Long-range shooting with the .308 Winchester demands more than just raw power; it requires a scope with excellent clarity, reliable tracking, and the ability to dial in precise adjustments over varying distances. This is whether the best scopes for 308 long range come into play.
The .308 Winchester is a powerful, versatile round used for hunting, target shooting, and tactical applications. Pairing it with a quality scope will help you get the most out of it and hone your skills at long ranges.
What Makes a Scope Ideal for .308 Long-Range Shooting?
An ideal scope for .308 Winchester for long-range shooting features:
1.Variable magnification range like 4-16x or 6-24x for easy target acquisition across vast ranges
2.High-quality optics and fully multi-coated lenses for clarity and light transmission in different lighting conditions
3. First focal plane (FFP) reticle. This reticle scales accurately with magnification and is better for ranging and holdovers at all magnifications
4. Exposed, tactical turrets that are easy and precise to adjust for elevation and windage
5. Parallax adjustment that is essential for accuracy at longer ranges
6. Durable Build Quality. Furthermore, the best scopes for 308 long range should be shockproof, waterproof, fog-proof
7. Generous eye relief at least 3.5–4 inches to handle .308 recoil safely and ensure comfortable shooting with or without eye glasses
Best Scopes for 308 Long Range
1. Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5–25×50mm is the best scope for 308 long range. Designed and built with premium features, it is an ideal choice for long-range precision and tactical versatility.
The selling point of this rifle scope is its optical platform. It delivers exceptional clarity across the entire magnification range, from 5× to 25×, with crisp resolution and vibrant color fidelity, even in challenging lighting conditions. Furthermore, the 50mm objective provides a bright sight picture, while high-quality fully-multi coated lenses minimize glare and maximize light transmission.
Regarding reticle, the scope’s first focal plane reticle retains true sub-tension size throughout the zoom range, enabling precise holdovers and range estimations at any magnification. Besides, its illuminated with multiple brightness settings that remain functional under low light.
Mechanically, the Viper PST Gen II is rock-solid and purpose-built. The 30mm one-piece tube is CNC-machined from a single block of aircraft-grade aluminum, making it strong yet surprisingly light. Additionally, the tactile zero-stop turrets with tactile and audible clicks allow for confident adjustments, while the tool-free locking mechanism ensures settings stay put.
Pros
- Crisp side parallax knob
- 100% waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof reliability
- Unmatched optical excellence
- Rugged engineering
- Functional design that meets the rigorous demands of competitive precision shooters, hunters, and tactical professionals alike
Cons
- Limited eye relief
2. Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36x56mm
Carrying the renowned Vortex name, the Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36x56mm is a top-tier riflescope engineered for precision long-range shooting and competition use.
Its selling point is robust build quality. Crafted with a robust 34mm aluminum tube, it exudes durability and confidence for demanding conditions. Furthermore, adjustments are crisp and tactile, with a locking zero-stop elevation turret and a side parallax knob that makes fine-tuning intuitive and efficient.
Optically, the massive 56mm objective lens, paired with Vortex’s premium HD optical system, delivers outstanding clarity, brightness, and edge-to-edge sharpness even in low-light scenarios.
Regarding reticle, the first focal plane (FFP) reticle remains accurate throughout the magnification range, ensuring precise holdovers and ranging at any zoom level. The scope also stands out with its exceptional magnification range of 6x to 36x, which provides incredible versatility for both mid- and extreme long-range engagements.
Pros
- Outstanding image brightness and clarity
- Versatile zoom range
- Solid build quality
- Ease of use
Cons
- Sits at a premium price point
3. Trijicon Tenmile TM3056 4.5-30x56mm
As one of the best scopes for 308 long range, the Trijicon Tenmile TM3056 4.5‑30×56mm rifle scope is an exceptionally well-rounded optic that excels in both build quality and optical performance.
