Are you looking for the best Nightforce scope for 308? We will share some of the top options to help you make an informed purchase.
The .308 Winchester, also known as 7.62x51mm NATO, is a popular rifle cartridge introduced in 1952. It was designed as a civilian hunting cartridge based on the military 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge. It quickly gained popularity among hunters, target shooters, and law enforcement agencies due to its versatility and accuracy.
The .308 Winchester is a powerful and reliable cartridge suitable for hunting game of all sizes, from small game like coyotes and varmints to larger game like deer, elk, and even bear. It is also widely used in long-range shooting competitions, military and law enforcement applications, and tactical scenarios.
Numerous brands are in the market, all fighting for the top position in optics. The NightForce scope brand is one of them and strives to produce some of the best optics you will come across. Most of their scopes are pre-mounted or come ready with a number of components to make mounting easy.
The US-made riflescopes are designed with a glass case and a high-quality optical system and are pricier than other low-quality scopes. Below are some of the best scopes from the NightForce brand.
What Makes a Good 308 Scope
A good .308 scope should have several key features to help maximize the accuracy and precision of the cartridge. First and foremost, it should have excellent optical quality with clear and sharp images, even at higher magnifications. It should also have a large objective lens diameter to allow for a wide field of view and better light transmission, especially in low-light conditions.
Another important factor to consider is the reticle. A good .308 scope should have a reticle that is easy to use and provides precise aiming points for long-range shooting. A ballistic reticle or a reticle with hash marks can be especially useful for .308 rifles, as they allow for easy elevation and windage adjustment.
Durability is also crucial for a .308 scope, as the cartridge produces significant recoil. It should be built with high-quality materials and be shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof. Additionally, the scope should have a long eye relief to allow for comfortable shooting, even with higher-powered rifles.
10 Best Nightforce Scopes for 308
1) NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope
NightForce SHV riflescopes are designed for maximum versatility in different shooting disciplines applications, including target shooting, big game hunting, varmint shooting, or all of the above. The scopes in this class are very affordable yet outperform many brands that cost much more.
The NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope is made with high-quality materials, featuring a unique design to provide exceptional precision at extended ranges. One of its greatest features is the higher magnification which ensures great clarity, crispness and color contrast through the entire range, from minimum to maximum.
The NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope also comes with the ZeroSet that is standard, allowing you to rapidly return to your chosen zero even after several elevation adjustments.
The scope’s magnification offers great reliability for a long period, a plus considering the heavy-duty materials, which also increase the longevity and durability of the scope’s performance.
Pros
- Made of high-quality materials for durability
- It is impact resistant
- It is weather-resistant for everyday use
- It has a high magnification which ensures clarity and image brightness
Cons
- Does not come with sunshade
2) NightForce NXS 5.5-22x50mm Tactical Riflescope
NXS riflescopes are made to higher standards than any other riflescope on the market. All NXS scopes pass a battery of tests, including side and front impact, which makes them able to withstand what ordinary optics cannot.
The scopes in this class are made using only the highest quality, most durable components for a lifetime of repeatable precision. Their lenses are bedded with NightForce Mil-Spec formulation, reducing glass-to-metal contact and preventing breakages, stress, misalignment, and thermal shock.
The NightForce 5.5-22×50 NXS Rifle Scope offers broad magnification, range, and a large field of view. The riflescope by NightForce is known to be among the most advanced field tactical scopes ever produced.
It also provides 100 M.O.A. elevation travel and four inches of eye relief to ensure you get the best performance while keeping your eyebrows safe. This is especially necessary when using high-recoil rifles.
This Tactical riflescope provides a range of magnification and internal adjustments that accurately allow most .50 BMGs to achieve the 2,000-yard mark. The scope features the MOAR Reticle, a great advancement in precision long-range shooting, offering extremely fast aiming and easy viewing.
The MOAR reticle features a floating center crosshair that is two MOA wide and two MOA tall for a precise aiming point. It also features one-MOA elevation and windage spacings, with a 20 MOA scale below center.
Pros
- It is made of 6061-T6 Aircraft Grade Aluminum
- The scope is completely waterproof and Weather Resistant
- It features 100 M.O.A. of internal adjustment
- It offers great optical integrity
- It is extensively tested for perfection
- It has a proprietary titanium beta erector spring delivers three to four times the spring pressure of other scopes.
Cons
- None
3) NightForce NXS 5.5-22x56mm Tactical Scope
This NightForce NXS Tactical scope is designed to meet the demands of shooters and hunters by combining performance and innovation without sacrificing ruggedness, dependability, and craftsmanship.
The NightForce NXS Rifle Scope is one of the top choices for military and law enforcement professionals who require unfailing, repeatable performance. It is among the finest and most advanced scopes on the market and is the ultimate long-range rifle scope. The riflescope offers great target acquisition at long range, with broad magnification and range, large field-of-view, four inches of eye relief and 100 M.O.A. elevation travel.
