In this article, we will be discussing the best LPVO for 308. The 308 is a popular cartridge for hunting and tactical applications, and a high-quality, low-power variable optic (LPVO) can greatly enhance its versatility and effectiveness.
When it comes to choosing the best LPVO for the powerful .308 caliber rifle, striking a balance between versatility, clarity, and durability is paramount.
The best LPVO for the .308 should offer a robust construction to handle the recoil of the hard-hitting round, and incredible glass and optical quality for precise shots at varying distances.
We will explore some of the top LPVO options available on the market, considering factors such as optical clarity, durability, reticle options, and price. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just getting started with the 308, we hope this guide will help you make a good choice for your needs.
What is the 308 Good For?
Hunting
The 308 cartridge is an excellent choice for hunting medium to large game such as deer, elk, and moose. It is known for its accuracy, range, and stopping power, making it suitable for hunting in various environments.
Tactical and law enforcement
The 308 is popular for sniper and designated marksman rifles in tactical and law enforcement settings. It can be effective at long ranges and can penetrate body armor, making it a valuable tool for military and law enforcement personnel.
Competitive shooting
The 308 cartridge is also commonly used in competitive shooting events such as long-range matches and 3-gun competitions. Its accuracy and range make it a popular choice for shooters looking to excel in these events.
Military use
The 308 cartridge was originally developed as a military cartridge and has been used by various armed forces worldwide. Its versatility and effectiveness make it a reliable choice for military applications.
Recreational shooting
Finally, the 308 cartridge is also a popular choice for recreational shooting. Its accuracy, and manageable recoil make it an enjoyable round for marksmanship practice or plinking.
What Makes a Good LPVO for 308?
Magnification range
A good LPVO should have a magnification range suitable for the rifle’s intended use. For 308 rifles, a magnification range of 1-6x, 1-8x, or 1-10x is generally ideal, as it allows for close-range and mid-range shooting.
Reticle
The reticle is a critical component of the LPVO, and a good one should be clear and easy to use. Reticles with an illuminated dot or crosshair are ideal, allowing for quick and precise aiming in various lighting conditions.
Durability
A good LPVO should withstand the rigors of hunting or tactical use, meaning it should be shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof. Look for an LPVO with a rugged construction that can withstand bumps, drops, and other impacts without losing zero.
Optical clarity
The clarity of the LPVO’s glass is essential, affecting its ability to aim and shoot accurately. A good LPVO should have clear, high-quality glass that provides a sharp, bright image even in low-light conditions.
Size and weight
The size and weight of the LPVO can affect how easy it is to handle and aim, so it’s essential to consider these factors when choosing an LPVO for your 308 rifles. A compact and lightweight LPVO is ideal, allowing quick and easy target acquisition.
10 Best LPVO for 308
1) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope
Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope is the best LPVO for 308, it is a high-quality riflescope designed for tactical and hunting applications. It is constructed with a durable, shockproof, and waterproof aircraft-grade aluminum body and features a 30mm tube that allows for a greater range of adjustment than smaller tubes.
The scope has a second focal plane reticle, which means that the reticle’s size remains constant as the magnification is adjusted. This is particularly useful for quick target acquisition at lower magnifications while allowing for precise aiming at higher magnifications.
The Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm scope has a magnification range of 1x to 8x, making it versatile enough to handle close-range engagements and longer-range shots. The reticle has 11 brightness settings, making it easy to see in any lighting conditions.
Specifications
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Exit Pupil: 3 – 24 mm
- Reticle: AR-BDC3
- Field of View, Linear: 14.4 – 109 ft. at 100 yds.
- Eye Relief: 3.5 inches
- Weight: 17.6 oz.
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/2 MOA
Pros
- Durable and shockproof construction
- Illuminated Reticle for precise aiming even in low-light conditions
- Generous eye relief
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Affordable price point
- Proprietary Lens coatings for increased light transmission
- Fast Focus Eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing
- Multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces
Cons
- None
2) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm 30mm Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope is high-quality for close to medium-range shooting. It offers a wide field of view and fast target acquisition, making it a popular choice for hunting, tactical shooting, and competition shooting.
The scope features a 1-6x magnification range, allowing you to zoom in and out to get a clear view of your target. The 24mm objective lens also allows excellent light transmission, even in low light conditions, making it easy to see your target even in dimly lit environments.
The scope also features a 30mm tube, which provides a large amount of internal adjustment, allowing you to make precise adjustments to your scope for accurate shots. It has a second focal plane reticle, which means the reticle remains the same size as you adjust the magnification for consistent aiming points.
