Best Scopes for AR-10 Rifle in 2023
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For improve your long-rang shooting, you need the best scope for AR-10.
This means clear glass (especially at higher magnification settings), audible turrets, ample eye relief, and an easy-to-use reticle.
I’ve tested a lot of optics, shooting at several long-range competitions, and speaking with shooters over the years, I can surly says the Vortex Strike Eagle 4-24×50 is the best for you.
| Best Rifle Scopes | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
|
Short to Long Range Scope |
$359.00 - $499.99 |
|
|
Best All Around Scope |
$299.99 |
|
|
Long Range Scope |
Not available |
|
|
Under $200 |
$137 |
|
|
Hunting Scope |
$260 |
I never want you to waste your hard money.
Most of the sites will recommend you buy the expensive AR 10 Scopes, while you won’t ever use these full on your life.
I’m here to help you for save your hard money, here’s everything you need to know about choosing the best optics for AR 10.
HOW TO CHOOSE AN AR-10 SCOPE
Let me explain you very straight Forword:
The AR-10 scope is one of the best scopes for long-rang rifles in market. If you will compare with AR-15, it’s much better in precision and power.
I can surely say, it’s too powerful that the US military uses it’s modified version.
It easily hits 200 yards without a sight. If you mostly shoot close-range, you’ll probably want to get the best AR-15 scope instead. Because with the best scope for AR-10, it easily hits targets up to 1000 yards and over.
Now comes on the technical point of few in details, how to choose AR-10 Rifle scopes?
Choosing an AR-10 scope requires considering several factors to ensure you select the right optic for your specific needs. Here are some key points to consider when choosing an AR-10 scope:
1. Purpose: Determine the purpose of your AR-10 rifle. Are you planning to use it for long-range shooting, hunting, tactical applications, or a combination of purposes? The intended use will help you identify the features and specifications you need in a scope.
2. Magnification Range: Consider the shooting distances you plan to engage targets at. AR-10 rifles are typically used for medium to long-range shooting. Look for scopes with a variable magnification range, such as 3-9x or 4-16x, which provide versatility for different shooting scenarios.
3. Reticle Type: Choose a reticle type that suits your shooting style and preferences. Popular options include duplex, Mil-Dot, BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation), and illuminated reticles. Consider whether you need features like range estimation, wind holds, or quick target acquisition.
4. Optics Quality: Look for scopes with high-quality optics that offer excellent light transmission, clarity, and resolution. Good glass quality will provide a clear sight picture, even in low-light conditions. Consider features like fully multi-coated lenses for optimal light transmission.
5. Durability: AR-10 rifles are powerful and can produce significant recoil. Ensure the scope you choose is rugged and built to withstand recoil forces. Look for scopes with a sturdy construction, shockproof capabilities, and features like waterproof and fog-proof properties.
6. Eye Relief: AR-10 rifles often have more substantial recoil than AR-15 rifles, so having sufficient eye relief is crucial. Ensure the scope has enough eye relief to maintain a comfortable shooting position without risking injury from scope eye relief.
7. Adjustments and Turrets: Consider the adjustments and turrets on the scope. Look for scopes with accurate and precise adjustments for windage and elevation. Tactical turrets with audible and tactile clicks can facilitate quick adjustments in the field.
8. Mounting Compatibility: Ensure the scope is compatible with the mounting system on your AR-10 rifle. Check the tube diameter (typically 1 inch or 30mm) and choose a scope that matches your rifle’s mounting system.
9. Budget: Set a budget for your AR-10 scope and consider the features and quality you can afford within that range. There is a wide range of options available at different price points, so prioritize features based on your needs and budget.
10. Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews and seek recommendations from experienced AR-10 users or trusted sources. User feedback and expert opinions can provide valuable insights into the performance and reliability of different scope models.
By considering these factors and your specific shooting requirements, you can narrow down your options and choose an AR-10 scope that meets your needs for accuracy, range, durability, and overall shooting experience.
AR-10 SHOOTING DISTANCES
These are the 3 ranges you’ll probably be shooting from:
· Close Range: <200 yards
· Medium Range: Between 200 to 400 yards
· Long Range: 400+ yards
The shooting distances for an AR-10 rifle can vary depending on factors such as the specific cartridge, barrel length, bullet weight, and the shooter’s skill level. The AR-10 platform is known for its versatility and capability to engage targets at medium to long ranges. Here are some general shooting distances you can expect with an AR-10:
1. Close-Range: The AR-10 can be effectively used for close-quarters shooting, similar to an AR-15 rifle. In close-range scenarios, such as self-defense or tactical situations, the effective engagement distance typically ranges from 0 to 200 yards.
