Hey there, fellow hunters and shooting enthusiasts! Joel Mccartan here, and boy, do I have a treat for you today. We’re diving deep into the world of .308 scopes, and let me tell you, the options out there in 2025 are nothing short of amazing. Whether you’re looking to drop that trophy buck or ring steel at 1000 yards, I’ve got you covered with the top 10 scopes that’ll take your .308 to the next level.
Now, I’ve been around the block a few times when it comes to rifles and optics. I remember back in the day when we thought a fixed 4x scope was high-tech! But times have changed, and so has the technology. These days, the scopes we’ve got access to would make our granddaddies’ jaws drop. So, let’s get into it and find the perfect scope to match your shooting style and budget.
Vortex Optics Razor HD LHT 4.5-22×50 Riflescope
Kicking off our list is the Vortex Razor HD LHT, and let me tell you, this scope is a game-changer. I took this bad boy out on a mule deer hunt last fall, and it performed like a champ in the most challenging conditions.
- The Razor HD LHT 4.5-22×50 FFP riflescope answers every demand of the long-range hunter, and is still among the lightest in its class while adding first focal plane functionality and a higher mag range.
- The HD optical system and premium XR coatings generate unparalled image quality and brightness. Index-matched apochromatic lenses correct color across the entire visual spectrum. Armortek coatings protect the lenses.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 4.5-22x
- Objective Lens: 50mm
- Reticle: XLR-2 (First Focal Plane)
- Excellent low-light performance
- Locking elevation turret with RevStop Zero System
What sets it apart: The HD optical system on this scope is phenomenal. Even in the dim light of early morning, I could clearly make out the rack on a buck at 400 yards. The RevStop Zero System is also a lifesaver when you need to quickly return to your zero after making elevation adjustments.
Price: Around $1,399
Pros:
- Crystal clear glass
- Robust build quality
- Versatile magnification range
- Great for both hunting and long-range shooting
Cons:
- On the pricier side
- Slightly heavier than some competitors
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Riflescope
Next up is the Leupold VX-5HD, a scope that’s become my go-to for most hunting situations. Leupold has been in the game for generations, and it shows in the quality of this optic.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 3-15x
- Objective Lens: 44mm
- Reticle: FireDot Duplex (Illuminated)
- Twilight Max HD Light Management System
- CDS-ZL2 Zero Lock Elevation Dial
What sets it apart: The Twilight Max HD system is a game-changer for low-light hunting. I’ve made clean shots during those crucial last minutes of legal shooting light that I wouldn’t have attempted with lesser scopes.
- Model #178027 – VX-5HD 3-15×44 Riflescope with an HTMR Reticle, CDS-ZL2 and a Matte finish
- The CDS-ZL2 (ZeroLock 2) provides two revolutions of elevation adjustment while eliminating accidental dial movement with the push-button ZeroLock system. It also features Leupold’s award-winning Custom Dial System (CDS), which allows shooters to order a laser-marked bullet-drop dial to match their exact ballistics and conditions.
Price: Around $999
Pros:
- Exceptional light transmission
- Rugged and weatherproof
- Lightweight for its class
- Accurate and repeatable adjustments
Cons:
- Slightly less magnification than some competitors
- Illumination controls could be more intuitive
EOTECH Vudu 3.5-18x50mm Precision Rifle Scope
If you’re looking to push your .308 to its limits, the EOTECH Vudu is worth a serious look. This scope is built like a tank and performs like a dream.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 3.5-18x
- Objective Lens: 50mm
- Reticle: H59 (First Focal Plane)
- XC High-Density glass
- EZ Chek Zero Stop turret
What sets it apart: The clarity of the XC High-Density glass is mind-blowing. I’ve used this scope for long-range steel challenges, and being able to clearly see bullet impacts at 800+ yards is a huge advantage.
- EOTECH Vudu 3.5-18x50mm Precision Rifle Scope with H59 First Focal Plane Reticle (Model VDU3-18FFH59)
- First focal plane – Reticle increases in size with magnification
- XC High Density Glass – Impressive light transmission and scene clarity
Price: Around $1,399
Pros:
- Exceptional glass clarity
- Robust and durable construction
- First focal plane reticle great for ranging
- Precise and tactile turret adjustments
Cons:
- Heavier than some competitors
- Higher price point
Nightforce SHV 5-20x56mm Riflescope
Nightforce has a reputation for bomb-proof scopes, and the SHV lives up to that legacy. This is a scope that’ll handle anything you throw at it.
