17 Best 308 Hunting Scope of 2026 For Holding Zero

1

MidTen 3-9x40 Rifle Scope with 5 Levels Red and Green

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• ARS Mark

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  8.7
• Brand
  MidTen

Key specs2

Reticle Illumination System

5 brightness levels in dual red and green

Included Sighting Hardware

• 3-9x40 optical riflescope
• Class IIIA under-5mW red laser
• Mounting rings for rifle attachment

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Classic 3-9x magnification covers standard big game hunting distances
• Dual red and green illuminated reticle offers five brightness settings for dawn and dusk contrast
• Bundled mounting hardware and integrated under-5mW red laser provide auxiliary targeting

Cons

• Centerfire recoil shock rating is unstated and requires confirmation before mounting on heavy 308 rifles
• External laser assembly adds bulk and snag points inside dense brush

2

SIG SAUER Tango-MSR 1-8x24mm LPVO Riflescope

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  9.4
• Brand
  Sig Sauer

Key specs2

Magnification Range

1-8x variable zoom

Optical Design

Low power variable optic layout with a 24mm objective lens designed for fast shoulder mounting and swift sight picture alignment.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• 1-8x magnification range supports quick close-range target tracking and medium-range shots
• Compact 24mm low-profile design minimizes snag hazards in timber and heavy brush
• Dedicated LPVO build engineered by Sig Sauer for rapid target acquisition

Cons

• Smaller 24mm objective lens admits less light at 8x compared to larger 40mm or 50mm scopes
• Reticle sub-tensions and focal plane configuration are not detailed in the listing

3

Primary Arms SLX 3-18x50mm FFP Gen II Rifle Scope

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  7.2
• Brand
  Primary Arms

Key specs2

Focal Plane Configuration

First focal plane (FFP)

Long Range Hunting Capability

Gen II optical design with 3-18x zoom and a 50mm front bell gives long-range hunters verified reticle scaling at every magnification level.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• First focal plane design ensures reticle holdovers stay accurate across all zoom levels
• Wide 3-18x magnification range handles both mid-range brush and open-country hunting
• Large 50mm objective lens maximizes light gathering for early morning and late evening hunts

Cons

• Bulky 50mm objective bell requires higher ring clearance off the rifle receiver
• Total weight is substantial compared to compact 2-7x and 3-9x hunting scopes

4

CVLIFE EagleFeather Z03 6-24x50 AO Rifle Scope for Hunting with

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  9.1
• Brand
  CVLIFE

Key specs2

Parallax Adjustment

Front adjustable objective (AO)

Reticle and Rail Compatibility

• Dual red and green illuminated Mil-Dot reticle
• Second focal plane reticle positioning
• Supplied with 20mm rail scope rings

Pros & cons43

Pros

• High 6-24x magnification power assists with extended distance varmint and target identification
• Adjustable objective dial corrects target parallax at various hunting ranges
• Red and green illuminated Mil-Dot reticle sharpens contrast against dark backgrounds
• Comes bundled with 20mm scope mounting rings ready for standard rails

Cons

• 6x minimum magnification provides a narrow field of view for quick timber shooting
• Second focal plane design means Mil-Dot holdovers are accurate at only one magnification setting
• Large 50mm bell and 1-inch tube require tall mounts to clear heavy centerfire barrels

5

Primary Arms SLX Compact 4-16X44mm FFP Rifle Scope

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  8.9
• Brand
  Primary Arms

Key specs2

Compact Optical Layout

Combines a 4-16x zoom range with a 44mm front objective in a compact body, keeping first focal plane holdovers consistent without excess barrel overhang.

Zoom and Objective

4-16x zoom with 44mm objective lens

Pros & cons42

Pros

• First focal plane reticle keeps holdover calculations consistent at any magnification
• Versatile 4-16x zoom range balances close woods coverage with extended field shots
• Compact chassis reduces overall rifle profile compared to full-sized 50mm optics
• 44mm objective lens balances light transmission with a moderate mounting height

Cons

• Capped or exposed turret details and exact reticle pattern are unstated in the listing
• Weight and eye relief dimensions should be confirmed before pairing with lightweight hunting rifles

6

CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24x50 AOE Red and Green Illuminated

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  8.5
• Brand
  CVLIFE

Key specs2

Objective Bell and Zoom

6-24x zoom with 50mm adjustable objective

Low Light Illumination

Red and green internal illumination assists reticle acquisition during marginal dawn and dusk shooting windows.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Extended 6-24x zoom range brings distant targets into sharp focus
• Adjustable objective lens allows fine parallax correction across shooting distances
• Illuminated red and green reticle settings improve crosshair visibility at dawn and dusk
• Includes free rail mount to attach directly to compatible rifle bases

