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10 Best Leupold Scope For Ar 308 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x50 (30mm) CDS-ZL Illum. FireDot Twilight Hunter Reticle Riflescope

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,460
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle Type

Most important from
149 reviews

Magnification
This scope is about as light as they get for this magnification with a 50mm objective.
Objective Lens Diameter
This scope is about as light as they get for this magnification with a 50mm objective.
Reticle Type
Keeping the reticle clean and easy with CDS dials makes longer shots precise.
Turrets and Adjustments
Keeping the reticle clean and easy with CDS dials makes longer shots precise.
Durability and Build Quality
Illuminated and clear glass, durable and lightweight - this scope checks all the boxes.
Parallax Adjustment
The lack of a parallax/focus option hasn't been an issue.

The Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x50 is a robust riflescope ideal for hunting enthusiasts looking for reliability and performance. With a magnification range of 4.5 to 14x and a large 50mm objective lens, it delivers excellent light transmission, making it suitable for dawn and dusk shooting scenarios. The illuminated FireDot Twilight Hunter reticle enhances visibility, particularly in low-light conditions, which is a significant advantage for hunters.

One of its standout features is the ZeroLock system, which simplifies elevation adjustments while preventing accidental changes, a practical benefit for precision shooting. The Custom Dial System (CDS) allows for a personalized bullet-drop dial, catering to specific ammunition and conditions, which is great for serious shooters who want to optimize their setup.

Durability is another strong point. This scope is 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring it can withstand tough environments. Coupled with a full lifetime guarantee from Leupold, you can trust that any performance issues will be addressed without hassle. The weight of 19.5 ounces may be heavier than some competitors, which could be a factor for those looking to minimize gear weight. Additionally, the eye relief of 3 inches, while decent, might not be ideal for everyone, especially if using with higher-recoil rifles.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,460
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle Type

Most important from
149 reviews

Magnification
This scope is about as light as they get for this magnification with a 50mm objective.
Objective Lens Diameter
This scope is about as light as they get for this magnification with a 50mm objective.
Reticle Type
Keeping the reticle clean and easy with CDS dials makes longer shots precise.
Turrets and Adjustments
Keeping the reticle clean and easy with CDS dials makes longer shots precise.
Durability and Build Quality
Illuminated and clear glass, durable and lightweight - this scope checks all the boxes.
Parallax Adjustment
The lack of a parallax/focus option hasn't been an issue.
#2

Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x40 (1 inch) CDS-ZL Wind-Plex Burnt Bronze Reticle Riflescope

Rating
10.0
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
152 reviews

Magnification
Its versatile magnification range enhances target acquisition at various distances, from medium to longer ranges.
Objective Lens Diameter
The scope delivers exceptional clarity and sharpness, providing a bright, crisp image that stands out in its class.
Turrets and Adjustments
The CDS-ZL dial system is intuitive and effective, allowing precise elevation adjustments that lock securely to prevent accidental changes.
Durability and Build Quality
Durability is a key strength, with the scope holding zero reliably when properly mounted, making it dependable in the field.

The Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x40 riflescope is a solid choice for an AR-308 shooter looking for reliable precision and durability. Its magnification range from 4.5x to 14x offers versatile zoom, allowing clear targets at both medium and longer distances. The 40mm objective lens is a good balance, providing bright images especially in low light thanks to Leupold’s Elite Optical System, which is great for dawn or dusk hunting. The Wind-Plex reticle is simple but effective for wind estimation and holdover, fitting well with typical AR-308 shooting needs.

One standout feature is the CDS-ZL (Custom Dial System with ZeroLock), which lets you dial in precise elevation adjustments and locks them to avoid accidental changes—a helpful tool if you're shooting varying distances. The eye relief is around 3 inches, which offers comfortable viewing without risking recoil impact. Build quality is another strong point: the scope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, so it can handle tough field conditions. The aluminum body keeps it lightweight at just over 13 ounces, making it easy to mount without adding bulk.

It does not have built-in parallax adjustment, which some shooters might miss for fine-tuning focus at different ranges. Also, it lacks night vision compatibility, so it’s mostly suited for daylight or low-light but not complete darkness. For someone using an AR-308 who values a bright, crisp image, durability, and precise elevation control, this scope delivers dependable performance without overly complex features.

