Picking the best scope for .308 long-range use is a tough decision. There are so many scopes that can be had from even under $100 to well over $3000.
Some of the more capable scopes can even reach $10,000+ in rice; and for the specific use cases where they make sense, they are worth every penny.
In this article, we are exploring a diverse use case group that will attempt to find the best scopes for those who shoot .308 Winchester rifles in various configurations and try to help you find a reasonable candidate amongst a saturated field of scope options that range in price and capability from the very mundane to the shocking.
For this article, we have limited the price range to under $2750, though most are well under $1500 or even $1000.
The main point here is that scope for a .308 rifle is a much different scope than those for a .22LR or a 5.56×45 even.
The punishing recoil and longer-range needs for clear glass and excellent build quality mean that you will be paying a premium for a scope that is built to handle the jobs a .308 Winchester can throw at it, compared to lesser rifles.
List of The Best Best Scope for .308 Long Range Rifles
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Buyer’s Criteria: Things To Consider
Why Use a .308 Instead of Another Rifle?
The point of choosing a .308 is several-fold. It has long been the de facto standard for the intermediate to long-range rifle for the U.S. Military, with only the .300 Win Mag and the .50 (BMG) Caliber genuinely taking any of the shooting spectrum from the cartridge beyond 600 meters or so.
The basic attributes of the .308 and why you would want it over something else for intermediate and long-range shooting are as follows:
- Longer range than other recoil controllable rifles for most shooters.
- Excellent versatility in the load range and the ballistics of the round.
- Much better terminal ballistics after the 600-meter range.
- A good supply of aftermarket options, accessories and a broad range of rifles available in a broad range of configurations.
- Still a relatively inexpensive cartridge – usually less than a dollar a shot even for high-end ammunition.
- The recoil can be tolerated by most accessories.
What is a .308 Reticle and Does it Actually Make That Big of a Difference?
Similar to a standard bullet drop compensation reticle, a .308 reticle caters to the unique trajectory and ballistics of the .308 Winchester round or the 7.62x51mm (the NATO “equivalentâ€).
What you gain by using this type of reticle is a built-in adjustment that makes on-the-fly decisions in the field easier to make and more accurate when you are looking down range and need a bullet to hit your target.
It does make a big difference for the less experienced shooter – that doesn’t mean only an inexperienced shooter would opt for one – but it isn’t entirely a necessity.
With the right amount of experience, any reticle will work and depending on your type of shooting other reticles will be more of a necessity than a .308 reticle.
How Much Power Do I Need in a Scope?
You can decide what you prefer, but most shooters can do what they need to do on a routine basis with a 6-power scope and never have difficulty hitting the target even out to the limits of the .308 load.
One of the best scopes on this list uses a fixed 5.5 power (the magnification) to operate. It is more than enough glass for most use cases, and it is specifically built for the sweet spot of the .308 Winchester round.
However, having the extra adjustability of most of the scopes on this list will give you a bit more detail in your viewfinder.
Does Scope Durability Matter on the .308?
Yes. Durability is particularly important for the .30 caliber and larger loads. The .308 is right on the cusp of where you can start to punish a scope too much.
The recoil profile of the gun is moderate, but the sensitive internal working of a glass optic can be seriously damaged if it is not properly built at this range and above when it comes to power.
Most .308 scopes are built MUCH heavier duty than comparative lower caliber scopes. You must be careful of the durability of builds, hence our chosen price point for this range of scopes.
The best scope for .308 long range rifle use will be a robust, over-engineered scope capable of a lifetime of use on a .308 or larger gun and will be able to easily maintain zero without internal changes.
The .308 even though many consider it on the low end of the power spectrum for the bigger cartridges, still packs quite a bit of recoil when you are talking about items that are sensitive to recoil, like optics.
You will want to use thread adhesive to ensure the best scope zero over long-term usage. Most consider the Blue 242 or 243 Thread locker by LocTite to be the best there is because it offers good dampening for recoil abuse but still allows hand tool removal of screws.
Durability is a major factor in the price and choice of these options for the best scopes for your long range shooting needs. You’ll see that as a trend as you look over the following reviews on the best scope candidates below.