Cons

• Minimum 6x magnification is too restrictive for fast shots at close-running game
• Centerfire 308 recoil shock rating is not specified and must be verified before live firing
• Massive 50mm objective bell adds front-heavy weight to a hunting setup

7

Vortex Crossfire HD 2-7x32 Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescope

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  7.7
• Brand
  Vortex

Key specs2

Reticle Design

Illuminated Dead-Hold 2A BDC MOA

Woods Hunting Utility

Compact 2-7x variable power paired with a low-profile 1-inch tube allows low mounting on a 308 rifle to maintain a natural cheek weld in brush.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• 2-7x zoom range provides a wide field of view for fast target tracking in dense timber
• Illuminated Dead-Hold 2A BDC reticle delivers clear holdover marks in low hunting light
• Standard 1-inch main tube keeps the optical setup lightweight and easy to mount low
• Second focal plane crosshair stays fine and unobstructed at lower power settings

Cons

• 7x maximum magnification limits precision on long-distance open pasture shots
• Smaller 32mm objective lens gathers less light than standard 40mm hunting glass

8

UUQ Tactical 4X32 Compact .223 .308 Scope Rangefinder Reticle/w Ring

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  7.7
• Brand
  UUQ

Key specs2

Magnification System

Fixed 4x optical magnification

Firearm Compatibility

Specified for .223 and .308 rifles with included ring mounts, providing a simple fixed 4x sight picture with an integrated rangefinder reticle.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Fixed 4x magnification eliminates moving optical parts that can shift under recoil
• Listing explicitly notes compatibility with .223 and .308 rifle recoil
• Built-in rangefinder reticle assists with rapid distance estimation in the field
• Includes ring mounts for immediate rifle rail attachment

Cons

• Fixed 4x power lacks versatility for long-distance shot identification
• Small 32mm objective lens provides modest light transmission during late dusk

9

Bushnell Legend 3-9x40mm Illuminated Riflescope, Hunting Rifle Scope with Illuminated

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  8.7
• Brand
  Bushnell

Key specs2

Hunting Reticle

Illuminated Multi-X duplex reticle

Standard Hunting Platform

The 3-9x40 optical layout represents a balanced standard for big game, delivering ample exit pupil diameter and fast low-light aiming.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Proven 3-9x magnification covers virtually all standard big game hunting distances
• Illuminated Multi-X reticle delivers high contrast against dark timber and game hides
• 40mm objective lens balances light gathering with low-to-medium mount clearance
• Simple hunting crosshair keeps sight pictures clean without confusing holdover clutter

Cons

• Lacks higher magnification power for long-distance target identification beyond 300 yards
• Parallax is non-adjustable and set for standard hunting distances

10

BESTSIGHT 4-16x44 Rifle Scope,Long Range Scope,Second Focal Plane Scope,5-Level Red

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  7.7
• Brand
  BESTSIGHT

Key specs2

Turret and Focus Controls

• Side focus parallax dial
• Push-pull locking adjustment turrets
• Included anti-glare metal sunshade

Mount Compatibility

Includes 11mm and 20mm scope ring mounts

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Side focus dial allows convenient parallax correction without reaching to the front bell
• Locking turrets prevent accidental windage and elevation shifts when moving through brush
• 5-level red and green reticle illumination aids visibility against dark backgrounds
• Comes with both 11mm and 20mm mounting rings plus an anti-glare sunshade

Cons

• Heavy centerfire recoil durability is unstated and must be checked before 308 field use
• Second focal plane design means reticle sub-tensions do not scale with magnification

11

UUQ 4-16X44AO Rifle Scope for Hunting with Locking Turret Sunshade,SFP,R/G/B

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  7.7
• Brand
  UUQ

Key specs2

Platform Warning

Manufacturer lists this optic for airgun, airsoft, and pellet applications; centerfire 308 recoil resistance is unconfirmed and requires verification.

