Scope for .308

[JS41989]

I've got about $500 to spend on a new scope for a .308 bolt action, and I'd like some insight. Primary usage will be for target shooting (100 to 300 yards) though I'd eventually like something good enough to hunt with. I've been researching and think I've got in narrowed down to the two below...

Leupold VX-3i Rifle Scope 3.5-10x 40mm

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/269748/leupold-vx-3i-rifle-scope-35-10x-40mm-matte

OR

Bushnell Elite 4500 Rifle Scope 2.5-10x 40mm

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1325719383/bushnell-elite-4500-rifle-scope-25-10x-40mm

Any insight would be welcomed.

[ExtremeX]

Both of those scopes only have 1" main tubes... and because of the 1" main tube (generally speaking) you will have less elevation adjustment.

Depending on the type of shooting, you say target shooting, chances are you will spend most of your time at 10x on both of those scopes.

Personally I would opt for something like a fixed 10x from SWFA.

https://swfa.com/catalog/product/view/id/105768/category/6896/

I would venture to guess that SWFA will do a better job as a target scopes than either one of those scopes you picked. Better tracking, better glass, more adjustment, and has a parallax adjustment. The scopes you picked are variable zoom but are not setup as target scopes...

There are other options, but anything worth buying is going to be a touch over $500, so I rather go in the opposite direction and save a few bucks with a fixed power and actually get "more".

For example they have some 3-15x variable scopes in 1st and 2nd focal plane if you really wanted to zoom. But if you buy a zoom/variable scope, its almost always better to have one in FFP which will increase your costs, BUT they have a couple sales on the SFP version for under $500 which are also better picks than the scopes you listed.

https://swfa.com/optics/browse/riflescopes/mil-swfa_ss-mid_power_variable.html

Perhaps if you keep an eye out, you might be able to swoop up a used Gen 1 as the Gen 2 scopes are just around the corner if you wanted something closer to your orignial pick.

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-viper-pst-2-5-10x32-ffp-riflescope-with-ebr-1-moa-reticle

[jdben92883]

If you're only going to 300yds elevation adjustment will be irrelevant. Under $500 I'd look at the Nikon M308 or the Burris M-TAC .308. A 10x fixed scope isn't a bad recommendation either.

[Ej6fade]

...

[ToOTHroTT]

Check out primary arms they have a boat load of new scopes tailored for the .308. There glass is decent for the price and they hold zero with no problem. I have ran them on .308 and .223 before upgrading and there scopes work well.

[PatC415]

+1 for the Nikon M308. Mine came with a 20moa mount and was good for 600yds. Very nice glass for under $500.

[TMB 1]

I've got about $500 to spend on a new scope for a .308 bolt action, and I'd like some insight. Primary usage will be for target shooting (100 to 300 yards) though I'd eventually like something good enough to hunt with. I've been researching and think I've got in narrowed down to the two below...

Leupold VX-3i Rifle Scope 3.5-10x 40mm

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/269748/leupold-vx-3i-rifle-scope-35-10x-40mm-matte

OR

Bushnell Elite 4500 Rifle Scope 2.5-10x 40mm

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1325719383/bushnell-elite-4500-rifle-scope-25-10x-40mm

Any insight would be welcomed.

Both good.
Flip a coin best two out of three or maybe eeny meeny miny moe.

[HUTCH 7.62]

Both of those scopes only have 1" main tubes... and because of the 1" main tube (generally speaking) you will have less elevation adjustment.

Depending on the type of shooting, you say target shooting, chances are you will spend most of your time at 10x on both of those scopes.

Personally I would opt for something like a fixed 10x from SWFA.

https://swfa.com/catalog/product/view/id/105768/category/6896/

I would venture to guess that SWFA will do a better job as a target scopes than either one of those scopes you picked. Better tracking, better glass, more adjustment, and has a parallax adjustment. The scopes you picked are variable zoom but are not setup as target scopes...

There are other options, but anything worth buying is going to be a touch over $500, so I rather go in the opposite direction and save a few bucks with a fixed power and actually get "more".

For example they have some 3-15x variable scopes in 1st and 2nd focal plane if you really wanted to zoom. But if you buy a zoom/variable scope, its almost always better to have one in FFP which will increase your costs, BUT they have a couple sales on the SFP version for under $500 which are also better picks than the scopes you listed.

https://swfa.com/optics/browse/riflescopes/mil-swfa_ss-mid_power_variable.html

Perhaps if you keep an eye out, you might be able to swoop up a used Gen 1 as the Gen 2 scopes are just around the corner if you wanted something closer to your orignial pick.
http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/...-1-moa-reticle

2nd on the SWFA

[Divernhunter]

The leupold will serve you well for target shooting and especially hunting. I have a couple of the 3.5X10X40 one inch tube(all you need and better for cheek weld) with duplex reticle. I have taken game from under 100 yards to slightly over 600 yards. I have also done plenty of fun target shooting and load work with the rifles.

IF it were for only target shooting I probably would get more power and not worry about it being a Leupold because it would only be used in fair weathers and it failed I would not care since I always take a number of firearms when fun target shooting.

Since you say you may/will use it for hunting get the Leupold------that is the smart move.

[HK Dave]

If you can find one... SWFA 3-9x FFP.

[therealnickb]

The leupold will serve you well for target shooting and especially hunting. I have a couple of the 3.5X10X40 one inch tube(all you need and better for cheek weld) with duplex reticle. I have taken game from under 100 yards to slightly over 600 yards. I have also done plenty of fun target shooting and load work with the rifles.

IF it were for only target shooting I probably would get more power and not worry about it being a Leupold because it would only be used in fair weathers and it failed I would not care since I always take a number of firearms when fun target shooting.

Since you say you may/will use it for hunting get the Leupold------that is the smart move.

I agree with all this. And the other poster that suggested you're on the right track with both original options OP.

But fixed 10power is way to much for hunting. IMO.

[Horrendo Revolver]

OP, the two scopes you are considering are both excellent choices. If possible look through both of them, the glass in one will quite possibly stand out better than the other. If so your choice is made for you. IMO the Leupold will be slightly better in low light, though the Bushnell will easily get you past legal hunting light too. On the other hand the Bushnell will have RainGuard which is very nice.

[Carcassonne]

I have heard bad things about Bushnell's warranty. They won't stand behind their product. Leupold, on the other hand, has superb warranty service.

[Horrendo Revolver]

Bushnell changed their warranty in January of 2016. It now works just like Leupolds's. For me the Bushnell warranty would be a non-issue.

[madjack956]

SWFA