Best Vortex Scope for .308

If you have a .308 rifle and you are looking to install a scope on it, for a novice, knowing what scope to buy can be tricky.

Therefore, it is essential to know about scopes first before buying one.

This can help you make an informed decision.

When it comes to choosing the best Vortex Scope for .308, there are several important factors you need to consider.

In this article, we are going to discuss what factors to consider when choosing a scope. And we are going to review three vortex scopes, which based on consumer reviews and ratings are considered the best.

So let’s get to it.

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[wpsm_highlight color=”blue”]Vortex Optics CF2-31045 6-24×50 AO

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After reviewing several vortex scopes designed for a .308 rifle, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II took top place in our list. And this is why.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II took our number one spot because of its reliability and performance. With fully multi-coated lenses, long eye relief and BDC reticle, this is one scope you can use for all your needs.

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• High magnification
• Fully multi-coated lenses
• Adjustable objective lens
• BDC reticle

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We’ve tested 3 Vortex scopes for .308 and the winner is above!
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Vortex Scopes for .308 Comparison Chart

3 Best Vortex Scopes for .308 (as of April, 2024):

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1. Vortex Optics CF2-31045 6-24×50 AO Vortex Scope for .308 Review

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• Dead-Hold BDC Duplex Reticle
• Second Focal Plane Reticle
• Main-Tube Diameter: 30 mm
• Impact-Point Correction: 1/4 MOA

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If you are looking for a stable, clear, reliable and affordable scope, then the Vortex Optics CF2-31045 6-24×50 AO could be a good option for you. With a fully multi-coated lens for clarity and brightness, you should have no problem at all hitting your target.

The Crossfire II is fog-proof and waterproof as it has a nitrogen-treated aluminum tube and is sealed with O-ring. So when it comes to performance, this scope can help you hit your target even in harsh weather conditions.

Main Features

• Dead-Hold Ballistic Drop Compensation (BDC) duplex reticle on the Second Focal Plane (SFP)
• Reticle subtensions are accurate at 18x
• Capped low-profile windage and elevation turrets with knurled grips
• Turrets can be re-indexed to zero after initial sighting
• 1/4 MOA per click impact point correction, with 15 MOA travel per rotation
• Fast focus eyepiece with 4″ eye relief
• One piece aluminum main-tube
• Corrosion and scratch-resistant matte-black anodized finish
• Nitrogen-filled for water and fogproof performance

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• It’s waterproof and fog-proof
• It’s durable, clear, and reliable
• It is affordable
• The lenses are fully multi-coated for visibility and clarity
• Great for shooting or hunting in low light conditions

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• Users who have never used a scope before may find the Crossfire II a bit challenging

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Vortex Crossfire II Riflescope:

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2. Vortex Optics VHS-4308 HST 4-16×44 Vortex Scope for .308 Review

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• VMR-1 MRAD Duplex Reticle
• Second Focal Plane Reticle
• Extra-Low Dispersion Glass Elements
• XR Fully Multicoated Optics

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The Vortex Optics VHS-4308 HST 4-16×44 is designed for tactical shooting. So if you are into hunting or target shooting, this scope is a great option. What stands out about the scope is the features it offers.

It has a fully multi-coated lens with anti-reflective properties for visibility. You can use it any lighting condition without struggling to see your target. The scope has a 50mm lens and is O-ring sealed for fog-proof and waterproof performance.

It has focus adjustments that allow you to remove any parallax when aiming at your target. Also, it is designed for long-range shooting which makes it a good option for hunters.

