How to choose a scope mount for a 308

You have a .308 rifle, and what’s not to love about it? This rifle is the ultimate. It is arguably the most popular short-action, big-game hunting cartridge you can own. Civilians, military and the police all appreciate the .308 rifle.

This rifle is pretty powerful, a .308 can shoot accurately at 200 yards. This is great, but when you add a scope that range extends considerably. Scopes have the ability to take your rifle and make it even better.

What is the purpose of a scope?

Which scope mount will be your cup of coffee? What scope will take you to distances you never knew were possible? It’s important to find an accessory that has the ability to reach various distances depending on the intent and purpose you choose. Granted, you are able to reach one distance with Scope A, but Scope B has the ability to go well beyond 500 yards. So what exactly will you choose? It depends on the application.

By adding on the right scope for your .308 caliber rifle, you are only increasing your ability to enjoy all of the favorable benefits that the rifle has to offer, including aerodynamic shooting, comfortable weight, economic power consumption, and multiple use capabilities in a number of settings.

The .308 rifle is probably one of the more popular rifle choices. It is safe to say that almost every optics manufacturer will have a scope that will fit your.308 rifle. When purchasing a scope, make sure you understand how it is mounted. It is crucial that the scope be mounted correctly. In fact, without a mount a scope is useless. The mount is the glue that holds the whole combo together.

Scope Mounts

Scope mounts are available in different designs and with different features. Which one you choose is based on personal preference and scope manufacturer recommendation. Sometimes it will depend on what kind of shooting you will be doing. All scope mounts are available as one-piece mounts or ring mounts. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of scope mounts that are available.

One-piece mounts

If you are looking for something that will be easy and straightforward, then you know that one piece scope mounts might be exactly what you are looking for. All you have to do is install a scope on there and bang, you’re done. The installation will mostly be simple and won’t require any complex fitting.

Scope Rings

Scope rings have been around for a very long time. Your father used them and so did his father. The only difference is now that these scope rings of today are a lot sturdier and quite easy to tack onto a .308 rifle. You’re really going to love having scope rings handy if you just want something that will allow for reliable security and a strong hold to ensure that every shot you take is straightforward and precise.

You will need a base

Mounts also require a base. So, you will need to be sure you have one that can accommodate your mount and rifle. Some bases are universal. Here are some universal bases.

Rails

Rails are important to the installation process of a scope mount. And your mount has to be compatible with either a Picatinny rail or a Weaver rail. In fact, some mounts will probably fit both. These rails allow for you to make customization quite easier for you. It will also allow you ample space to find the right kind of scope that you want for your .308 rifle. 

Integral base

Integral bases are often the easiest since the scope rings are fixed with the mount. In other words, you won’t have to install one to the other. This is probably the simplest solution that you can come up with if you are new to the entire concept of using a .308 rifle.

Also, it will save you a pretty good amount of time from tracking down separate parts and installing them one by one. You can install an integral base in no time flat. If simple is your thing, these types of mounts will surely be the best possible choice for you.

Top 3 Mounts for your 308 rifle Reviews 2020

 1 ​Vortex Optics Pro Riflescope Rings

Vortex Optics Pro Riflescope Rings

Vortex is known for being really durable. In fact, you might as well call them the undisputed champions of durability. Furthermore, their quality is perhaps second to none even when stacked against higher end brands. And to add the icing on the cake, they are also affordable for most budgets. While it is highly recommended to find the best quality that is affordable to you, these scope rings hit the sweet spot. Once you attach this to your Weaver or Picatinny rail, you’ll be able to fit any kind of scope you want for hunting or target shooting.

 2 Nikon Black Precision One Piece

 Nikon Black Precision 1Piece - Medium Height 30mm

Nikon might be the best at providing excellent optical quality, but they still deliver on the promise when it comes to providing high quality scope mounts. With that in mind, you can be able to install these on your rail of choice with no difficulty at all. But for best results, installing a Nikon scope will definitely make itself stand out among the rest of the pack. If you want a scope mount that will waste little of your time and make sure that your rifle is ready for a huge upgrade with the scope you choose, this is the mount you may want to consider.

 3 ​Leupold Dual Dovetail Rings

 Leupold 49957 Dual Dovetail Rings, 30mm (Medium Matte)

Leupold might be one of the direct rivals to Vortex in terms of durability. But it’s more of a higher end brand. So it will win some and lose some amongst shoppers. These scope mounts are strong and simple to install on a rail that you can depend on for all your customization needs. They can hold any good sized scope together without a single hint of wiggling around. So the scope maintains its stability even through so many rounds of gunfire.

Points to Remember

Adding a scope to your 308 is a great way to effectively increase the range at which you can accurately bring down your target. On its own the 308 is pretty powerful; a good scope makes it that much better.

