Nikon M-308 mounted on P308

I'm in the market for a good scope for my P308 rifle. Although not 100% set on cost, it sure would be nice to find a multi-purpose scope under $600. I'm torn between the Nikon M-308 BDC 800, Vortex PTS, or Vortex HS. There is a large difference in price and concerns for ballistics when using a BDC reticle if not using the calibrated grain weight. Has anyone used this this set-up and what pros/cons have you identified? I'm leaning more towards the M-308 mainly due to cost. I have a basic Nikon Prostaff BDC scope on a Savage .308 that is a tack driver (but variations in shot groups are noted with different ammunition). I'm interested to hear any input. Thanks.

Justin

Whats your intended purpose and budget?

Hunting predominately with precision shooting (non-competitive and sporadically throughout the year) as far as I can get based on rifle capabilities. The furthest I can get currently with back up sights is roughly 300 meters. Again, I have a number of roughly $600, but know quality glass is often just as expensive as the rifle. That $600 is flexible within reason. I'm trying to find a happy balance of accuracy, cost, and durability.

Learning to shoot with a reticle that has actual measurements on it (whether they are MOA or mils) will serve you better in the long run than a BDC reticle if you're trying to do any longer-range precision shooting at all, or take any longer shots at animals for that matter.

$600 is an interesting budget range. Too high for the SWFA fixed power, but too low to get good build quality, good tracking, and good glass in a zoom scope. If you're set on staying in that price range, the Nikon X1000 Black (only made in SFP I believe, which is turn-off for me), used Vortex Gen 1 PST (some quality issues), SWFA 3-15 (mediocre glass quality, good build quality) are all options. I have seen used SWFA 5-20 HD units go for $850-ish on snipers hide when someone wanted to unload it quick. I think that's just about the best bang for the buck you're going to find. You can also get a Burris XTR 3-15 or PST Gen 2 3-15 for around $800, and either of those are really good options with very good glass and good tracking. They'll both have noticeably better glass than anything in the $600 range.

That scope is going to leave you disappointed for your goals. It won't do what you need, you'll end up selling it, losing money, and buying what you should have in the first place.

Patriot07 made some good recommendations.

As much as I dislike the brand

Could do a 1-6 Swfa he used for 700

Little light on magnification but I think the hd version is suppose to be really good glass

SWFA 3-9 HD is a good scope.

Yeah the price point was just that, a point. Better scopes that cost more are still in consideration. My first choice when I started looking for was that Vortex PST in FFP. The reviews from what I have read have been great, but I have have not had the opportunity to use one. So based on what I've read so far, the Nikon is a waste and I should stick to Vortex or SWFA. What are your thoughts on the Vortex PST versus the Vortex HS? Again, I want a scope that fits the rifle and is both durable and accurate. I'll look into SWFA scopes and see the options.

Go look at the Vortex talk in this section.

SS is going to be far and away more durable than any Voetex, short of a Razor. And even then, I would bet on the SS as I have punished one, with no break-downs.

There are a lot of people that use vortex and they perform well...with that said you can find a number of threads where people do not like them


The swfa ss line is not bad. I don’t care much for the company but that’s because of them not the scope. If you can wait they do sales where they take a good amount off the scopes (20-35%) usually around holidays

Burris xtr is another contender

I forgot about this one. I've seen them used in the $600 range. Very good option if you're not trying to stretch out too far.

https://samplelist.com/swfa-ss-3-9x42-tactical-30mm-riflescope-demo-b.html

Contact Skylar and see if they still have this one.

New ones with the Mil Quad are $599. I've ordered one the last 2 Black Fridays for $450. It's a good hunting/tactical scope with Mil reticle, Mil turrets, front focal plane and good glass.

Another brand to look at is Athlon although the company is new so time will tell about their durability and customer service.

https://athlonoptics.com

I have the SS 3-15's on a couple of .308's and am happy with them. It has features you will want and need. Only $699 brand new, and goes on sale sometimes. https://swfa.com/swfa-ss-3-15x42-tactical-rifle-scope-11.html

I'm gonna have a good look at those SS scopes. Hows the customer service/warranty should something happen?

Just take it by and they'll swap you out. Or call and talk to Skylar. They're easy to work with.

Can't say, in 6 years of hard use, I've never had a break down.

good model, i use this camera)