The AR-10 is among the most popular rifles in use today. Though many argue the case of the AR-15, the AR-10 is also a great choice when it comes to its shooting power and forgiving recoil.
Should you fancy long-range shooting, the AR-10 is just what you need to enjoy the thrill of any hunt. That being said, equipping your rifle with the best scope is one way to unveil its true power.
Finding the best AR-10 scopes translates to the scrutiny of the numerous choices available and settling only on what will kick your shooting game a notch higher. To help you make the right purchasing decision on the best scope for AR-10, our article includes a nifty guide on some of the features to look out for and some of the options you could go for.
What Makes a Great AR-10 Scope?
A great scope should be easy to work with. Maneuvering between settings should not be a difficult task for example switching between turret or focus adjustments should be quick and easy. The best AR-10 scope should offer excellent magnification for any given range and feature reticles to improve precision.
Versatility is another feature that needs to prominently be provided for in any great scope. With much flexibility, the scope can work equally well in different light settings, weather conditions and is strong enough to handle recoil associated with AR-10.
What Magnification Do You Need?
Magnification in scopes is subject to a never-ending debate. Some are for the idea that much of it is best for the achievement of great results while others argue that just a little of it does the job. Whichever way you decide to look at it, there is no escaping the fact that it is an important feature in scopes.
The AR-10 is built to do well for those extreme ranges so you are better off going for a scope of 12 to 25x magnification especially when you are doing 800 yards and beyond. For shorter distances 5 to 12x is ideal.
Though magnification is important, you should also know the size of your target for better accuracy. For long distances, bigger prey may appear small but if you choose a scope designed to cover that range, chances of missed shots are slim.
7 Best AR-10 Scopes | Best Scopes for AR-10
That being said, let us dive deeper into the world of scopes by checking out some of the options you want to consider for your AR-10
#1) Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 4-16×44 Riflescope
Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 4-16×44 Riflescope is one of the best AR-10 scopes you will come across in terms of versatility, durability and performance. This scope utilizes MOA reticle in the second focal plane for accuracy alongside easily adjustable windage and elevation dials. A fast-focus eyepiece is added to ensure the reticle aligns with your eye perfectly.
Parallax correction is through the side focus adjustment knob. Magnification rests at 4-16x zoom range which is wide enough to support medium to long-range shooting. There is much eye relief on this scope keeping you safe from recoils while ensuring you acquire targets quickly and with a lot of ease.
Vortex Optics Viper HS-T riflescope boasts of an advanced optical system that features fully multi-coated lenses for unmatched color fidelity and resolution. To protect the lenses from damage, Armortek coating is used.
Moving on to the exterior, you will find that this scope is made out of aluminum which explains its durable nature. It features an argon purge to keep it water and fog-proof for reliable performance.
Features
- Second focal plane MOA reticle
- Fully multi-coated lenses with Armortek coating
- Side focus parallax adjustment knob for accuracy
- Has a CRS zero-stop
- Wide magnification range
- Exposed tactical-style turrets
- Durable- made of aluminum and has a hard-anodized finish
- Argon purged for water and fogproof capabilities
#2) Steiner T5Xi Tactical Rifle Scope
Another best scope for AR-10 is Steiner T5Xi Tactical Rifle Scope which is loved by firearm users who prefer short-range shots. With a magnifying power of 1-5x accurate shots on short ranges is easily achievable. Furthermore, you can switch between magnification power quickly all thanks to the throw lever added to the scope.
This scope has an objective lens of 24mm making it an ideal choice for tactical shooting as well. This best AR-10 scope has a special competition reticle that offers precision and looking through the lens you will note that the reticle area is illuminated to improve on accuracy. The unique feature of the Steiner rifle scope is the turret system that is paired with a special rotation indicator.
The turret system features audible-click windage and elevation adjustment turrets. Special rotation indicator ensures scale mil numbers shift automatically to keep up with the adjustment position so you do not lose your focus. Simply put, the windage and elevation adjustments are very simple to understand and use.
Features
- Special competition reticle located on the first focal plane
- Illuminated reticle area for precision and accuracy
- Throw lever for easy magnification changes
- Audible-click windage and elevation turrets that are easy to grip and use
- The second rotation indicator ensures the mil numbers on the scale shift automatically so that the shooter’s focus is not lost
- Features a locking system to prevent accidental changes on the diopter
- Generous eye relief
#3) Trijicon Acog 4 X 32 Scope
Trijicon Acog 4 X 32 Scope delivers quality performance in both low and no light conditions all thanks to its dual illumination functionality that features a tritium-fiber optic illuminated reticle. Tritium provides illumination at night while fiber-optic illuminates the reticle during daylight.
The scope utilizes the Bindon Aiming Concept (BAC) that manipulates this dual-illumination feature to deliver peak performance in shoots/hunts in varying light conditions.
With this scope, you need not worry about losing illumination due to low battery power as it requires no batteries to run. Lenses are fully multicoated to avoid distortion of images allowing rapid acquisition of targets.