The scope’s magnification range and internal adjustment allow most .50 BMGs to achieve the 2,000-yard mark accurately. The scope also features the MOAR Reticle, a major advancement in precision long-range shooting, offering fast aiming and easy viewing.
Pros
- It is made of 6061-T6 Aircraft Grade Aluminum
- It features 100 M.O.A. of internal adjustment
- It has great optical integrity
- The scope is completely waterproof and fog-proof
Cons
- None
4) NightForce SHV 4-14x50mm F1 Rifle Scope
The NightForce SHV 4-14x50mm First Focal Plane Rifle Scope is perfect for different applications, especially for hunters or competitive shooters. It offers a 4-14x magnification range that resolves power with a wider field of view even at higher magnification.
The rifle scope features controls that allow for intuitive and precise adjustments whenever you need to make a hurried shot after retreating prey or during a competition. It also has a ZeroSet function that allows you to quickly return to your zero settings, even after multiple changes.
Pros
- It features a First Focal Plane
- It has a Zero Set Elevation that allows for a rapid return to zero in any condition.
- It is parallax adjustable from 25 yards to infinity
- It comes with a power zoom ring
- It has a fast-focus eyepiece
- It has illuminated reticles with 12 brightness settings for low-light applications
Cons
- No sunshade
5) NightForce Competition 15-55x52mm Rifle Scope
Designed as a tool for almost any shooter, the Nightforce Competition 15-55x52mm Rifle Scope is designed with a ZeroStop and Hi-Speed to enhance the quality of your shoots. The scope combines lens coatings and strong construction techniques that have been perfected over 20 years for the best image clarity.
It features two fast and easy-to-read windage caps that adjust the scope to your particular shooting style easily. It is also made with ED glass to ensure great color contrast correction and high resolution. The ED glass and lens coatings ensure a high light transmission of up to 92%, close to the maximum achieved in any rifle scope.
At a mere 27.8 ounces weight, the Nightforce Competition Rifle Scope is 24% lighter than the 12-42 x 56 Benchrest, and more than 20% lighter than previous NightForce NXS Rifle Scopes.
Pros
- It has a fast-focus European-style eyepiece
- It has an ED Glass offering 92% Light Transmission
- It is lightweight
- It has side parallax adjustment from 25yds to infinity
- It has high-speed windage and elevation adjustments of .125MOA
- The total elevation travel is 55MOA
- Total windage is 50 MOA
- Objective lens diameter: 52 mm
- Eye relief: 3.15 in
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
6) NightForce Precision Benchrest 8-32x56mm Rifle Scope
The NightForce Precision Benchrest 8-32x56mm Rifle Scope offers the industry’s best performance in high-power variable magnification. It boasts some of NightForce’s most impressive features, including a 56 mm multi-coated objective lens with high resolution to distinguish fine detail at extremely long ranges.
The scope features an adjustable objective that offers extra-fine focus to adjust parallax from 25 yards to infinity. It also features target turrets calibrated in true .125 M.O.A. (1/8 click) value and can be reset to zero after sighting in.
It is fitted with a coil plunger adjustment return system that helps to maximize tracking accuracy. Also included is a quick diopter-style eyepiece to ensure fast focusing and a glass-etched illuminated reticle for ideal image/reticle contrast.
Pros
- Made of 6061-T6 Aircraft Grade Aluminum for durability
- It features true .125 MOA click values for elevation and windage
- It has the best light management and resolution
- It offers great accuracy in a variable power scope
- The scope is rigorously tested for perfection
- It is completely waterproof and fog-resistant
- It is recoil and impact are tested at 1,250 Gs for both positive and negative forces
Cons
- Heavy at 36 oz
7) NightForce 3.5-15×50 NXS Tactical Rifle Scope
The NightForce 3.5-15×50 NXS Tactical Rifle Scope allows a lower mounting profile. It is ideal for any kind of shooter, including hunters, offering them a combination of performance and innovation without sacrificing ruggedness, dependability, and craftsmanship. It is perfect for military and law enforcement professionals who demand unfailing, repeatable performance.
The Rifle Scope is made with several distinct enhancements, which deliver perfect reliability and accuracy. It can be zeroed in when out in the field for safety and the perfect lifetime shot. It features an elevation setting and returns to zero setting, allowing you to adjust your scope radically. In addition, it uses a precisely machined internal stop that remains intact without loosening or shifting.
Pros
- It is composed of 6061-T6 Aircraft grade Aluminum
- The scope is completely waterproof
- It features an unprecedented 110 M.O.A. of internal adjustment
- It offers great optical integrity, speed, and accuracy
- It is well-tested for performance
- It has a proprietary titanium beta erector spring that delivers three to four times the spring pressure of other scopes
- It has a ZeroStop for the ability to return your scope to zero
Cons
- None
8) NightForce ATACR 5-25×56 Rifle Scope
This NightForce ATACR rifle scope makes for the perfect option for tactical applications. The rifle scope features ZeroStop and Hi-Speed technologies that allow you to adjust the settings to suit your personal preferences.
