scope
- BURRIS Scout 2-7×32 Rifle Scope, Ballistic Plex Reticle
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Hunt-Plex Reticle Riflescope
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12×44 SFP Riflescope
- CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24×50 AOE Illuminated Gun Scope
- Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope
Primary Arms SLX 3x32mm Gen III Prism Scope – ACSS-300BLK/7.62×39 Reticle
For shooters who value speed and simplicity, the Primary Arms SLX prism scope is an outstanding choice. Its fixed 3x magnification is perfect for mid-range engagements, and the included ruggedized mount provides exceptional clamping power for a secure fit on your rifle. The scope also comes with a height riser for improved ergonomics.
The real star is the ACSS-300BLK/7.62×39 reticle. This chevron-based reticle features a built-in bullet drop compensator (BDC) calibrated for supersonic 7.62x39mm or .300 Blackout ammo out to 600 yards, and it also provides ranging for subsonic loads out to 225 yards. This makes it incredibly versatile for a variety of cartridges that share similar ballistic profiles with the .308.
Eotech Holographic 552.XR308 Weapon Sight
When speed is paramount, nothing beats a holographic sight. The Eotech 552.XR308 is built for close-quarters target acquisition, offering an unlimited eye relief and a parallax-free sight picture. This allows you to shoot with both eyes open for maximum situational awareness, which is ideal for dynamic shooting or hunting in thick cover.
This model is specifically designed for the .308 cartridge, featuring a reticle with holdover points calibrated for its trajectory. Built to withstand harsh conditions, it is submersible to 33 feet and functions in temperatures from -40 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. The large window and crisp reticle make acquiring targets instinctive and fast.
Trijicon VCOG 1-6×24 Rifle Scope with Green Horseshoe Dot/Crosshair .308/175gr
The Trijicon VCOG is a rugged, battle-proven Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO) that offers exceptional versatility. With a 1-6x magnification range, you can use it like a red dot on 1x for close-range speed or dial up to 6x for more precise shots at distance. It is built from a single piece of aluminum for maximum durability.
This model features a first focal plane green horseshoe dot reticle, meaning the reticle’s size changes with magnification, allowing the BDC holds to be accurate at any power. The reticle is specifically matched to 175-grain .308 loads. It also boasts an impressive 700 hours of runtime on a common AA battery, making it a very reliable option.
Nightforce SHV 5-20x56mm ZeroSet .250 MOA Non-Illuminated Moar Scope
For the serious long-range shooter, the Nightforce SHV 5-20×56 provides the optical performance and features needed to make consistent hits at extended ranges. The high magnification and large 56mm objective lens gather ample light for clear views in low-light conditions, making it suitable for dawn or dusk hunting.
This scope includes Nightforce’s renowned ZeroSet technology, which allows you to quickly return to your initial zero setting after making elevation adjustments for long-range shots. With a full 80 MOA of elevation adjustment and a side parallax knob, it gives you the tools needed to precisely manage your rifle’s trajectory at various distances.
BURRIS Scout 2-7×32 Rifle Scope, Ballistic Plex Reticle
The Burris Scout scope is a specialized optic designed for a specific mounting style: forward of the ejection port. This configuration provides an extremely long eye relief, allowing for fast, both-eyes-open shooting that is excellent for moving targets and increasing situational awareness. It is a classic choice for scout-style rifles.
With a 2-7x variable magnification, it offers versatility for various shooting scenarios. The Ballistic Plex reticle provides simple and effective trajectory compensation for holdovers at longer distances. The generous eye relief makes it a comfortable scope to shoot with, especially on rifles with significant recoil.
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 is a quintessential all-around hunting scope. The 3-9x magnification range is arguably the most popular for a reason—it’s versatile enough for shots at close range in a blind and offers enough power for ethical shots at several hundred yards. This model is lightweight and built to handle the recoil of a .308.
Leupold’s Advanced Optical System ensures bright and clear sight pictures, which is critical during the low-light conditions of early morning or late evening when game is most active. Known for their ruggedness and reliability, Leupold scopes are a trusted name among hunters who depend on their equipment in the field.
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Hunt-Plex Reticle Riflescope
This version of the Leupold VX-Freedom comes equipped with the popular Hunt-Plex reticle. This simple, uncluttered reticle features a thin crosshair that thickens toward the outer posts, helping to guide your eye to the center for quick aiming. It’s an excellent choice for hunters who prefer a clean sight picture without complex holdover points.
Like its counterpart, it offers a practical 3-9x zoom ratio and the same high-quality light transmission from Leupold’s optical system. The capped finger-click adjustments provide positive feedback and protect your settings from accidental changes, while the matte finish reduces glare.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12×44 SFP Riflescope V-Plex MOA
The Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×44 offers a great balance of performance and value. The extended 4-12x magnification range gives you more flexibility for precision on smaller targets or at longer distances compared to a standard 3-9x scope. The 44mm objective lens works with fully multi-coated lenses to provide a bright, clear image.
It features a long eye relief and a forgiving eye box, making it easier to acquire a sight picture quickly, which is beneficial when shooting from awkward positions. The fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick reticle focusing, and the V-Plex reticle is a straightforward, all-purpose design perfect for a wide variety of hunting situations.
CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24×50 AOE Red and Green Illuminated Gun Scope
For shooters on a tight budget who want high magnification, the CVLIFE 6-24×50 scope is a compelling option. It offers a very wide magnification range, making it suitable for target shooting and long-range plinking where precision is key. The 50mm objective lens helps in gathering light for a brighter image.
This scope includes an illuminated reticle with both red and green settings, which can be helpful in low-light conditions or against complex backgrounds. It also comes with a free mount, providing a complete, ready-to-install package that requires no additional purchases to get started.
Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope
The Vortex Diamondback Tactical is a feature-packed scope designed for the precision shooter. With a 6-24x magnification and a first focal plane (FFP) reticle, the holdover and windage marks on the reticle remain accurate at every magnification level. This is a critical feature for competitive shooting and long-range hunting.
The exposed tactical turrets allow for quick and easy adjustments, and the zero-stop functionality enables a quick return to your primary zero. Coupled with a side focus parallax adjustment and a large 50mm objective lens, this scope provides the necessary tools for making repeatable, accurate shots at extended ranges without a premium price tag.
How to Choose the Best Scope for Your 308 Rifle
Picking the right scope for your .308 Winchester is a balance of understanding the cartridge and knowing what you want to do with it. The .308 is a fantastic round known for its versatility, capable of everything from hunting in thick woods to making precise shots at long range. Your choice in glass will either unlock that potential or hold it back. I always start by considering a few key factors.
First, think about magnification. For a general-purpose hunting rifle that might see shots inside 200 yards, a simple 1-4x or 2-7x scope is perfect. It’s lightweight, offers a wide field of view, and is fast on target. If you’re pushing the .308 out to 500, 600, or even 800 yards, you’ll want more magnification. A 3-9x is a classic starting point, but a 4-16x or 5-25x gives you the detail needed for small targets at distance. Remember, more magnification isn’t always better; it can mean a heavier scope and a narrower field of view.
Next, the objective lens size matters for light gathering. A larger objective lens (like 44mm or 50mm) lets in more light, providing a brighter image during dawn or dusk. However, it also means a heavier scope and might require higher rings to mount it properly. A 40mm or 44mm objective is a great sweet spot for most .308 applications.
The reticle is your interface with the target. For hunting, a simple duplex reticle is fast and uncluttered. For long-range shooting, a Mil-Dot or MOA-based Christmas tree-style reticle is almost essential. These allow you to hold for windage and bullet drop without twisting turrets. Speaking of turrets, you need to decide if you want exposed or capped turrets. Exposed turrets are easy to adjust on the fly for long-range work, while capped turrets are protected from accidental bumps, which is preferable for a hunting rifle that gets carried through brush.
Finally, build quality is non-negotiable. Your scope must be tough enough to handle the .308’s recoil, shot after shot. Look for scopes that are purged with nitrogen or argon gas to prevent internal fogging and are fully sealed to be waterproof and shockproof. When you’re looking for the 10 best scopes for 308 rifle [long range & budget] 2025, you need a tool that is reliable above all else. Your budget will guide you, but investing in a quality scope from a reputable brand is one of the best upgrades you can make to your rifle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What magnification scope do I need for a .308 rifle?
It completely depends on your intended use. For most big-game hunting inside 300 yards, a 3-9x or 4-12x scope is the gold standard. It provides enough magnification for a precise shot while still being versatile. If you’re primarily shooting at paper or steel targets at long range (500+ yards), you’ll want a scope that goes up to 16x, 20x, or even 25x to see your impacts clearly. A variable power scope gives you the flexibility to adapt to different situations.
Is a .308 powerful enough for long-range shooting?
Absolutely. The .308 Winchester is a proven long-range cartridge. While it may not have the extreme range of newer 6.5mm cartridges, it is more than capable of consistent hits out to 800-1000 yards in the right hands. Its popularity means there is a huge selection of high-quality, match-grade ammunition available, which is key to long-range accuracy. It’s a fantastic platform to learn the fundamentals of wind reading and ballistics.
What does “First Focal Plane” vs. “Second Focal Plane” mean?
This refers to the placement of the reticle inside the scope. In a First Focal Plane (FFP) scope, the reticle grows and shrinks as you change magnification. This means your Mil or MOA hash marks are always accurate at any magnification. In a Second Focal Plane (SFP) scope, the reticle stays the same size, so the subtensions are only accurate at one magnification level (usually the highest). FFP is preferred for long-range tactical shooting, while SFP is common and perfectly suitable for many hunting scenarios.
Can I use a cheap scope on my .308?
You can, but I don’t recommend it. The .308 generates significant recoil that can quickly destroy the internal components of a poorly made scope. A cheap scope will often not hold zero, have poor glass clarity, and lack reliable adjustments. It’s one of the worst places to cut corners. It’s better to have a mid-tier scope from a reputable brand than a high-magnification budget scope that fails when you need it most. When building your list of the 10 best scopes for 308 rifle [long range & budget] 2025, prioritize durability and optical clarity over fancy features.
What is a good budget for a .308 scope?
This varies widely, but you can find some very solid entry-level scopes in the $200-$400 range that will handle the .308’s recoil and provide clear glass for hunting. For a dedicated long-range scope with features like exposed turrets and a First Focal Plane reticle, expect to spend between $500 and $1,500. The great news is that the market for quality scopes is more competitive than ever, giving you excellent options without needing a massive budget.