Scope for a .308

[newglockguy]

I just bought a Remington 700 SPS in a .308 and now I'm looking for a scope to put on it. I was thinking about a Vortex Viper but then my buddy told me to check out Leupold. Since I can't decide I thought I'd get some more opinions. I'd use it initially for target shooting to get my form down then use it for deer and maybe boar. Thoughts?

 

[creeper1956]

How much money? That, more than most variables, seems to be the deciding factor for most folks.

 

[TheCracker]

I've got the Nikon buckmaster 6-18x40 on my tactical 308. It's great for the money. About $349 at midwayusa. Well over a thousand rounds with a lot of dialing up an down. Never a problem

 

[TheCracker]

Btw, mine is the mildot reticle

 

[kyletx1911]

I have a redfield revoulition on mine

 

[Halal Pork]

Cabela's has a sale on the Zeiss Conquest, $299 for a 3-9x with free delivery. You might consider that before the price goes back up. There are a lot of good choices out there though.

 

[sixgunner455]

If you're going to be using it for hunting, then get that Vortex Viper or a Leupold or Nikon or Zeiss Conquest, 2-7 or 3-9, and you'll have everything you'll need. They all make pretty good scopes, just pick out one you can afford that has a good reputation/good reviews. Get the BDC reticle if you want it, or get the regular duplex reticle.

I like the BDC reticles I've used on Zeiss and Burris scopes. Those reticles, combined with a good laser rangefinder, make target shooting more rewarding and predictable, and help you miss less while hunting.

Good on you for planning to practice a lot. You've got a good rifle for what you're planning to do.

 

[R H Clark]

For hunting,unless it is extremly long range,which a new hunter shouldn't attempt anyway,a low power scope is best.

 

[sixgunner455]

He's in AZ. Close range shots are more a matter of luck than predictability here. He needs a good scope and plenty of range time, shooting positions.

BTW, newglockguy, another big aid to your practice would be a .22 set up as close to your hunting rifle as possible. You'll be able to afford to shoot it a lot more, and tolerate the shooting of it a lot longer than your .308.

Just a suggestion.

 

[CharlieDeltaJuliet]

First of all, congratulations. I have the SPS Tactical AAC-SD, I love it. I ended up putting a Vortex Viper on mine. I own a Leupold Mk4 ( on my 30-06) and it too is a great scope. For a "tactical"(exposed adjustment knobs) scope under $1500, the Bushnell Tactical Elites and HDMR's are my favorites. Most of the $600-1500 scopes are really good. If you want to go all out, a March, USO, Premier, or S&B are some of he very best period.

 

[ms6852]

Cjohnson has given you great advice. But I would like to add a statement in reference to the Leupold MK4's. They are great great scopes but personally I have major concern about purchasing one. This scopes have only 60 MOA of internal adjustment and depending how much you use to zero your rifle you may be left with only 15 to 20 MOA of elevation adjustment. If you are only going to use it for hunting than it is enough, but if you ever plan on shooting at targets long distance you may not have enough elevation to get you there. So make sure you buy a 20 or 30 MOA base to get you your long range distance.

 

[allaroundhunter]

You do not need an $800+ rifle scope for hunting deer and boar. If you are going to stretch the legs of that rifle and push it out past 600 yards, then go for it; but for what you are asking, I would say that any good 3-9x or 4-12x under $500 would be a good choice. (Leupold, Nikon, Vortex, Zeiss, just to name a few)

 

[powderx]

Nikon fan here. Best value of them ALL in my opinion. Clarity is superb. Own at least 8 of them and they're all winners. My .308 target rifle with 26" fluted barrel wears a 6-24. A .223 target rifle wears a 4.5-14. A .22 Hornet got a 4-12. Most everything else a 3-9x40. All are either ProStaff or Buckmasters and I couldn't be happier with every one of them.

 

[I6turbo]

There are so many options in scopes, and then so many variables in how you might be using the gun/scope, it's almost impossible for anyone to recommend a "best" choice, even if you have a pretty big budget and you find someone with very broad experience. Especially if the law of diminishing returns means anything to you and your budget. But, if your ultimate intent is to hunt deer and boar, with your target range work being for the purpose of preparing for the deer and boar hunting, you don't need an expensive scope, IMO. A good 3-9 or 4-12 should be plenty adequate. Like kyletx1911, I have a Redfield Revolution (that I bought early this year for $109 total with a sale and rebate combo), and real-world use, it's a GREAT scope for the price (typical street price is about $175 - $199 for the 3-9x40 4-plex). Very clear reticle, very clear target image, pretty bright, and like U.S.-made Redfields always have, it feels like a rugged, quality item even compared to some more costly competition. That said, there are lots of very good scopes out there in the $200-$300 street-price range, IMO.

 

[jmr40]

If within your budget this is the best scope for the money right now by a long shot.

http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/zeiss.pl?page=521460

If you can get a Zeiss for $359 you had better buy it while you can get it at this price.

Zeiss or Leupold are the top 2 brands for a reason. There are features I like about both and I usually give the nod to Leupold for a couple of reasons. One being that Leupolds are usually less expensive. But this is more than $100 less than a comparable Leupold.

 

[WVRJ]

I have a 6-18 VX-II Leupold on my VTR 308.It has enough power for me to shoot long range targets,and can be turned down to hunt with.I shoot a lot and can pick moving game up in a 6X ok.You may not want quite that much.And the target turrets do stick out and like to bump things if you're not careful.Leupold is a good scope for the money IMO,but there are plenty of others that will more than get the job done.

 

[TIMC]

Leupold VX3 6.5-20 sits on mine.

 

[finnwolf64]

Zeiss makes excellent scopes, Leupold makes good scopes, Nikon makes good cameras, & Vortex is the swirling effect when you flush your toilet.

 

[stubbicatt]

There's a lot of good scopes. Figure what you wish to do with it, and buy one with the reticle that works for you, with the features you desire.

I spent many hours at Midway USA and SWFA working through the options and narrowing my choices down. If instead I could have gone to a location with one of each in stock to examine, I would probably saved a lot of time.

I can say that comparing the Nikon "coyote special" (or something like that) glass to the Leupold Varmint reticle glass, the Leupold appeared yellow to me, the Nikon sharp as day. That the Nikon was less expensive sealed the deal for me.

 

[Sav .250]

Some time opinions just add to the confussion. Go to your local Bass Pro (if you have one) and look over what they have. Most name brand scopes are about the same. Dollar for dollar. I`d suggest a var. 2-7 or maybe a 3-9. There are plenty to be had in most all price ranges.

 

[Zeke/PA]

Check out the Nikon Pro Staff offerings as these are very good both optically and adjustment wise.
I presently own four of the same on various rifles and in my opinion the quality is there AND the price is right!

 

[valnar]

Zeiss Conquest, even at the regular price is the best value around.