Scope recommendation for 308

[Sniper66]

Most of us who have been around for several decades went thru the cheap scope era of our lives, followed by getting rid of all of them and buying good stuff. Don't buy junk!!

 

[cdb1]

Don't buy junk!!

And the UTG scope is definitely junk IMO.

 

[John Mcmillion]

Thanks, guys for giving me your inputs! I really do appreciate it! After reading some comments here and browsing through a couple of blog posts on scopes, I'm going to opt in for the Vortex Optics Diamondback. It has a lot of good reviews on Amazon and it seems like a lot of people like the scope. Also, I just read ScopesField blog post on the best .308 rifle scope and they did mention how the Vortex Diamondback is a superb scope.
https://scopesfield.com/best-scope-for-308/

 

[Walkalong]

Also, I just read ScopesField blog post on the best .308 rifle scope and they did mention how the Vortex Diamondback is a superb scope.
https://scopesfield.com/best-scope-for-308/

They also put a UTG at #2.

But yes, the Diamondback is a great upgrade from the UTG brand.

 

[cdb1]

They also put a UTG at #2.

But yes, the Diamondback is a great upgrade from the UTG brand.

I just went to the Scopes Field website and read the article referenced by John McMillion. They have a Crossfire ranked number 5. Just my opinion but to me that website lacks veracity.

 

[cdb1]

There are two people whose opinions I trust when it comes to optics: Ilya Koshkin and John Barsness.

 

[greyling22]

I like the weaver classic and grand slam lines above all others in the $150-250. but that is just me. I know that this weekend I mounted a diamondback and a redfield revolution on 2 rifles for an uncle. The diamondback was significantly better, both optically and mechanically. especially in the turrets.....

 

[LiveLife]

I'm thinking about buying a 308 rifle for deer hunting and was wondering which scope you guys would recommend?

UTG 3-12x44 30mm compact scope. It's cheap (only $97) ... Should I buy the UTG or are there any other recommendations?

While I use some of UTG products happily, for scopes around $97 range, I believe there are better options.

Last year, I was in search of better of economy scopes (to replace 10 year old Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm that was going to be used for Ruger 10/22) and compared these for 100 yard load testing, especially for low light conditions - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...nated-9-99-after-30-mir.836965/#post-10853496

NOTE: I have happily been using Bushnell Dusk & Dawn AO 6-18x50mm for a few years for 100 yard accuracy testing of my ARs.

• Leupold American Marksman 3-9x40mm (Lifetime warranty, paid $149.99) - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-marksman-3-9x40-149-99-free-shipping.825138/
  
• Bushnell Trophy 3-9x40mm (Lifetime warranty, paid $26.99 after $50 MIR) - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...nated-9-99-after-30-mir.836965/#post-10845880
• Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn AO 6-18x50mm (Lifetime warranty, paid $97 at Walmart on clearance)

"6/10/18 UPDATE: Received the Bushnell Trophy 3-9x40mm scopes and compared to Leupold American Marksman 3-9x40mm and Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn AO 6-18x50mm tonight.

Between 9 PM and 9:30 PM PST, I focused on a car grill emblem parked 100 yards away and nearby objects under canopy of 100+ feet of redwood and pine trees without any other ambient lighting.

Even with diminishing ambient lighting that made it difficult to see the grill emblem with my eyes, I was able to clearly see the emblem with Leupold. (FYI, for my eyes, Leupold Marksman 3-9x40mm provides brighter view than my old Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm)

But the surprise came when I viewed the Bushnell Trophy 3-9x40mm. Initially, Bushnell Trophy view seemed slightly brighter than Marksman. I went back and forth with Leupold Marksman and while Leupold Marksman provided bright sharp images of grill emblem and car body parts, Bushnell Trophy seemed to register sharper initial image that I did not need to adjust to. I adjusted the focus of both scopes and my impression is Bushnell Trophy is on par with Leupold Marksman or has slight edge.

Then I viewed the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn AO 6-18x50mm with zoom set at 9x and AO set at 100 yards. By now, it was close to 9:30 PM with ambient light dimming but the view was brighter than Leupold Marksman and Bushnell Trophy viewed earlier with more ambient lighting. I was able to clearly see the grill emblem and with increased zoom to 18x, see a lot more clearly."

