Choosing the best budget scopes 308 will significantly enhance your accuracy, confidence, and overall success in the field. The .308 Winchester is a versatile and powerful cartridge, and it deserves a scope that matches its long-range potential and hunting precision.
The market today offers a wide selection of budget-friendly scopes that deliver impressive features such as clear glass, durable construction, and reliable adjustments for shooters on a budget. In this guide, we’ll explore the best budget scopes for .308 rifles and help you find an affordable optic that meets your shooting needs without compromising on performance.
What Makes a Great Scope for 308 Winchester?
A budget scope well-suited for .308 rifles, especially for hunting or mid-range target shooting features:
1. Durable Build Quality. The best budget scopes for 308 are crafted with durability in mind to withstand abuse and rough handling.
2. Recoil Resistance. 308 rifles have noticeable recoil. A good scope must be shockproof and able to hold zero after repeated shots.
3. Weatherproofing. Furthermore, the scope should be fog-proof, waterproof, and dustproof for reliable use in harsh field conditions.
4. Clear Glass & Decent Coatings. Even on a budget, the scope should have fully multi-coated lenses, which improve light transmission and reduce glare.
5. Appropriate Magnification. A 3-9×40 or 4-12×40/44 is a versatile choice for .308, covering most deer hunting or target applications up to 400–600 yards.
6. Reliable Reticle. Moreover, a reliable reticle like BDC or Mil-Dot reticle will be very helpful for .308’s trajectory. The reticle should also be easy to see, even in low light.
7.Good Eye Relief. Last but not least, the scope should offer at least 3.5 inches of eye relief to avoid scope bite from .308’s recoil.
Best Budget Scopes for 308
1. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is the best budget scope for 308. It is designed and built with advanced features that delivers impressive performance for hunters and shooters seeking reliability and clarity at an affordable price point.
Built with a 1-inch aircraft-grade aluminum tube, the scope offers rugged durability and shockproof performance that can handle the recoil of most hunting rifles. Additionally, the optical tube is waterproof and fog-proof for use in any weather condition.
Optically, the fully multi-coated lenses provide excellent light transmission, producing clear and bright images even in low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk. Furthermore, the Dead-Hold BDC reticle is particularly useful for estimating holdovers on longer shots, making this scope versatile for both short and mid-range targeting.
Ergonomics and usability are also strong points of the Crossfire II. The eye relief is generous and forgiving, allowing for quick target acquisition without the need to constantly reposition the shooter’s eye. Over and above that, the fast-focus eyepiece makes it easy to quickly sharpen the reticle to match the user’s vision, and the scope maintains clarity throughout its 3-9x magnification range.
Pros
- Capped reset turrets that are easy to zero and maintain precision during repeatable adjustments
- Generous eye relief
- Lightweight design
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Not built for extreme long-range shooting or tactical use
2. Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope
The Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope delivers excellent value and consistent performance, ideal for those who prioritize functionality over frills.
The selling point of this rifle scope is its low light performance. Built with Bushnell’s Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses, it delivers crisp, bright images even during the early morning or late evening hours when game is most active.
Furthermore, the 3-9x magnification range is versatile enough for close to mid-range engagements, while the 40mm objective lens offers ample light transmission without adding unnecessary bulk to your rifle.
Regarding construction, the one-piece tube construction adds to the scope’s durability, making it shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof for outdoor use across various weather conditions.
In the field, the Banner 3-9x40mm proves user-friendly and consistent. Its fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick target acquisition, and the quarter MOA fingertip windage and elevation adjustments enable precise zeroing. It also boasts a generous eye relief that provides a comfortable shooting experience without the worry of scope bite.
Pros
- Ease of use
- Great low light performance
- Generous, eyeglass-friendly eye relief
- Sturdy and durable construction
Cons
- It does not offer high-end features like parallax adjustment or advanced reticles
3. CVLIFE 4-16×44 Red and Green Illuminated Scope
Next, we have the CVLIFE 4-16×44 Red and Green Illuminated Scope. This rifle scope offers an impressive combination of versatility, affordability, and performance for shooters seeking a reliable mid-range optic.
It is built a variable magnification range from 4x to 16x so it adapts well to both short- and long-range shooting applications. The 44mm objective lens gathers ample light to make the zoom power useful at every level.
Optically, this rifle scope stands out with the fully multi-coated optics that enhance light transmission for bright and clear image views. Furthermore, the inclusion of both red and green illumination settings enhances reticle visibility in a variety of lighting conditions, making it suitable for dawn, dusk, or overcast environments.
The scope also includes adjustable windage and elevation turrets that offer tactile, audible clicks for precise zeroing and holdover adjustments. Furthermore, the included sunshade is a welcome addition, reducing glare during bright shooting conditions and helping to maintain a clear sight picture.
Above all, it is built with a durable, shock-resistant aluminum body that holds up well under repeated recoil and rough handling.
Pros
- Exceptional value for budget-conscious users
- Lighted reticle
- Durable, shock-resistant aluminum body
- Bright and high-contrast image views
Cons
- Narrow eye relief
4. Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope
Whether you’re a recreational shooter, a varmint hunter, or just looking to upgrade your range setup, the Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope with Truplex Reticle performs reliably and consistently without breaking the bank.
As one of the best budget scopes for 308, it boasts a 50mm objective lens which allows for excellent light transmission, resulting in bright and clear images even during dawn or dusk when visibility is typically low.
The 3-9x magnification range offers versatility for various shooting scenarios, from close-range shots in dense woods to longer-range targeting in open fields. Furthermore, the Truplex reticle is clean and intuitive, providing quick target acquisition without unnecessary clutter.