2. Medium-Range: The AR-10 excels at medium-range shooting, making it suitable for hunting and precision shooting applications. In this range, the effective engagement distance can range from 200 to 600 yards, depending on the cartridge and bullet ballistics.
3. Long-Range: With its larger caliber and higher muzzle energy, the AR-10 is capable of engaging targets at extended distances. In skilled hands and with appropriate ammunition, the effective engagement distance can exceed 600 yards and extend to 800, 1000, or even farther, depending on the shooter’s capabilities and equipment.
It’s important to note that shooting distances can vary based on factors such as environmental conditions, wind, elevation, and the shooter’s proficiency. To effectively engage targets at longer distances, shooters may need to consider factors such as bullet drop, windage, and holdovers. Additionally, using high-quality optics, understanding ballistics, and practicing proper shooting techniques are essential for achieving accurate and consistent results at extended ranges.
Always ensure you are shooting within a safe and legal range and consider the capabilities of your ammunition, rifle, and personal shooting skills when determining your effective shooting distances with an AR-10.
THE BEST MAGNIFICATION FOR AR-10 SCOPES
The best magnification for AR-10 scopes depends on the intended use and shooting distances you plan to engage targets at. The AR-10 is a versatile rifle capable of medium to long-range shooting, so selecting the appropriate magnification range is essential for optimal performance. Here are some considerations:
1. Close-Range/Quick Target Acquisition: For close-range engagements, such as self-defense or tactical applications, a low magnification scope or a red dot sight with 1x or 2x magnification can be effective. These provide a wide field of view and fast target acquisition.
2. Medium-Range: For medium-range shooting, a magnification range of 3x to 9x or 4x to 12x can be suitable. This allows for precise target identification and engagement at distances up to a few hundred yards. It provides a balance between a wide field of view at lower magnifications and target clarity at higher magnifications.
3. Long-Range: If you plan to engage targets at extended distances, a higher magnification scope is necessary. Magnification ranges of 5x to 25x or 6x to 24x are popular choices for long-range shooting with an AR-10. These allow for precise target identification, bullet drop compensation, and windage adjustments at long distances.
Remember, choosing the best magnification also depends on factors such as the shooter’s skill level, shooting conditions, and the size of the target. It’s important to consider the trade-off between magnification and field of view, as higher magnification reduces the field of view and may make it challenging to acquire targets quickly.
Additionally, selecting a scope with a variable magnification range allows you to adjust the magnification level based on the specific shooting scenario and target distance. This provides greater versatility and adaptability in various shooting conditions.
Ultimately, the best magnification for your AR-10 scope will depend on your shooting preferences, intended use, and the shooting distances you plan to engage targets at. Consider your shooting requirements and choose a scope that offers a magnification range that aligns with your specific needs.
The 5 Best Scopes for AR-10
1. VORTEX OPTICS STRIKE EAGLE 4-24×50
The Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 4-24×50 scope is a popular choice among shooters looking for a versatile and high-performance optic for their AR-10 or other long-range rifles. Here are some key features and characteristics of the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 4-24×50 scope:
1. Magnification Range: The Strike Eagle offers a variable magnification range of 4x to 24x, providing a wide range of zoom levels suitable for medium to long-range shooting. This range allows for precise target acquisition and engagement at extended distances.
2. Objective Lens Diameter: The 50mm objective lens diameter ensures ample light transmission, resulting in bright and clear images even in low-light conditions. It helps gather more light, enhancing visibility during dawn, dusk, or other low-light shooting situations.
3. Illuminated Reticle: The Strike Eagle features an illuminated reticle, typically the EBR-4 MOA or EBR-4 MRAD reticle, which provides quick and easy target acquisition and compensation for bullet drop and windage. The illuminated reticle offers multiple brightness levels for optimal visibility in various lighting conditions.
4. Second Focal Plane (SFP) Reticle: The reticle is positioned in the second focal plane, meaning its size remains constant throughout the magnification range. This ensures the subtensions on the reticle remain accurate at a specific magnification setting (usually the highest).
