The 6 Best FFP Scopes for 308 are one of the most versatile and widely used cartridges in the world, prized for its balance of power, accuracy, and range. Whether you’re hunting deer, engaging in tactical shooting, or stretching shots out on the range, pairing your .308 with the right optic makes all the difference.
First Focal Plane (FFP) scopes are especially popular for .308 users because they ensure that holdovers, windage, and ranging remain accurate across the entire magnification range.
This consistency gives shooters confidence when transitioning from close-range to long-range targets. In this guide, we explore some of the 6 Best FFP Scopes for 308, highlighting their features, strengths, and what makes them ideal for precision shooters and hunters alike.
6 Best FFP Scopes for 308
1. Vortex Optics Venom 1-6×24 Second Focal Plane Riflescope
The Vortex Optics Venom 1-6×24 SFP riflescope is designed to provide shooters with a versatile, fast-handling optic that balances performance, durability, and affordability. While not an FFP design, it has earned a place among top scopes for .308 rifles thanks to its rugged build, user-friendly features, and reliable clarity.
Whether you’re stepping into entry-level competition shooting or hunting in dynamic environments, the Venom delivers a solid balance of speed and precision.
At the heart of the Venom is its XD optical system paired with fully multi-coated lenses, ensuring bright and sharp images even in low-light conditions. This is critical for hunters taking shots at dawn or dusk, and equally valuable for competitive shooters moving through shaded courses.
The second focal plane system ensures the reticle remains consistently visible across the entire magnification range, making it intuitive and easy to use without visual clutter.
The illuminated BDC3 reticle enhances the scope’s versatility for short- to mid-range shots. It offers quick target acquisition for fast-paced shooting while also featuring a ranging function capable of estimating silhouette targets out to 600 yards.
Combined with tactile, textured turrets and an included throw lever, shooters can adjust magnification or make fine corrections swiftly even with gloves on.
Pros
- Clear, bright glass with XD optical system and fully multi-coated lenses
- Illuminated BDC3 reticle with ranging capability up to 600 yards
- Rugged single-piece 30mm aircraft aluminum tube for durability
- Textured turrets and included throw lever for quick adjustments
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction with Armortek lens protection
Cons
-
Slightly heavy
2. Burris Veracity PH First Focal Plane Riflescope, Illuminated Reticle
The Burris Veracity PH 2.5-12x42mm FFP riflescope brings cutting-edge innovation to hunters and precision shooters who want the perfect blend of technology, optical clarity, and ease of use. Designed with ED glass for enhanced brightness and clarity, this optic ensures sharp imaging across the magnification range.
The 3PW Wind MOA illuminated crosshair reticle provides fast, accurate bullet drop compensation, while the extended PTC bottom crosshair helps with quick sight alignment at low magnification ideal for hunters engaging targets at closer ranges.
What sets the Veracity PH apart is its PĒK system, which combines a clickless digital elevation turret with a heads-up display (HUD) inside the optic. By pairing with the BurrisConnect app via Bluetooth, shooters can input ballistic data, then simply range their target, dial the HUD distance, and take the shot.
The HUD projects critical information such as elevation position, cant, angle, wind holdover, and even battery level all without ever taking your eyes off the target. This level of integration eliminates the need to track turret clicks or make complicated ballistic calculations in the field.
Another major advantage is its fail-safe battery system. Even if the battery runs out during a hunt or long expedition, the Veracity PH continues functioning as a fully capable riflescope. This makes it reliable in prolonged outdoor use where backup batteries may not be available.
The compact, lightweight chassis ensures it balances well on a variety of .308 rifles, from hunting platforms to precision builds.
Pros
- First focal plane design
- ED glass for bright, sharp image quality in varying light conditions
- Compact, lightweight chassis for easy handling on .308 rifles
- PĒK digital elevation system
- Heads-up display (HUD)
- Integrates with BurrisConnect app via Bluetooth for real-time ballistic data
- Functions without battery
- Quick bullet drop compensation
Cons
-
Requires app pairing for full functionality
3. Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24X50 First Focal Plane Riflescopes
The Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24×50 FFP riflescope is a feature-packed option that delivers impressive performance at a budget-friendly price. Built with long-range shooters and hunters in mind, this scope is well-suited for a .308 rifle thanks to its wide magnification range, durable construction, and advanced reticle design.
One of its most valuable features is the first focal plane reticle, which maintains accuracy at any magnification setting. As you zoom in or out, the reticle scales with your target, ensuring your holdovers and windage adjustments remain precise across the entire power range.
This makes it an ideal choice for shooters engaging targets at variable distances without the need for constant recalibration.
Optical performance is enhanced through fully multicoated lenses, which reduce glare and maximize light transmission for a brighter, sharper image. Whether you’re shooting at dawn, dusk, or in cloudy conditions, the Argos BTR GEN2 provides clear visuals that help you stay on target.
