When it comes to hunting or target shooting with a .308 rifle, having the right scope is essential. However, finding a high-quality scope that doesn’t break the bank can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best budget scopes for 308 rifles.
These scopes offer excellent performance and features at a fraction of the cost of high-end models. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced shooter, you’re sure to find a scope on this list that fits your needs and budget. So let’s take a closer look at some of the top options available.
Comparisons Table Of Best Budget Scopes For 308
1. Elevate Your Shooting Game with UTG’s AO Compact Scope
The SWAT 3-12X44 IE tactical range estimating scope is a high-quality optic designed for precision shooting. Built on a 30-millimeter tube using the True Strength Platform, this scope is shockproof, fog-proof, and rain-proof, making it ideal for use in any weather or terrain. The multi emerald coated lenses provide clear, bright images, while the full 36-color EZ Tap reticle allows for easy target acquisition.
The scope also features an integrated angled front sunshade complete with flip-open lens caps to protect against glare and debris. The special circuit and housing design ensures uninterrupted illumination, even under heavy recoil, while the premium zero locking and zero resetting target turrets provide the most consistent and precise adjustment. With a lifetime warranty, this scope is a reliable choice for any serious shooter.
Features
- Magnification: 3-12X
- Objective Lens Diameter: 44mm
- Tube Diameter: 30mm
- True Strength Platform for shockproof, fog-proof, and rain-proof performance
- Multi emerald coated lenses for clear and bright images
- Full 36-color EZ Tap reticle for easy target acquisition
- Integrated angled front sunshade with flip-open lens caps to protect against glare and debris
- Special circuit and housing design for uninterrupted illumination under heavy recoil
- Premium zero locking and zero resetting target turrets for consistent and precise adjustment
- Lifetime warranty for added peace of mind.
Pros
- High-quality optic designed for precision shooting
- Shockproof, fog-proof, and rain-proof
- Multi emerald coated lenses provide clear, bright images
- Full 36-color EZ Tap reticle allows for easy target acquisition
- Integrated angled front sunshade with flip-open lens caps to protect against glare and debris
- Uninterrupted illumination, even under heavy recoil
- Premium zero locking and zero resetting target turrets for consistent and precise adjustment
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- May be more expensive than other options on the market
- Some users may find the 44mm objective lens to be less than ideal for long-range shooting
- May be heavy for some users, weighing in at 1.42 pounds
Yes, the SWAT 3-12X44 IE tactical range estimating scope is designed to be shockproof, fog-proof, and rain-proof, making it ideal for use in any weather or terrain.
Yes, the SWAT 3-12X44 IE tactical range estimating scope is designed for precision shooting. It features multi emerald coated lenses that provide clear, bright images and a full 36-color EZ Tap reticle that allows for easy target acquisition.
Yes, the SWAT 3-12X44 IE tactical range estimating scope is built on a 30-millimeter tube using the True Strength Platform, ensuring its durability and reliability. It also comes with a lifetime warranty, making it a reliable choice for any serious shooter.
2. CVLIFE’s Rifle Scope: The Perfect Addition to Your Gun Collection
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II is a high-quality rifle scope that is perfect for hunting and shooting. With its fast focus eyepiece, you can easily adjust the reticle to your specific needs. The scope is also designed with a long eye relief, making it comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
In addition, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II features fully multi-coated lenses that provide a clear and crisp image. The scope is also shockproof, fog proof, and waterproof, ensuring that it can withstand any weather conditions. With its durable construction and advanced features, this rifle scope is a must-have for any serious shooter.