Reviews of The 8 Best Scope for .308 Long Range Rifles in 2021
The range of pricing will open up a bit compared to lesser caliber scopes for a few reasons, mostly because the internal designs and materials have to adhere to a higher threshold of capability in a gun that can transfer so much recoil power to an accessory (despite most shooters not having a problem with the recoil profile of a .308).
The following scopes represent what we believe to be a diverse set of use cases and offer best in class performance while also spanning a realistic price range.
1. Barra Hero MP 2-10×44 Rifle Scope First Focal Plane Review [Made in Japan]
Best for: Budget-conscious (yes, it is still pricey) users that actually need the First Focal Plane and other perks of this scope
For a dedicated first focal plane scope, this is actually quite a good deal. The quality Japanese components and the impressive build quality for the money mean you are getting a scope that competes with others that are twice the price very easily.
— Why do we recommend this?
For a first focal plane scope that can handle .308 recoil, there is not a better option, certainly not from the bigger names in the industry. This is a steal!
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2. UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope
Best for: Those who need a great scope at a great price for a bigger gun
Best for: long-range and professional hunting and shoot, appropriate for different types of rifles including the .308.
If you are searching for a compact scope, then the built quality and size of the UTG 3-12×44 Riflescope will surely impress you because it offers some of the best performance and features for its price range. It performed well for both professional shooting and hunting and long-range use.
The UTG’s standout feature is its exceptional optic that will work with AR-10,AR-15, and .308 rifles, to name a few. Its numerous features are designed to make shooting and hunting easier.
– Why we recommend this?
Offers multi-color model support and personalized illumination. Fantastic low light performance plus anti-glare sunshade. Great accuracy thanks to multiple performance-enhancing features
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3.Burris Ballistic Plex Hunting Riflescope
Best for: Intermediate Fixed Range hunting or target shooting
Best for: Use in different weather conditions and situations thanks to superior accuracy and build.
The Burris 2-7x32mm 200261 Ballistic Plex is a great scope designed for versatility appropriate for most shooting requirements, thanks to its excellent accuracy. Its accurate performance is due to the posi-lock system that features a retractable steel post with a coil spring.
Thanks to its lens with a larger diameter, it allows it to give clear pictures in different conditions and situations. The lens also works as a slim optic offering low to medium magnification.
– Why We Recommend This?
The posi-lock features allow you to lock the accuracy securely in place. The quality construction of the scope ensures that it performs well in different weather conditions because of its fog-proof, waterproof, and recoil-proof.
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4. Vortex Optics Viper HS-T Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
Best for: As a General Use scope for multiple guns in .308
Best for: Hunters and shooters that value quality, innovation, and superior craftsmanship.
Vortex is known for making exceptional scopes for hunting and tactical use with sturdy optics backed by brand warranties that surpass all competition.
These scopes are built using one piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, comprising a 1-inch tube that features a 44mm objective lens and 4-16x magnification range for superior long-range hunting or shooting.
– Why We Recommend This?
The HS-T Second Focal Plane Riflescope belongs to Virtex’s premium range of scopes that are innovative, well-built, and offer fantastic performance.
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5. Trijicon VCOG 1-6×24 Riflescope Ballistic Reticle Review -Â Top PickÂ
Best for: Legitimate hardcore use where normal scopes will be broken easily
No question, this is the best scope on the list, and for what it can do and for how durable it is, there is nothing like it on the market – a true unicorn, this riflescope is the absolute pinnacle of the tactical riflescopes for the .308.
— Why do we recommend this?
Mostly it was the First Focal Plane build and the inherent durability, but more than anything from a consumer perspective is the legacy of the brand and the way they have consistently outperformed across their own line and the broader market. You buy a Trijicon once. Until you need a second scope – then you buy another Trijicon. They will outlive you generally.
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6. Burris Veracity Hunting Rifle Scope
Best for: Use on .30 cal guns
Best For: shooters and hunters looking for a feature-rich scope that is affordable with decent quality and build. Â
We have been big fans of Burris’s red dot sights due to their performance and quality. The company offers a broad range of optics for every purpose, but our pic for a .308 is their Veracity Hunting Rifle Scope from the Veracity line. This range features scopes that are packed with features that you wouldn’t find in scopes of this price range.