Practical field use is further supported by the Precision Zero Stop system. This feature allows you to set and return to your exact zero with confidence, even in low-light or no-light situations.
Once locked, you can dial in for long-range shots and return to your zero without the risk of losing your reference point a crucial advantage for hunters and tactical shooters alike.
Built to withstand tough conditions, the Argos BTR GEN2 is waterproof and ruggedly constructed to endure recoil and environmental challenges. Whether it’s rain, fog, or accidental submersion, this scope is designed to keep performing.
Pros
- First focal plane reticle ensures accuracy at all magnifications
- Wide 6-24x zoom range ideal for long-range shooting with .308
- Fully multicoated optics for bright, clear images in low light
- Precision Zero Stop system for quick, repeatable return to zero
- Waterproof and durable build for harsh environments
- Excellent value for its features and performance
Cons
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Turrets may feel less refined
4. Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane
The Vortex Optics Diamondback 3-9×40 riflescope has earned a reputation as a dependable, all-around optic that delivers performance far above its price class. Although it is a second focal plane (SFP) design, it remains a strong contender among scopes for .308 rifles due to its rugged construction, versatile magnification range, and user-friendly reticle.
Whether used for hunting, target shooting, or general field applications, the Diamondback provides reliability and clarity when it matters most.
At its core, the Diamondback is built around the Dead-Hold BDC reticle, which is specifically designed for shooters who need to make accurate holdover and windage estimations at varying distances. This feature is particularly helpful for .308 users who often engage targets across a wide spectrum of ranges.
Complementing this is the scope’s fully multi-coated lens system, which enhances light transmission and delivers crisp, bright images even in low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk.
Functionality is further enhanced by the fast-focus eyepiece, allowing shooters to quickly acquire a sharp reticle image. The metal-on-metal precision turrets not only track consistently but also allow for an easy zero-reset after sight-in.
Combined with the precision glide erector system, the Diamondback ensures smooth magnification changes and accurate repeatability qualities crucial for hunters and shooters relying on consistent performance shot after shot.
Pros
- Versatile 3-9x magnification ideal for multiple .308 applications
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle simplifies holdover and windage adjustments
- Fully multi-coated lenses provide bright, clear images in low light
- Precision glide erector system ensures smooth, repeatable adjustments
- Metal-on-metal precision turrets with zero-reset feature
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof design for all-weather reliability
- Backed by Vortex’s unconditional, transferable VIP Lifetime Warranty
Cons
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Lacks illumination for very low-light reticle visibility
5. Nightforce ATACR 4-16x42mm First Focal Plane
The Nightforce ATACR 4–16×42 F1 is a compact, precision-focused first-focal-plane riflescope built for shooters who demand speed and repeatable accuracy a combination that fits the .308 platform exceptionally well.
At just 12.6 inches overall the ATACR keeps a low profile on semi-automatic and hunting rigs while still delivering the optical performance and feature set serious long-range and tactical shooters require.
Optically the ATACR leans on ED (extra-low dispersion) glass, which translates to outstanding clarity, high resolution and good color fidelity across the zoom range. Whether you’re shooting at first light or under bright midday sun, the image quality remains crisp and contrasty helpful for identifying small targets and picking ideal point-of-aims with a .308. The 4–16x range is a practical sweet spot for a .308: low enough for quick close/medium work, and high enough for precise longer shots out to the effective max of the cartridge.
The scope’s FFP reticle (illuminated Horus Tremor3 in the illuminated version) is purpose-built for the Accuracy-1st / Speed-Shooting workflow. Because the reticle scales with magnification you can use the reticle’s mil subtensions for accurate holds and rapid ranging at any power setting a big advantage when you must transition between engagement distances without changing your mental math.
The Tremor3’s elevation hold design also speeds wind calls and target mil-ing, which is especially useful for shooters pushing .308 out to extended ranges or making quick, field-expedient corrections.
Nightforce’s ZeroHold technology is a standout ergonomics feature: it provides an instant, positive return to your chosen zero and allows dialing below zero when the situation demands. That flexibility and speed are meaningful on a rifle like a .308 where you might dial for elevation on a long shot then need to come back to zero quickly for follow-ups.
Pros
- Superb optical clarity and color fidelity thanks to ED glass.
- First-focal-plane Tremor3 reticle .
- ZeroHold system
- Robust mechanicals: 34 mm tube.
- Compact, low-profile design
- Illuminated reticle option
Cons
- Pricey
6. EOTECH Vudu 5-25x50mm Precision Rifle Scope
The EOTECH Vudu 5-25x50mm Precision Rifle Scope is a premium FFP optic built for shooters who demand reliability and precision from their .308 setup. Engineered with a robust single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum body and finished with a hard anodized coating, this scope is built to endure the most demanding environments.
