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AR-10 is a popular rifle among long-distance shooters and hunters. But to make it even better and unleash its full potential, a rifle scope is a must.
With open sight, the shooter may shoot with accuracy to about 300 yards. But once coupled with a good optic, the rifle has the potential to make precise targets at a distance as far as 800 yards.
However, deciding upon a scope is not an easy feat. It requires thorough familiarity with what the market has to offer. Only then can you make a decision suited to your needs. In this article, we will talk about some of the best available rifle scopes for AR-10.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for AR-10 Scopes
- OUR TOP PICK: Vortex Optics Viper HS-T
- RUNNER-UP: UTG 3-12X44 30mm
- BEST AR 10 SCOPE FOR THE MONEY: Pinty 4-16X40 Rifle Scope
Comparison of the Best AR-10 Scopes
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What Size of Scope is Best For an AR-10?
The intended use of the rifle should decide the size of your scope. For a rifle with a range as good as AR-10, it is best to choose something that gives a range of magnification options. The range may then prove sufficient for various purposes.
The 4-12x40 is a very popular scope for AR-10. It has a magnification ranging from 4x of what the naked eye would see to up to 12x. And the 40mm objective lens further enhances the usability.
But, for home security or for short-distance shooting, smaller scopes would be better. For shooting down-solid figures at large distances, a higher magnification is required.
Review of the Best AR-10 Scopes
The market is filled with scopes of all kinds to pair with an AR-10. Each one serves well for particular purposes. In this section, we will review in detail some of the best available scopes and see what they have to offer.
Best Overall:
Vortex Optics Viper HS-T
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers have immensely enjoyed using the scope. They say that the clarity of the scope is reasonably good for the money. The zero holds well, and the adjustment clicks are crisp. The build quality was solid and suitable for rough use. Moreover, they were overall well satisfied with the accuracy of the scope.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The scope stands out for many reasons. It has excellent build quality where the lens used is of premium quality, multi-coated, and low dispersion. As a result, the image is clear with great color fidelity. The tube has a one-piece construction.
It is O-ring sealed and has an argon coating that protects it against water and fog. The magnification range is suitable for long-distance shooting. And the zero adjustment is easy to reach and holds well.
Bottom Line
Vortex has launched an exceptional scope in the market, which is backed by a VIP warranty with a money-back guarantee without any questions. The scope itself is of good quality and can endure rigorous use. The controls are easy to adjust and hold well in place. All in all, the rifle is a good option for hunting and target shooting.
Runner-up:
UTG 3-12X44 30mm
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
There were many plus points about the scope that were appreciated by recent buyers. Its durability was obvious in its strong build and stood the test of rigorous use. The parallax adjustments were easy to set, and the field of view was clear. Most buyers found the features to be reasonably sound for the price.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This scope has an illuminated view, which makes targeting in dark or shaded areas very easy. The mid-range magnification deems useful for hunting in dense woods and near targeting.
Moreover, the sunshade that projects in front of the lens saves it from scratching upon falling as well as prevents glare. Its nitrogen-filled construction protects it against fog, water, and shock.
Bottom Line
Overall, this compact lens serves well and serves long. It has a clear and sharp field of vision that could be used in the dark as well as when it is light. The sturdy construction makes it able to endure rough and constant use. And the adjustments on it are sharp and easy to achieve.
Best AR 10 Scope for the Money:
Pinty 4-16X40 Rifle Scope
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most recent buyers report that the scope performs well. The optics are reported to be sharp at all powers by most of them. Adjustments are held efficiently, resulting in precise shots, and the illuminated crosshair makes targeting in the dark very easy. Moreover, it was not very heavy to hold.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We like this scope because it has all the necessary features of a good mid to long-range scope. With its 4x-16x power range, it can take targets precisely at 200 yards as well as at 750-800 yards. The adjustments hold place even after many rounds.
In addition, the mil-dot reticle is sharp, fine, and illuminated in three colors. The illumination and the sunshade work hand in hand to provide non-glared sharp images.
Bottom Line
To sum up, this is a great choice of scope, especially for hunters with its three-colored reticle and illuminated visuals. It has a ½ MOA windage with a direct zero resetting. It would prove to be a great choice for those who transition between mid and long-range shooting. The quick adjustments are helpful for hunting fast running animals.
