When purchasing a scope, you should double the size of the rifle. Plus, upgrading the rifle glass can be regarded as a good general rule. In the case of the AR-10, you should definitely follow this advice.
When purchasing a scope, you should double the size of the rifle. Plus, upgrading the rifle glass can be regarded as a good general rule. In the case of the AR-10, you should definitely follow this advice.
author photo: Author rifle AR-10 Smith & Wesson.
I started using the AR-10 for long-range steel target applications. Shooting this type of event taught me the ballistics and performance of both loads and guns. I now know that anyone trying to upgrade the AR platform will have to turn to the AR-10 . It mounts a receiver that can take on the big guys in cartridge design. In general, we are talking about the use of the . 308 Winchester here. Be advised, though, a whole lot of other cartridges can be used in the AR-10.
In the US Army, the primary scope would be the Leupold MARK IV. This scope is an outstanding example of a glass sight. It owns the .308 Winchester round out to 800 yards at sea level and 1000 yards in high altitudes. I shoot a sniper rifle (designated) using this scope. I obtained it before the ban for non-military or police shooters. With this scope, I can run a balance of glass power that fits around the AR-10’s receiver. Size is important here. Yet, it is not totally critical. I have seen some very big tubes mounted on AR 10 rifle over the years.
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AR 10 Hunting Scopes: What You Should Know Before Choosing One
Everybody who holds a rifle wants to get good at target shooting prey accurately. Using an AR10 and AR15 scope or magnified optic is one way to do that. There are several distinct scopes in the industry, and it will be convenient to choose the one that best matches your spending plan. This section will go over a few of the following questions before you buy the best scope for your AR10 rifle. Then you can form opinions about what rifle scope model is best for you.
Here are some things to consider when looking for the best AR-10 optics:
Why you should use AR 10
The essential factor is to think about how you plan to use your rifle most often and which characteristics will make it great for that. For instance, if you plan on using the gun primarily for hunting, a variable magnifying range scope might not be the best alternative. You’d have to make changes every moment to suit the range between you and your target. But if you want anything too flexible, like a first focal scope, or if you’re starting with long range shooting, a variable magnifying range scope could be what you need.
Consider The AR 10’s Target shooting Range that will suit your Job
You can start firing your AR10 rifle at under 200 yards without using your sight. That could be possible, but for shots above that range, you must get an AR10 rifle scope. Short-range shooting is anywhere under 200 yards, mid-range shooting is between 200 and 400 yards, and long-range shooting would be anything over 400 yards.
Eye Relief
AR optic are made for fast and accurate shooting in the middle range, even at low light transmission. So, you would have to search for the best ar 10 scope that can handle the recoil and is also not too big. You should get the best rifle scope with a maximum magnification power of about 20 X or lower for your AR10 rifle.
The Focal Plane
It is recommended that for an AR10 rifle, utilizing a tactical scope with a front focal plane is suitable for longer-range shooting. When you resize the objective lens to be either in or out of the FFP scope (first focal plane scope), the reticle scale may also increase or decrease. The size of a second focal plane’s reticle does not increase but stays unchanged.
The Reticle and Scope Mount
One among the several things to consider in a rifle scope is the reticle. Even in low light conditions, your reticle must be clear enough to see the calibrations. A red dot sight or a BDC sight design can be the illuminated reticle design of an AR10 rifle scope. Think about getting a good scope mount with a smaller receiving antenna. Also, consider how well it works with AR 10 and AR 15 scope to improve your shooting.
Objective Lens
The diameter of a scope’s objective lens will depend on how much it can zoom in or out. When the magnification range is less, the diameter of the objective lens will always be 40 mm or less.
On the other hand, a multi coated lens with a higher magnification power requires an objective lens diameter of about 50 mm or more. It is best to use a 40 mm objective lens for AR 10 scopes.
That’s because the scope gets larger as the diameter of the Vortex optic lens increases. And if the user uses an AR10 rifle for target shooting, a big rifle scope can make the gun less effective and draw the prey’s attention.