Durability and user-friendliness are other strong suits of the Simmons 8-Point scope. It is waterproof, fog-proof, and recoil-proof to handle tough field conditions and repeated firing without losing zero. T
To top it all off, the scope features Simmons’ SureGrip rubber surfaces for easy adjustments, even with gloved hands, and the windage and elevation turrets provide smooth, audible clicks for precise zeroing.
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight construction
- Bright, high contrast images
- 100% waterproof, fog proof, and recoil proof
- User-friendly design
- Ample eye relief
Cons
- Adjustment ease issues
5. Athlon Optics Talos 4-16x40mm
Regarding performance and versatility, the Athlon Optics Talos 4–16×40mm 1‑inch tube rifle scope is hard to beat.
The scope delivers remarkably crisp clarity and sharp contrast across its magnification range, thanks to fully multi-coated lenses that boost light transmission. At 4×, the field of view is broad and bright, ideal for quick target acquisition, while 16× pushes you into fine aiming territory without significant distortion or edge softness.
More importantly, the glass is impressively clear, even in low-light conditions like twilight or dawn, and Athlon’s use of quality lens elements makes the Talos compete effortlessly with scopes in higher price brackets.
On the user side, the turrets offer tactile and audible clicks with reassuring precision, and zero-reset capabilities are straightforward to use in the field. The scope also features an intuitive fast-focus eyepiece and the parallax adjustment at 50 yards and beyond enables reliable target engagement at long distances.
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Versatile for hunting, target shooting, or general-purpose use
- Solid and reliable build quality
- Excellent optical performance f
Cons
- The one-inch tube constrains internal adjustment range compared to scopes with larger 30 mm tubes
6. Burris Fullfield E1 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Last but not least, we have the Burris Fullfield E1 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope. This is a versatile and reliable optic designed for hunters and shooters seeking solid performance without breaking the bank.
This scope is ideal for a wide variety of shooting applications, from deer hunting in wooded areas to longer-range shots in open fields. This is thanks to the 40mm objective lens that complements the 3-9x magnification range, allowing ample light transmission.
Furthermore, the scope features a 1-inch tube that’s compatible with a wide range of standard mounting systems and maintains a lightweight profile, which helps preserve the balance of your rifle.
Another standout feature that makes it one of the best budget scopes for 308 is the Ballistic Plex E1 reticle. Located in the second focal plane, the reticle offers simple yet effective holdover and windage compensation marks, making it easier to account for bullet drop and crosswinds without cluttering the sight picture.
To top it all off, the precision-ground lenses are multi-coated for excellent clarity and glare resistance, while the durable black finish and nitrogen-filled body ensure fog-proof and waterproof performance in harsh environments.
Pros
- Dependable accuracy
- Unmatched durability
- User-friendly features
- Great value for the price
- High-grade optical glass provides excellent brightness and clarity with lasting durability
Cons
- Tight eye relief at maximum magnification levels
How to Choose the Best Budget Scopes for 308
Choosing the best budget scope for a .308 rifle involves balancing performance, durability, and affordability without compromising essential features. Consider these key factors when making your selection:
Intended Use
First, consider the intended use of your rifle, whether for hunting, target shooting, or tactical application. This will influence the ideal magnification range and reticle style.
For most general-purpose uses, a variable scope with a 3-9x or 4-12x magnification is a versatile choice that suits the ballistic performance of the .308.
Optical Quality
Next, prioritize optical quality. Even in the budget category, look for scopes with fully multi-coated lenses, which enhance light transmission and deliver clearer, brighter images in various lighting conditions. A scope that performs well during early morning or late evening hours will make a significant difference, especially when hunting.
Durability
Next, durability is another critical factor. The best budget scopes for 308 should be shockproof, waterproof, and fog-resistant to withstand field conditions. Look for scopes made from aircraft-grade aluminum or similar rugged materials to ensure longevity. Additionally, a reliable scope should hold zero well even after repeated recoil from the .308’s substantial kick.
Reticle Options
Consider reticle options that aid in long-range shooting. A simple duplex reticle may suffice for hunting, while a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) or Mil-Dot reticle is more useful for precision shooting. Additionally, ensure the adjustments are easy to use and accurate, with clearly marked turrets that provide consistent tracking.
Eye Relief
Furthermore, pay attention to eye relief and eye box as well. The .308 has noticeable recoil, so a scope with generous eye relief at least 3.5 inches protects you from “scope bite” and provides a more forgiving shooting experience.
Size and Weight
Lastly, a scope that’s too large or heavy can negatively impact the balance and handling of your rifle, especially when you’re in the field for extended periods or shooting from offhand positions. Compact and lightweight scopes are the best for hunting or mobile applications because they reduce fatigue and maintain the rifle’s natural ergonomics.
Best Budget Scopes for 308 FAQs
- What is considered a budget scope for a .308 rifle?
A budget scope for a .308 typically falls within the $100 to $300 price range. These scopes offer reliable performance for general hunting and target shooting without the premium price tag.
- Can a budget scope handle the recoil of a .308 rifle?
Yes, many budget scopes are built to withstand moderate to heavy recoil. However, it’s crucial to choose a scope specifically rated for centerfire calibers like the .308, with shockproof construction.
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Are budget scopes accurate enough for hunting with a .308?
Yes. Many affordable scopes offer sufficient accuracy, clarity, and durability for deer hunting and other big game. Look for features like clear optics, consistent tracking, and weather resistance.
Conclusion
Hopefully, the information in this buying guide has helped you confidently choose a budget scope that maximizes the performance of your .308 rifle without overspending. Look at the features that each rifle scope is crafted with and settle for a model that offers a solid balance of clarity, durability, magnification, and reliability without breaking the bank.