In order to attach your scope to your 308 rifle, you will need to have a mounting system in place. There are two types of mounts-one piece and rings. The one-piece types are often heavier, which can be a concern. User fatigue when spending long periods of time in position is a real concern.

 

The other type is rings. Rings are usually lighter in weight. In order to attach a scope mount to your rifle, you will need to use a base. The most common bases for 308 rifles are either Picatinny or Weaver rails. 

 

The rails are crucial to the scope setup. They prevent your optic from sliding backwards with recoil or moving around during transit. You need to check and see what kind of rings your rifle’s base uses. Picatinny and Weaver rails are distinct, so the brand of rings you use may not always be interchangeable.

Next Steps

After you have successfully mounted your base and scope to your rifle, make sure that you properly zero it before taking it out in the field. A properly zeroed scope helps ensure that your point of aim and your point of impact match up successfully. It takes time and patience to properly zero your scope but it is time well spent. The whole point of adding a scope to your rifle is to increase your shooting range and to be successful in the type of hunting you plan on doing. Once you have spent the time and money purchasing the right scope, base and mounts and have spent the time installing it all, make sure to zero.

Conclusion

There is no greater joy than a good day in the field. Adding a scope is a great way to refine your aim and increase your accuracy. Once you have selected the right scope for your hunting needs, be sure to get the right mount and base. This is the glue that will hold the whole combo together and help to guarantee your success. After you have it all properly attached and zeroed, you are all set for some good hunting.

Continue Reading

How to mount a scope for a 308

Now that you have finally selected the right scope for your .308 rifle and hunting needs, it is time to mount it. Some people will take their scope and rifle to a gunsmith, but it is a job you can tackle yourself. You simply need to make sure you have some common tools on hand first, and then make sure you have some time. This is a job you can do, but you do not want to rush through it.

Let’s take a look at what you will need and then the steps you will take to mount your .308 scope to your rifle.

Before you begin

The most important step to take before you do anything, is to check your rifle. Make sure that it is unloaded and safe. You must check to make sure that the magazine is unloaded, unclipped and the area is safe and secure.

What you will need

Before you begin mounting the scope to your rife, gather all your materials and tools.

1. The right screwdriver heads

If you want the installation to go swimmingly well, it starts with finding the right screwdriver heads. You will be choosing one that will either be compatible with Torx heads or Allen heads. Find out what your mounting system has before going any further.

2. Torque Wrench

Obviously, you want to get the lugnuts and other stuff nice and tight. The last thing you want to contend with are loose bits that will cause the mount to fall out of place. Find a wrench that will be compatible with the huts and bolts that you need to tighten and you won’t have to struggle with the installation.

3. Loctite

Good ol’ Loctite night just come in handy if you really want to keep the nuts, bolts, or even the mount itself intact. You probably won’t need it, but it’s worth having within an arms reach.

4. Levels

Nothing gets the job done quite like a level. You need one so that you are able to keep everything aligned and perfectly straight. You don’t want your scope to be crooked and off-course, right? The more level and straightforward the scope is, then you won’t have any trouble shooting straight and accurate shots almost every single time.

5. Rubbing alcohol

Think rubbing alcohol is just for cuts and scrapes? You’d be surprised. This actually makes for a great cleaning solvent for all your bits and pieces prior to installation. Be sure to use some in order to get rid of any oil buildup that may be detrimental to the quality of the mount.

6. Cleaning Rag

Can’t do any cleaning without these. Make sure you find some that are small in size (think dish cloths). Find a few that won’t create any scratches, scuffs, and whatever else.

7. Caliper

This will be a tool that will work in conjunction with your level. This will help you make dang sure that your scope is straight and well-balanced before you even install it and put it to good use.

8. A gun vice

This is a tool you need to keep it all in place. The need for this is pretty self explanatory. Again, stability is a must if you want to install a scope or mount on your rifle of choice.

How to mount your scope to your rifle.

Once you have double checked that the magazine is unloaded and unclipped and that your work area is safe, you are ready to begin mounting the scope.

1. Take the cleaning rag and add some rubbing alcohol to it.

You should thoroughly clean every bit and piece of the mount using a cloth . Do a couple of wipe overs before going any further.

2.Test fit

This is where the fun begins. Well, sort of. At this point, you’ll want to make sure that all the bits and pieces are lined up and able to fit in the right spots. This way, you can determine if everything fits or will need some additional fitting.

3.Attach the rings

Once you are 100 percent certain that everything is ready to fit, install the rings on the base. Make sure you double check the install instructions provided by the manufacturer.

4.Place the scope on the rings

Be sure that the rings have plenty of space priory to install. You don’t want them too close to the turret.

5.Now you can start to tighten the screws.