Rating
10.0
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
152 reviews

Magnification
Its versatile magnification range enhances target acquisition at various distances, from medium to longer ranges.
Objective Lens Diameter
The scope delivers exceptional clarity and sharpness, providing a bright, crisp image that stands out in its class.
Turrets and Adjustments
The CDS-ZL dial system is intuitive and effective, allowing precise elevation adjustments that lock securely to prevent accidental changes.
Durability and Build Quality
Durability is a key strength, with the scope holding zero reliably when properly mounted, making it dependable in the field.
#3

Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x50 (30mm) CDS-ZL Illum. FireDot Twilight Hunter Reticle Riflescope

Rating
9.9
Magnification
Eye Relief
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
100 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers exceptional clarity with no distortion at the edges, making every shot clear and precise.
Eye Relief
Generous eye relief allows comfortable use with both eyes open across all magnification levels.
Durability and Build Quality
Construction is solid and durable, with turrets that feel sturdy and adjustments that stay locked in place.
Reticle Type
Versatile for both day and night use, aided by the illuminated reticle for improved visibility in dim conditions.

The Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x50 Riflescope is a solid choice for AR-308 shooters who need a versatile and reliable optic mainly for hunting. It offers a useful magnification range from 3.5x to 10x, making it good for both closer and longer shots. The 30mm objective lens is smaller than some scopes in its class, so while it performs well in decent light, it’s not the best for very low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. The illuminated FireDot Twilight Hunter reticle enhances visibility in dimmer settings, and the custom bullet-drop dial (CDS-ZL) is a helpful feature that lets you easily adjust for precise shots, locking in your zero to avoid accidental changes.

Eye relief is about 3 inches, which is typical but requires careful positioning for comfort and safety on powerful rifles like the AR-308. The scope is built tough with waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof qualities, designed and assembled in the USA, which is reassuring for durability in rugged hunting environments. The scope also includes smart features like Motion Sensor Technology to save battery life by turning off illumination when not in use.

While a bit on the heavier side at 1.1 pounds and with a matte finish to reduce glare, this scope balances performance and toughness. It is best suited for hunters wanting a dependable all-around scope that handles a variety of shooting situations well, though those wanting maximum low-light performance or ultra-fine parallax control might look elsewhere.

Rating
9.9
Magnification
Eye Relief
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
100 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers exceptional clarity with no distortion at the edges, making every shot clear and precise.
Eye Relief
Generous eye relief allows comfortable use with both eyes open across all magnification levels.
Durability and Build Quality
Construction is solid and durable, with turrets that feel sturdy and adjustments that stay locked in place.
Reticle Type
Versatile for both day and night use, aided by the illuminated reticle for improved visibility in dim conditions.

Buying Guide for the Best Leupold Scope For Ar 308

Choosing the right scope for your AR-308 can significantly enhance your shooting experience, whether you're hunting, target shooting, or engaging in tactical operations. The key is to understand the various specifications and how they align with your specific needs and preferences. Here are some important specs to consider when selecting a Leupold scope for your AR-308.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is crucial because it determines how well you can see your target at different distances. Low magnification (1-4x) is ideal for close-range shooting and quick target acquisition, medium magnification (5-9x) is suitable for mid-range shooting, and high magnification (10x and above) is best for long-range precision. Choose the magnification based on the typical distances you will be shooting.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting the brightness and clarity of the image. Larger diameters (40mm and above) provide better light transmission and are beneficial in low-light conditions, but they can make the scope heavier. Smaller diameters (below 40mm) are lighter and more compact, suitable for daylight shooting. Consider your typical shooting environment when choosing the objective lens diameter.
Reticle TypeThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle types serve different purposes. Simple duplex reticles are great for general use and quick target acquisition, while more complex reticles like mil-dot or BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) are useful for long-range shooting and estimating distance. Choose a reticle that matches your shooting style and the complexity you're comfortable with.
Turrets and AdjustmentsTurrets are the knobs on the scope that allow you to adjust for windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down). This is important for ensuring your shots are accurate at various distances. Some scopes have exposed turrets for quick adjustments, while others have capped turrets to prevent accidental changes. Consider whether you need quick adjustments in the field or prefer a more secure setting.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope where you can see the full image. This is crucial for comfort and safety, especially with the recoil of an AR-308. Longer eye relief (3.5 inches and above) is generally better, as it allows for more flexibility in positioning and reduces the risk of scope eye injury. Ensure the scope you choose has adequate eye relief for your shooting style.
Durability and Build QualityDurability and build quality are essential for ensuring your scope can withstand the rigors of shooting and environmental conditions. Look for scopes that are waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. High-quality materials and construction will ensure longevity and reliable performance. Consider the environments you will be shooting in and choose a scope that can handle those conditions.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment helps to ensure that the reticle remains on target even if your eye position changes slightly. This is particularly important for long-range shooting. Some scopes have a fixed parallax, while others offer adjustable parallax settings. If you plan on shooting at varying distances, an adjustable parallax can be very beneficial.

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