Author: larry

Custom Made Holster

Shop our extensive online inventory of concealed glock holsters made in the United States. We are delighted to offer superior grade IWB and OWB glock holsters in a variety of styles.
For a long time, this firearm has been a favorite choice among military people and law enforcement around the world. These Glock holsters are also a good alternative. They are dependable, long-lasting, lightweight, and comfy.
All of the Glock concealment holsters are designed to securely fit your Glock while allowing for a smooth and effortless draw when necessary. With a simple tweak, you may tailor the cant to your artistic style. You can select a Glock holster that provides maximum comfort and concealment no matter what you’re wearing. A moisture guard protects you from sweat and allows you to draw your weapon safely without worrying about a slick surface.
With a Glock holster, you can be sure that your gun will be ready when you need it. We have a vast selection of Glock concealed carry holsters for all models and eras. All of our Glock holsters are handcrafted in the United States and come with a lifetime guarantee.

Glock Holsters

Shop our extensive online selection of concealed glock holsters made in the United States. We are pleased to provide a wide range of superior grade IWB and OWB glock holsters.
For a long time, this firearm has been a favorite choice among military and law enforcement professionals all over the world. These Glock holsters are also a good option. They are dependable, long-lasting, light, and comfy.
All of the Glock concealment holsters are designed to securely fit your Glock while allowing for a smooth and effortless draw when needed. A simple modification can be made to fit the cant to your drawing style. You can select a Glock holster that provides maximum comfort and concealment regardless of what you are wearing. A moisture guard protects you from sweat and allows you to draw your weapon safely without worrying about a slick surface.
When you use a Glock holster, you can be sure that your gun will be ready when you need it. We provide a large selection of Glock concealed carry holsters for all models and eras. All of our Glock holsters are handcrafted in the United States of America and come with a lifetime guarantee.

Hand Gun .380 Ammo

From Federal, Hornaday, Winchester, Fiocchi, and more, We have picked our top favorites – to make it easy for you. Our Friends at Palmetto State Armory carry a wide variety of handgun ammunition. We’ve got everything you need, no matter what kind of pistol you own. We offer pistol ammunition and handguns at low prices to meet your requirements.

Hand Gun 9mm Ammo

From Federal, Hornaday, Winchester, Fiocchi, and more, We have picked our top favorites – to make it easy for you. Our Friends at Palmetto State Armory carry a wide variety of handgun ammunition. We’ve got everything you need, no matter what kind of pistol you own. We offer pistol ammunition and handguns at low prices to meet your requirements.

Best Knife

For any outdoor enthusiast, public safety professional, military member, or emergency responder, a knife is a must-have. We want to show case are favorite knifes we like – there is a wide assortment of knives, knife accessories, knife sharpeners, equipment and more so that you may maintain a tactical advantage wherever you are.

Best Rifle Scope for .30-06

If you are looking around for the best red dot sights, you could potentially be looking for a while unless you know what you’re looking for.

With so many red dot sights on the market at various price ranges, it’s really difficult to pinpoint the best red do sight to buy.

Maybe you’re trying to find the best red dot sight for the money . . .

To solve this issue, we went on the hunt to review and test dozens of the best red dot scopes and narrowed the list down to the top 6!

Top 6 Best Red Dot Sights

    1. Burris 300234 Fast Fire III
    2. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25
    3. Vortex Optics StrikeFire 2
    4. Aimpoint PRO Patrol Rifle Optic
    5. EOTech 512
    6. Vortex Optics Sparc 2

It’s never easy to go through all of these gun scopes to figure out which is the best, but when if came to finding the best red dot sights in this category, it was super fun.

Red dot sights are a blast and it’s no wonder why they are gaining so much traction in the gun world.​

Best Red Dot Sights in 2018 – Top 6

You may have some other red dot scopes that you will are better than the ones listed below, after all, we could have broken down red dot sights into their own separate categories.

Below are our top 6 red dot sights. You can read further along in each of our red dot sight reviews for why each red dot made the cut. Enjoy!

Best Red Dot Sights

Price

Rating

​

Burris 300234 Fastfire III

$$

4.4 / 5
Check Price

Bushnell Trophy TRS-25

$

4.3 / 5
Check Price

Vortex Optics StrikeFire 2

$$

4.6 / 5
Check Price

Aimpoint PRO Patrol Rifle Optic

$$

4.9 / 5
Check Price

EOTech 512

$$$

4.7 / 5
Check Price

Vortex Optics Sparc 2

$$$$

4.6 / 5
Check Price

 

Why the Trijicon RMR 3.25 MOA and Sightmark Ultra Dual Shot Pro Spec NV Sight QD are not on my list?