5. Glass Quality and Coatings: The scope features high-quality glass with fully multi-coated lenses, which provide excellent light transmission, clarity, and color fidelity. The coatings minimize glare, maximize light transmission, and enhance image contrast for a clear sight picture.
6. Tactical Turrets: The Strike Eagle comes with exposed tactical turrets that allow for easy and precise adjustments for windage and elevation. The turrets have audible and tactile clicks, facilitating quick adjustments in the field.
7. Reticle Options: The scope offers different reticle options, allowing shooters to choose between MOA or MRAD-based reticles depending on their preference and familiarity.
8. Durability: The Strike Eagle is built with a rugged and durable construction, ensuring it can withstand recoil and harsh field conditions. It is also nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed, making it fog-proof and waterproof, allowing for reliable performance in various weather conditions.
9. Fast Focus Eyepiece: The fast focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing, ensuring a sharp and clear sight picture for rapid target acquisition.
10. Vortex VIP Warranty: The Vortex Optics Strike Eagle is backed by the Vortex VIP Warranty, which is a lifetime warranty that covers any manufacturing defects or damages, providing peace of mind and customer support.
The Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 4-24×50 scope offers a wide magnification range, illuminated reticle, and high-quality optics, making it well-suited for long-range shooting applications. Its versatility, durability, and reliable performance have made it a popular choice among shooters seeking a feature-rich optic for their AR-10 rifles.
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
About this item
· The updated Strike Eagle 1-6×24 is defined by speed and versatility. A true 1x on the low end adapts to a wide range of scenarios, letting shooters rapidly engage targets from point-blank to extended ranges.
· The magnification ring has been updated and now includes a thread-in throw lever, and the magnification indicators can now be seen without coming off the scope.
2. Primary Arms SLX 4-16X44mm FFP Rifle Scope
The Primary Arms SLX 4-16x44mm FFP Rifle Scope is a highly regarded optic known for its affordability, durability, and performance. Here are some key features and characteristics of the Primary Arms SLX 4-16x44mm FFP Rifle Scope:
1. Magnification Range: The SLX offers a variable magnification range of 4x to 16x, providing versatility for various shooting scenarios. This range allows for both close-quarters engagements and precise long-range shots.
2. First Focal Plane (FFP) Reticle: The FFP reticle remains in proportion to the target at all magnification levels, meaning the subtensions on the reticle can be used for range estimation, holdovers, and windage corrections at any magnification. This allows for consistent ranging and holds regardless of the magnification setting.
3. Illuminated Reticle: The scope features an illuminated reticle with multiple brightness settings, allowing for quick target acquisition and enhanced visibility in low-light conditions. The illumination is powered by a CR2032 battery and offers both red and green illumination options.
4. Reticle Options: The SLX scope offers various reticle options, including ACSS (Advanced Combined Sighting System) reticles. The ACSS reticles are known for their intuitive design, incorporating features such as bullet drop compensation, wind holds, and moving target leads.
5. Glass Quality and Coatings: The scope uses high-quality glass with fully multi-coated lenses, which provide excellent light transmission, clarity, and image quality. The coatings help reduce glare, enhance contrast, and improve low-light performance.
6. Tactical Turrets: The exposed tactical turrets allow for easy and precise adjustments for windage and elevation. The turrets have crisp and audible clicks, making it easy to make adjustments on the fly. The turrets are also resettable to zero for quick reference.
7. Durability: The SLX scope is built with a rugged and durable construction, designed to withstand recoil and harsh environmental conditions. It is nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed, making it fog-proof, waterproof, and shockproof.
8. Side Parallax Adjustment: The scope features a side parallax adjustment turret, allowing for precise focus and elimination of parallax error at different distances.
9. Fast Focus Eyepiece: The fast focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing, ensuring a sharp and clear sight picture.
10. Affordability: The Primary Arms SLX 4-16x44mm FFP Rifle Scope is known for its affordable price point compared to other scopes with similar features. It provides excellent value for its performance and functionality.
The Primary Arms SLX 4-16x44mm FFP Rifle Scope is a popular choice among shooters looking for a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality and features. Its FFP reticle, illuminated options, durable construction, and affordability make it a versatile choice for a wide range of shooting applications.
