Best Nightforce Scope for 308 Rifle
If you use the .308 for long range hunting, a scope is one of the most important items you should have in your hunting arsenal. A good scope will bring the faraway targets closer and help you place the shot accurately. Additionally, having a scope as your hunting companion makes target finding a breeze irrespective of the hunting environment or the type of game you are hunting.
That in mind, Nightforce scopes are undoubtedly the best scopes for long range applications. Exceptional optical performance is synonymous with Nightforce scopes and this is really helpful when using the .308.
In this post, we highlight the best Nightforce scopes for 308 available on the market currently. We also have a detailed buyer’s guide to accompany the detailed review to ensure that you make the most informed buying decision.
Without wasting any more time, let’s jump right in.
Best Nightforce Scope for 308 Rifle-Our Top Reviews
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NightForce Precision Benchrest 8-32x56mm Rifle Scope C112
First up is the NightForce Precision Benchrest 8-32x56mm Rifle Scope. Built on a 30mm main tube, the optic harbors a plethora of high-end features which represent the industry’s highest level of performance.
The scope offers the best balance of value and performance. Thanks to the high power variable magnification, you can use it for intermediate and long range hunting and shooting. It also offers exceptional accuracy even at extreme long ranges.
Complementing the vast magnification is a massive 56mm multi-coated objective lens that provides resolution required to distinguish fine detail at long ranges. Furthermore, the scope has an adjustable objective that ensures you get to enjoy parallax free viewing from 25 yards to infinity.
The scope also brings to the table a coil plunger adjustment return system which maximizes tracking accuracy and a quick diopter style eyepiece for rapid reticle focusing. Construction-wise, it is crafted with aircraft quality aluminum and sealed to be fully waterproof and weather resistant.
To top it all off, this rifle scope has a glass-etched second focal plane reticle that is illuminated to provide perfect image/reticle contrast, even in poor light settings.
Features
- 30mm body tube
- Glass-etched second focal plane reticle
- True .125 MOA click value for elevation and windage
- Waterproof and water resistant construction
- Coil plunger adjustment return system
- Multi-coated objective lens
- Quick diopter style eyepiece
Pros
- Reticle illumination
- Speed and accuracy in all situations
- Unprecedented low light performance
- Crisp clear optics
Cons
- Short eye relief
- The parallax is not easy to adjust
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NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope
If you are looking for a scope that offers outstanding precision at extended ranges, you will find that in the NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope. The scope pairs well with the 308 and you can use it for hunting and shooting from medium to extended ranges.
The optical performance of this rifle scope is admirable. It provides superb crispness, clarity and color contrast through the whole magnification range, from 5x to 20x. This is made possible by the 56mm objective lens that maximizes low light performance and the quality optics included.
Moreover, the scope is built on a 30mm tube diameter that provides more than adequate room for movement of the reticle as well as the adjustments. Another impressive facet that makes the scope shine is the ZeroSet technology. With this feature, you will be able to return to your chosen zero easily, even after you have made multiple elevation adjustments.
The NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope is also made with high-quality materials to ensure that it last for a long period of time.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- 25 MOA adjustment click value
- 30mm body tube
- ZeroSet technology
- 56mm objective lens
- Side parallax focus
Pros
- Quality construction
- Tracks very well
- Positive turret clicks
- Crisp clear optics
Cons
- The reticle is too thin
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NightForce ATACR 7-35x56mm F1 Rifle Scope
Another best Nightforce scope for 308 on our list is the ATACR 7-35x56mm F1 Rifle Scope. With all the top-notch features incorporated in this rifle scope, it is undoubtedly what you need push the boundaries of your 308 rifle and take your hunting or shooting to the next big level.
Featuring a broad 7-35x magnification power, the scope gives you the flexibility to take shots at any distance. The extensive magnification range is complemented by a large field of view that makes it is easy for you to see and engage your targets in any environment.
Furthermore, this long range rifle scope delivers outstanding image clarity from dawn till dusk. It has a large 56mm objective lens which gathers as much light as possible to ensure bright and clear image views. Even better, the reticle is illuminated to be visible, even in dismal environments.
This riflescope is also packed with a wide range of tactical features to ensure that you get the most from it. It has a built-in power throw lever that makes magnification adjustments a walk in the park. It also features capped windage adjustment to prevent accidental dialing when you are in the field, and a 34mm body built to offer unmatched strength and durability.
Other noteworthy features that are included are a ZeroStop for positive and repeatable return to zero, two-piece locking diopter and adjustable parallax from as close as 10 meters to infinity.
Features
- 34mm body tube
- Large and easy to read engraving
- Ultra-versatile 7-35x variable magnification
- Adjustable parallax from 10m to infinity
- Capped windage adjustment
- Integrated power throw lever
- Two-piece locking diopter
- 56mm objective
Pros
- Clear glass
- Unrivaled long range accuracy
- Good low light performance
- Tracks really well
Cons
- Heavy on the pocket
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NightForce NXS Tactical Scope – 5.5-22x56mm w/ Free S&H
Next up is the NXS Tactical Scope. Built with the most advanced tactical features, this scope will be really helpful in your hunting expeditions, regardless of the hunting environment or the game you will be hunting.
The scope provides a broad magnification range to help you locate the game quickly. The vast magnification combined with the large field of view will help you find targets swiftly out to 2,000 yards and boost your shooting confidence at such long ranges.
