Choosing a high-quality long-range rifle scope becomes paramount for long-range shooting and hitting distant targets with accuracy. For avid shooters and hunters using the .308 Winchester cartridge, finding the Best Long-range Rifle Scopes for 308 is essential to harness the full potential of their rifles.
Famous for its precision and adaptability, the 308 Winchester requires a scope that can increase its effective range without compromising clarity, dependability, or longevity.
In this article, we will explore the Best Long-range Rifle Scopes designed specifically for the .308, looking into their features, capabilities, and the benefits they offer. Whether you’re an experienced shooter looking to upgrade your optics or a beginner seeking the best scope for your 308 rifle, this guide will provide you with the insights you need to make an informed choice.
Factors to consider when buying the Best Long Range Rifle scopes for 308
Objective Lens Size
More light can enter the scope through a bigger objective lens, improving low-light performance and visual clarity. More light can enter the scope through a bigger objective lens, improving low-light performance and visual clarity.
Magnification Range
The scope’s magnification range is very important. A variable magnification scope with a wide range is typically preferred for long-range shooting. This gives you flexibility for different shooting situations and the ability to zoom in on far-off targets.
Lens Coatings
Quality lens coatings increase image clarity, lessen glare, and improve light transmission. Multi-coated or fully multi-coated lenses are preferable.
Eye Relief
Long-range shooting can generate significant recoil. A scope with adequate eye relief is vital for your safety and comfort.
Durability
Ensure the scope is built to withstand the rigors of the field. Look for scopes that are fogproof, waterproof, and shockproof. High-quality construction materials and a robust design are essential.
Best Long-Range Rifle Scopes for 308
1) Nightforce NXS 5.5-22×56 Rifle Scope
Specifications
- 5.5 – 22 x magnification
- 56 mm objective lens
- 30 mm tube diameter
- 2.5 – 10.2 mm exit pupil
- 4.7 – 17.5 ft at 100 yds field of view
- 3.9 in eye relief
- 50 yds to infinity parallax
- 100 MOA adjustment range
- Second focal plane
- Waterproof and weather-resistant
- Aircraft-grade aluminum material
- Illuminated
- Zero stop elevation
The Nightforce NXS 5.5-22×56 Rifle Scope has great precision and clarity and is designed for the most demanding long-range shooting scenarios. This optic has exceptional optical performance with a large 56mm objective lens, ensuring maximum light transmission for exceptional image brightness, even in low-light conditions.
With a versatile magnification range from 5.5x to 22x, this scope offers outstanding flexibility for various shooting distances, making it an ideal choice for extreme long-range. Its weather-resistant construction and shockproof design guarantee durability and maintain zero even in the harshest environments. It is equipped with high-quality glass, precise adjustments, and a reputation for unmatched reliability.
Pros
- The 56 mm objective lens provides exceptional optical performance, hence crystal-clear images
- A wide magnification range from 5.5x to 22x, makes it highly adaptable
- Its robust and shockproof design, ensures reliability in harsh environments
- Delivers precise and repeatable adjustments for windage, elevation, and parallax
- The standard illuminated reticle makes it easy to aim in low-light conditions
Cons
- It can be heavy
2) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm
Specifications
- 5 – 25 x magnification
- 50 mm objective lens
- 30 mm tube diameter
- 2 – 10 mm exit pupil
- 4.8 – 24.1 ft at 100 yds field of view
- 3.4 in eye relief
- 25 yds to infinity parallax
- XR fully multi-coated
- First focal plane reticle
- Extra-low dispersion (XD) glass
- Aircraft-grade aluminum material
- Waterproof, fog proof & shockproof
- Tactical-style turrets
- Rapid zero return(RZR) zero stop
- Illuminated reticle
The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope features a 30mm tube and a first focal plane reticle, this scope offers exceptional optical clarity and functionality. The wide magnification range from 5x to 25x enables sharp and detailed views. At the same time, the first focal plane design ensures the reticle’s subtensions remain accurate at any magnification setting, allowing for precise holdover and ranging measurements.
Equipped with high-quality glass and XR fully multi-coated lenses, the Viper PST Gen II delivers bright, crisp images, even in low-light conditions. Its tactical-style turrets provide precise and repeatable adjustments, complementing the fast-focus eyepiece and side parallax adjustment for enhanced shooting accuracy. Built with a durable single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube, the scope is shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof, ensuring reliability in various environmental conditions.
