308 optics

PredatorHunter89

New member
I am wanting a good clarity and dialing optic for when I pick up my 308 for mid(500) to long range(1000) shooting. my main purpose will be paper and steal with the occasional deer. I would like to stay under $800 because my budget wont allow for more. yes I know im asking a lot for the price point. what would you suggest.
Thanks Joey
 
For your budget I would go with a 3-15x50 Weaver Tactical.

Its got a first focal plane illuminated mildot reticle.
1/10mil locking turrets, you have to pull up on them to adjust which is pretty cool.
It's built like a tank. A little on the heavy side but its solid, you can tell the second you lay hands on It.
The best part is... Its got really good glass in it for a sub 1000 dollar scope. For a tactical scope with glass like this, with these options, in this price range.. You can't beat it.

Other than that a 4.5-14 or 6.5-20 VX3 with turrets would be my other suggestions but they won't have the FFP reticle.
 
I'm using a vortex viper hs4-16x44lr on a savage fcp-k 308. Most of the shooting with this rifle is in the 4-700yd range, i don't see a problem with it going to 1000yds,, simply haven't done so yet.

Go to the vortex website and watch the vidios for this scope, that might help you.
 
Originally Posted By: FurhunterFor your budget I would go with a 3-15x50 Weaver Tactical.

Its got a first focal plane illuminated mildot reticle.
1/10mil locking turrets, you have to pull up on them to adjust which is pretty cool.
It's built like a tank. A little on the heavy side but its solid, you can tell the second you lay hands on It.
The best part is... Its got really good glass in it for a sub 1000 dollar scope. For a tactical scope with glass like this, with these options, in this price range.. You can't beat it.



This is prob best you can do in that price range.

Vortex... Well lets put it this way. I don't like sending in my glass every year just when I need to be shooting it. Great warranty and you WILL need it if you shoot much.

If you add another 200 bucks you can step up to a SWFA SS 5x20x50HD that is used and have much better glass and a scope that will dial up and down all day every day. If your serious about shooting long range this is what I would do.
You will not have to use their warranty and it is a no questions full lifetime warranty. No registration, as long as it says SS on it it is covered.
If you have questions on where to find one give me a PM and I can hook you up.
 
Originally Posted By: FurhunterI've owned the vortex PST scopes... They can't touch the glass in the Weaver for clarity, not even close.

You speak the truth brother.
smile.gif
 
Originally Posted By: 3DHUSKEROriginally Posted By: FurhunterI've owned the vortex PST scopes... They can't touch the glass in the Weaver for clarity, not even close.

You speak the truth brother.
smile.gif

Vortex glass leaves a lot to be desired,I run Leupold and SWFA SS scopes on my long range rifles now,the weaver tactical scopes i have owned have been nice as well.
 
Originally Posted By: 3DHUSKEROriginally Posted By: FurhunterI've owned the vortex PST scopes... They can't touch the glass in the Weaver for clarity, not even close.

You speak the truth brother.
smile.gif




+2 on that
 
Originally Posted By: PredatorHunter89Opinion on Leopold vx3 , sightron siii, weaver tactical.
I use and compete with both VX-3's and Sightron S-III's.

Never used the Weaver except for one time and a friend's rifle-it did fine.
 
Originally Posted By: PredatorHunter89Opinion on Leopold vx3 , sightron siii, weaver tactical.

I spent a good deal of time behind the SIII 6-24 this spring. I really like everything about them except the glass. Its decent but don't expect too much above 18-20x. Overall Its much better than the Vortex but it falls short at the higher ranges. Also the side focus knob was really tight and I've come to learn its a pretty common issue with them.

The VX3 LR (LR is Long Range, the LRT is with turrets. They come with 30mm tubes) scopes are nice. I've had a bunch of these pass thru my hands this last winter. Repeatable turrets, lots of internal adjustment and really good glass. The VX3 would be a solid choice.

That Weaver Tactical is still appealing because of its FFP reticle. Something the two above dont offer.
 
S-III's are now available in FFP too.
I have shot my smallest 5-shot group at a 1K match with a Sightron. Sub 4" with a single-shot specialty pistol.

 
Originally Posted By: xphunterS-III's are now available in FFP too.


Indeed they are but not for the OP's budget of 800 bucks.
 
Really comes down to your call in my mind. I have personally seen the S-III's stand up to Chey-Tac use where several Leupold's went down on that very gun.
And I am a Leupold fan.
You are not using anything near that level, so that is a mute point.
One thing I did notice though at the 1000 yard F-Class Nationals and World Championship last August in Raton, NM though is there were very few if any Leupold scopes there of any model (Saw two myself), but there were quite a few Sightron S-III's.
More NF than anything else, but that is outside your price range.

My F-Open rig ran a 8-32 S-III and I did pretty good in Nationals.



I have more Leupold VX-3's and Mark 4's and Sightron S-III's than anything else.
Get what you want and go have a good time
 
Originally Posted By: PredatorHunter89Out of the three which one would you get and why.

That really depends on what options your looking for.

If you want more of a tactical scope with a mildot and turrets from Leupold your going to have to look into the Mark 4's. You can get into the 4.5-14 model in your budget.

The Weaver adds the first focal plane reticle which makes ranging and holdovers a dream. I have a couple FFP reticle scopes and for long range steel banging and overall fun shooting and can say they are nice to have. Most FFP scopes are at or above the 2 grand mark, that's why getting one with all the options the Weaver has including good glass for 800 bucks is pretty darn cool.

If you don't need the fancy reticle and can get by with a basic cross hair and turrets the VX 3 4.5-14 LR with a fine duplex reticle would be a great scope. Send it to Leupold and have an M1 turrets installed and there isn't much that scope couldn't do.

If your wanting a bit more magnification you could get into the VX3 6.5-20 LRT if you could spend 50-75 bucks over your budget.
 
Before you buy a scope go to a store where you can take the scopes your interested in outside and look through them. Look in the sun, the shade and everywhere else. What works for any of us responding here may not work for you, look first before buying.
 
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