The 4.5–30× magnification range, combined with a generous 56 mm objective lens, delivers bright, crisp images at all settings, whether you’re engaging targets at dusk or dialing in at extended ranges.
Moreover, the glass clarity is superb, showing no chromatic aberration or edge distortion even at full 30× zoom. The scope also features a first-focal-plane (FFP) reticle that scales consistently across the entire magnification range, a critical feature for precision shooters. It is also illuminated reticle with red and green options that provide excellent contrast in varying lighting conditions without excessive power draw.
Above all, this rifle scope boasts a robust housing but remains lightweight making it manageable on medium to large-caliber rifles.
Pros
- Military-grade durability
- Interchangeable mag-lever
- Illuminated reticle
- Easy-focus eyepiece
- Generous windage and elevation adjustment for maximum total travel
Cons
- Tight eye relief at high magnification levels
4. Athlon Optics Ares ETR UHD 4.5–30×56mm
When it comes to performance and versatility, the Athlon Optics Ares ETR UHD 4.5–30×56mm APRS1 is hard to beat. It is a robustly built, precise, and feature-loaded optic that rivals much more expensive competitors, offering long-range shooters a high-performance solution without breaking the bank.
This rifle scope is built on a super-compact 34mm main tube, which strikes a refreshing balance between durability and manageable bulk. It also provides ample room for adjustments and reticle movement.
Furthermore, the glass is impressively clear and crisp, thanks to Athlon’s UHD optics and fully multi-coated lenses that deliver bright and illuminated reticle clarity even in low-light conditions. With its ultra-low dispersion (ED) elements, color fidelity is sharp across the zoom range, and the FFP reticle ensures accurate holdover calculations no matter the magnification. T
Other noteworthy features included are a smooth to operate zero-stop turret and an exposed zoom ring that moves with ease and stays put during recoil.
Pros
- User-friendly design
- Compatible with a wide range of platforms
- Outstanding value for money
- Long eye relief
Cons
- Heavy
5. Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 Rifle Scope
Leupold optics are designed with ruggedness in mind and the Mark 5HD 5-25×56 is no different. This premium riflescope is engineered for long-range precision shooting where it delivers exceptional performance across the board.
Built around a robust 35mm main tube, the scope offers superior adjustment range and rugged durability without adding unnecessary weight. The 5-25x magnification range is highly versatile, allowing for both mid-range targeting and extreme long-distance shots with remarkable clarity.
Furthermore, the high-definition optical system produces bright, sharp images even in low-light conditions, making it ideal for early morning hunts or late-evening shooting sessions. The scope also has a large 56mm objective lens that works in tandem with Leupold’s proprietary Twilight Max HD Light Management System to enhance visibility and contrast when it matters most.
To top it all off, this rifle scope features precise and tactile M5C3 turrets that provide audible and positive clicks with zero-stop functionality, allowing for accurate elevation and windage adjustments on the fly.
Pros
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- Rugged, waterproof, and fog-proof design
- Remarkable long-range accuracy
- Outstanding low-light performance
- Generous eye relief
Cons
- Big budget
6. NightForce ATACR 5-25x56mm ZeroStop
Here is our last recommendation for the best scopes for 308 long range.
The NightForce ATACR 5-25x56mm ZeroStop Rifle Scope is a premier long-range optic that consistently earns praise for its exceptional build quality, advanced features, and superior optical clarity.
Built around a rugged 34mm tube and boasting high-density ED glass, this scope delivers outstanding image resolution and color contrast across the entire 5-25x magnification range.
Whether you’re dialing in at 5x or reaching out to 25x, the clarity and sharpness remain uncompromised, even in low-light conditions. This is thanks to the large 56mm objective lens that gathers ample light, making this scope ideal for early morning or twilight shooting.
Moreover, with its generous eye relief and a wide field of view, users enjoy both comfort and situational awareness. The patented ZeroStop elevation turret system allows for a precise and quick return to your original zero after making elevation adjustments and the turrets themselves are tactile and clearly marked.
