The AR 10 doesn’t just shoot a more powerful round than the AR 15, but it also shoots a much longer range. While the AR 15 would shoot at a maximum range of about 450 to 500 yards, an AR 10 is able to reach up to anywhere between 800 to 1,000 yards (Best Long-Range Scopes). With the right setup, you can shoot confidently beyond 1,000 yards.
At these ranges, you do need high-quality optics to let you target consistently and successfully. High-quality scopes does not automatically have to translate to expensive ones. To make your choice easier, we compiled a list of the best scopes for an AR10. Have a look at the following overview and reviews to find the right hunting optic for your rifle and the best scope for AR 10!
As you can predict, it’s beyond the average human’s physical limitations to shooting accurately with consistency at ranges above a few hundred feet with our naked eyes. That’s why finding the best optic for your AR 10 is critical if you want to make the most out of your rifle.
Riflescopes are your bread and butter if you’re a long-range shooting enthusiast – have a look at our ultimate riflescope buying guide. Using a reliable scope that suits your needs will give you the chance to hit your shots precisely while making it a lot easier to maintain your consistency.
In the following article, we’ll join you on your journey to find everything you need to know before buying the ideal riflescope for your trusty AR 10. So without further ado, let’s dive in!
The Best AR 10 Scope Contenders
Here’s the list of the best scopes for the AR 10 in case you don’t want to go through the reviews below:
- Primary Arms SLX 3-18x50mm
- Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25×56
- UTG 4-16×44 30mm Scope
- Trijicon 1-6×24 VCOG Riflescope
- Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 4-16x44mm SFP Scope
- Leupold VX-Freedom 6-18×40
- Monstrum G3 6-24×50
- Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50
What Are the Basics of a Rifle Scope for the AR 10?
While looking for scopes for your AR 10 rifle, you’ll find various variation aspects and basic points at which these scoops differ. To find the ideal one for your needs, you should know about the basics including how to adjust a rifle scope for the AR 10.
Here are some of the fundamental points that’ll help you pinpoint your perfect fit.
Range
Ideally, riflescope ranges are classified into short-range, medium-range, and long-range. The short or close range is usually at about less than 200 yards.
This close range is ideal for hunting. A lot of hunters use short-range AR 10 scopes to hunt down small game like hare, fowl, and coyotes.
The medium-range scopes are the ones that you use to aim targets at a distance of about 200 to 400 yards. The range is a favorite for hunters. However, it’s only reserved for targets with larger bodies, such as deer, elk, etc.
Anything higher than 400 yards and up to 1,200 or even more requires a long-range riflescope. This is usually ideal for the most seasoned hunters, competitive long-distance target shooters, or those who are looking for a real challenge.
An AR 10 has a shooting range that tops at about 800 to 1,000 yards. However, it’s also commonly used for medium-range shots of 500 yards as it’s the sweet spot of the rifle range.
This means that based on the scope you’re using, you can shoot all three ranges with your AR 10 rifle.
Check out our reviews of the top-rated scopes for long-distance shooting!
Glass Quality
The glass quality has a lot to do with the clarity of the scope and eliminating the distortion effects of the scope edge at long distances.
Ideally, you should look for coated glass that resists fogging. Also, the tube should be nitrogen or argon purged with tight sealing around the O rings.
This prevents the moisture from leaking into the tube and forming glass droplets inside the scope.
Additionally, you should make sure that the scope has decent shock resistance, which helps in keeping the reticle stable with the intense recoil of the AR10.
Light Transmission
The light transmission is controlled by the objective lens and the tube diameter. The wider the lens, the more light it takes it. Similarly, the larger the tube the more light can transition through it to your eye to paint a sight image.
This allows you to see clearly even in less-than-perfect light conditions (Best Low Light Rifle Scopes Reviews), which is why light transmission is essential for anyone who uses their AR 10 in the woods.
The Field of View
The field of view refers to the area (in feet) that you can see through the scope at a distance of 100 yards. The larger the field of view, the more you’ll be able to see at higher zooming power.
Elevation and Windage
The knobs on a scope are used to adjust elevation and windage. Windage determines how far a bullet can hit to the left or right of the center point. The elevation is the same for the vertical axis of the bullet.
What Magnification Do You Need for the Typical Use of a Rifle Scope for the AR 10?
Magnification is one of the most important features of a rifle scope in general. With a long-range rifle like a AR 10, the magnification powers become even more critical if you want to make the most out of your gun.
Ideally, an AR 10 would let you hit targets precisely within a distance under 200 yards without a scope. However, adding the right scope can help you hit targets at about 1,000 yards and even more.
