Picking the right scope for your Savage .308 rifle is really important if you want to shoot better at long distances. A good scope can help you aim more accurately and make your shooting more fun. Let’s look at some of the best scopes for your Savage .308 and how they can help you shoot better.
| Key Takeaways |
| Choose a scope with appropriate magnification range for your shooting needsConsider reticle types like Mil-dot, BDC, or MOA for different shooting stylesEnsure the scope is durable enough to withstand .308 recoilLook for weather-resistant features for all-condition performanceProper mounting and zeroing are crucial for optimal accuracy |
Understanding Your Savage .308 Rifle
The Savage .308 is a popular rifle that many hunters and long-range shooters like to use.This rifle is accurate and reliable right out of the box, but adding the right scope can make it even better. Whether you’re hunting big animals in thick forests, shooting at targets far away, or competing in long-range contests, having a good scope is really important. The .308 bullet that this rifle uses is known for flying straight and keeping its power over long distances, which is why many good shooters like it.
Important Things to Look for in a Scope for the Savage .308
When you’re picking a scope for your Savage .308, here are some important features to think about:
Magnification Range
3-9x to 4-16x for versatility; up to 5-25x or 7-35x for extreme long-range
Reticle Type
Mil-dot, BDC, or MOA reticles for different shooting styles and needs
Durability
Able to withstand recoil of .308 caliber; shock-resistant construction
Weather Resistance
Waterproof and fog-proof for all-weather performance
1. Magnification Range
For the Savage .308, it’s good to have a scope that can zoom in and out. Most hunters and long-range shooters like scopes that can zoom from 3-9x or 4-16x. This lets you see clearly both close up and far away. When you’re shooting in thick woods, you don’t need to zoom in much. But when you’re shooting at things far away in open fields, you can zoom in more. If you’re shooting at really far targets, like in competitions or hunting in big open areas, you might want a scope that can zoom even more, like 5-25x or 7-35x. These let you see very far away targets really clearly, but they might make it harder to see things that are closer.
2. Reticle Type
The reticle is the pattern you see when you look through the scope. Pick one that matches how you like to shoot. Here are some popular types:
- Mil-dot reticles: These have dots that help you guess how far away things are and adjust for bullet drop. They’re good for experienced shooters.
- BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticles: These have marks that show where your bullet will hit at different distances. They’re great for quick shots at different ranges.
- MOA (Minute of Angle) reticles: These let you make very small adjustments for really accurate shots. They’re good if you want to be super precise.
3. Durability
Your scope needs to be tough enough to handle the kick from the .308 bullet, which is pretty strong. Look for scopes made from strong materials like aircraft-grade aluminum. These are strong but not too heavy. The scope should be shockproof so it stays accurate even after lots of shots. Some scopes have special designs inside to make them even tougher. Also, scopes made in one piece are usually stronger and stay aligned better over time.
4. Weather Resistance
Choose scopes that are waterproof and fog-proof. This means they’ll work well in different types of weather. Some scopes are filled with special gases like nitrogen or argon to stop them from fogging up inside when the temperature changes quickly. This is really important for hunters who might be out early in the morning or in different kinds of weather. Look for scopes with special seals to keep out water, dust, and dirt. Some expensive scopes even have special coatings on the outside lenses to keep water off and prevent scratches.
Top Scope Recommendations for Your Savage .308
Here are some good scopes for your Savage .308 rifle. Each one is good for different types of shooting:
1. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50
This scope is great for shooting at long distances. It can zoom in a lot and has a special reticle that helps you aim better. The glass is really clear, and it’s built to be tough. It’s good for precise shooting at different distances.
2. Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44
Leupold makes really good scopes. This one is good for both hunting and target shooting. It has a special dial that lets you adjust quickly for different distances. It’s also really good at helping you see in low light, like early morning or evening.
3. Nightforce ATACR 5-25×56 F1
This is a top-of-the-line scope for serious long-range shooters. It’s very well-made and has super clear glass. It’s expensive, but it’s worth it if you want the best performance. It has special features that help you make very precise shots at long distances.
