Normal human eyes can differentiate objects that are about 1/60 of a degree. It means that at 100 yards, an object should be around 1/10 foot high for one to know what it is. M .308 can travel to many yards. There is a lot of discrepancy between what you see and what you shoot. Nikon m308 scope 2021 review will help you bridge the gap and make you become a better long-range shooter.
You may be looking for a high quality extended range scope that will let you shoot out up to 800 yards. Nikon M-308 becomes the best choice for you. In this review, let’s dig into details and lay out the pros and cons of this product.
Nikon m308 Scope 2021 Review
Nikon Brand
Nikon was founded in 1917 in Japan and is among the leading optical manufacturer. The brand is very well-known for its cameras. They, too, produce quality sport optics like spotting scopes, binoculars, and rifle scopes with their knowledge of quality lens.
They are known for their affordability and quality. Shooters view Nikon as one of the best scope producers with a low to mid-price range.
Some of their products, including the Nikon M-308 Series, are usually outsourced to the Philippines. Top-quality Nikon products are manufactured in Japan. The outsourcing ensures that the products are of good quality and are affordable at the same time.
The Variants of Nikon m308 Scope 2021 Review
The M-308 has a standard size of 4-16×42 with two types of turrets and reticles to choose from:
- BDC800 reticle, MOA turrets
- Nikoplex Reticle, Rapid Action Turrets
The BDC Reticle does offer quicker shooting time, while the Rapid Action Turret does offer a cleaner reticle. With that, you should manage to shoot to 800 yards on these two models.
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How to Mount the Scope
The Nikon m308 scope has a 1″ tube diameter. Therefore, you should ensure you get 1″ rings of the appropriate base type and appropriate height. For the M-308, rings of medium height are usually recommended. An important note here is that investing in decent mounts and rings will save you time and money. The scopes will last long, and you will not waste much time zeroing them yearly. Also, you should choose the lowest height for ring height that does not obstruct other parts of your scope for maximum accuracy. If you aren’t sure which type of mount to use, there are various medium height rings for a solid setup. Nikon has had a successful run with their specific given that it is convenient to find a great scope. Let’s now discuss the pros and cons of this great product.
Pros for Nikon m308
- It has customized turret calibration. The calibration is according to .308 WIN calibers.
- You can have a choice when making the purchase. You can choose between NikoPlex and BDC reticles.
- It has a main tube construction, which makes it a sturdy product.
- Nikon m308 is resistant to water, fog, and shock.
- Its support is a “Spot-On” Ballistic Match Technology.
- It has excellent light transmission in different conditions.
- It has excellent eye relief.
- It has a built-in 20 MOA elevation that can be adjusted. The built-in 20 MOA elevation accompanies the Nikon m308 mount.
- It has precise turrets and holds zero very well
- Nikon m308 has a lifetime Warranty; hence you are assured of extended services
- The BDC reticle is calibrated to .308 WIN/7.62 NATO rounds
- The product is suitable for long-range
- It has clear and Crisp image images
Cons for Nikon m308
- Nikon m308 does not have a reliable warranty
- It is not a budget scope
- It has a small sweet spot at higher magnification
- It may lead to challenges in choosing between Rapid Action Turrets and BDC Reticle
Nikon m308 Features
Image
When you look through the glass, the image is very clear and crisp on all magnifications in daylight. Coloring & contrast are also perfect. It’ll not be easy to find a comparable scope in the same price range. It’s not advised to use more than 10 x powers during low light as the brightness is not so good. It is recommended that you adjust it down to 12x or lower to get good low light capabilities. It is a common occurrence in any scope that higher magnification will suffer from smaller exit pupils hence the lower light.
The field of view is also right. The downside is that when at higher magnification, the sweet spot is a bit small. That results in a raise in requiring more aiming time. Nikon m308 features a fast focus, making focusing the reticle a breeze. It is an additional advantage, especially for people with poor eyesight. At the end of the focus rings, a rubber pad helps soften recoil to your eye. You are advised better not use it
Magnification
The magnification ring of Nikon m308 is a bit stiff to turn. There is a bit on the scope, which makes it easy for you to adjust. Ensure you get a smoother magnification ring to improve performance.
Looks and Weight
Nikon m308 scope weighs 19 oz. The product is slightly heavy for scopes of this size. It has a Black matte finish that makes it look good. There is also an “M-308” sticker on the eyepiece, which is removable
Reticle/Turrets
There are two reticles you can choose from:
- BDC 800 Reticle, MOA Turrets
- NikoPlex Reticle, Rapid Action Turrets
These types of reticle/turrets are easy to see, clear, and allow you to shoot to a distance of 800 yards.
BDC 800 Reticle, MOA Turrets – It is calibrated to the trajectory of the .308 WIN. It has a 168-grain Hollow Point Boat Tail match bullet at 2680 feet per second. This reticle usually features fast shooting than the turrets. The reason being, there is no need to make adjustments once you zero your scope, despite the range. The downside of this reticle is that it may be cluttered. The BDC is only accurate to a maximum magnification due to being a Second Focal Plane Reticle. You can calibrate for another magnification on your own and jot it down in your smartphone or notepad for further use.