Some top gun enthusiasts are wondering why I didn’t include some of these other popular red dot sights that others have reviewed but aren’t on my Top 6 list? They were close, but after reviewing them, the others just topped them in one way or another.

    •  The Trijicon is too expensive.
    •  When looking for a red dot scope, a scope that is going to be up in the $500 range doesn’t really deliver any better experience compared to the less expensive red dot scopes on the market. It’s about finding the best red dot sight for the money.
    •  The Sightmark was the opposite. It’s an inexpensive red dot sight, (under $150), but it lacked in quality.
    •  There were issues with it staying powered on with a high-powered rifle. It would be perfect for a .22lr or another rimfire due to the lower recoil.

Basically, you are either paying too much for a reputable name that drives up the price or you aren’t paying for something that is built well. Some of you may feel better buying a red dot with a reputable name like Trijicon and don’t mind the higher price tag, and others may be ok with something that is cheap, but for most, we want to find the best red dot sight for the money.

For now, these red dot scopes didn’t make our Top 6 list.

However, we believe that the premium red dot sights are ok if you are going to be using the sight for heavy tactical purposes or constant use. We also believe in finding some great budget scopes that are inexpensive as long as you don’t sacrifice on too much quality.

Red Dot Sights Quick Overview

Red dot sights first emerged as tools for competition shooting as well as for military use.
Some of the first red dots were big, heavy, and expensive.
Today is a different story. Today’s red dots are small, lightweight, compact, very durable, and priced well.
You can find a high quality red dot scope for under $200 now!

Red dots are almost always zero power (or 1x) This means that they do not magnify, or are a fixed magnification.

The military uses a lot of red dot as on foot combat is generally in close to mid range​. The hit percentage is drastically higher than with iron sights.

Considerations for the Best Red Dot Sight

Red dot sights are typcially not used for precision shooting. Their purpose is to be used for close and fast shooting.

A red dot sight is perfect for fast target acquisition. All that is required is that you put the dot on the target and shoot.​

The larger the dot, the quicker shooters will find the target.

A red dot is great for hunting as well. Some people even use red dots for target games like trap, skeet, and sporting clays on their shotguns.​

Red dot sizes vary from each brand and scope type. Some have dots that are adjustable, so make sure to consider the dot size you prefer to use and how large of a reticle you need when you’re finding the best red dot sight for you.

Some red dots have different shapes as well and different colors, like green. It’s all personal preference.

Also something to consider is that most red dot sights use batteries. You cannot get the illumination of a red dot sight without some sort of power, and the standard is to use batteries.

If used for hunting, keep in mind that cold weather drains battery life, so always have backups. But overall, the battery life on the best red dot sights last quite a while. Many hunters even leave their red dot sights​ on for the entire hunting trip.

​Aimpoint, for example, advertises the battery life up to 10,000 hours or about 5 years.

Red dot sights can be used on any type of firearm and for a lot of uses. People use red dot sights for rifles, shotguns, and even handguns.

A lot of people prefer red dot sights for home defense as well as red dot sights are great for use in low light conditions (at night) and for fast target acquisition.​

Price Range for Red Dots

Red dot sights vary in price range. From as low as $20 to as high as the thousands of dollars. Doing these red dot sight reviews requires me to look at every price range to truly see what is the best red dot out there.

Unless you are on a very tight budget, we recommend to choose a red dot scope price between $150-$500. In this range you will likely find a very high quality scope that will last you a very long time without needed to worry about it losing its zero and breaking down with long term use.

Inexpensive or budget red dot sight are perfect for plinking guns or just fooling around shooting at different targets.

Price isn’t always a determination factor of the quality, sometimes you are just paying a high price because of the manufacturer, like Trijicon. Granted, Trijicon makes super high quality scopes and are very reputable, but you can find a high quality scope for far less.

Keep in mind that any red dot sight under $50 should not be expected to withstand the recoil from anything but a rimfire rifle, but everyone once in a while you might be surprised.

The best sights are closer to the $200-$500 range. Anything higher and you are overpaying, unless you want the extra features and need a specific brand name.

1. Burris 300234 Fast Fire III

Burris is a very well known scope company. When it comes to red dot scopes, they make some of the highest quality scopes out there.