4. Bushnell Elite Tactical DMR II 3.5-21×50
This scope gives you a lot of features for its price. It’s good for medium and long-range shooting. It’s tough and works well in different weather conditions. It has special coatings that help you see clearly in different types of light.
| Model | Magnification | Reticle Type | Weather Resistance | Price Range |
| Vortex Viper PST Gen II | 5-25×50 | EBR-2C MRAD | Excellent | $$ |
| Leupold VX-5HD | 3-15×44 | CDS-ZL2 | Excellent | $$ |
| Nightforce ATACR | 5-25×56 | MOAR | Excellent | $$ |
| Bushnell Elite Tactical DMR II | 3.5-21×50 | G3 | Very Good | $ |
Putting Your Scope on the Rifle
It’s really important to put your scope on your rifle the right way. If you don’t, your shots might not go where you want them to. Here are some steps to follow:
- Choose good quality rings and bases that fit your Savage .308.
- Make sure the scope is level when you put it on.
- Use a special tool called a torque wrench to tighten the screws just right.
- You might want to use a special glue called Loctite on the screws to keep them from coming loose.
- Check that you can see through the scope comfortably and adjust it if you need to.
If you’re not sure how to do this, it might be a good idea to ask a professional gunsmith to help you. They know how to do it right and can save you from making mistakes.
Setting Up Your Scope
After you put your scope on, you need to set it up so it’s accurate. This is called zeroing. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by shooting at a target that’s close, like 25 yards away.
- Then move to a target that’s farther away, usually 100 yards for a .308.
- Make small adjustments to your scope until your shots are hitting where you’re aiming.
- Take your time and shoot several groups of shots to make sure it’s right.
- Write down your settings so you can remember them later.
Remember, setting up your scope right is really important for accuracy with your Savage .308. It’s worth taking the time to do it properly. Things like temperature and the type of bullets you use can affect your accuracy, so it’s a good idea to check your settings before important hunting trips or shooting contests.
Other Things That Help with Long-Range Accuracy
A good scope is important, but there are other things that help you shoot accurately at long distances with your Savage .308:
1. Understanding How Bullets Fly
Learn about how your .308 bullets fly through the air. Things like how much the bullet drops and how the wind pushes it are important to know. Many scopes have special markings that help with this. You can also use apps or calculators to figure out how your bullets will fly at different distances.
2. Weather and Environment
Wind, temperature, and humidity can all affect your shots, especially at long distances. Practice figuring out wind direction and speed. You can use tools like wind meters to help. Some expensive scopes even have built-in sensors for this. Understanding how these things affect your bullet can really help you shoot more accurately at long distances.
3. Shooter Skills and Techniques
Practice holding your rifle steady and breathing the right way when you shoot. Work on pulling the trigger smoothly without moving the rifle. Regular practice at different distances will help you get better. You might want to take a class or join a shooting club to learn from experienced shooters. Focus on finding a comfortable, stable position to shoot from, whether you’re lying down, sitting, or using supports.
Taking Care of Your Scope and Rifle
To keep your scope and rifle working well for a long time, you need to take care of them:
- Keep your scope lenses clean using the right tools.
- Check that your scope is still attached tightly to your rifle.
- Store your rifle and scope in a cool, dry place.
- Clean your Savage .308 regularly following the instructions from the maker.
- Check your scope for any damage, especially after using it in rough conditions.
- Keep track of how many shots you’ve fired to know when you might need to replace parts.
Conclusion: Getting the Most Out of Your Savage .308
Choosing the right scope for your Savage .308 can really help you shoot better and enjoy shooting more. Think about what kind of shooting you do most when picking a scope. Remember, a good scope is important, but it’s just one part of shooting well. You also need to put the scope on right, set it up correctly, understand how bullets fly, and practice a lot.
By getting a good scope and working on your shooting skills, you can become really accurate with your Savage .308 at long distances. Whether you’re hunting in different kinds of places, competing in shooting contests, or just enjoying hitting targets far away, the right scope will help you use your rifle to its full potential.
Want to make your Savage .308 shoot even better? Check out our selection of top-quality scopes and accessories to improve your shooting. With the right gear and practice, you’ll be able to shoot your Savage .308 really well, hitting targets far away with confidence and accuracy.
