When it comes to optimizing your Ruger .308 Scout Rifle, selecting the right scope is crucial. As an experienced shooter, I've tested numerous scopes to find those that enhance the performance of this versatile firearm. The Ruger .308 Scout Rifle, known for its accuracy and reliability, deserves a scope that complements its capabilities. Below, I’ll share my top picks, detailed reviews, and insights into choosing the best scope for this rifle.
Top 6 Best Scopes for Ruger .308 Scout Rifle on the Market
Note: The following advice comes from my personal perspective. What works for me might not work for you, but hopefully it sparks some ideas!
1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Scout Scope
Specifications
Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm Field of View: 18.3-5.2 feet/100 yards Best Features
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 is designed with a long eye relief, perfect for scout rifles. It features fully multi-coated lenses for increased light transmission and anti-reflective properties. The fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing. Additionally, it’s constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring durability and water, fog, and shockproof performance.
Pros
Excellent clarity and brightness Cons
Limited magnification range Slightly heavier than some alternatives Personal Experience
Using the Vortex Crossfire II on my Ruger .308 Scout Rifle has been a rewarding experience. The clear optics and long eye relief enhance target acquisition, even in challenging conditions. The scope's rugged build gives me confidence during hunts and range sessions. Its ease of use, combined with Vortex’s lifetime warranty, makes it a top contender.
Customer Comments
Online reviews praise the Crossfire II for its clear optics and reliability. Many users appreciate the scope’s performance for the price, highlighting its suitability for scout rifles.
2. Leupold FX-II 2.5x28mm Scout Scope
Specifications
Objective Lens Diameter: 28 mm Field of View: 22 feet/100 yards Best Features
The Leupold FX-II 2.5x28mm is a fixed-power scout scope known for its ruggedness and optical clarity. It features Leupold’s proprietary Twilight Light Management System, which enhances low-light performance. The scope is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, ensuring reliable performance in any environment.
Pros
Excellent low-light performance Cons
Fixed magnification might limit versatility Personal Experience
The Leupold FX-II has been a pleasure to use on my Ruger .308 Scout Rifle. Its compact size and lightweight build make it ideal for quick handling. The fixed magnification is not a drawback for me, as the clarity and brightness of the optics more than compensate. This scope’s ability to perform well in low-light conditions is a significant advantage during dawn and dusk hunts.
Customer Comments
Many customers appreciate the FX-II for its durability and optical performance. The scope is often praised for its clarity and the ease with which it allows users to acquire targets.
3. Burris Scout 2-7x32 Ballistic Plex Scope
Specifications
Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm Eye Relief: 9.2-12 inches Field of View: 23-8 feet/100 yards Best Features
The Burris Scout 2-7x32 features the Ballistic Plex reticle, which offers a simple, effective means of trajectory compensation. The scope is built to be shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof. Its multi-coated lenses provide clear and bright images, while the long eye relief is perfect for scout rifle applications.
Pros
Versatile magnification range Cons
Heavier than some alternatives Some users find the reticle too simplistic Personal Experience
Mounting the Burris Scout on my Ruger .308 Scout Rifle has provided a noticeable improvement in accuracy and target acquisition speed. The Ballistic Plex reticle is straightforward and effective, making it easier to compensate for bullet drop. The scope’s durability and clear optics have stood up well in various hunting conditions.
Customer Comments
Users generally appreciate the Burris Scout for its reliability and optical performance. Many note that the Ballistic Plex reticle is particularly useful for quick adjustments in the field.
4. Nikon Force XR 2.5-8x28 EER Scout Scope
Specifications
Objective Lens Diameter: 28 mm Field of View: 13.1-4.1 feet/100 yards Best Features
The Nikon Force XR offers extended eye relief and a versatile magnification range. Its fully multi-coated lenses ensure maximum light transmission and clarity. The scope is nitrogen-filled and o-ring sealed, making it fog-proof and waterproof. The Nikon Force XR is also shockproof, capable of withstanding heavy recoil.
Pros
Cons
Limited field of view at higher magnifications Slightly heavier than some competitors Personal Experience
The Nikon Force XR has proven to be an excellent addition to my Ruger .308 Scout Rifle. The extended eye relief and variable magnification make it versatile for different shooting scenarios. The scope’s clarity and light transmission are impressive, providing a clear sight picture even in low-light conditions. Its robust construction ensures it holds up well during heavy use.