The Fast Fire III is one of the most versatile red dot sights that you can find. You can mount it on any firearm, whether it be a pistol, shotgun or any type of rifle, including your hunting rifle.

The Burris has a power button with 3 levels of brightness which you will need to adjust in order to see the dot clearly, but once you’ve done the proper adjustments for your needs, the clarity is great.​

Out of the box, the first thing I noticed was that it is one of the smallest and lightest red dot sights I’ve ever seen. Even smaller than the Bushnell TRS-25, which is pretty tiny.

Because of its small size it can be mounted on handguns very easily. This is one of the reasons why it is so versatile because it can be used for a wide variety of applications, uses, and any firearm.​

Some handguns are even pre-fitted for the Fast Fire III.

​It has really good battery life as well, which is always a plus. Most of the top red dot scopes have longer battery life these days.

The quality is definitely there. It’s extremely light weight, so it’s perfect for mobility when you are hunting and for tactical uses. Some scopes and sights can really add some bulky making the firearm seem a little more awkward, especially if equipped on a handgun.

Sighting this in was super easy. Instead of having to use an allen wrench or some sort of screw driver to sight it in, it sights in with clicks, just like a traditional variable magnification scope. This made it very easy to zero.

I sighted in at 25 yards within 4 shots and then at 100 yards. It also held it’s zero, as expected, through a few hundred round on my AR-10.

It was also extremely easy to mount. It took me only 10 min using the instructions and tools Burris provided. See prices on Amazon

Overall, what a great red dot sight. It met all of my expectations and passed all of my test for our in depth red dot sight review and I have to say, I was very pleased.

I ended up purchasing 3 others for my CZ75 SP01 Tactical handgun and a couple of my ARs.

Pros

In short, I don’t think there is a better mini and compact red dot scope on the market for the money. It’s perfect for handguns and can hold its own on larger calibers as well.

    •  Burris Warranty
    •  Very small and lightweight. Perfect for mobility
    •  Perfect for handguns and for ARs.
    •  Very durable and high quality.

Cons

This is still one of the the best red-dots at this price point, but one thing to note is it might be a little more fragile than other red dot sights, mainly because of its tiny size. I’m just not confident that it would remain intact if it was dropped. But it can surely handle any type of recoil.

    •  Very tiny. This is a pro and a con. Feels a little fragile.
    •  Too small for most shotguns unless you get a higher mount.

2. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 – Best Red Dot Sight For The Money

I’ve mentioned the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 in several other different categories as one of the best scopes you can buy.

It’s one of the top scopes Bushnell makes and makes our list of top 6 best​ red dot sights because of its price. For under $100, you can’t beat the high quality and versatility of this red dot.

If someone didn’t know the price of the TRS-25, they would not guess that it costs less than $100.

The TRS-25 has a really nice sharp and crisp red dot reticle. You can control the brightness and other settings of the red dot very easily with the control knob. The control knob has a little bit of resistance, but this is on purpose so that it doesn’t accidentally adjust on its own

The battery life is great too. Bushnell claims that the battery life lasts up to 3000 hours. This is plenty of time, but make sure to always have backup batteries just in case.​

I tested the sight with an AK47 to see if it could handle its recoil and hold zero. And as expect, it did! I put about 400 rounds though it​ and it held zero nicely.

I sighted it in at 25 yards and then at 100 yards, and was worried that it wouldn’t hold up because of its price range, but it did.​

As I was testing it out, I seriously couldn’t believe how small it was. You don’t get a sense of its size until you actually see it in person, very similar to the Burris.

Even though it’s small, it’s well built (as I would expect from Bushnell) and didn’t added any noticeable weight to the rifle. It may add a little bulk to a handgun, but not much. TRS-25 on Amazon

In the future, I might use this red dot scope primarily for a rimfire rifle, though I think it handled the AK47 just fine and would probably be able to handle other higher caliber rifles and shotguns.

If you are getting this red dot sight and expecting it to match the quality of a dot scope in the $500 range, then save up and get the real thing.

The TRS-25 does what it needs to do without any extra features.

If you are looking for something that is a fraction of the cost, made very well, holds zero as it should, has great glass, and is durable, The Bushnell TRS-25 will work just fine!

Pros

In short, for the price, this is one of the best red dots sight for the money. Though it is a budget red dot sight, it doesn’t feel like one.