Best Tactical Scope for AR 10:
Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Nearly all recent buyers are extremely pleased with the scope. The etched turrets are reported to be crisp all the way around, and the tracking was fairly good. The scope would adjust well on the rifle. Once the zero was locked, it did not budge from its position. Buyers also enjoyed the premium appearance of the scope.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us because it has an amazing magnification power. To top it off, the FFP allows the usage of the reticle at any magnification power. Holdovers, too, can be used at any magnification power.
All these features call for great accuracy at large distances, which is what the scope is all about. The Vortex warranty further reinstates the efficiency of the scope.
Bottom Line
It is hard to find a scope this good for its price. The scope provides high-end performance with sharp visuals and responsive yet tight adjustments. The FFP greatly enhances precision, and it is possible to shoot over 1000 yards easily with this scope. It would also make an excellent addition to a kit for a long-range hunter, target shooter, and PRS competitor.
Best Nikon AR 10 Scope:
Nikon M-Tactical BDC800
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The recent buyers appreciated the way the adjustments and knobs respond. They were easy to read and set. They noticed that the scope was not affected even after rough usage thanks to its aluminum alloy construction. The 30mm tube was easy and light to carry around.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This scope features a BDC800 reticle that has open circles, dots, and hash marks for precision aiming from 100-800 yards. This covers both close and long-distance shooting. The overall ergonomic design is quite intelligent. The turrets are exposed and engraved for easy readability while the eye relief is large enough to be comfortable upon recoil.
Bottom Line
The scope is a good option for frequent hunters or shooters. The eye relief provides protection against recoil shock, which is a must-have for frequent users. Moreover, the range it offers is wide enough for long and short-range targeting.
Best Leupold Scope for AR 10:
Leupold Rifleman 4-12x40mm
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are very impressed by the reticle on this scope. It gives clear images from 20 yards to around 500 yards. The zooming allows tight grouping at large ranges, enabling hunters to not miss a shot and shooters to get a good score. According to them, the matt finish added a visual appeal to them.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The scope provides very sharp and clear images. Even though it is lightweight, the sturdiness of the construction is uncompromised. The low-profile turrets give it a sleeker look and are easy to place compared to large turrets. Moreover, the high contrast lens works very well in broad daylight and even when the light starts to diminish.
Bottom Line
Experienced hunters who are looking to invest in a low price rifle scope would love this. It is a great unit for use in daylight. Easy to carry around and resistant to dust, water, and fog, the scope can be zoomed with one turn to observe the details.
Best Scope for AR 10 308:
Athlon Optics Argos BTR
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
According to recent buyers, the scope is exceptional in its mechanical integrity and durability. The FFP allows tight grouping at larger distances. For hunters, the FFP was very beneficial in getting accurate shots. For users with AR-10 308, the scope performed flawlessly with secure adjustments and a very decent hold on the zero.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We had to include this unit to the list because this FFP reticle scope, along with its illumination ability, provides limitless possibilities. At high power, the FFP reveals details on the target, allowing precise aims. At lower power, the FFP enables quick target engagements. Moreover, the reticle is also etched on the anti-glare glass for the user’s ease.
Bottom Line
To sum up, this is one of the best FFP scopes for an AR-10. It does not lose clarity at higher power, and the adjustment knobs remain tight even after long use. It has a solid construction, which makes it compatible and useful for frequent shooters and hunters.
Best AR 10 Sniper Scope:
Nightforce Optics 12-42x56mm
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
What the recent buyers found most useful about the focus was its easy adjustability. Even with such a wide range, the adjustments are pretty easy to make and hold their place. In addition to that, the field of view is clear and sharp. Even under low light conditions, the reticle makes precise aiming easy because of its backlight.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The scope would pair well with a sniper rifle. It has an adjustable objective that allows setting the parallax from 25 yards to infinity. Such a high range is very suitable for sniper users. The turrets are rotatable and adjusted by 1/8 clicks. The several reticles to choose from are backlit, which makes working under low light conditions possible.
Bottom Line
With this unit, you get wide range, easy and sharp adjustments with a fine backlit reticle; what more could a long-distance shooter or hunter want? The scope is one of the best to be paired with AR-10 snipers. It has good eye relief for protection from long-distance shoot recoil. In a nutshell, it provides all the basics that a sniper needs in a very rugged body.
