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Scope recommendations for .308
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peterk123
NES Member
This is NES. We all shoot .125 inch groups. You shoot 1 MOA then you just plain suck
Grendizer138
NES Member
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Nice. Steiner makes decent scopes, and have a no BS lifetime warranty. Can’t go wrong there.
My .308 has a 1-8x on it, but I’m trying to decide if I should move that to my AR, and put a Burris 3-18x on the 308.
But of course, this is definitely “steel-clanger” mentality all the way.
Grendizer138
NES Member
Ok rifle it on the way. Might arrive Tuesday if all goes well or at the latest Saturday (hopefully).
What is my purpose with this rifle? The chances I'll be hunting with it are low. That really isn't my thing and I live in MA. It will mainly be for target shooting. What is my goal with it? That is hard to say. As it stands now 200 yards is the longest I have easy access to. I envision myself shooting ant sized targets at 200 yards but in reality I'll be happy with getting good tightish groups at that range. I won't be satisfied with just clanging torso sized steel.
I am also not in lala land here. I realize that this rifle is not a precision rifle with all the fine fancy adjustments one can make to the gun. It is a bolt action that I can make some adjustments to. Out of the entire package I will be the weakest link at the beginning.
As it stands now I have two scopes I'm leaning to. One reason from what has been suggested here and the other is I can get them locally. Both are Vortex.
The cheaper of the two is the Diamondback Tactical. I can get that in 4-16x or 6x24x. Both are available.
The more expensive scope is Vortex Viper PST FFP in 5-25x. It is more then double the price of the other one. I know of two places I can get this.
Do I want to spend double? No but if it is going to serve me better I am ok with it.
I am also open to other suggestions.
Thanks
What is my purpose with this rifle? The chances I'll be hunting with it are low. That really isn't my thing and I live in MA. It will mainly be for target shooting. What is my goal with it? That is hard to say. As it stands now 200 yards is the longest I have easy access to. I envision myself shooting ant sized targets at 200 yards but in reality I'll be happy with getting good tightish groups at that range. I won't be satisfied with just clanging torso sized steel.
I am also not in lala land here. I realize that this rifle is not a precision rifle with all the fine fancy adjustments one can make to the gun. It is a bolt action that I can make some adjustments to. Out of the entire package I will be the weakest link at the beginning.
As it stands now I have two scopes I'm leaning to. One reason from what has been suggested here and the other is I can get them locally. Both are Vortex.
The cheaper of the two is the Diamondback Tactical. I can get that in 4-16x or 6x24x. Both are available.
The more expensive scope is Vortex Viper PST FFP in 5-25x. It is more then double the price of the other one. I know of two places I can get this.
Do I want to spend double? No but if it is going to serve me better I am ok with it.
I am also open to other suggestions.
Thanks
DarthRevan
NES Member
Rockrivr1
NES Member
I think these are subjective to the user. I have two rifles with Vortex Vipers and they work great. Is it the same glass and clarity with my Nightforce ATACR, no and I wouldn’t expect it to be. I find the Vortex glass to be similar to my Leupold MK4 scope.
I do realize there is better stuff out there. I'm trying to stay around $1000 max and be able to source locally if possible. If you have some suggestions that would be great.
That is a little above what I want to spend right now. I'm not saying I wont go there but I'd like not to. Thanks!
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View: https://youtu.be/1TpagmXG3xM?si=mvnnc8OdS7xEskda
Check this guy out for options. I have a bunch of different brands in your price range and you can do better than vortex glass.
No matter what scope you choose, you can always "do better". The important question is, how much better does it REALLY need to be, and how much does that cost?
The OP says he's going to be shooting targets at 200 yards. Spend a hundred (or a few hundred) bucks on something that looks good, and then go have fun. If at some time, you need more, go buy it.
The OP says he's going to be shooting targets at 200 yards. Spend a hundred (or a few hundred) bucks on something that looks good, and then go have fun. If at some time, you need more, go buy it.
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Have you actually test driven any scopes?
Looked at some different reticles to see which ones appealed to you?
Compared Ffp vs sfp models to see which you prefer? Compared different magnifications to see what range you prefer? If you haven’t, then I reiterate what I said earlier in that your first scope purchase will almost certainly be the wrong one, so go cheap. If you’d like to compare some various scopes out on the range and don’t mind driving to do it, shoot me a PM. I have a decent variety you can try. I pretty much suck shooting scopes, but that doesn’t stop me from buying them. I have from 1-6x models up to 5.5-30x models of various rifles.
I have not test driven any scopes for this gun yet. It has all come together within the last week so I haven't had much free time yet.
I have two scoped firearms. One is a Ruger 10/22 with a Bushnell Banner 3-9x 40mm. I like this scope. I find it has been pretty accurate once I zeroed it in. For $90 I can't complain. My other is a Ruger Super Redhawk in 44mag. I have a Burris Handgun scope that is 2-7x 32mm. I do not like this scope. Not enough eye relief. It needs to be doubled. At minimum magnification if I hold it just right at arms length I can see ok. At max it is not usable.
