AR10 scope recommendations

[Will317]

I have a PSA AR10 and a Savage Axis that both have a 4-12x scope on it. Looking at trading them in for a Ruger Sfar 20”. Looking for recommendations on optics. The AR10 now is just a bench rifle since it is over 12 pounds loaded and the Axis is a backup hunting gun. But this will replace the role of both and being light enough to shoulder, don’t want too much low end magnification. Having a hard time deciding on an optic. Would like something that goes from about 1-2x up to 8-12x. I don’t want anything with electronics, but it is hard to find something that isn’t illuminated. I feel like if it is too dark to see the reticle, it is too dark to identify your target. But that is just my opinion. Budget is $500 for the scope and cantilever mount.

 

[kawtech87]

Budget is $500 for the scope and cantilever mount.

This doesn't really get you very many options, and the ones it will won't be very good quality. Maybe look for something used?

 

[Will317]

This doesn't really get you very many options, and the ones it will won't be very good quality. Maybe look for something used?

That’s kinda my thought unfortunately. I have $500 right now, but am not against waiting and saving up and getting something better.

 

[LuckyOne]

My vote is Vortex LHT 3-15x42 SFP HSR-5i 30mm MOA for sale.

At only 19.1 oz it is tough for even a non-illuminated scope to beat. I just don't use the illumination. Really a great do all scope.

Price new is more than twice your current bank however one sold here today for just over $700. Congratulations to the buyer!

 

[kawtech87]

That’s kinda my thought unfortunately. I have $500 right now, but am not against waiting and saving up and getting something better.

Maybe check out Primary Arms. They have some options for less than $200. Mounts for ~$50. It will at least get you shooting

 

[actaeon277]

The illumination helps the reticle stand out from the brown background.

 

[Fixer]

I just put a Diamondback 6x24x50 on my AR10, but it is primarily a bench rest long range set up. I have looked a a few 1x8 scopes for another build I am working on. Leaning towards the Strike Eagle 1x8x24 FFP.

 

[ZurokSlayer7X9]

Vortex Strike Eagle for a more "lightweight / recon" AR-10 build like what an SFAR can bring. I have a 1-8Xx24 SFP (Before they came out with the FFP), and I love it, even more than my Trijicon ACOG. On 1x power, it pretty much acts as a red dot . I could clear a room with my 16" AR-10 if I had to. At 8x, I can get MOA to sub-MOA groups at 100 yds.

 

[planedriver]

This doesn't really get you very many options, and the ones it will won't be very good quality. Maybe look for something used?

That’s kinda my thought unfortunately. I have $500 right now, but am not against waiting and saving up and getting something better.

Although there are some scopes out there that may suit your needs for hunting they are not going to be very good for bench work. To get a “do-all” scope you are likely going to be north of your $500 budget.

Kawtech has a point about buying a used scope. There are deals out there. Unfortunately, every time I have bought a used scope I took a bath. Now, even if the scope has a lifetime warranty and is half the price of new I leave it alone. If you really want to take the chance. Do your homework and be sure you are buying a good one. Also beware of counterfeit high end optics.

At the end of the day…… start saving and if during the course of squirreling money away you find a super deal you’ll have the money.

Best luck

 

[DadSmith]

I have a PSA AR10 and a Savage Axis that both have a 4-12x scope on it. Looking at trading them in for a Ruger Sfar 20”. Looking for recommendations on optics. The AR10 now is just a bench rifle since it is over 12 pounds loaded and the Axis is a backup hunting gun. But this will replace the role of both and being light enough to shoulder, don’t want too much low end magnification. Having a hard time deciding on an optic. Would like something that goes from about 1-2x up to 8-12x. I don’t want anything with electronics, but it is hard to find something that isn’t illuminated. I feel like if it is too dark to see the reticle, it is too dark to identify your target. But that is just my opinion. Budget is $500 for the scope and cantilever mount.

Arrowhead LPVO Series

The Swampfox Arrowhead LPVO series meets or exceeds every requirement for serious law enforcement and self-defense applications. Locking turrets require no tools to prevent unintentional adjustments. Arrowhead’s state-of-the-art optical design creates a brighter sight picture, a wider field of...

www.swampfoxoptics.com

They have a 1-10×.
If you are active duty or a veteran you get a 25% discount on them.

 

[BackFromDC]

I had a Swampfox Tomahawk and Vortex PST on an AR-10. Worked ok, took a few deer with the setup, but I found it kind of heavy and switched to a Swampfox Trihawk 3x prism scope.

 

[Gingerbeardman]

I just watched a video about reticles. Do you want a lot of stuff in the reticle or not much? Illuminated or no? What's max range? What's intended use?

I just swapped out a 4-12 non illuminated with a basic crosshair. Something like that would get you shooting and you can decide later what you need. I think quality of glass is most important. And, if you have other scopes you may want the same adjustments so it's not confusing.

 

[Combat Engineer]

I just put a Diamondback 6x24x50 on my AR10, but it is primarily a bench rest long range set up. I have looked a a few 1x8 scopes for another build I am working on. Leaning towards the Strike Eagle 1x8x24 FFP.

I've got the Diamondback 6x24x50 Tactical on my SFAR...love it so far.

 

[two70]

The illumination helps the reticle stand out from the brown background.

Yes, if you hunt anywhere other than the wide open, the reticle will disappear long before you lose the target.

 

[Kirk Freeman]

I feel down the rabbit hole of optics a couple of years ago when I was looking to find "the one true optic" and buy multiple copies and call it good . . . bwahahaha . . . oh, the little jokes I tell myself.

For under 5 bills, have 2 recommendations:

1. Steiner, T332, 3X

2. PA, GLX 2X

 

[Hookeye]

Set and forget hunting scope....i still like the Leupold 3.5-10x w reg duplex.

Can jump to 30mm and firedot but costs more.

I think the reg 1" 3.5-10x 40mm is light weight even if of old tech....which justified the purchase. Too bad they dropped the 40mm AO model way back.

 

[ckcollins2003]

Primary Arms SLx 5-25x56 FFP Rifle Scope - Illuminated ACSS Athena BPR MIL Reticle - BLEM

DetailsThese blemished products are guaranteed to function correctly but may have minor cosmetic defects. Their original warranties still apply.This rifle scope is part of the SLx optics line. SLx optics built the reputation for innovation, reliability and value. All SLx optics undergo rigorous...

www.primaryarms.com

 

[Hookeye]

IMHO benchwork / load testing mandates a min of 12x at 100 yds.

 

[DocIndy]

My vote is Vortex LHT 3-15x42 SFP HSR-5i 30mm MOA for sale.

At only 19.1 oz it is tough for even a non-illuminated scope to beat. I just don't use the illumination. Really a great do all scope.

Price new is more than twice your current bank however one sold here today for just over $700. Congratulations to the buyer!

This scope is 100% awesome. Clearest glass I’ve looked through. And yes…. I snagged the one in the classifieds. Sometimes you find a great deal.

 

[DadSmith]

Arrowhead LPVO Series

The Swampfox Arrowhead LPVO series meets or exceeds every requirement for serious law enforcement and self-defense applications. Locking turrets require no tools to prevent unintentional adjustments. Arrowhead’s state-of-the-art optical design creates a brighter sight picture, a wider field of...

www.swampfoxoptics.com

They have a 1-10×.
If you are active duty or a veteran you get a 25% discount on them.

With military discount I can get this delivered for.
(Posting so others know Swampfox still gives a nice discount for veterans and active duty. I think law enforcement as well.)