Searching for the best 308 scope under 300 dollars can be a challenging task since there are dozens of best 308 rifle scopes under 300 in the market today.
The .308 rifle is a reliable rifle that has so many benefits. It is commonly used for shooting events. The rifle is a fully powered rifle that is suitable ideal for both moderate and long-range shooting.
For accuracy and precision, you need to match the .308 rifle with a quality and reliable rifle scope. Most rifle scopes that make a great match with the .308 rifle tend to be expensive.
If you are looking for a reliable rifle scope for your .308 rifle but you are unwilling to spend so much money on an optic, this article is for you.
The best 308 scope under 300 dollars will not only save you money but also offer aerodynamic shooting, comfortable weight, economic power consumption, and multiple-use capabilities.
The market is flooded with scopes that can suit every need and budget, from the most expensive to the cheapest. However; some of these models are not as reliable as they claim. Finding the best 308 scope under 300 isn’t an easy task.
If you are looking for information to help you identify the best budget scope for your 308 rifle, this article will provide you with tips and reviews of some of the best budget scopes for 308.
Top 10 Best 308 Scopes Under 300
There are many budget scopes in the market but not all of them will be compatible with your .308 rifle.
We have researched and tested some of the affordable rifle scopes to determine the most reliable scope for the .308 rifle.
Based on our findings, we have provided you with reviews for the 10 most reliable scopes that will complement your rifle.
Our selection is based on not only the features and reliability of the scopes but also their prices. All the scopes we have reviewed are under 300 dollars. Here are reviews for the 10 best 308 scopes under 300.
1Vortex Optics Crossfire II
The Vortex Optics Cross II is a reliable rifle scope that will be a great choice for your .308 rifle. It is a durable scope that is designed to provide you with the features you need to improve your shooting skills.
It comes with fully multicoated lenses to ensure maximum light transmission for quality images in all light conditions.
The riflescope has an aircraft-grade aluminum construction which is waterproof and fog proof. It comes with a V-Brite Illuminated Reticle which makes it easy for you to have a clear view of targets even in low light conditions. It provides you with the ability to adjust or remove the parallax.
Pros
- It has quality fully multicoated lenses for quality images no matter the light condition.
- The scope is made of quality material to ensure strength and durability.
- It is a budget scope.
- The rifle scope allows you to adjust or remove the parallax.
- It is from a reputable brand that is renowned for making quality and reliable optics.
- The Vortex scope is waterproof and fog proof.
- It provides you with long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box.
Cons
- It does not include mounting rings.
2
FSI Sniper Scope
FSI Sniper 6-24×50 AO Rifle Scope is a reliable budget scope for your .308 rifle. It comes with easy to control and adjust ball-bearing turrets.
The scope has a multicoated lens to ensure maximum light transmission for quality images. It is a powerful scope that will complement your .308 rifle.
The rifle scope features rugged aircraft-grade aluminum construction that can handle shock and recoil.
The scope comes with built-in lockable rings for easy to secure settings. It is one of the best long-range budget scopes for 308.
The riflescope is waterproof, making it ideal for hunting. It allows you to make accurate shots of targets up 1000 meters away from you with complete ease and without any problem.
The scope provides you with three-color illumination to let you choose the illumination that best suits your situation.
Pros
- The riflescope is suitable for long-range shooting.
- It features solid construction that is durable and shockproof.
- The scope comes with a multi-coated lens for quality images even in low light situations.
- It is easy to secure settings, thanks to the built-in lockable rings.
- The FSI Sniper 6-24×50 AO Rifle Scope provides you with three-color illumination.
- It is waterproof and fog proof.
- The scope is easy to mount.
- It is a budget-friendly rifle scope.
Cons
- The scope has limited light gathering capability.
Burris Fullfield II Hunting Rifle Scope
Burris Fullfield II Hunting Riflescope is a reliable scope for varmint and small game hunting. It is fog, water, and shockproof. It is a rugged rifle scope that is suitable for hunting even in adverse weather conditions.
The optic is designed to provide you with extra-long eye relief to protect your eyes from recoil. It features multi-coated lenses for maximum light transmission.
The scope provides you with ultra-fast target acquisition. It has a steel-on-steel adjustment system that is durable and easy to operate.
The adjustments produce audible clicks to help you know when you have made an adjustment. It is an incredibly accurate scope that is easy to maintain. The riflescope is fully weatherproof, making it a great choice from your .308 rifle.
Pros
- It provides you with ultra-fast target acquisition.
- The scope is from a reputable brand.
- It has a multi-coated lens for maximum light transmission.
- The rifle scope comes with a steel-on-steel adjustment system to ensure you get audible clicks whenever you make adjustments.
- It has a rugged and durable construction frame.
- The optic is extremely accurate.
- It is easy to use and maintain.
Cons
- The scope does not include lens caps.
4
Nikon P-Tactical .223 3-9×40 Scope
The Nikon P-Tactical .223 3-9×40 is a reliable scope that is designed to ensure up to 98% light transmission. It has an aircraft-grade aluminum construction to ensure durability and reliability.