Durability
Most cheap AR optics are made of airframe aluminum, a high-quality metal that is tough and long-lasting. The best scopes for AR-10 rifles should be solid and well-made enough to handle the muzzle velocity (recoil) of the gun. The best AR10 scope must be waterproof and fog proof. AR10 scopes like Vortex optics diamondback, Vortex strike eagle, Vortex optics viper, Burris optics, and Nikon m 308 are reviewed and tested to be durable.
{Top 7} Best Scopes AR-10 Reviews
1. Vortex Strike Eagle SFF.
This is an AR-style scope. As such, is a bit more compact than the double bell models. It is a 1-6X24 at the working end of the tube. This scope is patterned after the new military glass being issued to replace ACOG sights on the AR-15.
The vortex optics allows rapid target acquisition at close range. It also lets the shooter reach out to 600 yards for that special long shot.
The BDC reticle allows for quick adjustments for holdover. The turret knobs are chapped at both the elevation position and windage applications.
The glass retains anti-reflective coatings and positive low light transmission control as well. The large 30mm tube has enlarged core components. They are built to last. It is made from aircraft-grade aluminum material.
This scope is a nice balance when applying the .308 Winchester round to the AR 10 rifle.
2. Photo 61C MonstrumG3 1-6X24
This is another military-style combat scope that can make the AR-10 perform like a bolt-action long gun. This scope retains adjustable turret settings on high turret knobs. It also has flexible magnification at 1-6x power and carries an FPP first focal plane system.
The scope is sold including Weaver-style scope rings. There is a sunshade that is sniper grade and honeycombed to filter out the sun and lens glint.
It has an illuminated reticle. It has a set of dual control surfaces. This makes the scope a good choice for both day and night gunning situations.
Surface treatment on this scope is the newer dark earth color.
3. Sig Sauer Sierra6BDX 2-12X40mm/30mm SFP
Here is a scope similar to the new government-contracted battle sight Sig is building for the US ARMY. This is a chopped bell. Once again, that makes it a bit more compact on the receiver of the AR-10. It retains the Sig HDX 6x Optical System that produces very clear imaging on targets downrange. Light control and target fade are greatly reduced if not eliminated. The scope includes advanced technology. It will download its ranging capability’s into a smartphone. It will also calculate the exact bullet drop to a long-distance target. While some folks are fans of this technology, I prefer MRADS or MOA clicks myself.
Keep in mind that this is a digital system. There is not a mechanical element in its design base. Therefore, be sure you want to go to this next level of technology. Also, this is a different scope than the new Sig ARMY standard. The size, glass, and ability to reach extended range limits are similar, though. Still, the US ARMY is not currently using cellphones tied to their scope sights on the battlefield.
4. Leupold Mark 5HD
This scope is not the Mark IV I discussed at the onset of this review. It is, however, as close as a civilian can get. This HD glass system is good. I mean professional-grade quality and performance.
The scope retains the 5-25X56mm reticle system. It is cleared for anything the AR-10 can chamber. That includes the heavy-hitting .300 Win Mag.
Turret adjustments will provide 71.5 MOA of elevation. That is enough to push a bullet close to a mile. This means the turret will run three full revolutions and come back to a corrected zero stop in the process. It is built-in the FFP and first focal plane. This “Gold Ring” masterpiece is top of the food chain in my opinion.
With the long receiver, the scope is very workable as a long-range system for the AR-10. It is lighter than other sniper-style glass sights. As such, it will balance well on the rifle when moving shots are required at lower power settings.
This scope uses a fully illuminated reticle. It retains a choice of sub-tension graduations. In this case, the sniper Horus designed “Christmas Tree” is also offered. There are also other variants in MOA sub-tension sighting visuals.
If you’re a pro and require very good optics , this is a great option for the AR-10.
5. Leupold MARK 8 CQBSS 3.5-25×56mm.
This is another big guy in the Leupold MARK series. It is a pro-grade sniper scope . It can also double as a long-range hunting scope that allows the shooter to shoot from a static position. (This is one of the ways I hunt on the wide-open Dakota prairie.)
This bad boy retains Mil settings. There are 10 Mil per revolution and 1/10 mil correction for pinpoint accuracy at any range. It is offered in sniper grade FFP. The scope will also change target image and sub-tensions when power is increased. It provides a good sight picture as your MIL dot reticle registers a required change in elevation or windage.
