Unfortunately, finding the best 308 scope for the money isn’t an easy job to do because there are plenty of scopes from different manufacturers out there.
We have done extensive research and gathered information about the best 308 scope for the money available in today’s market.
Before jumping to the list of Best 308 scopes for AR Rifles, let’s have a look at 308 history.
The .308 Winchester is one of the most popular rounds in the United States. It is commonly used for target shooting, whitetail deer hunting, and pronghorn hunting.
It also has a long service history with both military and Law Enforcement Forces.
The 308 cartridges were invented in 1952 for commercial hunting and the soon Military adopt them as a 7.62×51mm NATO T65 cartridge. So, many 308 caliber rifles by different companies have been manufactured over the years.
If you are a hunter or take part in any shooting event, then you would know that 308 are the best rifles available on the market. To get the perfect result from 308 rifles, you need the correct and best 308 scope for the money.
When you look for the best 308 scope for the money, Keep these things in your mind before buying the product.
7 Best 308 Scope for the Money in 2023
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Rating | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Vortex Optics Diamondback HP SFP Riflescope | 9.8 | View Latest Price |
  | Leupold Mark 3HD 3-9x40mm Riflescope | 9.6 | View Latest Price |
  | Nikon M-308 4-16x42mm Scope | 8.8 | View Latest Price |
  | UTG 3-12X44 30mm Scope | 9.0 | View Latest Price |
  | Vortex Optics Crossfire II Scope | 9.0 | View Latest Price |
  | Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope | 8.5 | View Latest Price |
  | Barska IR Hunting Scope |
9.2
| View Latest Price |
Vortex Optics Diamondback HP [Best 308 scope BDC Reticle]
Vortex Optics is a well-known American company. They are in the business of optics since 1986 which is approximately 35 years now. Their product line includes red dots, rifle scopes, spotting scopes, and monoculars.
The Diamondback HP 4-16×42 is one of the most demanding 308 scope by Vortex Optics. Let’s take a look at its specifications, features, pros, and cons.
The Diamondback HP 4-16×42 308 scope is very good for any hunting or shooting at varying ranges. The quick and easy Dead-Hold BDC reticle focusing on this best 308 scope gives you Better Accuracy.
It has XD extra-low dispersion glass which increases resolution for a sharper and clearer picture. The XR fully multi-coated lenses allow maximum light transmission. The zoom feature of this 308 scope allows you to make your mark accurately.
It also features easily accessible side focus/parallax adjustment which provides you with optimal image focus and parallax removal. The finger adjustable turrets of this scope can be easily reset to zero.
The O-ring seals, waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof construction make it the best 308 scope for the money available on today’s market.
- Parallax adjustment
- Vortex stands behind every optic they make
- BDC reticle
- Included sunshade
- Side Focus
- The turret would not hold zero with ease
Specifications:
- Weight is 18 oz
- The Length of this best 308 scope for the money is 12.5 inches.
- Height is 2 in
- 4-16 x Magnification
- Eye Relief is 4 in
- The Objective Lens Diameter is 42 mm
- Dead-Hold BDC Reticle
- 6-23 feet at 100 yards Field of View
- Capped Turrets
- The color of the 308 scope is Black
- 15 MOA Travel Per Rotation
- 80 MOA Windage Adjustment Range
- 80 MOA Elevation Adjustment Range
- Parallax Setting is 30 yards to Infinity
- 1/4 MOA Adjustment Graduation
- Hard-Anodized Finish
- Fully Multi optical coatings.
Features:
- Extra-low dispersion (XD) glass
- Single-Piece Tube
- Constructed from Aircraft-Grade Aluminum
- Waterproof
- Shockproof
- Fogproof
- Side Focus Adjustment
- Capped Reset Turrets
- 1-inch diameter Tube Size
- Highly durable
- Hard-Anodized Finish
- XR Fully Multi-Coated anti-reflective coatings
- Second Focal Plane Reticle
- Precision-Glide Erector System
- Fast Focus Eyepiece
- Unlimited Lifetime Warranty.
Package Contents:
- Vortex Diamondback HP 308 scope.
- Lens Cleaning Cloth.
- Protective lens cap for 308 scope.
- 4-inch Sunshade.
- Instructions.