Features
- Fast focus eyepiece for easy reticle adjustment
- Long eye relief for comfortable use
- Fully multi-coated lenses for clear and crisp image
- Shockproof, fog proof, and waterproof construction for durability
- Ideal for hunting and shooting activities
Pros
- Fast focus eyepiece allows for easy adjustment of the reticle
- Long eye relief provides comfortable use for extended periods of time
- Fully multi-coated lenses provide a clear and crisp image
- Shockproof, fog proof, and waterproof construction ensures durability and reliability in any weather conditions
- High-quality design and advanced features make it a must-have for serious shooters
Cons
- May be more expensive than some other rifle scopes on the market
- Some users may find the reticle adjustment to be less precise than desired
- The scope may be heavier than other models, which could impact mobility in the field
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II rifle scope is available in various magnification ranges, including 1-4x, 2-7x, 3-9x, 4-12x, and 6-18x. You can choose the one that suits your specific needs and shooting style.
Yes, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II rifle scope is designed with fully multi-coated lenses that provide a clear and bright image even in low light conditions. The scope also features a V-Brite illuminated reticle that enhances visibility in low light conditions.
Yes, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II rifle scope is built to last and withstand any hunting conditions. The scope is shockproof, fog proof, and waterproof, ensuring that it can withstand any weather conditions. Its durable construction and advanced features make it a reliable and rugged choice for any serious shooter.
3. Clear Your Shot, Clear Your Mind: Pinty’s 6-24×50 AO Rifle Scope
The green and red illuminations of this scope make it suitable for different lighting environments, while its magnifications from 6X to 24X ensure ultimate clarity and precision. The superior eyepiece and rangefinder reticle are designed to provide fast and simple aiming points for various shot distances. Additionally, the scope has a field of view of 14′-25′ at 100 yards, and a windage and elevation click value of 1/8 MOA at 100 yards. The eye relief ranges from 2.7”-3.3”.
To facilitate easy mounting, two 1’’ complementary scope rings are included, which can be mounted onto any 20mm Picatinny or Weaver mount rails. The scope is made from aerospace aluminum alloy, making it durable and versatile. It is also O-ring sealed and nitrogen filled, ensuring outstanding water and fog-proof performance.
Features
- Magnification range from 6X to 24X
- Green and red illuminations for different lighting environments
- Superior eyepiece and rangefinder reticle for fast and simple aiming points
- Field of view of 14′-25′ at 100 yards
- Windage and elevation click value of 1/8 MOA at 100 yards
- Eye relief ranges from 2.7”-3.3”
- Two 1’’ complementary scope rings included for easy mounting
- Compatible with any 20mm Picatinny or Weaver mount rails
- Made from aerospace aluminum alloy for durability and versatility
- O-ring sealed and nitrogen filled for outstanding water and fog-proof performance.
Pros
- Green and red illuminations make it suitable for different lighting environments.
- Magnifications from 6X to 24X ensure ultimate clarity and precision.
- Superior eyepiece and rangefinder reticle provide fast and simple aiming points for various shot distances.
- Field of view of 14′-25′ at 100 yards.
- Windage and elevation click value of 1/8 MOA at 100 yards.
- Eye relief ranges from 2.7”-3.3”.
- Two 1’’ complementary scope rings are included for easy mounting.
- Made from aerospace aluminum alloy, making it durable and versatile.
- O-ring sealed and nitrogen filled, ensuring outstanding water and fog-proof performance.
Cons
- May be too expensive for some budget-conscious buyers.
- Some users may find the magnifications to be too high for their needs.
- May be heavier than other scopes on the market.
This scope is suitable for different lighting environments as it has both green and red illuminations.
The magnification range of this scope is from 6X to 24X, ensuring ultimate clarity and precision.
The field of view of this scope is 14′-25′ at 100 yards, and the windage and elevation click value is 1/8 MOA at 100 yards. The eye relief ranges from 2.7”-3.3”.
4. Get the Ultimate Shooting Experience with Monstrum Guardian Series AO Rifle Scope
The adjustable 3-9 times magnification of this scope makes it a versatile option for a variety of shooting situations. Whether you’re targeting prey from a distance or practicing at the range, this scope allows for clear, precise aiming out to 600 yards and beyond. The adjustable objective lens eliminates parallax and sharpens focus for more accurate range estimation.