Specifications
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Exit Pupil: 4 – 24 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 19.2 – 116.5 ft. at 100 yds.
- Eye Relief: 3.5 inches
- Weight: 18.5 oz.
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/2 MOA
Pros
- Versatile magnification range
- Wide field of view
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Fully Multi-Coated optics for increased light transmission
- High-quality materials and construction
- Large internal adjustment range
- Fast Focus Eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing
- Illuminated Reticle for precise aiming under low-light conditions
Cons
- Not suitable for long-range shooting
3) Primary Arms SLx Series 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
The Primary Arms SLx Series 1-6 x 24mm Rifle Scope is a high-quality scope that features a 1-6x magnification range, making it ideal for various shooting scenarios, from close-range engagements to medium-range target shooting.
The scope is constructed with high-quality materials and is built to withstand heavy recoil and harsh weather conditions. The body is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, which provides strength and durability while keeping the scope’s weight down.
The reticle of the SLx Series 1-6 x 24mm Rifle Scope is illuminated, making it easy to see in low-light conditions. The reticle is designed with bullet drop compensation markings, which help the shooter compensate for bullet drop at longer ranges.
The scope also features a fast-focus eyepiece, which allows the shooter to quickly and easily adjust the focus of the reticle to their eye. The turrets are designed to be easily adjusted and provide audible and tactile feedback when adjustments are made.
Specifications
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Exit Pupil: 4 – 9 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 110 – 19.3 ft. at 100 yds.
- Eye Relief: 3.3 – 3.5 inches
- Weight: 16.9 oz.
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.5 MOA
Pros
- Versatile for close-range and medium-range shooting scenarios
- Red illumination with 11 brightness settings
- High-quality materials help to withstand heavy recoil and harsh weather conditions
- Hardcoat anodized matte finish
- Fully multicoated lenses for increased light transmission
Cons
- No low/night vision setting
4) Swampfox Tomahawk 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope
The Swampfox Tomahawk 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope is a high-quality, versatile optic designed for various shooting applications. It features a 1-8x magnification range and a 24mm objective lens, making it well-suited for close-range and long-range shooting.
The scope is built from high-quality materials and is rugged and durable, able to withstand the toughest conditions. It features fully multi-coated lenses that provide bright, clear images and excellent low-light performance. The illuminated reticle is designed for fast target acquisition, with a simple and intuitive design that allows for quick and easy adjustments.
The Tomahawk also features a low-profile, lightweight design, making it easy to mount on your rifle without adding too much weight or bulk. The scope is compatible with most standard mounts and rings and features a 30mm tube.
Specifications
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Exit Pupil: 3 – 8.5 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 15.6 – 124.2 ft. at 100 yds.
- Eye Relief: 4.75 inches
- Weight: 19 oz.
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.5 MOA
Pros
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Tactical Turrets with Zero Reset
- Illuminated reticle designed for fast target acquisition
- Rugged and durable construction
- Fast Focus Diopter
- Lightweight and low-profile design
- 1,100 G Forces Impact Resistance
Cons
- None
5) SIG SAUER Tango-MSR FFP 1-10x26mm Rifle Scope
The SIG SAUER Tango-MSR FFP 1-10x26mm Rifle Scope is a high-quality scope that features a first focal plane reticle illuminated to enhance visibility in low-light conditions.
The scope has a 1-10x magnification range, making it versatile for close-quarters combat or long-range shooting. The objective lens is 26mm in diameter, providing a wide field of view and allowing for fast target acquisition. The lens is coated with SpectraCoat, which improves light transmission and reduces glare.
The scope is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, which is lightweight and durable. It is also waterproof and fog proof, allowing for use in various weather conditions. The scope comes with a quick-detach mount, making it easy to install and remove from a rifle.
Specifications
- Tube Diameter: 34 mm
- Exit Pupil: 2.6 – 7.6 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 12 – 120 ft. at 100 yds.
- Eye Relief: 82.5 – 87.5 mm
- Weight: 21.9 oz.
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.5 MOA
Pros
- Illuminated MSR BDC-10 reticle
- 11x brightness levels
- Hardcoat Anodized finish
- Waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof performance
- Lightweight and durable
- Quick-detach mount allows easy installation and removal
- Quick magnification changes
Cons
- None
6) Trijicon AccuPoint TR-25 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
The Trijicon AccuPoint TR-25 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope is built to withstand harsh conditions and provide precise and accurate aiming at various ranges. It has a magnification range of 1-6x, which makes it suitable for close to mid-range shooting.