For low light use, Bushnell Trophy 3-9x50mm is another consideration at $99 - https://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Tro...=iVaQj&refRID=19HMCJBV2X9XZ3FBMK0B&th=1&psc=1

 

[LiveLife]

I'm going to opt in for the Vortex Optics Diamondback. It has a lot of good reviews on Amazon and ... ScopesField ... did mention how the Vortex Diamondback is a superb scope.

They also put a UTG at #2. But yes, the Diamondback is a great upgrade from the UTG brand.

At 4-12x40mm, you could consider Bushnell Dusk & Dawn for $95 at price point of $97 UTG - https://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-614124-Adjustable-Objective-Riflescope/dp/B00J2RGEXE/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1539740862&sr=1-4&keywords=bushnell+dusk+and+dawn+scope&th=1&psc=1

But I would suggest Bushnell Dusk & Dawn AO 6-18x50mm for $105 instead - https://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-614124-Adjustable-Objective-Riflescope/dp/B00IYHG1MM/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1539740862&sr=1-4&keywords=bushnell+dusk+and+dawn+scope&th=1&psc=1

And there's Bushnell Dusk & Dawn Mil Dot AO 6-24x40mm for $139 - https://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Ret..._rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=8P4WJK9MKSZFG9WGNQQC

 

[Bixster_inc]

My only experience with UTG products have been a 15" key mod hand guard and a 3x magnifier for a red dot optic.
Both were disappointing.
Both went in the trash when I couldn't even give them away.

One thing I wish I could get back is money spent on inferior optics when I should've saved a little while longer and got something better. On the other hand one day I really wanted a high quality 1-6 power optic for an AR15 I built but I stumbled upon a Vortex Strike Eagle for around $330. It's clear, it illuminates and at full power (6) I was able to consistently hit clays we'd set up between 200 and 300 yards out with off the shelf .223 ammo which is really good with my eyes. Another nice thing is at 1.5 power for me, may vary for other people, with the reticle illuminated I can use it like a red dot when I need quicker target acquisition.

I also used the scope on a Remington 700 .308 for trampling around in the brush during a pig hunt and it handled the higher recoil fine.

I also don't want to forget to mention Vortex has IMO the best warranty/customer service program. I over tightened a mount on another one of their scopes I have, cracked the tube, let the gas out leaving me with a scope that couldn't hold 0. I sent it back, but in my haste forgot to include the warranty paperwork in the package so they had no idea what was going on with it when they got it. Within a few days I received a letter from them asking me to call them with the details. I made the call, referenced the job number from their letter, a really nice lady asked me a few questions and a week or so later I got my scope back good as new.

In a world where customer service is a dying art and companies do whatever they can to get out of backing their products I was blown away that I broke it, fumbled horribly on the return and they STILL took care of me despite having to go considerably out of their way to make me happy.

Now I feel the need to say that aside from owning now 3 soon to be 4 of their scopes, 2 red dots, a 3x magnifier, range finder, QD cantilever mount and a razor reflex sight I have no affiliation with Vortex.

 

[Legionnaire]

My hunting rigs wear Leupolds or Vortex Vipers. As a rule, the Vortex scopes are heavier than the Leupolds. I would have no qualms buying a good used specimen of either brand.

If I were buying new to scope a hunting rifle in .308, I don't think you can beat the price on this Leupold VX-3i: https://www.bearbasin.net/product_p/leu170680.htm

 

[cdb1]

I’ve not been impressed with any Crossfire I’ve looked through, and I’ve mounted a whole bunch of them for people. I think the Diamondback is pretty decent.

 

[Mosin Bubba]

Most of us who have been around for several decades went thru the cheap scope era of our lives, followed by getting rid of all of them and buying good stuff. Don't buy junk!!

Scopes are definitely one thing where you get what you pay for.

 

[redneck2]

If I were buying new to scope a hunting rifle in .308, I don't think you can beat the price on this Leupold VX-3i: https://www.bearbasin.net/product_p/leu170680.htm

I have that scope in 4-14 on my .22 CZ It is excellent. Was worth the $500 I paid. That’s approaching a screaming deal price

 

[GooseGestapo]

For me it depends on the rifle that the scope is going on, and principle use.