    •  Easy to zero and holds zero
    •  3000 hours of battery life
    •  Very lightweight and small for mobility

Cons

The tube design is a little bulky when compared to the Burris, for example, but really only noticeable if you were going to use it for your pistol, as it’s extremely small and not noticeable on a shotgun or AR.

Also, the projector block is in your line of sight.

    •  Adjustments a little hard to use
    •  Projector block is sometimes in your line of sight
    •  Tube design adds a little extra bulk, mostly noticeable when equipped to a handgun

3. Vortex Optics StrikeFire 2 – Best Red Dot Sight For an AR-15 Rifle

Vortex is another one of those companies that makes high quality scopes for lower prices. I have a lot of different Vortex scope reviews on this site because they simply have some of the best scopes for the money.

 

Their red dot sights are no different. ​We went through a series of tests with the Strikefire 2 as we would with any red dot sight review.

One of the biggest factors that pushed this Vortex red dot into the top 6 was its price. For under $200 you are really getting a lot. Its a great red dot for the money.

It features rear-facing controls for the power instead of on the top of the sight which made it a little easier to make turn the sight on when I was already in a shooting position in case I forgot.

As far as adjustments go, there are ten dot intensity levels. The lowest 2 settings are for night vision. What’s great is that the sight automatically returns to the last dot intensity that you used when you power it back up. That was nice, especially if I was going to shoot in the same situation as before.

In my test. I equipped the Strikefire 2 on my Ar-15. The first thing I noticed was how well if fir on the AR-15. It seemed super sturdy and durable. Probably because of the 30mm aluminum allow chassis which also helps with high recoil. Check Prices on Amazon

It’s also waterproof and fog-proof a feature I would expect when spending up to $200 on a red dot sight.

Mounting it was also pretty easy, especially with the cantilever mount that was included with it.

Zeroing was a breeze. It didn’t take long as I used a bore sight to help get a really accurate zero since I was planning on shooting at longer ranges.

After sighting in, I was able to hit some targets at 100 yards away pretty easily. I was very impressed. Even after putting a few hundred round through it, it held zero, which was expected with such a high quality Vortex red dot.

What’s cool is that it can co-witness with your iron sights! That’s a great thing.

One of my favorite things about Vortex is their unconditional lifetime warranty. Their customer service is great with any optic.

Pros

In short, Overall a great sight for the price your paying for it and will highly recommend this sight to anybody looking for a quality red dot sight, especially for your AR-15

    •  Vortex Lifetime Warranty
    •  Very easy to mount and zero
    •  Perfect for an AR-15.
    •  Great red dot for the money

Cons

The tube design is a little bulky when compared to the Burris, for example, but really only noticeable if you were going to use it for your pistol, as it’s extremely small and not noticeable on a shotgun or AR.

Also, the projector block is in your line of sight.

    •  Cantilever mount doesn’t fit well on some ARs.
    •  A little heavy for tactical and mobility, but still not bad at all

4. Aimpoint PRO Patrol Rifle Optics – Top Rated Red Dot Sight Review

The Aimpoint Pro was one of the best red dot sight reviews we did. It is such a quality red dot sight and I will always be impressed with how quality Aimpoint makes its scopes, especially its red dot scopes.

The reason Aimpoint made it at #4 on the list was merely because of its price tag. When doing these red dot scope reviews price was a big factor in deciding what the best red dot sight is, even though the Aimpoint Pro is one of the best red dot sights on the market today.

It’s so good that it is widely accepted as one of the top red dot sights for military combat as well. It really is a high quality red dot scope.

With that being said, the review was fun. It’s made for real-world conditions so it’ll be able to handle harsh conditions. It’s also waterproof (submersible up to 150ft) can handle harsh cold temperatures (as low as -49 degrees F) and extremely hot temperatures (up to 160 degrees F).

The Aimpoint Pro is equipped and ready to be used with a spacer. The mount is worth the additional cost of the Aimpoint Red Dot Sight over other high quality red dots ​in this top 6 list. With the included spacer and mount the optic works awesome with standard AR-15 iron sights to co-witness in case the red dot fails.

When testing out the Aimpoint, I found it was super easy to zero since it uses 1/2 MOA adjustments. I sighted in at 25 yards and confirmed at 50 yards before doing some serious shooting.

The dot itself was super bright and small enough to be used with precision up to 200 yards!​ Another bonus is when you increased the brightness level of the dot, the dot never grew and never washed out (something that can occasionally happen with some red dot sights).