The rugged aluminum-alloy construct on this one has proven indestructible even in the face of heavy combat. So, you can rest assured that there are no doubts as to how long this scope will last. For both close-quarter engagements and long-range shoots, this is arguably among the best AR-10 scopes you can get from the market today.
Features
- Dual illumination. Adjusts illumination levels based on available light conditions
- Fully multi-coated lenses for crisp images
- Rugged aluminum construct that is nearly indestructible
- Ideal for QCB and long-range shooting
- Battery-free
- Maximizes eye relief for quick target acquisitions
- Lifetime warranty
#4) NightForce NXS 5.5-22x56mm Scope
Nightforce developed the NXS series to match up to the ever-changing needs of shooters. In this series are a variety of choices but all are built on the same concept of strength, reliability, and versatility. Our research on the NXS line landed us on the NightForce NXS 5.5-22x56mm Scope which is considered by many the best match for AR-10.
This scope has a 56mm objective lens that provides clarity and resolution at its best across any magnification setting. The wide magnification range allows precise shots on close and long distances.
Windage and elevation travel is versatility at its better therefore with this AR-10 scope no target will elude you. Side parallax adjustments pair with the illuminated reticle to keep a sharp focus on your aiming point.
Among the features is also titanium beta erector spring style that gives the scope better spring pressure compared to other scopes. It has a slim profile that is easy to fit on different mounting systems not forgetting the 6061-T6 Aircraft Grade Aluminum body that shows great resistance to water and tough weather conditions.
Features
- Exceptional optics system for extreme distances
- Wide objective lens to boost clarity and resolution
- Broad magnification range
- Proprietary titanium beta erector spring that delivers better spring pressure than other scopes.
- Constructed with aluminum grade material for durability
- Completely waterproof and is weather-resistant
#5) Tract TEKOA 4-16×44
Tract TEKOA 4-16×44 is specially made for the long-range shooter who wants to throw out guesswork every time they have to take a shot. This scope features BDC and T-Plex reticles so you can choose depending on what reticle style you prefer.
The reticle styles of this scope are complemented by the pointed post bracketing system that keeps the aiming point clearly defined and that nothing obscures the target even at very long distances. HD optics that feature Schott HT glass and multicoated lenses are used to provide high-level light transmissions.
Great resolution and clarity in Tract TEKOA scopes allow usage in well-lit areas as well as those that have little to no lighting available. FOV is wide and eye relief is comfortable for great target acquisitions.
Adjustability is also a winning factor for this scope and its adjustment knobs allow you to keep making changes until your target requirements are met. The scope is argon purged and sealed to keep off water and fog damage.
Features
- Has different reticle style options
- HD optic mechanism featuring Schott HT glass and multicoated lenses that promote maximum light transmission
- Many adjustments options
- Comfortable eye relief with wide FOV
- Argon purged and sealed to hold off moisture
- Can be customized with accessories for improved performance
#6) Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 SFP Rifle Scope
For a scope to be considered best for AR-10 rifle use it has to deliver a rich blend of features which is what we found in this Primary Arms scope. Primary Arms offers quality scopes that are budget-friendly but it does not end there, included in the scopes are their very own custom reticles.
One example of these reticles is ACSS that has holdovers for bullet drop compensation mostly designed for close-quarter combat. This reticle style is adopted in Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 SFP Rifle Scope.
The reticle is illuminated and offers eleven brightness settings. The illumination is CR 2032 battery-powered This scope has a second focal plane design which means the reticle retains its size in all magnification settings. The Lens housing the reticle is fully multicoated. Lens and eyepiece covers are provided.
This combination alongside the fast-focus eyepiece delivers incomparable clear images that any shooter could ask for. Turrets are capped and give audible clicks during adjustments. The overall housing is made from aluminum with the option of choosing from a grey or black matte finish.
Features
- Many ACSS reticle variations to choose from
- Battery-powered illuminated reticle for precision in darker spots/ light conditions
- SFP-design
- Fully multi-coated lenses with plastic or rubber protective covers
- Capped finger adjustable turrets with clicks
- Aluminum housing with grey or black matte finish for long-lasting use
- Lifetime warranty
#7) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope is carved out with high optical performance consideration in all its aspects making it the best scope for mounting on your AR-10.
40mm objective lens leaves enough room for a wide field of view and you will also notice the eye relief is about 4.2-3.7 inches. 3-9x magnification means a zoom ratio of 3:1 that supports easy power up and down depending on how far the target is located.
The twilight light management system is used for optical coating on the lens for maximum light transmission. The reticle is not illuminated but there are seven brightness settings to play around with. Leupold scopes have a custom dial system (CDS) that allows customization of adjustment dials to match your environment.
You will also find an eyepiece lock ring for locking in a focus setting that is comfy for your eye. The scope is rugged to remain resilient in heavy-duty operation. Despite being made from aluminum this scope is lightweight and features an ergonomic design that is easy on the hands.