The magnification of the scope is measured in “powers”. For instance, a 5x scope means that your target will appear 5 times closer than its actual position. Check here how distance and magnification are working!
Since most AR 10 scopes are classified according to their magnification abilities, let’s have a brief overview of these classes, so you can determine the ideal one for you.
Using an AR-15 instead? Check out the best scopes for that rifle!
Magnification for Short-Range Scopes
Using AR 10 with a small range scope would be quite an overkill, as you can already hit these targets without a scope.
However, if your target is ultra-small or requires extra precision, such as hunting with a dog, you might need them.
Short-range AR scopes are those that have a magnifying power of 1x to 4x or 5x. They’re the most affordable ones and are good enough for targets under 300 yards max.
In such a close range, many hunters either shoot without a scope or use a red dot sight with a magnifier.
Magnification for Medium-Range Scopes
The medium-range AR 10 scopes shoot targets between 300 to 500 yards, which is where the sweet spot of a AR 10 lies. That’s why they are the most commonly used scopes for AR 10s.
These scopes have a magnification power range of about 5x to 12x. They are usually good for hunting large game easily.
They vary in price significantly according to the quality of their glass and reticle details. Some of them can even be more expensive than long-range scopes. Yet, there are many affordable options as well.
Magnification for Long-Range Scopes
A long-range AR 10 scope usually hunts at a distance that starts from 500 yards and surpasses 1,000 yards. That’s why they need a magnification range of 12x and up to 25x.
This is the range where a lot of people have it wrong about the AR 10. 1000+ yards is a range where AR 10s show their true capabilities.
However, a lot of hunters buy scopes with exaggerated magnification power without ever shooting a target within that distance.
It’s ideal for sharpshooting and sniper contests, expert target shooting, and hunting at great distances. Keep in mind that some of these scopes can set you back a few thousand bucks!
Magnification Adjustment
The magnification power of any scope for AR10 is determined from its name. On the market, fixed and variable scopes are both available.
However, unless you always hit the same target within the same distance, a variable scope is the wiser investment to make.
What Are the Best Scopes for AR 10?
As you can see, finding the best scopes for AR 10 depends on many factors that you need to consider carefully. However, even if you know what you’re looking for, there are tons of options out there to choose from.
To save you the time and hassle of checking every single one of them yourself, we’ve scoured the market to find the best options in every category. Let’s have a brief overview of each one of these scopes and see what it has got to offer.
Primary Arms SLX 3-18x50mm – Best Short to Medium Range
We are kicking off the list with one of the most popular scopes for short-range and medium-range shooting. Primary Arms is a reputable brand that has a large arsenal of rifle accessories.
Their products are characterized by their excellent overall quality as well as affordability, and the Primary Arms SLX 3-18x50mm scope is worthy of living up to the name of Primary Arms quality.
The reticle is also illuminated in the middle portion with a bright red color. However, you can adjust the brightness of the illuminated reticle up to 6 different levels to suit your needs.
The illumination is powered by the widely available CR2032 lithium coin battery. Luckily, the scope comes with one that is included in the package!
The 50 mm objective lens diameter is excellent for letting a lot of light in, which helps you see clearly in obstructed light settings.
The scope has a wide-range eye relief of 3.9 inches to 3.5 inches. This helps you to adjust the AR scope to your vision, compensating for any vision problems.
The scope has a wide field of view that extends up to 36.7 feet at 3x magnification of 100 yards and 6.10 feet at 18x magnification at 100 yards.
The lenses are multi-coated for fog-resistance and have a great waterproof rating of IP67. This means that it can last up to 30 minutes under 1-meter deep water.
The turret adjustment on this scope is highly improved. It has a tactical and audible click at 0.1 mm variation. Using the turrets you can adjust multiple settings of the scope.
Primary Arms trust in the quality of their products. That’s why they are backing up this riflescope with a lifetime warranty for everything from normal wear and tear to manufacturing defects.
Pros
- High-quality glass with a precise reticle
- Excellent quality for its price
- Considerably lightweight for its abilities
- Back with a lifetime warranty for a worry-free purchase
Cons
- The scope flip caps are a bit flimsy in extremely cold weather
Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25×56 – Best Medium to Long Range First Focal Plane
Vortex is a huge name in the rifle accessories industry, so it is no surprise that some of its fine products will grace the list.
This one is the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 5-25×56 riflescope, which is an excellent option if you’re considering a long-range riflescope with high-end features yet a relatively affordable price.
The scope has an extremely wide range of magnification power that spans from 5x to 25x. This means that this scope has one of the highest magnification ranges in its category.
