Another question, is a 3x9 or 4x12 scope better for a 308?

the trend nowadays is to field a 15 lb. rifle that is set up to shoot 1000 meters! I prefer that little Ruger or Mossberg 16" bolt gun with a crisp 2-7X myself. Actually a superb 4X fills the bill out to 250 yds. or so on larger critters, worked for decades. Give thought to what the scope and mount weighs, many AR mounts alone weigh over 1 lb., then scope is 2 lbs.

Oddly I like my hunting rifles to weigh less than my top hunting handguns! That's twisted.

I'm probably going to have to buy a Ruger American of some sort. I like the Mossberg but it's a bit cobby and notably more expensive around here.

I would opt for the 2x7 as it is plenty of power for most any application. The Ruger American is fairly light so this would keep it easy to carry around. In northern Wisconsin most areas are big woods and some open 40s(some clearcuts). You will just have to review what conditions you will use it in and how much you want to carry around.

.. but there is no scope better or worse for any cartridge. I have a 25-06 Encore with a 28" barrel that I have a Burris 3x9 on. That cartridge at more legs than that scope has eyes.

What are you looking to make out of that rifle? A 3X9 or 2.5X10 will make a solid, easy shooting 300 yard rifle with out straining your eyes.

tunes but I have to do so. It is according to what you plan on doing with it. If you are one of these new wannabe snipers that plan on shooting at 1000 yards or so (only in their wet dreams) then go with the highest power scope you can get. If you plan on hunting with it or staying to a sensible range shooting or hunting then the 3X9 is perfect for the job.

it mostly for Elk in the mountains with thick trees and where most of the shots are fairly close. A 3-9 would work for me also. I always carry them set on their lowest settings or close to the lowest power, so I could get by with a straight 2, 3, power scope. Like others have said it all depends on where and how you hunt with it. On my 25-06 and 257 Wby I use on the desert at longer ranges I use higher power scopes, but still normally carry them close to there lowest settings. That’s what I do for my hunting. ( I should have said what I use to do, now I mostly hunt with a handgun.)

I stll like my fixed 4 and 6 power oldies. Wish someone still made decently priced ones