The .308 Winchester is a true legend among hunting cartridges—known for its flat shooting, manageable recoil, and power to ethically take everything from whitetail to elk. But choosing the best .308 hunting rifle with a quality scope out of the box can be a challenge, especially with so many “package” deals on the market. Whether you’re a new hunter or want a ready-to-go rig for this season, a great scoped .308 combo gives you confidence and accuracy right from the start. Here’s your up-to-date guide to the best .308 hunting rifle with scope combos for 2025, including proven rifles, practical optics, and real-world advice on what to look for.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Savage 110 Apex Hunter XP .308 with Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40
- Best Value: Ruger American Rifle .308 with Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40
- Best Premium Combo: Browning X-Bolt Speed SR .308 with Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a .308 Hunting Rifle with Scope
When buying a hunting rifle and scope package, here’s what actually matters for real-world success in the field:
- Accuracy: Look for sub-MOA guarantees or rifles with a proven reputation for consistent groups at 100–300 yards.
- Trigger: Crisp, adjustable triggers are best—better triggers help you shoot more confidently under pressure.
- Stock & Fit: Synthetic stocks are lighter and more weatherproof, but wood stocks add style and a classic feel. Adjustable combs or length of pull are a bonus.
- Barrel: 20–22” barrels are standard for .308 and balance velocity with easy carry. Fluting and threading for suppressors or brakes are a plus.
- Weight: Lighter is better for big hikes, but too light can make recoil sharp. Most combos fall between 6.5–8 lbs scoped.
- Scope Quality: 3-9x40mm scopes are a proven match for .308 hunting—bright, simple, and rugged. Consider upgraded glass or reticles if you’ll hunt in thick cover or at dusk.
- Mounting: Factory-mounting is convenient, but double-check that bases and rings are tight and properly torqued before heading out.
- Warranty: Buy from brands with a reputation for lifetime, hassle-free support for both rifle and scope.
Top .308 Hunting Rifle & Scope Combos
Savage 110 Apex Hunter XP .308 with Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40
Why it’s best overall: The Savage 110 Apex Hunter XP package delivers outstanding accuracy, a user-friendly adjustable AccuTrigger, and one of the best entry-level scopes you can buy—Vortex’s Crossfire II 3-9×40. The stock fits a wide range of shooters, and the rifle’s classic 22” barrel gives excellent ballistics with manageable weight. Factory bore-sighted and ready to hunt, this combo is field-proven from whitetails to elk across the country.
- 22” carbon steel barrel (matte black)
- AccuTrigger—user adjustable for a crisp break
- Rugged synthetic stock with textured grip panels
- Detachable box magazine (4+1 capacity)
- Factory-mounted Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 scope
- Factory bore-sighted—just fine-tune zero and hunt
- Weight: ~7.3 lbs (scoped)
- Savage and Vortex lifetime warranties
Pros:
- Excellent out-of-the-box accuracy
- Reliable trigger and great scope for the price
- Ready to hunt with minimal setup
Cons:
- Not as lightweight as some mountain rifles
- Scope is basic—upgrade later for advanced features
Final Verdict: The Savage 110 Apex XP is the do-it-all .308 combo—simple, rugged, and ready for success on any North American game.
Ruger American Rifle .308 with Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40
Why it’s best value: The Ruger American Rifle has earned a cult following for its impressive accuracy and reliability at a friendly price. This combo comes with the same Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40, factory-mounted and bore-sighted. Ruger’s Marksman Adjustable trigger, lightweight synthetic stock, and easy-to-use rotary magazine make it a favorite for whitetail, mule deer, and even elk. It’s easy to carry, easy to shoot, and a proven workhorse for the price.
- 22” free-floated barrel (matte finish)
- Marksman Adjustable trigger
- Lightweight synthetic stock, textured for grip
- Detachable rotary magazine (4+1 capacity)
- Factory-mounted Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40
- Weight: ~6.6 lbs (scoped)
- Ruger and Vortex lifetime support
Pros:
- Outstanding value for new or seasoned hunters
- Lightweight and easy to carry in the field
- Impressive accuracy with hunting ammo
Cons:
- Stock feels basic compared to premium rifles
- Scope is functional but lacks illumination or advanced reticles
Final Verdict: The Ruger American package is the best way to get into .308 hunting with accuracy and reliability—at a price that leaves room for ammo and tags.