The clarity of the glass is also an awesome feature in this scope. You’ll be able to get a crisp scope image with no distortions throughout its range of magnification.
However, in the highest magnifications settings of 24x and 25x, you might notice some slight distortions around the edge of the view lens.
The reticle of the scope is on the first focal plane, which allows its reticle to adjust to the distance you’re using. In other words, the reticle will become larger as you zoom in and smaller as you zoom out and grow or shrink proportionally to your target. This can help you fine-tune your shot at maximum distances and is the preferred option for long-range target shooters.
You will also be able to utilize the bullet drop compensation on the BDC reticle because it’ll stay the same on different levels of magnification.
Similar to the Primary Arms SLX, the Vortex Strike Eagle also features an illuminated reticle. You can adjust its brightness, so you can use it on both dark and light backgrounds comfortably.
The scope also has 5 holdover dots on its BDC reticle, which allows you to use it precisely with fast wind and elevation holdovers. This AR 10 scope allows adjusting windage by 78 MOA and elevation by 110 MOA.
This takes us to the next point, which is the turret adjustments. This scope comes with RevStop Zero System that allows you to modify the scope and set its zeros comfortably.
It also has a tactical locking feature to prevent accidental change in your scope adjustments. All in all, this scope is an excellent addition to your rifle if you’re all about shooting long-range targets precisely without costing you an arm and a leg.
Pros
- Has a superb magnification range of 5 to 25x
- Durable and precise RevStop Zero System turret adjustments
- The large 34 mm scope tube diameter allows for huge adjustment to windage and elevation
Cons
- The edges get slightly distorted on the maximum magnification power
Click here for an in-depth review of the Vortex Strike Eagle scopes!
UTG 4-16×44 30mm Scope – Best Affordable Short to Medium Range
As you already know, some scopes can get quite expensive and set you back hundreds or even thousands of dollars. This can be a problem for hunters and hobbyists who are on a strict budget.
While looking for a scope, it is critical that you don’t compromise on its quality, as it can be quite useless if you get an unreliable AR 10 scope. The good news here is that you can always settle for UTG scopes.
The UTG 4-16×44 scope has some outstanding features despite costing a fraction of what some other scopes might cost.
It has a wide range of magnification powers that range from 4 to 16x. This makes this scope a good choice for your AR 10 for short and medium-range targets. The scope has a field of view of 24.4 to 6.8 at 100 feet.
Moreover, the AR 10 scope has a tube diameter of 30 mm. This gives you the ability to adjust the scope to elevations and windage comfortably.
The scope comes with a sublime Emerald lens coating that guarantees that the glass maintains a lot of its qualities through time.
It also gives it an astonishing level of clarity as well as generous light transmission. This allows you to take your shots in both high and low light conditions. The lens is fully sealed and nitrogen purged, so it is also resistant to shocks, rain, and fog.
The reticle on this scope is one of its unique highlights. Besides brightness, you can also choose its color from 36 different colors.
The turrets adjust everything zero recalibration to parallax adjustment. It also comes with locking feature to prevent accidental adjustments
Pros
- Ideal for buyers on a budget
- The reticle is available in 36 different color and various brightness settings
- The Mil-Dot reticle allows for easy range estimation
- Features lifetime warranty
Cons
- The reticle starts to become unstable after long-term usage
Trijicon 1-6×24 VCOG Riflescope – Best Short Range Scope for AR 10
The best-known optic from Trijicon is clearly the ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight). The Trijicon 1-6×24 VCOG (Variable Combat Optical Gunsight) is a little less known yet formidable.
The VCOG is, in our opinion, the best short-range scope for the AR 10 for a variety of uses, including close-quarter engagements, tactical scenarios, as well as for hunting. It’s evident from the 1-6x magnification range that this scope is not made for long-range shooting. However, it’s a great optic for CQC engagements and medium-range shots.
Trijicon produced some of the most reliable and sturdy gun optics that you can lay your hands on. The 1-6×24 VCOG is no exception. It withstands even the heaviest recoil you can find, and the ultra-clear glass makes it a joy to use this scope.
The scope tube is built with high-quality aluminum. It’s shockproof and fogproof. Trijicon designed it to be waterproof to 66 feet! It’s built to military specifications and, therefore, nearly impossible to destroy.
You can get the optic with several different reticles. One of them is the illuminated red dot horseshoe variant that is calibrated for the .308 / 175 Grain. The holdover points are calibrated out to 600 yards for this specific caliber and load. That makes this reticle an excellent match for the AR 10.