The scope is made of high-quality materials and is shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof, making it suitable for all weather conditions. It has durable aircraft-grade aluminum housing and a scratch-resistant lens coating.
It features a 24mm objective lens and a first focal plane reticle, which means that the reticle’s size changes as the magnification is adjusted, allowing for accurate ranging at any magnification.
The AccuPoint TR-25’s reticle is illuminated with fiber optics and tritium, which provides a clear and visible aiming point in all lighting conditions. The user can adjust the reticle’s illumination to suit their preferences.
Specifications
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Exit Pupil: 12 – 4.1 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 18.8 – 117.5 ft. at 100 yds.
- Eye Relief: 3.9 inches
- Weight: 19.2 oz.
- Parallax: Fixed
Pros
- Reticle allows for accurate ranging at any magnification
- Durable and high-quality materials
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof
- Optics are fully multi-coated, broadband, and anti-reflective glass
- Fast-ranging and holdovers
- Generous windage and elevation adjustment
Cons
- Relatively expensive compared to other rifle scopes in the class
7) Vortex Razor Gen II-E 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Razor Gen II-E 1-6x24mm Scope is a high-performance optical sighting device designed for use on various rifles. This scope is designed to offer quick and easy target acquisition at short to medium ranges, with a 24mm objective lens and a 30mm main tube.
The scope features a second focal plane reticle that maintains the same size relative to the target regardless of magnification, making it easier to acquire targets quickly. Its magnification range of 1-6x allows rapid target acquisition at close ranges and precision shots at longer distances.
The scope is built to withstand harsh environments and heavy use, with a rugged one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum housing that is shockproof and waterproof. It is argon-purged and O-ring sealed to prevent internal fogging and moisture damage.
Specifications
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Exit Pupil: 4 – 24 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 115.2 – 20.5 ft. at 100 yds.
- Eye Relief: 4 inches
- Weight: 21.5 oz.
- Parallax: 100 yds.
Pros
- High-quality optics with fully multi-coated lenses
- Rugged one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- Waterproof,fogproof, and shockproof
- Fast-Focus Eyepiece
- Locking Side Illumination
- Illuminated Center Dot
- Optically Indexed Lenses
Cons
- Quite expensive
8) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm 30mm FFP Rifle Scope
The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm 30mm FFP Rifle Scope offers a versatile magnification range of 1-8x and a 24mm objective lens that provides a wide field of view, making it easier to acquire targets quickly.
This scope is built with a 30mm tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, providing both durability and a lightweight design. It is also equipped with a first focal plane reticle, which ensures accurate ranging and holdover correction at any power.
The reticle is the illuminated EBR-8 reticle, offering a range of holdover points and features for accurate targeting. The reticle illumination is controlled by a side-mounted dial that allows the shooter to adjust the brightness level according to the lighting conditions.
Specifications
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 14.1 – 113.6 ft. at 100 yds.
- Eye Relief: 3.9 inches
- Weight: 1.49 lb.
- Parallax: 125 yds.
Pros
- Illuminated EBR-8 reticle
- Durable and lightweight construction
- Quick and easy magnification adjustments
- Scratch-resistant hard-anodized finish for long-lasting durability
- Supported by Vortex VIP lifetime warranty
- Recoil and impact resistance
- Ultra-hard, scratch-resistant optical coating
Cons
- None
9) Swampfox Arrowhead LPVO 1-10x24mm Rifle Scope
The Swampfox Arrowhead LPVO is a rifle scope designed for versatility and accuracy. The LPVO has a magnification range of 1-10x, making it suitable for short- and long-range shooting.
The 24mm objective lens provides a wide field of view and is fully multi-coated to enhance image clarity and brightness. At the same time, the first focal plane reticle allows for quick and easy target acquisition, regardless of the magnification setting.
The reticle has eleven brightness settings, making it easy to see in any lighting conditions.
The scope is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum and is waterproof and fog proof. It has resettable zero turrets, allowing easy windage and elevation settings to be adjusted easily.
The scope has a 30mm tube diameter and is compatible with various mounts.
Specifications
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Exit Pupil: 2.3 – 8 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 11.5 – 115.6 ft. at 100 yds.
- Eye Relief: 3.46 – 3.54 inches
- Weight: 20.3 oz.
- Parallax: 100 yds.
Pros
- Wide field of view
- Illuminated reticle with 12 brightness settings
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Fast Focus Diopter
- Fully Multi-Coated optics
Cons
- None
10) SIG SAUER TANGO-MSR LPVO 1-10X28mm Rifle Scope
LPVO stands for Low Power Variable Optic, meaning the scope has a variable magnification range that can be adjusted from 1x to 10x, allowing the shooter to quickly adjust the scope for close- and long-range shots.