Leupold Mark AR [Best 308 scope for 500 yards]
They are very well known for the durability and accuracy of all their Air Rifle Scopes, Binoculars, Rangefinders, and thermal scopes. I have selected their Mark AR MOD 1, one of the best 308 scope for the money to review.
The first thing that you’ll notice about the Leupold Mark AR MOD 1 is that it has a durable and compact one-inch main tube and uses a quantum optical system.
The Multi-coat lens system provides you the edge-to-edge clarity and a bright picture in any light condition.
The next thing that you’ll notice about this best 308 scope for 500 yards is that the Argon/Krypton gas mixture sealed inside your scope makes it waterproof and this feature won’t let the weather come in between you and the accuracy.
The 3-9 x Magnification, 40 mm Objective Lens Diameter, and long Eye Relief features satisfy the demands of the hunters, shooters, and competitors.
- It’s a Leupold
- Construction quality
- Turret Adjustment and Repeatability
- Clear optics in low light
- Excellent visibility day and Night
- No Caps include in the package.
- No Sunshade comes with the scope.
Specifications:
- The length is 12.6 in
- The weight Of the Scope Is 12.4 oz
- 1 inch main Tube Diameter
- 3-9x Magnification Range
- Matte Finish
- 14.1-33.5 ft at 100 yds Field of View
- Black Color
- 3.6-4.3 in Eye Relief
- 56 MOA Elevation Adjustment Range
- 52 MOA Windage Adjustment Range
- Height is 1.60 in
Main Features:
- Illuminated Firedot Reticle.
- Construction Material is Aluminum and Polymer.
- Multicoat 4 Optical coatings.
- 2nd Generation Argon/Krypton Waterproofing.
- 0.1 MIL P5 Dial.
- Matte finish.
- Made in the USA.
- Quantum Optical System.
- Full Lifetime Guarantee.
Package Contents:
- Mark AR MOD 1 (best 308 scope for the money)
- Battery
- Users Instructions
- Mount
Nikon M-308 [Best 308 scope under 500]
Nikon M-308 4-16X42 is their best 308 scope for long-range shooting. We will try our best to give you complete information about the specifications, features, pros, and cons of this Nikon 308 scope.
This best 308 scope under 500 dollars offers all of the power, performance, and features that you’d expect from the Nikon brand with some additional features that elevate it even further beyond its competitors.
The large magnification range combined with a huge lens makes it the best 308 scope for the money. It has a Quick Focus Eyepiece which allows you to sharply focus on the target.
The Nikon 4-16X42 M 308 scope also comes with fog-proof, waterproof, and shockproof features.
It is optimized for use with Spot On Ballistic Match Technology which allows you to discover exact aiming points at various yardages from 200 to 800 yards on the reticle. Last but not least, the Nikon M 308 scope has an Ultra ClearCoat Optical System.
- Perfect fit and finish.
- Clarity of the glass.
- Nikon’s reputation for optics.
- Easy windage and elevation adjustment.
- No illuminated reticle.
- Adjustments are not labeled.
Specifications:
- The Weight of the M 308 scope is 19 oz.
- The Overall Length is 13.5 in.
- 4-16x Variable Magnification Power.
- 42mm Objective Lens Diameter.
- BDC 800 Reticle
- 50 yds to Infinity Parallax Setting
- 1 in Tube Diameter
- 2.62-10.5mm Exit Pupil
- 3.7-4in Eye Relief
- 1/4 in Adjustment Graduation
- Max Internal Adjustment range is 40 MOA
Main Features:
- BDC ( Bullet Drop Compensator) 800 Reticle
- Fully Multi-Coated Optics
- Spring-Loaded Instant Zero-Reset Turrets
- Quick Focus Eyepiece
- Designed for use with Spot On Ballistic Match Technology
- Ultra Clearcoat Optical System
- Waterproof, Fogproof, and Shockproof
- Side Focus
- Matte Finish
- Spot On Custom Turret
Package Contents:
- Nikon M 308 Scope
- Flip open lens covers
- Cloth For Lens
- One-piece mount
- Instructions
UTG 3-12×44 [Best 308 scope under 200]
Leapers UTG is a company that promotes a quality lifestyle for hunting and shooting sports by offering a wide range of innovative and technologically advanced products.
Their product line includes Dot sights and magnifier optics, Mounting systems, flashlights, lasers, and other accessories for hunting. We have picked UTG 3-12x 44mm 308 Rifle Scope to review.
