AR-10 308 AR Scope Selection Guide

.308 Scope Selection Guide

Find the Best 308 Scope for Your AR-10 and 308 AR Rifle

There used to be an expression to “budget as much on your rifle scope and scope mount as you spend on your rifle”. While that still applies somewhat today don’t take it as a hard-fast rule. Today there are many great 308 scope options under $1000. That said if you want the best scope money can buy and have the cash to buy it, go for it. Please don’t shouldn’t feel pressured to spend beyond your means to keep up with guys at the range or from pressure on a forum.

Define Your Scope Needs and Budget

From a budget and magnification standpoint be realistic with your needs. You don't need a $4300  NIGHTFORCE BEAST 5-25X56MM SCOPE ZEROSTOP F1 DIGILLUM H59 RETICLE to punch paper at 100 yards or hunt wild boar in the brush. On the opposite side of the spectrum a $250 VORTEX OPTICS 4X CROSSFIRE II isn't going to be your best choice for taking out bad guys at 800 yards.

You Get What You Pay For With Scopes

Modern manufacturing methods have come a long way to improve the quality of low cost scopes but make no mistake there are substantial differences in most expensive scopes.

1. Construction Quality: Generally speaking expensive scopes are precisely manufactured optical devices inside and out
2. Glass: Expensive scopes typically have better glass that is clearer and brighter than cheap scopes. They also feature coatings to improve optical performance.
3. Light Gathering: 
4. Useable Magnification:
5. Precise Adjustments:
6. Repeatability:
7. Environmental Resistance:
8. Durability:

You might also be interested in our picks for the Top 5 AR-10 308 AR Scopes for 2018.