Features
- 3:1 zoom ratio befits various hunting/shooting situations
- The reticle is located in the second focal plane
- Has seven brightness settings
- Optical coating using Twilight Light Management System for maximum light gathering and transmission
- Custom Dial System that supports customized adjustment dials
- Rugged, lightweight, and ergonomic design
- Budget-friendly
Related Posts
- Best Leupold Scopes for AR-15
- Best Scopes for 270 Winchester
- Best AR-15 Scopes for Coyote Hunting
- Best Vortex AR-15 Scopes
- Best Long-Range AR Scopes
Best AR-10 Scopes Buying Guide & FAQs
Choosing the Best AR-10 Scopes
The AR-10 scope is a versatile rifle and can work well without the use of scope for short ranges like 200 yards or less. However, to milk out its maximum potential you will need the help of scope with superb optic quality if you are to achieve perfection when doing extreme ranges.
Various factors will determine the type of scope you settle for, so we covered those that are likely to never miss out at any particular time. Let’s check them out
Intended Use
Knowing how and where you will be using the rifle dictates the type of scope you choose to use. If your hunting escapade will be one that involves much movement, going for a lighter scope would be a wise decision since you do not want to miss out on a perfect shot just because the weight on you could not allow quick switching of positions.
Simple but quality scopes are also ideal for hunting though the heavier complicated ones are considered to offer better accuracy. The heavier scopes however may cost more than the lighter ones.
The timing of the hunt or shooting activity also matters. Are you doing early mornings, daytime, late evenings or do you fancy late-night hunts? With this information, you can get a scope that supports the expected lighting conditions for instance one that accommodates night vision.
Shooting Range
The AR-10s are excellent for long ranges but they also support shooting for shorter distances that are anything from between 100 and 200 yards. Pairing this rifle with a scope that offers varied magnification power will help if you intend to use it for both close and long-distance shooting. Therefore, go for a scope that will assist in improving the level of shooting proficiency you possess.
Glass Quality
The keystone of any great scope lies in the quality of glass employed in its manufacture. Different scopes assume different glass styles but all are always focused on delivering quality images for the user.
Light-gathering capability and clarity of images are also dependent on the type of glass used in the scope. Often a blurry image of the target is either a result of the poor setting of the focus or a bad choice of glass quality. To avoid blurred views of your target, always stay keen on the type of glass used by the scope manufacturer.
Lens coatings are also a common addition to glasses used on scopes. They mainly serve as protection against damage on the exterior part of the glass and also ensure maximum light transmission.
Coatings on any lens help reduce the amount of light reflected to ensure much of the light reaches the eye. Getting an AR-10 scope that is coated is an ideal way to keep the glass protected for longer and achievement of sharp image views.
Durability
The scope you opt for has to be one that can brave the outdoors without losing its power and effectiveness. Whether the scope is subjected to extremely hot weather or moist conditions, it should maintain proper functionality. The majority of AR-10 scopes you will come across are shock, water-resistant, and are made with tough durable material.
Read: Best AR-15 Red Dots
Best AR-10 Scopes FAQs
Q: What is the Best Mount to Use for AR-10 scopes?
A: Mounts serve as a link between the rifle and scope which is why you need to carefully pick one that is suitable for your specific scope type. They come in different styles with most designed as fixed or detachable mounting systems.
Fixed mounting systems do not require you to keep detaching the scope from the rifle all the time but if you own several firearms, one with a detachable system would be your preferred choice.
Vortex, Burris, and Nikon scope mounts are mostly the top picks among AR-10 users. Whichever style you choose, be sure it is reliable and efficient.
Q: How to Mount an AR-10 Scope?
A: Mounting will involve the following steps; first ensure that the mounting system matches the one required by your AR-10. Then mount the bases and ensure they align properly. Tighten them well with screws but leave room for the scope to rotate a little.
Keep rotating the scope until the reticle in the rifle is locked in a good position that is vertically and horizontally. Confirm that you have satisfactory eye relief before tightening up the screw further after which you can now use the scope.
Q: Why use AR-10 scopes?
A: On its own, the AR-10 is quite a powerful machine but to get the most out of it you will need the help of a scope. Precision, clarity, and excellent target acquisition are some of the perks associated with the use of scopes. Therefore, using the best scope you can find will always have you one step ahead in the hunting arena.
Q: What is a good AR-10 scope for 200 yards?
A: Targets at 200 yards or less are easy to bring down given the power of an AR-10. However, for better imagery 5-9x magnification would be ideal for that distance since the target is close. This will often call for lower magnification power.
Conclusion
Many are the considerations that you will need to factor in when choosing the best scope for your AR-10. All the scopes covered in our review are of exceptional quality and will most definitely transform your experience with the AR-10 rifle.
The Trijicon ACOG 4 X 32 Scope would be our first stop-over given its versatility and all-around approach towards delivery of good optical performance. Hopefully, we have weeded out and provided clarity on any concerns you had on AR-10 scopes.
Always pay attention to the factors mentioned in this article to achieve the best results when using your rifle. Now it is time to pick out a fitting companion for your beloved AR-10!