Customer Comments
Online discussions highlight the Nikon Force XR’s versatility and optical quality. Many users find the extended eye relief particularly beneficial for scout rifle setups.
5. Hi-Lux Optics Long Eye Relief 2-7x32 Scope
Specifications
Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm Field of View: 15.2-4.5 feet/100 yards Best Features
The Hi-Lux Optics Long Eye Relief scope offers a wide range of eye relief and a versatile magnification range. It features fully multi-coated lenses for optimal light transmission. The scope is built to be shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, ensuring reliable performance in various conditions.
Pros
Cons
Heavier than many alternatives Personal Experience
The Hi-Lux Optics scope has been a solid performer on my Ruger .308 Scout Rifle. The wide range of eye relief allows for flexible mounting options, and the optics provide a clear and bright image. Though it’s a bit heavier, the scope’s durability and performance make up for the added weight.
Customer Comments
Users generally appreciate the Hi-Lux Optics scope for its reliability and optical clarity. The wide eye relief range is frequently mentioned as a significant advantage.
6. UTG 2-7x44 Long Eye Relief Scout Scope
Specifications
Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm Field of View: 32-10 feet/100 yards Best Features
The UTG 2-7x44 scope features a wide objective lens for enhanced light transmission and a versatile magnification range. It has a long eye relief, making it suitable for scout rifles. The scope is built to be shockproof, fog-proof, and rain-proof. It also includes an illuminated reticle with multiple brightness settings.
Pros
Wide objective lens for better light transmission Cons
Heavier than many alternatives Personal Experience
The UTG 2-7x44 has been a robust and reliable scope on my Ruger .308 Scout Rifle. The illuminated reticle is particularly useful in low-light conditions, and the wide objective lens ensures a bright sight picture. While it’s on the heavier side, the scope’s performance and durability make it a worthy addition.
Customer Comments
Customers often mention the UTG scope’s value for the price, praising its optical clarity and illuminated reticle. The weight is noted as a potential drawback, but many users find it manageable given the scope’s performance.
How to Choose the Best Scope for Ruger .308 Scout Rifle
Magnification
For a scout rifle, a lower magnification range (2-7x) is generally sufficient. This allows for quick target acquisition and versatility in different shooting scenarios.
Eye Relief
Long eye relief is crucial for scout rifles to accommodate the forward-mounted position of the scope. Look for scopes with eye relief of at least 9 inches.
Durability
The scope should be robust, shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof to withstand various conditions and the recoil of a .308 rifle.
Optics Quality
Fully multi-coated lenses provide better light transmission and clearer images. Consider scopes known for their optical clarity and brightness.
Reticle
Choose a reticle that suits your shooting style. Simple reticles are often preferred for quick target acquisition, while more complex reticles with bullet drop compensation can be useful for longer-range shooting.
FAQs
1. What magnification is best for a Ruger .308 Scout Rifle?
A magnification range of 2-7x is typically ideal for scout rifles. It offers a good balance between close and mid-range shooting capabilities.
2. Why is long eye relief important for scout rifles?
Long eye relief allows the scope to be mounted further forward on the rifle, providing a wider field of view and better situational awareness, which is essential for scout rifles.
3. Are illuminated reticles necessary for a scout rifle scope?
While not necessary, illuminated reticles can be beneficial in low-light conditions, helping you to see the reticle clearly against your target.
4. How does the objective lens size affect scope performance?
A larger objective lens can gather more light, resulting in a brighter and clearer image, especially in low-light conditions. However, larger lenses can also add weight and bulk to the scope.
5. Can I use a regular rifle scope on my Ruger .308 Scout Rifle?
While you can use a regular rifle scope, scout rifle scopes are specifically designed with longer eye relief and are better suited for the forward-mounted position on a scout rifle.
Conclusion
Choosing the best scope for your Ruger .308 Scout Rifle can significantly enhance your shooting experience. Each of the scopes reviewed here has its strengths, whether it's the optical clarity of the Vortex Crossfire II, the rugged reliability of the Leupold FX-II, or the versatile magnification of the Nikon Force XR. Consider your specific needs and preferences when selecting a scope, and you’ll be well-equipped to make the most of your scout rifle.