When it comes to construction, this riflescope is built to last. It has a 30mm tube made of 6061-T6 aircraft grade aluminum. For added durability, the scope is rigorously tested and verified to be recoil proof, shock proof and impact resistant. Besides, it is completely waterproof for use even in unfavorable weather conditions.
The scope also offers exceptional optical integrity which is vital for long range hunting and a long eye relief to ensure comfortable shooting for all users, with or without eyewear.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- 5-22x variable magnification
- Aircraft-quality aluminum housing
- 30mm body tube
- Fully waterproof and weather resistant
- Proprietary titanium beta erector spring
- 100 M.O.A of internal adjustment
Pros
- LED reticle illumination
- Good quality optics
- Great accuracy in all conditions
- Long eye relief
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
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NightForce ATACR 5-25x56mm F1 ZeroStop Rifle Scope
Lastly on our list of the best Nightforce scope for 308, we have the ATACR 5-25x56mm F1 ZeroStop Rifle Scope. This model offers nearly everything you require to enhance your shooting experience with the .308.
The scope employs ED optics which yield admirably resolution and color accuracy in all conditions. It also comes with a first focal plane reticle that helps with range estimation and accurate aiming at extended ranges. The reticle is illuminated to boost your shooting accuracy in low light settings.
Moreover, the scope offers extensive elevation travel that allows for target engagements at extended ranges. In terms of construction, it has a robust housing that weathers rough handling and capped windage adjustments to ensure that no accidental dialing occurs while you are traversing the hunting fields.
When it comes to the optical power, this scope has an adjustable magnification ranging from 5x to 25x. The magnification adjustment is easy thanks to the integrated power throw lever.
Above all, the scope has a parallax adjustment for parallax removal and an XtremeSpeed thread for making quick diopter adjustments.
Features
- ZeroStop technology
- ED optics
- Sound mechanics
- DigIllum digital reticle illumination
- Power throw lever
- First focal plane reticle
- Capped windage adjustments
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- HD optics
- Easy to use
- Crisp turret movement
Cons
- Slightly heavy
See Also:
- Best Nightforce Scope for Elk Hunting
- Best Nightforce Scope for 338 Lapua Magnum
- Best Nightforce Scope for Hunting
Best Nightforce Scope for 308 Rifle Buyer’s Guide
When you are shopping for the best Nightforce scope for 308, below are the most important factors that you should put into consideration.
Optical Strength
The first factor you should consider is the optical strength of the scope. Largely, the right magnification power/optical strength will depend on what your needs are.
If you mostly shoot at extended ranges, go for scope that has a higher magnification. It will help you pursue game at long ranges and bring them closer. A scope with high magnification will also magnify the smaller targets irrespective of how far they are.
Conversely, if you like to hunt at close to medium ranges, a medium powered scope is what you need. Too much magnification at close quarters can end up being less helpful.
Durability
For a scope to last for a long period of time, it must have a robust construction. While Nightforce scopes come from the same manufacturer, the quality of construction is unique in each scope.
Go for a model that boasts a rigid and reliable housing. It will stand up to anything you subject it to and offer long term durability. Additionally, try and look for a scope that is recoil proof and shockproof.
Eye Relief
The eye relief a scope presents can make or break your hunting and shooting excursion. The best Nightforce scope for 308 offer a long eye relief of more than 3 inches to ensure comfortable glassing, with or without eyeglasses.
Having a generous eye relief is also important in ensuring that you acquire targets swiftly. It will also prevent eye injuries, particularly when you are using a high recoiling rifle.
Lens Coatings
Lens coatings are undoubtedly an important part of every scope. The coatings applied of the lens of the scope play a big role in ensuring that the images generated are bright, crisp and sharp.
The more the lens coatings a scope has, the better. It will optimize the transmission of light and alleviate glare and loss of light that is caused by reflection. When making your selection, it is best to opt for a scope that has multi-coated or fully multi-coated lenses.
Weight
When it comes to hunting, portability is important. You will want to have an easy time traversing the field looking for game. This calls for a scope that is light and portable.
If the scope is big, heavy and cumbersome to carry, it will interfere with your rifle’s accuracy and come in the way of your movement. However, a light scope will be easy to carry and simple to use as well.
Adjustability
The other important thing you should consider when choosing the best Nightforce scope for 308 is adjustability. You want a scope that offers smooth zooming in and out. Additionally, having a scope that offers quick and easy changing of the windage and elevation is very important.
Best Nightforce Scope for 308 Rifle FAQs
- How good are Nightforce Scopes?
Overall, Nightforce scopes are good for intermediate to long range hunting and shooting. They are well designed to be operable in a variety of environments and they offer excellent optical performance and great long range accuracy.
- Where are Nightforce riflescopes made?
The factory headquarters of Nightforce Optics is situated in Orofino, Idaho. This is where all their riflescopes are made in.
- What is the 308 good for?
The .308 is an all-round cartridge that has grown to become one of the best cartridges for big game hunting. It is also widely used for recreational target shooting and bench rest target shooting, in addition to police sharpshooting and military sniping.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this post has given you all the information you need about the best Nightforce scope for 308. Being activity-specific and knowing the features you need in the scope will help you find the best scope for your needs swiftly. All the scopes we have listed above provide outstanding optical clarity, rapid target acquisition and reliable performance to help you make the best from your .308.