The SIG SAUER TANGO-MSR scope has a 28mm objective lens and a 30mm diameter tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum, making it both lightweight and durable. The LPVO is also shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof, ensuring it can withstand harsh outdoor conditions and the recoil of a 308.
The reticle of the TANGO-MSR LPVO is illuminated, providing a clear and bright sight picture in low-light conditions. The reticle is designed specifically for the 5.56/7.62 NATO cartridges, and it features bullet drop compensation, allowing the shooter to easily compensate for distance when shooting at different ranges.
The scope also features a ZeroLock elevation turret, which allows the shooter to quickly and easily return to zero after making adjustments. This feature is especially useful for competitive shooting or hunting situations where quick and accurate adjustments are necessary.
Specifications
- Tube Diameter: 34 mm
- Exit Pupil: 2.8 – 9 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 10 – 110 ft. at 100 yds.
- Eye Relief: 3.22 – 3.54 inches
- Weight: 20.4 oz.
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.5 MOA
Pros
- Variable magnification range
- Illuminated reticle
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof
- Lightweight
Cons
- None
See Also
- Best LPVO for CQB
- 7 Best LPVO Scopes for AR15
- 6 Best Budget LPVO Scopes
- 11 Best FFP LPVO Scopes
- 7 Best Vortex LPVO Scopes
- 7 Best LPVO for Ar10
Factors to Consider when Buying the Best LPVO for 308
Magnification
LPVOs typically have a magnification range between 1x and 8x. A .308 rifle’s magnification range of 1-6x or 1-8x is recommended. This will give you a wide field of view for close-range shots and enough magnification for longer-range shots.
Reticle
The reticle is the crosshairs in the scope. For a .308 rifle, a reticle that is easy to see and helps with bullet drop compensation is important. A reticle that is illuminated can also be helpful in low-light conditions.
Durability
Look for an LPVO that is built to withstand the recoil of a .308 rifle. Look for scopes made from high-quality materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum or magnesium and that are shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof.
Weight and Size
The weight and size of the LPVO can affect the balance and maneuverability of your rifle. Consider the weight and size of the LPVO in relation to your rifle’s overall weight and length.
Eye Relief
Eye relief refers to the distance between the scope and your eye when the scope is properly mounted on your rifle. A .308 rifle has significant recoil, so it’s important to have a scope with generous eye relief to prevent getting hit in the face by the scope.
Best LPVO for 308 Rifles FAQs
1) What is an LPVO?
LPVO stands for Low Power Variable Optic, which is a type of rifle scope that allows the user to quickly adjust the magnification of the scope.
2) What magnification should I choose for an LPVO for a 308 rifle?
The magnification you choose will depend on your intended use for the rifle. For general-purpose use, a 1-6x or 1-8x magnification will typically be sufficient. For long-range or precision shooting, you may want to consider a higher magnification, such as 3-12x or 4-16x.
3) What is the eye relief on an LPVO?
Eye relief refers to the distance between the scope’s eyepiece and the shooter’s eye when properly mounted on the rifle. Typical eye relief for an LPVO is around 3-4 inches.
4) Are LPVOs waterproof?
Many LPVOs are designed to be waterproof or at least water-resistant. Still, it is important to check the specifications of the specific scope you are considering before purchasing to ensure it will meet your needs.
5) Are LPVO scopes the future of rifle scopes?
The employment of LPVOs has recently acquired popularity among both expert and beginner shooters, and there’s a reason for that. The LPVO rifle scopes provide shooters with versatility by being able to be utilized for close, medium, and long-range targets. Manufacturers are also going all out, providing these rifle scopes with unique and helpful reticles that make shooting more enjoyable. It is unknown whether the future of scopes lies with LPVO, but my initial assumption would be ‘Yes’.
Conclusion
In the search for the best LPVO for your 308 rifles, it’s important to consider factors such as the intended use of your rifle, the distances you’ll be shooting, and your budget. LPVOs with a wide magnification range can be useful for long-range shooting, while those with a lower magnification are better suited for closer ranges.
You may also want to consider the type of reticle, eye relief, and overall build quality of the LPVO to ensure it is durable and reliable. Additionally, consider the weight and size of the scope to ensure it is a good fit for your rifle and comfortable to use. By carefully considering these factors, you can find an LPVO that meets your needs and enhances your shooting experience.
See Also