At this point, this next step is pretty self explanatory. Using a screwdriver of your choice, now you can tighten the screws and ensure they are secure once you are complete.

6. Attach bottom rings

Now you can secure the bottom bottom rings to the base. Again, consult the instructions that came with the base and scope rings. Use a small amount of Loctite on the threads of the attachment screws, tighten the screws and torque them to the specs provided.

7.Set the scope on the bottom rings.

8. Attach the top rings over the scope and tighten them lightly.

9. Now you will keep the reticle straight

With two levels (which is optional, but one is a must) you should be able to level the elevation knob and make sure the entire scope is leveled and lined up. Make sure to fasten the scope rings just a bit

10. Now check the eye relief

Pick up the rifle and shoulder it, but close your eyes first.

Using a quality cheek weld, pretend you are holding the rifle and preparing to take a shot.

At this point, you should have a clear view of your image picture through the scope without looking closely.

If you need to make adjustments, you can do so by moving the scope back and forth until you are able to see through the scope at the desired eye relief (i.e.–keep your eye three inches away from the eye piece if the eye relief is three inches). Once you are able to get a straight image view, secure the rings the whole way through.

11.Finish securing the screws

Double check to see if the scope is square and straight. Then tighten the screws and apply any Loctite if needed.

12. Bore sighting

Now you will check your scope and rifle for bore sighting. Be sure that the barrel’s centerline is aligned with the scope itself. They should be at the same distance within each other.

If you need a good idea at what distance you need to bore your sights at, you may want to consider 50 yards as a good starting point. Anything less would be considered too close.

13. Make sure to let the Loctite cure overnight.

Points to remember

If you are a gun owner, then you already understand the importance of caring for and maintaining your firearms. Adding scopes and optics to your rifle is a great way to increase your shooting range your accuracy and the type of game you may be hunting.

Once you have narrowed down your choices and picked the best scope for your 308, it will need to be mounted. Although your first reaction may be to go visit your local gunsmith, this is a job you can do yourself. Just make sure that you have a few tools on hand and clear your schedule.

The mounting process is not overly difficult, but you do not want to rush through it either.

Once you have your scope properly mounted, you will want to zero your scope. Doing this increases your accuracy and ensures that the point of aim and the point of impact will line up successfully. All of this prep work can seem time consuming, but it is worth it when you see your success out on the range.

Conclusion

Mounting your new scope can be done pretty easily. Make sure you have the proper tools on hand and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the best and safest installation. It is a good idea to invest in a good set of tools if you do not already have them on hand. A dependable set of tools will be with you for a long time and serve you well.

And as always, before doing any work on your rifle, make sure that the magazine is unloaded and unclipped and that your work space is secure. There are no shortcuts when it comes to your safety.

Continue Reading

How To Choose A Scope For A 308

You have a .308 rifle, and what’s not to love about it? This rifle is the ultimate. It is arguably the most popular short-action, big-game hunting cartridge you can own. Civilians, military and the police all appreciate the .308 rifle.

Straight out of the box, a .308 can shoot accurately at 200 yards. This is great, but what can you do if you want to expand that range? The answer is to add an optic. Scopes have the ability to take your rifle and make it even better.

In order to purchase the right scope for your .308, you need to answer a few questions. It is good to know what you intended to use the scope and rifle for- competition target shooting? Big game hunting? It is also crucial to know what your maximum shooting distance will be, since not all scopes will shoot out to the same distance. And you should also have a budget in mind. The price of scopes can have quite a price range. Since most gun owners consider accessories to be part of their gun investment, it’s a good idea to have a working budget.

Photo Source: https://usfclass.com/

What is the purpose of a scope?

More and more people are taking up an interest in hunting and in firearms. This means that there is also a growing interest in accessories. Accessories have the ability to turn an average hunting day into a great one. For rifles, there are many accessories available to add on and enhance your shooting experience.

One of these accessories is a scope. Scopes are used by rifle owners for different reasons. There are some scopes for night use, others are intended for shorter ranges, some are better for varmint hunting and some are designed for long range shooting.

By adding on the right scope for the .308 caliber rifle, you increase your ability to enjoy all of the favorable benefits that the rifle has to offer, including aerodynamic shooting, comfortable weight, economic power consumption, and multiple use capabilities in a number of settings.

It is crucial to decide how you will use your rifle and scope. Long range shooting is defined as shooting that takes place at a distance that requires the shooter to factor in ballistics, especially windage and bullet drop. These two factors are necessary for accurate target hitting at a distance.

In the sport of shooting, long range shooting is generally broken down into different classes. Benchrest shooting involves distance that are between 100-1000 yards. F class shooting is typically 300-1000 yards as well. Practical Precision shooting involves targets that are 100-1800 meters out and use steel targets.