Main Features

• Index-matched optical system
• HD extra-low dispersion elements
• XR anti-reflective lens coating
• Reticle placed on Second Focal Plain (SFP) maintains size and focus when zoom is pulled out or pushed in
• MRAD duplex reticle
• .1 MRAD impact point adjustment clicks, 5 MRAD travel per rotation
• Fast focus eyepiece with 4″ eye relief
• Side focus dial for easy focus and parallax removal
• Vortex’s proprietary Radius Bar for referencing turret adjustment position
• Argon-filled and o-ring sealed for fogproof and waterproof performance
• One-piece aluminum maintube and housing with anodized matte-black finish
• ArmorTek: scratch-resistant lens coating

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• Fully multi-coated lens
• Lenses are anti-reflective
• Sealed with O-rings to keep it waterproof and fog-proof
• Offers good eye relief
• Clear and accurate

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• It’s not cheap

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3. Vortex Optics DBK-10028 6-24×50 Vortex Scope for .308 Review

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• EBR-2C Reticle, First Focal Plane
• 30 mm Diameter Maintube
• 1/4 MOA/Click Impact Point Correction
• 65 MOA Windage/Elevation Adjustment

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As the name suggests, this scope is designed for tactical shooting and therefore an ideal option for target shooting or hunting.

The Vortex Diamondback DBK-10028 6-24×50 riflescopes feature adjustable reticles and magnification to help hunters accurately shot at their target. The scope is especially useful if are like to go hunting, whether it’s for big game or small game.

Besides, the scope has an excellent optical system which includes fully multi-coated lenses than enhance visibility. The body of the scope is treated with nitrogen and closed with O-rings to protect the scope from dust and water.

All in all, this scope is accurate, reliable, and versatile and generally offers solid performance.

Main Features

• Extra-low dispersion glass and fully multi-coated lenses transmit a crisp, bright sight picture
• First focal plane, glass-etched reticle keep subtensions accurate throughout the 4x zoom range
• Precision-glide erector system uses premium components in the zoom lens to ensure smooth magnification changes under the harshest conditions
• Exposed tactical turrets and a side parallax knob give shooters the tools needed for long distance precision shooting
• Fast focus eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing
• Single piece 30mm tube is shockproof, ruggedly built to withstand recoil and impacts
• Strong o-ring seals and nitrogen purging guarantee waterproof and fogproof performance

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• The scope’s tube is sealed with nitrogen for fog-proof and waterproof performance
• The lens is multicoated for brightness
• The lenses are anti-reflective
• It is shockproof

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• It has thin reticles

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Buyers Guide

If you have never bought a scope before and you are wondering what to look for when buying one. Here is a small guide to get you started.

Factors to consider when buying a scope

Type of scope

You have a rifle, but what is its purpose? Do you use it for hunting? Or is it for self-defense?

If your rifle is for hunting, you’ll want a scope with high magnification. But this also depends on whether you are hunting small game or big game.

For small game hunters, a rifle scope with 10X magnification is ideal. Big game hunters may require a scope with more powerful magnification.

If the rifle is for self-defense, getting a scope for it might not be necessary. Bear in mind that in a self-defense situation you need to act fast. A scope may only get in the way.

Magnification

Scopes come with different magnifications, which are usually represented by two numbers. So you may see something like 3-9X40 or 6-24X50. The first digit and second digit are the powers or the number of times you can magnify the scope.

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For example, if the magnification of the scope is 3-9X40, it means you can magnify the scope up to 9 times, 3 being the least. The first number (3) indicates low magnification and the second (9) indicates high magnification. The number after the X is the size in millimeters of the objective lens.
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The power of the magnification may not matter much if your rifle is for self-protection. A scope with a magnification of 10X or below should be ideal. But if you are a hunter, you may need to get one with a much higher magnification.

However, some hunters don’t believe that more magnification means better performance. They believe in balancing magnification with the view.

So depending on what you use your rifle for, for example, if you use it to hunt deer, getting a scope with high magnification might not make sense. It is more of an overkill.

A scope with a magnification of let’s say 3-9X40 can get the job done efficiently without you straining or struggling.

Size of the objective lens

The size of the objective lens may be an important factor to consider when buying a scope if you use your rifle for hunting.

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The reason for this is that the bigger the objective lens, the more light will enter your riflescope. This improves visibility making it easier for you to view your target. So the larger the lens, the higher the resolution. However, higher magnification lowers the amount of light.
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To know the size of your objective lens, check the numbers of the magnification. If the numbers, for example, are 6-24X50, the number 50 which comes after the X is the size of the lens which is measured in millimeters.