Pros

In short, if the Aimpoint pro was less expensive, it would have been the #1 red dot in my opinion, but the price pushed it toward the bottom. It still made my top 6 red dot sight list and is one of the highest rated red dot scopes on Amazon.

    •  Burris Warranty
    •  Can handle harsh temperatures and weather conditions
    •  Waterproof up to 150 ft
    •  Wide range of adjustment levels
    •  Comes with a mount and great battery life

Cons

The only complaint I have over the Aimpoint Pro is the cost. I can get other optics that do a great job and what I need for a fraction of the cost. With that said, there is still so much value in what you are getting for the price. Great scope.

    •  Cost, but that’s it. This is a great red dot optic.

5. EOTech 512 review – Best Holographic Red Dot Sight Review

EOTech is another one of those companies that makes super high quality tactical red dot sights. They are widely known as one of the best red dot sight manufacturers, but you are also paying for the name and the extra features which is why the EOTech 512.A65 also made it toward the bottom of this top 6 best red dot sights list.

Regardless, its still an amazing high quality scope and deserves to be on this list. Here’s why. …

The EOTech 512 is one of the most popular red dot holographic sights on the market according to EOTech. It’s designed for close range combat.

Holographic optics fall into the realm of red dot sights but aren’t like a traditional red dot since it uses holographics. ​It’s capable of reflecting a laser into a more complex reticle than a traditional red dot scope.

The reticle design is called the A65 and the reason why is because its outer circle is 65 MOA and the center dot is 1 MOA.

It’s also square with a square lens which allows the shooter to see over the sight more efficiently and a wider field of view for the shooter.​

 

After a quick zero, we were ready to get started with the EOTech review. At close range, the sight was awesome and the A65 reticle is really simple to use.

It worked best when both of our eyes were open. ​

The EOTech was seriously so much fun to use that I ended up using it 6 other times (one of my most extensive scope reviews I’ve ever done). I never had to readjust the sight since the first time and after several hundred rounds, it held zero.​

I ended up purchasing the EOTech 512 for my own personal use and equipped it on my AR.

The reason it’s not closer to the top of the list is due to its higher price poin​t.

Overall, The EOTech 512 was a great scope and I actually prefer the A65 reticle over traditional red dots.

Though it may not be that effective at night since it lacks a night vision mode and the fact that the battery life is low, it’s still an excellent optic.

Check out our in-depth EOTech​ 512 review if you’re still undecided.

Pros

​In short, the EOTech 512.A65 is a great optic and didn’t have a single issue during our EOTech 512 review. It so good we consider it one of the best optics for an AR-15

    •  Holographic site with A65 Reticle
    •  Square shape and glass helped with wider FOV
    •  Very durable and high quality.

Cons

If you’re willing to spend a little more money for an amazing holographic red dot sight, this is a good one, but it’s not cheap at around the $400 price point.

Also, because its a holographic red dot sight, the battery life is horrible compared to other red dot sights clocking in at around 1000 hours.

    •  A little costly.
    •  Lacks a night vision mode.

6 – Vortex Optics Sparc 2 – Best Red Dot Sight under $200

Last, but not least, we have another Vortex red dot scope. Like I’ve said before, i really like Vortex for a number of reasons. They have such good value and the prices for what you get just can’t be beat.

In my red dot site review of the Sparc 2, the first thing I noticed was that it was very similar to the Strikefire 2.

It’s a tube style red dot sight and has a ton of versatility.

Its very light weight and durable, so it’s great for mobility.

The red dot is also bright and the adjustments are easy to use and work great.

The Vortex lifetime warranty is something I wanted to mention again ​as it is really very good.

In my red dot review of the Sparc 2, i put a few hundred rounds to see if it held zero, which it does. the red dot is sharp and clear.​

Pros

Overall, this was a great scope to test out and you will be extremely happy with it if you decide to move forward on the Sparc II. Great red dot sight under $200

    •  Vortex Lifetime Warranty
    •  It’s small, light, and uses little upper real estate.
    •  Night vision compatible

Cons

    •  Adjustments aren’t as smooth as I would have liked.

Best Scope for a .308 Riffle

In order for the .308 rifle to get near-perfect results, there’s a rifle accessory that you just can’t do without:

The correct and best .308 rifle scope… especially if shooting long range.

Unfortunately, finding that ‘best’ scope for a .308 isn’t easy to do.

That is why I have created this list for you to find the Best Scope for a .308 Hunting Rifle.