My Remington Mod-7 in 7mm08 wears my favorite “HUNTING” scope. An older Leupold VariX III 2.5-8x. I’ve had the rifle/scope combo since 2004. Together, they have accounted for an impressive amount of game in that time. Including a 6x6 elk by my best friend in 2006, who I loaned it to. He shot it at 250yds, and I had put the scope on 4x after I had him sight it in to him. I got it back, still on 4x.
I seldom move it off 2.5 where I typically leave it.

My Mod-7 in .260win wears an older Nikon ProHunter from before they cheapened them and went to clam-shell plastic packaging. Made in Philippines, not China like current ones. It shoots tiny groups, is very bright and has proven to track adjustments reliabily). Only time I’ve ever shot a deer with it on 9x (or anytime above basic 3X) was on an airport where I shot a doe at a lased 478yds with a Hornady 129gr SST. I was prone, and sand bagged. I hit the deer, but lost it due to double lung hit. 3 days later, I found it as coyotes and buzzards were working it over. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.

Only on a Varmint/Target/RangeToy, would I put a scope on of greater than 3-9. The deer in my avatar was shot out my kitchen window with a Rem Mod-7 in .223. It wears a Bushnell 4-12X AO, Dusk-Dawn from about 6yrs ago. The most recent ones I’ve seen on display at Academy are different and junk! NOT the same scope. BTW, shot was 148yds lased, scope was not moved off 4X...

This morning was opening day of gun season. I hunted with a new-to-me Marlin .308MXLR. It wears a 2-7X Leupold VX1. I had it on approx 2.5.
My second favorite scope/magnification. As best I recall, I have 6 of them if I count Nikons and Bushnell.

I’ve only ever bought 3 new Leupolds. The rest of the 2 dozen I’ve bought used. 5 have had to go back for repairs. Only one cost me anything to repair. That was because I had a different reticle installed. One they couldn’t repair, so they sent me a new scope! (VariX III 1.5-5 was replaced by VX3 1.5-5; actually a significantly better scope!) I’m partial to Leupolds.

 

[Walkalong]

An older Leupold VariX III 2.5-8x

Same scope that was on my .308 for close to 30 years. Yep, 2.5 and it's wide FOV is all you need up to 200 yards easy.

 

[303 hunter]

Redfield Revolution is an excellent scope for the money. I’ve got a 4-12x40 and I’ve been very happy with it. I’m about to put a Burris Fullfield 3-9x40 on my Ruger Gunsite Scout 308. They’ve got good glass and are very affordable.

 

[1911 guy]

UTG has two product lines, the "UTG Pro" line is decent quality. There is no glass, either optics or magnifiers, in the Pro line. The standard (not Pro) line is marketed to Airsoft, etc.

Vortex has become my new favorite for quality and value. Burris and Nikon are the best "budget" scopes. Nikon above Burris. From there go right to the "good stuff" that isn't in the bargain bin.

 

[cdb1]

Burris and Nikon are the best "budget" scopes. Nikon above Burris.

I’ll take a Fullfield II over any of the ProStaff line.

 

[Flatbush Harry]

For a hunting rifle, and for deer in particular, I would use the set-up I have on my Ruger 77RSI in .308 Win...a 2.5-8x36 Leupold VX-3. The scope is small, light, and more than enough magnification with excellent glass clarity for distances out past 300 yards. I use 168 gr Accubonds or Ballistic Tips for deer and 180 gr Accubonds for elk. The whole package is 8 pounds and doesn't extend past my head when I sling it. I also have a Vortex Viper HST on my other .308 hunting rifle. Also a great option. Good glass, durable, and a great warranty on each.

Good hunting,

 

[Bill1225]

My personal fav scope for a short action deer rifle is the leupold 2.5-8 vx3 I have one on my 308 feather weight and couldn't be happier performance wise and visually on my rifle

 

[cdb1]

My personal fav scope for a short action deer rifle is the leupold 2.5-8 vx3 I have one on my 308 feather weight and couldn't be happier performance wise and visually on my rifle

In my opinion about the most versatile scope around. And a whole lot of scope for the money.