The single-piece outer tube construction can withstand recoil to provide more powerful calibers. The Veracity offers various magnification levels, from which we selected the 3-15x range for its versatility.
– Why We Recommend This?
The Burris Veracity features precision gauged fitted internals for consistent performance. The scope is water, shock, and fog proof, so you can use it in different conditions without worrying that it will fall apart.
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7. Trijicon TA55A ACOG 5.5 X 50 Red Chevron BAC Flattop .308 Reticle Review
Best for: Hard use and fixed-point targets
Another no-brainer for the Trijicon scopes. This is the de facto poster child for tactical warfighting optics for the venerable .308 in a fixed power deliverable. It is battle proven, built to withstand the nuclear holocaust and still relatively decently priced. Yes, you give up a little in adjustability, in return, you get unmatched durability and dead-on precision for the specific use case of this tool.
— Why do we recommend this?
Because of Trijicon. If you have owned any Trijicon items, you know what that means. If you haven’t, do yourself the favor.
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8. TRUGLO TRU-Brite 30 Series 1-6 X 24mm Dual-Color Illuminated-Reticle Rifle Scope
Best for: Affordable scope with multiple features to improve the precision
Best for: fast acquisition and rapid transition to extreme range shots thanks to superior brightness, clarity, and contrast.
My test of the TruGlo TRU-BRITE series 1-6X24mm came as a pleasant surprise because, despite its low price, it managed to impress me greatly. TRUGLO developed this particular compact carbine scope for target engagements.
Looking at the specifications more closely – the TRU-BRITE 1-6x24mm scope features a 24 mm objective lens with leaf spring click adjustment that provides elevation and windage. You can use it in various weather conditions because it is waterproof, fog-proof, and nitrogen-gas-filled. The 3.75-inch eye relief with a clear look through makes it easy to use in low light.
– Why We Recommend This?
Tru-Brite 30 scope offers an extremely bright and sharp optic thanks to the company’s exclusive coating formula for an affordable price.
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Conclusion: Our Best Pick
We picked a mid-ranged scope for the obvious build quality for a traditional glass optic and for the dedicated build that focused on the .308 cartridge. The Nikon M-308 is a no brainer for the moderate price tag and full-featured specifications.
We also picked the toughest, most capable scope on the list for the other choice, not because it was super expensive, but because nothing else on this list or within the price range of most normal shooters would even compete on the same playing field as it.
In fact: to get the quality of this scope replicated you’re going to be in the $3000-3500 range all day every day. To get the toughness? No, you cannot. The Trijicon’s toughness cannot be duplicated at even a thousand or two thousand dollars more in price.
If we had tried to pick a single scope, we would have been leaving out half the market. For the .308 you either need a rough and tumble optic like the Trijicon is, or you need something that can deliver great performance for not a ton of money like the Nikon can.
As versatile as the .308 is, many use cases come up for the rifle, and we think those two ends of the spectrum give you enough to find a fantastic field of options to choose the best rifle scope for .308 long range rifles. We feel confident in our choices of the finest scopes you can buy for the .308 for long range usage.
Comparing Our Best Scopes for .308 Long Range
| The Scope | Power | Best for |
| 1. Barra FFP Hero | 4-16 | Budget-conscious (yes, it is still pricey) users that actually need the First Focal Plane and other perks of this scope. |
| 2. Primary Arms | 4-16 | Those who need a great scope at a great price for a bigger gun. |
| 3. Bushnell 756245B | 6-24 | Intermediate Fixed Range hunting or target shooting. |
| 4. Nikon M-308 | 4-16 | As a General Use scope for multiple guns in .308. |
| 5. Hawke HK6426 | 4-16 | Use on .30 cal guns. |
| 6. Trijicon VCOG Top Pick | 1-6 | Legitimate hardcore use where normal scopes will be broken easily. |
| 7. Trijicon ACOG | 5.5 | Hard use and fixed-point targets. |
| 8. Bushnell AR Optics, Drop Zone BDC | 4.5-18 | Affordable scope with multiple features to improve the precision |