The illuminated reticle makes it possible to acquire targets rapidly. The reticle is positioned on the first reticle, and therefore, the holdover points stay consistent whether you use a 1x or 6x magnification. The 1x lower magnification lets you target with both eyes open (Bindon Aiming Concept).
The illuminated reticle can be adjusted through 6 brightness settings for the red dot and horseshoe. You can expect around 700 hours of battery life at medium brightness level settings. The scope uses a standard AA battery which is conveniently accessible and easy to replace.
Elevation and windage can be adjusted within a 90 MOA range. The adjustment graduation is 1/4 MOA per click. The field of view at 100 yards ranges between 15.9 and 95 feet. The eye relief is fixed at 4 inches allowing the Trijicon 1-6×24 VCOG to deal with substantial recoil from the AR 10. Parallax on the VCOG is not adjustable.
Pros
- First focus plane reticle with illumination
- Excellent glass quality
- Rapid and accurate target acquisition
- Superb build quality and ruggedness
Cons
- Expensive
Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 4-16x44mm SFP Scope – Best for Hunting
Another product from Vortex Optics, which shows the level of quality they have in their scopes. This one is the Vortex Viper HS-T 4-16×44. It’s a mid-range second focal plane riflescope that has a magnifying power range that starts from 4x and up to 16x.
This magnifying range makes it ideal for hunters, as they usually approach their game closer, so they’d benefit from the extra features of the Vortex AR 10 scope.
This riflescope has a front lens diameter of 44mm and a 30mm scope tube diameter, which are quite large for a mid-range scope. This means that it’ll be able to take in as much light as possible, which is great for hunting in low-light conditions, such as dark forests.
The glass lens is fully multi-coated, so it resists heavy fog, rain, and even shock. The lens is also argon purged to prevent it from cracking under thermal shocks.
Not only that, but the scope’s O-ring is also sealed to prevent the moisture from leaking into the body of the lens.
The Viper HS-T has unique exposed-style turrets. These ones are designed for easy adjustment while maintaining a precise and reproducible click. This way you’ll ensure that you get the same adjustment every time you use the scope.
You can adjust windage and elevation within a 75 MOA/21 MRAD range each. The eye relief of the Viper HST measures 4 inches making it usable for nearly all types of rifles.
Additionally, the turrets have a CRS Zero Stop that gives you the ability to recalibrate the zero for the maximum level of precision while using the scope at its maximum ranges.
The scope for AR 10 also has a side focus that allows you to adjust the parallax effects to get the optimum image focus and eliminate the effect in long distances. You are also able to adjust the reticle to your eye comfort using the focusing eyepiece. The Vortex Optics Viper HST hunting scope can name itself without a doubt to be a contender for the best AR 10 scope.
Pros
- Ideal for hunting medium-range targets
- The MAG-View Fiber Optic ensures a highly visible reference for targeting
- Highly durable construction from aircraft-grade aluminum
Cons
- The parallax adjustment focus might start to stray a bit with time.
Here is our review of the Vortex HS-T 4-16×44 riflescope!
Check out our comparison of the Vortex Optics HST and the Leupold VX-3HD scopes!
Leupold VX-Freedom 6-18×40 – Best Medium Range
If you are looking for a medium-range AR 10 scope that gets the job done nicely, you should consider the Leupold VX-Freedom 6-18×40. The scope has a lot of improved features and precision that qualify it to be one of the best medium-range rifle scopes on the market.
This mid-level scope has a wide magnification range that allows you to shoot at both short and medium ranges comfortably. You can adjust it from 6x to 18x power.
The scope is noticeably lightweight for its class, so you won’t have to put extra weight in your considerations. The scope tube is made from aircraft-grade aluminum.
Moreover, it has a secure locking feature, so you prevent it from messing with your settings if you flick it by mistake. The elevation can be adjusted by 55 MOA and windage within 55 MOA.
Additionally, the objective lens of this Leupold VX-Freedom scope has a diameter of 40 mm and a scope tube diameter of 30 mm. This helps it to maximize light transmission and help you clear everything clear as day through the lens even in low-light conditions.
In addition to the nice range magnification power, it also has a quick ergonomic power selector feature.
This Leupold scope for the AR 10 enables you to zoom in on your target quickly, so you don’t miss your perfect opportunity for shooting. The second focal plane scope comes with a Tri-MOA reticle.
The Twilight Management system also contributes to the scope’s excellent low-light capabilities in adjusting the brightness of the lens to help you see with high clarity and contrast.
