Favorite .308 optics?

[Trisha]

OK, I admit it: I'm just now giving in to scoping my .308 as the years are taking a toll on my eyesight (the optometrist actually said bifocals next time around!).

Hence, I pose the question to this august collage of individuals: what's your favorite scope? Not "What I would buy with a clean Platinum card;" but simply what do you like, how long have you been using that specific one, andf why wouldn't you part with it?

Trisha

 

[AK103K]

I had a Sheperd scope that I miss. Its the fastest rangefinding scope I've ever used. It works as advertised. Wish I still had it and the rifle it was on. Leupold's are the other scopes I use. I really like the 1.5x5 for an all around scope.

 

[Zak Smith]

For a .308 hunting rifle, I would use a Leupold Vari-XIII 1.5-5X or 2-8X. Keep it on the lowest power in case you are surprised by close game; dial it up when you need to for long shots.

-z

 

[sasnofear]

since you are using .308, and you say it's your eyesight, im guessing its not for close range, but maby 600yrd stuff?

then i would say maby bushnell what every type suits you because i dont know what exactly your looking for. Tasco do a mean scope as well. if your willing to spend extra for quality then i would suggest a leupold X10 or whatever.

 

[cola8d8]

I just put a Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20X50 on a 30 cal rifle. I like it. You might like the 3-9 better. The conquest prices are pretty reasonable.

 

[762x51]

I'm using a 4.5-14 Leupold. Works for me. What ranges and uses are we talking here though?

 

[HSMITH]

Leupold scopes period for me, at least until I can spend more than $400 on a scope. When funds get better I may try something else, but as of now Leupold is the absolute best I can afford. I have tried just about everything priced at or below the Leupolds, nothing else stacks up.

 

[cola8d8]

HSMITH:

The Conquest line is comparable to the Leupolds in price. A little more but I like mine better than the Leupolds. I did have to wait about 2 full months to get one in 6.5-20X50

 

[MacPelto]

Burris 2 3/4 IER scoutscope, in forward mount. Read a bit of Cooper's writings on the advantage of a forward mounted scope, and give it a shot. I don't have a Cooper Scout, just an old Remington with a forward mounted scope, but I've come to love it. If you're used to ironsights, it just might be your thing.

 

[Trisha]

Thanks!

Actually, I'm hoping to get reliable out to 400 yards - and I may yet give in and buy a Steyr Scout...

This is for mule deer at that range, and elk within 150 yards (mountainous territory herebouts, mostly).

Trisha

 

[Kahr carrier]

Leupold clear optics

 

[Soap]

Trisha-

Since you're talking sub-400 yard ranges I would heartily suggest the Leupold Vari-X III 1.75-6x. This scope will tough out inclimate weather. The lower end is good for doing snap shooting or shooting on running game. The higher end is high enough for shooting large game at reasonable extended range. Plus Loopy has a nice warranty as well.

 

[Sactown]

The Weaver Grand Slam series is pretty good. Good prices and great optics. Small finger adjustable target turrets. I've no complaints. The picture is bright and clear.

 

[cheygriz]

Leupold and Nikon are, in my experience, the best of the low cost scopes by a wide margin. For a .308, I would get a 6X42 fixed power.

Obviously, a Hensoldt, Zeiss, Kahles or Schmidt & Bender is superior, but they tend to be a bit pricey, and are probably more that most of us need.

 

[Marshall]

Leupold Vari-X II and III

Burris Fullfield II w/Ballistic Plex

And, I am getting ready to go look at Bushnell's New Illuminator. No batteries, no nuthin! During the day it it shows a black reticle, when it gets dim outside it starts glowing bright green. Also, if thru the scope part of what you see is is in sun and part is shadowed, the shadowed part will light up green while the sunny part stay's black!

I have never used a Bushnell on anything but a air rifle or little .22 but, these look darn nice!

Your choice of fixed or X-power for whatever you need?


Marshall

 

[cratz2]

I've recently found the nirvana of high end optics. Really stunning. Do 99% of us need them? No, not really. Are they WAAYYYYY nice? Yup!

But for practical-priced optics, I really like the Weaver Grand Slam. Certainly comparable to VariX IIIs at (possibly less than) VariX II prices. Can't say enough good about them.

Of course, many people are happy with their Leupolds. That many people can't be wrong but they seem a tad overpriced to me.

 

[MolonLabe416]

For your applications I'd say one of the following from a good optic house. - Don't scrimp here, you'll regret it. Leupold, Trijicon, Swarovski, etc.

Fixed 4x.
Fixed 6x.
Fixed 2.5x if you go with the Scout scope forward configuration
1.25-4X illuminated reticle if you go variable.

The fixed 4x is the lightest and simplist solution and will do 95% of what needs doing to ~400 yards, the "nylon snipers" notwithstanding.

Variables have come a long way in recent years, and a 1.25-4x works well for up close and personal urban work, snap shooting in thick woods, etc., while the 4x allows you to own it out to ~400 yards.

For all but very special applications, I can't see a need for
the 3-9x and up scopes for most situations.

Good luck.

 

[Preacherman]

Trisha, I'd like to add my strong recommendation to go for the Steyr Scout, if you want one. Mine has replaced half-a-dozen other bolt-action rifles that are no longer needed! When they call this "the best general-purpose rifle on the market", IMHO they are absolutely correct! I use the Leupold 2.5x Scout Scope on it, and can make hits with reasonable accuracy out to 200-250 yards with it. If I wanted to shoot further, the receiver is slotted for a conventional scope mount position as well, so I could put a 3x9 or 4x12 on it and still have all the other good features.

 

[Skullboy]

For hunting on my .308, I use a Leupold Vari-X III 4.5X14-40mm Tactical scope with the Mil Dot reticle.

For my Competition .308, I use a Premier Reticles Leupold Mark 4 M-1 16X with luminous Mil Dot reticle.This scope has been excellent out to 600 meters.HTH.

SKBY.