Its construction ensures resistance against fog, water, and shock, making it a dependable companion in rugged field conditions.
One of the standout features of the Vudu 5-25×50 is its XC high-density, low dispersion glass combined with anti-reflective coated lenses. This optical system maximizes light transmission, providing bright, crisp, and detailed images even in low-light conditions.
The edge-to-edge clarity ensures you maintain a clear field of view across the entire lens, which is essential for precision shooting at long distances.
The scope’s sleek, scalping eyepiece design allows for fast and smooth magnification adjustments, giving shooters the ability to adapt quickly to changing target distances. The first focal plane reticle ensures accurate holdovers and ranging at any magnification setting, making it a top-tier choice for long-range precision shooters who use .308 rifles.
Pros
- Rugged aircraft-grade aluminum, single-piece construction
- Fog, water, and shock resistant for reliability in tough conditions
- XC high-density, low dispersion glass
- Anti-reflective coated lenses Edge-to-edge clarity for a wide, distortion-free view
- Fast magnification adjustment
- FFP reticle supports accurate holdovers and ranging at all magnifications
Cons
- Heavy
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6 Best FFP Scopes for 308 Buying Guide
Magnification
The .308 Winchester is a versatile cartridge effective from close-range hunting to long-range precision shooting. Your choice of magnification should match your intended use. For example, a 3-9x or 4-16x FFP scope is excellent for mid-range hunting and target shooting, while higher ranges like 5-25x are ideal for long-distance precision.
Glass Quality and Lens Coatings
Clarity is crucial for accurate shooting, especially at extended ranges. High-quality glass such as ED (Extra-low Dispersion) or HD (High-Density) provides crisp images, minimizes chromatic aberration, and enhances color fidelity. Multi-coated or anti-reflective lenses also improve light transmission, ensuring you get a bright, clear picture from dawn till dusk essential for both hunting and tactical use with the .308.
First Focal Plane Reticle
Since reticles in FFP scopes scale with magnification, holdovers, ranging, and windage marks remain accurate at all power levels. This is particularly beneficial for the 6 Best FFP Scopes for 308, which often requires shooters to account for bullet drop and wind drift.
Durability and Build Quality
The 6 Best FFP Scopes for 308 produces noticeable recoil, so your scope must be built tough. One-piece tubes made of aircraft-grade aluminum with hard-anodized finishes are highly recommended. A shockproof design ensures the scope maintains zero, while waterproof and fog-proof performance (often achieved through argon or nitrogen purging and O-ring seals) guarantees reliability in all weather conditions.
Reticle Design
The right reticle design can make a big difference in accuracy and speed. Options like the Horus Tremor3, BDC, or MRAD-based reticles provide reference points for elevation and windage, helping with quick target acquisition and corrections. Illuminated reticles are particularly useful in low-light conditions, where a standard black reticle may be difficult to see against darker backgrounds.
Weight and Size
Depending on whether you’re hunting, in the field, or on the range, weight and compactness matter. A compact, lightweight scope is ideal for hunters who carry their rifles over long distances, while a heavier, feature-packed scope may be preferable for long-range precision shooting where stability and advanced features take priority. Choosing the right balance of size and weight ensures comfort without compromising performance.
6 Best FFP Scopes for 308 FAQs
- What magnification range is best for a .308 FFP scope?
The ideal magnification depends on your shooting style. For hunting and general-purpose shooting, 3-9x or 4-16x provides versatility without being overly bulky. For long-range precision shooting, a scope with higher magnification like 5-25x offers the clarity and detail needed to make accurate shots at extended ranges.
- Are FFP scopes good for low-light hunting with a .308?
Yes. when equipped with high-quality glass and fully multi-coated lenses. Scopes with ED or HD glass and anti-reflective coatings gather more light, producing brighter and clearer images during dawn and dusk. An illuminated reticle further enhances visibility in low-light environments, which is often essential for hunters using a .308.
- How durable should a .308 FFP scope be?
Since the .308 generates significant recoil, a durable build is essential. Look for aircraft-grade aluminum construction, shockproof tubes, waterproofing, and fog-proofing (nitrogen or argon purging). These features ensure the scope maintains zero and performs reliably in harsh conditions, whether you’re in the field hunting or at the range practicing precision shots.
Conclusion
When choosing the best FFP scope for your .308, it’s important to balance magnification, clarity, reticle design, and durability to match your shooting style. Whether you need a compact hunting scope for quick target acquisition or a high-magnification precision optic for long-range engagements, today’s market offers outstanding options built to handle the .308’s performance.
From rugged builds and superior glass to innovative reticle systems and advanced adjustment features, these scopes elevate accuracy and reliability in the field. Investing in a quality FFP scope ensures that your .308 delivers its full potential, giving you confidence with every shot, no matter the distance.