Top 4 Best .308 Scopes

Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16x42mm
Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm
Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40mm
Vortex Crossfire II AO 6-18-44mm

I’ve spent a lot of time researching and testing a lot of different optics for a .308 carbine and have been able to narrow down the list to the top 4 best 308 scopes which you can buy right now. Seen here and can be purchased on Amazon:
UUQ Tactical 4X32 Compact .223 .308 Scope Rangefinder Reticle/w Ring Mounts

 

Best Rifle Scopes for .308 in 2018 – Top 4

These scopes may not be for everyone as some of them carry a higher price tag.

With that said, these rifle scopes are good enough to make our list of the Top 4 best rifle scopes for a .308 to buy in 2018, and for good reason. Below are my .308 scope recommendations

Vortex Optics Diamondback HP – Best .308 Rifle Scope

The Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane 4-16×44 .

The Vortex Diamondback High Performance offers clear glass throughout the magnification range in front of its durable and rugged design.

The scope has the side parallax adjustment which is a bonus at the price range.

It comes with a healthy 4” eye relief which is very comfortable and relatively easy to sight in.

Vortex is known for building quality scopes at various price ranges and this is no exception. This is really the best vortex scope for a 308.

Another bonus with buying a Vortex optic is that it comes with one of the best warranties included.

  • Unlimited Lifetime Warranty
  • Fully Transferable
  • No warranty card to fill out
  • No receipt needed to hang on to

While reviewing this scope I looked to see if it would let me shoot at a long distance and would not break the bank so I mounted this scope on my .308, went out to the range to test the scope there, and then headed out on a 4-day hunting excursion in the backcountry with a buddy.

Happy to report that between all the rounds I put through it at the range beforehand and during the hunt, it held perfectly zero. I also noticed that the scope never fogged up at all, which has been the case for me sometimes with other more expensive brands.

I shot about 60 rounds at the range and was really happy as it was very clear and lets in a lot of light, something that I always look for in my scopes. even in the shade it did a great job.

I also really liked the side AO and zooming from 4 to 16 was very very smooth. See the best prices on Amazon

Overall I was pleasantly surprised by this scope. It comes with  BDC reticle, something that is a must for me when hunting because I don’t have time to mess with the elevation adjustments in the field.

And I especially like this scope’s BDC reticle because I like the hash marks instead of circles that sometimes come on other BDC reticles (such as with Nikon).

The glass was my favorite feature and a rifle is only as good as the piece of glass it’s wearing (referring to its rifle scope).

This Vortex is currently selling with a sunshade and lens cover, however it doesn’t come with scope rings. Make sure you don’t cheap out – buy quality scope rings.

In short, the Vortex Diamondback HP is the perfect and best .308 rifle scope for the money. It is a clear high quality scope that is worth every penny when you only get one shot.

Pros about the Vortex Optics Diamonback Scope.

  •  Unconditional Lifetime Warranty
  •  Super high quality for the price.
  •  Very clear glass and sometimes more clear than other scopes from quality brands.

Cons about the Vortex Optics Diamonback Scope.

A draw back to this scope is that it is pretty heavy (2 lbs) when compared to other rifle scopes for mobility. It’s not something I would ever want to mount for a tactical use.

It also isn’t the best scope to take in the brush, sometimes it would have a hard time focusing.

    •  Be aware of the heavy weight.
    •  Has a hard time focusing in certain environments, such as the brush.

    Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm

    One of my favorite rifle scopes, the Leupold VX built by one of the industry’s most trusted brands is Leupold’s VX-2 Scope.

    If you want a quality scope and one of the best .308 scopes that will withstand all the abuse that you can throw at it while maintaining zero, this is my recommendation.

    With solid reviews from hunters and shooters alike, Leupold continues to impress with this product.

    The VX-2 is light, exceptionally clear, and does not fog up easily. It comes with finger click adjustable turrets which are convenient.

    You can’t beat Leupold Scope for the price. With this scope and after sighting it in using the proper techniques, I was consistently shooting sub-MOA out to 300 yards and MOA at 400 yards. Although I typically don’t shoot above 400 yards (my average deer shot is 200-250 yards), it sure is nice knowing that this scope allows me to have that extra reach.

    It has a sleek design and low profile and the clarity is really really great.

    At the range, sighting in the scope was pretty easy and took me only a few round to get a 1″ grouping.

