Compact scope options

[Don357]

Does anyone know of an inexpensive compact scope that has a BDC calibrated for .308 and is compatible with a CETME. I plan on getting a Stanag style mount, but for now I am using a low profile claw rail with a 30mm red dot, so see thru rings are probably going to be a temporary option.
I've seen several scopes that I like,but they are all calibrated for .223 ARs. Any suggestions?

 

[wally]

See if you can still find one of the surplus German military scopes (Hendsholt?) for the G3. They probably aren't as inexpensive as they used to be. Looks right on my HK91 and very compact. I believe someone was also making replicas for a while.

 

[dogmush]

Define "compact" and "inexpensive"

I have a Burris MTAC 1-4x on my PTR. I chose it in part because I wanted to make sure it would clear the cocking handle when locked back. It works well, and the ballistic CQ reticle is pretty close for 7.62. Certainly "Battle Rifle" accurate. I can ring steel out to 500 pretty easy.

Primary Arms has a smaller, cheaper prismatic scope with their ACSS reticle.
https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_4X_Prism_Scope_p/pac4xadb3.htm
but it uses a ACOG like mount, and might be a bit high. I've used the ACSS on my AR and it's a good reticle. It should also be pretty close on 7.62.

The thing to remember with BDC's is they aren't super accurate. They are designed for quick COM shots at different ranges. Due to different loads, barrel lengths, and conditions they just won't be as accurate as knowing your dope, and dialing it in.


ETA: the Hensoldts are like $600 now, and while they have a ranging reticle, it's not a BDC.

 

[henschman]

If you see a scope you like that is calibrated for a .223 AR, get it. The trajectory of 7.62x51 147 grain M80 ball is nearly identical to 55 and 62 grain 5.56 (which is what those 5.56 scopes are all calibrated for) out to 600 yards. I have had a Burris TAC30 on 3 different .308s (a M-14 and two different ARs), and it's 5.56 reticle was good for consistent torso hits out to 600 yards on the M-14... I only confirmed it out to 500 on the .308 ARs, but it was dead on. Also those .308 ARs had 18" barrels, which is real close to what your CETME has.

FWIW I highly recommend the Burris TAC30/MTAC. In fact it is the cheapest one I would recommend, as it's pretty much the cheapest you can go without getting into Chinese glass, which is universally awful.

I also would recommend against anything with a fixed ACOG-type base, like the Primary Arms model mentioned above and the similar Burris AR332. Sure they are compact like you want, but they would just sit way too high for any kind of comfortable precision shooting position with the drop at comb the CETME has. No amount of raising the cheek rest is going to change that. Believe me, I've already been through this trying to make an ACOG work on an M-14. I would get a tube body scope, mount it in the lowest rings that will clear, and build up the comb to match.

 

[Don357]

Thanks for the info. I don't plan on shooting long distance, no more than 300yds max, and I didn't want a scope that was as long as my rifle to hunt with. especially with a 12lb rifle that does double duty as a home defense rifle. I've found a 2.5-10x42 Firefield that would fit my needs perfectly for around $100.

 

[shotgunjoel]

I have a Burris MTAC 1-4x on my PTR. I chose it in part because I wanted to make sure it would clear the cocking handle when locked back. It works well, and the ballistic CQ reticle is pretty close for 7.62. Certainly "Battle Rifle" accurate. I can ring steel out to 500 pretty easy.

I like my MTAC. The Tac30 is pretty much just the economy version of the MTAC.

 

[henschman]

If you're shooting no more than 300 yards, you really don't need a BDC scope.

That Firefield is exactly what I would NOT recommend... cheap Chinese glass, and tall AR-height fixed base. The reasons for not going with cheap Chinese stuff are twofold... one, it's going to have poor optical quality, I.e. light transmission and eye box; Two, they break easily.

Keep in mimd, CETMEs are not known for being easy on low quality glass. It's a friggin blowback operated weapon firing a full power rifle round.