The 5-25×56 rifle scope features a DigIllum illuminated reticle, which makes it perfect for most situations. This reticle allows you to comfortably use the scope in the early morning or late evening while enjoying bright images.
Pros
- It has a second focal plane reticle design
- It features fully multi-coated ED optics
- It has ZeroStop elevation adjustments
- It features an integrated power throw lever
- It has XtremeSpeed Diopter adjustments
- It features capped windage adjustments
- It has parallax adjustments with distance markings
- It has an enhanced engraving
- The scope has .25 MOA or .1 MIL Adjustments
- It has Hi-Speed adjustments – 30MOA or 12 Mils per revolution
Cons
- Quite expensive
9) NightForce SHV 3-10x42mm .250 MOA Rifle Scope
The NightForce SHV 3-10x42mm Rifle Scope offers amazing value in a small package, making it the perfect choice for any target shooter, big game, or varmint hunter. The scope has a 3-10x magnification range and a 42mm objective, ensuring a great field of view and image brightness.
The scope is designed in a 30mm body tube, featuring capped .25 MOA adjustments, a side parallax adjustment (25 yards to infinity), and a fast focus eyepiece. All these features work together to offer you the most incredible shooting experience.
Being reliable for a wide range of applications, this is the perfect choice if you are looking for a compact, versatile, and precise scope.
Pros
- It features a 30mm body tube
- It has capped .25 MOA adjustments
- It features a side parallax adjustment from 25 yards to infinity
- It has a fast-focus eyepiece
- The objective lens diameter is 42mm
- The exit pupil is 4.4 – 10.7 mm
Cons
- None
10) NightForce ATACR 7-35x56mm F1 Rifle Scope
The ATACR 7-35×56 FFP Rifle Scope by NightForce is made to provide outstanding precision and repeatability, ideal for even the most serious shooter. It is incredibly versatile, with an extensive magnification range and a wide field of view across the entire range. This makes the scope perfect for easy identification and engagement of your targets.
The NightForce ATACR 7-35x56mm Illuminated Rifle Scope has a 34mm body that ensures superior strength for maximum durability. It also comes with many tactical features, including a ZeroStop and an integrated power throw lever that allows you to push the boundaries of your precision rifle system.
Pros
- It has a 34mm body tube design for superior strength and maximum adjustment range
- It has a ZeroStop for a positive repeatable return to zero
- It features a large, easy-to-read engraving
- It has capped windage adjustment
- It has an integrated power throw lever
- It features a two-piece locking diopter
- It is parallax adjustable from infinity down to as close as 10 meters
- The objective size is 56mm
Cons
- Heavy at 39.3 oz
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Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Nightforce Scope for 308
Magnification
Consider the distance you will shoot and choose a scope with appropriate magnification. Higher magnification is useful for long-range shooting but can also make it harder to acquire targets at close range.
Objective Lens Diameter
A larger objective lens diameter allows for a wider field of view and better light transmission, making it easier to see your target in low-light conditions.
Reticle
Choose a reticle that suits your needs. A ballistic reticle or reticle with hash marks can be especially useful for .308 rifles, as they allow for easy elevation and windage adjustment.
Durability
Consider the build quality and materials of the scope. The scope should be shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof to withstand the recoil and different weather conditions.
Eye Relief
A long eye relief allows for comfortable shooting, even with higher-powered rifles.
Brand Reputation
Choose a brand with a reputation for quality and reliability. Nightforce is a well-known and respected brand in the industry with a proven track record of producing high-quality scopes.
FAQs on the Best Nightforce Scope for 308
1) What is the best Nightforce scope for a .308 rifle?
The best Nightforce scope for a .308 rifle will depend on your specific needs and shooting requirements. However, popular options include the Nightforce SHV 5-20×56, the Nightforce ATACR 5-25×56, and the Nightforce NXS 3.5-15×50.
2) What magnification do I need for a .308 rifle?
The magnification you need for a .308 rifle will depend on your shooting needs and the distances you plan to shoot. Generally, a magnification range of 5x-25x is suitable for long-range shooting, while a range of 3x-9x is more appropriate for shorter distances.
3) Does the Nightforce scope come with a warranty?
Yes, Nightforce scopes come with a limited lifetime warranty that covers any defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty applies to the original owner and is non-transferable.
4) Is the Nightforce scope durable?
Yes, Nightforce scopes are known for their durability and ruggedness. They are built with high-quality materials and are designed to withstand the recoil of high-powered rifles and various weather conditions.
Conclusion
The NightForce brand prides itself in producing high-quality optics, including award-winning rifle scopes that pair perfectly with the 308. The riflescopes are made with great quality materials, including aircraft-grade aluminum, making them stronger than some other rifle scopes in the market at the same price.
They are durable, weatherproof, and highly reliable for different shooting applications. Some, like the NightForce ATACR 5-25×56 Rifle Scope, are ideal for low light conditions, with an illuminated reticle helping increase the shooting light for prolonged shooting hours.
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