Crafted from aircraft grade 6061 aluminum, this scope body is built for durability and resistance to water and fog. The precision 1/4 MOA/click windage and elevation adjustments with locking turrets make it easy to fine-tune your aim, while the included High Profile Picatinny/Weaver Scope Rings and flip-up lens covers provide added convenience and protection.
Features
- Adjustable 3-9 times magnification for versatile shooting situations
- Clear and precise aiming up to 600 yards and beyond
- Adjustable objective lens eliminates parallax and sharpens focus for accurate range estimation
- Crafted from aircraft grade 6061 aluminum for durability and resistance to water and fog
- Precision 1/4 MOA/click windage and elevation adjustments with locking turrets
- Included High Profile Picatinny/Weaver Scope Rings and flip-up lens covers for convenience and protection.
Pros
- Adjustable magnification allows for versatility in shooting situations
- Clear and precise aiming out to 600 yards and beyond
- Adjustable objective lens eliminates parallax for more accurate range estimation
- Aircraft grade aluminum construction for durability and resistance to water and fog
- Precision windage and elevation adjustments with locking turrets for fine-tuning aim
- Included High Profile Picatinny/Weaver Scope Rings and flip-up lens covers for added convenience and protection
Cons
- Limited to a maximum magnification of 9x, which may not be sufficient for some long-range shooting situations
- May be heavier and bulkier than other scopes on the market, which could affect maneuverability and ease of use for some shooters
- May be more expensive than other scopes with similar features and capabilities
This scope allows for clear, precise aiming out to 600 yards and beyond, making it suitable for a variety of shooting situations.
Yes, the scope body is crafted from aircraft grade 6061 aluminum, which makes it durable and resistant to water and fog.
Yes, the scope comes with High Profile Picatinny/Weaver Scope Rings and flip-up lens covers, which provide added convenience and protection.
5. The Ultimate Rifle Scope for Hunting and Shooting Enthusiasts: Monstrum G3 FFP Scope
The high-performance tactical rifle scope is perfect for mid to long-range shooting, with a magnification range of 6-24x that lets you zero in on targets up to 1000+ yards away. The first focal plane MOA reticle is designed for fast range estimation and holdover correction, with easy-to-read ranging information that remains constant regardless of magnification. This makes it easy to acquire targets quickly and accurately, even at long distances.
Equipped with an adjustable objective lens, or AO, this rifle scope ensures sharper focus of the target image, elimination of parallax, and accurate range estimation. The inline dial controlled reticle illumination with multiple brightness intensities makes it easy to see the reticle in low light environments. The package also includes a set of high profile picatinny scope rings, a detachable sunshade, a set of spring loaded flip-up lens covers, and one CR2032 3V battery.
Features
- Magnification range of 6-24x
- First focal plane MOA reticle for fast range estimation and holdover correction
- Easy-to-read ranging information that remains constant regardless of magnification
- Adjustable objective lens (AO) for sharper focus, elimination of parallax, and accurate range estimation
- Inline dial controlled reticle illumination with multiple brightness intensities
- Set of high profile picatinny scope rings included
- Detachable sunshade and spring loaded flip-up lens covers included
- One CR2032 3V battery included
Pros
- High-performance tactical rifle scope designed for mid to long-range shooting
- Magnification range of 6-24x allows for targeting up to 1000+ yards away
- First focal plane MOA reticle designed for fast range estimation and holdover correction
- Easy-to-read ranging information that remains constant regardless of magnification
- Adjustable objective lens ensures sharper focus, elimination of parallax, and accurate range estimation
- Inline dial controlled reticle illumination with multiple brightness intensities for low light environments
- Package includes high profile picatinny scope rings, detachable sunshade, spring loaded flip-up lens covers, and one CR2032 3V battery
Cons
- May be more expensive than other rifle scopes on the market
- May be heavier and bulkier than other rifle scopes, making it less ideal for hunting or quick target acquisition
- May require additional skill and knowledge to use effectively, especially for beginners or novice shooters.