    I always love using these scope reviews​ to get me out there to hunt, and so of course, that’s what I did.

    I found an 8 point buck at around 150 yards​ at dusk, 10 min to sundown and the picture was still very bright. Needless to say, I got him. For the money, it did the job.

    When comparing this to the Leupold Scope HP, this Leupold almost won. There were a few things that almost made me choose the Leupold over the Vortex as the best .308 rifle scope:

      • Weight is much lighter than the Diamondback HP, weighing in at a little under 1 lb!
      • Seemed to be a little more crisp around the edges
      • Eye relief felt a little more forgiving than the Vortex Diamondback HP

      ​Overall the Leupold is a great optic and is particularly a great rifle scope for a .308 if you are a hunter.

      It was close on my list to take the top spot​, but in the end, the Vortex Diamondback HP took the lead as I felt the glass was just slightly better (barely) and Ifavor the Vortex BDC reticles.

      Regardless, the Leupold is one of the best scopes for a .308 hunting rifle and really one of the best Leupold scopes for a 308.

      In short, the Leupold VX-2 is the perfect and best .308 rifle scope for hunters. You will hit your target at most long ranges and the glass is extremely clear. Your investment in this scope will stand the test of time as its durability is one of its top features.

      Pros about the Leupold VX Scope.

        •  Lifetime Warranty
        •  Extremely durable and will last years.
        •  Very clear picture and great quality glass.
        •  Considered the standard in hunting and for good reason.

        Cons about the Leupold VX Scope

        The only downside is that the adjustments may not hold up to continued use. Many shooters like to dial-in adjustments for varying reasons instead of holding over or under. Leupold Scope on Amazon

        Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40mm

        Nikon, an optics industry leader, teamed up with Buck Masters to produce this high quality and extremely durable riflescope.

        If you are looking for a tough, all water-proof scope for your 308, this is a great option.

        It features Nikon’s brighter anti-reflective system of multi coated lenses which provides ample light transmission and optical clarity.

        The quality image and consistent viewing throughout the magnification range is standard with all Nikon scopes.

        The Nikon Buckmasters is the perfect rifle scope for someone who is looking for the best .308 scope for $100.

        It used to be its midline between the Prostaff and Monarch, but now the Buckmaster is now considered an entry level line for Nikon.

        I tested it out on my 30-06 first and loved it. So I had to try it for the .308.

        As I was testing the Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40mm the first thing I noticed was how bright the glass was. It seems ultra bright when compared to glass from other optics.

        And I have to admit, I dropped my rifle a 3 times pretty hard off of the shooting bench, (I was clumsy that day) and it didn’t move zero at all. That was definitely impressive since most scopes closer to $100 will lose zero in these cases.

        And to be honest, this would be a great scope if it was closer to $200, but even better value considering that it is closer to $100!

        The scope was very easy to install and zero at the range.

        Overall, for a .308 rifle scope under $200, this Nikon Buckmaster is a great scope. It is not a high dollar scope, but it does not need to be for a rifle that goes in the woods.

        If you are a low maintenance hunter, all your scope needs to be is accurate and able to stay on zero. Both of which this scope does!

        It gets decent enough light collection at dusk, but it is not a night vision scope. It got blurry for me 5 min before sunset. Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40mm

        Pros about the Nikon Scope.

        •  Nikon Lifetime Warranty
        •  Very bright glass.
        •  It’s nice to be able to use the Nikon app.
        •  Surprisingly holds zero for a cheaper scope.

        Cons about the Nikon Scope

        A drawback to this scope is that it is pretty blurry at 30 yards or less at 3x. So it’s strictly a long-range rifle scope nothing more.

        •  Issues with focus at anything under 30 yards at 3x.
        •  Eye relief not very forgiving.

        Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18×44 AO

        The Vortex Crossfire 2 is known for featuring a higher standard as compared to other riflescopes in its class.

        With an exceptional magnification range, this scope is perfect on a .308 for long range shots and at the range.

        I was particularly impressed with how clear the image was at 18x magnification.

        If you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg but looking for a quality long distance scope, the Vortex Crossfire is right for you. My son was amazed with how accurate he could group at 150 yards on his 308.

        And for a .308 scope under $200​, you can’t go wrong with this one.

        Again, another rifle scope from Vortex means that you get their amazing lifetime warranty. Really this warranty is awesome.

        As I tested the scope out at the range I was blown away by how well it’s built! I usually feel this way about Vortex optics but for some reason the Crossfire felt strong and durable.