Illumination Options

Tri-color red, green, and blue Mil-dot reticle

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Front adjustable objective allows precise parallax elimination across varying distances
• Tri-color red, green, and blue reticle illumination expands visibility options in shadows
• Includes locking turrets to maintain adjustment position during transport
• Bundled with a detachable sunshade and 20mm mounting rings

Cons

• Product data specifically designates use for airguns, airsoft, and pellets rather than centerfire
• Bidirectional airgun shock design does not confirm standard 308 centerfire recoil survival
• Front AO ring is slower to adjust from shooting positions than a side focus knob

12

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Second Focal Plane Crossbow Scope

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  7.6
• Brand
  Vortex

Key specs2

Reticle Calibration

Dedicated XBR-2 crossbow reticle

Reticle Suitability

Designed as a crossbow optic kit with an XBR-2 reticle, so holdover sub-tensions will not align directly with standard 308 Winchester ballistics.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Compact 2-7x zoom range provides a wide field of view for tracking close-moving game
• 32mm objective lens maintains a slim, low-profile rifle mounting stance
• Second focal plane design keeps reticle crosshairs crisp and thin at low magnification
• Backed by Vortex Crossfire II series build standards

Cons

• Reticle is a specialized XBR-2 crossbow reticle calibrated for arrow drop rather than 308 ballistics
• Requires custom range verification when adapting crossbow holdovers to centerfire cartridges

13

MidTen 4-16x50 AO Tactical Rifle Scope Dual Illuminated Optics &

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  9.3
• Brand
  MidTen

Key specs2

Tactical Multi-Combo System

• 4-16x50 AO dual-illuminated scope
• Holographic reflex red dot with 4 reticles
• Detachable laser sight and hunting flashlight

Parallax and Objective

50mm front adjustable objective

Pros & cons43

Pros

• All-in-one package includes a 4-16x50 AO scope, reflex red dot, laser sight, and flashlight
• Reflex sight allows immediate transition to zero-magnification close-quarters aiming
• Front adjustable objective removes parallax distortion across mid and long ranges
• Large 50mm objective lens draws in substantial ambient light

Cons

• Excessive external accessories add substantial weight, snag points, and battery demands
• Centerfire 308 shock resistance across all attached electronic components is unstated
• Complex stacked mounts create an exceptionally high bore axis

14

CVLIFE 3-9x40 Rifle Scope, Red & Green Illuminated Optical Gun

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  9.0
• Brand
  CVLIFE

Key specs2

General Hunting Layout

Traditional 3-9x40 format fitted with dual-color reticle illumination and 20mm mounting hardware for standard rifle rails.

Reticle System

Dual red and green illuminated Mil-dot

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Standard 3-9x magnification is well suited for big game hunting in woods and pastures
• Dual red and green illuminated Mil-Dot reticle sharpens aim against dark quarry
• 40mm objective lens fits standard medium ring heights on most bolt-action rifles
• Includes free 20mm mounting rings for straightforward rail installation

Cons

• Heavy centerfire recoil shockproof rating is unverified and should be checked before firing
• Second focal plane Mil-Dot markings only provide correct holdovers at one set magnification

15

GOYOJO GRS225 Thermal Riflescope for Hunting, 256x192 Thermal Imaging Scope

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  9.3
• Brand
  GOYOJO

Key specs2

Thermal Imaging Specifications

• 256x192 high-sensitivity thermal core
• 50Hz real-time display refresh rate
• 25mm front germanium optical lens

Weather and Recoil Sealing

IP67 waterproof with recoil-activated video

Pros & cons53

Pros

• 256x192 thermal sensor detects animal heat signatures through pitch-black darkness and fog
• Recoil-activated video automatically records hunting shots without manual camera controls
• 50Hz refresh rate delivers smooth real-time viewing of moving game without lag
• IP67 waterproof construction protects sensitive internal electronics in harsh weather
• Features multiple reticle patterns and color palettes for customized target contrast

Cons

• Significantly higher cost compared to traditional optical glass riflescopes
• Completely reliant on battery power rather than passive ambient optical light
• 256x192 sensor resolution offers lower digital detail than premium commercial thermal cores

16

BoreSighter for 223/9MM/7.62X39MM/30-30/30-06/.25/270/243/308/7MM/45ACP Colt Caliber Rifle Scope Handgun Brass Red

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  8.4
• Brand
  StrongTools

Key specs2

Sighting Tool Purpose

Cartridge-style brass laser boresighter that aligns scope crosshairs with the rifle bore to save centerfire ammunition before live-fire zeroing.