The magnification range of this scope is 6-24x, which allows you to zero in on targets up to 1000+ yards away.
The first focal plane MOA reticle is designed for fast range estimation and holdover correction, with easy-to-read ranging information that remains constant regardless of magnification. This makes it easy to acquire targets quickly and accurately, even at long distances.
The package includes a set of high profile picatinny scope rings, a detachable sunshade, a set of spring loaded flip-up lens covers, and one CR2032 3V battery. These accessories enhance the functionality and durability of the rifle scope, ensuring a better user experience.
Why People Buy Budget Scopes for 308
Affordability
Many people simply can’t afford to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on a high-end scope. Budget scopes offer a more affordable option without sacrificing quality.
Beginner-friendly
For those who are new to shooting or hunting, a budget scope can be a good starting point. It allows you to get a feel for using a scope without investing too much money upfront.
Backup or secondary scope
Some shooters prefer to have a backup or secondary scope in case their primary one fails or gets damaged. A budget scope can be a good option for this purpose.
Simple needs
Not everyone needs a high-powered, feature-rich scope. For those who have simple needs, a budget scope can be a good choice.
Limited use
If you don’t plan on using your 308 rifle or scope very often, it might not make sense to invest in an expensive scope. A budget option can be a good compromise.
Magnification
When choosing a budget scope for your 308 rifle, consider the magnification range. A lower magnification range (e.g. 3-9x) might be sufficient for most hunting and shooting situations, while a higher range (e.g. 10-20x) might be better for long-range shooting.
Durability
While budget scopes might not be as durable as higher-end options, you still want to choose one that can withstand some wear and tear. Look for scopes that are shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof.
Reticle
The reticle (or crosshairs) of a scope can make a big difference in how easy it is to use. Some budget scopes have simple reticles while others have more complex options. Consider what type of shooting you’ll be doing and choose a reticle that suits your needs.
Mounting
Make sure the budget scope you choose is compatible with your 308 rifle’s mounting system. Some scopes come with their own mounting hardware, while others require separate mounts to be purchased.
Customer Reviews
Before making a final decision on a budget scope, read customer reviews to see what others have experienced. Look for reviews that mention durability, ease of use, and accuracy to get a sense of how well the scope performs.
Conclusions
After researching and analyzing various options, it is clear that the Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm is the best budget scope for a 308 rifle. Its durable construction, clear optics, and versatile magnification make it a reliable choice for hunting and target shooting. Additionally, its reasonable price point makes it accessible to a wide range of shooters. While other budget scopes may offer some unique features, the overall value and quality of the Vortex Crossfire II make it the top choice for those on a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 is one of the best budget scopes for a 308 rifle. It is affordable, durable, and has a clear and bright image quality.
A magnification range of 3-9x or 2-7x is ideal for a budget scope for a 308 rifle. It offers a good balance between close-range and long-range shooting.
Yes, you can use a budget scope for both hunting and target shooting with a 308 rifle. However, make sure that the scope has good image quality, is durable, and has a suitable magnification range for your needs.
A first focal plane scope adjusts the reticle size along with the magnification, which allows for more accurate rangefinding and holdover at any magnification. A second focal plane scope keeps the reticle size constant, which makes it easier to use at higher magnifications but less accurate for rangefinding.
Yes, you can use a budget scope for long-range shooting with a 308 rifle, but it may not be as accurate or reliable as a high-end scope. Look for a scope with a suitable magnification range, clear and bright image quality, and reliable adjustments for windage and elevation.
Peter B Brewster is an avid writer who loves to share his knowledge about scopes, binoculars, mounts, sights, and other related products. He has been writing for several years and has gained a reputation for his expertise in the field.