The rifle scope comes with fully multicoated lenses for quality and clear images even in low light conditions. It provides you with a generous consistent eye relief to protect your eye from heavy recoil.
The rifle scope comes with elevated windage and elevation turrets that are conveniently located and are easy to operate. It provides you with instant zero resets turrets that make it easy for you to quickly reset your zero.
The scope is compatible with many rifles; thus, it can be used with not only your .308 rifle but also other rifles that you own. It comes with O-ring seals for water and fog-proof performance.
Pros
- The manufacturer provides outstanding service and support.
- It is waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof.
- The rifle scope includes fully multicoated lenses that ensure that you get bright, clear, and quality images no matter the lighting.
- It offers you generous and consistent eye relief.
- The scope is made of aircraft-grade aluminum to ensure durability and reliability.
- It comes with unique open circles, dots, and hash marks that make aiming easy and fast.
- The Nikon scope has a versatile 3x zoom ratio.
Cons
- The mag ring is not quality.
Nikon Buckmasters II 4-12×40 BDC Rifle Scope
The Nikon Buckmasters II 4-12×40 BDC Rifle Scope is a lightweight and compact scope that is easy to operate.
It features a fully multicoated optical system that ensures maximum light transmission for quality images in all light conditions.
The system is also anti-reflective to protect you from glare when it is sunny. The riflescope is waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof.
The scope is designed to provide you with a generous, consistent eye relief to protect your eyes from recoil.
It features an O-ring sealed chamber and is nitrogen purged for waterproof and fog-proof performance. It is designed with Spot On Ballistic Match Technology for improved performance and reliability.
The rifle scope comes with a bullet drop compensator (BDC) reticle that is very accurate due to its compensating trajectory system and helps when shooting out at 400-600 yards.
Pros
- It comes with finger adjustable turrets that are easy to operate.
- The scope has a 40 mm objective lens for maximum light transmission.
- It is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof.
- The scope is lightweight and easy to use.
- It fit perfectly in your hands and is easy to install.
- The rifle scope comes with fully multicoated lenses for quality images in all light conditions.
- It offers you generous and consistent eye relief.
Cons
- It has a limited-time warranty.
Vortex Diamondback Tactical Rifle Scope – 4x12x40mm
The Vortex® Diamondback™ Tactical Rifle Scope is a reliable scope that is designed to provide you with the features and durability your .308 rifle needs.
It comes with a 2nd focal plane reticle with hash marks on both the vertical and horizontal planes, so you can quickly compensate for bullet drop and wind drift.
The rifle scope features exposed tactical turrets to enable you to dial in to compensate with precision at extended ranges.
The Vortex scope provides you with a zero-reset feature that re-indexes reference marks on both turrets. It includes fiber-optic rotation indicators that are integrated into the turrets to provide a visual cue of the turret’s position.
The rifle scope comes with XD lens elements with XR full multi-coating elevate clarity and brightness to the maximum. The Vortex Diamondback Tactical Rifle Scope has a 1-piece, 1″ aluminum tube that is rugged and is waterproof and fog-proof.
Pros
- The scope comes with XR fully multi-coated lens for maximum light transmission for quality images.
- It has zero-reset with fiber-optic indicators that let you know the position of the turrets.
- The riflescope has a 2nd focal plane ballistic reticle that makes it easy for you to compensate for bullet drop.
- It is waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof.
- The Vortex scope has a solid and rugged construction that is highly durable.
- It has exposed tactical turrets that are conveniently located and are easy to operate.
7
BARSKA 10-40X50 Scope
BARSKA 10-40X50 Scope provides you with quality images in all light conditions. It is a versatile scope that will complement your 308 rifle.
The scope comes with a 50 mm objective lens to ensure maximum light transmission. It provides you with an adjustable objective for parallax correction. The riflescope has an aircraft aluminum construction that is very durable.
The scope offers you 3.6 inches of comfortable eye relief to protect you from heavy recoil. It has fully adjustable windage and elevation to let you choose what suits your type of shooting or your situation.
The scope is fully waterproof and fog proof. It provides you with 10-40x Magnification for effective long-range shooting and hunting. The riflescope has a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- It provides you with comfortable eye relief.
- The riflescope has a solid and rugged construction that is made of quality material.
- It has a multi-coated lens that provides you with quality and clear images in all light conditions.
- The optic is available in several sizes and reticle types.
- It is waterproof, and fog proof.
- The scope is ideal for long-range shooting and hunting.
- It has a large objective lens for maximum light transmission.
Cons
- The scope is not ideal for close-range shooting.
8
Leupold FX-II Scout 2.5x28mm
Leupold FX-II Scout 2.5-28mm is a durable scope that is suitable for your 308 rifle. The scope features a one-piece tube construction to ensure that it is stout since there is a minimal number of moving parts.
It is suitable for close-range shooting thus it will not be ideal for long-range shooting. The riflescope is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof.
The optic has a black matte finish to protect the scope from external elements and to prevent giving away the shooter’s position. It has a quality multicoated lens for maximum light transmission.