Reticle

Reticles also referred to as crosshairs are important as they provide precision aiming. If you want to hit your target at a long-range, adjusting the reticles can help you get an accurate aim.

The standard reticles are called the Duplex crosshairs, which allow for accurate aiming. Some reticles contain LED lights, which enhance aiming speed.

So to determine what type of reticles the scope should have, this depends on what you use your rifle for.

How To Use the Vortex Dead-Hold BDC Reticle:

Parallax

A scope parallax is when your target appears off focus when the crosshairs are not still. In other words, when your eyes, the lenses, and your target are not in perfect alignment, this is known as parallax. It is sort of an optical illusion.

When you have parallax problems, this can make shooting your target difficult. Most scopes are parallax free at a distance of less than 100 yards. But if your target is a lot further, you may need to adjust your parallax to be able to hit your target.

A Simple Explanation Of Riflescope Parallax:

Eye Relief

Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the ocular lens when your eye is properly positioned. If you are looking for a scope for your.308 rifle, you need one that has an eye relief of 3 inches. Now, this is usually the standard eye relief, although you can get a scope with less.

If your rifle is for hunting or shooting targets, it may advisable to get a scope with large eye relief. Anything above 3 inches. The reason why this is important is that you want to prevent damage to your eye when you shoot your rifle.

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An eye relief that is less than 3 inches on a high caliber rifle may cause eye injury.
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Budget

You can get a good scope at a relatively affordable price. It all depends on the type of scope and what works with your rifle type. Generally, it is a good idea to purchase one from directly from the manufactures as you can be assured of quality.

Other considerations

Crosshair adjustments

A reticle is an aiming device or the crosshairs in your view. There are many different types of reticles each with varying strengths and weaknesses. What you need to know about reticles is that they make it easy for you to shot at long-ranges.

Lens coating

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Manufacturers coat lenses for brightness and clarity. Some lenses are multi-coated others have only one coating. Lenses that have many layers of coating tend to be brighter than those with only one layer. If your scope is brighter, it means you have a clear view of your target.
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However, some scopes don’t have coatings and they are the cheapest in the market. But if you plan on using your scope for hunting, it is advisable to get one that is coated.

Tips when choosing a rifle scope

Here are some tips you might find helpful when choosing a scope for your rifle.

Do your research

Before you go out and buy a scope, get to know something about scopes especially if you have never bought one. You’ll find a ton of information online including countless scope models.

It may not be advisable to buy a scope online if it’s your first time. But it makes good sense to have some idea of how they work and which ones are ideal for what situations.

Don’t buy a cheap scope

Budget is usually a common consideration when choosing a rifle scope. However, it is advisable to avoid a cheap scope. Resellers and manufacturers who sell cheap scopes know exactly what they are selling you and it’s usually not quality.

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You can find quality scopes at affordable prices. But if the price is too good, know that the scope is not worth it.
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Don’t get carried away by brand names

It is not uncharacteristic to find a novice hunter buying a scope because of the brand name. Most people buy stuff because the brands are popular. But if you are looking for a scope for your .308 rifle, check to see what other customers are saying.

Visit gun-related forums, blogs, and websites to get as much information as you can about scopes in general. This can give you an idea of what to look for when choosing one.

Construction of the scope

A scope with a big body might be challenging to use than one with a small one. Besides, huge scopes require special devices and other equipment which can be expensive. So if you out to hunt deer or turkey, you don’t need a big scope.

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A standard scope is ideal. What you need to ascertain is that it’s treated with nitrogen or argon for shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof performance.
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Purpose of the scope

Before you buy a scope, you need to know that different scopes serve different purposes.

So before you buy one, you need to ask yourself questions such as what do you need to achieve with the scope. But it boils down to what type of rifle you have and what you use it for.

Verdict

When looking for a Vortex scope for a .308 rifle, don’t just go out there and buy any scope. There are specific scopes designed to fit .308 rifles. Furthermore, there are key considerations that you need to look into when choosing one.

The reason why the Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane was our number one pick is because it’s versatile, it’s accurate and reliable. And these are some key factors you need in a great scope.