Above all, the scope is built for real-world abuse with a waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof body.
Pros
- Long eye relief
- User-friendly design
- Rugged construction
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Exceptional glass clarity and edge-to-edge image sharpness
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier than most scopes in its class
Criteria for Choosing the Best Scopes for 308 Long Range
Here are the key factors you should consider when buying a long-range scope for 308.
Magnification
One of the most important considerations is magnification. Since long-range shooting typically involves engaging targets at distances of 500 yards or more, a scope with higher magnification, generally in the range of 5-25x, is ideal. This allows for better target identification and precision aiming at extended distances.
However, excessive magnification can limit your field of view and may not be practical for closer targets, so finding a balanced variable zoom scope is often the best choice.
Optical Clarity
To complement the high magnification, the best scopes for 308 long range should feature high-quality glass with fully multi-coated lenses. This ensures bright, sharp images and maximum light transmission, which is essential for shooting in low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk. Clear optics also help in distinguishing distant targets and spotting small details, which is vital for long-range precision.
Reticle Type
The type of reticle a scope uses plays a significant role in long-range accuracy. Reticles with MIL or MOA markings are preferred for long-range shooting because they provide reference points for holdovers and windage adjustments. An illuminated reticle is also essential in enhancing visibility in low-light conditions.
Turret Quality
Furthermore, turret quality and tracking reliability are equally important. Look for scopes with exposed, tactical-style turrets that offer precise, repeatable adjustments with audible clicks. Zero-reset and zero-stop features are also helpful for long-range shooters, allowing you to return to your original zero effortlessly after making temporary adjustments.
Build Quality
Next, consider the scope’s durability and build quality. A rugged, shockproof, waterproof, and fog-resistant design is crucial, especially when shooting in varied environmental conditions. Aircraft-grade aluminum construction and a solid one-piece tube help maintain zero and overall integrity under recoil from the .308 round.
Size and Weight
It is also important to look at the size and weight of the scope. A scope that is too bulky will throw off the rifle’s balance, making it harder to maintain steady aim, especially when shooting in unsupported positions. The best scopes for 308 long range balance size and weight with larger objective lenses and longer tubes to accommodate more advanced features like higher magnification and complex reticles without adding unnecessary bulk.
Tracking and Repeatability
When evaluating a scope, tracking and repeatability are critical factors, especially for long-range shooting. The best scopes for 308 long range should track consistently and return to zero accurately when adjusting elevation and windage turrets. Inconsistent tracking can lead to missed shots and unreliable adjustments, which is detrimental for precision shooting.
Eye Relief
Lastly, eye relief and eye box forgiveness should not be overlooked. Ample eye relief, typically around 3.5 to 4 inches, ensures comfort and safety, especially with the recoil from a .308. Furthermore, a generous eye box allows for quicker target acquisition and easier positioning behind the scope.
FAQs
- What magnification is best for long-range shooting with a .308?
For long-range shooting, 500 yards and beyond, a variable scope with at least 4-16x or 6-24x magnification is ideal. It offers enough zoom to clearly see distant targets while still being versatile for close and medium-range targets.
- What type of reticle is best for .308 long-range scopes?
Mil-Dot and MOA-based reticles are popular for precise range estimation and bullet drop compensation. Regarding focal plane, First focal plane (FFP) reticles are preferred as they maintain accurate holdovers across all magnification levels.
- How far can a .308 shoot accurately with a good scope?
With a quality and well-matched scope and quality ammo, a .308 can shoot effectively up to 800–1,000 yards, though 600 yards is often considered the optimal long-range sweet spot.
Final Words
Choosing the best scope for your .308 long-range rifle comes down to balancing precision, durability, and optical performance. A well-matched long-range scope should offer a wide magnification range, precise and repeatable turret adjustments, excellent glass clarity, and a reticle that supports accurate holdovers and windage corrections. Hopefully, this buying guide has steered you in the right direction.