The lens is scratch-resistant, fog proof, and also waterproof. This means that it can stand the test of time like a champ and makes the Leupold VX-Freedom one of the candidates to be the best scope for AR 10!
Pros
- Affordable price when compared to its competitors
- The large objective lens and Twilight Management system for high brightness adjustment
- Ergonomic and sleek design with locking eyepiece
Cons
- Relatively small tube diameter for its magnifying power
Monstrum G3 6-24×50 – Best Affordable Long Range
As you already know, long-range rifle scopes can easily cost you thousands of dollars. If you want a scope that grants you an excellent range without poking a hole in your wallet, the tactical Monstrum G3 6-24×50 scope for AR 10 should be on your shortlist.
This scope has a wide magnification power range of 6x to 24x. This allows you to reach long-range shooting targets that are far beyond the 1,500-yard mark with relative ease.
The scope is designed with a first focal plane MOA reticle. This makes it ideal for adjusting the reticle within its large magnification range with ease while keeping the range information correct.
Additionally, the reticle’s ranging information is easy to read, which gives you a huge edge while estimating the range and holdover correction.
The reticle is also illuminated and comes with an inline dial control with various brightness settings for you to choose from.
The scope comes with a great objective lens with a diameter of 50 mm. This helps it to adjust the brightness in dark conditions, making your hunts a lot easier in the dark.
The turrets on the scope for AR 10 are durable and lockable. This makes the turrets easy to adjust and prevents unwanted accidents.
The lens is treated to repel fog and moisture and the scope has a rugged anodized finish for athletics and durability.
The Monstrum G3 scope is also available in black and flat dark earth color variations. This can help you match the scope with your AR 10 color, which gives you a sleek-looking combination that is worth bragging about!
The riflescope package includes an instructions manual that shows you everything you need to know about the scope.
It also comes with two high-profile Picatinny scope rings, which help you to install and mount the scope on your rifle easily and keep it secure.
Moreover, it also comes with a detachable honeycomb kill flash filter, which provides sunshade and protects you from glares while hunting.
Pros
- Highly affordable for a large range scope
- Available in two different colors
- Comes with Picatinny rings and honeycomb filter
Cons
- A lot of users found the illuminating knob a bit flimsy
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 – Best Clarity for Medium to Long Range
Last but not least. If you are looking for a luxurious option that combines all the riflescope features you might need in one place, the Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 is your way to go!
This one takes Viper’s performance and quality to a new level with a first focal plane reticle that stays accurate whether you are using it on low or high magnification power.
It has a wide range of magnification powers spanning from 5x all the way up to 25x. This means that you’ll be able to hit nearby and far targets all with the same scope and a flick of a knob!
The versatility also includes its objective lens and tube. The lens is also protected from dirt, scratches, and oils with advanced Armortek coating. The shockproof nature of the scope also keeps its stability and sturdiness with time
The Viper PST Gen II comes with a 50 mm diameter objective lens, which gives you a wide range of view as well as generous light absorption for high resolution and clarity even in dark conditions.
The objective lens is also highly adjustable, which helps you eliminate parallax and any medical eyesight problems for maximum visualization, clarity, and range estimation!
The scope is protected with a hard-anodized matte finish that gives it an aesthetically pleasing look that also prevents sun glares and reflections into your eyes.
Pros
- Unrivaled level of lens clarity with ultra-low dispersion glass and high resolution
- Excellent wide range of magnifying powers
- Argon-purged and tight-sealed O rings for fog and moisture resistance
Cons
- Premium price tag
Conclusion – Best Scope for AR 10
There you have it. A complete guide with everything you need to know before buying (What do you need to consider when you want to buy a riflescope?) the best scope for AR 10. As you can see, there are many rifle scopes on the market with various impressive features. However, it’s crucial that you make your decision based on your own needs.
When you are looking for the best scope for AR 10, it needs to accommodate the immense shooting power and long-range capabilities of the rifle. Also, it needs to give you a nice clarity with a quality glass lens and an adjustable reticle to have a consistent shot every time you use the rifle.
Such qualities are present in the short to medium-range Primary Arms SLX 3-18x50mm and the medium to long-range Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25×56. While they are both relatively affordable, they pack a lot of quality that qualify both of them for being the best rifle scope for your AR 10 depending on your favorite range.
However, you might want to splurge for a rifle scope that gives you everything you might need in one package. In that case, the Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 is an excellent choice for you. This brilliant AR 10 scope has one of the widest ranges of magnification power as well as tons of adjustable features.
Despite being quite pricey, it’s an excellent choice for an expert rifleman who’ll settle for nothing but the best when it comes to finding the best scope for AR 10!
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