Primary Arms SLX 4-16X44mm FFP Rifle Scope –
About this item
· First Focal Plane reticle is true at every magnification
· Zero resettable turrets
· 30mm main tube
· Weight: 25.4 Oz. with battery, without lens covers
· Waterproof, fog resistant, shock resistant
3. VORTEX VIPER PST GEN II 5-25×50
The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 is a high-quality rifle scope known for its excellent optical performance, versatile magnification range, and durable construction. Here are some key features and characteristics of the Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 scope:
1. Magnification Range: The Viper PST Gen II offers a variable magnification range from 5x to 25x, providing a wide zoom range for various shooting distances and scenarios. It allows for precise target acquisition and engagement at long ranges.
2. Objective Lens Diameter: The 50mm objective lens diameter allows for excellent light transmission, ensuring a bright and clear sight picture even in low-light conditions. It enhances visibility and image quality during early morning or late evening shooting.
3. First Focal Plane (FFP) Reticle: The FFP reticle in the Viper PST Gen II remains in proportion to the target at all magnification levels, providing accurate holdovers, ranging, and windage corrections throughout the entire zoom range. This ensures consistent aiming points and makes it particularly useful for long-range shooting and precision shooting applications.
4. Glass Quality and Coatings: The scope features high-quality, extra-low dispersion (XD) glass with fully multi-coated lenses. The glass and coatings provide excellent light transmission, color accuracy, and clarity, resulting in sharp and detailed images. The coatings also help reduce glare and enhance contrast.
5. Illuminated Reticle: The Viper PST Gen II offers an illuminated reticle with multiple brightness levels, allowing for quick target acquisition and improved visibility in low-light conditions. The illumination can be adjusted to match the lighting conditions and shooting environment.
6. Tactical Turrets: The scope comes with exposed tactical turrets that provide precise and repeatable adjustments for windage and elevation. The turrets have a tactile and audible click mechanism, making it easy to make adjustments on the fly. They are also equipped with a zero-stop feature, allowing you to quickly return to your zero setting after making adjustments.
7. Side Parallax Adjustment: The Viper PST Gen II features a side parallax adjustment turret, enabling precise parallax correction and focus at different target distances. This helps eliminate parallax error for accurate shooting.
8. Durability: The Viper PST Gen II scope is built with a rugged and durable construction. It is constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum and is argon-filled and O-ring sealed, making it shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof. It can withstand harsh field conditions and recoil without losing zero.
9. Fast Focus Eyepiece: The fast focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing, ensuring a sharp and clear sight picture.
10. Vortex VIP Warranty: Like all Vortex Optics products, the Viper PST Gen II is backed by the Vortex VIP Warranty, which is a lifetime warranty that covers any defects or damages. This warranty provides excellent customer support and peace of mind.
The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 is a popular choice among long-range shooters, hunters, and tactical shooters who demand high-quality optics and versatile magnification for precise and accurate shots at extended distances. Its optical clarity, FFP reticle, tactical turrets, and durability make it a reliable choice for various shooting applications.
Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescopes
About this item
· The Viper PST Gen II takes incredible performance and rock solid features to new heights. The 2-10×32 first focal plane riflescope is incredibly versatile and ideal for close to long range scenarios.
4. UTG 3-12X44
The UTG 3-12X44 30mm scope is a budget-friendly option that offers a range of features for shooters who are looking for a versatile optic without breaking the bank. Here are some key features and characteristics of the UTG 3-12X44 30mm scope:
1. Magnification Range: The scope provides a variable magnification range from 3x to 12x, allowing for close to mid-range shooting. This range offers flexibility for different shooting scenarios, from short-range engagements to moderate distances.
2. Objective Lens Diameter: The scope has a 44mm objective lens diameter, which helps gather light and transmit it to the shooter’s eye. This allows for improved visibility and image clarity, especially in low-light conditions.
3. Mil-dot Reticle: The UTG 3-12X44 30mm scope features a mil-dot reticle, which is a popular choice for its simple and effective range estimation capabilities. The mil-dot reticle allows for quick holdovers and windage adjustments.
4. Etched Glass Reticle: The reticle is etched onto the glass, providing enhanced durability and resistance to recoil. This ensures that the reticle remains intact and reliable even with repeated use.
5. Adjustable Turrets: The scope comes with exposed tactical turrets that allow for easy and precise windage and elevation adjustments. The turrets have audible and tactile clicks, making it convenient to dial in the desired adjustments.
