The .308 is a cartridge that rewards precision, and pairing it with the right optic can make all the difference at distance or in low light. Nightforce scopes are known for their durability, clarity, and repeatable adjustments, making them a top choice for serious shooters. The US-made riflescopes are designed with a glass case and a high-quality optical system and are pricier than other low-quality scopes.
This guide breaks down the best Nightforce options for the .308 so you can match your rifle with a scope that performs when it matters most.
Best Nightforce Scopes for 308 -Reviews
1) Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x42mm
If you’ve spent any serious time in the precision rifle world, you already know Nightforce carries serious weight. The NXS 2.5-10x42mm isn’t just a scope, it’s a statement. Built for hard use and engineered to perform when conditions turn ugly, this optic has earned its place on military platforms, competition rifles, and serious hunting rigs worldwide. On a .308, it’s a near-perfect pairing.
The 2.5-10x magnification range is ideally matched to the .308’s practical shooting envelope. The 42mm objective strikes a beautiful balance, excellent light transmission, impressive low-light performance, and none of the bulk that larger objectives bring. The MOAR reticle, in particular, is a favorite among precision shooters, with a .308, clean, uncluttered, with enough reference points for accurate holdovers and wind calls without overwhelming the sight picture.
Optically, the NXS is in a league of its own. Edge-to-edge sharpness, outstanding color fidelity, and virtually zero chromatic aberration make every session behind this glass a genuine pleasure. The turrets are crisp, repeatable, and mechanically trustworthy, dial up, come back to zero, and trust it completely. The single-piece aerospace aluminum tube is sealed to military standards and built to outlast the rifle underneath it.
Pros
- Exceptional edge-to-edge optical clarity
- Magnification range perfectly suited to .308 ballistics
- Outstanding low-light performance
- Precise, repeatable turrets with reliable zero return
- Military-grade, weatherproof build quality
- Handles recoil far beyond .308 demands
Cons
- Expensive
- 10x ceiling limits extreme long-range use past 1,000 yards
- Heavier than modern slim-profile competition scopes
- lacks the zero-stop feature found on the newer ATACR line
2) 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
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
Magnification determines how much closer a target appears through a rifle scope. Higher magnification helps you see distant targets more clearly, while lower magnification provides a wider field of view and faster target acquisition. When choosing a scope, select a magnification range that matches your typical shooting distance and intended use.
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
The reticle is the aiming point inside a rifle scope, usually shaped as crosshairs or a marked pattern. It helps you aim accurately and can also assist with range estimation, bullet drop, and wind correction. When choosing a scope, pick a reticle that matches your shooting style, whether for hunting, tactical use, or long-range shooting. 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
Eye relief is an important factor when buying a rifle scope because it is the distance between your eye and the scope needed to see a full, clear image. Good eye relief improves comfort, helps you aim faster, and protects your face from recoil, especially on rifles like the .308 Winchester. Most shooters prefer scopes with 3.5 to 4 inches of eye relief for a safe and comfortable shooting experience.
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.
Each of the scopes highlighted in this article is sure to give you great performance, clarity, and a myriad of useful adjustments. Pick one relative to your budget, and have fun shooting!
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