Browning X-Bolt Speed SR .308 with Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40
Why it’s best premium combo: The Browning X-Bolt Speed SR is a modern classic, featuring a lightweight composite stock, Cerakote finish, and a crisp, feather trigger. This package, often found through dealers, comes paired with the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40—one of the best hunting scopes on the market for clarity and ruggedness. The rifle’s threaded barrel is suppressor-ready, and the bolt’s 60° throw is smooth and fast. If you want a lightweight, mountain-ready .308 with premium glass out of the box, this is a top choice.
- 22” sporter profile barrel, threaded (suppressor/muzzle brake ready)
- Cerakote Smoked Bronze finish for weather resistance
- Feather trigger (crisp, light pull)
- Composite stock with OVIX camo
- Detachable rotary magazine (4+1 capacity)
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 scope, mounted
- Weight: ~6.6 lbs (bare), ~7.2 lbs (scoped)
- Browning and Leupold lifetime warranties
Pros:
- Premium accuracy, finish, and features
- Lightweight and ready for rugged terrain
- Best-in-class scope for the money
Cons:
- Priced higher than basic combos
- Usually sold as a package by select dealers (check availability)
Final Verdict: The X-Bolt Speed SR with Leupold is for hunters who want lightweight, premium quality, and total confidence right out of the box.
Other Notable .308 Rifle & Scope Combos
- Remington 700 ADL with 3-9×40 Scope: Classic, time-tested bolt action, often bundled with a basic scope—perfect for tradition-minded hunters.
- Mossberg Patriot Combo .308 with 3-9×40: Great budget buy with an adjustable trigger, fluted barrel, and tough synthetic stock.
- Tikka T3x Lite with Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40: Lightweight, smooth, and known for sub-MOA accuracy—often sold as a scoped package at select dealers.
- Weatherby Vanguard Series 2 with 3-9×40: Durable, accurate, and a solid entry into the Weatherby world, sometimes paired with a scope for ready-to-hunt value.
Comparison Table
| Rifle & Scope | Barrel | Stock | Trigger | Weight (scoped) | Capacity | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savage 110 Apex XP / Vortex Crossfire II | 22” | Synthetic | AccuTrigger | 7.3 lbs | 4+1 | $650-$800 |
| Ruger American / Vortex Crossfire II | 22” | Synthetic | Marksman Adj. | 6.6 lbs | 4+1 | $600-$750 |
| Browning X-Bolt Speed SR / Leupold VX-Freedom | 22” threaded | Composite | Feather trigger | 7.2 lbs | 4+1 | $1,300-$1,700 |
| Remington 700 ADL / 3-9×40 | 24” | Synthetic | Standard | 7.5 lbs | 4+1 | $650-$800 |
| Mossberg Patriot Combo / 3-9×40 | 22” | Synthetic | LBA Adj. | 7.5 lbs | 5+1 | $500-$650 |
| Tikka T3x Lite / Burris Fullfield II | 22” | Synthetic | Adj. single-stage | 6.8 lbs | 3+1 | $900-$1,200 |
| Weatherby Vanguard S2 / 3-9×40 | 24” | Synthetic | Two-stage | 7.5 lbs | 5+1 | $700-$900 |
FAQ: .308 Hunting Rifle with Scope Combos
Is the .308 good for hunting big game?
Absolutely. The .308 Win is capable of taking everything from deer to elk with proper shot placement and bullet selection. It offers manageable recoil and excellent accuracy.
Should I upgrade the factory scope?
The included scopes are reliable for most hunting situations. As your skills grow or you hunt in more challenging conditions, consider upgrading to premium glass with better low-light or longer-range features.
How far can I ethically shoot with a .308 rifle and factory scope?
Most combos are accurate to 300 yards or more in practiced hands. Know your limitations and practice regularly to ensure ethical, confident shots.
Are these packages suitable for left-handed hunters?
Some models offer left-handed actions or ambidextrous safety. Always double-check with the manufacturer or dealer for lefty availability.
What’s the warranty on these packages?
All recommended combos include strong factory warranties for both the rifle and scope. Brands like Savage, Ruger, Vortex, Browning, and Leupold offer lifetime or very long-term support.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The best .308 hunting rifle with scope is the one that fits your budget, shoots accurately, and gives you the confidence to hunt any terrain. The Savage 110 Apex Hunter XP is the most balanced and reliable out-of-the-box choice. The Ruger American Combo is unbeatable for value and weight. If you want the premium experience, the Browning X-Bolt Speed SR with Leupold VX-Freedom stands above for ruggedness, accuracy, and ready-to-hunt quality. Choose the right combo, check your zero, and get ready for your most successful .308 season yet!