Best Scope for AR 10 for Hunting:
Vortex Optics Diamondback
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This product was mostly appreciated by those recent buyers who were hunters. Its dead hold BDC is very useful for scenarios where holdovers are not easy to estimate, such as for beginner’s hunting. It helped many successfully harvest big game, especially deer. The anti-glare and high color fidelity lens caught the slightest of movements made by animals.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The scope has a short-range magnification power, which makes it useful for low range shooters. The turrets are responsive and good at holding the adjustments, making instant resetting to zero very easy. A precision glide erector system is in place that allows accurate tracking after the target. All these features make for a scope that is very useful for beginners and weekend hobbyist hunters.
Bottom Line
Summing up, this is an entry-level scope for hunters who want a tough, rugged, and easy-to-work-with riflescope. It has an unwavering hold on adjustments and a lens that provides sharp and clear images. The precision glide elector makes chasing after the hunt very easy, resulting in successful shots.
Types of AR-10 Scopes
Although all scopes serve the same purpose, they differ on the basis of certain characteristics. These characteristics are important to consider since everyone has their own preferences and might be comfortable with one type while they might find working with the other difficult.
Here we will discuss the three main features upon which the type of scopes differ.
Capped vs. Exposed Turrets
Exposed turrets have a reachable zero for instant resetting. Capped turrets have a cap that covers the zero-reset or requires a tool for the purpose. Exposed turrets are used by professionals who change between settings on the go and while chasing targets. Uncapped turrets make adjustments to the windage and elevation very reachable to achieve.
Capped turrets are used by those who shoot or hunt under the same conditions and scenarios. They don’t hunt a wide variety of animals or shoot in varying ranges. Hence, there is no need to constantly adjust the turrets and to keep them exposed.
Mils and MOA
Both Mils and MOA are angular adjustments, but they both differ in size. MOA is equal to 1.047 inches at 100 yards. And Mil is equal to 3.6 inches at 100 yards. While MOA adjustments are arguably slightly more precise, it is easier to communicate the Mils adjustments. The preference for either of the systems is entirely personal, as both the systems are equally accurate.
First Focal Plane vs. Second Focal Plane
First focal plane lenses have the reticle placed in front of the magnification lens. As a result, the reticle zooms in or out in coordination with an increase or decrease in magnification. With FPS, the sub consistent values remain consistent throughout all magnification ranges, making it easier for long-range shooters and hunters to make precise and accurate shots.
However, with FFS, the reticle may look too thin at lower power and too thick at higher power. This makes visualizing the target a bit difficult. Also, they are more expensive.
The Second Focal Plane lenses have the reticle placed behind the magnification lens. As a result, the reticle size remains the same, despite the changes in magnification power. Such a reticle is easily visible at all magnifications and does not cause any hindrances in watching the target either. But with these scopes, the spacing for holdover is only correct at one magnification. So you need to calculate the holdover for each magnification power yourself. This could be a bit of a nuisance and tiresome.
People Also Ask
A riflescope is a big investment and must be carried out with extreme diligence. It requires know-how of one's own needs and personal preferences along with a market survey. Since it is not an easy decision to make, it is always a good idea to gather as much information as you can before buying one. For this reason, in this section, we will answer the questions most asked while purchasing a scope.
How Accurate is an AR-10?
AR-10 rifles are accurate up to one MOA without a scope. To further increase their precision and accuracy, a good scope might be useful. For experienced shooters and hunters, however, an AR-10 is accurate enough without one. For them, it might not need any more enhancement. In theory, they are accurate enough to perform well in all scenarios and conditions.
What is the Effective Range of an AR-10?
The range of an AR-10 changes with the availability and absence of a scope. An AR-10 on its own has an effective range of around 500 yards. But for experienced and seasoned hunters and shooters, it may be more. With a good scope, the range goes as high as 1000 yards or more.
Conclusion
An AR-10 rifle is an all-rounder. It may be used for house protection, home hunting, long-distance trophy hunting, and shooting competitions. In order to utilize it to its full potential, a scope is a good place to start.
A scope would enhance not only its range but also its accuracy, resulting in more successful shots. There are several options available to choose from. However, personal preference and comfort preference must be taken into account before buying one so that they last longer and are easy to use.