        After I got it zero’d I was very happy with my shot groupings. At 100 yards I had no problem finding the bullseye and it looked like I was standing 10 ft away! I even convinced another shooter at the range to get one as well as he was super impressed.

        So, I decided to go take it deer hunting. Looking through the BDC reticle was great. I spotted a dear pretty just under 200 yards. That’s usually farther than i like as I’m not the most accurate shooter (which is why I love a good rifle scope). The crosshairs were very fine so it was easy to see the deer.

        And I dropped it on the first shot!

        I knew I would have success as this scope truly made me look like a better shooter than I really am.

        Pros about the Vortex Scope

        In short, the Vortex Crossfire 2 is the perfect and best .308 rifle scope for $200. It’s perfect for hunters and long-range shooters and will always keep zero (at least it did for me).

        •  Unconditional Lifetime Warranty
        • Great features for the money.
        •  Very clear picture and great quality glass.
        •  Extremely durable and built very well.

        Cons about the Vortex Scope

        Something to note about the Vortex optics scope, the front objective is pretty big and you will need high mounts or the scope will touch the barrel.

        Eye relief isn’t that great and the flip up covers get in the way when trying to make adjustments unless removed.

        •  Caps and covers are a bit cheap and get in the way when trying to make adjustments.
        •  Eye relief not the best.

        Why didn’t I include other Popular .308 rifle scopes on my top 4 list?

        Lots of people are wondering why I didn’t include some of the other .308 rifle scopes like the Nikon M-308 4-16×42 or the Trijicon ACOG 3×32 on my Top 4 list? After reviewing them, the answer is simple.

        •  These .308 optics are very expensive.
        •  Honestly, they don’t really deliver any better experience compared to the less expensive .308 optics on the market.
        •  There are some extra features added on that aren’t necessary unless you’re in the military (ie. military grade materials).

        So, in simple words, you are paying for unnecessary features that drive up the price. Some of you may not mind the extra features and don’t mind the higher price tag, but for most, we want to find the best .308 rifle scope for the money.

        For now, these rifle optics are a little expensive, especially if you are just looking for something to get the job done or are on a budget.

        However, we believe that these rifle scopes are ok if you are the type of person who is not on a budget and wants the extra features as these scopes and other high tier scopes are definitely high quality.

        .308 Rifle Quick Overview

        The .308 Winchester has always been a popular choice for shooters and hunters because it is relatively economical, has manageable recoil, and its ability to hunt medium to large-sized game.

        That being said, it doesn’t offer the same performance as larger calibre rifle such as the .300 Win Mag or 7mm Rem Mag, so your choice of scope is that much more important. The .308 replaced the 30-06 rifle for military use in the 1980s.

        A 308 cartridge is great all-around hunting rifle for medium to large-sized animals, depending on what grain ammunition you are loading, your accuracy, and distance.

        I personally don’t like shooting large game at long distances with a 308 for ethical reasons but it sure does take down deer or hogs at almost any distance.

        In terms of deciding which scope you should mount on your .308 hunting rifle, I recommend spending about half as much as you spent on the rifle.
        Technology has improved far enough that you can definitely get away with a $200 scope if you choose – it just may not be quite as accurate or last quite as long.

        Considerations for the Best .308 Rifle Scope

        Before buying a rifle scope for your .308, talk to your hunting and shooting buddies to get their advice. There is no substitute for doing your homework!

        Decide how far you plan on shooting. What is your ideal or most likely shot?

        For me, I want a scope that can provide the accuracy for at least a 300 yard shot. I find that is at the high end for most of the hunting I do and to be honest, if you are worried about making a 600 yard shot, you probably aren’t giving yourself the best chance for hunting success.

        If you are looking for the best rifle scope for a .308, consider buying a good quality spotting scope.

        These will allow you to see greater distances to spot wildlife and are often used on the shooting range so you can see exactly where your bullet is hitting the target. This way you can really fine-tune your scope!

        Price range is important when deciding what scope will work on your rifle. Although you don’t need to buy a $1500 Schmidt & Bender I do recommend spending between $150 and $500.

        If that isn’t in your price range today, do yourself a favor and save some more money before “pulling the trigger” on buying a new scope.

        There are a lot of brands out there making quality and affordable scopes for a 308. See “Top Rifle Scopes for Long Range”  for a listing of the most popular brands.

        For a quality scope in this category, I trust Leupold, Nikon, and Vortex.