The scope provides quality images even in low-light situations. It is from a reliable manufacturer thus you can be assured of its quality and reliability.
Pros
- It is made of quality material to ensure durability.
- The riflescope has a fully multicoated lens for maximum light transmission.
- It is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof.
- The Leupold scope has a matte finish for improved durability.
- It is a semi-lightweight scope that will not weigh down your 308 rifle.
Redfield Revolution 4-12x40mm
Redfield Revolution 4-12x40mm is an American-made scope that provides you with durability and reliability when you are out in the field.
It features Multi-layer vapor-deposited coatings on the lenses for maximum light transmission, clarity, and color purity.
The rifle scope provides quality images even in low light conditions. It has a solid and rugged construction for improved durability.
The Redfield Revolution 4-12x40mm scope provides you with a magnification range of 4-12x. It is suitable for close and mid-range shooting.
The riflescope is waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant. It is covered by Redfield’s full lifetime warranty. The scope has a matte finish that protects the scope from dirt and does not give way the shooter’s position.
Pros
- It provides clear and quality images in all light conditions.
- The riflescope is made of aircraft aluminum for improved durability and reliability.
- It is from a renowned brand.
- The Redfield Revolution 4-12x40mm comes with Redfield’s full lifetime warranty.
- It has a matte black finish for improved durability.
- The scope’s adjustment turrets are conveniently located.
- It is suitable for close to mid-range shooting and hunting.
- The riflescope is fully waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant.
Sig Sauer Whiskey 3 3-9x 50mm
Sig Sauer Whiskey 3 3-9x 50mm is a well-designed scope that will complement your 308 rifle. It is a great choice for those who need a scope that will make them stand out when in the shooting range.
It features solid and rugged construction that is capable of handling abuse and adverse weather conditions. It is O-rings sealed for waterproof performance.
The riflescope is also purged with nitrogen to prevent internal fogging. It comes with a reliable optical system that is made of quality glass and is fully multicoated for improved light transmission.
The scope ensures that you get quality and clear images no matter the lighting. It is available in matte black or Graphite finish. The riflescope can be used for the big game, predators, or varmints hunting.
Pros
- It has a matte finish that will not give away your shooting position.
- The scope is ideal for the big game, predator, or varmint hunting.
- It is a good-looking scope that shrugs off-color and contour conventions.
- The riflescope is waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant.
- It has a quality optical system for quality images in all light and weather conditions.
- The optic is made of quality material for durability.
- It is easy to operate and mount.
Cons
- The rifle scope optical system is not as clear or distortion-free as the similarly priced Leupold, Burris, and Zeiss scopes.
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best 308 Scope Under 300
Before you decide which 308 scope to buy there are some factors that you need to consider. Here are some factors and features to look out for when shopping for the best 308 scope under 300.
Features
It is important for you to consider the features that the scope provides. Look for the best scope for 308 under 300 that has features like focal plane reticle, rugged exterior coating, BDC reticles, small refinements, and many others. The scope that you choose should be able to shoot the range that you want to shoot.
Fixed or Variable Power
Riflescopes come in two main categories of “fixed power scope” and “variable power scope.” Scopes with fixed power have one magnification while those with variable power can be adjusted over ranges of magnifications.
If you intend to use the scope to shoot at different magnification ranges, it is advisable for you to choose a rifle scope with variable power.
Eye Relief
An eye relief helps to protect your eyes from heavy recoil. Look for a scope that provides you with 3” or more eye relief.
The distance should be enough for your eye and the rim of the lens.
Objective Lens
The size of the objective lens determines the amount of light that enters the scope.
A rifle scope with a large objective lens ensures maximum light transmission which in turn produces quality images in all light conditions.
The scope will be able to offer you a clear view of your targets even when there is not enough light.
However; it is important to note that a large objective lens will add some weight to the scope.
Weight
The weight of the rifle scope may not directly affect its performance but it will feel heavy on your hand especially if you have to carry it when you are out in the field hunting.
A heavy rifle scope might also weigh down your rifle which can make it hard for you to achieve your shooting goals. Look for a scope that is not more than 8 pounds in weight.
Conclusion
The rifle scopes we have reviewed are some of the most reliable budget scopes for 308 rifles. The review is based on the features the scopes provide as well as the reliability and durability of the rifle scope.
There are so many rifle scopes under 300 dollars but not all scopes can be suitable for your 308 rifles. Some of the affordable scopes are not durable and will get damaged after the first shot you make while others are durable but lack the features that you need to make the most out of your 308.
The 308 rifle is a versatile rifle that can be used for different shooting and hunting activities. It needs a reliable and durable scope to ensure you have an unforgettable hunting experience.
Now that you know what to look for in the best 308 scope under 300, we hope that you will not feel overwhelmed when you go shopping for your ideal scope.
Any of the scopes we have reviewed would make a great choice for people looking for a 308 scope under 300. Let us know which of the 10 rifle scopes we have reviewed you bought and what your experience has been like using the scope together with the 308.