This best 308 scope under $200 has multi emerald coated lenses which allow maximum light transmission for best clarity. It is built on the Leapers True Strength platform.
The illumination-enhanced reticle of this best 308 scope for the money offers a multi-color mode with 36 colors for customized illumination and shootings in any environment. It also features the Original RGB Mode of Green/Red Illumination with seven Brightness settings.
There are other things to love about the UTG 3-12x 44mm 308 Rifle Scope.
For example, it has the most Innovative, Low Profile Illumination Control with 2 Soft and Ergonomic Control Buttons, Premium Zero Locking and Zero Resetting Target Turret, and Side Wheel Adjustable Turret (SWAT) which delivers parallax adjustment.
Read Here: How to sight in a scope?
- Affordable Price Range.
- Good zeroing features.
- Multi-Color Reticle System.
- Side Focus Dial.
- Good Zoom Range.
- A little Heavy 308 Scope.
- Blurry at low powers.
Specifications:
- 3-12x Magnification Power.
- 30mm Tube diameter.
- 44mm Objective Lens Diameter
- The weight of this 308 scope is 23.1 oz
- 10 Yds to Infinity Parallax Setting
- The length is 11.1 in
- 3″-3.4″ Eye Relief
- Click Value @100 yards is 1/4 MOA (Minute of angle)
- The field of view is 10 to 32 ft @ 100 yards.
- Runs on CR2032 batteries.
Main Features:
- Multi Emerald Coated Lenses
- Illumination Enhancing(IE) Reticle with 36 Colors
- Special Circuit and Housing Design of 308 scope
- Illumination Control with 2 Soft Buttons
- Built on True Strength Platform
- Side Wheel Adjustable Turret (SWAT)
- Zero Locking and Zero Resetting Target Turrets
- Integrated Angled Front Sunshade
- Flip-open Lens Caps.
Package Contents:
- Leapers UTG 3-12x44mm scope for 308 rifle
- Mil-Dot Chart
- Hex Screw
- Flip-open Lens Caps
- Lens Cleaning Cloth
- Owners Manual
- High Energy Lithium Battery
- Weaver Rings
Vortex Optics Crossfire II [Best 308 scout scope]
We’ve already reviewed a different Vortex Optics 308 Riflescope, but this one is also worth your consideration.
Because the Crossfire II 2-7×32 308 scope is top-rated and one of the best 308 scope for the money by Vortex Optics. Let’s take a closer look at its prominent features, specifications, pros, and cons.
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 is best suited for 308 caliber rifles, you can easily mount this 308 scope on any 308 rifle to get maximum accuracy during your hunting or shooting.
Its Anti-reflective fully multi-coated lenses, long eye relief, and an ultra-forgiving eye box provide you with a bright and clear sight picture to quickly acquire your target.
The Crossfire II 2-7×32, the best 308 scout scope comes with finger adjustable Capped reset turrets, 2-7x zoom range, and Second Focal Plane Reticle features.
This rifle scope is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to give you waterproof and fog-proof performance.
- Price and Performance.
- Great Optical System.
- Forward mountable.
- Compact and Lightweight.
- Consistent eye relief.
- Not the best in low light.
Specifications:
- 9.45 Inches Eye Relief.
- 2-7x Magnification.
- 32mm Objective Lens Diameter.
- 1 in Tube Size.
- The length is 10.5 in.
- Weight is 12 oz.
- 60 MOA Windage Adjustment Range.
- 1/4 MOA Adjustment Graduation.
- 60 MOA Elevation Adjustment Range.
- 100 yd Parallax Setting.
Main Features:
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- V-Plex Second focal plane reticle
- 9.45” Eye Relief
- Anti-reflective fully multi-coated lenses
- Finger adjustable Capped reset turrets
- A single-piece main tube
- Aircraft-Grade Aluminum alloy Construction
- Shockproof
- Hard-Anodized Finish
- Color is Black
- Removable Lens Cover
- Waterproof
- O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged
- Fogproof Performance.
- Unlimited Lifetime Warranty.
Package Contents:
- Crossfire II 2-7×32 308 scout scope.
- Removable Lens Cover.
- Lens Cloth.
- Owners Manual.
Bushnell Banner [Best AR 308 scope for the Money]
The Banner 3-9X 40mm is Cheap AR 308 scope by Bushnell available in Today’s market. It offers a wide range of features which is equally appreciated by both hunters and shooters.