Pros
- Its high-quality glass and XR fully multi-coated lenses ensure sharp, bright, and detailed images
- The first focal plane design ensures the reticle subtensions remain accurate at all magnification levels
- A broad magnification range from 5x to 25x, hence provides versatility
- The exposed tactical turrets, provide easy and precise adjustments for windage, elevation, and parallax
- Is shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof, ensuring durability and reliability in challenging environments
- Illuminated reticle version offers added functionality in low-light conditions
Cons
- Time consuming to adjust elevation
3) Burris XTR II 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- 5 – 25 x magnification
- 50 mm objective lens
- 34 mm tube diameter
- 2 – 10 mm exit pupil
- 4.3 – 21 ft at 100 yds field of view
- 3.5 – 4.25 in eye relief
- First focal plane
- Adjustable parallax
- Aircraft-grade aluminum
- Hi-Lume multicoating
- Illuminated reticle
- Zero Click Stop adjustment knobs
- Waterproof, fog proof & shockproof
- 500 hours battery life
With its substantial 34mm tube and first focal plane configuration, this scope provides exceptional optical clarity and functionality. The broad magnification range from 5x to 25x offers sharp, detailed views, allowing shooters to seamlessly engage targets across various distances. The first focal plane design ensures that the reticle’s subtensions adjust proportionally with the magnification level, maintaining precise holdover, ranging, and accurate adjustments irrespective of zoom settings.
Featuring high-quality glass and fully multi-coated lenses, it delivers bright, clear images in all lighting conditions. The precise and easily accessible turrets for windage, elevation, and parallax adjustment, this scope stands as a robust, shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof optical instrument, ensuring unwavering reliability and accuracy in challenging environments.
Pros
- The excellent optical performance, provides clear, sharp, and detailed views
- The first focal plane design ensures that the reticle subtensions remain accurate at all magnification
- With a range from 5x to 25x, this scope is versatile and suitable for various shooting distances
- The scope is shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof, ensuring reliability in harsh conditions
- The easily accessible turrets allow for windage, elevation, and parallax adjustments, providing accurate and repeatable adjustments
Cons
- The scope is slightly bulkier and heavier.
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4) SIG SAUER Tango6 5-30x56mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- 5 – 30 x magnification
- 56 mm objective lens
- 34 mm tube diameter
- 1.86 – 11.2 mm exit pupil
- 3.3 – 18.9 ft at 100 yds field of view
- 3.5 in eye relief
- 100 yds parallax
- HDX optics extra-low dispersion glass
- First focal plane reticle
- Motion-activated illumination
- Tactical turrets
- Lockdown zero system
This high-performance optic offers exceptional optical clarity and functionality. Its broad magnification range from 5x to 30x ensures sharp, detailed views, catering to a variety of shooting distances, making it ideal for extreme long-range applications. The first focal plane reticle maintains consistent subtensions, enabling accurate holdover and ranging measurements at any magnification setting.
Featuring high-quality glass and advanced lens coatings, it delivers bright, crisp images, even in challenging lighting conditions. Equipped with tactical-style turrets for precise adjustments in windage, elevation, and parallax, this scope ensures consistent accuracy.
It is built with a rugged, shockproof, and waterproof design, which provides reliability and performance in demanding environments.
Pros
- High-quality glass, advanced lens coatings, and a large 56mm objective lens provide sharp, bright, and detailed images
- With a wide magnification range from 5x to 30x, it provides shooting versatility
- The first focal plane ensures that the reticle subtensions remain accurate at all magnification levels
- The tactical-style turrets provide for windage, elevation, and parallax adjustment
- It is shockproof and waterproof, ensuring reliability and performance even in challenging environments
Cons
- It is on the higher end of the price spectrum
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5) Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- 6 – 24 x magnification
- 56 mm objective lens
- 30 mm tube diameter
- 2.1 – 7.5 mm exit pupil
- 4.8 – 19 ft at 100 yds field of view
- 3.5 in eye relief
- 10 yds to infinity parallax
- Second focal plane
- Illuminated Reticle
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Tactical MOA Turrets
- Lotutec/ZEISS T optical coating
- Waterproof, fog proof & shockproof
The Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope has a 50mm objective lens and a magnification range from 6x to 24x, this scope delivers superior optical clarity and adaptability for various shooting scenarios. Its high-quality glass and T* six-layer multi-coated lenses ensure exceptional light transmission, providing vivid, clear images even in low-light conditions.
With a second focal plane reticle, the subtensions remain constant, making it ideal for hunting and precision shooting. Built with a robust design, it is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, guaranteeing reliability in challenging environments. Featuring precise windage and elevation adjustments, this scope delivers high performance for diverse shooting applications.
Pros
- The high-quality glass and T* six-layer multi-coated lenses ensure excellent light transmission and clear images
- With a range from 6x to 24x, this scope is adaptable to various shooting distances
- It is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring durability and reliability in challenging environments
- The second focal plane ensures that the reticle remains a constant size at all magnification levels
- Equipped with precise windage and elevation turrets, it offers accurate and repeatable adjustments, enhancing shooting accuracy.
