Thread: What scope for my 308

Okay, so a few months ago I bought an 85 sako finnlight 2, in 308 cal, which was really far too fancy for my first rifle but it was a very good price so I didn't pass on it.
But it's a bare rifle. It's also still sitting in the sellers cabinet because my FAL hasn't been finalized yet! But I need to put a silencer, rings and scope on it.
I'm choosing a scope. After much research I think I expect this to be a max 300m range rifle. So my 3 scopes I'm considering are:
Leupold vx3 2.5-8
Leupold vx3 3-9
Swarovski z3 3-9
From what i can figure out, these are quality, simple, good value for money and light weight.

Does anybody recommend getting/not getting any of these? I've been watching and waiting for one of these three to come up as a good used deal, with no particular preference for one or the other. They should all serve my purpose, shouldn't they?

Make sure you have good eye relief 308 in light rifle can have a robust recoil and you dont need the mark of the devil between eyes to early as it can lead to flinching early in your shooting career .

Originally Posted by Brad S

Okay, so a few months ago I bought an 85 sako finnlight 2, in 308 cal, which was really far too fancy for my first rifle but it was a very good price so I didn't pass on it.
But it's a bare rifle. It's also still sitting in the sellers cabinet because my FAL hasn't been finalized yet! But I need to put a silencer, rings and scope on it.
I'm choosing a scope. After much research I think I expect this to be a max 300m range rifle. So my 3 scopes I'm considering are:
Leupold vx3 2.5-8
Leupold vx3 3-9
Swarovski z3 3-9
From what i can figure out, these are quality, simple, good value for money and light weight.

Does anybody recommend getting/not getting any of these? I've been watching and waiting for one of these three to come up as a good used deal, with no particular preference for one or the other. They should all serve my purpose, shouldn't they?

all good = for my eyesight I need a scope with a fully adjustable rear lens - only the Leupold VX5 in their range has that- but have had leupold for 40 years no problems with any of them - but for target work I just cant get a good sight picture as the adjustment they have simply does not work for me - I have a Kahles and cant rate those optics enough and rear adjustment is as simple as any binocular - my only other criteria is it must go down to 3x and most of my scopes dont move of that all day ( scrub country 200 metres long shot most 80 metres or less )

Have a look at the vx3 3.5 to 10 with the red dot. I just got one on the 708 and have been enjoying it

It depends on your budget a rifle of that quility deserves a good scope.
I had a vx5 on mine which was perfect.
Or a Z3 if you want a smaller lighter scope but a 4-12 BT as the z3 3-9 is not a dial up scope.

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Depending on budget keep an eye out the older ziess conquests they fit in that category nicely. And if you go the vx3 route spring for the hd model the glass is vastly superior. I like the older khales too not too sold on the new ones.

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25/08, there was a vx5 3-15 came up on here the other day for a good price, but I woke up too late and someone else got it first.
I wasn't really looking for a dial up scope. Maybe I should be? I'm a simple man and like simple things haha

I know it seems a waste to put a pissy little scope on such a nice rifle. But the budget doesn't stretch far. I can get any of those 3 scopes I listed for comfortably under $1k (used), and I know people use them very successfully for less than 300m shots.

older 2x7 loopy would go well
the freedoms arent bad new either... 3x9x40 is another great option and will set you back less...quality is more than fine for me.

One scope that I have always had good results with is the Leupold 3.5-10 and as my eyes age it has always had clear crosshair definition. However if budget is a concern I have had great results with the Burris 3-9 Full field, with the Bullet drop compensation reticule. Not an expensive scope, but it does all you want easily to 300m. Apparently Burris does honour its lifetime warranty as well. Maybe save money on the scope and put some funds into reloading gear?

Well actually, a very kind forum member Philipo gave me a Bushnell Elite 3500 4 - 12 x 40, which he said I was to use, and not sell. Of course haha!
I was going to save this scope for a small rifle, 22 or 223, but maybe it would do the trick for a 308, at least for a start?

A lot depends on what your primary hunting environment is.
Open country vs bush. In the tight stuff, 2x or 2.5x is more usable than 3x
That said don't overthink it to much, they all work.
Your on the right track by getting a quality scope you can afford.
Your decision most likely will decided by what comes available.
30 years ago most of us got by with 4x40's

Originally Posted by Brad S

Well actually, a very kind forum member Philipo gave me a Bushnell Elite 3500 4 - 12 x 40, which he said I was to use, and not sell. Of course haha!
I was going to save this scope for a small rifle, 22 or 223, but maybe it would do the trick for a 308, at least for a start?

FOV on the 4-12 may be an issue in the bush but the Elite is a good scope. I had a 2.5--10 on my 270win for a few years without issues. It now lives on my 17HMR.

Originally Posted by Brad S

Well actually, a very kind forum member Philipo gave me a Bushnell Elite 3500 4 - 12 x 40, which he said I was to use, and not sell. Of course haha!
I was going to save this scope for a small rifle, 22 or 223, but maybe it would do the trick for a 308, at least for a start?

@Philipo...what a GC!
That scope is perfect for what you are wanting to do, IMHO. I have one of those on one of my rifles and it's taken quite a few tahr, chamois and reds without any issues. Pretty light too if you're climbing mountains. Also has a lifetime warranty IIRC. Use it and put your money into other gear, as someone up there suggested ^

Get a scope with good field of view for close encounters and 12x plus for distance to 300yds plus.

Swarovski z3 3.3-10 with a BRH reticle. Have a look on the internet at the reticle, you can holdover on the lines at distances, it'll get you out past 400 too I bet. I was shooting nanny tahr with my 308 at over 350 with one as an example.