Other factors that contribute to deciding long range shooting are, weather and caliber and the distance at which you consistently hit your target. For a .22 rifle, any distance over 100 yards is considered long distance.

It is important to know if you plan on using a scope on your 308 for shooting at 100 yards, or the scope on your 308 for hunting.

Which Brand Should You Go With?

Almost every company makes scopes for the .308 rifle. You will find a wide range of process and some extras. However, all scopes have certain features in common. Here are some factors to care before buying a scope.

1.Durability

Durability is one of the really important attributes that you’ll need to come to terms with when finding a scope. One of the major reasons why it’s so important is because it can be able to absorb consistent episodes of shock. And let’s not forget some of the other things that could be damaging to a scope. We’re talking about water, fog, and even instances of bad weather. As a rule, find a scope made from high-quality aluminum since it’s proven to handle all the abuse and bumps that come with regular use.

2. The scope can hold its zero

When you mount a scope on your .308 you will need to zero it for best results. You want to be sure that the scope you purchase can reasonably maintain that zero. The .308 rifle does have a recoil and the scope needs to be able to handle that. It is important to remember that when you are out in the field or range, it is not the right time to zero or rezero your scope.

3. Fixed vs Variable Power

Magnification is another important element to a highly-functioning scope. But there are two types that you may need to choose from: fixed or variable. So what’s the difference between the two? Fixed power can be used if you plan on going deep into the woods while hunting.

This means you won’t be out in the open like a field. So you need to deal with trees, shrubs, and whatever else. Also, fixed scopes have only one level of magnification and it’s typically a low level of power.

Variable on the other hand has a range of magnification levels. This will come in handy if you plan on doing any hunting or shooting targets at longer distances. Keep in mind that some higher levels may indicate that the scope can be able to go the distance.

4. Eye Relief

Eye relief is sometimes an overlooked aspect of a scope. It refers to the distance between your eye and the scope that allows you to see a clear picture. When you factor in the recoil of rifles, this distance is important. The minimum recommendation is 3.5” of eye relief.

How much should I budget for my scope?

You might be wondering about the bottom line and how much this will cost you. Keep in mind that scope can vary widely in price. When you are considering adding a scope, it helps to think of it as an investment. You want a quality piece, at a good price, that will last.

With that in mind, you do not have to purchase the most expensive scope at the store. The best scope you can buy is the one that matches your skill level and need and still fits in your personal budget.

It is feasible to purchase scopes for under $100.00. You can also purchase a scope for several thousands of dollars. Remember, you do not have to spend a ton of money. Purchase a scope with the features you need for the shooting you will be doing. A good rule to follow when purchasing a scope is that it should cost at least ½ of what your rifle cost.

Points to Remember

A scope for your .308 rifle should help you take your shooting to a new level. This accessory is meant to enhance your shooting by helping you to sight your targets better and with greater accuracy. You should realize that scopes are made with a range of features. You need to think about how you will be using the scope and know what your maximum shooting distance will be before making a purchase. This will help you choose the best scope for yourself and your needs.

The .308 rifle is extremely popular and widely available. Almost every optics manufacturer will have a scope to fit a .308. When you choose you scope, make sure you understand how it is mounted on to your rifle. And make sure you have the proper mounting equipment.

After you have properly mounted your scope to your rifle, you will need to zero it. Correctly zeroing your scope will increase your success in the field and hitting targets. Zeroing your scope does take some time, so make sure you allow for this.

You zero your scope by setting up targets at 50 yards. Take 3-5 shots and then look at how close you are to the bullseye. Make the necessary adjustments to your scope and try again. Once you are successful at 50 yards, back out to 75 yards. The go back to 100 yards. Repeat the process until you have zeroed your scope for your preferred shooting distance.

There is a wide range of prices when it comes to scopes. You can reasonably spend under $100 and get a solid scope. You can also spend thousands of dollars and get a good scope. You should look to purchase a scope that has the features that will be most beneficial to you for the hunting you will be doing. And treat the purchase as an investment; you will have your scope for many years.

Conclusion

The .308 rifle is a universal firearm. It is made by almost every manufacturer and the ammo is widely available almost everywhere. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned rifle owner, the .308 is a good choice.

You can use a .308 rifle for competition shooting. You can also use it for hunting almost every type of North American game. If you enjoy game hunting, or need to protect your property this rifle is a smart choice.

To enhance your .308 rifle, you should consider adding a scope. Scopes today are designed to be lightweight so they will not contribute to user fatigue when out in the field for long hours. These scopes have a range of features and prices. It is possible to purchase a scope that will enhance your rifle experience.

Treat your scope purchase as an investment. You should expect to use it for years to come. A .308 and a decent scope make a great team. If you are not sure which one is best for you, stop in your local gun shop and the experts will be happy to help.

Continue Reading