I may take you up on your offer depending on how far away you are. I'll toss you a PM in a bit.
Ya know, as I re-read through this post, it occurs to me that you said you don’t really know how to shoot a rifle, and let’s say it will take you about 1,000 rounds of ammo to properly learn how to shoot a rifle. At over $1 per round for decent 308 ammo, that’s over $1,000 just to learn how to shoot a scoped rifle properly.
Here’s a thought, buy yourself a $500 bolt action .22 rimfire rifle, or even a semi-auto, and a case of 5,000 rounds of decent quality CCI type rimfire ammo and have fun learning to shoot a scoped rifle. The rimfire rifle and ammo will cost less than the 308 ammo and it will be way more pleasant to shoot. You can practice at much shorter distances from 25-100 yards, and if you choose properly, the scope you buy will work perfectly on the rimfire, and then also on the 308.
When you’re done, you’ll know how to shoot a scoped rifle, will have learned a LOT about rifle shooting and scopes, and will have a nice rimfire rifle to play with, or introduce others to the sport of shooting without all the noise and recoil of a 308 rifle. And you will have saved a decent amount of money.
Just a thought…
Here’s a thought, buy yourself a $500 bolt action .22 rimfire rifle, or even a semi-auto, and a case of 5,000 rounds of decent quality CCI type rimfire ammo and have fun learning to shoot a scoped rifle. The rimfire rifle and ammo will cost less than the 308 ammo and it will be way more pleasant to shoot. You can practice at much shorter distances from 25-100 yards, and if you choose properly, the scope you buy will work perfectly on the rimfire, and then also on the 308.
When you’re done, you’ll know how to shoot a scoped rifle, will have learned a LOT about rifle shooting and scopes, and will have a nice rimfire rifle to play with, or introduce others to the sport of shooting without all the noise and recoil of a 308 rifle. And you will have saved a decent amount of money.
Just a thought…
While there is some truth to this it is not entire accurate. I can shoot my rifles. I can also use more practice. I am open to learning and advice in that aspect but that is for a different thread.
As I mentioned a couple of posts up, I do have a Ruger 10/22. It is scoped with a Bushnell 3-9x 40mm scope. It comes to the range with me almost every time. One of my favorites. I also have 3 other .22 rifles. All are iron sights. I have a Henry Youth which is a fun plinker. Mossberg 44 which is a bolt action. This was handed down to me a few years ago. A bit awkward for me to shoot since I'm left handed and it is missing its magazine. It does shoot well once it gets warmed up. Slightly sticky firing pin. Recently I was given a Remington Nylon 66. I have not tried this one yet. Haven't been to the range since I acquired it. Maybe this weekend if time allows.
I would be ok without a scope on the new rifle but it doesn't have any iron sights. Just a rail to mount an optic thus the reason for this thread.
peterk123
NES Member
That gun is screaming for a Leupold vx5 3-15x44 with a firedot
That’s cool, so it’s actually ambidextrous which helps down the road if you ever want to get rid of it. I got a lefty only bolt action precision rimfire, so my kids won’t be too interested in it when I pass it on to them, and resale value will suffer, but I am definitely enjoying it.
Good luck with it.
Soundwave
NES Member
I believe I got that same scope with a different reticle for $750 two years ago. Mine is a little different but they usually have great closeout pricing on older scopes.
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The PST is a lot better glass. I’d be more happy with it. 5-25 sounds like way overkill for magnification unless you’re really trying to shoot extreme precision at that range. But if that’s your only option then it will be fine. Not that there’s anything wrong with that level of overkill, it’s just that usually you can find less expensive scopes with lower magnification or similarly expensive but better glass
I still have decided on a scope yet. Haven't even had time to fingerf*** any at the store. I think I'll have time this weekend to run to Bass Pro or Cabelas to get a good look at some and at least try to look through them. Doubt I'll purchase then but at least kind of be able to see them
This brings me to my next question. Is there a way to figure out scope ring height or is this a bit of trial and error? On my .22 I went the trail and error route. Took me two sets of rings but they were about 1/2 the price of the rings I'm considering for the new rifle.
This brings me to my next question. Is there a way to figure out scope ring height or is this a bit of trial and error? On my .22 I went the trail and error route. Took me two sets of rings but they were about 1/2 the price of the rings I'm considering for the new rifle.
FIFY.
DarthRevan
NES Member
So far height over rail is completely subjective and you kinda have to just try.
I have a big head, hat size 7 3/8 and I prefer the 1.70”
Rough estimate by stacking pennies
ARC Ring Height – Short Action Precision
How to Determine Ring Height Step 1 Stack pennies on top of scope mounting rail. Use the same number of pennies in each stack. Step 2 Set and hold scope on pennies. Adjust number of pennies until scope is at desired height with adequate clearance to barrel. Step 3 If you use scope caps...