Cons
- None
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6) Meopta Optika5 4-20x50mm 1in Tube Rifle Scope
Specifications
- 4 – 20 x magnification
- 50 mm objective lens
- 1 in tube diameter
- 27.8 – 5.8 ft at 100 yds field of view
- 3.62 in eye relief
- 0.25 MOA click value
- 60 MOA adjustment range
- 10 yds to infinity parallax
- 63 in at 100 yds windage/elevation
- 23.3 oz weight
- MeoBright ion-assisted multi-coatings
- Red dot Illuminated Reticle System
- Second focal plane
The Meopta Optika5 4-20x50mm Rifle Scope is a powerful optic designed for precision and versatility in a compact and lightweight format. With a 50mm objective lens and a 1-inch tube, this scope offers a wide magnification range from 4x to 20x, delivering sharp and detailed images for various shooting distances.
With premium-grade glass and MeoBright lens coatings, it ensures excellent light transmission, providing clear and vivid sight pictures in diverse lighting conditions. This scope’s compact design and relatively lighter weight make it ideal for hunters and shooters seeking a balance between performance and portability. Equipped with precise windage and elevation adjustments and a side parallax adjustment it provides great shooting accuracy.
Pros
- The high-quality glass and MeoBright lens coatings, ensure excellent light transmission, providing clear, bright, and vivid images
- With a versatile range from 4x to 20x ensuring versatility
- It is relatively lightweight and compact providing a balance between performance and portability
- The precise windage and elevation turrets, provide accurate and repeatable adjustments
- It is waterproof, fog proof and shockproof hence usable in different environments
Cons
- It might offer fewer reticle choices, potentially limiting customization options
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7) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- 3 – 9 x magnification
- 50 mm objective lens
- 5.56 – 16.67 mm exit pupil
- 32 – 12.9 ft at 100 yds field of view
- 3.8 in eye relief
- 100 yds parallax
- 60 MOA adjustment range
- Aircraft-grade Aluminum material
- Fully multi-coated
- Shockproof, fog proof & waterproof
- MOA adjustment type
- Straight-wall BDC reticle
- Second focal plane
The Vortex Crossfire II Straight-Wall 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope presents a combination of reliability and functionality in a user-friendly design. Featuring a 50mm objective lens and a 1-inch tube, this scope offers a moderate magnification range from 3x to 9x, providing clear and crisp views suitable for a range of shooting distances.
With a second focal plane reticle, the images remain uncluttered and maintain a consistent appearance at various magnification levels. Equipped with fully multi-coated lenses, it ensures enhanced light transmission, delivering bright and clear images even in low-light conditions. Its shockproof and weather-resistant construction ensures durability and reliability in various shooting environments
Pros
- Built with a shockproof and weather-resistant design, it ensures durability and reliability
- The 3-9x magnification range is suitable for a variety of shooting distances, making it versatile
- The fully multi-coated lenses, provide enhanced light transmission, ensuring bright and clear images even in low-light conditions.
- It has a simple and user-friendly design
- Lightweight and compact
- The lower price provides affordability for great features
Cons
- It is not illuminated
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Best Long-Range Rifle Scopes for 308 FAQs
What is the ideal magnification range for long-range shooting with a 308?
The magnification you need for a long-range scope depends on the distance you plan to shoot. This allows you to zoom in for precision at longer distances while providing versatility for various scenarios.
What is the effective range of a 308 Winchester rifle with a long-range scope?
The effective range of a .308 Winchester rifle equipped with a long-range scope can vary depending on the shooter’s skill, ammunition, and specific scope. In general, a well-configured .308 can reliably hit targets out to 800-1,000 yards or even farther with the right setup.
What’s the significance of the exit pupil in a long-range scope for a 308?
The exit pupil is the diameter of the beam of light leaving the scope. It determines how bright and clear the image appears. For long-range shooting, a larger exit pupil is preferable, especially in low-light conditions.
What reticle types work well with a 308 for long-range shooting?
The choice of reticle is a matter of personal preference. They assist in range estimation and provide reference points for holdover and windage adjustments.
How do I determine the ideal eye relief for my 308 scopes?
The ideal eye relief varies from shooter to shooter, but generally, 3 inches or more is recommended to avoid recoil-related injuries and maintain a comfortable shooting position.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the best long-range rifle scope for a .308 is a carefully considered investment in precision and accuracy. The .308 Winchester cartridge is known for its versatility and consistent performance and deserves optics that can harness its full potential.
From magnification range to reticle type, durability, and adjustments, the factors we’ve explored in this article provide the foundation for an informed decision. The secret is to make sure your decision fits your budget, goals, and shooting style.
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