- NIGHTFORCE SHV 5-20×56 – The most powerful of our SHV series performs beautifully at both close and extended ranges on varmints, big game, and for making tight groups on paper
- SPECS – It features a full 80 MOA of elevation adjustment, side parallax adjustment and ZeroSet technology which allows a quick return to your initial zero setting, regardless of how many elevation adjustments you’ve made
Key Features:
- Magnification: 5-20x
- Objective Lens: 56mm
- Reticle: MOAR (Second Focal Plane)
- ZeroSet technology
- Wide internal adjustment range
What sets it apart: The combination of the large 56mm objective lens and Nightforce’s excellent glass coatings results in a scope that performs exceptionally well in low light conditions. The ZeroSet feature is also a standout, allowing you to quickly return to your zero no matter how many elevation adjustments you’ve made.
Price: Around $1,295
Pros:
- Outstanding low-light performance
- Extremely durable
- Wide magnification range
- Precise and repeatable adjustments
Cons:
- On the heavier side
- Premium price point
Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 6-24×50 SFP Riflescope
For those looking for a high-performance scope without breaking the bank, the Vortex Viper HS-T is hard to beat. I’ve recommended this scope to countless friends getting into long-range shooting.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 6-24x
- Objective Lens: 50mm
- Reticle: VMR-1 (MOA, Second Focal Plane)
- Customizable Rotation Stop (CRS)
- Argon purged for fogproof performance
What sets it apart: The value for money here is outstanding. You’re getting features typically found on much more expensive scopes, like the CRS zero stop and high-quality glass, at a mid-range price point.
- The Viper HS-T 6-24×50 is one of multiple configurations in the Viper HS-T line. VMR-1 Reticle (MRAD) is perfect for accurate holds at extended ranges.
- Incorporating our premium, fully multi-coated, extra-low dispersion lenses brings excellent resolution and color fidelity. The XR coatings provide enhanced light gathering capability while Armortek coating protects the lenses.
Price: Around $699
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Clear, bright optics
- Solid build quality
- User-friendly turret system
Cons:
- Second focal plane reticle not ideal for everyone
- Slightly less low-light performance than premium options
Trijicon VCOG 1-6×24 Riflescope
If you’re looking for a do-it-all scope that can handle close-quarters work and reach out to moderate distances, the Trijicon VCOG is worth a look. This is the scope I use on my .308 AR platform.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 1-6x
- Objective Lens: 24mm
- Reticle: Segmented Circle / Crosshair with Bullet Drop Compensator (First Focal Plane)
- Illuminated reticle with 6 brightness settings
- Extremely durable construction
What sets it apart: The VCOG’s ability to go from true 1x magnification to 6x makes it incredibly versatile. I’ve used this scope for everything from hog hunting in thick brush to ringing steel at 600 yards.
- Red segmented circle reticle with a centered crosshair matched with 55-grain .223 loads
- First focal plane allowing the ballistic reticle to be used at any magnification
- 700 continuous hours of runtime at setting 4 or 6 with a lithium AA battery
Price: Around $2,800
Pros:
- Extremely rugged and durable
- Versatile 1-6x magnification
- Bright, clear glass
- Illuminated FFP reticle
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Limited magnification for extreme long-range work
Burris Fullfield E1 3-9x40mm Riflescope
For hunters on a budget who still want quality optics, the Burris Fullfield E1 is a fantastic choice. I’ve got one of these on my .308 lever gun, and it’s never let me down.
- VERSATILE – The 3-9x is the absolute staple for American hunters in all sorts of terrain/conditions; is rugged to handle a lifetime of field use, heavy recoil, and harsh vibration such as bouncing around in your side by side or back of your hunting rig
- HIGH-GRADE OPTICAL GLASS – The Burris Fullfield E1 4.5-14x42mm waterproof hunting scope features high-grade optical glass that delivers exceptional brightness and clarity; it enhances image quality & offers lasting durability
Key Features:
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens: 40mm
- Reticle: Ballistic Plex E1
- Trajectory-compensating reticle
- Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses
What sets it apart: The Ballistic Plex E1 reticle is a standout feature at this price point. It provides bullet drop compensation out to 500 yards, which is plenty for most hunting situations.