At low mag, the field-of-view is massive in terms of eye-to-target coverage. Using quality glass, the scope will return minimal target fade at long range. It has clean sharp images and no rainbow effect at the lens edges.
The scope’s illumination system provides seven different intensity settings. The system also makes use of auto lock pinch and return settings. This is a low light and no light shooting system at close range. It is deadly accurate as a long-range rifle scope as well. Like others reviewed here, this scope is very workable on the big receiver associated with the AR-10.
This scope is designed, machined, and assembled by Leupold right here in the USA.
The AR-10 costs an arm and a leg. So, not I will look at a few scopes that are moderately priced but still offer good performance results.
6. Burris Fullfield 3-9X40.
This scope is used by my partners with DPMS AR-10’s and Ruger models. These are solid scopes. They are built to the gold standard of the 3-9X40 design pattern.
Burris offers these scopes in three different power levels. They are the previously listed model, a 4.5-14X42, and a 6.5-20X 50mm. Price moves up with each model. Still, the power settings and objective lens size are relatively similar.
I have used these scopes for better than a decade. They have taken more than their share of big game down in a clean efficient manner.
The zero is easy with posited turret adjustments. The capped turrets keep everything clean and in good working order.
The good lens glass is ground to precision levels and returns excellent light control. You will also get a sharp image downrange.
This is the basic in the Burris series of glass sights. It is set up for the big game hunter that uses the scope in average conditions. At BR&D, the glass is always used in Dakotas open country style hunting. That means a whole lot is expected from the scope. Most shots are 200 or more yards away.
The main tube on this scope is one piece construction. it is totally weather resistant. Time has proven that buyers get a lot for their money with this scope.
7. Bushnell Trophy 3-9X40
This is still another brand with a well-designed scope. The Bushnell Trophy is a working-level glass sight. it will hang together for the shooter and not require a huge output of cash.
There are fast focus lens settings and a 1.4 MOA click adjustment system for quick accurate zeroing. The capped turrets keep the adjustment system safe and clean. The lens glass is a good quality. The overall scope will last the shooter many years. These scopes are a mainstay here at my Ballistics & Development operation. As such, some have been with me for over 40 years. They are still kicking and clicking.
Using the standard 3-9X40, the scope fits the whitetail hunter’s needs. The target fades in minimal to normal big game gunning ranges. The whole system is water-tight and fog proof as well.
Recoil effect on the scope is not an issue. I have one of these mounted on a test 12-gauge slug gun . Believe me when I tell you that the firing event is similar to a .458 Winchester dangerous game cartridge going off against your face from a bench rest. My scopes have never given me an ounce of trouble. They have seen hundreds of new loads over many years here at BR&D.
The sub-tension retains the Bushnell Multi-X reticle system. This is a not cluttered crosshair that allows quick centering in low light. The glass is designed for hunters. The AR-10 in this case is being evaluated as a big game hunting system weapon.
Overview: Seven scopes do not make up a complete list of possible options for the AR-10. But the samples listed here represent a good cross-section of the market. Really, there is almost an infinite number of scopes that can fit the requirements of an AR-10 weapons system. These seven are just my top picks.
L.P Brezny has been writing and reviewing product as well as how to projects for the past 50 years. He has authored four books on shooting with three on long range, and one covering shotgunning. With 26 years on a metro police department as a street officer and the rank of SGT / training L.P. has covered all the bases regarding weapons and street survival.
During the early years in non-toxic shotshell ammunition development L.P. designed the first successful measurement system for recording the speed of shot shell payloads down range. He was responsible for getting actual shotshell velocities printed on factory load boxes. Over the years he has developed and markets MetroGun System TM, and sells his designed ammunition for subsonic sound suppressed shotgun shooting.
Current L.P. resides in the South Dakota Black Hills and spends a good deal of time working through many types of ammunition both in the field on warm targets. With ultra long range being a current specialty L.P. shots for test and accuracy at ranges as great as one or more miles on the wide open Dakota grasslands.