NikoPlex Reticle, Rapid Action Turrets – The product features a cleaner reticle similar to a duplex. It can use all magnification power without you having to calibrate. The rate of fire will be slower for varying range targets because you need to adjust the turrets for these ranges. You may decide to use Nikon Spot On App with the BDC reticle for various types of rounds. You will enjoy the incredible experience because they are very accurate and do different support types of rounds. A point to note is that Nikon will not allow you to have the best. You are required to choose either the “Rapid Action Turrets.” Or the“BDC 800 Reticle”.
Eye Relief
Eye relief of 3.7″ – 4″ is good. However, the sweet spot will make you seem as if the image is relatively small at maximum magnification. If you do not want to place your eyes and head in the same place, you should skip this scope or use a lower
Parallax
Nikon m308 scope has parallax adjustment as the focus knob is located on the side and is appropriate for long-range scopes. The product can be adjusted from 50 yards to infinity and locks by pressing the knob in.
Durability & Warranty
Nikon m308 scope has a sturdy one-piece tube that is O-Ring sealed and with nitrogen purged. Its scope is rugged, fog proof, waterproof, and is resistant to shock. Nikon scope can withstand water depths ranging to a maximum of 2 meters up to 10 minutes. If a time comes when you have some complaints about the windage knob not working, it should be covered by Nikon’s warranty. The reason being, the failure of the windage knob is considered a defect.
Nikon’s warranty protects the scope. Although Nikon’s warranty is not as good as other products, you may get some service after purchasing the product. However, you cannot prove that it’s the manufacturer’s fault; hence you will be required to pay for some repairs. If it is not very new and additionally, you should always keep your receipt and register your warranty on Nikon’s website.
Price
The price of Nikon m308 scope varies with promotions and time. Since it is considered one of the best products available in the market, Nikon m308 price is not cheap. Therefore, you should choose the one you feel is good for you, depending on your financial abilities.
Light Transmission
Nikon m308 scope has an Optical system with Ultra Clear Coat. It has fully multi-coated optics that guarantees light transmission of about 95. It means that you will get a clear picture from dusk to dawn and in relatively cloudy weather.
Lens Diameter
Nikon m308 scope has a lens diameter of 42mm, which translates into an exit pupil diameter that ranges from 2.6mm to 10.5mm. A 16x is enough maximum limits for this scope. It can push a 7.62 NATO bullet to the limit downrange. To get the most precise picture, you should ensure a lens of magnification ranging from 4x to 8x. With that, you will have a large exit pupil diameter that will allow a healthy amount of light to get to reach your eyes.
What to Consider Before Buying Nikon m308 Scope 2021 Review
At one time, you may be required to have or own a Nikon m308 for a specific purpose. Therefore, there are things that you should look into before thinking of getting to a shop to buy a Nikon m308. You should consider what you need and decide on whatever you want from the scope you want to buy. The scopes have different features that may attract to choosing one of the products. What then should you consider before buying one? This is also to consider for Nikon Monarch 3 Ffp Rifle Scope Review.
Its Construction
The “main tube” of the scope varies in diameters of 25 mm, 30mm, and 34 mm. The diameter is dependent on the brand and the type you are looking for. Purchasing a scope with larger tubes gives more space for the interior components and will also increase the adjustment range, crucial for long-distance targeting. Additionally, bigger housing demands unique mounting rings that may be pricier and limited in selection.
As an essential feature, all modern scopes are argon or nitrogen-purged to prevent fogging. This feature makes scopes waterproof and shockproof as well.
Parallax
The parallax is not usually present in most low-magnification scopes. It occurs in high-power scopes that are used over long distances. It is an optical illusion that generally increases as magnification increases, giving you a more significant error margin at higher powers. High power scopes feature an adjustment ring located on the objective bell as a more expensive sports side-mount turret.
The Size of the Objective Lens
The objective lens is one at the end of the scope meant for transmitting light. The larger the objective lens, the more the light will enter the scope to allow for better performance in dim and low light conditions. Also, the bigger the objective lens, the clearer and brighter your image becomes. That does not mean you should get a scope with the largest objective lens. Having too much objective lens makes your scope heavier, and you will be required taller rings.
Objective lens sizes range from 20 mm to 72 mm, although optics with 50-mm glass bell or larger will require the riflescope to be mounted higher. This can bring an effect on consistency and scope-to-eye alignment. You should try to mount a scope at a low position without your objective bell touching the barrel. For maximum brightness, the lenses should be protected with hydrophilic or hydrophobic lens coating. It should also have multiple layers on air to glass surfaces. That level of coating is called the fully multi-coated glasses.
Final Verdict for Nikon m308 Scope 2021 Review
Nikon m308 produces quality images coupled with useful long-range reticle/turrets and high magnification power. It is among the ideal scope in the long-range quality scope and mid-priced category. Nikon m308 scope is versatile that has proven to be effective, and has a great value for your money.