Price: Around $299
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Clear optics
- Useful ballistic reticle
- Lightweight and compact
Cons:
- Limited magnification range
- Not ideal for extreme long-range shooting
Athlon Optics Ares ETR 4.5-30×56 UHD Riflescope
Athlon has been making waves in the optics world, and the Ares ETR is a prime example of why. This scope offers features typically found on much more expensive optics.
- 0.1 MIL Click Value, 32 MIL Total Elevation Adjustment, 25 Yard to Infinity Parallax Adjustment, 6 Illumination Settings.
- First focal plane reticle stays valid at all power settings allowing you to fully utilize the specially designed reticle that shrinks or grows along with your target as you zoom in or out.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 4.5-30x
- Objective Lens: 56mm
- Reticle: APLR4 FFP MOA (First Focal Plane)
- ED glass
- Zero Stop system
What sets it apart: The combination of high magnification, first focal plane reticle, and ED glass at this price point is impressive. I’ve used this scope for long-range target shooting, and it holds its own against scopes costing twice as much.
Price: Around $899
Pros:
- Excellent value for high-end features
- Clear, high-contrast image
- Wide magnification range
- Precise turret adjustments
Cons:
- Heavier than some competitors
- Brand doesn’t have the same reputation as some others (yet)
Meopta Optika6 3-18×50 RD SFP Riflescope
Meopta might not be a household name like some other brands, but they produce some seriously good glass. The Optika6 is a versatile scope that’s equally at home in the hunting fields or on the range.
- TRUE HUNTING RIFLESCOPE – The 3-18×50 Optika6 scopes feature capped windage and elevation turrets to avoid unwanted adjustments when moving fast through heavy cover
- MEOBRIGHT- A proprietary ion-assisted lens multi-coating for the riflescopes developed by Meopta, eliminate glare and reflections and delivers an industry leading 99.7% light transmission per lens surface
Key Features:
- Magnification: 3-18x
- Objective Lens: 50mm
- Reticle: BDC 3 (Second Focal Plane)
- Illuminated reticle
- Zero Reset turrets
What sets it apart: The optical quality of this scope is outstanding, especially considering its price point. The glass is on par with scopes costing much more.
Price: Around $699
Pros:
- Excellent optical clarity
- Wide magnification range
- Robust construction
- Good value for money
Cons:
- Less well-known brand
- Second focal plane reticle not ideal for everyone
Primary Arms SLx 4-14x44mm FFP Riflescope
Rounding out our list is the Primary Arms SLx, a scope that punches well above its weight class in terms of features and performance.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 4-14x
- Objective Lens: 44mm
- Reticle: ACSS HUD DMR .308 (First Focal Plane)
- Illuminated reticle
- Partial red/green illumination
What sets it apart: The ACSS HUD DMR reticle is a game-changer. It provides bullet drop compensation, range estimation, and wind holds all in one easy-to-use package. I’ve found it particularly useful for quick shots at varying distances when hunting.
Price: Around $429
Pros:
- Exceptional value for money
- Versatile and intuitive reticle
- First focal plane design
- Good optical clarity for the price
Cons:
- Not as rugged as some higher-end options
- Limited magnification range compared to some competitors
Conclusion
There you have it, folks – the 10 best scopes for .308 rifles in 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, a long-range enthusiast, or just getting started with your .308, there’s a scope on this list that’ll help you squeeze every ounce of performance out of your rifle.
Remember, the best scope for you depends on your specific needs, shooting style, and budget. Don’t be afraid to invest in quality optics – they’ll pay dividends in improved accuracy and enjoyment in the field.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab one of these scopes, get out there, and start pushing your .308 to its limits. Trust me, with the right glass on top, you’ll be amazed at what you and your rifle can do. Happy shooting, and I’ll see you out on the range!