Optically, this best 308 scope for the money has full Multi-coated lenses which help in stunning HD resolution of the images. Its tube is one inch in diameter which makes it a compact scope.
The Dusk & Dawn Brightness feature of this scope allows you to use it in early-morning and late-evening lighting. It also has fingertip windage and elevation adjustments.
This Banner 308 scope is built with a one-piece tube filled with dry nitrogen which ensures the strength and waterproof ability of the scope. It has a decent magnification range of 3-9X with a 40mm objective lens diameter.
The quick focus feature of this Bushnell Banner 3-9X 40mm Cheap AR 308 scope enables you to focus on targets with relative ease.
- Cheap Product with premium features.
- Great for evening shooting.
- Long eye relief.
- A clear view of the target.
- Quality & Craftsmanship.
- Not the clearest at long ranges.
- Edges are not as sharp as more expensive scopes.
Specifications:
- The magnification range is 3-9x
- 6 in Eye Relief
- Weight is 13 oz
- The length is 12 in
- Matte Finish
- 1 in Tube Diameter
- Multi-X Reticle
- 40 mm Objective Lens Diameter
- 13.6-40 ft at 100 yds Field Of View
- The color of Scope is Black
Main Features:
- One-piece tube
- Dry-nitrogen filled
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Multi-coated optics
- 100% waterproof and fog-proof construction
- Resettable windage and elevation adjustment
- DDB Feature
- Multi-X Reticle
Package Contents:
- Bushnell Banner Rifle Scope
- User Guide
- Lens Cleaning Cloth.
- Battery.
BARSKA 1-4×28 [Best Compact Scope For 308]
Their extensive product line includes biometric safes, Binoculars, rifle scopes, tactical vests, monoculars, and Lasers.
Today, we have chosen their 1-4×28 Mil-Dot Reticle scope, one of the best compact scope for 308 available on the market.
The Barska 1-4×28 SWAT-AR 308 scope is specifically designed for accurate close to mid-range shooting and Hunting.
It comes with a highly effective Mil-Dot Reticle for range estimation and elevation adjustments.
This Mil-Dot Reticle can be illuminated to either red or green color. The adjustable brightness settings allow you to adjust the brightness according to the light conditions for accurate targeting.
Its fully multi-coated optics provide you uncompromising clarity for impressive images at any magnification.
The 1 piece’s solid Cantilever mount helps you to maintain accuracy by avoiding unintentional movement.
It also has external lockable target turrets which are used for windage and elevation adjustment settings.
- Solid Turrets
- Illuminated crosshairs
- Good eye relief
- Locking windage and elevation
- Push buttons for brightness are stiff
- The external construction has a cheap feel
Specifications:
- 1-4x Magnification
- 30mm Tube Diameter
- Illuminated Mil-Dot Reticle
- Compact 308 scope that is only 10 inches long.
- Weight is 16 oz
- Black Matte Finish
- 28mm Objective Lens Diameter
- 4.5 in Eye Relief
- Lockable Windage / Elevation Turrets
- Second Focal Plane
- Cantilever Mount
Main Features:
- Red/Green Illuminated Mil-Dot Reticle
- Angled Sniper Edge Sun Shade
- Waterproof
- Fogproof
- Shockproof
- Fully Multi Optical Coatings
- Red/Green Illuminated Mil-Dot Reticle
- 308 Scope Caps
- One-piece tube
- Color is Black
- Matte Finish
Package Contents:
- Barska 1-4×28 SWAT-AR 308 scope
- Cantilever Ring Mount
- Lens Cloth
- 3V lithium battery
- 2 Flip-up scope caps
- Manual
A Few Final Words:
Finally, the article is over. All the products mentioned here are rated as the best 308 scope for the money.
After reading this blog, now you are able to pick the best 308 scope for the money according to your needs and choice.
However, if you ask our opinion regarding picking the best scopes for 308 rifles among the seven top-rated and most-selling 308 scopes, our pick would surely be Vortex Optics Diamondback HP SFP Riflescope.
Apart from being the best brand, Vortex Optics’ performance along with great features like BDC Reticle, Precision-Glide Erector System, XR Fully Multi-Coated anti-reflective coatings, and Quick Focus Eyepiece are the reason behind it.
I wish you luck on the best 308 scope for the money hunt in 2023.