Cartridge Compatibility

• Dedicated 308 Winchester and 243 fitment
• Multi-caliber adapters for 30-06, 223, and others
• Includes required AG3 power cells

Pros & cons42

Pros

• In-chamber brass cartridge design centers the laser precisely inside standard 308 chambers
• Multi-caliber kit includes adapters for 308, 30-06, 243, 223, 7.62x39, and handgun rounds
• Red dot projection aligns scope crosshairs to point of impact without burning expensive ammunition
• Comes supplied with AG3 batteries for immediate bench setup

Cons

• Does not function as an optic or scope, serving strictly as a pre-shooting alignment tool
• Still requires live-fire confirmation at the range to verify actual bullet drop and zero

17

EZshoot 243 308 Bore Sight Laser Red Dot Laser Bore

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  7.7
• Brand
  EZshoot

Key specs2

Alignment Function

Dedicated in-chamber laser unit built specifically for 308 and 243 rifles to get new scopes on target paper before shooting.

Chamber Fit

Dedicated 243 and 308 Winchester cartridge shape

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Precision cartridge design chambers directly into 308 Winchester and 243 rifle chambers
• Red dot laser projection gives an immediate optical zero reference point at 25 to 50 yards
• Conserves costly hunting ammunition during initial rifle scope mounting and setup
• Includes two full sets of batteries for extended bench alignment sessions

Cons

• Setup tool only, not an optical sighting device or mounted scope
• Laser dot can wash out under bright midday sunlight at extended yardages

Last update on 2026-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

How do you confirm a scope will hold zero under 308 recoil?

Verify that the manufacturer explicitly rates the optic and mounting hardware for centerfire rifle recoil rather than airgun or rimfire use. Certain compact models like the UUQ 4X32 specifically list .223 and .308 compatibility, whereas optics packaged with 11mm mounts or marked for airguns require checking shockproof ratings in the user documentation before shooting centerfire ammunition. Sharp 308 recoil can loosen internal erector assemblies or shift mounting bases on a receiver rail, so confirm the scope body features robust construction and secure turret controls, such as the locking turrets on the BESTSIGHT 4-16x44, to keep your reticle from shifting between shots.

What magnification works best for hunting timber versus open country?

Low magnification ranges like 1-8x24mm or 2-7x32 work best for fast target alignment in thick woods, while wide-open fields call for greater reach such as 3-18x50mm or 4-16x44mm. Close brush hunting benefits from the wider field of view found on a 2-7x32 or classic 3-9x40 optic, making it easier to track game through branches without losing orientation. For extended distances across clear cuts and agricultural fields, stepping up to long-range hunting rifle scopes with 4-16x or 6-24x magnification and an adjustable objective (AO) provides the target clarity and parallax correction required for accurate shot placement.

How do you prevent scope bite when shooting a 308 rifle?

Check the product manual to verify the optic offers generous eye relief, then mount the tube far enough forward on your rail to preserve a safe distance from your brow. Because 308 cartridges generate stout rearward push, creeping up on an eyepiece with short eye clearance risks painful facial impact during firing. Set your cheek weld in your normal shooting posture, confirm you have a full sight picture without dark ring edges, and tighten your 1-inch or 20mm scope ring mounts securely to prevent the tube from shifting rearward under repeated recoil.

Does an illuminated reticle help in low-light hunting situations?

Yes, an illuminated reticle keeps your aiming point visible against dark timber and deep game silhouettes during prime dawn and dusk feeding hours. Scopes featuring adjustable red and green illumination, such as the Bushnell Legend 3-9x40mm with its Multi-X reticle or the Vortex Crossfire HD 2-7x32 with the Dead-Hold 2A BDC reticle, let you balance reticle brightness so it does not wash out your sight picture. Combining adjustable brightness with a larger 40mm or 50mm objective lens also improves ambient light transmission during overcast mornings and twilight hunts.

Should you choose a first focal plane or second focal plane scope for 308 hunting?

Choose a second focal plane (SFP) reticle for fast aiming at traditional hunting ranges, or a first focal plane (FFP) reticle if you rely on precise holdovers across variable distances. SFP models, such as the CVLIFE EagleFeather 6-24x50 or BESTSIGHT 4-16x44, maintain a constant reticle thickness across all zoom settings, keeping simple crosshairs bold and easy to find in dense cover. FFP models like the Primary Arms SLX Compact 4-16X44mm grow and shrink the reticle proportionally with the target, ensuring mil-dot and ballistic drop markings stay mathematically consistent at every magnification level.

How can you sight in a 308 hunting scope without wasting ammunition?

Chamber a dedicated caliber-specific laser bore sighter to align your crosshairs on paper before firing live rounds downrange. A red dot brass unit, such as the EZshoot 243 308 bore sight laser, projects a beam directly down the bore axis so you can adjust your windage and elevation turrets onto a target indoors or at close range. Once the crosshair rests directly over the laser dot, you can head to the range and confirm your final hunting zero with minimal ammunition expenditure.