6. Parallax Adjustment: The UTG scope offers an adjustable parallax setting to help eliminate parallax error at different target distances. This feature allows for improved accuracy by ensuring the reticle remains aligned with the target regardless of the shooting distance.
7. Flip-Up Lens Caps: The scope includes flip-up lens caps that help protect the lenses from dust, debris, and scratches when not in use. These caps can be easily flipped open for quick target acquisition.
8. Shockproof and Waterproof: The UTG scope is designed to withstand recoil and is built to be shockproof. It is also nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed, providing reliable fog-proof and waterproof performance in various weather conditions.
9. Adjustable Objective (AO): The scope features an adjustable objective lens that allows for fine-tuning of the focus and parallax at different distances. This ensures a clear and sharp sight picture.
10. Budget-Friendly: The UTG 3-12X44 30mm scope is known for its affordable price point, making it a popular choice for shooters on a budget or those who are new to long-range shooting.
While the UTG 3-12X44 30mm scope may not offer the same level of optical clarity or advanced features as higher-end scopes, it provides a cost-effective option for shooters looking for a reliable scope for their shooting needs. Its variable magnification, mil-dot reticle, adjustable turrets, and durable construction make it suitable for a range of shooting applications.
UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope, AO, 36-color Mil-dot, Rings , Black
About this item
· 30-millimeter SWAT 3-12X44 IE tactical range estimating scope with mil-dot, full 36-color EZ Tap reticle
· 30-Millimeter tube built on True Strength Platform: sealed and nitrogen filled, shockproof, fog-proof, and rain-proof
5. Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12x40
The Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 is a popular rifle scope known for its solid performance, durability, and affordability. Here are some key features and characteristics of the Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 scope:
1. Magnification Range: The scope offers a variable magnification range from 4x to 12x, allowing for versatile shooting scenarios. It provides a good balance between close-range and mid-range shooting capabilities.
2. Objective Lens Diameter: The 40mm objective lens diameter allows for good light transmission and provides a bright and clear sight picture. It performs well in various lighting conditions, including low-light environments.
3. Dead-Hold BDC Reticle: The Diamondback 4-12×40 features a Dead-Hold BDC reticle, which is a popular and simple reticle design. The reticle offers hash marks that facilitate bullet drop compensation and holdover corrections. It helps shooters quickly adjust for different distances without requiring complex calculations.
4. Second Focal Plane (SFP) Reticle: The reticle is located in the second focal plane, meaning it remains the same size regardless of the magnification setting. This allows for consistent sight picture and reticle functionality throughout the magnification range.
5. Fully Multi-Coated Lenses: The lenses of the Diamondback scope are fully multi-coated to maximize light transmission, reduce glare, and provide optimal image brightness and clarity. The coatings also enhance color fidelity and contrast for a more vivid sight picture.
6. Precision-Glide Erector System: The scope features a precision-glide erector system that ensures smooth magnification changes and accurate reticle tracking. This allows for precise adjustments and reliable performance during shooting.
7. Adjustable Turrets: The scope comes with capped turrets that can be easily adjusted for windage and elevation. The turrets have crisp and audible clicks, making it convenient to zero the scope and make quick adjustments in the field.
8. Fast Focus Eyepiece: The fast focus eyepiece enables quick and easy reticle focusing for a sharp and clear sight picture. It allows shooters to quickly bring the reticle into focus without wasting time.
9. Durable Construction: The Diamondback scope is built with a rugged and durable construction to withstand harsh field conditions. It is shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof, ensuring reliable performance in various weather conditions.
10. Vortex VIP Warranty: Like all Vortex Optics products, the Diamondback 4-12×40 scope is backed by the Vortex VIP Warranty. This lifetime warranty covers any defects or damages, offering excellent customer support and peace of mind.
The Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 is a solid choice for shooters looking for a reliable and affordable rifle scope. Its variable magnification, Dead-Hold BDC reticle, fully multi-coated lenses, and durable construction make it suitable for a range of shooting applications, including hunting, target shooting, and plinking.
Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope –
About this item
· The Diamondback 4-12×40 riflescope is one of multiple configurations in the Diamondback lineup and is ideal for big game, predator/varmint, muzzleloader, slug shotgun, and long range applications. Vortex Optics hat included, hat color may vary.